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[ { "answer_id": 4940, "body": "<p>It's possible in the same way that \"anything is possible\" (limiting ourselves to those things that are actually and potentially possible, i.e. a human can't sprout wings and fly; that's impossible.)</p>\n\n<p>It's possible, because the etiologic agent that causes Infectious Mononucleosis - Epstein-Barr virus or EBV - may periodically reactivate; that family of viruses famously reactivates periodically, in the form of cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, etc. etc. But it was not known until relatively recently that Infectious Mononucleosis (or Mono) also periodically reactivates in some people causing symptoms consistent with a viral infection.</p>\n\n<p>Does having had Mono make everyone's cold or flu symptoms worse? No. Does it make yours worse? Probably not, but not impossible; it's not a known scenario. Might you possibly be experiencing Mono from time to time making you feel bad? Yes, it's possible. Might having an illness reactivate your Mono? That could only be determined by testing.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/a/985/169\">How long is infectious mononucleosis contagious?</a>}</p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "symptoms", "influenza" ]

[ { "answer_id": 4960, "body": "<p>Removing veins impairs blood flow to that area, but since the varicose veins aren't really getting blood efficiently to their locality anyway, I wouldn't call the lack of perfusion from removing them a drawback, <em>per se</em>. </p>\n\n<p>Some complications can arise following surgery to remove varicose veins. Some of them are pretty innocuous, like skin discoloration, but some can be more serious, \nsuch as deep vein thromboses or even nerve damage. Even then, the incidence of post-op complications is pretty low.</p>\n\n<p>This <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3578615/\" rel=\"noreferrer\">paper</a> describes a long-term reptrospective study of a cohort of patients who had a certain surgery to remove varicose veins and gives a nice, brief description of the complications that they experienced (there weren't many). </p>\n\n<p>This <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25535637\" rel=\"noreferrer\">paper</a> is much more comprehensive, if you're interested. </p>\n\n<p>I would say that the bottom line is that there aren't really drawbacks to removing varicose veins, but that there could be post-op difficulties to watch out for. </p>\n", "score": 5 } ]

[ "surgery", "blood-circulation", "knee", "groin", "varicose-veins" ]

[ { "answer_id": 4957, "body": "<p>Yes, there is a name for this. It is a <em>paresthesia</em>. </p>\n\n<p>In layman's terms, a <a href=\"http://www.thefreedictionary.com/paresthesia\" rel=\"nofollow\">paresthesia</a> is defined as:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>A skin sensation, such as burning, prickling, itching, or tingling, with no apparent physical cause. (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language)</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>If the sensation were relieved as long as the hair wasn't touching the skin in an unusual way, it would be a true sensation. True sensations wane, though. If you burn toast, you will smell it strongly initially, but soon the smell fades, even if still present, because our sensory system evolved to notice <em>change</em> over <em>presence</em>. </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Repeated or prolonged exposure to an odorant typically leads to stimulus-specific decreases in olfactory sensitivity to that odorant, but sensitivity recovers over time in the absence of further exposure.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The loss of sensation is caused by <em>sensory adaptation</em>. If sensory adaptation were not possible, we would feel everything all the time, not ideal for stress-free survival.</p>\n\n<p>Paresthesias are a different matter. Some paresthsias are familiar to all of us: a foot falling asleep after crossing our legs too long, or the tingling of a spot on the lip before a cold sore breaks out.</p>\n\n<p>However, paresthesias can result from some minor pressure or disruption of a single sensory nerve, and they can last from hours to days, they can come and go, and they can be very irritating. </p>\n\n<p>Paresthesias may be present in a wide variety of conditions ranging from vitamin deficiencies to serious illnesses like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, etc. These tend to be caused by nerve damage. Hypocalcemia, hyperventilation, migraines, inflammation, and a wide variety of other \"insults\" can cause paresthesias as well.</p>\n\n<p>Many people experience the kind of paresthesias you describe (albeit in different places), and an etiology will not be found. Often they are benign. However, when in doubt, ask your doctor. The specialist who probably most commonly deals with paresthesias is a neurologist.</p>\n\n<p>_{<a href=\"http://chemse.oxfordjournals.org/content/25/4/487.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">Psychophysical and Behavioral Characteristics of Olfactory Adaptation</a>}<br>\n_{<a href=\"http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/paresthesia/paresthesia.htm#What_is\" rel=\"nofollow\">NINDS Paresthesia Information Page</a>} </p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "dermatology", "hair" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5194, "body": "<p><a href=\"http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/cooked-meats-fact-sheet\" rel=\"nofollow\">cancer.gov</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)\n are chemicals formed when muscle meat, including beef, pork, fish, or\n poultry, is cooked using high-temperature methods, such as pan frying\n or grilling directly over an open flame</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>These chemicals are found to be mutagenic and may increase the risk of cancer. </p>\n\n<p>From the same article, things that influence how much HCA's and PAH's are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>meat type</p></li>\n<li><p>cooking method</p></li>\n<li><p>\"doneness” level (rare, medium, or well done)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Whatever the type of meat, however, meats cooked at high temperatures,\n especially above 300ºF (as in grilling or pan frying), or that are\n cooked for a long time tend to form more HCAs. For example, well done,\n grilled, or barbecued chicken and steak all have high concentrations\n of HCAs. Cooking methods that expose meat to smoke or charring\n contribute to PAH formation</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>For <a href=\"http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-bioactivation.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">bioactivation</a> the HCA'S and PAH's need to be metabolized by specific enzymes in the body. While:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Studies have shown that exposure to HCAs and PAHs can cause cancer in\n animal models</p>\n \n <p>Population studies have not established a definitive link between HCA\n and PAH exposure from cooked meats and cancer in humans</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Additional highlights:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>More research is being done</p></li>\n<li><p>No official FDA guidelines are available</p></li>\n<li><p>The cancer.gov article did give some tips on how to reduce HCA and PAH formation when cooking</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cancer-and-food\" rel=\"nofollow\">Better Health Websites</a></p></li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "food-poisoning", "healthy-cooking", "heat", "carcinogens" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5039, "body": "<p>I'll assume you're only asking about mechanoreceptors, else it gets too murky. </p>\n\n<p>Humans have four types of mechanoreceptors. </p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>Meissner corpuscle, innervated by RA1 (rapidly adapting type 1) nerve fibers. There are 2 of the fibers per square millimeter in the monkey finger (my source does not list it for humans), with 10 to 20 Meissner corpuscles per axon, so 1000 to 2000 per square centimeter. </p></li>\n<li><p>Merkel cell, at the end of SA1 (slowly adapting type 1) nerve fibres. I did not find a source for the adult human, but Kandell says that RA1 fibres are the \"most numerous\". So 2000 would be the upper limit for Merkel cells too. But here it gets complicated, because the actual mechanoreceptor is not a single Merkel cell, but a cluster of them. </p></li>\n<li><p>and 4., Pacinian corpuscles and Ruffini endings (corresponding to RA2 and SA2 fibres) are much rarer. The whole hand has 2400 Pacinian corpuscles in the young and 300 in the elderly. Both of them only have one receptor per nerve fibre. </p></li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>Given this information, 2500 is certainly in the right ballpark. I would trust that number. </p>\n\n<p>Note that this doesn't mean that you can sense 2500 separate locations of pressure in a square centimeter of fingertip. The different mechanoreceptors sense different types and frequency of pressure, and the sensory fields overlap even within a single type of receptor. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>^{Kandel, Eric R., James H. Schwartz, and Thomas M. Jessell, eds. Principles of neural science. Vol. 4. New York: McGraw-hill, 2000.}</p>\n", "score": 6 } ]

[ "dermatology", "pain", "neurology", "brain" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5193, "body": "<p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/12-tips-prevent-colds-flu-1?page=2\" rel=\"nofollow\">Hot fluids(including water) can:</a></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Relieve Nasal Congestion</p></li>\n<li><p>Prevent Dehydration</p></li>\n<li><p>Soothe Uncomfortably inflamed membranes that line the nose and throat</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong><em>By relieving symptoms you can make a person feel as if they are well or getting better. So yes I would say it helps. So just the hotness of the fluid can be a benefit.</em></strong> </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/health/27really.html?_r=0\" rel=\"nofollow\">From a study:</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>“The hot drink provided immediate and sustained relief from symptoms\n of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and\n tiredness,” they reported, “whereas the same drink at room temperature\n only provided relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough and sneezing.”</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So when assessing the opportunities of tea over water, the answer could be antioxidants. <a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea\" rel=\"nofollow\">Green and Black tea have 10x the antioxidants</a> that are found in fruits and vegetables. Which if you accept that antioxidants help in sickness this could be your answer, just as extra. </p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "effectiveness", "home-remedies", "heat", "drinks", "water-temperature" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5262, "body": "<p><strong>What should I take care of while sleeping with another woman to protect her against AIDS?</strong></p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>Get tested and go see you doctor. <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">CDC.gov:</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>No HIV test can detect HIV immediately after infection. If you think\n you’ve been exposed to HIV, talk to your health care provider as soon\n as possible.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>It takes 3-12 weeks after initial exposure for testing to be able to detect antibodies. Contacting your doctor can help you by him/her explaining risk and possibly giving you medication that can decrease risk. Both get tested so your status is known.</p></li>\n<li><p>Abstainng or utilize protective sex methods. Abstaining can cut out all possibilities of exposure, unless blood pathogens are involved. Safe Sex with condoms, etc simply decrease risks.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://wwwn.cdc.gov/hivrisk/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Risk-Reducing and HIV</a></p></li>\n<li><p>Notify her of your exposure. This can help her be aware of the possible repercussions and prepare for what testing she may need. </p></li>\n</ol>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><strong>I am afraid if I have sex with my wife it will cause her to have AIDS?</strong></p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>You could give her HIV, <a href=\"https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/hiv-aids-101/what-is-hiv-aids/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">which is the virus that leads to AIDS</a>.</p></li>\n<li><p>Follow through on doctor visits and testing to confirm whether or not you were infected.</p></li>\n</ol>\n", "score": 6 } ]

[ "disease-transmission", "sti", "hiv" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5265, "body": "<p>It is more likely to be related to your blood pressure, which is one of the reasons of Pulsatile Tinnitus (heart beat sound in the ear), during exercise. Weightlifting may cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. This increase can be dramatic, depending on how much weight you lift. It is not dangerous if your pre-exercise (or resting) blood pressure is not 180/110mmHg. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.builtlean.com/2013/02/14/breathe-weightlifting/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Focus on breathing</a> </p>\n\n<p>Also, there is an old but <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2632751\" rel=\"nofollow\">good article</a> about it.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "cardiology" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5294, "body": "<p>As you can see lemon juice is something that can adversely affect your enamel (<a href=\"https://www.pronamel.us/tooth-erosion/causes-of-acid-erosion.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>). Acid affects your teeth because it leeches calcium from them (<a href=\"https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/acid_wear.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">2</a>). When this happens your enamel breaks down making your teeth are more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque which then leads to decay. Pure lemon juice is not something you should be downing constantly throughout the day if you want to protect your teeth. That being said it probably isn't enough acidity to affect your stomach enough to cause acid reflex.</p>\n\n<p>However you are drinking very dilute amounts of lemon juice which probably makes the effects negligible. I can't find any research to support this (there isn't much on this topic) but unless you are also drinking something very acidic on top of the lemon water I'm sure you will be fine.</p>\n\n<p>Just to keep an eye out you should look for signs of tooth decay, <a href=\"https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/acid_wear.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">here</a> is a good place to check for signs/symptoms. However ignore the advice that \"all carbonated drinks\" harm your enamel. This is simply not true since not all carbonated drinks contain high amounts of acidic compounds. However, this is true of all soft drinks (aka a \"soda\").</p>\n\n<p>To ease your mind, lemon juice with mineral water is a traditional drink in Italy and across most of Europe. I personally have grown up drinking it, along with all of my relatives, and have never experienced any enamel weakening. In fact my dentist regularly comments that I have incredibly strong teeth.</p>\n\n<p>Still this simple breakdown of highly acidic beverages may help you avoid damaging your enamel too much, if you are worried of such things(<a href=\"http://www.daterdentistry.com/News/ID/246/Drink-This-Not-That-Top-Most-Acidic-Drinks-Healthy-Alternatives\" rel=\"nofollow\">here</a>).</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "water", "lifestyle", "acidic", "drinks", "water-filter-purifier" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5306, "body": "<ol>\n<li>Larger needles aren't used to draw blood faster in general. They are used to avoid hemolysis. <a href=\"https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_donation\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">16-18 gauge needles</a>:</li>\n</ol>\n<blockquote>\n<p>A large needle (16 to 17 gauge) is used to minimize shearing\nforces that may physically damage red blood cells as they flow through\nthe needle</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-donation/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20020069\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">What may be used to speed up the process is:</a></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Squeezing your fists, whether on their own or with a stress ball to squeeze (some locations instead have you roll an item back and forth in your hand to reduce arm tension)</li>\n<li>Tourniquets or blood pressure cuffs</li>\n</ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>Larger needles are used to stop harm from occurring to the blood cells. Some companies however do not use them due to cost and availability since they may be nonprofit. Some other occurrences are:</li>\n</ol>\n<p><a href=\"https://books.google.com/books?id=PexOAQAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA67&amp;lpg=PA67&amp;dq=blood%20donation.smaller%20gauges&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=CVULD_UVgb&amp;sig=Pgj15pKIrHZ_it_8PU-jEpBVZr0&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiH6oHD_u3LAhUGu4MKHUNnDz4Q6AEIOTAG#v=onepage&amp;q=blood%20donation.smaller%20gauges&amp;f=false\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Needle Sizes</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>during blood donation a 18 gauge needle is common. If a patient has\nsmall or fragile veins, the phlebotomist often elects to use a small\ngauge needle.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.plasmadonating.net/2012/09/how-to-remove-plasma-donation-scars.html?m=1\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Depressions in your arm from needle sticks</a></p>\n<p>You may still experience pain. It sometimes depends on the person drawing experience level.</p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "blood-donation", "scar-tissue-scars", "venous-system", "needles", "nurse-practitioner" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5313, "body": "<p><strong>You would have a history of seizures even if they occured 5 years ago.</strong> Histories of disorders go back decades(your lifetime), especially if there is risk of recurrence as in cancer or seizures.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/B019TH6SSM\" rel=\"nofollow\">Amazon.com</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>Use cautiously</strong> in patients with history of seizures, based on reports\n of seizures due to gingko seed ingestion.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Since you need to use it cautiously know that the FDA didnt evaulate any of their statements by the manufacturers own admission in the legal part of the label. </p>\n\n<p>Gingko may have links to seizures as the conpany said. Further references on that are below:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16419414\" rel=\"nofollow\">ncbi.nlm.nih.com</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/presspacs/2010/acs-presspac-april-14-2010/ginkgo-herbal-medicines-may-increase-seizures-in-people-with-epiy.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">acs.org</a></p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong><em>Knowing this and based on your risk factors you should consult a physician to answer your questions especially for possible other medications and how pertinent your history of seizures is.</em></strong> </p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 5311, "body": "<p>It applies to you. You have a history of seizures for the rest of your life.</p>\n\n<p>Check out this <a href=\"http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw108757\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">basic Medical History for Epilepsy list of questions</a> as a reference.</p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "seizure", "concentration", "alertness-level", "side-effects", "nootropic-smart-drugs" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5350, "body": "<p>Unfortunately, you can't make a probabilistic estimate if you will contract heart disease or some form of cancer - there are too many variables to consider. How big is the room? How many people are smoking? Some people smoke all their life and die without cancer or disease - though poor lung function. But I found some interesting information, we can use it to make an estimation:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>It is estimated that only 15% of cigarette smoke gets inhaled by the\nsmoker. The remaining 85% lingers in the air for everyone to breathe.</p></li>\n<li><p>If a person spends more than two hours in a room where someone is<br>\nsmoking, the nonsmoker inhales the equivalent of four cigarettes. </p></li>\n<li><p>Secondhand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of disability\nand early death (after active smoking and alcohol) in the United<br>\nStates. For every eight smokers who die from smoking, one innocent<br>\nbystander dies from secondhand smoke.</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Enclosed smoking areas are far more toxic than exposure to second-hand smoke from bystanders outside. Anti-smoking campaigns (rightfully) tend to exaggerate a bit, if there's one person smoking one cigarette, you won't absorb four cigarettes... So my estimate is that within your 4 hours you will absorb 1-5 cigarettes worth of toxins, depending on how many people are smoking, how large the room is, and how well ventilated it is.</p>\n\n<p>A one-time exposure for four hours is definitely statistically negligible, but it sounds like you want to do this regularly. 4 weeks in a month are equivalent to 4-20 cigarettes smoked. In a year that's exposure equivalent to 48-240 cigarettes. Let's say you will not go to the casino three months of the year, and we take the average of that estimate. That puts you in the ballpark of 120 cigarettes a year, or 1/3rd of a cigarette per day. Clinically, smoking is estimated in pack years <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack-year\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack-year</a> and this estimate is far below a pack year - there are no studies concerning such a low amount of consumption I could find.</p>\n\n<p>But it still boils down to regular exposure to carcinogens, which one way or another raises your risk. Smokers go through much more tobacco, so studies are hard to find for such a low exposure, but it is definitely significant. If you go to the casino once a month for 4-5 hours you will be fine. But if you're concerned about long-term health I wouldn't go every week. Also gambling can be more addicting than tobacco. ;)</p>\n\n<p>Hope this estimate helps you.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Sources:</strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>This article will be very helpful to you:\n<a href=\"http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/secondhand-smoke\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/tobaccocancer/secondhand-smoke</a></p></li>\n<li><p>Also I found this interesting factsheet on secondhand smoke from<br>\nuniversity of Minnesota, though it looks quite dated, there's no date\nof publication. (the three factoids)<br>\n<a href=\"http://www1.umn.edu/perio/tobacco/secondhandsmoke.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www1.umn.edu/perio/tobacco/secondhandsmoke.html</a></p></li>\n<li><p>Whats a pack year: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack-year\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pack-year</a></p></li>\n<li><p>I am a recovering stupid smoker myself.</p></li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 3 }, { "answer_id": 5571, "body": "<p>Maybe this quote from a scientist who did secondhand smoke studies himself is more truthful than the first answer in the thread, which is grossly misleading. Secondhand smoke is highly diluded, by one-thousandth (1:1000) compared to the smoke inhaled directly from the cigarette by a smoker:</p>\n\n<p>\"The most careful studies that have evaluated the actual exposure of non-smokers to tobacco smoke in the home, at work, and in other settings indicate that the average exposure of a passively exposed non-smoker is roughly equivalent to smoking about 10 cigarettes PER YEAR. </p>\n\n<p>This is approximately one-thousandth the exposure of the average smoker. These studies were conducted in the 1990s, when smoking restrictions were much more limited than they are today. In view of this level of exposure, it is hardly surprising that even the best epidemiologic studies show a weak, inconsistent, or no risk.\"</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreykabat/2013/12/21/the-passive-smoking-issue-is-a-rorschach-test-for-the-ability-to-think-scientifically/#6efbf54b646d\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffreykabat/2013/12/21/the-passive-smoking-issue-is-a-rorschach-test-for-the-ability-to-think-scientifically/#6efbf54b646d</a> </p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 5572, "body": "<p>Q: \"How much risk (heart disease, lung cancer, etc.) am I at exactly? Is it a negligible amount or more serious. If it is possible to calculate or estimate, how can I do this? A source would be much appreciated.\"</p>\n\n<p>A: You are at no risk of serious diseases from average exposure to secondhand smoke. According to Roger Jenkins, PhD, retired expert at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Chemical Sciences division, the average non-smoker who lives in a house with indoor smoking, inhales a little less smoke than one-thousandth of the amount of smoke inhaled by the avarage smoker: </p>\n\n<p>\"According to Jenkins, the typical smoker inhales 480 milligrams of smoke a day and 32 milligrams of nicotine per day. In a home where smoking is unrestricted, the typical nonsmoker will inhale the equivalent of 0.45 milligrams of smoke particles and 0.028 milligrams of nicotine.\"</p>\n\n<p>It means that while the average smoker inhales 30 cigarettes a day, 30 days a month = 900 cigarettes a month, the \"passive smoker\" inhales 0.9 cigarettes or roughly one (1) cigarette per month. And that level of smoke is not going to do you any harm, according to studies in smokers.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://lubbockonline.com/stories/020405/med_280798.shtml#.VxmGA-aSAud\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://lubbockonline.com/stories/020405/med_280798.shtml#.VxmGA-aSAud</a> </p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "cancer", "heart-disease", "smoking", "second-hand-smoke" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5347, "body": "<p>As I've said in the comments it depends on the specific product, so I can't really give a straight yes or no answer. But I'll give a few examples, and I hope that will help.</p>\n\n<p>Peptides that are already in a liquid form (as a suspension or a solution) are meant to be refrigerated between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (i.e. 35 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit). They must not be frozen or they will lose their activity (it is not your question, but while we're at it this might be different for powders). </p>\n\n<p><strong>Most of these formulations</strong> can be kept at room temperature for a certain amount of time (usually 2-4 weeks), but they must be protected from sunlight.</p>\n\n<p>Here are some examples:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000258/WC500030372.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">NovoRapid</a> - insulin aspartat solution (SmPC section 6):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>During use or when carried as a spare:\n The product must be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks. Store below 30°C. </p>\n \n <p>Before opening: Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000441/WC500033307.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">Insulatard</a> - human insulin suspension (SmPC section 6):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>During use or when carried as a spare: The product can be stored for a maximum of 4 weeks. Store below 25°C.</p>\n \n <p>Before opening:Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/22368\" rel=\"nofollow\">Rebif</a> - interferon beta solution (SmPC section 6):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C) away from the cooling element. Do not freeze. Store the cartridge in the original package in order to protect from light.</p>\n \n <p>The device (RebiSmart or RebiSlide) containing a pre-filled cartridge of Rebif must be stored in the device storage box in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C).</p>\n \n <p>For the purpose of ambulatory use, the patient may remove Rebif from the refrigerator and store it not above 25°C for one single period of up to 14 days. Rebif must then be returned to the refrigerator and used before the expiry date.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.norditropin.com/how-to-take-it/storage-and-handling\" rel=\"nofollow\">Norditropin</a> - somatotropin solution (manufacturer's user assistance website) and <a href=\"http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/021148s013lbl.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">Patient Information Leaflet</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Keep the NordiPen 5 (with the Norditropin cartridge 5 mg/1.5 mL inside) \n EITHER refrigerated (2-8°C/36-46°F) for 4 weeks OR store not above 25°C (77°F) for 3 weeks. Do not freeze.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><strong>BUT</strong> I also found an example where prolonged storage outside of the refrigerator is not mentioned, also for a <a href=\"https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=58d84ffa-4056-4e36-ad67-7bd4aef444a5\" rel=\"nofollow\">somatotropin</a> product:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>After the first use the cartridge should remain in the pen and has to be kept in a refrigerator at 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for a maximum of 28 days (see Table 11).</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>To sum it up, the reliable source for proper storage of a pharmaceutical product is the manufacturer. They are the ones who tested the stability under various storage conditions and had to share these information with the regulatory body - which is a second reliable source for this type of information. You should be able to obtain the patient information leaflet from your heath care provider (e.g. a pharmacist) or from the internet for a specific product. Or you should be able to obtain the Summary of Product Characteristics from the regulatory body (FDA, EMeA or a national medicines agency) by contacting them or from their website. Ultimately you can contact the manufacturer's representative office and inquire about proper storage conditions and shelf-life for a specific product in question.</p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "medications", "endocrinology", "refrigerate-refrigeration" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5416, "body": "<p>This is an excellent question!</p>\n\n<p>It is indeed important to differentiate Aphthous ulcers (Canker sores) and Herpetic ulcers, due to the difference in therapeutic approach.</p>\n\n<p>The <strong>Aphthous ulcers</strong> have the following characteristics:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Generally located on mobile muquosa (also called non-keratinised tissus), rarely on immobile muquosa and never on the lips.</li>\n<li>Presence of a red halo around the aphte.</li>\n<li>Presence of one or a few ulcers (up to 10) can be minor (3-10 mm in diameter) or major (>10 mm diameter)</li>\n<li>If many aphtes are present (>10), it is called an aphthous stomatitis</li>\n<li>Pain is felt upon contact</li>\n<li>Treatment: Can heal on its own, or can be treated topically with corticosteroids</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The <strong>Herpetic ulcers</strong> have the following characteristics:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Almost always located on immobile muquosa (also called keratinised tissus), namely the gingiva, the palate and often on the lips.</li>\n<li>Sore throat and/or fever before appearance of vesicular lesions,</li>\n<li>Appearance of vesicular lesions before appearance of ulcers (see image below)</li>\n<li>Treatment: antiviral drugs to decrease pain and and length of symptoms.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/A4JSi.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/A4JSi.jpg\" alt=\"MedlinePlus image of Herpetic vesicles\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Sources (other than formal training):</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-clinical\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218580-clinical</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000606.htm</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.skinsight.com/adult/aphthousUlcerCankerSore.htm?Imiw9cApl\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.skinsight.com/adult/aphthousUlcerCankerSore.htm?Imiw9cApl</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>N.B.: Aphthous ulcers can look in rare cases like Herpetic Ulcers. They are smaller than 3mm, often bundled in clusters, and therefore bare the name \"Herpetiform Aphtae\".</p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "dentistry", "steroids", "herpes-simplex" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5457, "body": "<p>From <a href=\"http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/science-news/11872199/Why-power-naps-may-be-bad-for-your-health.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this article</a>:</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Scientists from the University of Tokyo are unsure whether it is the napping itself or an underlying condition which makes people more sleepy, that is driving the effect.</p>\n<p>After examining more than 200 studies involved 261,000 participants, they found that severe daytime fatigue was associated with a 56 per cent increased risk of developing diabetes.</p>\n<p>And taking a regular daytime nap for an hour or more was found to increase the risk of developing the condition by 46 per cent.\nAuthor Dr Tomohide Yamada, from the University of Tokyo, Japan, said: &quot;Excessive daytime sleepiness and taking longer naps were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, with a short nap not increasing this risk.\n&quot;Daytime napping might be a consequence of night-time sleep disturbance such as obstructive sleep apnea.</p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>So, according to current knowledge, the link to adverse health effects may well be mediated via other medical problems such as sleep apnea causing excessive sleepiness during the day. There is no evidence for a causal link between sleeping more during the day and a higher risk of adverse health effects.</p>\n<p>To get to such evidence, one could try to correct for a higher incidence of conditions such as sleep apnea in the group of people who sleep more during the day. But the problem with this is that not enough is known about all such risk factors which also influence sleep, so any residual effect that is left may then be due to missing some factors, or having underestimated the effect the known factors have. Also, if you find that sleeping more during the day has a positive effect, that result could be an artifact of having overcompensated for effects such as sleep apnea.</p>\n<p>A better approach would be to do an intervention study where people are asked to sleep during the day. But then one would face other problems. Many people who are not used to sleeping during the day may find it difficult to do so. Also, any negative health effects may not arise until many decades of being subjected to sleeping more during the day. The effect you end up measuring after a few years may not be consistent with long term health effects. E.g. what if sleeping during the day helps you to lower the chances of a heart attack if your arteries are clogged, but the same habit over decades increases the chances of getting such clogged arteries?</p>\n<p>That's why it's better to stick to what is known about a healthy lifestyle such as getting a lot of exercise, and going to the doctor if there are issues that prevent one from doing that. If you feel so tired and sleepy during the day that you have to sleep, then that is in itself a good reason to visit the doctor.</p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "sleep", "heart-disease", "heart-attack", "naps" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5475, "body": "<p>The intestinal and luminal protozoa are normally identified in stool specimens, the blood protozoa by examination of blood films with microscopy (malaria), and lymph node biopsy and serological testing (toxoplasmosis), nematodes, cestodes and trematodes by identifying eggs/larvae in stool/sputum/urine specimens. Advanced disease states might require imaging such as MRI of the central nervous system in <a href=\"http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ipid/2009/180742/\">neurocystercicosis</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Treatment is specific for the parasite in question.</p>\n\n<p>You can read textbook chapters on <a href=\"http://www.microbiologybook.org/book/parasit-sta.htm\">parasitology</a> online.</p>\n", "score": 6 }, { "answer_id": 5476, "body": "<p>Intestinal parasites can be detected by stool tests (and additional blood tests if necessary). Note that these tests are often false negative, which means they may not detect parasites even if you have them, so if you still suspect you have parasites, you need to repeat the tests. Treatment is with antiparasitic drugs dependent on the type of parasite.</p>\n\n<p>When parasites invade other body organs, CT, MRI or organ biopsy can be used.</p>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0301/p1161.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Common Intestinal Parasites (American Family Physician)</a></p>\n\n<p>On <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/az/index.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Centers of Disease Control and Prevention</a> you have an extensive A-Z list of parasitic diseases with links to detailed descriptions of the symptoms, tests and treatment.</p>\n", "score": 5 } ]

[ "parasites", "ct-scans", "intestine", "filariasis" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5498, "body": "<p>The mode of transmission of helicobacter is unknown but studies show that people with helicobacter infections may have it also in their saliva. So, in this study, 75% had helicobacter identified by molecular Probes.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC502720/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC502720/</a></p>\n\n<p>This has lead to some people saying that transmission by saliva is common.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://publichealth.arizona.edu/outreach/health-literacy-awareness/hpylori/transmission\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://publichealth.arizona.edu/outreach/health-literacy-awareness/hpylori/transmission</a></p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "digestion", "infection", "gastroenterology", "disease-transmission", "stomach" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5529, "body": "<p>The NHS only advises Hepatitis B vaccination to young children when they are at a <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/childhood-vaccination-schedule.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">high risk</a> of exposure. This means when the <a href=\"http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/hepatitis-b-vaccine.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">mother is infected and contagious</a>, or there are close relatives with the disease. Otherwise vaccination is optional.</p>\n\n<p>The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination at <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/vaccchildren.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">birth</a>, <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5416a1.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">changing</a> from the policy of vaccinating those at risk.</p>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"http://www.who.int/immunization/diseases/hepatitisB/en/\" rel=\"nofollow\">WHO</a> also recommends vaccination from birth so the different stance taken by the NHS may be political or economic..</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "vaccination" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5574, "body": "<p>From what I found they may have some benfit on the appearance of scars. But the info available is contradictory. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>It is featured in a article on <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9875187\" rel=\"nofollow\">ncbi.nlh.nih.org</a> called: Snake oil for the 21st century</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12087249\" rel=\"nofollow\">Effect of Mederma on hypertrophic scarring in the rabbit ear model</a></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Improvement in dermal organization of collagen</p></li>\n<li><p>No significant difference in dermal vascularity or inflammation </p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Computer analysis of the scar photographs demonstrated no significant\n reduction in scar erythema with Mederma treatment</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390235/#__abstractid192172title\" rel=\"nofollow\">A New Proprietary Onion Extract Gel Improves the Appearance of New Scars</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>once-daily application of the proprietary advanced formulation of\n onion extract gel is safe for use on new scars and significantly\n improves their overall appearance, redness, softness, and smoothness\n compared to control scars.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022978/#__abstractid954756title\" rel=\"nofollow\">Hypertrophic Scarring and Keloids: Pathomechanisms and Current and Emerging Treatment Strategies</a></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>States that available data is contradictory </li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4506744/#Abs1title\" rel=\"nofollow\">A comprehensive evidence-based review on the role of topicals and dressings in the management of skin scarring</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Two randomised studies by Draelos in 2008 (n = 60) and 2012 (n = 44),\n following shave excision of seborrheic keratoses, concluded that\n Mederma® improved the appearance, signs and symptoms of the healed\n wounds compared with untreated controls [42, 43]; however, both these\n studies note that funding was provided by the manufacturer Merz\n Pharmaceuticals.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>As for the Amazon product I cannot find where it was sponsored or approved for safety. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "dermatology" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5593, "body": "<p>The FODMAP hypothesis was first proposed in 2005 in this <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15948806\" rel=\"nofollow\">paper</a>. The second author appears to maintain a website where she lists some <a href=\"http://shepherdworks.com.au/disease-information/low-fodmap-diet\" rel=\"nofollow\">foods</a> though it's an incomplete list. Grapefruit would classified in this group if it has a high fructose level in comparison to the glucose level (frutose:glucose ratio > 1) and this likely varies on the variety. This Stanford site suggests restricting yourself to <a href=\"https://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=12&amp;cad=rja&amp;uact=8&amp;ved=0ahUKEwje7J_ng6TMAhWHHKYKHbjVA7YQFghNMAs&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fstanfordhealthcare.org%2Fcontent%2Fdam%2FSHC%2Ffor-patients-component%2Fprograms-services%2Fclinical-nutrition-services%2Fdocs%2Fpdf-lowfodmapdiet.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">half a grapefruit</a> if you have problems.</p>\n", "score": 4 }, { "answer_id": 5598, "body": "<p>There is no \"correct\" low-FODMAP diet chart, because there is no clearly defined amount of FODMAPs that would cause problems. There are foods that contain high, moderate or low amount of FODMAPs and various authors may put the moderate ones either in the high or low category.</p>\n\n<p>Also, sensitivity to FODMAPs varies greatly from person to person, so everyone needs to make a personal list appropriate for him/her -- from the trial/error experience.</p>\n\n<p>Here is <a href=\"http://www.nutrientsreview.com/carbs/fodmaps.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">another list</a> with a detailed explanation how a low-FODMAP diet works.</p>\n\n<p>100 grams of <a href=\"http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1905/2\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">grapefruit</a> (NutritionData) contains just a little bit more fructose than glucose: 1.7 g F : 1.6 g G, so the F:G ratio is practically 1 and not problematic. Also, 100 grams of grapefruit contains only 2 grams of fiber, which also does not sound a lot.</p>\n", "score": 4 }, { "answer_id": 10581, "body": "<p>I found the Monash University mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, to be very helpful in identifying the low and high FODMAP products. Low and high are relative terms that do not mean anything until they refer to a quantitative scale. The apps does a very good job in defining \"low\" and \"high\" based on a serving expressed in cups, grams, millilitres or typical size.</p>\n\n<p>According to this app grapefruit should be avoided as 1 medium sized grapefruit contains high amounts of oligo-fructans, but half medium grapefruit contains moderate amounts of oligo-fructans, which means it might be tolerated by some individuals. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.med.monash.edu.au/cecs/gastro/fodmap/iphone-app.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.med.monash.edu.au/cecs/gastro/fodmap/iphone-app.html</a></p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "nutrition", "diet" ]

[ { "answer_id": 12593, "body": "<p>Your own doctor knows the answer to this - different practices could have different definitions - and should have asked you questions that tested their own criteria. These might be things like \"are you bleeding?\" and \"did you lose consciousness?\" along with \"how bad is the pain?\" and \"how long have you felt this way?\" After these questions they might say \"call an Ambulance\", \"go to A&amp;E\", \"we can see you at 2:30\" or \"we can see you 6 days from now at 2:30.\" </p>\n\n<p>Asking you \"is it an emergency?\" is a foolish question when you don't know their criteria. [People ask foolish questions all the time, and forget that not everyone knows what they know.] So answer by providing the information you would use to make the decision yourself: \"I think so, it has come on very suddenly and the pain is worse than I've ever experienced\" or \"not enough to call for an ambulance but I can't stop it bleeding and I really would like it looked at today\" or \"I suppose not, I just want to be sure it's not the start of something serious\". Just saying \"yes\" doesn't give them any reason to agree with you and schedule something sooner or send you to more urgent care.</p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "medications", "surgery" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5706, "body": "<p>There is no consistency within the industry on the terminology. For example, GE calls them <a href=\"http://www3.gehealthcare.com/en/Products/Categories/Magnetic_Resonance_Imaging\">MR systems</a>, Philips calls them both <a href=\"http://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HC781341/ingenia-15t-mr-system\">MR system and MRI system</a>, Toshiba calls them both <a href=\"https://medical.toshiba.com/products/magnetic-resonance/vantage-titan-3t/\">MRI system</a> and <a href=\"https://medical.toshiba.com/download/mr-br-vantage-titan-3t\">MR system</a>, and Siemens calls them <a href=\"http://usa.healthcare.siemens.com/magnetic-resonance-imaging\">MRI scanners</a>.</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "terminology", "medical-imaging", "mri" ]

[ { "answer_id": 13785, "body": "<p>A big difference here is due to the structures involved. Mature tendons are composed of cartilage and contain a <strong>very poor blood supply</strong>. They rely on localized synovial fluid for tissue perfusion and nutrition as opposed to simply a connecting blood vessel. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/MmIgy.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/MmIgy.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Epicondylitis (lateral or medial) is a <strong>chronic from of inflammation</strong> caused over time by repetitive micro-trauma (wear and tear) to the tendon, nerve and vessel in the related area.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p><strong>NSAIDS would help with any inflammation and pain resulting from this.</strong></p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>Also in looking at that medscape article. It seems some involved are not realizing your tendon not only very minimally bleeds (if at all), <strong>it does not produce sufficient platelet rich plasma that is capable of healing these micro-traumas</strong>. This is why injections of exactly that - platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used as a treatment to heal the damaged tissue. </p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>This would be a debate in more vascularized tissues (where the injury is generally some type of acute trauma and bodies own healing process is required).</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<p>See Here: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505250/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2505250/</a></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "tendinopathy", "swelling" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5841, "body": "<p><strong>1) Is my brain still in 'development'?</strong></p>\n\n<p>It is. Your brain constantly grows until you are 25.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>According to recent findings, the human brain does not reach full maturity until at least the mid-20s. (See J. Giedd in References.) [...] ^{<a href=\"http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/youngadult/brain.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>}\n <hr>\n The rational part of a teen's brain isn't fully developed and won't be until he or she is 25 years old or so. [...] In teen's brains, the connections between the emotional part of the brain and the decision-making center are still developing. [...] ^{<a href=\"https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&amp;ContentID=3051\" rel=\"nofollow\">2</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><strong>2) If so, what negative effect, if any, will having a single beer 3-4 nights out of the week have on my brain development and my health? Will I have to suffer the consequences of these decisions as I continue through adulthood?</strong></p>\n\n<p>I can't cite an exact study right now as I haven't found one but several sites hint that there shouldn't be a problem if alcohol is taken in moderately.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. [...] ^{<a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551?pg=1\" rel=\"nofollow\">3</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>However, I found a study trying to unveil the links between alcohol consumption and its effects and the age in which drinking starts.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>First use of alcohol at ages 11–14 greatly heightens the risk of progression to the development of alcohol disorders and therefore is a reasonable target for intervention strategies that seek to delay first use as a means of averting problems later in life. ^{<a href=\"http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.5.745\" rel=\"nofollow\">4</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>As you age, the probability of developing an alcohol addiction shrinks.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] Ten years after their first drink 13.5% (49 of 363) of the respondents ages 11 and 12 and 13.7% (155 of 1,129) of the respondents ages 13 and 14 had progressed to a diagnosis of alcohol abuse, compared to just 2.0% in the reference group (19 and older) [...] ^{<a href=\"http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.5.745\" rel=\"nofollow\">4</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Here is an excerpt of a study I didn't have access to. The study, however, seems to represent some relevant data if you can access it.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] Discouraging alcohol consumption until neurobiological adulthood is reached is important for minimizing alcohol-related disruptions in brain development and decision-making capacity, and for reducing the negative behavioral consequences associated with underage alcohol use. ^{<a href=\"http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10673229.2012.714642\" rel=\"nofollow\">5</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Finally, I found a PDF concluding a lot of relevant data ^{<a href=\"http://www.talkitoutnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/AdolescentBrainStudyFINAL-PRINT.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">6</a>}.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Adolescent alcohol use sets up a persistent increase in activation of brain signals that contribute to inflammation. The consequences of this are unclear, but similar changes have been associated with depression in adults, and suggest that early alcohol use may set kids up for mood problems in adulthood. ^{<a href=\"http://www.talkitoutnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/AdolescentBrainStudyFINAL-PRINT.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">6</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The PDF should give a good insight about the topic. It concludes several other things aswell. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find an exact study to meet your requirements. But I guess I could say that drinking in moderation is okay, but it's always better to stop it completely ^{<a href=\"http://www.healthline.com/health/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-a-month#1\" rel=\"nofollow\">7</a>}.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/youngadult/brain.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/youngadult/brain.html</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&amp;ContentID=3051\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&amp;ContentID=3051</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551?pg=1\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551?pg=1</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.5.745\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.5.745</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10673229.2012.714642\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10673229.2012.714642</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.talkitoutnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/AdolescentBrainStudyFINAL-PRINT.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.talkitoutnc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/AdolescentBrainStudyFINAL-PRINT.pdf</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.healthline.com/health/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-a-month#1\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.healthline.com/health/quit-drinking-alcohol-for-a-month#1</a></p></li>\n</ol>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "alcohol", "pediatrics" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5848, "body": "<p>Muscle atrophy doesn't have to be bad. Your body tries to fit the situation by decreasing your muscle mass and thus to decrease the needed energy to maintain your body. However, in order to prevent possible muscle atrophy, there have been several methods.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Exercise has been shown to be effective in preventing glucocorticoid-induced atrophy in muscles containing high proportions of type II or fast-twitch fibers. ^{<a href=\"http://jap.physiology.org/content/69/3/1058.abstract\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>In case you shouldn't know what different muscle fibers are and how they are distributed in your body, I've got you.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Humans have basically three different types of muscle fibers. Slow- twitch (ST or Type I) fibers are identified by a slow contraction time and a high resistance to fatigue. [...] Most activities of daily living use ST fibers. Fast-twitch (FT or Type II) fibers are identified by a quick con- traction time and a low resistance to fatigue. [...] Fast-twitch fibers are further divided into fast-twitch A (FT -A or Type IIA) and fast- twitch B (FT -B or Type lIB) fibers. FT -A fibers have a moderate resistance to fatigue and represent a transition between the two extremes of the ST and FT -B fibers. [...] Fast-twitch B fibers, on the other hand, are very sensitive to fatigue and are used for short anaerobic, high force production activities, such as sprinting, hurdling, jumping, and putting the shot. [...] ^{<a href=\"http://www.coachr.org/fiber.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">2</a>}\n <hr>\n The distribution of different fiber types varied within the muscles, as a function of depth, with a predominance of type 2b fibers at the surface and type 1 fibers in deeper regions of the muscle. ^{<a href=\"http://www.jbiomech.com/article/S0021-9290(04)00514-7/fulltext?mobileUi=0\" rel=\"nofollow\">3</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So it's possible to prevent muscle atrophy in type II muscle fibers by simply exercising.</p>\n\n<p>If you suffer from a serious illness or are physically-challenged, you can maintain your muscle mass by using functional electrical stimulation. The idea is to stimulate your cells so that they keep their current state or to provoke hypertrophy.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] Previous research shows that neuromuscular or `functional' electrical stimulation (FES), particularly FES-cycle ergometry (FES-CE) can cause muscle hypertrophy in individuals with chronic SCI (&gt;1 year post-injury). However, the modest degree of hypertrophy in these already atrophied muscles has lessened earlier hopes that FES therapy would reduce secondary impairments of SCI. [...] ^{<a href=\"http://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&amp;profile=ehost&amp;scope=site&amp;authtype=crawler&amp;jrnl=13624393&amp;AN=8920398&amp;h=l1r6pnlQ8Nst%2BAM28ruDSzOOgOHEZmaVWGVO2zu20aU%2FzQSJZpl%2BbU0mD36uKOHpifwBXAGne4KeQCXtfC263w%3D%3D&amp;crl=c&amp;resultNs=AdminWebAuth&amp;resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&amp;crlhashurl=login.aspx%3Fdirect%3Dtrue%26profile%3Dehost%26scope%3Dsite%26authtype%3Dcrawler%26jrnl%3D13624393%26AN%3D8920398\" rel=\"nofollow\">4</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>After a short search, I was able to find some experimental studies with rats to investigate muscle atrophy more deeply. It should be obvious that you shouldn't take in Clenbuterol without a consultation with your doctor and of course not solely on the results of the study.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Clenbuterol attenuated the decrease in muscle mass and single fiber cross-sectional area in both age groups. By preventing the loss of muscle mass, clenbuterol administered early in rehabilitation may benefit severely debilitated patients imposed by inactivity. [...] ^{<a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999301377882\" rel=\"nofollow\">5</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The University of Hull did some research and found out that basic stretching for 30 minutes each day can prevent muscle atrophy in immobilized muscles.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] It was found that periods of stretch as short as 1/2 h daily were sufficient not only to prevent loss of sarcomeres but actually to cause an increase in the number of sarcomeres in series. [...] Such short periods of stretch were also found to prevent much of the muscle atrophy normally associated with immobilisation in the shortened position. ^{<a href=\"http://ard.bmj.com/content/49/5/316.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">6</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>I'll end up with a study regarding the loss muscle mass in the elderly and how to promote muscle hypertrophy in them.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[...] Strength training appears to elicit effective countermeasures in elderly individuals even at a very old age (>80 years) by evoking muscle hypertrophy along with substantial changes in neuromuscular function, respectively. [...] ^{<a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01084.x/full\" rel=\"nofollow\">7</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So long story short: The best way is to simply exercise to keep your muscles and yourself pumped, as @TheEnvironmentalist already said. There are indeed ways to do this by not exercising but the chemical idea as well as the functional electrical stimulation are still in progress. Nonetheless, you should read the corresponding Wikipedia article ^{<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_electrical_stimulation\" rel=\"nofollow\">8</a>} to FES to inform yourself in this regard.</p>\n\n<hr>\n\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"http://jap.physiology.org/content/69/3/1058.abstract\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://jap.physiology.org/content/69/3/1058.abstract</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.coachr.org/fiber.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.coachr.org/fiber.htm</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.jbiomech.com/article/S0021-9290(04)00514-7/fulltext?mobileUi=0\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.jbiomech.com/article/S0021-9290(04)00514-7/fulltext?mobileUi=0</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&amp;profile=ehost&amp;scope=site&amp;authtype=crawler&amp;jrnl=13624393&amp;AN=8920398&amp;h=l1r6pnlQ8Nst%2BAM28ruDSzOOgOHEZmaVWGVO2zu20aU%2FzQSJZpl%2BbU0mD36uKOHpifwBXAGne4KeQCXtfC263w%3D%3D&amp;crl=c&amp;resultNs=AdminWebAuth&amp;resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&amp;crlhashurl=login.aspx%3Fdirect%3Dtrue%26profile%3Dehost%26scope%3Dsite%26authtype%3Dcrawler%26jrnl%3D13624393%26AN%3D8920398\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://web.a.ebscohost.com/abstract?direct=true&amp;profile=ehost&amp;scope=site&amp;authtype=crawler&amp;jrnl=13624393&amp;AN=8920398&amp;h=l1r6pnlQ8Nst%2bAM28ruDSzOOgOHEZmaVWGVO2zu20aU%2fzQSJZpl%2bbU0mD36uKOHpifwBXAGne4KeQCXtfC263w%3d%3d&amp;crl=c&amp;resultNs=AdminWebAuth&amp;resultLocal=ErrCrlNotAuth&amp;crlhashurl=login.aspx%3fdirect%3dtrue%26profile%3dehost%26scope%3dsite%26authtype%3dcrawler%26jrnl%3d13624393%26AN%3d8920398</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999301377882\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999301377882</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://ard.bmj.com/content/49/5/316.short\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://ard.bmj.com/content/49/5/316.short</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01084.x/full\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01084.x/full</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_electrical_stimulation\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_electrical_stimulation</a></li>\n</ol>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "muscle" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5850, "body": "<p>According to research published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and cited below, the serum half-life of immediate release melatonin ranges from 0.54 to 0.67 hours. Assuming you take the melatonin at least 3 hours before you plan to get up, you will have covered around 4 half-lives at the minimum, which would result in a serum level of 6.25% of your peak level. At levels that low, any sleepiness you feel would be mostly due to having just woken up, and not any residual effects of the melatonin. The study also mentions that slow release preparations can keep serum levels high for 5-7 hours, so I would not recommend driving/working after taking one of those.</p>\n\n<p>Aldhous M, Franey C, Wright J, Arendt J. Plasma concentrations of melatonin in man following oral absorption of different preparations. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1985;19(4):517-521.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "sleep", "endocrinology", "supplement" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5889, "body": "<p>It should be possible to just do the root canal treatment and cover that with a small composite filling on the tongue side of the tooth. My opinion is that this is the ideal way to treat the tooth assuming that there is not a big filling or a big break in the tooth right now. (Doing a full crown over a front tooth that has a root canal greatly weakens the tooth and the patient runs a higher chance of the whole tooth breaking off at gum level.)</p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 9003, "body": "<p>As it is a front tooth, root canal and tooth coloured filling like composite is enough. A full crown is strongly recommended if the tooth is a back or posterior tooth in order to survive the strong masticatory forces. A root canal filled tooth has more chances of fracture when under masticatory stress compares to natural teeth. That is why a crown is recommended. But in this case it is a front tooth, masticatory load will be less.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "dentistry", "oral-health" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5895, "body": "<p>For adults, Zika virus is like flu. Apart from fever and maybe nausea, you shouldn't have to worry.</p>\n\n<p>Edit: since it seems sources are of bad need, here is one confirmation from a very recent study (Petersen 2016).</p>\n\n<p>Source : <a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971216000217\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971216000217</a></p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "virus", "mosquito" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5928, "body": "<p>Honey is not appropriate for elemental diet because:</p>\n\n<p>-- It is not sterile (elemental diet for both intravenous or enteric use needs to be sterile).</p>\n\n<p>-- Various types of honey have very <a href=\"http://www.honey.com/images/downloads/carb.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">different ratios of sugars</a> (Honey.com) including some disaccharides, such as sucrose and maltose, and also some proteins and other ingredients (the exact composition of elemental diet needs to be known).</p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "gastroenterology", "liquids" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7024, "body": "<p>Your best and most efficient method in \"curing\" this situation is to seek professional attention from a podiatrist or dermatologist (webmd.com). Particularly if you are still experiencing some pain after time has passed from the original injury, along with the fungal reaction, this may be an indicator of a more serious underlying issue.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <blockquote>\n <p>Your doctor may try one thing or a combination:</p>\n\n<pre><code> A topical cream that goes directly on the nail\n An antifungal prescription pill\n Removing the damaged area of the nail or skin\n\nIn some cases, you might need to have the nail removed completely with surgery.\n</code></pre>\n \n <p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-toenail-fungus\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-toenail-fungus</a></p>\n </blockquote>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>I previously had a toenail fungal infection and tried home remedies, mostly including some sort of hot water foot soak, especially as the infection had spread to the surrounding skin:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>white vinegar </li>\n<li>Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol</li>\n<li>epsom salt</li>\n<li>baking soda</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Ultimately, it was determined the entire nail had to be removed. This procedure was performed at a Podiatrist's office with a local anesthetic injection, and I was walking out - pain free - 15 minutes later. The new nail took some time to grow in ...but grew in healthy, straight, and blemish-free! Thankfully it was covered by my medical insurance; even with the co-pay, it was well worth the price of admission!</p>\n\n<p>Hope this is helpful!</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "pain", "feet", "home-remedies" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5933, "body": "<p>According to <a href=\"http://dailyburn.com/life/health/benefits-vitamin-b-complex/\" rel=\"nofollow\">this article</a> B vitamins \"help convert our food into fuel, allowing us to stay energized throughout the day.\" However, according to the same article \"Taking a B complex vitamin will not create heightened alertness or energy the way caffeine does.\"\nSo B vitamins don't sedate you, and while they don't give you an extra boost, they do help you keep your energy levels up.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "sleep", "micronutrients" ]

[ { "answer_id": 5953, "body": "<p><a href=\"http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/water-balance/overhydration\" rel=\"nofollow\">Treatment</a> is usually fluid restriction, treating underlying problem and diuretics or other medication for fluid and electrolyte imbalance, so you could do a fluid restriction at home. However, the causes of overhydration usually are renal, heart or liver problems, hormonal disorders and increased fluid intake. So you can't just treat all that, when your unsure of the diagnosis. That said it is also known as water poisoning and water intoxication for a reason. <a href=\"http://www.healthline.com/health/overhydration#Diagnosis5\" rel=\"nofollow\">Symptoms</a> can be:</p>\n\n<p>Mild: </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>nausea and vomiting headache changes in mental state (confusion or\n disorientation)</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Or severe: </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>muscle weakness, spasms or cramps seizures, unconsciousness, coma</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>If severe symptoms occur and the overhydration is caused by a underlying condition you will need to see a doctor. It is best to see a doctor right off if you suspect anything, because diagnosis comes from urine and blood test, physical examination and patient history. Also, the treatment for a underlying condition may need more care than you can receive at home. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "home-remedies", "hydration" ]

[ { "answer_id": 6997, "body": "<p>Treat the acid reflux if you can. A Heidelberg test can distinguish between hypochlorhydria (or even achlorhydria) and hyperchlorhydria, both of which cause the symptoms of acid reflux. If you have been taking acid-reducing medication with only partial symptomatic relief, it may actually be the case that you're producing too little hydrochloric acid rather than too much.</p>\n\n<p>Get fitted for an occlusal guard and wear it while you sleep. This will protect against the damage caused by tooth grinding.</p>\n\n<p>Obviously, the first and most essential step is to stop the cause of damage, but there are also several proposed methods for accelerating tooth regeneration. There is some evidence, contrary to traditional belief, the the body can repair its own tooth decay to a certain limited extent, but using something like a calcium chloride mouthwash may be of help with the repair process.</p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "dentistry", "treatment" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7023, "body": "<p>I had the same problem, except my go-to was hard candy! The more challenging or exciting the project, the more candy I crunched. Can you say tooth decay, boys and girls? Not to mention the issues that come with ingesting all that sugar!</p>\n\n<p><strong>Try mouth exercises! They are no cost, no calorie, easy on your teeth, and may help strengthen some of your many facial muscles!</strong></p>\n\n<p>This works best, of course, if you spending this time at your PC at home ... or if at work, hopefully it is within the privacy of your cubicled walls or office.</p>\n\n<p>Easiest</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li>Silently stretch your entire mouth to form the vowels (A, E I, O, U) in succession. Be sure to exaggerate your silent pronunciation to engage your entire mouth and to stretch as much of your face as possible. When you get to the letter \"U\", your lips should be pursed to their farthest extension and your chin should be jutted as far forward as it will stretch.</li>\n<li>Opening your mouth as long and as wide as you can, as you would for a dentist visit, and silently mouth the word \"La\" over and over <em>using only your tongue</em>. You must keep your mouth opened as wide as you can and remember only your tongue can be used to form the word \"La, la, la, la, la ...\".</li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>Perform each exercise for 1-3 minutes at a stretch. You will find with engaging all of these mouth, lip, and face muscles you have managed to fulfill the need be \"orally engaged\" without adding calories or tooth decay!</p>\n\n<p>Hope this is helpful!</p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "lasting-effects-duration", "nutrition", "breaking-habits", "cracked-broken-tooth", "screen-time-limits" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7059, "body": "<p>Coca-cola contains a lot of calories but very few nutrients, foods like that are called \"empty calories\". There is harm to the body due to regularly consuming empty calories alone. If the ratio of useful nutrients per consumed calorie goes down then that means that you would have to consume more calories to get the same amount of nutrients, which is then likely to cause weight gain. Even at the same calorie intake you may experience weight gain due to getting in less nutrients that the body needs for metabolism. The body also needs anti-oxidants to get rid of free radicals produced in metabolic processes and you'll get less of these per consumed calorie.</p>\n\n<p>So, the best way to think about the harm is to consider that the fundamental source of the harm is not coca cola but it's due to simply being alive. A living organism is a very complex machine that needs to repair itself constantly. To do this, it needs to have a steady supply of many different raw materials. If you feed it a lot of fuel without these raw materials then simply cranking up the metabolism to match the fuel consumption to the fuel intake would do a lot of damage. What happens instead is that a fraction of the extra fuel is stored instead of burned while the metabolism is cranked up a bit. This limits the damage, the storage would allow the extra fuel to be burned safely if you would eat more vitamins and minerals later. However, if this is a chronic situation, then you'll end up burning energy in a dirtier way on the long term.</p>\n\n<p>If instead of drinking coke you eat a large amounts of walnuts every day containing a large amounts of calories, much more than the coke you drink, then <a href=\"http://nutritionfacts.org/video/testing-the-fat-burning-theory/\" rel=\"nofollow\">you'll hardly gain weight</a> and your <a href=\"http://nutritionfacts.org/video/walnuts-and-artery-function/\" rel=\"nofollow\">health will improve a lot</a>.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "nutrition", "prevention" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7097, "body": "<p>I'm a physical therapist and do yoga in my free-time. So I'll provide some of the information I have.</p>\n\n<p>Pranayama exercises and active/passive techniques that are used in physical therapy to treat asthma are very similar.</p>\n\n<p>You cannot cure asthma with any of those two methods, but it can lead to bettering of the symptoms and it gets easier to deal with asthmatic attacks, when you know some techniques that help you get over an asthmatic attack. </p>\n\n<p>Concepts, that are used:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Consciousness for your breathing</strong> - Pranayama uses different approaches to make you more conscious of your breathing (where do you feel movement, when you breath? stomach? ribcage? shoulders? how fast do you breath? do you breath through mouth or nose? ...) and helps you breath more deeply or let's say effectively.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Breathing techniques</strong> - Pranayama uses exercises to help you deepen your breath.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Body postures</strong> - differents asanas (well this is not pranayama itself, but yoga after all) stretch the respirational muscles (pectoralis major and minor, scm, and so on) and the intercostal muscles - this makes breathing easier and deeper. Your muscles get tense, when you have asthma/asthmatic attacks, so stretching helps your muscles relax so they can work more efficiently.\nExample asanas: <a href=\"http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/tias-little-sidebending-sequence/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.yogajournal.com/slideshow/tias-little-sidebending-sequence/</a> - but please find an instructor to help you with this.</p></li>\n<li><p><strong>Body in space</strong> - the way your body is seated in the 3 dimensions, affects your lungs. The lower half of the lung is supplied better with blood (due to gravity) and the upper half is better ventilated. So lying on your right side, doing some breathing exercises has a different effect on either side of your lungs.\n<a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventilation/perfusion_ratio\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventilation/perfusion_ratio</a></p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>I'd recomment to find a competent yoga instructor, who can provide you with more information and can lead you through some exercises.</p>\n\n<p>I have worked with long-term patients, who profitted from weekly sessions and exercising at home daily. Sessions can last between only a few minutes up to an hour, where the above mentioned concepts are combined.\nE.g. you start on your back and get conscious of your breathing. afterwards you are lying on your right side, lay your arm over your head, so the left ribcage is stretched and you do a breathing technique(pranayama). after a few minutes you turn on your back and feel teh difference between your two body sides and how your breathing has changed. then do the same exercise for your other side.\nBut again, find an instructor to help you with this.</p>\n\n<p>As I said it does not provide a remedy, but helps you deal with the symptoms.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "medications", "treatment", "natural-remedy", "health-education" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7113, "body": "<p><strong>Yes.</strong> </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18332800\" rel=\"nofollow\">The effect of reclined seats on mortality in motor vehicle collisions.</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The reclined position is associated with increased occupant mortality\n in motor vehicle collisions.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Why?</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>flexion and compression injuries over pretensioned lap and shoulder\n belts resulted in severe thoracoabdominal and spine injuries in\n restrained occupants, with a high associated mortality. Increased\n lower extremity injuries from additional force loads into bolsters and\n panels were also noted.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/did-you-know-that-reclining-in-your-seat-can-be-deadly\" rel=\"nofollow\">Seatbelt effectiveness</a></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><blockquote>\n <p>If your car seat is reclined, a three-point restraint (lap and\n shoulder seat belt) becomes esentially useless because the shoulder\n harness moves away from the passenger. Seat belts do not work -- and,\n in fact, can make injuries worse -- if they are not properly designed (proper \"seat belt geometry\") or not properly worn. </p>\n</blockquote></li>\n<li><blockquote>\n <p>Few people understand that the more space between the seat belt and\n the passenger's chest increases the risk of death or serious injury\n caused when your body either slams against the seat belt itself or\n \"submarines\" and slides beneath the seat belt.</p>\n</blockquote></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>So yes, this is just a few ways reclining the seat can reduce the effectiveness of the seatbelt. </p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "effectiveness", "vehicle-car-accident", "recumbent-lying-down", "crash-test-dummies" ]

[ { "answer_id": 16186, "body": "<p>In the human body, there are 21 amino acids (AA) that can form proteins (<a href=\"https://www.britannica.com/science/amino-acid\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Britannica</a>). Only 9 of them are essential, meaning you have to obtain them from food; the other 12 can be synthesized in your body (<a href=\"https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002222.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">MedlinePlus</a>). </p>\n\n<p>Most food proteins contain most essential and nonessential AA, so to get 17.5 g of essential AA from proteins, you need to consume more than 17.5 g of them. Anyway, 65 g of protein (RDA) will probably provide more than 17.5 g of essential AA, because RDA does not include only the essential amount of protein but a bigger amount with a wide safe margin. </p>\n", "score": 3 }, { "answer_id": 10410, "body": "<p>Proteins are made of twenty different amino acids. Among these, only about ten are essential amino acids, which means the body cannot synthesize them from other amino acids. This explains the difference. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "nutrition", "proteins" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7153, "body": "<p>They are similiar, but for different age group. </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>DTAP for people under 7</p></li>\n<li><p>TDAP for 11 and up basically. </p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.m.webmd.com/children/dtap-and-tdap-vaccines\" rel=\"nofollow\">WebMD</a> </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>DTaP is a vaccine that helps children younger than age 7 develop\n immunity to three deadly diseases caused by bacteria: diphtheria,\n tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis). Tdap is a booster\n immunization given at age 11 that offers continued protection from\n those diseases for adolescents and adults.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>They both cover the same illnesses, as well. The DTap probably isn't accepted due to the fact that it usually is taken around 7 years and so needs the booster shot TDap. </p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "immune-system", "vaccination" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7413, "body": "<p>Most medical literature reports a similar level of toxicity between nicotine and cyanide - 50 mg for cyanide and 60 mg for nicotine as lethal doses. However, there is controversy over the true lethal dose for nicotine (but not for cyanide). An article by Dr. Mayer in Archives of Toxicology postulates that the true lethal dose for nicotine is 10 times higher than 60mg or 600mg. <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880486/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880486/</a></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "smoking", "toxicity", "toxins", "toxicology" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7175, "body": "<p>Surgery is not always neccesary for the first time, depending on level of damage. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000524.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">NIH</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>If this is the first time you dislocated your shoulder, you will\n probably not need surgery.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<ul>\n<li>surgery</li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>If your shoulder continues to partly or fully dislocate in the future,\n you may need surgery to repair or tighten the ligaments that hold the\n bones in your shoulder joint together.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.m.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/dislocated-separated-shoulder\" rel=\"nofollow\">WebMD</a>: Healing</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Ice your shoulder to reduce pain and swelling. Do it for 20-30 minutes\n every three to four hours, for 2 to 3 days or longer. Use a sling or\n shoulder immobilizer to prevent further injury until you get medical\n treatment. Then follow the doctor's advice about whether or not to use\n a sling. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Non-steroidal\n anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)\n or naproxen (Aleve), will help with pain and swelling. However, these\n drugs may have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and\n ulcers or heart attacks and strokes. They should not be used for\n extended periods of time, unless your doctor specifically says\n otherwise. Practice stretching and strengthening exercises if your\n doctor recommends them.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Surgery is a treatment for shoulders that are badly damaged. It is unlikely that this level will come after the first dislocation. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "pain", "surgery", "shoulder" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7188, "body": "<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609170/?report=classic\" rel=\"nofollow\">Can fruit seeds and undigested plant residuals cause acute appendicitis</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The ratio of acute appendicitis caused by plants is minimal among all\n appendectomised patients, but avoidence of eating undigested fruit\n seeds and chewing plants well may help to prevent appendicitis.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So yes, eating habits can cause appendicitis, but it is minimal. This is partially due to some appendicitis's being caused by obstruction and the food particles can increase risk. </p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "digestion" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7195, "body": "<p>Common cold is one of the labels used to describe non specific infection of the upper respiratory tract. Other labels include acute rhinitis, acute rhinopharyngitis or acute coryza.</p>\n\n<p>Upper respiratory tract infections (URI) can be caused by multiple virus families such as the rhinovirus (the most common cause of URI), the influenza virus, the coronavirus and the adenovirus.</p>\n\n<p>While most of the URI share similar manifestations like rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, cough and sore throat, some symptoms may be much likely associated with a specific type of virus: myalgia and fatigue are commonly seen in influenza and parainfluenza infections, while conjunctivitis are often linked to adenovirus infection.</p>\n\n<p>In general cases, URI are self limited diseases. However, some patients (children aged less than 1 year and adults aged more than 65 years, pregnant woman, and people of any age with comorbid illnesses) are at risk of developing complications. Pulmonary complications are the most frequent complications of influenza infection and are often associated with secondary bacterial infection that can lead to acute lung injury. The latter is associated with high mortality rate. Neuromuscular and cardiovascular complications are less common.</p>\n\n<p>Sources:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Kasper, Dennis L, and Tinsley R. Harrison. Harrison's Principles of\nInternal Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill, Medical Pub. Division,</li>\n<li>Rothberg MB1, Haessler SD. Complications of seasonal and pandemic influenza.Crit Care Med. 2010 Apr;38(4 Suppl):e91-7</li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "common-cold", "bacteria", "symptoms", "infectious-diseases" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7295, "body": "<p><strong>Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)</strong> represent a group of disorders involving the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joint and associated structures. Stress, age and gender are common risk factors for TMD.</p>\n\n<p>TMD is often characterised by aural symptoms such as tinnitus, otalgia, vertigo, otic fullness sensation, hyperacousia or hypoacousia. Current understanding of TMD suggest that temporomandibular joint pain is due to pathological contraction of masticatory muscles which stimulate the realease of inflammatory molecules around the temporomandibular joint. </p>\n\n<p>Several hypothesis have been suggested to explain the otological symptoms associated with TMD among which that the position of the joint disk during jaw movement increases pressure in the Eustachian tube, the ear structures and the auriculotemporal and masseteric nerve, which innervate the tympanic membrane, the anterosuperior part of the external ear and the tragus. Additionally, studies have reported that in TMD, the tensor tympani muscle is in a pathological hypertonic state that may lead to hypoacusia, tinnitius, vertigo, otalgia and otic fulness sensation. Finally, some studies showed that TMD peripherally sensitizes the V and VII nerve pairs, leading to tonic spasm of these middle ear muscles and to hearing loss. </p>\n\n<p>While, I could not find a study directly correlating ear pain with hearing loss, a study (see Sources) showed that hearing loss is correlated to TMD severity. Below a table representation of the quantitative hearing loss by TMD severity among the individuals included in the study.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/KsPdB.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/KsPdB.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>In this study among 464 healthy individuals, subjects were stratified into four groups: non TMD, mild TMD, moderate TMD and severe TMD. Severity of TMD was based on the score obtained after completion of an anamnestic questionnaire composed of 10 questions. Unilateral chewing and facial pain were considered in the questionnaire. In the results section, authors report that </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>pain in the temporomandibular joint was reported by 96 subjects. It\n was experienced by 3% of the non-TMD group, 11.1% of the mild group,\n 8.8% of the moderate group and 70.8% of the severe TMD group. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Those results indirectly suggest that pain in the temporomandibular joint <strong>might be</strong> correlated to hearing loss, but this has of course to be confirmed.</p>\n\n<p>Sources:\nKitsoulis et al. BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders 2011, 11:5, <a href=\"http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6815/11/5\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6815/11/5</a></p>\n", "score": 3 }, { "answer_id": 8701, "body": "<p>TMJ syndrome may cause ear pain, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss. Hearing loss begins with inflammation. With its close proximity to the ear, any inflammation in the muscles of the jaw can cause the muscles associated with the ear to become constricted. I found a <a href=\"http://www.belmarrahealth.com/tmj-temporomandibular-joint-disorder-cause-tinnitus-hearing-problems/\" rel=\"nofollow\">study</a> regarding Tmj and Tinnitus.</p>\n\n<p>Hope that helps</p>\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http://thinkbetterlife.com/hearing-problems-chicago/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://thinkbetterlife.com/hearing-problems-chicago/</a></p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "cause-and-effect", "hearing-impaired", "tmj-jaw-pain", "hearing-loss" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8791, "body": "<p><strong>It does both</strong>. </p>\n\n<p>The center of the wart is weakened/killed with the acid/nitrogen(cold), while the periphery is damaged (both the wart and the skin around it). </p>\n\n<p>Because the wart is weakened, the body's natural reparation process slowly replaces the missing skin (under and around the wart) faster than the wart can grow, while the immune system prevents it from spreading within the area. </p>\n\n<p>Eventually what remains of the wart will get exfoliated (fall off) the same way as old skin, leaving behind healthy skin with no warts. </p>\n\n<p>More info about the treatments: <a href=\"https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-warts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352697\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Plantar Warts Diagnosis &amp; Treatment</a>.</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "medications", "dermatology", "disease", "parasites" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9118, "body": "<p>Prescription of an antibiotic by a doctor will be the outcome of weighing the possible good effect it impart and possible side effects. That is, an antibiotic will be prescribed only if needed. In case of dental or gum infections antibiotics may be prescribed after proper oral examination.</p>\n\n<p>If the conditions like bleeding gums need a dental prophylaxis or cleaning, it should be done without fail. That will remove the cause of infection that induced bleeding. In such cases taking antibiotics alone won't solve your problems. The approach should be to remove the cause or factor that caused the disease. These all will be done and approached properly by a good doctor.</p>\n\n<p>So consult a doctor before taking antibiotics. Don't neglect the bleeding just because you feel like it's not affecting your overall health. A localised problem like gum bleeding can cause generalised health issues if neglected or if it is not taken care at the beginning.</p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "antibiotics" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7659, "body": "<p>Although there is <em>limited scientific evidence</em> for flossing, it unquestionably <strong>does physically remove plaque between teeth</strong>, which cannot be removed with the bristles of a toothbrush. If it is not removed, the plaque in turn can cause gingivitis and ultimatly periodontitis (formation of pockets).</p>\n\n<p><strong>To answere your question weather there are other contributing factors :</strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><strong>Flossing possibly stimulates the gums physicaly, and makes them become firmer</strong>, but currently there is very little in the way of evidence for that.</p></li>\n<li><p>Another possibility is that <strong>by flossing regularly, you also use simultaneously other means of cleaning teeth</strong>, such as regular teeth brushing and mouth rinces)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Source:\n<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24353078\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24353078</a> (limited scientific evidence)</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "dentistry", "inflammation", "gums" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7272, "body": "<p>In medicine, upset stomach, bloating, discomfort or pain in the belly as well as feeling full quickly when eating is often referred as functional dyspepsia (FD). Although functional dyspepsia can be present without overeating, FD can be precipitated by rapid eating and overeating.</p>\n\n<p>Several studies have shown that delayed gastric emptying and gastric hypersensitivity to acid or distension are involved in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia.</p>\n\n<p>What is the role of antacids in symptoms of FD or overeating?</p>\n\n<p>The exact role of acids in gastric motility has still to be defined. Current evidence suggest that gastric protons lead to the release of mediators (from the upper small intestine), which activate neuronal systems involved in controlling gastric motility. Additionally, high concentrations of acid are associated with increased fundic tone and impaired sensation to distension of the fundus. It is therefore possible that antacids, in particular proton pomp inhibitors (PPI), may reduce postprandial symptoms by modulating the effect of protons (acids) on gastric motility.</p>\n\n<p>Interestingly, in 2006, a pilot study conducted among 12 healthy volunteers, showed that the administration of a PPI (20 mg bid for 2 days) reduced postprandial symptoms 30 min after ingestion of a small test meal. Other studies have reported that H2RA (Histamine H2 Antagonist) reduce intragastric volume and therefore lead to a reduction in postprandial fullness.</p>\n\n<p>Sources:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Grudell, A. (2006), Effect of a proton pump inhibitor on postprandial gastric volume, emptying and symptoms in healthy human subjects: a pilot study. Alimentary Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics, 24: 1037–1043.</li>\n<li>Upset stomach (functional dyspepsia) in adults (Beyond the Basics). (Uptodate.com)</li>\n<li>Miwa, H. (2012), Life style in persons with functional gastrointestinal disorders – large-scale internet survey of lifestyle in Japan. Neurogastroenterology &amp; Motility, 24: 464–471.</li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "digestion" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7321, "body": "<p>The most important instrument is <strong>laparoscope/endoscope</strong> which is </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>a fiberoptic instrument inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall and used to examine visually the interior of the peritoneal cavity. (<a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laparoscope\" rel=\"nofollow\">link</a>)</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Laparoscope is the instrument with video camera.</p>\n\n<p>There are also:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.whonamedit.com/synd.cfm/3348.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">veres needle</a> needed for draining fluids</p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trocar\" rel=\"nofollow\">trocar</a></p></li>\n<li><p>insufflator for insufflation (<a href=\"http://c8.alamy.com/comp/ADW7G3/laparoscopic-insufflation-of-the-abdomen-with-removal-of-adhesions-ADW7G3.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\">insufflation looks like that</a>)</p></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Traditionally, the first step during laparoscopic surgery is to distend the abdomen, including entry into the abdomen and then <strong>insufflation with a gas (pneumoperitoneum), providing sufficient operating space to ensure adequate visualization of the structures and manipulation of instruments</strong> (<a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0051907/\" rel=\"nofollow\">link</a>).</p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "medical-device", "instruments" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7363, "body": "<p>Measurements will always have measurement errors, we distinguish between systematic errors and statistical errors due to noise, or other random effects than on average are zero. Usually the former type of error should not be in play, the tests will have been designed such that on average the tests results are correct. The latter type of error is always in play, this leads to an error margin that typically gets worse at lower measured values. This means that there will always exist a lowest cutoff value such that measurement values below it will be consistent with a real value ranging from zero up to the cutoff. This will then be reported like your value for the microsomal antibodies. For values that are a bit higher than the cutoff, the protocol will be to report the measured value, but the measurement error may still be significant. </p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "blood-tests", "endocrinology", "thyroid" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7386, "body": "<p>Reversing Down Syndrome in adults is not something being currently researched to my knowledge. Alerting the DNA throughout the body of a person at this point is purely science fiction, but even if it were possible the critical structures that were created due to the genetic mutation wouldn't just go away. </p>\n\n<p>Take the simian crease in the hand of many with down syndrome. If you altered the DNA of the entire person they'd still have the simian crease because it was established early in the early formation of the person as an embryo. The genes for creating a hand aren't re-expressed later. </p>\n\n<p>More importantly, many of the brain structures and pathways are formed in early childhood and puberty and a genetic change after then would have little effect. </p>\n\n<p>Genetic alteration research would first be focused on embryonic intervention, but in not aware of any studies actively looking at that even. Most research is focused on early detection, causes/prevention, and therapeutic intervention for mitigation of symptoms. You can see none of the studies currently being conducted by the National Down Syndrome Society or the International Mosaic Down Syndrome Society are related to genetic intervention. These may also give you a feel for the type of research (<a href=\"http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Research/\" rel=\"nofollow\">here</a>, <a href=\"http://www.dsact.org/impact/\" rel=\"nofollow\">here</a>, and <a href=\"http://www.imdsa.org/mdsstudies\" rel=\"nofollow\">here</a>). </p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "mental-health", "genetic-engineering", "chromosomes", "crispr-cas-system", "downs-syndrome" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7416, "body": "<p><em>Before answering your question, let’s first go through some essential concepts:</em></p>\n\n<p><strong>What are the structures involved in the circadian system?</strong>\nThe organ that controls the 24-hour rhythm responsible for sleep-wake cycles, alertness and performance patterns, fluctuation in body temperature and production of hormones (e.g melatonin and cortisol) is the <strong>suprachiasmatic nuclei (SNC)</strong> of the anterior hypothalamus. The major environmental factor that resets our internal clock to 24 hours is the light and dark cycle generated by the earth’s axial rotation.</p>\n\n<p><strong>The neuroanatomy of the circadian system is following</strong>: light information is transduced from specialised <strong>retinal photoreceptors to the SCN by the retinohypothalamic tract (RHT)</strong>. SNC projects to the <strong>pineal gland</strong> via the <strong>paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the superior cervical ganglion (SCG)</strong>. Under normal light-dark conditions, the <strong>pineal melatonin</strong> rhythm peaks at night during the dark phase. However, light exposure during the night inhibits melatonin production.</p>\n\n<p>Your question</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>[Melatonin] has no use in blind people, so do they slowly stop secreting it?</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Interestingly, several studies have tried to monitor the level of cortisol and melatonin in blind people and the results were very different. Overall, there is a <strong>heterogeneous distribution of melatonin rhythm types</strong>. According to one of the longitudinal study conducted among 20 blind subjects:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Three subjects had normally phased melatonin rhythms, three were\n abnormally entrained, and 11 had free-running melatonin rhythms with\n periods ranging from 23.86 to 25.08 h. The remaining three subjects\n appeared to be arrhythmic.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><em>Why is the case?</em> Probably because not all disorders of the visual system cause a disruption of the circadian effects of light. Several studies have shown that the majority of legally blind individuals retain some degree of light perception even with very little usable vision.</p>\n\n<p><em>Why do individuals with absent or attenuated rod and cone function still retain circadian responses to light (20% of the nonperception of light patients according to some studies)?</em> Some recent advances have identified a new non-cone photoreceptor system (based on a novel molecule called melanopsin) that is involved in circadian rhythm regulation.</p>\n\n<p>Sources</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><p>Lockley SW, Skene DJ, Arendt J, Tabandeh H, Bird AC, Defrance R. Relationship between melatonin rhythms and visual loss in the blind. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Nov; 82(11):3763-70.</p></li>\n<li><p>Skene DJ, Lockley SW, Thapan K, Arendt J. Effects of light on human circadian rhythms. Reprod Nutr Dev. 1999 May-Jun; 39(3):295-304.</p></li>\n<li><p>Ruberg FL, Skene DJ, Hanifin JP, Rollag MD, English J, Arendt J, Brainard GC. Melatonin regulation in humans with color vision deficiencies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Aug; 81(8):2980-5.</p></li>\n<li><p>Lockley SW, Arendt J, Skene DJ. Visual impairment and circadian rhythm disorders. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.2007;9(3):301-314.</p></li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "endocrinology" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7523, "body": "<p>Precisely because developed countries have better air quality, nutrition, sanitation, healthcare, etc. life expectancy is higher and cancer is more likely in these countries. \nThis is because cancer is caused by mutations in DNA which accumulate over time. \nSince life expectancy in general is higher in developed countries, there is more time for mutations to accumulate and for cancer to develop in these people. \nLess developed countries have lower life expectancy, which means diseases and issues which developed countries have solved or are able to successfully deal with kill large enough portions of populations in undeveloped countries before mutations in DNA can accumulate in these people.\nFor this reason, cancer is often referred to as the problem -- in large part -- of the developed world. </p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "cancer", "statistics" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7489, "body": "<p>As correctly asserted, <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/controlled-drugs-list--2/list-of-most-commonly-encountered-drugs-currently-controlled-under-the-misuse-of-drugs-legislation#fn:1\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">it is banned class B stimulant un the UK</a>. In fact <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drugs_controlled_by_the_UK_Misuse_of_Drugs_Act#Class_B_drugs\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">it was banned in 1971</a> so I am unsure why you think the ban was recent.</p>\n\n<p>If you have social disorders and live in the UK you can ask for a referral from your doctor. Most common route is medication coupled with therapy (group or solo).</p>\n\n<p>To <strong>why</strong> it was banned is a deeper question. When the misuse act was drawn up it pulled together substances that were known to be used to a 'high'. Primarily in Sweden it was abused for the high it gives leading to <a href=\"http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/LIBRARY/studies/cu/CU39.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">classification as a narcotic in 1959</a> </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "medications", "social-anxiety", "stimulants", "health-policy", "class-schedule-of-drugs" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7503, "body": "<p>Before going directly into the topic, firstly, it is necessary to comprehend the mechanism of erection, because small fault due to different factors in the mechanism gives rise to its dysfunction. </p>\n\n<p>An erection is a complex process. It involves the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, psychological and psychological factors, local factors with the erection bodies or the penis itself, as well as hormonal and vascular components.</p>\n\n<p>When stimuli relating to sex are generated from different sources like touch, smell, visual,etc,they travel from the brain to the nerve centers at the base of the spine, where primary nerve fibers connect to the penis and regulate blood flow during erections and afterward. </p>\n\n<p>Sexual stimulation causes the release of chemicals from the nerve endings in the penis that trigger a series of events that ultimately cause muscle relaxation in the erection bodies of the penis. The smooth muscle in the erection bodies controls the flow of blood into the penis. When the smooth muscle relaxes, the blood flow dramatically increases, and the erection bodies become full and rigid, resulting in an erection. Venous drainage channels are compressed and close off as the erection bodies enlarge.</p>\n\n<p>So disruption in the any steps of the mechanism is responsible for erection dysfunction.\nThe causes of erection dysfunction can be broadly classified as:</p>\n\n<p>1.Psychological (mental) factors<br>\n2.Physical factors</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p>Psychological factors</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions</li>\n<li>Stress</li>\n<li>Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns</li>\n<li>feeling nervous about or self-conscious about sex</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li><p>Physical factors</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Heart disease</li>\n<li>Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)</li>\n<li>High cholesterol</li>\n<li>High blood pressure</li>\n<li>Diabetes</li>\n<li>Obesity</li>\n<li>Metabolic syndrome — a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol</li>\n<li>Parkinson's disease</li>\n<li>Multiple sclerosis</li>\n<li>Peyronie's disease — development of scar tissue inside the penis</li>\n<li>Certain prescription medications</li>\n<li>Tobacco use</li>\n<li>Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse</li>\n<li>Sleep disorders</li>\n<li>Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate</li>\n<li>Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord</li>\n</ul></li>\n<li>Hormonal factors\n\n<ul>\n<li>Low level of testosterone</li>\n<li>High level of prolactin</li>\n</ul></li>\n</ol>\n\n<p>References</p>\n\n<ol>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.emedicinehealth.com/causes_of_erectile_dysfunction/article_em.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.emedicinehealth.com/causes_of_erectile_dysfunction/article_em.htm</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/5702.php\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/5702.php</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/basics/causes/con-20034244\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/basics/causes/con-20034244</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"https://www.urologicalcare.com/erectile-dysfunction/ed-common-causes/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.urologicalcare.com/erectile-dysfunction/ed-common-causes/</a></p></li>\n<li><p><a href=\"https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/erectile-dysfunction\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/erectile-dysfunction</a></p></li>\n</ol>\n", "score": 8 } ]

[ "medications", "sex", "penis", "blood-circulation", "erectile-dysfunction" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8805, "body": "<h1>Answer: No</h1>\n\n<h1>Summary</h1>\n\n<p>Metabolic effects of caffeine may vary depending on whether one is 'naive' to caffeine (infrequent user) or 'accustomed' to caffeine (daily user). Metabolic effects may also vary due to genetics, specifically a polymorphism on the CYP1A1/2 enzyme <a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/Caffeine/#ref2\" rel=\"nofollow\">(1)</a></p>\n\n<p>One review notes that, after looking at the differences in metabolism between humans and rats, that a 10mg/kg bodyweight dose in rats is roughly bioequivalent to 250mg in a 70kg person. <a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/Caffeine/#ref3\" rel=\"nofollow\">(2)</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://examine.com/supplements/caffeine/#hem-metabolic-rate\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://examine.com/supplements/caffeine/#hem-metabolic-rate</a></p>\n\n<h2>Relevent Studies:</h2>\n\n<p><code>Dose Response Effects Of A Caffeine-containing Energy Drink On Muscle Performance: A Repeated Measures Design \nChange of Effect: None\nTrial Design: Double blind\nTrial Length: 24 hours\nNumber of Subjects: 12\nGender Both Genders\nAges: 18-29, 30-44\nBody-Types: Trained, Average</code></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22569090\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22569090</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>Notes for this study:</strong> </p>\n \n <p>In 12 active and healthy participants (light caffeine consumers at\n less than 60mg daily), an intake of a caffeinated energy drink\n (compared to placebo, the same energy drink but not caffeinated) was\n able to increased blood pressure and heart rate at rest without\n significantly affecting metabolic rate up to 3mg/kg bodyweight.</p>\n \n <p>Power output, as measured by half-squat and bench, was increased only\n at 3mg/kg bodyweight with no significant influence at 1mg/kg.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><code>Caffeine: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Of Its Thermogenic, Metabolic, And Cardiovascular Effects In Healthy Volunteers<br>\nChange of Effect: Increase<br>\nTrial Design: Double blind \nTrial Length: 24 hours \nNumber of Subjects: 6 \nGender: Both Genders \nAges: 18-29, 30-44 \nBody-Types: Untrained, Overweight, Average</code></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2333832\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2333832</a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>Notes for this study:</strong> </p>\n \n <p>In low habitual coffee drinkers (150-300mL daily), supplementation of\n 100-400mg caffeine increased the metabolic rate (9.2+?-5.7, 7.2+/-6.0,\n and 32.4+/-8.2kcal/h increase) with the highest dose also increasing\n plasma glycerol (indicative of fat burning) and lactate. Blood\n pressure was increased at 400mg only in supine position.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Footnote: <strong>Somatotypes aren't real.</strong> They are the result of a now debunked <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatotype_and_constitutional_psychology\" rel=\"nofollow\">theory of <strong>psychology</strong></a> and had nothing to do with predicting how one gained fat or muscle. Describing yourself by one of the three somatotypes is just a limiting belief and a rationalization for failure.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "exercise", "body-fat", "caffeine", "metabolism", "coffee" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7537, "body": "<p>After you apply Lamisil Once, it forms a medicated film. If you're careful, the film can remain on your skin for <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17559730\" rel=\"nofollow\">up to 72 hours</a>. This will help to make sure that the optimal amount of medication will make its way into your skin.</p>\n\n<p>Novartis <a href=\"http://lamisil.com.au/product-oncefilm.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">advise</a> their customers: \"It is recommended to apply Lamisil Once after a shower or bath, and then wait 24 hours before washing your feet again. Keep the affected area clean by washing it regularly after the first 24 hours. Dry the skin thoroughly, but <strong>be careful not to rub the skin</strong>.\" (Emphasis mine.)</p>\n\n<p>On its website, Kiwi Drug elaborates: \"After 24 hours, showering may resume, but the application site ... should be gently patted dry, not rubbed, as doing so will remove the film. ... With these considerations in mind it's easy to see how Lamisil Once may not be the best choice for treatment in some areas, such as the groin or armpits, that tend to ... rub against skin or clothing.\"</p>\n\n<p>Based on all this, it seems to me that Lamisil Once might fail miserably if used for jock itch or ringworm. If you want to maximize your chances of success, it's probably wiser to choose a different product instead.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "medications", "fungal-infection", "athletes-foot", "jock-itch-tinea-cruris", "ringworm" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7547, "body": "<p>Credit to: No Such Thing As A Fish Podcast.</p>\n\n<p>On one of the latest podcasts Harkin descries that with the Mate Tea (a very fine particulate tea) you can get upstream movement of particulates. \"The tea leaves climb back into the kettle\"</p>\n\n<p>This references: <a href=\"http://arxiv.org/abs/1105.2585\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://arxiv.org/abs/1105.2585</a> S. Bianchini, A. Lage-castellanos, E. Altshuler (Submitted on 12 May 2011)</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The phenomenon was first observed during the preparation of the typical\n Argentinian drink, mate, when hot water was poured, from a pot, on a\n water surface “contaminated” with floating mate particles (each\n particle is like a grass leave of an average area near 0.5mm^2 <strong>If the\n column of falling water was short enough (say, under 1cm-height),\n particles of mate were observed to “swim up the stream”, actually\n reaching the originally “uncontaminated” water pot</strong>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The study continues: </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>For distances of the order of 1 cm or less, some of the floating\n particles eventually start to “climb up the stream”</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Unless you were peeing 1cm away from the urinal, it's not possible for it to climb your pee stream. </p>\n\n<p>(Your doctor might have been referring to \"witches kiss\" where your todger touched the ceramic of the bowl while sitting down)</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "infection", "bacteria" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7619, "body": "<p><a href=\"https://www.polleninfo.org/fileadmin/template/img/chartimages/currency/resized/POAC_06_1.gif\" rel=\"nofollow\">https://www.polleninfo.org/fileadmin/template/img/chartimages/currency/resized/POAC_06_1.gif</a> </p>\n\n<p>According to the little number on the lower left, this is from 2012. The situation is worse than I expected in Europe. Also, there is a map from the states:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.allamericanallergy.com/images/Ragweed%20Pollen%20Map%2008-25-2014.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.allamericanallergy.com/images/Ragweed%20Pollen%20Map%2008-25-2014.jpg</a></p>\n\n<p>It will be so cool to find a map from the whole globe though.</p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "allergy", "allergen", "environmental-climate", "geography", "database" ]

[ { "answer_id": 7641, "body": "<p>Worried about tuna giving you mercury poisoning? Here's the exact study that caused this concern. It's recommendations are much higher than that of the FDA and online calculators: <a href=\"http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp46.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp46.pdf</a> </p>\n\n<p>Pages 24-25 of the report states:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>No consumption advice is necessary for the top ten seafood species\n that make up about 80% of the seafood sold in the United States:\n canned tuna, shrimp, pollock, salmon, cod, catfish, clams, flatfish,\n crabs, and scallops. The methylmercury in these species is generally\n less than 0.2 ppm, and few people eat more than the suggested weekly\n limit of fish (i.e., 2.2 pounds).</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>They also showed that a person can chronically (for >365 days) ingest .0003mg per kg of bodyweight of mercury per day with no adverse effect (pages 509 and Appendix 10). </p>\n\n<p>Thus, someone who weights 80kg (176lb) could thus safely ingest 0.024mg of mercury a day. Given that tuna is about .2ppm (parts per million) mercury, that equates to 120g tuna per day. Note that this is not the maximum safe amount but merely the highest they tested, so the maximum safe level is not known.</p>\n\n<p>In terms of grams per bodyweight, it changes per person. A 150lb person can safely consume 3.75oz of tuna per day, whereas a 210lb person can consume over 5oz per day.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/AxsJL.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Here is a handy chart which should help you pick some better fish.</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-good-seafood-guide\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Here is the EWG mercury-fish calculator.</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/Fitness/comments/15yrsf/warning_2_cans_of_chunk_light_tuna_a_day_for_2/?\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Here is some anecdotal evidence of 2 cans a day giving a guy mercury poisoning!</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.epa.gov/fish-tech\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Here is the EPA advisory website for fish</a></p>\n\n<p>TL;DR You can safely eat 1.5g/kg (0.7g per lb) of bodyweight in canned tuna per day.</p>\n\n<p>Note: <strong>USE MODERATION WHEN EATING ANYTHING</strong></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "nutrition", "diet", "side-effects", "treatment", "exercise" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8700, "body": "<p>I remember adolescents getting nose jobs for their deviated septums. I am surprised that all the doctors did not mention the deviated septum. Have you explored the realm of allergies?</p>\n\n<p>I had been, most of my life, getting head colds in which I could not breathe. My nose also got stuffy frequently. I took antihistamines and decongestants and whatever I could. I thought it was just a genetic anomaly, as my father had the same problem. </p>\n\n<p>Dr. Oz, whom I do not watch regularly, recommended a neti pot. I bought one (sold in drug stores and my local supermarket). There is probably a utube on using it. I am amazed at how well this works. I actually get fewer colds. I used this thing daily for a month and it seems to have cleared out a lingering condition because I hardly have to use it any longer. I am not kidding. This thing changed my life. </p>\n\n<p>The only caveat is that you should make sure your water has been pre boiled as a woman seems to have caught a brain ameba through the water system by using this thing. I just boil extra water in the teapot when I make tea and it's cool enough (I even use it at room temp) by the time I use it. </p>\n", "score": 1 }, { "answer_id": 10716, "body": "<p>To answer your question: yes, adults can receive surgery for a deviated septum. All surgeries have recovery time and <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/septoplasty/details/risks/cmc-20205422\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">the potential for complications</a>, and this one does not resolve symptoms 100% of the time. Thus, good doctors will want to be sure you've made good, solid tries on everything else first.</p>\n\n<p>To explore surgery as an option, the following will help:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Make a list of everything you've tried (especially past medications, but also past home remedies), and for how many days you tried them.</li>\n<li>When scheduling with an ENT, ask their nurse if the physician performs surgery for deviated septum</li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 1 }, { "answer_id": 7669, "body": "<p>I recommend trying laser sinus therapy. This technology has been used in Russia for decades and has finally made it to the United States. Unfortunately, many U.S. doctors are still unaware of it.</p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "breathing", "nose" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9279, "body": "<p><em>Studies have shown that arthritis (joint inflammation) and arthralgias (joint pain) are reported in up to 95 percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).</em></p>\n\n<p><strong>There is currently no evidence for the use of collagen supplements in lupus patients.</strong> Actually, some decades ago, these supplements have been suggested in patients with osteoarthritis. The reason for this, is that the pathology of OA results from focal and progressive hyaline articular cartilage loss which leads to changes in the bone underneath the cartilage. However, while the prescription of collagen supplements was very trendy some decades ago, their use has slowly declined due to growing evidence failing to show an efficacy of these collagen supplements. Here the conclusion of a <a href=\"http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1063458412007868\">systematic review</a> conducted in 2013 on this topic:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>There is insufficient evidence to recommend the generalized use of CHs\n in daily practice for the treatment of patients with OA.</strong> More\n independent high-quality studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic\n effects of collagen derivatives on OA complaints.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Of course this concerns osteoarthritis but it shows of controversial collagen supplements are.</p>\n\n<p>As summarised in uptodate, <strong>treatment of arthritis in lupus patients relies on the following drugs</strong>: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs or hydroxychloroquine. For some patients acetaminophen may be useful. Glucocorticoids, methotrexate, and other immunosuppressives may also be required.</p>\n\n<p><em>Sources:</em></p>\n\n<p>Schur P. et al. Musculoskeletal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Aug 30, 2016. <a href=\"http://www.uptodate.com/contents/musculoskeletal-manifestations-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?source=machineLearning&amp;search=lupus+arthritis&amp;selectedTitle=1%7E150&amp;sectionRank=1&amp;anchor=H2#H499515\">http://www.uptodate.com/contents/musculoskeletal-manifestations-of-systemic-lupus-erythematosus?source=machineLearning&amp;search=lupus+arthritis&amp;selectedTitle=1%7E150&amp;sectionRank=1&amp;anchor=H2#H499515</a></p>\n", "score": 6 } ]

[ "autoimmune-disease", "supplement", "lupus", "collagen", "joints" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8738, "body": "<p><strong>Closely Related to: <a href=\"https://health.stackexchange.com/questions/7551/what-is-the-latest-evidence-on-underwear-affecting-sperm-count/7587#7587\">What is the latest evidence on underwear affecting sperm count?</a></strong></p>\n\n<p>Elevated temperatures are thought to decrease sperm counts in males. </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/basics/causes/CON-20033113\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Mayoclinic.org</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function. Although\n studies are limited and are inconclusive, frequent use of saunas or\n hot tubs may temporarily impair your sperm count.</p>\n \n <p>Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a\n laptop computer for long stretches of time also may increase the\n temperature in your scrotum and may slightly reduce sperm production.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>And</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/sperm-and-semen-faq\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">WebMD.com</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Keep your scrotum cool, because heat slows down the making of sperm.\n To do this, avoid hot baths, wear boxers instead of briefs, and try\n not to wear tight pants.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>And </p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http://www.parentingweekly.com/preconception/preconception_information/heat_and_male_infertility.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">parentingweekly.com</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Researchers have found that the reason why a man's testicles rest\n outside the body in the scrotum rather than in the abdomen like the\n ovaries is because the ideal temperature for sperm production is three\n to four degrees below normal body temperature. Any warmer will affect\n sperm count, slashing it by about 40 percent per one-degree rise.\n Temporary overheating of the testicles can result from exposure to\n things such as saunas, hot tubs, heating blankets, even waterbeds.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So opinions vary on the accountability of research, but are consistent with heat having a possible risk.</p>\n", "score": 3 }, { "answer_id": 9523, "body": "<p>From &quot;<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3850314/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Can Male Fertility Be Improved Prior to Assisted Reproduction through The Control of Uncommonly Considered Factors?</a>&quot; (2013):</p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Hot baths</p>\n<p>Jung and Schuppe (26) reviewed the evidence on scrotal temperature and fertility. Studies that addressed professional exposure to high temperatures delivered conflicting results concerning fertility parameters. However, contraception via genital heat stress has been demonstrated using hot sitting baths or insulating suspensors. In a small study, wet heat exposure was a potentially reversible cause of low semen quality in infertile men, and scrotal cooling was found efficient in improving semen quality (27).</p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "reproduction", "fertility", "heat", "water-temperature", "bath" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8777, "body": "<p>The only well studied effects of drinking tea are the Green Tea Catechins:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>I would highly recommend people pay attention to the bioavailability\n issue and pay attention to <a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/quercetin/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Quercetin</a>. Green tea seems Godly in vitro,\n but it has high variability in people because not 100% of the\n catechins get to the cell to exert effects. Any supplementation with\n green tea catechins, in my opinion, should have thought given to\n increasing bioavailability through <a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/quercetin/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Quercetin</a>, <a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/fish-oil/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Fish Oil</a>, or consuming\n green tea with a meal that has these two.</p>\n \n <p>The combination of all four catechins seems to be better than just\n isolated EGCG, although pairing an EGCG capsule with a cup of green\n tea would be even better.</p>\n \n <p>— Kurtis Frank</p>\n \n <p><a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/Green+Tea+Catechins/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://examine.com/supplements/Green+Tea+Catechins/</a></p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The above site references many studies but the overall conclusion is green tea is really good for you, drink it:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>It has been implicated in benefiting almost every organ system in the\n body. It is cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-obesity,\n anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-artherogenic, liver protective\n and beneficial for blood vessel health. These beneficial effects are\n seen in doses present both in green tea itself (as a drink) as well as\n from a supplemental form.</p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "caffeine", "tea", "milk", "glucose" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8840, "body": "<p><strong>Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)</strong> is characterized by the occurrence of venous or arterial thrombosis and/or an adverse pregnancy outcome due to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=18417261\" rel=\"nofollow\">1</a>. There are to types of APS: either primary or secondary in the presence of an underlying disease, usually systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).</p>\n\n<p><strong>Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)</strong> is frequently observed in APS patients, with an incidence ranging from 22 to 42 percent <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=18417261\" rel=\"nofollow\">2</a>. The frequency of thrombocytopenia is higher in SLE-associated APS than in primary APS. According to uptodate <a href=\"http://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-of-antiphospholipid-syndrome?source=machineLearning&amp;search=antiphospholipid%20syndrome&amp;selectedTitle=3%7E150&amp;sectionRank=2&amp;anchor=H11#H21\" rel=\"nofollow\">3</a>: </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>the degree of thrombocytopenia is usually moderate, with a platelet\n count usually in the range of 100,000 to 140,000/microL, and is rarely\n associated with hemorrhagic events. Thrombocytopenia does not preclude\n the occurrence of thrombotic complications of APS.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Now to your question, here are the recommendations in uptodate <em>(which is a common source of reference for clinicians, as it provides, uptodate information of guidelines and recommendations)</em>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>For patients with thrombocytopenia who develop a thromboembolic event\n an antithrombotic therapy with <strong>low molecular weight heparin and\n vitamin K antagonists (goal INR 2.0 to 3.0) should be initiated as in\n other patients with APS</strong>.</p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "hematology", "platelet-count", "bleeding", "thrombosis" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8904, "body": "<p>I will answer your last question:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>What are (if there are any) the requirements for a diet to be defined\n \"healthy\"?</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Quality of existing diets is expressed by the so-called \"index values\" which are calculated by checking if a given diet conform to a special set of guidelines (hopefully, scientifically validated). Different countries have different guildelines and therefore different indexes, eg. in USA there is the <a href=\"http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/healthyeatingindex\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Healthy Eating Index</a> and in the Netherlands there is the <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3439289/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Dutch Healthy Diet index</a>. I do not know what is being used in Italy. Now, all these diets may have their strengths and weaknesses but their overall index-score can be high which could lead to labelling such diet as \"healthy\" despite some deficiencies.</p>\n\n<p>Now, for example, in <a href=\"http://www.vegepolska.pl/ocena-diety-wegetarianskiej-stosowanej-u-dzieci-za-pomoca-wskaznika-alternative-healthy-eating-index-ahei/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this article</a> (it's in Polish, sorry, but this is only for example, you can try to find other articles in English or Italian using Google) three diets for children are compared: vegetarian, vegan and traditional. The Healthy Eating Index is used as a measure and the scores are: vegetarian 57,7 points; vegan 90,2 points; traditional 24,9 points. The Vegan diet seems to be clearly superior in comparison with the traditional one. </p>\n\n<p>Now, I do not say that I agree with this method and its results, but I think that this is possible reason for someone to call vegan diet as \"proven healthy\".</p>\n\n<p>If you want to further pursue this subject, I would recommend to read more about those different indexes.</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "nutrition", "diet" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8871, "body": "<p><em>According to this book (freely available on NCBI bookshelf: <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK268/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK268/</a>) Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition.\nChapter 16: Blood Pressure by Walter A. Brzezinski.</em></p>\n<p><strong>Systolic blood (SBP)</strong> pressure corresponds to the maximum blood pressure during contraction of the ventricles</p>\n<p><strong>Diastolic pressure (DBP)</strong> is the minimum pressure recorded just prior to the next contraction.</p>\n<p><strong>The mean arterial pressure (MAP)</strong> is calculated by the formula:\nMAP = (2DBP+SBP)/3</p>\n<p>The mean arterial pressure is used to calculate overall blood flow and provides a good indication of the delivery of nutrients to the various organs.\nIt is also a good indicator of perfusion pressure (ΔP).</p>\n<p><strong>Oscillometric methods</strong> are used in automated BP monitors to calculate BP <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25570365\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a></p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Oscillometry is perhaps the most popular, non-invasive and automatic\nblood pressure (BP) measurement method. This method employs\nan inflatable arm cuff with a pressure sensor inside it. The measured\ncuff pressure not only rises and falls with cuff inflation and\ndeflation but also shows tiny oscillations indicating the pulsatile\nblood volume (BV) in the artery. The amplitude of these oscillations\nvaries with the applied cuff pressure, as the arterial stiffness is\nnonlinear. <strong>BP values are then estimated from the oscillometric cuff\npressure waveform using population-based methods such as fixed-ratios.</strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n<p>So those &quot;<em><strong>empirical statistical oscillometric parameters</strong></em>&quot; are probably population-based parameters which are used to calculate and interpret the oscillations arrising during the measuring of the BP.</p>\n<p><em>Sources:</em></p>\n<ol>\n<li>Liu J, Cheng H, Chen C-H, Sung S-H, Hahn J-O, Mukkamala R. Model-Based Oscillometric Blood Pressure Measurement: Preliminary Validation in Humans. Conference proceedings : Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference. 2014;2014:1961-1964. doi:10.1109/EMBC.2014.6943997.</li>\n</ol>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "blood-pressure" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8893, "body": "<p><em>First of all, I am going to stay quite “general” as I understand you are not from the field. The aim of my post is really to provide some clarifications to your question.</em></p>\n\n<p>There are <strong>two types of strokes</strong>: <strong>ischemic</strong> (approx. 85%) and <strong>hemorrhagic</strong> (approx 15%). As you are speaking of “blood accumulated in the brain” I understand that you mean hemorrhagic stroke (also know as intracerebral hemorrage).</p>\n\n<p>There are different causes for ICH (see table below for an exhaustive list), among which <strong>ruptured aneurysm</strong> (=balloon-like bulge in the wall of a blood vessel), <strong>arterial hypertension</strong> (which leads to chronic modification of the structure blood vessels, which becomes weaken) and <strong>cerebral amyloid antipathy</strong> (= deposition of amyloid which renders the vessel weak and increases its risk of rupture. This occurs often in the elderly)</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/HYu7V.png\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/HYu7V.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Depending on the location of the ruptured vessel, the brain region and hence the associated clinical symptoms vary.</p>\n\n<p><strong>What happens to the accumulated blood in the brain parenchyma?</strong></p>\n\n<p>It doesn’t stay for ever in the brain. Like in any other regions of the body, the hematoma becomes necrotic over time (=blood cells die). The presence of these cells in the parenchyma leads to an inflammation (+ presence of oedema). In particular, specialised cells (called macrophages) arrive into the zone and start “eating” the dead blood and dead neuronal cells. Below is a table which summarises the change occurring after an ICH:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/S3LNS.png\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/S3LNS.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Finally regarding your question on the <strong>outcome</strong>. Well, this depends on several factors. ICH generally show poorer outcomes than ischemic stroke but as I don’t know your uncle’s case it is not possible to give you a prognosis (and probably nobody can, as it depends on so many variables). </p>\n\n<p>However, what has been proven in the literature, is that recovery after a stroke is dependent on the capacity of the brain to “reorganise” and to “adapt” to the neuronal loss. I don’t know in which country you are, but in general, patients with ICH are generally quickly hospitalised in a so called \"stroke unit “ (if no neurosurgical intervention is needed) where intensive physiotherapy is done in order to quickly “train” the brain to develop new neuronal pathways.</p>\n\n<p>Drugs have no impact on accumulated blood. Their main aim is to try to reduce \"further damages\", for example by reducing the hypertension.</p>\n\n<p><strong>EDIT (after complement of information from the OP)</strong></p>\n\n<p>So according to the report attached, your uncle suffers from an ischemic stroke (\"subacute infarction in the middle left cerebral artery\"). This shifts the diagnosis from an hemorrhagic stroke (as you suggested with your description of \"blood accumulated in the brain\") to an ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused by a \"clot\" which occludes the vessel.</p>\n\n<p>The middle cerebral artery is a common source of ischemic stroke. The most frequent cause is atrial fibrillation (=abnormal rythm of the heart, which makes the heart pump \"inefficiently\" leading to accumulated blood clots to be ejected to the brain).</p>\n\n<p>As from the report, it looks like your uncle had a subacute stroke (= some hours ago), probably your uncle was outside the so called \"lysis\" time, which is the time were lysis (= destruction of the clot which occludes the vessel) can be undertaken.</p>\n\n<p>The therapy is similar to what I have described regarding ICH (particularly regarding physiotherapy). Though, one major difference is that probably a cause for the ischemic stroke will be investigated. Probably he will have a heart rythm investigation and a carotid doppler (= look at the carotid in the neck to see whether there are some stenosis (narrowing of vessel) or plaques). They might also start some drugs which depend on your uncle's situation (anticoagulation, statins,etc...)</p>\n\n<p>Hope this brought some clarification!</p>\n\n<p>Sources:\n- <a href=\"http://www.acnr.co.uk/mar_apr_2008/ACNRMA08_pathology.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer\">http://www.acnr.co.uk/mar_apr_2008/ACNRMA08_pathology.pdf</a> (for the figures)</p>\n", "score": 10 } ]

[ "brain", "blood-pressure", "stroke" ]

[ { "answer_id": 8928, "body": "<p>Micromedex does not list any precautions or patient educations notes for Dexedrine and caffeine. However both substances can have an effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Large amounts of caffeine like energy drinks or espresso would be ill advised, but I wouldn't think the small amount in a pop would have significant effects especially if you're decently tolerant to caffeine and a relatively normal sized adult. </p>\n\n<p>Never a bad idea to ask the prescribing physician what they think though. </p>\n", "score": 5 } ]

[ "medications", "mental-health", "caffeine", "add-adhd", "drug-interactions" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9081, "body": "<p>The atlas can be felt. It's the first protuberance you feel at the top of the spine. The axis is the second one.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486993/\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4486993/</a></p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "spine", "neck", "cervical-vertebrae-cv" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9090, "body": "<p>If I understand your question right:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.m.webmd.com/baby/features/fertility-101\" rel=\"nofollow\">WebMD</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Fertility peaks in your 20s. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So yes, young women are more fertile after puberty in their 20's. If you consider that after, as it would be around 7-18 years afterward puberty if they got puberty in their 13-14 year range.</p>\n\n<p>And:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Most women hit their fertile peak between\n the ages of 23 and 31, though the rate at which women conceive begins\n to dip slightly in their late 20s. Around age 31, fertility starts to\n drop more quickly — by about 3 percent per year — until you hit 35 or\n so.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>After the peak in fertility of their 20's their fertility goes down again. </p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "obstetrics", "fertility" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9143, "body": "<p>There are a few different manufacturers of the influenza vaccine available in the United States. There are also two main types of flu vaccines available; quadrivalent and trivalent. Quadrivalent is designed to protect against two types of influenza A viruses and two types of B while trivalent protects against the two A but only one B. Neither one is recommended over the other by the CDC.</p>\n\n<p>The difference in price could be due to manufacturer difference or quadrivalent vs trivalent vaccine. To find out what flu vaccine each retailer uses, you would probably have to call and talk to a pharmacist. </p>\n\n<p>Another reason for price difference could be how the vaccine is supplied. Some manufacturers make single dose syringes as well as multi dose vials. </p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/quadrivalent.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">CDC Quadrivalent info</a></p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">CDC vaccine efficacy</a></p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "vaccination" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9140, "body": "<p><em>Here some info regarding of the pathogens which could be transmitted by saliva of cats (and hence by skin abrasions and bites):</em></p>\n\n<p>Saliva of cats can be transmitted through bite wounds, skin abrasions, or mucous membranes. Teeth can penetrate deeply leading to contamination of bone and joint (osteomyelitis or septic arthritis). Infection complicates cat bites in about 50 percent of cases.</p>\n\n<p>Some decades ago, a prospective study <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1823783\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a> incuding 186 patients with cat bite wounds reported <strong><em>following risk factors for wound infections: older age, longer time intervals until ED treatment, wounds inflicted by \"pet\" cats, attempting wound care at home, having a more severe wound and having a deeper wound.</em></strong></p>\n\n<p>The pathogens which can be transmitted through saliva of cats are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>bartonella henselae</strong> (causing cat scratch disease)</li>\n<li><strong>pasteurella multocida</strong> (can cause serious soft-tissue\ninfections and less commonly septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, sepsis,\nand meningitis particularly in infants or immunocompromised hosts)</li>\n<li><strong>rabies</strong></li>\n<li><strong>capnocytophaga</strong> (can cause sepsis or meningitis and if following an eye\ntrauma due to a cat bite it can cause corneal infection)</li>\n<li><strong>tularemia</strong> (patient present with fever, chills, headache, and malaise,\nafter an incubation period of 2 to 10 days)</li>\n<li><strong>cowpox</strong> (which can mimic anthrax, i.e. painful hemorrhagic pustule or\nblack eschars)</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>A recent study <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122494/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">2</a> reported the frequency of pathogens found in cat bite wounds:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/aPuO1.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/aPuO1.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>There are vaccination against rabies. For laboratory workers, a vaccine against Francisella tularensis has been developed but is not yet widely available.</p>\n\n<p><em>References:</em> </p>\n\n<p>Kotton CN. Zoonoses from cats. UpToDate. Jun 2016. <a href=\"http://www.uptodate.com/contents/zoonoses-from-cats?source=machineLearning&amp;search=zoonoses+cat&amp;selectedTitle=1%7E150&amp;sectionRank=1&amp;anchor=H5#H5\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.uptodate.com/contents/zoonoses-from-cats?source=machineLearning&amp;search=zoonoses+cat&amp;selectedTitle=1%7E150&amp;sectionRank=1&amp;anchor=H5#H5</a></p>\n\n<p>For infos regarding vaccination: www.cdc.gov</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "medications", "vaccination" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9273, "body": "<p><strong>No, the hot or cold stimuli do not cause damage to the dentine</strong>, unless the cold or the heat is truly extream and prolonged. </p>\n\n<p>To understand what is going on, one has to know that dentine is a highly organised structure composed of thousands of tubules (microscopic channels). These spaces are occupied by air, fluid or the extremities of odontoblasts, cells that produced the dentin, which are at the periphery of the pulp chamber, the center of the tooth. The nerves in the middle of the tooth are only capable of transmitting information about pain and are unable to discriminate between the various causes.</p>\n\n<p>One of the most accepted theories to explain dentine sensitivity was <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14014982\" rel=\"nofollow\">the hydromechanical theory by Dr. Martin Brännström</a>. The pain is caused by the movement of fluid in the tubules due to changes in temperature and pressure. Pressure on the tooth or a hot stimulus cause the fluid to expand inwards and compress the odontoblasts and nerves in the middle of the tooth. Prolonged drying or a cold stimulus causes the water in the tubules to contract outwards (toward the stimulus), which causes a suction of the odontoblasts into the tubules which in turn pull on the nerves in the middle of the tooth, again causing discomfort or pain.</p>\n\n<p>Lastly, over-the-counter analgesics (painkillers) will not be very effective at preventing the pain, and more powerful ones will only mask the pain temporarily. Use of special toothpaste to block the tubules and desensitise the nerves can work, but an examination by an oral health professional will make sure that there is truly no other factors at play. </p>\n\n<p>My sources, other than professional training:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14014982\" rel=\"nofollow\">Brannstrom, M. (1963). \"Dentin sensitivity and aspiration of odontoblasts.\" Journal of the American Dental Association 66: 366-370.</a></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "dentistry" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9267, "body": "<p>I've seen diets like that (often with lamb included) not to <em>prevent allergies</em> but to <strong>prevent eating something you are allergic to</strong>. The idea is that the person is allergic to a large number of diverse things and is eating <em>something</em> allergenic every day. By wildly restricting the diet, two things will happen. </p>\n\n<p>First, the rash or other symptoms will calm down and heal, the patient's discomfort will be lessened dramatically, and the patient will probably sleep better and become \"healthier\" with the pressure of the symptoms off.</p>\n\n<p>Second, a baseline will be established to which other foods can be added. The patient can add their most important food first (eg everything I make has onions, let's find out if onions make me break out in a rash) or foods they believe are safe based on past experience. </p>\n\n<p>You should <strong>never</strong> consider doing this without a doctor's support and advice. Over the matter of a week or two, I wouldn't worry about vitamin deficiencies, but discuss with your doctor whether supplements are a good idea. Protein is a bigger thing, so talk to your doctor about why there is no meat in the plan. You will get a little from the rice, but probably not enough. Eggs and dairy are things many people are allergic to, so I can see excluding those, but as I've mentioned the people I know who were put on this diet were typically told to eat lamb as part of it.</p>\n\n<p>It is definitely a short term thing that you can retreat to when you are seemingly reacting to everything and your health feels out of control. Don't assume that anyone who suggests it is a quack. But don't assume that it's a safe way to live your life or that you should keep eating that way once your symptoms have subsided.</p>\n\n<p>Page 25 of <a href=\"https://www.functionalmedicine.org/content_management/files/AFMCPSeptember2011/7_Updated%20Course%20Materials/Tuesday/Bischoff_Prescribing%20an%20Elimination%20Diet.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">this PDF of a talk on elimination diets</a> lists a number of studies on elimination diets in general. It is focused on eliminating things, and doesn't bring the patient down to just two foods, though. </p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "nutrition", "diet", "allergy" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9251, "body": "<p>Caffeine comes from <strong>coffee beans</strong>, but it can also be synthesized in a laboratory.</p>\n<h1>Caffeine has the same structure whether it’s in Coffee, Energy Drinks, Tea or pills/powder.</h1>\n<p>Caffeine dosages should be tailored to individuals. If you are new to caffeine supplements then the usual recommended start is with a 100mg dose (<strong>see warning below)</strong>. Typically, 200mg of caffeine is used for fat-burning supplementation (impact is still being discussed in scientific community), while acute strength increases occur at higher doses, 500mg and above (again, still under discussion). Researchers tend to use a dosage range of 4-6mg/kg bodyweight.</p>\n<p>The structure is the same but its easier to take more than you are used to if you measure wrong. I would <strong>personally</strong> suggest you <strong>avoid powder</strong> and go for <strong>pill form</strong> if you are set on reducing intake through less coffee.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://examine.com/supplements/Caffeine/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">You can read more about caffeine over at Examine.com</a></p>\n<hr />\n<p><strong>Caution Notice</strong></p>\n<p>Caffeine is highly stimulatory and a systemic vasoconstrictor. Caution should be exerted if one is either not used to caffeine ingestion or currently has high blood pressure.</p>\n<p>Caffeine should not be used as a supplement in those with cardiac impairments without prior consultation of one's doctor.</p>\n<p>Caffeine can also have an effect on ones quality of sleep; while you may be able to fall asleep, it will be of inferior quality.</p>\n<p><em>Note:</em> Habitual caffeine use leads to tolerance. This means the effects of caffeine will be diminished, often to the point where the only benefit a user experiences is caffeine’s anti-sleep effect. This is an ‘insurmountable’ tolerance, which means more caffeine will not overcome it. <a href=\"http://examine.com/nutrition/do-i-need-to-cycle-caffeine/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">A month-long break from caffeine will reduce tolerance</a>.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "caffeine", "drug-metabolism", "coffee" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9278, "body": "<p>In the attempt to prevent or treat dehydration you should not drink sea water.</p>\n\n<p>In short: By drinking seawater you ingest excessive amount of sodium chloride, which needs to be excreted by urine in order to maintain normal blood sodium concentration. Since the human kidneys have a limited ability to concentrate urine, the amount of water lost by urine in order to excrete sodium chloride is greater than the amount of water in the drunk seawater. This results in a net water loss. </p>\n\n<p>Detailed explanation is below:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://books.google.com/books?id=krLSCQAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PA373&amp;lpg=PA373&amp;dq=kidney%20urine%20concentration%20ability%20seawater&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=ZBnVktECYW&amp;sig=yJ7xaF3POeo_UjRyTnoATKszmy8&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;redir_esc=y#v=onepage&amp;q=kidney%20urine%20concentration%20ability%20seawater&amp;f=false\" rel=\"nofollow\">E. Hall, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th edition, 2016 (p. 373) </a></p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The limited ability of the human kidney to concentrate the urine to\n only 1,200 mOsm/L explains why severe dehydration occurs if one\n attempts to drink seawater.</p>\n \n <p>Sodium chloride concentration in the oceans averages about 3-3.5% with\n an osmolality between about 1,000 and 1,200 mOsm/L.</p>\n \n <p>Drinking 1 liter of seawater...would provide a total sodium chloride\n intake of 1,200 mOsm. If maximal urine concentration ability is 1,200\n mOsm/L, the amount of urine needed to excrete 1,200 mOsm would be...1\n liter.</p>\n \n <p>The kidneys must also excrete other solutes, especially urea, which\n contribute about 600 mOsm/L when urine is maximally concentrated.\n Therefore the maximal concentration of sodium chloride that can be\n excreted by the kidneys is about 600 mOsm/L. Thus for every liter of\n seawater drunk, 1.5 liters of urine volume would be required to rid\n the body of 1,200 mOsm of sodium chloride ingested in addition to 600\n mOsm of other solutes...This would result in a <strong>net fluid loss of 0.5\n liter for every liter of seawater drunk.</strong></p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 5 } ]

[ "water", "death" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9329, "body": "<p><a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27271361\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27271361</a>\nThis study expands on the possibility of certain metabolites found in dietary milk may contribute highly to Single Nucleotide Polymorphism SNP formations. Dietary milk are given primarily to developing organisms, and for that concentrations of growth hormones as well as precursors that transform into growth hormone are widely prevalent in milk. Endless studies have shown that individuals who exhibit higher levels of growth hormones are correlated with higher risk of neoplastic and dysplastic cell formations, or in short, tumor formations. </p>\n\n<p>Moreover, milk produced from cattle have shown in studies, such as in, <a href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27173290\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27173290</a>, to contain high levels of antibiotic productants, if given by owners, and/or evidence of white blood cells, more specifically neutrophils. Due to frequent pumping of milk from cow's breast, mastitis often manifests and thus calls for a need for antibiotic intervention. Tremendous number of studies have alluded to early antibiotic implications as a forerunner food allergies, IBS/crohn's disease, as well as other adverse conditions. </p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "nutrition", "diet", "physiology", "dairy", "calcium" ]

[ { "answer_id": 15998, "body": "<p>Vitamin B12 is involved in the synthesis of melatonin, a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in mammals and helps to regulate the circadian rhythm and therefore sleep. Thus a B12 deficiency could result in sleep disturbance.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/4ErqA.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/4ErqA.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a>\nSource: </p>\n\n<p>Peuhkuri, Katri, Nora Sihvola, and Riitta Korpela. \"Dietary factors and fluctuating levels of melatonin.\" Food &amp; nutrition research 56.1 (2012): 17252.\n<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3402070\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3402070</a></p>\n\n<p>This provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of sleep disorders with B12, however the evidence base for the efficacy of such treatment is very small, consisting mainly of low-quality epidemiological studies (case reports). The only well-designed study I could find was by Okawa el at (1997) which did not find any treatment effect:</p>\n\n<p>Okawa M, Takahashi K, Egashira K, et al. Vitamin B12 treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome: a multi-center double-blind study. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1997;51:275–9.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582061\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4582061</a></p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "sleep", "health-education", "b-12-supplements", "insomnia" ]

[ { "answer_id": 10442, "body": "<p>Oral bacteria requires tiny amounts of carbohidrates to survive. In long term fast, the glicoproteins from the saliva brings necessary carbohidrates to them to survive. But the main actor from diet, from the bacteria perspective, is the sugar, so, a sugar fast could change the composition of oral microbiota. </p>\n\n<p>Now, we have the evidence that is the disbalance the ones that is associated with oral diseases and that a healthy mouth is a mouth with <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23147531\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">many different bacteria</a></p>\n\n<p>So, the answer to your question is a partial yes: a sugar fast is the only required to change a \"bad microbiome\" to a \"good\" one. If you increase also the consumption of fruits, vegetables and some <a href=\"http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/is-red-wine-good-for-your-teeth\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">wine</a>. The U of Rochester has some examples of good and bad food for your mouth <a href=\"https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&amp;ContentID=4062\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">here</a></p>\n\n<p>TL;DR: a fast of sugar can change your oral microbiome</p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 9377, "body": "<p>I didn't find any study about fasting and <em>oral</em> flora but in <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1352378/\" rel=\"nofollow\">this study</a> (PubMed Central, 2005), fasting for 8 days did not significantly change the <em>intestinal</em> flora in patients with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.</p>\n\n<p>Even if the mouth flora can change after fasting, it sounds logical that it would change back when you start to eat (the same foods) again.</p>\n\n<p>Certain mouth bacteria, when fed by certain sugars (sucrose, trehalulose, glucose, fructose) produce acids that can cause dental caries. So, a partial fast (avoiding mentioned sugars) could theoretically decrease the risk of dental caries, but it seems that genetics and the time between sugar eating and tooth brushing are more important than the amount of sugar consumed (<a href=\"http://www.nutrientsreview.com/carbs/sugars.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">Nutrients Review</a>). </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "nutrition", "dentistry", "bacteria", "oral-health" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9357, "body": "<p>To your questions:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Is it possible to get a secondary infection following a flu shot?</p>\n \n <p>Can a flu shot entail a risk of secondary infection like a real flu?</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a whole webpage on the effectiveness of flu vaccine:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm</a></p>\n\n<p>Here some points which should provide some further understanding:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>According to recent studies conducted by the CDC, flu vaccination leads to a <strong>50% to 60% reduction in the risk of flu illness among the overall population</strong></li>\n<li>The <strong>factors that influence the effectiveness of flu vaccine</strong>: the age and associated disease (comorbidities) of the person being vaccinated and the similarity between the flu viruses the flu vaccine is designed to protect against and the prevalence of the flu viruses in your community.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Here an essential extract from the CDC website:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>During years when the flu vaccine is not well matched to circulating\n viruses, it’s possible that no benefit from flu vaccination may be\n observed.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><strong>Finally, influenza vaccination does not protect against other viruses that cause flu-like symptoms.</strong> </p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>There are many other viruses besides flu viruses that can result in\n flu-like illness* (also known as influenza-like illness or \"ILI\") that\n spread during the flu season.</strong> These non-flu viruses include rhinovirus\n (one cause of the \"common cold\") and respiratory syncytial virus\n (RSV), which is the most common cause of severe respiratory illness in\n young children, as well as a leading cause of death from respiratory\n illness in those aged 65 years and older.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Hope this helps!</p>\n", "score": 3 }, { "answer_id": 9717, "body": "<p>I highly recommend the <a href=\"https://www.khanacademy.org/science/health-and-medicine/infectious-diseases/influenza/v/flu-vaccine-risks-and-benefits\" rel=\"nofollow\">Flu vaccine risks and benefits</a> video from the Khan Academy on this subject.</p>\n\n<p>The main cons of getting a flu shot are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Getting the shot may be painful</li>\n<li>You may get <em>very mild</em> flu-like symptoms <strong>(you cannot get the flu from a flu shot)</strong></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The pros are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>60% - 70% efficacy against the flu</li>\n<li>Herd immunity if enough people get vaccinated</li>\n</ul>\n", "score": 1 }, { "answer_id": 9718, "body": "<p>I think your question would be better worded as, \"can I get an infection after receiving the flu shot?\" Since a secondary infection would imply that you had an infection in the first place. </p>\n\n<p>Your question is not uncommon, and many people hesitate to receive it again after experiencing what you are describing. </p>\n\n<p>Some patients do report very mild flu-like symptoms after receiving the flu vaccine via a shot, but the symptoms are much more common with the nasal spray. Symptoms may include feeling sleepy, light cough from throat irritation, achy, headache, tired, mild fever, joint point. However, these symptoms are not due to infection, the symptoms are from your immune system reacting to the dead virus particles (eww) to the vaccine. I'm not making this up, it's called the inflammatory response. The inflammatory response symptoms are GOOD, though, because it means your immune system is doing its job like it is supposed to. </p>\n\n<p>Once your immune system has been in contact with these dead virus particles it will have learned how to combat those strains of viruses in the future. Your system begins to make what are called antibodies, which are what protect you in case you do come in contact with a live virus. In fact, these antibodies are called ig-M, the M actually stands for memory, neat huh? Your white blood cells will actually remember those strains of virus and easily destroy them on contact. So when and if you actually come in contact with the flu, your white blood cells will be ready to do their job very quickly. </p>\n\n<p>It is certainly possible to get sick during any period of time before or after receiving the flu vaccine. Your body takes several weeks to build immunity to the flu virus after receiving the flu vaccine. It is still possible to contract the flu during that period. In fact, it is possible to contract the flu even after your body achieves immunity, because the flu virus changes constantly even within 1 flu season. The advantage to the vaccine is that if you do happen to get sick, the flu will not be as severe since you will have extra antibodies to begin with. </p>\n\n<p>The bottom line is that it is your body and you know it best. If you have concerns I would certainly recommend seeing a physician.</p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "immune-system", "influenza" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9365, "body": "<p>So I didn't die during the night, but the pain did awake me with a jolt at about 5am, and I went to the Urgent Care Clinic promptly at 6am, and it's a good thing because the inflamed site had grown significantly. The Doctors were able to incise/cut out the bite site and take a syringe and suck out the venom/blister/pus that was festering underneath. They applied antibiotic cream over that and bandaged it up. They swabbed it and are running a culture test on it to know which medications are best to treat this. They think they got all of it, but want to make sure it didn't enter my bloodstream, etc. </p>\n\n<p>Apparently during the fall, the Hobo Spiders are extremely aggressive/active at night as it is their mating season and while their bite is not always venomous (it depends whether they inject it at the time), sometimes it is, and in this case it was. The symptoms of a Hobo Spider bite are akin to a Brown Recluse, although not as a potent. But the wound site does take several months to recover/heal completely and will probably leave a scar. </p>\n\n<p>If the bite is venomous or it just becomes infected, it can become pretty serious, especially for those with poor immune systems. </p>\n\n<p>So just be aware of the Hobo Spider if you are in the Pacific Northwest! Or if you are concerned about any spider bite, just speak to your physician -- don't hesitate. </p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "venom", "rash", "insect-bites", "blister", "coloration-discoloration" ]

[ { "answer_id": 18796, "body": "<p>Interesting question. I remember my <a href=\"http://scholar.google.com.eg/citations?user=WoWVlHcAAAAJ&amp;hl=en\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">professor</a> of pharmaceutical technology and pharmaceutics addressing this when we discussed the significance of dosage form design.</p>\n\n<p>The skin on one’s face is far <a href=\"https://www.verywellhealth.com/skin-anatomy-1068880\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">thinner</a> and more sensitive than the skin on one’s body. The facial epidermis is about 0.12mm thick whereas on the body it averages around 0.6mm (nearly six-fold). The difference renders itself to be pharmacologically significant.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/8EwLf.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/8EwLf.jpg\" alt=\"Epidermis Layers\"></a>\n<a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/lmAIw.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/lmAIw.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>As we can see above, there are several layers to one’s epidermis. Thickness matters if/when your product works through your skin (chemically rather than physically like a non-medicated moisturiser or sunscreen). Even if your body cream and face cream are both designed to target the same layer of your epidermis, the absorption varies due to each’s thickness. Attempting to target one’s basal layer on the back will need more penetrative “work” than when attempting to target the same layer on one’s face. This is why creams for soles of the feet are different than face creams.</p>\n\n<p>If it were simply a matter of sensitivity to the eyes, the label would just read “avoid application near the eyes”.</p>\n\n<p>With regards to babies/children under 3 years of age, their skin is typically much more porous and absorbent so the difference becomes more pronounced.</p>\n\n<p>Hope this helps.</p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 9693, "body": "<p>In my experience, such warnings are typically present if ingredients in the lotion would irritate the eyes or mouth—problems that can't happen if you avoid applying it to the face.</p>\n\n<p>My reasoning goes as follows: The only significant difference between skin on one's face and elsewhere is the higher concentration of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_gland#Sebum\" rel=\"nofollow\">sebaceous glands</a> that secrete oil, but since this lotion is clearly based on oils or fatty alcohols intended to replace or supplement the same oils anyway, I don't see that as significant. However, a mixture of oils with a thick consistency applied (accidentally) to the eye's tear film would likely cause strong irritation.</p>\n\n<p>I'd interpret the instructions as \"be really careful if applying this on your face; you <em>really really</em> don't want it in your eyes\".</p>\n\n<p>I don't know whether skin in under-3-year-olds is significantly different somehow, but the wording does make me think of the usual \"don't let your kid eat it\" caveat. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "dermatology", "chemical", "side-effects", "face", "topical-cream-gel" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9409, "body": "<p>Title of this publication speaks it all: <a href=\"http://jrs.sagepub.com/content/104/12/510.full\" rel=\"nofollow\">The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research</a> (2011). Some quotes:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>This process of conversion of basic science to patient benefit is often called ‘<strong>translation</strong>’</p>\n \n <p>Using different endpoints, different domains and different approaches,\n Balas and Bohen and Grant et al. both estimate the time lag in\n health research being 17 years. Wratschko also suggested 17 years as\n the highest limit for the time taken from drug discovery to\n commercialization.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>From <a href=\"http://journals.lww.com/annalsofsurgery/Abstract/2016/06000/Making_the_Leap___the_Translation_of_Innovative.12.aspx\" rel=\"nofollow\">Making the Leap: the Translation of Innovative Surgical Devices From the Laboratory to the Operating Room (2016)</a>:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Innovative surgical devices have preceded many of the major advances\n in surgical practice. However, the process by which devices arising\n from academia find their way to translation remains poorly understood.\n (...) The probability of a <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-in-man_study\" rel=\"nofollow\">first-in-human</a> at 10 years was 9.8%.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>From <a href=\"http://www.nature.com/gim/journal/v17/n6/abs/gim2014133a.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">An overview of recommendations and translational milestones for genomic tests in cancer</a> (2015):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The median time from discovery to recommendation statement was 14.7\n years.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>There are people trying to lower those lag times, see for example <a href=\"http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/25880494\" rel=\"nofollow\">Faster by a power of 10: a PLAN for accelerating national adoption of evidence-based practices</a> (2015):</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>We propose an ambitious goal: to increase the speed of adoption of\n evidence-based practices by a power of 10, from 17 years to 1.7 years,\n and present a 4-step PLAN to achieve this.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>So maybe in the future things will be better.</p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "research" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9454, "body": "<p>Neurodegenerative diseases are diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms (memory impairment for Alzheimer Disease/ bradykinesia, tremor and rigor for Parkinson Disease) +/- neuropsychological tests. </p>\n\n<p><strong>The current role of neuroimaging in the diagnosis of neurogenerative diseases such as Parkinson Disease or Alzheimer Disease is mainly supportive</strong>, it can be used</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>to confirm a high suspicion for the disease (due to typical clinical\npresentation for example)</li>\n<li>to exclude possible other diseases when the clinical diagnosis is unclear</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p><strong>None of the current dignostic criteria for AD or PD rely solely on neuroimaging studies.</strong></p>\n\n<p>There are some signs on MRI scan which <strong>may indicate</strong> the presence of AD or PD but patients with advanced stages of the disease may show limited signs of the diseases on MRI.</p>\n\n<p>In <strong>AD</strong>, patients typically present hippocampal atropy (craked walnut sign, see image below) or medio temporal atrophy. However, as hippocampal atrophy is also present with age, some age-specific criteria are needed to differentiate between a age-related hippocampal atrophy and an AD-related hippocampal atrophy. Other signs may be present such as white matter anomalies. But these signs do not correlate necessarily with the severity of the disease.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/gZWYz.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/gZWYz.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>In PD, the role of MRI is very limited and is mainly used to help when a differential diagnosis for the symptoms is present. It can also help diagnosing between an idiopathic PD or a vascular PD for example (if signs of cerebrovascular diseases are present on the MRI).</p>\n\n<p>Recently, <strong>advanced techniques of neuroimaging</strong> (non exhaustive list: functional brain imaging with [18F] FDG-PET, functional MRI (fMRI), perfusion MRI, SPECT, amyloid PET tracers (F18-florbetapir, F18-flutemetamol, F18-florbetaben) in AD and MR spectroscopy (MRS), magnetization transfer imaging, diffusion-weighted MRI, diffusion tensor MRI, and high-resolution imaging (eg, MRI at 7 Tesla) for PD) have been suggested to help in the diagnosis of AD and PD. However, most of the studies rely on a small number of patients so further studies including a larger sample size are needed to confirm the encouraging results.</p>\n\n<p><em>Sources:</em></p>\n\n<p>Wolk D et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of Alzheimer disease. UpToDate. October 2016. <a href=\"https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-alzheimer-disease?source=machineLearning&amp;search=alzheimer&amp;selectedTitle=1~150&amp;sectionRank=3&amp;anchor=H406199175#H406199175\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-alzheimer-disease?source=machineLearning&amp;search=alzheimer&amp;selectedTitle=1~150&amp;sectionRank=3&amp;anchor=H406199175#H406199175</a></p>\n\n<p>Chou K et al. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Parkinson disease. UpToDate. October 2016. <a href=\"https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-and-differential-diagnosis-of-parkinson-disease?source=see_link#H17\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">https://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-and-differential-diagnosis-of-parkinson-disease?source=see_link#H17</a></p>\n\n<p>for the picture: Ho M. and Eisenberg R. Neuroradiology signs. Alzheimer Disease, p19.</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "neurology", "mri", "alzheimers", "parkinson" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9459, "body": "<p><em>This is a very interesting question. Thank you.</em></p>\n\n<p><strong>Just as a small background on pectus excavatum (PE)</strong> (also known as \"funnel chest\"). It is characterised by depression of the sternum that begins over the midportion of the manubrium and progressing inward through the xiphoid process:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/dpZP9.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/dpZP9.jpg\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>(from <a href=\"http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pectus-excavatum/multimedia/pectus-excavatum/img-20007723\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pectus-excavatum/multimedia/pectus-excavatum/img-20007723</a>)</p>\n\n<p>According to <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=19048741\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">this study conducted in 947 patients</a>, the most frequent symptoms of PE are:</p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Exercise intolerance</li>\n<li>Chest pain</li>\n<li>Poot endurance</li>\n<li>Shortness of breath</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Now to your question:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>could this repositioning put additional pressure on the heart over\n time leading to an increased risk of cardio vascular disease or other\n circulatory related problems</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><strong>Yes</strong>. Several studies based on echocardiography have shown that, most of the patients with PE have <strong>cardiac displacement to the left side and hence right ventricular dysfunction (which explains the shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, etc...)</strong>. Patients often show <strong>right ventricular outflow obstruction</strong> and reduced right ventricular systolic function (particularly in patients with severe PE). The cardiac displacement and compression may lead to <strong>conduction abnormalities</strong>, such as bundle branch block.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Noteworthy, surgical treatment is associated with an improvement of these cardiac abnormalities and hence symptoms.</strong></p>\n\n<p><em>Sources:\nBrochhausen C, Turial S, Müller FKP, et al. Pectus excavatum: history, hypotheses and treatment options. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. 2012;14(6):801-806. doi:10.1093/icvts/ivs045.</em></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "heart-disease", "cardiovascular-disease", "blood-circulation", "heart", "pectus-excavatum" ]

[ { "answer_id": 19571, "body": "<p>This is currently impossible to answer definitely. There is further a difference between 'could become a risk' and 'will likely be a risk'. </p>\n\n<p>Only now are even the warnings about the long established connection between SSRI/SNRIs and several forms of sexual dysfunction, including persistent symptoms of discontinuation required to be included on the drug's info leaflet.</p>\n\n<p>(11 June 20191 EMA/PRAC/265221/2019 Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) New product information wording – Extracts from PRAC recommendations on signals Adopted at the 13-16 May 2019 PRAC (<a href=\"https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/new-product-information-wording-extracts-prac-recommendations-signals-adopted-13-16-may-2019-prac_en.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">PDF</a>)</p>\n\n<p>The most drastic case report, that very probably isn't suitable to be the basis for a generalised answer the question seeks is: 3 days of SSRI treatment and massive and persistence drop in libido.</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>B.B., a 27-year-old female, presented with chronic insomnia, anxiety and moderate depression in December 1998 and was prescribed 20 mg q.d. fluoxetine. She immediately noticed an improvement in sleep and mood. Within the first 3 days of beginning therapy, she experienced a dramatic loss of libido and a marked reduction of genital and nipple sensitivity with concurrent anorgasmia. She decided to continue with the therapy for a limited time because of the improvement in mood. After 7 months of treatment she discontinued the fluoxetine. Most aspects of sexual dysfunction have never reversed. Orgasmic capacity did return upon discontinuation, but at a dramatically reduced intensity and with a refractory period of several days, and tactile sensitivity only partially returned. Libido loss is almost total, compared to a very high libido since puberty. In July 2000 and February 2005, serum testosterone and estradiol were found to be in the normal range.<br>\n _{–– Antonei B. Csoka &amp; Stuart Shipko: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16636635\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">\"Persistent Sexual Side Effects after SSRI Discontinuation\"</a>, Psychother Psychosom 2006;75:187–188 <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1159/000091777\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">DOI</a>}</p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "side-effects", "mental-health", "sex", "depression", "antidepressants" ]

[ { "answer_id": 15655, "body": "<blockquote>\n <p>There are very few research data available on the efficacy\n of hypnosis in the treatment of sleep disorders. Most of the\n literature is limited to case reports or studies with such a\n small sample that at times it is very difficult to interpret the\n results. There is a major placebo effect, so uncontrolled\n trials are of limited value. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.annals.edu.sg/pdf/37VolNo8Aug2008/V37N8p683.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">http://www.annals.edu.sg/pdf/37VolNo8Aug2008/V37N8p683.pdf</a></p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "research", "treatment-options", "insomnia", "hypnosis", "sleep-aids" ]

[ { "answer_id": 12307, "body": "<p>According to this study <a href=\"http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ca.22571/abstract\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">1</a> those of us with oily skin may have less forehead wrinkles.</p>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "acne", "wrinkles", "shaving-razor-burn", "dandruff", "dermatochalasis-saggy" ]

[ { "answer_id": 10405, "body": "<p>In the past years of study, sugar had seen to be one of the most disastrous substances to our health. Excessive intake of sugar can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases. That is why that sugar-free diets are being promoted worldwide. \nWhat is sugar? <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugar\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Sugar</a> is typically a combination of glucose and fructose. Sugar is the generalized name for sweet, short-chain, soluble carbohydrates, many of which are used in food. </p>\n\n<p>The most <a href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288088.php\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">common sources of added sugars include</a> soft drinks, cakes, pies, chocolate, fruit drinks and desserts. Just a single can of cola can contain up to 7 tsp of added sugar, while an average-sized chocolate bar can contain up to 6 tsp. </p>\n\n<p>The fact that our body actually needs a certain amount of glucose to function - primarily the brain - which is the biggest consumer of glucose. All fruits and vegetables contain varying amounts of sugar in the form of natural fructose, so <a href=\"http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/diet/is-your-sugar-free-diet-really-sugar-free/news-story/8dcc235104ce9612cb3d8a9fe2a766a3\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">aiming to be 100%, or close to, sugar-free</a>, is not only near impossible but actually unhealthy, as this would mean avoiding all fruits and vegetables.</p>\n\n<p>And according to MedicalNewstoday \"Cutting all sugar from your diet would be very difficult to achieve. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products and dairy replacements, eggs, alcohol and nuts all contain sugar, which would leave you with little other than meat and fats to eat - definitely not very healthy.\"</p>\n\n<p><strong>So what would be the best thing to do?</strong></p>\n\n<p><strong>AHA provide some tips to reduce sugar intake:</strong></p>\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cut back on the amount of sugar you may regularly add to foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, cereal and pancakes</li>\n<li>Replace sugar-sweetened beverages with sugar-free or low-calorie drinks</li>\n<li>Compare food labels and select the products with the lowest amounts of added sugars</li>\n<li>When baking cakes, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by a third</li>\n<li>Try replacing sugar in recipes with extracts or spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, almond or vanilla</li>\n<li>Replace sugar on cereal or oatmeal with fruit.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>According to <strong>Dr. Alison Boyd</strong> director of Sugar Nutrition UK \"Like all sources of calories, sugars can be consumed within a healthy, balanced diet and active lifestyle,\" and \"Sugars can often help to make certain nutritious foods more palatable, which can promote variety in a healthy, balanced diet.\"</p>\n\n<p>So, in short, having a <a href=\"https://behealthy.today/healthy-weight-loss-diet-and-exercise/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">balanced diet and active lifestyle</a> could be the most appropriate method to be healthy even if we include sugar(reduce intake, avoid added sugar and focus on sugar from fruits and vegetables) to our diet.</p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 9576, "body": "<p>Sugar that is natural, like in apples or bananas, is good and you shouldn't try to avoid that sugar, as apples and bananas contain important vitamins. I do the same. I avoid sugar as much as I can, for example cake, coke, etc - like you explained, too. It does indeed have a positive effect on your health. Most of the sugar we eat these days are industrial made. That isn't healthy at all and it is even the reason for many 'modern' problems such as diabetes or adiposity. Many people think they have to avoid fat to lose weight and live more healthy, but that is wrong. We need to avoid the sugar, which we are mostly consuming way too much. Therefore, your friend is living a really good example, which everyone should try to follow. Because we eat too much sugar, the sugar gets turned into fat - not the fat (of course, it is the same here: industrial made fat is as bad as the industrial made sugar). We should all stick to the healthy sugar (and fat), like in apples or bananas. That way we get all the sugar we need.</p>\n\n<p>The most healthy method of eating is the 'back to nature method'. Stick to organic food and you will get only the healthy sugar that you need. </p>\n\n<p>In general, proteins and fat are the most important nutrients! You don't have to worry about getting fat because of eating fat - the body gets used to it and burns fat much more effectively as a result.</p>\n\n<p>My experience of consuming no cake, coke and candy is that I feel more free and easy. I don't miss it at all - I even feel bad when I still eat a piece of cake. Of course, it is okay if you eat some chocolate once in a while, but you could for example only eat bitter(sweet) chocolate, which is even healthy and also really tasty. You will get used to such a lifestyle soon - and yes, it definetely has a very positive effect on your health.</p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "nutrition", "diet", "sugar", "glucose" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9580, "body": "<p>Well, in order to avoid sleeping while studying, just follow this steps below:</p>\n\n<p>1.Switch the Lights On. Don't even think about studying in just the lamplight at night.</p>\n\n<p>2.Sit in Front of a Table.</p>\n\n<p>3.No Heavy Meals.</p>\n\n<p>4.Move Around in Your Room</p>\n\n<p>5.Read out Aloud While Studying</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/How-to-Avoid-Sleep-While-Studying.html\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/How-to-Avoid-Sleep-While-Studying.html</a></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "sleep", "mental-health", "sleep-deprivation", "dizziness", "chronic-fatigue-synd.-cfs" ]

[ { "answer_id": 10218, "body": "<p>If we compare the average increase in all-cause mortality due to sitting (approximately 50% according to <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3827429/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">meta-study</a> published on NHS) and the average all-cause mortality due to smoking (aproximately 300% increase according to <a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/tobacco_related_mortality/index.htm\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">CDC data</a>), siting does not appear to be nearly as bad.</p>\n\n<p>Yet, because of how broadly you worded the question it is possible that smoking is not as bad as sitting. According to the same publication by CDC that I linked above:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>Quitting smoking before the age of 40 reduces the risk of dying from smoking-related disease by about 90%.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Therefore, for smokers who quit before the age of 40 on average the all-cause mortality due to smoking would be just 30%, lower than 50% for caused by sitting.</p>\n\n<p>Regarding your questions of metabolism and harm to lungs. Bad posture while siting restricts maximum lung capacity therefore limiting oxygen intake. Additionally, siting decreases insulin action in blood, decreasing metabolism.</p>\n", "score": 3 }, { "answer_id": 9592, "body": "<p>Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, including obesity and metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions that includes increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Too much sitting also seems to increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cheatsheet.com/life/side-effects-of-sitting-all-day.html/?a=viewall\" rel=\"nofollow\">http://www.cheatsheet.com/life/side-effects-of-sitting-all-day.html/?a=viewall</a></p>\n", "score": 0 } ]

[ "smoking", "lungs", "metabolism", "risks", "sedentary-lifestyle" ]

[ { "answer_id": 10177, "body": "<p><a href=\"http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/volume-11/issue-42\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Davis et. al (2007)</a> conducted a large survey of the UK population between the ages of 55-74. They reported that 12% of their participants had <em>a hearing problem that causes moderate or severe worry, annoyance or upset</em> and 14% had a substantial hearing loss. Unfortunately, the data are not reported in a way that allows for determining what percentage of people with substantial hearing impairment also have <em>moderate or severe worry, annoyance or upset</em>.</p>\n", "score": 1 }, { "answer_id": 13106, "body": "<p>I can answer this from a first hand perspective, based on my experiences. </p>\n\n<p>I'm almost completely deaf from one ear. It can cause more of a social discomfort that can lead to anxiety. I can't talk with anyone in a club, i can't approach a girl properly, in a meeting i have to do a 120 degree turn on anyone sitting on my right, and you find also those great people, even 'friends' that mimic having said something right in your face so that they make you have to ask what was it they said. </p>\n\n<p>When you start ignoring these kind of things, you start risking being passed for an antisocial or a loner, especially if you are a quiet / introverted <em>not shy</em> type. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "statistics", "hearing-impaired", "deaf", "panic-attack", "social-anxiety" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9642, "body": "<p>I had a similar issue, which turned out to be pretty simple: I had missed a part of my toenail when trimming it.</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/iAsmD.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/iAsmD.png\" alt=\"jutting out corner of a toenail\"></a></p>\n\n<p>The part wasn't actually visible as I've drawn it here—it was in between the skin there. As the toenail grew, that part began to painfully poke into the skin, especially when wearing shoes.</p>\n\n<p>The pain disappeared immediately on trimming off this part:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/TcNeb.png\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/TcNeb.png\" alt=\"enter image description here\"></a></p>\n\n<p>Reaching all that way in to the edge of the nail was difficult with ordinary nail clippers (which is why I had missed it), but much easier with nail scissors:</p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/HMuRj.jpg\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><img src=\"https://i.stack.imgur.com/HMuRj.jpg\" alt=\"nail scissors\"></a></p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "pain", "feet", "toe", "podiatry" ]

[ { "answer_id": 11585, "body": "<blockquote>\n <p>After removal of tonsils, most adults\n have significant pain for 10 -14 days, some up to 3 weeks. <strong>Because \n adults &amp; teenagers have larger tonsils and more developed throat muscles</strong>, pain and muscle spasm can \n make it difficult to swallow for 2 weeks or more. Constipation may occur because narcotic pain \n medication, when taken regularly, can slow down the bowels. <a href=\"http://communityent.com/post-op/adult-tonsil.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">link</a></p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "pain", "nerves", "age", "tonsil-tonsillectomy" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9648, "body": "<p><strong>Short answer</strong></p>\n\n<p>Using mmol/L helps with revealing some useful relationships between groups of analyzed substances while using mg/dL might obscure those relationships.</p>\n\n<p><strong>Long anwer</strong></p>\n\n<p>I wasn't able to find original proposition to switch from mg/dL to mmol/L which should be in \"<em>Quantities and Units in Clinical Chemistry. Including Recommendation 1966 of the Commission on Clinical Chemistry of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and of the International Federation for Clinical Chemistry. Munksgaard,\nCopenhagen</em>\" by Dybkær and Jørgensen (1967), but by knowing where it should be helps tracking later publications discussing the change. There are also some other publications from Dybkær like for example \"<a href=\"http://jcp.bmj.com/content/22/3/285.full.pdf\" rel=\"nofollow\">Quantities and units in clinical chemistry</a>\" (1969), where he shortly states:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>(...) it is recommended, as far as possible, to use the 'chemical' basic kind of quantity 'amount of substance' with its basic unit 'mole' (symbolized mol) instead of 'mass' and mass units.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>This seems to suggest, that mmol/L is better because it's more suitable to proper chemical, laboratory work. This is too vague. Some really interesting comment is made in \"<a href=\"http://ajcp.oxfordjournals.org/content/83/4/536.abstract\" rel=\"nofollow\">SI Units: One Step Closer</a>\" (1985) by Lehmann and Beeler:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p>The rationale for the introduction of concetration units based on amount of substance, first proposed internationally in 1967, was that use of those units might reveal functional relationships between analytes, potentially useful in in the interpretations of results, but obscured when concentrations are expressed in mass units. (...) With further advances in understanding molecular bases of disease, and with the introduction of new technologies into the clinical laboratory (...), we may expect increasing use to be made of such biochemically nad physiologically related groups of analytes in order to derive new diagnostic and prognostic information from laboratory tests, and thereby to increase the usefulnesss of laboratory data. Reporting results in amount of substance units will most likely contribute to this process.</p>\n</blockquote>\n", "score": 2 } ]

[ "blood-tests", "measurement" ]

[ { "answer_id": 16674, "body": "<p>I'll limit this to alcoholic mouthwash and capsaicin, the chief spiciness compound in chilis.</p>\n\n<h3>Alcoholic mouthwash</h3>\n\n<p>I am too much of a wuss to do spicy foods. However, when I read the \"burning off tastebuds\" in title of your question, what came to mind was the <em>real</em> reason why I use alcoholic mouthwash -- for <em>that</em> sensation that comes around after 30 seconds of swishing it around in your mouth. I wouldn't quite call it <em>burning off your tastebuds</em>, but it does feel like I've burned something. </p>\n\n<p>In which case the use of alcoholic mouthwash is a risk factor for oral cancer. This interesting paper looked a genetic polymorphisms involved in alcohol metabolism as well:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2014.03.001\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><strong>Oral health, dental care and mouthwash associated with upper aerodigestive tract cancer risk in Europe: The ARCAGE study</strong></a></p>\n \n <p><em>Objective</em> We aimed to assess the association of oral health (OH), dental care (DC) and mouthwash with upper-aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer risk, and to examine the extent that enzymes involved in the metabolism of alcohol modify the effect of mouthwash.</p>\n \n <p><em>Materials and methods</em> The study included 1963 patients with incident cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx or esophagus and 1993 controls. Subjects were interviewed about their oral health and dental care behaviors (which were converted to scores of OH and DC respectively), as well as smoking, alcohol drinking, diet, occupations, medical conditions and socio-economic status. Blood samples were taken for genetic analyses. Mouthwash use was analyzed in relation to the presence of polymorphisms of alcohol-metabolizing genes known to be associated with UADT. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95%-confidence intervals [CI] were estimated with multiple logistic regression models adjusting for multiple confounders.</p>\n \n <p><em>Results</em> Fully adjusted ORs of low versus high scores of DC and OH were 2.36[CI = 1.51–3.67] and 2.22[CI = 1.45–3.41], respectively, for all UADT sites combined. <strong>The OR for frequent use of mouthwash use (3 or more times/day) was 3.23[CI = 1.68–6.19].</strong> The OR for the rare variant ADH7 (coding for fast ethanol metabolism) was lower in mouthwash-users (OR = 0.53[CI = 0.35–0.81]) as compared to never-users (OR = 0.97[CI = 0.73–1.29]) indicating effect modification (pheterogeneity = 0.065) while no relevant differences were observed between users and non-users for the variant alleles of ADH1B, ADH1C or ALDH2.</p>\n \n <p><em>Conclusions</em> Poor OH and DC seem to be independent risk factors for UADT because corresponding risk estimates remain substantially elevated after detailed adjustment for multiple confounders. Whether mouthwash use may entail some risk through the alcohol content in most formulations on the market remains to be fully clarified.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<h3>Capsaicin</h3>\n\n<p>There's quite a bit of research regarding anti-tumour properties with respect to other forms of cancer e.g. pancreatic cancer, but very little regarding possible risk in oral cancer.</p>\n\n<p>There is an excerpt from <strong><a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.12192\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\"><em>A screening model for oral cancer using risk scores: development and validation</em></a></strong> that does state the following:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong>People who rated the spiciness of their diet as\n six or more had higher odds (OR = 2.15) for devel-\n oping oral cancer than those rating the spiciness as\n five or less.</strong> This is a subjective measure, but it is an\n easier method to collect information on the spici-\n ness of food at a population level and in a hospital\n setting. In India and other South Asian countries,\n red chilli powder or red/green chillies are added\n to increase the spiciness of food. These findings\n support the results of other studies conducted in\n India that showed red chillies in diet increases the\n risk by two-three times for UADT cancers includ-\n ing oral cancer (31). Similarly, a higher risk has\n been observed for gall bladder (32), liver and gas-\n tric cancers (33, 34) in other countries. Although\n the association of spicy food with oral cancer could\n be due to the carcinogenicity of capsaicin found in\n chillies (35), it could be a marker for some underly-\n ing dietary aspect in this population. </p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>However, caution should be exercised when using some score on a questionnaire and attempting to correlate it with health outcomes. There is one study cited above that reports the following:</p>\n\n<blockquote>\n <p><strong><a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1080/01635588709513945\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Role of diet in upper aerodigestive tract cancers</a></strong></p>\n \n <p>A case‐control interview study for assessing the role of dietary factors in selected cancers was undertaken in a hospital. Male patients from one community, with cancers of the oral cavity (n = 278), pharynx (n = 225), esophagus (n = 236), and larynx (n = 80) formed the case group. Patients diagnosedas not having cancer (n = 215) formed one control group, and a comparable sample of individuals from the general population (n = 177) formed another control group. All risks were adjusted for subjects’ ages and habits of chewing and/or smoking tobacco, which are the two most important risk factors for cancers at these sites.</p>\n \n <p>A protective effect was observed with the intake of vegetables (twofold risk in nondaily vs. daily consumers) and fish (two‐ to threefold risk in those who did not eat at least once a week vs. those who did), and to a certain extent with pulses and buttermilk, in comparison with either one or both control groups. Intake of vegetables and fish were also observed to be risk modifiers for those who chewed and/or smoked tobacco. Lower levels of fat consumption was associated with elevated risk levels.</p>\n \n <p><strong>The use of red chili powder emerged as a risk factor for all sites (two‐ to threefold risk with a dose‐response relationship) compared with population controls.</strong> Tea drinking was also observed to be a risk factor for esophageal cancers, and to a lesser extent, for pharyngeal cancers.</p>\n</blockquote>\n\n<p>Unfortunately, it was published in 1986 and there doesn't seem to be any more literature on the topic. </p>\n\n<p>But we might presume, sure, it's biologically plausible and there is some evidence that capsaicin increases the risk of oral cancer, while possibly reducing the risk of other cancers.</p>\n", "score": 4 } ]

[ "cancer", "oral-health", "burns", "contributing-factors", "taste-buds" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9679, "body": "<p>You're right: their description contains redundancy.</p>\n\n<p>I think the reason for the extra clarification may be to make sure readers understand that the method does not involve X-rays (which <em>are</em> ionising, and hence more dangerous). I've seen people confuse them with ultrasound, because both methods are used for seeing through tissue, their results look similar at a glance, and popular culture colloquially refers to any sort of \"seeing through things\" as \"X-ray vision\".</p>\n", "score": 2 }, { "answer_id": 9682, "body": "<p>Precisely to emphasize the safety of ultrasound and to point out that you or your fetus will not be subjected to any sort of radiation as it may be the case in some of the other popular imaging methods besides ultrasound. </p>\n", "score": 1 } ]

[ "ultrasounds", "soundwaves" ]

[ { "answer_id": 10209, "body": "<p>It seems that you do have some issues remembering verbal instructions, especially if you are under duress of some form. I have this issue as well, but I will not include my personal experience here, as that is not typically appreciated on S.E. sites. </p>\n\n<p>Some things that may help you are: play <a href=\"http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/math-fact-games-for-kids.html\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">math games</a> (you may be able to find an app similar to this) and memory games such as <a href=\"https://www.lumosity.com/\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer\">Lumosity</a> (also available as an app). Try playing the math games on a time limit, as strange as this sounds, it will help you think more quickly on your feet which <em>may</em> help you remember things you heard while stressed more easily. </p>\n\n<p>If you know you will be receiving important information or instructions, be ready with a pen and paper so that you can take down the information - or at least enough details to jog your memory later. If you feel nervous/worked up, try to take some deep breaths and relax before receiving the information. Also, do your best to stay interested in what you are being told, even if it seems boring or normal or whatnot, keep your ears and brain open and not thinking about what you'd rather be doing or hearing. </p>\n\n<p>In the slightly more long-term, try to eat healthily and get enough rest so that neither of those is responsible for stressing your body. If you continue to have difficulties with your memory or notice it is getting worse - such as expanding to other portions of your life - you may consider getting checked out by a doctor to rule out any more serious issues. </p>\n\n<p>I hope this has been helpful to you. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to let me know in the comments! </p>\n", "score": 3 } ]

[ "mental-health", "memory" ]

[ { "answer_id": 9714, "body": "<p>Yawns are \"contagious\" in that <a href=\"http://cpl.revues.org/390\">other people</a> (<a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2610100/\">and even dogs</a>) often yawn in response to seeing someone else yawn. The reason people yawn is unclear, but it is <a href=\"http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3425960&amp;page=1\">thought to</a> have evolved to serve a physiological need, but changed to serve mainly a social function in the animals that exhibit it. This is supported by the fact that <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2391210/\">yawns are not contagious to autistic children</a>.</p>\n\n<p>Hiccups are caused by a reflex, and have not been shown to be \"contagious\" this way; their co-occurrence is coincidental. However, because hiccups can be caused by <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiccup#Causes\">eating quickly or laughing</a>, which people like doing in a group, co-occurrence may be a little likelier than purely random.</p>\n", "score": 8 } ]

[ "function", "hiccup-hiccuping", "reflex-impulse", "yawning-yawn" ]