Critical discourse on the effect of ascorbic acid on covid-19
With the world talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of the immune system in tackling the causative agent of this disease cannot be overemphasized as people have been shown to react differently to the disease ranging from mild to severe infection.
To get the fullest potentials of our immune system in the service of human health and managing other disease threats, we will look at the most neglected and underrated compound that could actually do alot for the body system.
It is natural that, when something becomes too available and easily accessible, it is likely to loose its relevance and become common. This is the case of vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid.
There are a lot Vitamin C can actually do us you but unfortunately, we go for higher therapies and neglecting the easiest and readily available substance. Reading this article, you will be equipped with some of hidden knowledge about Vitamin C such as its role in prolonging life (anti-aging), boosting Immune system, elimination of reactive radicals that damage cells- immune cells to be specific, its use after surgery and more.
Did you know that consistent exposure to noise can as well reduce your life span and make you age faster? Did you know that exercise can become a problem? Read along to learn.
The human body immune system is very a complex one. It is an entity made up of cells, tissues and organs that communicate and work together in an organized fashion to prevent the entrance of foreign invaders or recognize them and mount an immune response that gets rid of them.
Just as seen in the game of football, the defenders are there to protect the backline and prevent their opponents from scoring goals against them, similar function is mediated by the immune system whose major role is to act as the body’s major defensive framework against everything that is non-self or foreign.
Ideally, the human body provides a conducive environment for many foreign agents to thrive. As such, when the immune system functions are impaired, offensive agents which ordinarily the body should be able to take care of can leave the entire body in a state of chaos leading to either disease or death. At this stage one is said to be immunocompromised.
One way to keep the body system running at higher efficiency is to always boost the Immune system. There is therefore a need to keep our immune sysem in the best shape ever by taking into consideration natural boosters of immune function. One of such is Vitamin C.
Enough research have shown the potency of vitamin C in boosting the immune function, preventing faster aging, promoting regeneration of cells and tissues and more. Let's see how much you know about this over neglected substance.
Vitamin C is 6 carbon sugar molecules and are in no doubts very abundant in nature. They are very essential and are needed in small amounts for the normal functioning of the body.
Most animals have the ability to naturally produce this vitamin, but it is not the same for humans and some primates, reason being that we do not have the key enzyme known as L-gulonolactone oxidase.
The above is one of the reasons why vitamin C is regarded as an essential nutrient and they can only be obtained either through our diet or as supplements since we cannot produce it. Being a water soluble vitamin, its toxicity is very rare as it is readily excreted from the body but still doesn't mean it cannot be toxic when in large amount.
Do you know why people have sagged breast and wrinkles? Find out here
Why breast sagging happens to ladies and how to prevent it
The major reason why female breast sag is because of the gradual weakness in the ability of ligament known as the Cooper's ligament to hold the breast firmly, a loss or reduction in collagen and elastin has been shown to also play a contributing role.
Once the Cooper's ligament is weak, the breast falls. That's the primary factor that leads to a sagged breast.
Other factors that can also contribute to breast sagging indirectly is loss in collagen and elastin due to aging.
Collagen and estrogen deficiency, multiple pregnancy and menopause, larger size of the breast (this puts greater pressure and tension on the Cooper's ligament).
Habits like smoking which causes increase in oxidative stress leads to faster aging with loss in collagen also enhances sagging of breast.
High BMI (Body mass index) which is as a result of overweight or obesity also contributes to breast sagging.
At times, breast sagging can be simply genetic i.e as a young lady, you could have sagged breast at early onset.
So it all depends on the individual, but avoid habits that can favour it...
Things that causes wrinkles and how to prevent them
Do you know that a wrong sleeping position can also cause wrinkles???
When you sleep with your face pressed against the pillow repeatedly, it compresses the skin.
Over time, this compression can leave your skin weakened in some places and causes wrinkles to appear. Changing your sleeping position can help alot, preferably sleeping on your back.
Fine lines are what you can call baby wrinkles and once you begin to notice it, It's a sign that your skin is under undue duress (what science terms as oxidative stress) and requires appropriate attention.
Don't forget, fine lines that are unattended to can develop into Wrinkles. Below are some useful suggestions to tackle this problem:
Protect yourself from the sun : Since sunlight is basically unavoidable, wear protective gears like sunglasses and most importantly use sunscreens.
They will help protect your eyes and skin by filtering out harmful UV rays, hence, you don't always have to frown or squint your face under sunlight.
Eat right: Take lots of fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E. Antioxidants protects the skin from oxidative stress.
Protein rich meals should be included in your diet (aids collagen synthesis and other cellular activities). Eat foods rich in saturated fatty acids especially Omega 3 fatty acids( e.g. salmon, nuts, avocados).
Omega 3 fatty acids has anti aging properties- it helps to keep the skin healthy, soft and reduces moisture loss.
Try to reduce your sugar intake because increased sugar level in the blood can bind and reduce the quality of collagen through a process called glycation and it also may encourage the inflammation and release of enzymes that breakdown of proteins.
We will continue next with the others way to avoid early skin wrinkles formation... keep in touch.
How wrinkles on the face begins to form
With the passage of time, Aging which is an inevitable natural life process sets in, equally affecting the body tissues but one organ where this process is quite evident is the skin.
Skin aging can either be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic skin aging is beyond the control of the individual (genetically controlled) and it is in line with the normal course of aging associated with increasing age.
Studies have shown what happens during the normal aging process:
The first is an ominous reduction in the production of two essential proteins that makes up the skin- collagen and elastin (Collagen makes the skin firm by giving it great tensile strength while elastin gives the skin elasticity so that no matter the stress put on it, it can always return to its original form).
The second thing observed is the loss of fat cells which gives the skin bulk form (this causes the skin to sag).
Probably you didn't know, fat cells also play huge role in maintenance of the smooth nature and firmness of the skin.
The third thing that is observed, is the loss in the ability of the skin to retain moisture. This ultimately leaves the skin dry all the time.
The final thing observed is a reduced production of new skin cells to replace worn-out cells. The skin looses its regeneration power. The two above culminates to having a scally and dried skin.
we will continue with how this wrinkles are formed also learn and understand why people have wrinkles at early age.
If you loved my article, kindly subscribe to be updated.
Why breast sagging happens to ladies and how to prevent it
The major reason why female breast sag is because of the gradual weakness in the ability of ligament known as the Cooper's ligament to hold the breast firmly, a loss or reduction in collagen and elastin has been shown to also play a contributing role.
Once the Cooper's ligament is weak, the breast falls. That's the primary factor that leads to a sagged breast.
Other factors that can also contribute to breast sagging indirectly is loss in collagen and elastin due to aging.
Collagen and estrogen deficiency, multiple pregnancy and menopause, larger size of the breast (this puts greater pressure and tension on the Cooper's ligament).
Habits like smoking which causes increase in oxidative stress leads to faster aging with loss in collagen also enhances sagging of breast.
High BMI (Body mass index) which is as a result of overweight or obesity also contributes to breast sagging.
At times, breast sagging can be simply genetic i.e as a young lady, you could have sagged breast at early onset.
So it all depends on the individual, but avoid habits that can favour it...
Things that causes wrinkles and how to prevent them
Do you know that a wrong sleeping position can also cause wrinkles???
When you sleep with your face pressed against the pillow repeatedly, it compresses the skin.
Over time, this compression can leave your skin weakened in some places and causes wrinkles to appear. Changing your sleeping position can help alot, preferably sleeping on your back.
Fine lines are what you can call baby wrinkles and once you begin to notice it, It's a sign that your skin is under undue duress (what science terms as oxidative stress) and requires appropriate attention.
Don't forget, fine lines that are unattended to can develop into Wrinkles. Below are some useful suggestions to tackle this problem:
Protect yourself from the sun : Since sunlight is basically unavoidable, wear protective gears like sunglasses and most importantly use sunscreens.
They will help protect your eyes and skin by filtering out harmful UV rays, hence, you don't always have to frown or squint your face under sunlight.
Eat right: Take lots of fruits and vegetables rich in natural antioxidants like vitamin A, C, E. Antioxidants protects the skin from oxidative stress.
Protein rich meals should be included in your diet (aids collagen synthesis and other cellular activities). Eat foods rich in saturated fatty acids especially Omega 3 fatty acids( e.g. salmon, nuts, avocados).
Omega 3 fatty acids has anti aging properties- it helps to keep the skin healthy, soft and reduces moisture loss.
Try to reduce your sugar intake because increased sugar level in the blood can bind and reduce the quality of collagen through a process called glycation and it also may encourage the inflammation and release of enzymes that breakdown of proteins.
We will continue next with the others way to avoid early skin wrinkles formation... keep in touch.
How wrinkles on the face begins to form
With the passage of time, Aging which is an inevitable natural life process sets in, equally affecting the body tissues but one organ where this process is quite evident is the skin.
Skin aging can either be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic skin aging is beyond the control of the individual (genetically controlled) and it is in line with the normal course of aging associated with increasing age.
Studies have shown what happens during the normal aging process:
The first is an ominous reduction in the production of two essential proteins that makes up the skin- collagen and elastin (Collagen makes the skin firm by giving it great tensile strength while elastin gives the skin elasticity so that no matter the stress put on it, it can always return to its original form).
The second thing observed is the loss of fat cells which gives the skin bulk form (this causes the skin to sag).
Probably you didn't know, fat cells also play huge role in maintenance of the smooth nature and firmness of the skin.
The third thing that is observed, is the loss in the ability of the skin to retain moisture. This ultimately leaves the skin dry all the time.
The final thing observed is a reduced production of new skin cells to replace worn-out cells. The skin looses its regeneration power. The two above culminates to having a scally and dried skin.
we will continue with how this wrinkles are formed also learn and understand why people have wrinkles at early age.
If you loved my article, kindly subscribe to be updated.
What you need to know about Vitamin-c
Virtually, most fruits like Citrus (oranges, tangerine, lemons, grapes, limes), water melon, green pepper etc, and vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C.
Due to the low storage capacity of the body for the vitamin, a regular and adequate intake is required to prevent its deficiency in the body.
The recommended daily allowance, RDA per day varies for both age and sex.
However most supplements have values above the RDA, but as long as it does not exceed the proposed upper limit (UL) for that age group, an overdose of Vitamin C is not likely to happen.
Generally, Vitamin C is required for normal physiological function of the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It plays an important role in bone formation, wound healing, maintenance of healthy gums and It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders.
Being an electron donor, it is capable of carrying out redox reactions because it is a reducing agent.
As a result, it is a known potent antioxidant, due to its ability to readily donate electrons, thus protecting important biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) from oxidative stress and damage ie damage by radicals called oxidants which are generated either during normal cell metabolism or through exposure to toxins and pollutants.
The potency of Vitamin C in removing oxidants, is one of its wonderful attribute since oxidants are a major factor that leads to faster aging in humans.
In addition, with the advent of the disease - Scurvy, characterized by weakening of collagenous structures, resulting in bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and impaired immunity.
an extensive search into its cause was initiated in part because individuals with scurvy had a higher chance of contracting potentially fatal infections such as pneumonia.
This search brought vitamin C and its health usefulness into limelight and as more studies were conducted.
it was evident that Vitamin C also contributed to proper immune function by supporting various aspects of both the innate and adaptive immune system via its immune-modulating activites.
So let us delve into this…..shall we???
Aging in humans and the role of Vitamin C plays
Has it ever occurred to you why humans age?
There are about three theories or would I say hypothesis that backs up aging in humans and one of it is the effect of oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is a state of the body that is produced as a result of an imbalance or inequilibrium between the rate of production of oxidants in the body system and the rate of production of endogenous antioxidants that will counter the effects of this oxidants in damaging cells of the body.
Simply put it this way, oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of oxidant and antioxidants, in which the oxidants level is higher than the antioxidants
Virtually, most fruits like Citrus (oranges, tangerine, lemons, grapes, limes), water melon, green pepper etc, and vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C.
Due to the low storage capacity of the body for the vitamin, a regular and adequate intake is required to prevent its deficiency in the body.
The recommended daily allowance, RDA per day varies for both age and sex.
However most supplements have values above the RDA, but as long as it does not exceed the proposed upper limit (UL) for that age group, an overdose of Vitamin C is not likely to happen.
Generally, Vitamin C is required for normal physiological function of the body. It is essential for the development and maintenance of connective tissues. It plays an important role in bone formation, wound healing, maintenance of healthy gums and It is used as therapeutic agent in many diseases and disorders.
Being an electron donor, it is capable of carrying out redox reactions because it is a reducing agent.
As a result, it is a known potent antioxidant, due to its ability to readily donate electrons, thus protecting important biomolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids) from oxidative stress and damage ie damage by radicals called oxidants which are generated either during normal cell metabolism or through exposure to toxins and pollutants.
The potency of Vitamin C in removing oxidants, is one of its wonderful attribute since oxidants are a major factor that leads to faster aging in humans.
In addition, with the advent of the disease - Scurvy, characterized by weakening of collagenous structures, resulting in bleeding gums, poor wound healing, and impaired immunity.
an extensive search into its cause was initiated in part because individuals with scurvy had a higher chance of contracting potentially fatal infections such as pneumonia.
This search brought vitamin C and its health usefulness into limelight and as more studies were conducted.
it was evident that Vitamin C also contributed to proper immune function by supporting various aspects of both the innate and adaptive immune system via its immune-modulating activites.
So let us delve into this…..shall we???
Aging in humans and the role of Vitamin C plays
Has it ever occurred to you why humans age?
There are about three theories or would I say hypothesis that backs up aging in humans and one of it is the effect of oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is a state of the body that is produced as a result of an imbalance or inequilibrium between the rate of production of oxidants in the body system and the rate of production of endogenous antioxidants that will counter the effects of this oxidants in damaging cells of the body.
Simply put it this way, oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of oxidant and antioxidants, in which the oxidants level is higher than the antioxidants
Oxidants are produced in the body system due to some cellular physiologic activities.
They are by-products of metabolic breakdown of compounds like lipids or fats in the body.
Some of the examples of these oxidants include reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, superoxides and the most notorious biomarker is malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation.
Antioxidants on the other hand are those molecules that helps to eliminate or clear out oxidants in the system.
Depending on their source, they could be produced endogenously (within the body e.g, Superoxide dismutase, catalase, etc) or gotten from what we eat especially from fruits (vitamin C, vitamin E etc).
As we live and continue to age, oxidants such as radicals continue to build up in every part of the human body and most times in the brain, simultaneously the endogenous antioxidants help to clear some of these radicals but sometimes the rate of build-up is usually far greater than the clearing ability of the antioxidants thus favouring more oxidants accumulation.
Oxidants are produced in the body system due to some cellular physiologic activities.
They are by-products of metabolic breakdown of compounds like lipids or fats in the body.
Some of the examples of these oxidants include reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, superoxides and the most notorious biomarker is malondialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation.
Antioxidants on the other hand are those molecules that helps to eliminate or clear out oxidants in the system.
Depending on their source, they could be produced endogenously (within the body e.g, Superoxide dismutase, catalase, etc) or gotten from what we eat especially from fruits (vitamin C, vitamin E etc).
As we live and continue to age, oxidants such as radicals continue to build up in every part of the human body and most times in the brain, simultaneously the endogenous antioxidants help to clear some of these radicals but sometimes the rate of build-up is usually far greater than the clearing ability of the antioxidants thus favouring more oxidants accumulation.
Let's critically discuss coronavirus and the body immunity
The immune system through the T-cells tries as much as possible to destroy infected cells that contains the virus while the B cells that produce the antibodies in the tries to keep the virus in check.
Under corona virus situation, the antibodies have neutralizing ability and as such, they bind to the spike protein of the virus (the major site of attack the virus uses to invade cells), in the process neutralising the virus spike protein.
The human immune system will always remember remember the type of antibodies it has produced against the virus, thus it is prepared for any new infection with the same foreign pathogen.
Early control of viral replication by type I interferons (IFN), complement proteins, and other innate immune mediators limit viral spread within the host during the early phases of the disease.
The immune system of the body still needs to be healthy though because, when they are down, it only ends up worsening the situation.
Like I earlier pointed out, once the immune system is down, it gives room for the virus to do more damage and as well opens the doors for other infections and this type of infections are regarded as opportunistic infections hence, the need for you to maintain a healthy immune system.
A weakened immune system is far more prone to be infected with Corona virus disease than a healthy immune system.
Having a strong immune system only increases your chances of survival. Now, how do you maintain a strong immune system?
Recommendations on how to maintain a strong immune system
The first and most important way to maintain or build a strong immune system is to always perform anexercise.
Exercises are very important in shaking up the body, releasing clogged white blood cells in the blood vessels so that they are actively circulating and performing their job of killing any foreign pathogens.
Exercises ensures that blood perfuses to vital organs effectively. It also keeps you fit and frees your muscles.
Remember as you exercise, what happens is that, your heart beat or rate automatically rises and this in turn increases blood pressure so that blood is adequately delivered to organs.
Doing exercises or walk out also ensures you burn excessive fats and cholesterol that predisposes one to stroke and hypertension.
Avoid sedentary life style and ensure you don't sit down for so long in one place.
Keep the body active so that the blood can circulate well. Remember it is the blood that carries this immune cells around the body.
Another thing you need to do is to drink enough water. This is a very important thing you must do.
Drinking water adequately, ensures that your body system is detoxified of harmful reactive radicals that damage cells an weaken the immune system.
Drinking enough water ensures that the liver detoxifies effectively while the kidneys perform its job of ultrafiltration effectively.
The normal colour of the urine is light amber. At any point it is too thick or very dark in colour, it simply means you are dehydrated and have not taken in enough water for that day.
Next is to watch what you eat. Preferably, talking fruits more keeps you more healthy because fruits usually contains natural minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, etc and they help in clearing the body of any oxidant or reactive radicals that can damage cells.
Avoid too much spices and fried foods. They contain a lot of radicals. Cucumber, apple, carrot, garlic, ginger, etc are all plants that can provide you with a whole lot of vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay healthy.
Another way to stay healthy and strong is to Stay happy and joyful always. Avoid things that will keep you moody.
Stay around joyful people, those who make you shine those 32 teeth of yours.
Happiness is a sole recipe for long life. Laughing has a way of releasing a hormone known as endorphins- wellness hormone.
Under corona virus situation, the antibodies have neutralizing ability and as such, they bind to the spike protein of the virus (the major site of attack the virus uses to invade cells), in the process neutralising the virus spike protein.
The human immune system will always remember remember the type of antibodies it has produced against the virus, thus it is prepared for any new infection with the same foreign pathogen.
Early control of viral replication by type I interferons (IFN), complement proteins, and other innate immune mediators limit viral spread within the host during the early phases of the disease.
The immune system of the body still needs to be healthy though because, when they are down, it only ends up worsening the situation.
Like I earlier pointed out, once the immune system is down, it gives room for the virus to do more damage and as well opens the doors for other infections and this type of infections are regarded as opportunistic infections hence, the need for you to maintain a healthy immune system.
A weakened immune system is far more prone to be infected with Corona virus disease than a healthy immune system.
Having a strong immune system only increases your chances of survival. Now, how do you maintain a strong immune system?
Recommendations on how to maintain a strong immune system
The first and most important way to maintain or build a strong immune system is to always perform anexercise.
Exercises are very important in shaking up the body, releasing clogged white blood cells in the blood vessels so that they are actively circulating and performing their job of killing any foreign pathogens.
Exercises ensures that blood perfuses to vital organs effectively. It also keeps you fit and frees your muscles.
Remember as you exercise, what happens is that, your heart beat or rate automatically rises and this in turn increases blood pressure so that blood is adequately delivered to organs.
Doing exercises or walk out also ensures you burn excessive fats and cholesterol that predisposes one to stroke and hypertension.
Avoid sedentary life style and ensure you don't sit down for so long in one place.
Keep the body active so that the blood can circulate well. Remember it is the blood that carries this immune cells around the body.
Another thing you need to do is to drink enough water. This is a very important thing you must do.
Drinking water adequately, ensures that your body system is detoxified of harmful reactive radicals that damage cells an weaken the immune system.
Drinking enough water ensures that the liver detoxifies effectively while the kidneys perform its job of ultrafiltration effectively.
The normal colour of the urine is light amber. At any point it is too thick or very dark in colour, it simply means you are dehydrated and have not taken in enough water for that day.
Next is to watch what you eat. Preferably, talking fruits more keeps you more healthy because fruits usually contains natural minerals and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, etc and they help in clearing the body of any oxidant or reactive radicals that can damage cells.
Avoid too much spices and fried foods. They contain a lot of radicals. Cucumber, apple, carrot, garlic, ginger, etc are all plants that can provide you with a whole lot of vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay healthy.
Another way to stay healthy and strong is to Stay happy and joyful always. Avoid things that will keep you moody.
Stay around joyful people, those who make you shine those 32 teeth of yours.
Happiness is a sole recipe for long life. Laughing has a way of releasing a hormone known as endorphins- wellness hormone.
Do anything that will make and keep you happy, pay less attention to worries and concentrate more on your happiness.
Above all, always remain positive as believe at the end of the day, you will live and thrive to fulfill your dreams. Think positive always.
Your psychology plays a lot of role in your health and immune system condition. In medicine, this is likened to what is known as the placebo effect.
When you believe you and strong and do the right thing, you are sure of staying healthier than others who are not optimistic and positive about their health.
With above, I believe you would definitely be fine and healthy.
Until next time. Do check my blog to read more about placebos and other medically important terms.
Stay healthy, eat good food (fruits if possible most times), don't live a sedentary life style, do work out and exercises, drink enough water daily and always stay happy.
Avoid Covid-19 by washing your hands with soap and running water after contact with surfaces or people.
Do anything that will make and keep you happy, pay less attention to worries and concentrate more on your happiness.
Above all, always remain positive as believe at the end of the day, you will live and thrive to fulfill your dreams. Think positive always.
Your psychology plays a lot of role in your health and immune system condition. In medicine, this is likened to what is known as the placebo effect.
When you believe you and strong and do the right thing, you are sure of staying healthier than others who are not optimistic and positive about their health.
With above, I believe you would definitely be fine and healthy.
Until next time. Do check my blog to read more about placebos and other medically important terms.
Stay healthy, eat good food (fruits if possible most times), don't live a sedentary life style, do work out and exercises, drink enough water daily and always stay happy.
Avoid Covid-19 by washing your hands with soap and running water after contact with surfaces or people.
Use sanitizers and nose mask when need be. Practice social distancing and you will be fine.
Untill next time, see ya.
Let's discuss plagiarism
Since we want ensure that our post is free from any form of plagiarism, there is need for you to give credit to whom it is due.
You might want to bookmark this article as it will be an indispensable tool for you when you are in need of images from sites.
One thing is writing quality post and the other is proper referencing of pictures used in the write -up, especially when you are not the original owner of the picture used.
In this article, I will emphasise more on the use of images, how to find images that are free from copyright laws on the Internet.
I will also share with you some sites that gives your free access to their images.
First let me start by explaining the term intellectual property rights which is an intangible creation of the mind that is translated into a tangible form for which exclusive rights of property are granted.
It covers areas of copyright, patents, trademark and trade secret laws and all other rights resulting from intellectual activities in the industrial, scientific, literary or artistic field.
Images attached to articles make the post much more interesting to read as it keeps the reader glued to your write up. Beautiful images alone could attract people to read your article.
Even though the title might not be so appealing to their eyes but with beautiful images, you are sure to gain their audience.
But the big question here is; this image you want to use, are you the rightful owner?
One thing is writing quality post and the other is proper referencing of pictures used in the write -up, especially when you are not the original owner of the picture used.
In this article, I will emphasise more on the use of images, how to find images that are free from copyright laws on the Internet.
I will also share with you some sites that gives your free access to their images.
First let me start by explaining the term intellectual property rights which is an intangible creation of the mind that is translated into a tangible form for which exclusive rights of property are granted.
It covers areas of copyright, patents, trademark and trade secret laws and all other rights resulting from intellectual activities in the industrial, scientific, literary or artistic field.
Images attached to articles make the post much more interesting to read as it keeps the reader glued to your write up. Beautiful images alone could attract people to read your article.
Even though the title might not be so appealing to their eyes but with beautiful images, you are sure to gain their audience.
But the big question here is; this image you want to use, are you the rightful owner?
If it is not yours, then you do not have any right to use the image unless with the express permission of the real owner or maybe the owner has enlisted the image as public domain (we will talk more on this later)
Using people's work without due credits or permission is a serious violation of the law and an infringement on their intellectual property right.
You could be sued for this singular act and if eventually you are found guilty, you might be asked to pay heavily or jailed.
The severity of punishment that will be met depend on each country. Copyright protected work are usually not made public and as such no user is permitted to use the work except the original owner.
The licenses
Before you use any picture, you have to be sure that picture is free for use and as such you need to know the various types of licenses.
I will explain and lay more emphasis on the major ones that could be used for writing both scientific and non scientific articles.
👉CC BY: The full meaning of this license is Creative Commons Attribution. It allows the user to freely use the image as long as he/she gives credit to the original author.
This is the most flexible license offered to the user of the image or material intended to be used for any purpose.
👉CC BY-SA: The full meaning of this license is Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike.
This type of licence allows you to share or use the author's work freely, you are free to even edit the picture as you like and re-share the work under the same license provide you reference and give credit to the original author by attaching his/her name to the image wherever it is found.
The major emphasis on this license is that you must not change the license under which you were permitted to use the image or work hence the word share-alike.
CC BY-SA is the major type of license used by wikipedia as it allows people to edit the work of other individuals freely.
To be on a safer side, it is recommended to use this type of licence and also use works under CC0 - the author has zero terms on the use of the image.
Will continue next time stay around...
If it is not yours, then you do not have any right to use the image unless with the express permission of the real owner or maybe the owner has enlisted the image as public domain (we will talk more on this later)
Using people's work without due credits or permission is a serious violation of the law and an infringement on their intellectual property right.
You could be sued for this singular act and if eventually you are found guilty, you might be asked to pay heavily or jailed.
The severity of punishment that will be met depend on each country. Copyright protected work are usually not made public and as such no user is permitted to use the work except the original owner.
The licenses
Before you use any picture, you have to be sure that picture is free for use and as such you need to know the various types of licenses.
I will explain and lay more emphasis on the major ones that could be used for writing both scientific and non scientific articles.
👉CC BY: The full meaning of this license is Creative Commons Attribution. It allows the user to freely use the image as long as he/she gives credit to the original author.
This is the most flexible license offered to the user of the image or material intended to be used for any purpose.
👉CC BY-SA: The full meaning of this license is Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike.
This type of licence allows you to share or use the author's work freely, you are free to even edit the picture as you like and re-share the work under the same license provide you reference and give credit to the original author by attaching his/her name to the image wherever it is found.
The major emphasis on this license is that you must not change the license under which you were permitted to use the image or work hence the word share-alike.
CC BY-SA is the major type of license used by wikipedia as it allows people to edit the work of other individuals freely.
To be on a safer side, it is recommended to use this type of licence and also use works under CC0 - the author has zero terms on the use of the image.
Will continue next time stay around...
Studying the pathophysiology of coronavirus
The term pathophysiology simple means the study of all the changes that arise from the body system that is cause by a disease.
One gets infected when the respiratory droplets either lands on the mouth, eye or nose.
Major route of entry is the mouth or nose or eyes. It is a respiratory virus and damages the lungs, more especially, it loves the alveoli (where gaseous exchange occurs in the lungs).
One of the reason why corona virus victims cough is because of the irritant effects the virus has in the respiratory tract.
what happens when they enter the body system
Upon successful entry through any of the earlier mentioned routes, they attach to a very important type of cell in the lungs- the type 2 pneumocyte (cells of the lungs that produces surfactant which functions to reduce surface tension in the lungs thus preventing lung collapse).
It binds to a recetor located on the type 2 pneumocyte using its S-spike. Invariably, if we can produce drugs or vaccines that can make the type 2 pneumocytes resistant to the virus, we could be close to winning the war.
This receptor is known as the Angiotensin converting enzyme receptor (ACE) type 2. This binding enables them to be engulfed into the cell of the pneumocyte.
Once inside the cell, it does two things, it releases its positive sense single stranded RNA ( sSRNA) which uses the host ribosome, takes the mRNA from it and converts it into specific proteins (a process known as Translation).
Secondly, by virtue of it being a positive sense virus, it also uses an enzyme called RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RNA-D-RNA Pol).
By implication, it takes RNA and produces another RNA i.e it takes that single strand RNA and converts it to more positive sense single stranded RNA.
Using another enzyme called the proteinase that cleaves those specific proteins so that it forms the parent virus and also incorporating the sSRNA in the process; the cycle begins again.
The resultant effect is the production of tons of covid-19 virus. This cycle continues to cause damage to the type 2 pneumocytes by the virus.
How the pneumocytes respond to attack
The pneumocytes respond to the damage by releasing inflammatory mediators that are detected by the lung macrophages.
These macrophages inturn respond by releasing inflammatory cytokines (proteins released whenever there is an inflammatory condition or injury) such as interleukin1, 6, and tumour necrotic factor alpha.
One gets infected when the respiratory droplets either lands on the mouth, eye or nose.
Major route of entry is the mouth or nose or eyes. It is a respiratory virus and damages the lungs, more especially, it loves the alveoli (where gaseous exchange occurs in the lungs).
One of the reason why corona virus victims cough is because of the irritant effects the virus has in the respiratory tract.
what happens when they enter the body system
Upon successful entry through any of the earlier mentioned routes, they attach to a very important type of cell in the lungs- the type 2 pneumocyte (cells of the lungs that produces surfactant which functions to reduce surface tension in the lungs thus preventing lung collapse).
It binds to a recetor located on the type 2 pneumocyte using its S-spike. Invariably, if we can produce drugs or vaccines that can make the type 2 pneumocytes resistant to the virus, we could be close to winning the war.
This receptor is known as the Angiotensin converting enzyme receptor (ACE) type 2. This binding enables them to be engulfed into the cell of the pneumocyte.
Once inside the cell, it does two things, it releases its positive sense single stranded RNA ( sSRNA) which uses the host ribosome, takes the mRNA from it and converts it into specific proteins (a process known as Translation).
Secondly, by virtue of it being a positive sense virus, it also uses an enzyme called RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RNA-D-RNA Pol).
By implication, it takes RNA and produces another RNA i.e it takes that single strand RNA and converts it to more positive sense single stranded RNA.
Using another enzyme called the proteinase that cleaves those specific proteins so that it forms the parent virus and also incorporating the sSRNA in the process; the cycle begins again.
The resultant effect is the production of tons of covid-19 virus. This cycle continues to cause damage to the type 2 pneumocytes by the virus.
How the pneumocytes respond to attack
The pneumocytes respond to the damage by releasing inflammatory mediators that are detected by the lung macrophages.
These macrophages inturn respond by releasing inflammatory cytokines (proteins released whenever there is an inflammatory condition or injury) such as interleukin1, 6, and tumour necrotic factor alpha.
These inflammatory cytokines cause the endothelial cells to dilate thereby increasing capillary permeability (makes the blood vessels more porous)
Increased capillary permeability allows fluids like plasma to enter the alveoli and subsume or drown out the surfactant.
Remember the surfactant has a very important role to play in the lungs and which is to decrease surface tension. As the surfactant decreases, there is a resultant increase in surface tension.
Pressure and surface tension role in the lungs
If you would recall Laplace law in physics that talks about pressure and surface tension,
"It states that increased pressure causes two times (2×) an increase in surface tension divided by the radius"
So increased surface tension causes increased pressure and ultimately leading to alveoli collapse.
This is why patients with Corona virus disease find it very difficult to breath (dyspnea) once the alveoli has collapsed, they will need to work extra hard to breathe.
Since gaseous exchange is not so possible anymore, it leads to a condition known as hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in the blood).
I am sure you know that it is a very dangerous situation that can lead to coma. Hope you are now getting to fully understand how this deadly virus operates.
These inflammatory cytokines cause the endothelial cells to dilate thereby increasing capillary permeability (makes the blood vessels more porous)
Increased capillary permeability allows fluids like plasma to enter the alveoli and subsume or drown out the surfactant.
Remember the surfactant has a very important role to play in the lungs and which is to decrease surface tension. As the surfactant decreases, there is a resultant increase in surface tension.
Pressure and surface tension role in the lungs
If you would recall Laplace law in physics that talks about pressure and surface tension,
"It states that increased pressure causes two times (2×) an increase in surface tension divided by the radius"
So increased surface tension causes increased pressure and ultimately leading to alveoli collapse.
This is why patients with Corona virus disease find it very difficult to breath (dyspnea) once the alveoli has collapsed, they will need to work extra hard to breathe.
Since gaseous exchange is not so possible anymore, it leads to a condition known as hypoxemia (low level of oxygen in the blood).
I am sure you know that it is a very dangerous situation that can lead to coma. Hope you are now getting to fully understand how this deadly virus operates.
We continue next time... keep in touch.
Let's critically discuss ozonation
Understanding the fundamentals of ozonation
As technology advanced, the use of a machine that produces ozone called the Ozonator has become handy in ensuring that water we drink is highly safe and doesn't contain any pathogen.
The use of an Ozonator has so far improve the quality of drinking water. Let briefly discuss how this machine operates.
Ozone as we all know is a gas that is found in the atmosphere and help in protecting us against the ultra radiation produced from the sun.
Ozone is a bluish gas that we can feel its flavor usually after a storm. They are oxidizing, unstable and highly reactive.
This is one of the principal and key advantage exploited when they are used in water treatment and sterilization.
Artificial Process of ozonation
The Ozonator machine produces artificial ozone when a very powerful electric charge through the the water , this causes oxygen molecule in it to be split into two, the singlet oxygen seeking to regain its normal state combines with another oxygen molecule to form a very powerful tri-atomic oxidant molecule we know as Ozone (O3).
At this stage, it becomes more unstable and reactive than their previous state.
Ozone due to their very powerful oxidizing potential kills all know type and forms of bacteria, fungi, virus and pathogens in the water or in the atmosphere.
This is why they are employed in decontamination and sterilization of water and even other substances we eat like meat, fish including our environment.
Having this machine at home to continuously sterilize our home and internal environment obviously can do a lot of good especially during this pandemic of Covid-19. You could use it to sterilize your home as well.
The last stage of UV sterilization. The use of Ozonator and UV sterilization can go hand in hand in ensuring that the environment used for the water production is safe and sterile.
Final stage is usually the UV-sterilization - here the water is exposed to an ultraviolet radiation from a germicidal bulb.
As the water passes through the UV light, eliminates pathogens that might still be in the water before they are package for distribution to end users.
UV radiation is preferred over chlorination because of the health implications associated with the use of chlorine in sterilizing water.
Chlorine can is a potential carcinogenic substance - has potential to cause cancer in humans. There could be some remnants of this chemical in water meant for drinking, hence one of the reason it is not used especially in treating water we drink on daily basis.
The UV radiation is more effective and safer because it causes damage to the DNA of the bacteria, virus or any micro organism in the water without having any effect on the water for human consumption.
As the water flows out of the UV tube, it goes straight to the water packaging machine for filling, sealing and packaging into appropriate nylon or plastic containers as the case may be.
This setting is exactly what you see in satchet water factories.
How safe are we consuming satchet and plastic packaged water?
Drinking water packaged in nylons or plastics are relatively safe as long as they are not exposed to temperature above room temperature.
A usual saying goes thus "what you don't know cannot kill you". When always bear in mind that some of all this popular sayings are relative. By being relative I mean, it is feasible depending on the prevailing circumstances.
Its just like saying "the patient dog eats the fattest bone", this alone cannot even hold water when a man who has been on lockdown for nearly one months now, sees where they are sharing food and won't rush to get his. What you actually don't know can kill you... let's wake up
Some of us are guilty of carelessly keeping satchet or plastic bottled water under sunlight. This could be consciously or unconsciously either way, it is not good. Though this is more common with retailers that buy these water in large quantities and store.
Most plastics contain a substance known as Biphenol A (BPA). Most of all the materials made from BPA are usually clear and tough.
It basically helps to strengthen the plastic and that's why you would observe that satchet water nylons have high tensile strenght. They don't easily cut when you extend them.
Under increased temperature or exposure to sunlight, this BPA content of the nylon leaches quickly into the water causing a change in the taste of the water.
In a nutshell, when nutshell, when temperature is high, most of the BPA in the plastic or satchet water is released into the water.
This is one of the reasons why any water you buy that has been under heat, if you drink it, you would observe it has some weird taste. You should not even buy water in plastics exposed undersunlight over a long period of time.
Some of the effects of this BPA on the body system, causing an immbalance in hormone levels.
Animal Rresearch study has shown that it also affects reproduction and brain development. It has also been indicated to caused cancer upon continuous exposure.
Though you will need high dose of this BPA before it starts manifesting various signs and symptoms. You don't need to wait till you starting suffering from the effects of this chemical.
Avoid keeping plastic and bagged water anyway near heat. Reject buying bag of water that has been kept under the sun.
Rounding up our discussion, you would agree with me that, actually no water is a waste. The dirtiest of all waters can still be purified.
All it requires is a standardized method of purification. Water recycling remains an effective process that ensures that regions that do not have adequate water supply make efficient and effective use of the little one available.
Speaking strictly, water doesn't have taste neither does it have colour. When you buy water and observe that weird taste, it's simply obvious that is has been contaminated. You might not really observe this when it is chilled.
Don't buy problem with your money. Bagged and package plastic and nylon water must not be exposed to sunlight or temperature above room temperature to avoid the BPA content of the plastic leaching into the water.
Stay safe, health is wealth.
Let's discuss the concept of oxidants and Antioxidants
As the oxidants continue to build up and damage cells, it consequently leads to faster aging in humans.
In a bid to foster or boost the effect of the endogenous antioxidants in the body, taking as a exogenous antioxidants like vitamin C will go a long way in restoring the balance or equilibrium by increasing the level of antioxidants.
It is naturally expected that the amount of antioxidants should be fairly greater than the amount of oxidants.
Let's take the skin for example.
The skin plays a major role in innate immunity (first line defense) acting as a barrier against all form of external injurious agents whether environmental, chemical or microbial.
Did you know that some concentrations of vitamin C is found in the skin, with higher levels found in the epidermis than the dermis.
Now, the presence of this vitamin in skin actually increases the antioxidative activity of skin, thereby protecting it against environmental oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants. Remember our point of focus - anti-aging.
When exercise becomes a problem, Vitamin C, can help out
This compound - malondialdehyde, is usually increased in people that have inflammation or those that are stressed out.
It is a biomarker that once measured and if found increased to a significant level, then the person is oxidatively stressed.
This is why it is always advisable not to engage in too much exercise. There are times when exercise can become a problem because you are overworking the body system consequently leading to oxidative stress without you knowing.
When you are engaging exercise and you become weak it is a sign that you are getting worn out. Simply take some time to rest and take enough water and fruits and vitamin C.
End the exercise if possible because continuing will only end up building up more radicals that will ultimately damage some cells if the number of endogenous antioxidants is not enough to clear them.
By taking some vitamin C or fruits, you are directly boosting the level of antioxidants concentration in your body. Have you seen another potential power vitamin C has?
Does noise also cause aging?
The answer to this is a simple yes. Research have shown that noise also contributes to aging by increasing the level of oxidants in the body system.
Noise alone is enough to cause oxidative stress in you talk more of engaging in a very stressful and strenuous exercise.
Did you know that by mere staying in a very noisy environment, the level of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of oxidative stress authomatically increases.
This is why you get worn out and weak easily in a stuffy and noisy environments. So always bear in mind that, you mustn't necessarily be involved in strenuous activities or exercises to be oxidatively stressed.
Our immune system and vitamin C
Always bear in mind that increase in oxidants just like we have explained earlier damages cells and one of the cells is the Immune cells.
Damage to immune cells results to decreased immunity against infections. This is why those with deceased immunity are more susceptible to coronavirus and some opportunistic infections.
Understanding the concept of oxidants and Antioxidants
As the oxidants continue to build up and damage cells, it consequently leads to faster aging in humans.
In a bid to foster or boost the effect of the endogenous antioxidants in the body, taking as a exogenous antioxidants like vitamin C will go a long way in restoring the balance or equilibrium by increasing the level of antioxidants.
It is naturally expected that the amount of antioxidants should be fairly greater than the amount of oxidants.
*Let's take the skin for example.*
The skin plays a major role in innate immunity (first line defense) acting as a barrier against all form of external injurious agents whether environmental, chemical or microbial.
Did you know that some concentrations of vitamin C is found in the skin, with higher levels found in the epidermis than the dermis.
Now, the presence of this vitamin in skin actually increases the antioxidative activity of skin, thereby protecting it against environmental oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants. Remember our point of focus - anti-aging.
When exercise becomes a problem, Vitamin C, can help out
This compound - malondialdehyde, is usually increased in people that have inflammation or those that are stressed out.
It is a biomarker that once measured and if found increased to a significant level, then the person is oxidatively stressed.
This is why it is always advisable not to engage in too much exercise. There are times when exercise can become a problem because you are overworking the body system consequently leading to oxidative stress without you knowing.
When you are engaging exercise and you become weak it is a sign that you are getting worn out. Simply take some time to rest and take enough water and fruits and vitamin C.
End the exercise if possible because continuing will only end up building up more radicals that will ultimately damage some cells if the number of endogenous antioxidants is not enough to clear them.
By taking some vitamin C or fruits, you are directly boosting the level of antioxidants concentration in your body. Have you seen another potential power vitamin C has?
Does noise also cause aging?
The answer to this is a simple yes. Research have shown that noise also contributes to aging by increasing the level of oxidants in the body system.
Noise alone is enough to cause oxidative stress in you talk more of engaging in a very stressful and strenuous exercise.
Did you know that by mere staying in a very noisy environment, the level of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of oxidative stress authomatically increases.
This is why you get worn out and weak easily in a stuffy and noisy environments. So always bear in mind that, you mustn't necessarily be involved in strenuous activities or exercises to be oxidatively stressed.
Our immune system and vitamin C
Always bear in mind that increase in oxidants just like we have explained earlier damages cells and one of the cells is the Immune cells.
Damage to immune cells results to decreased immunity against infections. This is why those with deceased immunity are more susceptible to coronavirus and some opportunistic infections.
You can actually recover faster from Covid-19 infection once you are on treatment along side having strong immune system.
Eat healthy, take enough time to rest, avoid substances that will cause an increase in oxidants level in the body system, you will do just fine.
Vitamin C helps to prevent the damage of immune cells by free radicals (by-product of oxidants) and can modulate their functions through regulation of redox-sensitive transcription factors.
White blood cells have high concentrations of vitamin C it actively accumulates within it from the plasma and it is thought to protect them from oxidative damage since the vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize reactive oxidants.
Hope it is becoming clearer to you now? Let's continue, shall we! But this will be ok our next discussion, keep in touch.
You can actually recover faster from Covid-19 infection once you are on treatment along side having strong immune system.
Eat healthy, take enough time to rest, avoid substances that will cause an increase in oxidants level in the body system, you will do just fine.
Vitamin C helps to prevent the damage of immune cells by free radicals (by-product of oxidants) and can modulate their functions through regulation of redox-sensitive transcription factors.
White blood cells have high concentrations of vitamin C it actively accumulates within it from the plasma and it is thought to protect them from oxidative damage since the vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize reactive oxidants.
Hope it is becoming clearer to you now? Let's continue, shall we! But this will be ok our next discussion, keep in touch.
Drugs vs soft drinks with gasses and their dangerous effects
The dangers of mixing drug and excessive carbonated drinks consumption
When two or more drugs are mixed just in bid to cure an ailment, it is refered to as polypharmacy.
The use of multi drugs can only be effective and produce the required result if the two drugs complement the action of the other.
When drugs oppose each other action, they are said to exhibit antagonistic action or they are called antagonists.
But if they complement the effect that of each other to produce a much more stronger effect than would each one singly, then they are said to exhibit what is called synergism and as well can be said to be synergistic in action.
The synergism of drugs is very much needed in situations where the use of a single drug is unable to treat disease or infection.
For example in the treatment of some sicknesses like malaria, bacteria infection, the concept of synergism play a crucial role.
Now you understand why some times the pharmacists mixes a whole lot of different drugs (polypharmacy) just to cure that illness you complain about.
Kindly bear in mind that it is for your own good most times, though there are more expensive drugs that could actually take care of the problem at once, but, the pocket of the patient is most times considered before drug prescription.
Let's quickly look at why you can have bloated stomach if you are a regular carbonated drinks consumer.
Hello, pls give me coke or any carbonated soft drink.....chiillllled one please!
Alright, right away. Here you go sir/ma..
You collect soft drink and then, kpsssshhhhhh.
Straight to your mouth through the buccal cavity and it goes...gulugulugulu....agghhhhhh you exhale through your mouth. You go again, gulugulugulu, agghhhhhh.
Yeah no doubts, you are enjoying but also bear in mind that you are actually bloating your stomach. The gas in the drinks will continue to puff out.
When you hear the word carbonated it means mostly water blended with gas. Lower temperature increases the the solubility of gases and that is why, a drink that is extremely cold, you would observe that you cannot drink or finish it as fast as possible.
The gas that did kppshhhhhhh also goes straight to your stomach and bloats it thus leaving you with a big tommy.
This post is not in any way asking you to stop taking carbonated soft drinks, but at times you have to sacrifice some things if you want something else in return.
effective and produce the required result if the two drugs complement the action of the other.
The dangers of mixing drug and excessive carbonated drinks consumption
When two or more drugs are mixed just in bid to cure an ailment, it is refered to as polypharmacy.
The use of multi drugs can only be effective and produce the required result if the two drugs complement the action of the other.
When drugs oppose each other action, they are said to exhibit antagonistic action or they are called antagonists.
But if they complement the effect that of each other to produce a much more stronger effect than would each one singly, then they are said to exhibit what is called synergism and as well can be said to be synergistic in action.
The synergism of drugs is very much needed in situations where the use of a single drug is unable to treat disease or infection.
For example in the treatment of some sicknesses like malaria, bacteria infection, the concept of synergism play a crucial role.
Now you understand why some times the pharmacists mixes a whole lot of different drugs (polypharmacy) just to cure that illness you complain about.
Kindly bear in mind that it is for your own good most times, though there are more expensive drugs that could actually take care of the problem at once, but, the pocket of the patient is most times considered before drug prescription.
Let's quickly look at why you can have bloated stomach if you are a regular carbonated drinks consumer.
Hello, pls give me coke or any carbonated soft drink.....chiillllled one please!
Alright, right away. Here you go sir/ma..
You collect soft drink and then, kpsssshhhhhh.
Straight to your mouth through the buccal cavity and it goes...gulugulugulu....agghhhhhh you exhale through your mouth. You go again, gulugulugulu, agghhhhhh.
Yeah no doubts, you are enjoying but also bear in mind that you are actually bloating your stomach. The gas in the drinks will continue to puff out.
When you hear the word carbonated it means mostly water blended with gas. Lower temperature increases the the solubility of gases and that is why, a drink that is extremely cold, you would observe that you cannot drink or finish it as fast as possible.
The gas that did kppshhhhhhh also goes straight to your stomach and bloats it thus leaving you with a big tommy.
This post is not in any way asking you to stop taking carbonated soft drinks, but at times you have to sacrifice some things if you want something else in return.
effective and produce the required result if the two drugs complement the action of the other.
When drugs oppose each other action, they are said to exhibit antagonistic action or they are called antagonists.
But if they complement the effect that of each other to produce a much more stronger effect than would each one singly, then they are said to exhibit what is called synergism and as well can be said to be synergistic in action.
The synergism of drugs is very much needed in situations where the use of a single drug is unable to treat disease or infection.
For example in the treatment of some sicknesses like malaria, bacteria infection, the concept of synergism play a crucial role.
Now you understand why some times the pharmacists mixes a whole lot of different drugs (polypharmacy) just to cure that illness you complain about.
Kindly bear in mind that it is for your own good most times, though there are more expensive drugs that could actually take care of the problem at once, but, the pocket of the patient is most times considered before drug prescription.
Let's quickly look at why you can have bloated stomach if you are a regular carbonated drinks consumer.
Hello, pls give me coke or any carbonated soft drink.....chiillllled one please!
Alright, right away. Here you go sir/ma..
You collect soft drink and then, kpsssshhhhhh.
Straight to your mouth through the buccal cavity and it goes...gulugulugulu....agghhhhhh you exhale through your mouth. You go again, gulugulugulu, agghhhhhh.
Yeah no doubts, you are enjoying but also bear in mind that you are actually bloating your stomach. The gas in the drinks will continue to puff out.
When you hear the word carbonated it means mostly water blended with gas. Lower temperature increases the the solubility of gases and that is why, a drink that is extremely cold, you would observe that you cannot drink or finish it as fast as possible.
The gas that did kppshhhhhhh also goes straight to your stomach and bloats it thus leaving you with a big tommy.
This post is not in any way asking you to stop taking carbonated soft drinks, but at times you have to sacrifice some things if you want something else in return.
The gas in carbonated drinks are always released once opened. The more you agitated the drink, the more they are released from the water.
So it is left for you to decide what you want. If you have been working towards having flat tommy and you still take carbonated drinks after the exercise, you are actually wasting your time.
Say no to kpssshhhh, gulugulugulu if you need flat tommy.
Keep in touch for more...
The gas in carbonated drinks are always released once opened. The more you agitated the drink, the more they are released from the water.
So it is left for you to decide what you want. If you have been working towards having flat tommy and you still take carbonated drinks after the exercise, you are actually wasting your time.
When drugs oppose each other action, they are said to exhibit antagonistic action or they are called antagonists.
But if they complement the effect that of each other to produce a much more stronger effect than would each one singly, then they are said to exhibit what is called synergism and as well can be said to be synergistic in action.
The synergism of drugs is very much needed in situations where the use of a single drug is unable to treat disease or infection.
For example in the treatment of some sicknesses like malaria, bacteria infection, the concept of synergism play a crucial role.
Now you understand why some times the pharmacists mixes a whole lot of different drugs (polypharmacy) just to cure that illness you complain about.
Kindly bear in mind that it is for your own good most times, though there are more expensive drugs that could actually take care of the problem at once, but, the pocket of the patient is most times considered before drug prescription.
Let's quickly look at why you can have bloated stomach if you are a regular carbonated drinks consumer.
Hello, pls give me coke or any carbonated soft drink.....chiillllled one please!
Alright, right away. Here you go sir/ma..
You collect soft drink and then, kpsssshhhhhh.
Straight to your mouth through the buccal cavity and it goes...gulugulugulu....agghhhhhh you exhale through your mouth. You go again, gulugulugulu, agghhhhhh.
Yeah no doubts, you are enjoying but also bear in mind that you are actually bloating your stomach. The gas in the drinks will continue to puff out.
When you hear the word carbonated it means mostly water blended with gas. Lower temperature increases the the solubility of gases and that is why, a drink that is extremely cold, you would observe that you cannot drink or finish it as fast as possible.
The gas that did kppshhhhhhh also goes straight to your stomach and bloats it thus leaving you with a big tommy.
This post is not in any way asking you to stop taking carbonated soft drinks, but at times you have to sacrifice some things if you want something else in return.
The gas in carbonated drinks are always released once opened. The more you agitated the drink, the more they are released from the water.
So it is left for you to decide what you want. If you have been working towards having flat tommy and you still take carbonated drinks after the exercise, you are actually wasting your time.
Say no to kpssshhhh, gulugulugulu if you need flat tommy.
Keep in touch for more...
The gas in carbonated drinks are always released once opened. The more you agitated the drink, the more they are released from the water.
So it is left for you to decide what you want. If you have been working towards having flat tommy and you still take carbonated drinks after the exercise, you are actually wasting your time.
Say no to kpssshhhh, gulugulugulu if you need flat tommy.
Keep in touch for more...
Let's talk about food induced ulcer and virginity
Reading the title already got you kinda wondering, how possible is this.
I will make this as simple as it can get I will not want to go deeper into the real mechanism behind this.
By staying in an environment where they possibly cook a lot, you could actually have what we refer to as food induced ulcer.
The stomach contains cells known as parietal cells that secrete an acid Known as hydrochloric acid (HCL).
This HCL aids or helps in the quick breakdown and digestion of food we eat.
As you continuously perceive the aroma of the food, your body system erroneously sees it as food being present in your stomach and what happens is that HCL secretion in response is increased.
Excessive secretion of HCL corrodes or reacts and eat up substantial area of the wall of the stomach thus leading to food induced ulcer.
Are you surprised, well it is what it is. So you can actually get ulcer through continual perceiving of food aroma without taking that food.
To prevent this ensure that after perceiving that aroma, you eat or have that food.
Don't just perceived the aroma but eat the food if you can...lol. just don't steal the food anyway, hehe.
Although this is not very common but still doesn't rule out the fact that it happens.
Lets talk about virginity...
This post basically aims to demystify and correct the wrong impression about virginity most especially with ladies.
It is generally believed that all ladies with intact hymen are true virgins. This is fallacious and wrong.
The hymen is a little patch of flesh that that's covers the entrance to the vagina. It makes the entrance to the vagina a little bit narrow thus making it difficult the penis to penetrate during first sexual intercourse.
When this flesh torn by the penis during penetration, it causes the lady feel a very serious pain. To some it may not be very painful because all hymens are not created equal.
This is one of the reason why first sexual intercourse for ladies is very painful although this doesn't happen to all ladies because some women are even born without hymens.
Reading the title already got you kinda wondering, how possible is this.
I will make this as simple as it can get I will not want to go deeper into the real mechanism behind this.
By staying in an environment where they possibly cook a lot, you could actually have what we refer to as food induced ulcer.
The stomach contains cells known as parietal cells that secrete an acid Known as hydrochloric acid (HCL).
This HCL aids or helps in the quick breakdown and digestion of food we eat.
As you continuously perceive the aroma of the food, your body system erroneously sees it as food being present in your stomach and what happens is that HCL secretion in response is increased.
Excessive secretion of HCL corrodes or reacts and eat up substantial area of the wall of the stomach thus leading to food induced ulcer.
Are you surprised, well it is what it is. So you can actually get ulcer through continual perceiving of food aroma without taking that food.
To prevent this ensure that after perceiving that aroma, you eat or have that food.
Don't just perceived the aroma but eat the food if you can...lol. just don't steal the food anyway, hehe.
Although this is not very common but still doesn't rule out the fact that it happens.
Lets talk about virginity...
This post basically aims to demystify and correct the wrong impression about virginity most especially with ladies.
It is generally believed that all ladies with intact hymen are true virgins. This is fallacious and wrong.
The hymen is a little patch of flesh that that's covers the entrance to the vagina. It makes the entrance to the vagina a little bit narrow thus making it difficult the penis to penetrate during first sexual intercourse.
When this flesh torn by the penis during penetration, it causes the lady feel a very serious pain. To some it may not be very painful because all hymens are not created equal.
This is one of the reason why first sexual intercourse for ladies is very painful although this doesn't happen to all ladies because some women are even born without hymens.
There are activities as a lady you can engage in and have a torn hymen without ever having sexual intercourse.
Activities like exercise, horseback riding, biking, gymnastics, using tampons, fingering, and masturbation etc. so if you're the type that is actively engaged in some of these activities you must have had a torn hymen and you won't know.
There's a possibility that on your first sexual intercourse, you might not bleed but this does not mean that you're not a virgin. As for how to know if your hymen is broken, it's near impossible to see it for yourself.
The word virginity has been misconstrued overtime and it does not necessarily mean you've not had sex, it all depends on your definition of it.
You mustn't necessarily be on top of a woman or a man before you say you have had sex.
The conclusion is that there is no way to accurately prove virginity. Hymen doesn't have a huge blood supply, so even if it is intact, you may not bleed much or at all.
So to the men, don't see bleeding as an evidence of virginity and to the ladies, whether you bleed or not on your first night, that should not worry you.
It is a matter of trust between you and your partner.
Let's get the fact right now...
Until I come your way again...
There are activities as a lady you can engage in and have a torn hymen without ever having sexual intercourse.
Activities like exercise, horseback riding, biking, gymnastics, using tampons, fingering, and masturbation etc. so if you're the type that is actively engaged in some of these activities you must have had a torn hymen and you won't know.
There's a possibility that on your first sexual intercourse, you might not bleed but this does not mean that you're not a virgin. As for how to know if your hymen is broken, it's near impossible to see it for yourself.
The word virginity has been misconstrued overtime and it does not necessarily mean you've not had sex, it all depends on your definition of it.
You mustn't necessarily be on top of a woman or a man before you say you have had sex.
The conclusion is that there is no way to accurately prove virginity. Hymen doesn't have a huge blood supply, so even if it is intact, you may not bleed much or at all.
So to the men, don't see bleeding as an evidence of virginity and to the ladies, whether you bleed or not on your first night, that should not worry you.
It is a matter of trust between you and your partner.
Let's get the fact right now...
Until I come your way again...
Let's study Vitamin-c effect on HIV
Vitamin C and HIV/AIDS
I know you'll be wondering what has vitamin C got to do with HIV and AIDS virus.
Well truth be told vitamin C has a lot of potential I can actually solve a lot of things.
You look at them today with our focus and attention.
Lymphocytes are also white blood cells and like phagocytes, B- and T-cells also accumulate high level of vitamin C. However, Vitamin C has been shown to have a more pronounced effect on cell mediated response than its humoral response.
This is attributed to studies which suggests that the vitamin enhances the differentiation and maturation of T-cells and natural killer cells in response to infection. Remember the T-cells (the CD-4 cells) are involved the fight against HIV.
Vitamins C administration after surgery, why?
Vitamin C doesn't only prevent against aging, it also maintains barrier integrity. It is very important during tissue remodeling and wound healing since it decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and enhances the expression of various wound healing mediators.
Infact, following surgery, patients require relatively high intakes and doses of vitamin C not to only normalize their plasma vitamin C status (which falls due to the oxidative stress) but to aid healing of the wound. This is the major reason why they are administered to surgery patients.
The heat lability of Vitamin C
One of the biggest shortcomings associated with vitamin C is its heat lability. Vitamin C molecule is heat labile and very susceptible to heat. It begins to degrade at a temperature as low as 86 degree fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).
So exposing some of your fruits and vegetables to heat ultimately leads to the degradation of their vitamin C content. What does this tell us avoid exposure of your fruits, vegetables etc under sunlight.
Don't be deceived by the concentration labelling on some nutraceuticals or pharmaceutical vitamin C you buy, most of them are slightly increased in concentration because the manufacturers do take cognizance of the fact that the vitamin C content of their product degrade over time, so in order to ensure that it does not degrade below standard concentration written on the label they slightly increase the concentration of their products.
Vitamin C and HIV/AIDS
I know you'll be wondering what has vitamin C got to do with HIV and AIDS virus.
Well truth be told vitamin C has a lot of potential I can actually solve a lot of things.
You look at them today with our focus and attention.
Lymphocytes are also white blood cells and like phagocytes, B- and T-cells also accumulate high level of vitamin C. However, Vitamin C has been shown to have a more pronounced effect on cell mediated response than its humoral response.
This is attributed to studies which suggests that the vitamin enhances the differentiation and maturation of T-cells and natural killer cells in response to infection. Remember the T-cells (the CD-4 cells) are involved the fight against HIV.
Vitamins C administration after surgery, why?
Vitamin C doesn't only prevent against aging, it also maintains barrier integrity. It is very important during tissue remodeling and wound healing since it decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and enhances the expression of various wound healing mediators.
Infact, following surgery, patients require relatively high intakes and doses of vitamin C not to only normalize their plasma vitamin C status (which falls due to the oxidative stress) but to aid healing of the wound. This is the major reason why they are administered to surgery patients.
The heat lability of Vitamin C
One of the biggest shortcomings associated with vitamin C is its heat lability. Vitamin C molecule is heat labile and very susceptible to heat. It begins to degrade at a temperature as low as 86 degree fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).
So exposing some of your fruits and vegetables to heat ultimately leads to the degradation of their vitamin C content. What does this tell us avoid exposure of your fruits, vegetables etc under sunlight.
Don't be deceived by the concentration labelling on some nutraceuticals or pharmaceutical vitamin C you buy, most of them are slightly increased in concentration because the manufacturers do take cognizance of the fact that the vitamin C content of their product degrade over time, so in order to ensure that it does not degrade below standard concentration written on the label they slightly increase the concentration of their products.
Take fruits in addition with pharmaceutically produced vitamin C tablets when need be, because you cannot really get the full recommended daily average needed by the body per day by consuming only fruits unless you have to eat as many as possible to meet the daily requirement.
According to the report by Sharma et al., 2019,
The highest content of total ascorbic acid obtained by the Spectrophotometric method was found in samples of lemon (3.14 mg/100 ml)>apple (2.78 mg/100 ml)>orange (2.62 mg/100 ml)>grapes (2.2 mg/100 ml)
Not everyone can possibly afford buying fruits in such larger quantities for consumption. On the average, fruits contain alone contain less than 4mg of vitamin C.
So, to stay live longer and ensure state of good health, if you cannot afford taking much fruits, you could buy Pharmaceutically produced vitamin C to supplement the fruits and meet up with the 90mg/day recommended daily dosage for adults generally.
Take fruits in addition with pharmaceutically produced vitamin C tablets when need be, because you cannot really get the full recommended daily average needed by the body per day by consuming only fruits unless you have to eat as many as possible to meet the daily requirement.
According to the report by Sharma et al., 2019,
The highest content of total ascorbic acid obtained by the Spectrophotometric method was found in samples of lemon (3.14 mg/100 ml)>apple (2.78 mg/100 ml)>orange (2.62 mg/100 ml)>grapes (2.2 mg/100 ml)
Not everyone can possibly afford buying fruits in such larger quantities for consumption. On the average, fruits contain alone contain less than 4mg of vitamin C.
So, to stay live longer and ensure state of good health, if you cannot afford taking much fruits, you could buy Pharmaceutically produced vitamin C to supplement the fruits and meet up with the 90mg/day recommended daily dosage for adults generally.
With all the above said, it is obvious that vitamin C has huge role to play in the keeping the human physiological system healthy. Take enough fruits if you can or but vitamin C tablets to stay healthy.
Until next time ❤️❤️❤️
Critical discourse on the pathogenesis of wrinkles
How to treat some type of wrinkles
Obviously, there is. Advancement in science has made things easier. This treatment might actually shock you, but it is reality.
What if I told you that a bacterial toxin can be used to treat premature or early wrinkles formation, would you believe me?
The bacteria - *Clostridium botulinum* produces the most dangerous and lethal toxins under low oxygen conditions, in other words, it is an anaerobic bacteria.
It produces botulinum toxins and this toxin is very notorious in blocking nerve functions and this ultimately can lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis.
The mechanism of action of this toxin is exploited in the treatment of early wrinkles formation.
Though it is not approved for treatment of all wrinkles types, it's mainly for the treatment of glabellar lines (the 11 line sign formed by the muscles between the region of your two eyebrows due to frowning).
The injection is known as **Botox injection**. When injected under the muscles in question, it treats wrinkles formed by these muscles by relaxing or immobilizing them.
Once these muscles are relaxed, the resultant effect is the smoothening of the skin overlaying the muscle and by this way, the wrinkles are eliminated. It takes roughly one week to have maximum effect of the treatment using this toxin injection.
Obviously, there is. Advancement in science has made things easier. This treatment might actually shock you, but it is reality.
What if I told you that a bacterial toxin can be used to treat premature or early wrinkles formation, would you believe me?
The bacteria - *Clostridium botulinum* produces the most dangerous and lethal toxins under low oxygen conditions, in other words, it is an anaerobic bacteria.
It produces botulinum toxins and this toxin is very notorious in blocking nerve functions and this ultimately can lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis.
The mechanism of action of this toxin is exploited in the treatment of early wrinkles formation.
Though it is not approved for treatment of all wrinkles types, it's mainly for the treatment of glabellar lines (the 11 line sign formed by the muscles between the region of your two eyebrows due to frowning).
The injection is known as **Botox injection**. When injected under the muscles in question, it treats wrinkles formed by these muscles by relaxing or immobilizing them.
Once these muscles are relaxed, the resultant effect is the smoothening of the skin overlaying the muscle and by this way, the wrinkles are eliminated. It takes roughly one week to have maximum effect of the treatment using this toxin injection.
The use of Botox injection also extends to elimination of the forehead creases, crow's feet found near the eyes and also the thick bands on the neck.
There are other treatments options that can be made available to you, so also seek for professional help and advice.
In conclusion, wrinkle formation is not strictly evidence or sign of old age. You could develop wrinkle at early age of your life if you are engaged in strenuous activities that makes you age faster.
This is why it is Important to take foods and edibles that contain high concentration of antioxidants or anti aging molecules.
Sometimes they are hereditary and inevitable at some early age. It all depends on the gene you inherited from your parents.
The use of Botox injection also extends to elimination of the forehead creases, crow's feet found near the eyes and also the thick bands on the neck.
There are other treatments options that can be made available to you, so also seek for professional help and advice.
In conclusion, wrinkle formation is not strictly evidence or sign of old age. You could develop wrinkle at early age of your life if you are engaged in strenuous activities that makes you age faster.
How
Obviously, there is. Advancement in science has made things easier. This treatment might actually shock you, but it is reality.
What if I told you that a bacterial toxin can be used to treat premature or early wrinkles formation, would you believe me?
The bacteria - *Clostridium botulinum* produces the most dangerous and lethal toxins under low oxygen conditions, in other words, it is an anaerobic bacteria.
It produces botulinum toxins and this toxin is very notorious in blocking nerve functions and this ultimately can lead to respiratory and muscular paralysis.
The mechanism of action of this toxin is exploited in the treatment of early wrinkles formation.
Though it is not approved for treatment of all wrinkles types, it's mainly for the treatment of glabellar lines (the 11 line sign formed by the muscles between the region of your two eyebrows due to frowning).
The injection is known as **Botox injection**. When injected under the muscles in question, it treats wrinkles formed by these muscles by relaxing or immobilizing them.
Once these muscles are relaxed, the resultant effect is the smoothening of the skin overlaying the muscle and by this way, the wrinkles are eliminated. It takes roughly one week to have maximum effect of the treatment using this toxin injection.
The use of Botox injection also extends to elimination of the forehead creases, crow's feet found near the eyes and also the thick bands on the neck.
There are other treatments options that can be made available to you, so also seek for professional help and advice.
wrinkle formation is not strictly evidence or sign of old age. You could develop wrinkle at early age of your life if you are engaged in strenuous activities that makes you age faster.
This is why it is Important to take foods and edibles that contain high concentration of antioxidants or anti aging molecules.
Sometimes they are hereditary and inevitable at some early age. It all depends on the gene you inherited from your parents.
This is why it is Important to take foods and edibles that contain high concentration of antioxidants or anti aging molecules.
Sometimes they are hereditary and inevitable at some early age. It all depends on the gene you inherited from your parents.
Let's talk about decentralization and what it means
A lot has happened recently, nevertheless, this is a good opportunity to discuss about blockchain technology, the brain box behind the concept of decentralization in crypto currencies. Join me as I discuss my perspective.
The blockchain and its fundamental building blocks
First I will start by explaining what I understand about blockchain. Yeah, its a common word we do say but not everyone really understands its in-depth meaning, so I will try and make this post as simple as possible.
The blockchain is a combination of two words- 'block' and 'chain'. Literally we could say it is chain of blocks that continues to form as more data are added. The blocks contains the digital information which includes thousands of transactions, its details such as time and date of the transactions, dollar amount of your posts.
It also stores information about the person who is involved in transactions, though this is done in a unique way by using usernames instead of the actual individual name and this is an example of what is called digital signature.
The blocks after been formed are then stored basically in a public database known as the chain. The more blocks are formed, they are added to the chain which continues to grow. One thing about blocks is that, it stores information in such a way that two blocks will have what differentiates them from one another.
It does this by storing a unique code referred to as Hash. This codes makes blocks different from the others. With this codes,it is easier to identify a particular blocks rather than searching randomly. Every block has its own unique identify courtesy of Hash.
So in summary, simply put it this way, a blockchain is series or multiples of blocks that are strung together and they are linearly arranged in a chronological manner. As more transactions (a very important criteria for the formation of blockchain), are performed, the length continues to increase.
It is very important I let you know this; for a blockchain to be formed, there must be a transaction which must be verified and then they are subsequently stored in blocks which are then given the unique identify known as hash. Bear in mind that as more new blocks are formed, they are added to the blockchain and this makes them automatically available for anyone to see the transaction data publicly.
One of the beautiful thing about the blockchain is that it is very difficult to alter the information in each blocks without traces because once a block has been added, it becomes very hard to alter any data in the previous blocks since each blocks have their unique identification code - Hash and in addition to the block preceding them.
Any attempt to tamper or alter the data in each blocks, it automatically changes the hash of the blocks and it continues to other blocks. What this simply means is that, it will be very difficult to cover your tracks while attempting to hack the blockchain. Even if you need to cover your tracks , you will need a great deal of energy for that and you will also need to edit all the blocks - a daunting task that maybe quite impossible.
The above is one of the reasons why blockchain technology is very much difficult to hack into without being detected. Though most of the transactions are always publicly recorded but not their data or probably not in full. That's basically all there is to know about blockchain chain to my best understanding. I will now delve into my understanding of what decentralization means.
Decentralization and its meaning to me and importance
The word decentralization is not as complicated as it may sound. Lets break it down, de-centralization. It simply means removing power from a central position of authority in a large setting and spreading it across to others. Decentralization is aimed as removing autocracy or sole power from a central points or a single administrative point to other locations.
Now narrowing it down to the steemit community for example which is made up of administrative members headed by a leader or CEO that form carry out administrative functions and a community of members that are actively engaged in day to day interactions with others community members.
De-centralization here, will simply means removing power from the central administrative unit or the CEO and spreading these power to the community members. With decentralization , power is efficiently dispersed away from a central authority.
De-centralization ensures that, no single person gets to dictate what happens without the approval of the community members. Its more like giving power to the people that make up the community. You can also define it as moving the departments of a very large organization sway from one single administrative center to others locations. It ensure also that power is not concentrated only one focal point or person.
Blockchain is the technology that allows for de-centralization by allowing users or members to play active role in decision making process and also gives them that sense of belonging. Decentralization allows or gives every users the chance or opportunity of being one of the network's numerous payments processors. Just like what the witnesses in steemit perform some data processing.
Decentralization prevents autocracy and abuse of power. As they would say, power intoxicates. Decentralization is one of the things that has made many crypto currencies resilient, efficient and much more democratic. The power belongs to the people and it also ensures that there is no single point to or ruin that will affect the entire system unlike when the power is centralised, a damage to the central authority will affect the entire system.
It is more of bottom - up technique of managing or running a system or a facility because the authority are spread out and delegated to many members, this makes them feel belonged and as because they feel they have been empowered, they contribute immensely to the development of the platform or system.
De-centralization has been able to effectively lower the risk of system failure. Also remember that a de-centralized system allows users to contribute and air their views without fear or threats. Most times de-centralized projects are basically open source projects. What this means is that, useers or members of the community are at liberty to build or design apps or services on the pre-existing ones on ground.
This obviously allows and expands the growth potential of steemit in particular but if centralised, developers of these apps and services will be limited or restricted to the rule and authority of a central authority - autocracy. They will be the only ones to say or dictate what and what will be produced. Who obviously will want to be tossed around like a puppets when you know you have great potential.
We all are our own masters and as such, deserve to state our mind to anyone without fear.
My thoughts on the blockchain technology and decentralization
I have virtually laid some of the points above but to ice it I will still go further to say one or two things under this section.
The blockchain technology is one of the best thing that has happened to mankind. Its existence has made it possible for the common man to be financially independent. It has made it possible for the masses to gain full control over their finance. It has also made it possible for humans to be the sole decider or decision maker as regards their finance and how they which to spend it without being monitored or censored by government authority.
The blockchain technology and its de-centralised pattern has made it possible for humans to be an active key decision maker. They are not subjected to a single authority hat dictates what happens to their finance without or without their consent. It has so far placed the key to financial freedom and privacy in the hand of man. Today, we decide what we want to do with our finances.
The blockchain technology that birthed crypto currencies has also alleviated poverty in some developing nations by acting as a source of means through which the poor could get income free from tax and unnecessary charges.
With blockchain technology and decentralization, trust no longer becomes and issue as it provides us with better transparency. Also, there is reduced cost of transactions as you don't have to pay a lot to vendors. The benefits of a de-centralized blockchain is unlimited as it spreads across the healthcare sectors,real estates etc.
In conclusion, the advent of the blockchain technology is a blessing to this generation and its only a matter of time, the world will fully see the huge benefits they have long been missing out from. A de-centralized blockchain remains unarguably the best.
A lot has happened recently, nevertheless, this is a good opportunity to discuss about blockchain technology, the brain box behind the concept of decentralization in crypto currencies. Join me as I discuss my perspective.
*The blockchain and its fundamental building blocks*
First I will start by explaining what I understand about blockchain. Yeah, its a common word we do say but not everyone really understands its in-depth meaning, so I will try and make this post as simple as possible.
The blockchain is a combination of two words- 'block' and 'chain'. Literally we could say it is chain of blocks that continues to form as more data are added. The **blocks** contains the digital information which includes thousands of transactions, its details such as time and date of the transactions, dollar amount of your posts.
It also stores information about the person who is involved in transactions, though this is done in a unique way by using usernames instead of the actual individual name and this is an example of what is called digital signature.
The blocks after been formed are then stored basically in a public database known as the chain. The more blocks are formed, they are added to the chain which continues to grow. One thing about blocks is that, it stores information in such a way that two blocks will have what differentiates them from one another.
It does this by storing a unique code referred to as Hash. This codes makes blocks different from the others. With this codes,it is easier to identify a particular blocks rather than searching randomly. Every block has its own unique identify courtesy of Hash.
So in summary, simply put it this way, a blockchain is series or multiples of blocks that are strung together and they are linearly arranged in a chronological manner. As more transactions (a very important criteria for the formation of blockchain), are performed, the length continues to increase.
It is very important I let you know this; for a blockchain to be formed, there must be a transaction which must be verified and then they are subsequently stored in blocks which are then given the unique identify known as hash. Bear in mind that as more new blocks are formed, they are added to the blockchain and this makes them automatically available for anyone to see the transaction data publicly.
One of the beautiful thing about the blockchain is that it is very difficult to alter the information in each blocks without traces because once a block has been added, it becomes very hard to alter any data in the previous blocks since each blocks have their unique identification code - Hash and in addition to the block preceding them.
Any attempt to tamper or alter the data in each blocks, it automatically changes the hash of the blocks and it continues to other blocks. What this simply means is that, it will be very difficult to cover your tracks while attempting to hack the blockchain. Even if you need to cover your tracks , you will need a great deal of energy for that and you will also need to edit all the blocks - a daunting task that maybe quite impossible.
The above is one of the reasons why blockchain technology is very much difficult to hack into without being detected. Though most of the transactions are always publicly recorded but not their data or probably not in full. That's basically all there is to know about blockchain chain to my best understanding. I will now delve into my understanding of what decentralization means.
Decentralization and its meaning to me and importance
The word decentralization is not as complicated as it may sound. Lets break it down, de-centralization. It simply means removing power from a central position of authority in a large setting and spreading it across to others. Decentralization is aimed as removing autocracy or sole power from a central points or a single administrative point to other locations.
Now narrowing it down to the steemit community for example which is made up of administrative members headed by a leader or CEO that form carry out administrative functions and a community of members that are actively engaged in day to day interactions with others community members.
De-centralization here, will simply means removing power from the central administrative unit or the CEO and spreading these power to the community members. With decentralization , power is efficiently dispersed away from a central authority.
De-centralization ensures that, no single person gets to dictate what happens without the approval of the community members. Its more like giving power to the people that make up the community. You can also define it as moving the departments of a very large organization sway from one single administrative center to others locations. It ensure also that power is not concentrated only one focal point or person.
Blockchain is the technology that allows for de-centralization by allowing users or members to play active role in decision making process and also gives them that sense of belonging. Decentralization allows or gives every users the chance or opportunity of being one of the network's numerous payments processors. Just like what the witnesses in steemit perform some data processing.
Decentralization prevents autocracy and abuse of power. As they would say, power intoxicates. Decentralization is one of the things that has made many crypto currencies resilient, efficient and much more democratic. The power belongs to the people and it also ensures that there is no single point to or ruin that will affect the entire system unlike when the power is centralised, a damage to the central authority will affect the entire system.
It is more of bottom - up technique of managing or running a system or a facility because the authority are spread out and delegated to many members, this makes them feel belonged and as because they feel they have been empowered, they contribute immensely to the development of the platform or system.
De-centralization has been able to effectively lower the risk of system failure. Also remember that a de-centralized system allows users to contribute and air their views without fear or threats. Most times de-centralized projects are basically open source projects. What this means is that, useers or members of the community are at liberty to build or design apps or services on the pre-existing ones on ground.
This obviously allows and expands the growth potential of steemit in particular but if centralised, developers of these apps and services will be limited or restricted to the rule and authority of a central authority - autocracy. They will be the only ones to say or dictate what and what will be produced. Who obviously will want to be tossed around like a puppets when you know you have great potential.
We all are our own masters and as such, deserve to state our mind to anyone without fear.
My thoughts on the blockchain technology and decentralization
I have virtually laid some of the points above but to ice it I will still go further to say one or two things under this section.
The blockchain technology is one of the best thing that has happened to mankind. Its existence has made it possible for the common man to be financially independent. It has made it possible for the masses to gain full control over their finance. It has also made it possible for humans to be the sole decider or decision maker as regards their finance and how they which to spend it without being monitored or censored by government authority.
The blockchain technology and its de-centralised pattern has made it possible for humans to be an active key decision maker. They are not subjected to a single authority hat dictates what happens to their finance without or without their consent. It has so far placed the key to financial freedom and privacy in the hand of man. Today, we decide what we want to do with our finances.
The blockchain technology that birthed crypto currencies has also alleviated poverty in some developing nations by acting as a source of means through which the poor could get income free from tax and unnecessary charges.
With blockchain technology and decentralization, trust no longer becomes and issue as it provides us with better transparency. Also, there is reduced cost of transactions as you don't have to pay a lot to vendors. The benefits of a de-centralized blockchain is unlimited as it spreads across the healthcare sectors,real estates etc.
In conclusion, the advent of the blockchain technology is a blessing to this generation and its only a matter of time, the world will fully see the huge benefits they have long been missing out from. A de-centralized blockchain remains unarguably the best.
Let's discuss progeria and why you feel dizzy after eating
Progeria is a rare genetic disease or condition that makes a child's body to age faster.
It is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
This disease condition is rare but of course and can happen to anyone.
Usually the disease is not inherited because the children do not live up to marriageable age before they die. They do not live more than or up to 13 years.
This disease like I said above can affect anyone. So it does not matter the sex of the baby.
Once a mistake in a particular Gene happens, it results or causes it to produce an abnormal protein that is called progerin.
The image above is the picture of the first female girl with progeria in africa. She she is from South Africa, although late already.
So when our cells uses this protein - progerin, it breaks down faster and easily. Excessive accumulation of this protein is what makes these kids grow old faster.
So you end up seeing a child of about 10 years looking like a 90 year old woman or man.
The children look normal at the early age of 1 year but gradually begin to manifest the signs and symptoms of progeria and one of which is difficulty in adding weight.
So it happens but we only hope and pray it doesn't happen to any of our children.
Have you ever asked yourself why you doze off after eating heavy foods like like Garri, fufu, amala, or any heavy food at all.
After reading this, your curiosity will be doused. Generally, this happens to everyone. Once you are done eating, you feel tired and sleepy.
The reason behind this has alot of physiological angles to it. But we won't go so deep into them, I will give you the simple and concise explanation to it.
One thing you have to know is that eating is work on its own. As you eat, alot of muscle, and cells are in action.
Beginning from scooping the food, opening of your mouth, grinding by the teeth, swallowing through throat, the food peristaltic movement into the stomach etc are all work and require energy.
Once the food enter the stomach, the myenteric plexus (bunch of nerve fibres) send signal to the brain and in response, this causes more blood to go to the digestive systems so that the food can be digested faster.
You feel dizzy because your brain no longer gets enough of the blood it is meant to receive due to the fact that most of the blood have been diverted to the digestive system.
So if you want to be active, don't stay one place after eating, else, get ready to visit your ancestors briefly for an important meeting in the dream.😎
Progeria is a rare genetic disease or condition that makes a child's body to age faster.
It is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
This disease condition is rare but of course and can happen to anyone.
Usually the disease is not inherited because the children do not live up to marriageable age before they die. They do not live more than or up to 13 years.
This disease like I said above can affect anyone. So it does not matter the sex of the baby.
Once a mistake in a particular Gene happens, it results or causes it to produce an abnormal protein that is called progerin.
The image above is the picture of the first female girl with progeria in africa. She she is from South Africa, although late already.
So when our cells uses this protein - progerin, it breaks down faster and easily. Excessive accumulation of this protein is what makes these kids grow old faster.
So you end up seeing a child of about 10 years looking like a 90 year old woman or man.
The children look normal at the early age of 1 year but gradually begin to manifest the signs and symptoms of progeria and one of which is difficulty in adding weight.
So it happens but we only hope and pray it doesn't happen to any of our children.
Have you ever asked yourself why you doze off after eating heavy foods like like Garri, fufu, amala, or any heavy food at all.
After reading this, your curiosity will be doused. Generally, this happens to everyone. Once you are done eating, you feel tired and sleepy.
The reason behind this has alot of physiological angles to it. But we won't go so deep into them, I will give you the simple and concise explanation to it.
One thing you have to know is that eating is work on its own. As you eat, alot of muscle, and cells are in action.
Beginning from scooping the food, opening of your mouth, grinding by the teeth, swallowing through throat, the food peristaltic movement into the stomach etc are all work and require energy.
Once the food enter the stomach, the myenteric plexus (bunch of nerve fibres) send signal to the brain and in response, this causes more blood to go to the digestive systems so that the food can be digested faster.
You feel dizzy because your brain no longer gets enough of the blood it is meant to receive due to the fact that most of the blood have been diverted to the digestive system.
So if you want to be active, don't stay one place after eating, else, get ready to visit your ancestors briefly for an important meeting in the dream.😎
If you loved the Article, kindly subscribe to read More.
If you loved the Article, kindly subscribe to read More.
How well have read about Covid-19?
When the foundation of anything is weak, the end result is collapse of that structure.
The immune system is made up of cells and they are the backbone or foundation upon which a healthy body relies on and once there is a compromise on its integrity, problem ensues.
A lot has been said about this deadly Covid-19 pandemic and it is no longer news that one needs to be extremely careful and cautious of where they go, who they interact with, things they touch and as well as ensuring social distancing.
Viruses generally love to attack immune cells, take over the genetic machinery of their host to produce millons of their own copies.
They are more interested in those cells that will likely be a challenge to them; the immune cells and as such they hide in disguise inside cells.
Naturally, what the body does is to produce soldiers aka the antibodies.
These antibodies are specific to the particular viral antigen that elicited them and what they do basically is to attack the virus in a bid to destroy and clear them out of the body system.
Now, the cells that produces these antibodies are a type of the white blood cells that play major role in the immunity and they are the B-cells.
Generally, you can as well include the lymphocytes such as the T-cells (helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells).
Most virus like the HIV virus targets this T cells because once these cells are down, it is easier for them to thrive and dominate their host entire system.
So now you understand what happens, what then do you do to stay healthy, safe and free from any opportunistic infections.
Remember, a weakened immune system is more prone to infection than a very strong immune system.
A big question you might want to ask goes thus:
Does the nature of the immune system have much effect on Corona virus?
One dangerous thing about most respiratory viruses is that, they are at first not so much interested in your immune cells because they target the cells of the lungs - the pneumocytes.
For Covid-19, it is more interested in the type 2 pneumocytes, the cells that produces surfactant - substances that ensures that there is no increase in surface tension in the lungs thus, prevent the lungs from collapsing.
They use the cells of the type 2 pneumocytes to replicate more millions of viral particles that continue to damage more cells of the lungs.
Unlike HIV virus that majorly targets the immune system cells. So it is very important to as much as possible maintain social distancing and ensure proper washing of hands with soap and running water.
Your best chance is to prevent the virus from entering.
Your immune system though plays a vital role by delaying the damages to be done by the invading virus and it does this by producing antibodies such as the IgM and the IgG in a bid to fight and clear the virus but the big question here is; for how long can they hold off the virus.
They are not enough to overwhelm the virus without any vaccine or antiviral drugs.
Treatment with antiviral drugs are the best option for viral infections since they basically go to either block the virus from replicating or block their receptor binding sites.
It is the resultant effects of the damages caused by the virus that causes various symptoms and signs such as fever, difficulty in breathing, tachycardia (increased heart beat) etc you see in patients infected with Corona virus.
Covid-19 infection process
When the foundation of anything is weak, the end result is collapse of that structure.
The immune system is made up of cells and they are the backbone or foundation upon which a healthy body relies on and once there is a compromise on its integrity, problem ensues.
A lot has been said about this deadly Covid-19 pandemic and it is no longer news that one needs to be extremely careful and cautious of where they go, who they interact with, things they touch and as well as ensuring social distancing.
Viruses generally love to attack immune cells, take over the genetic machinery of their host to produce millons of their own copies.
They are more interested in those cells that will likely be a challenge to them; the immune cells and as such they hide in disguise inside cells.
Naturally, what the body does is to produce soldiers aka the antibodies.
These antibodies are specific to the particular viral antigen that elicited them and what they do basically is to attack the virus in a bid to destroy and clear them out of the body system.
Now, the cells that produces these antibodies are a type of the white blood cells that play major role in the immunity and they are the B-cells.
Generally, you can as well include the lymphocytes such as the T-cells (helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells).
Most virus like the HIV virus targets this T cells because once these cells are down, it is easier for them to thrive and dominate their host entire system.
So now you understand what happens, what then do you do to stay healthy, safe and free from any opportunistic infections.
Remember, a weakened immune system is more prone to infection than a very strong immune system.
A big question you might want to ask goes thus:
Does the nature of the immune system have much effect on Corona virus?
One dangerous thing about most respiratory viruses is that, they are at first not so much interested in your immune cells because they target the cells of the lungs - the pneumocytes.
For Covid-19, it is more interested in the type 2 pneumocytes, the cells that produces surfactant - substances that ensures that there is no increase in surface tension in the lungs thus, prevent the lungs from collapsing.
They use the cells of the type 2 pneumocytes to replicate more millions of viral particles that continue to damage more cells of the lungs.
Unlike HIV virus that majorly targets the immune system cells. So it is very important to as much as possible maintain social distancing and ensure proper washing of hands with soap and running water.
Your best chance is to prevent the virus from entering.
Your immune system though plays a vital role by delaying the damages to be done by the invading virus and it does this by producing antibodies such as the IgM and the IgG in a bid to fight and clear the virus but the big question here is; for how long can they hold off the virus.
They are not enough to overwhelm the virus without any vaccine or antiviral drugs.
Treatment with antiviral drugs are the best option for viral infections since they basically go to either block the virus from replicating or block their receptor binding sites.
It is the resultant effects of the damages caused by the virus that causes various symptoms and signs such as fever, difficulty in breathing, tachycardia (increased heart beat) etc you see in patients infected with Corona virus.
We will continue next time...keep in touch.
Let's discuss how to reverse search images and licenses
In a situation where you need to use an image which is copyrighted, you may need to request for express permission from the original owner of the image.
If you are granted the permission to use the image, you will still need to credit the author and if possible attach the evidence of the permission given to you.
This will help you defend yourself anywhere.
Reverse searching
This is a technique you can use to also find out if an image is free from copywrite.
There are some sites that offer this service. All you need do is to to upload the image on the site and various attribute about the image will be displayed.
Example of these sites are TinEye, Prepostseo, smallseotools and many more. They offer you the chance of finding out if the image is free for use.
Plagiarism on words
When writing articles, do not copy word for word. Read the article and explain in your own word what you understand.
Copying someone else's work verbatim is plagiarism and will not tolerated in readcash as there are already set-up police of the community.
I call them the police of the community because they are there to ensure that sanctity is maintained on the platform.
Plagiarism will only end up causing you to loose substantial votes and friends.
You can also be blacklisted by some communities that don't joke or take plagiarism likely.
When you need to copy a particular sentence in an article verbatim, you are expected to put it in a quotation or use the markdown for quotation to highlight it and then possibly put the link from where you got the sentence.
This saves you a lot of headache.
Most communities frown at plagiarism. So try and be original.
Put effort in your work and always remember, nothing good comes easy. You just just have to work it out.
Lets briefly talk about licenses...
👉CC BY-NC: Non commercial meaning that you are free to edit and use the original work but you must not use the image for commercial purposes.
👉CC BY-ND: Here you are free to redistribute the work for either commercial or non commercial purposes but the emphasis here is that the work must not be changed or altered for any reason,hence the name non derivative.
The whole credit must also be given to the original author.
👉Public domain: When a work is found under public domain it means that it has no copyright and nobody really has the right to lay claim as to the ownership of the image.
Though not all images are really free to use under public domain because the law varies from country to country. It is advisable to stick to the CC0 if you are not sure.
For more details about licenses kindly go through the reference section of this article. Let's now talk about how to find these images that are free from copyright claims.
Website for free images
Most times you might be in dare need of a picture to actually portray or depict what you are writing, visiting Google will obviously give you want you want but are the pictures free of copyright claims?
Writing scientific articles requires a lot from you as the author.
The list below are sure website you can visit to get images that free from copyright claims
Wikimedia and pixabayare the two most widely used sites where you can get free images. Other sites are listed below.
stocksnappexelsunsplashepicantusskitterphotopicographyburstreshotfoodiesfeedgratisographyfree stocks.orgMIT stcokpic jumbokaboompicslife of pixlittle visualsdeath to stock photonew old stockJay mantrishotstash and lastlystyled stock
The above are sites that will help you get those unique images you wish to use to write your articles irrespective of the type of article.
I also need to bring to your attention that some governmental and non-profit organization's sites images are usually free to use and when referencing , all that is expected of you to do is to reference the site or the name of the organization as a whole when the author of the image is not stated.
In a situation where the the name of the author is stated, you will need to mention the name of the author and the organization.
Example of organization like this are MIT, CDC, WHO etc. If you are not sure, always ensure to go through their terms of use and privacy policy.
Flickr is another site where you can get free images for use but it cannot be strictly categorised as a site for free images because not all images on Flickr are free for use.
Before using images on Flickr, ensure to check below the images, it is usually stated whether it is free for use or not.
Remember that beautiful images make a post fascinating to read. Always reference your work properly.
We will continue next time....
If there are other things you feel I missed out in this article or corrections necessary to be made, feel free to leave it as a comment. It will be updated as soon as possible.
Your friendly friend @cyprianj, see ya
Edema in pregnancy, why kissing is beneficial to the health
Hehe, well today discussion will be 18+ , so if you're not up to 18 years please kindly leave this post for the matured ones 😊.
Kissing is an act that involves the touch or pressing of one's lips against another person or an object. It could be for a long time (french kiss) or for a short period of time (pecking).
It is always advisable to begin romantic moments or foreplay through kissing especially for the married because it has a way of quickly igniting, arousing and putting both partners in the mood for the real deal.
Kissing helps to release wellness hormones such as oxytocin serotonin and even dopamine. These chemical hormones makes you feel euphoric and it also encourage feelings of affection and bonding.
Kissing also helps to lower stress hormone (cortisol) level eases anxiety. So when you come back from work feeling stressed out, go take your bath and then meet your partner so that you both can have some romantic moment through kissing.
Kissing helps you bond faster with your partner because of the hormone - oxytocin which it releases.
It also helps reduces heart rate and consequently reducing your blood pressure through the dilatory effects it has on blood vessels.
For the ladies, know this. During period of cramps, a loving touch an kiss can help ease your pain. Demand it from your partner if need be.
There are more to Kissing, but we end it here. So have fun and enjoy your relationship.
Pls: brush your mouth and ensure you don't have any infection like Entamoeba gingivalis that damages the teeth.
Be sure of who you are Kissing.
Edema in pregnancy, why and what happens?
Have you ever wondered why most pregnant women have EDEMA (swelling on their legs, face and other part of their body as a result of increased extracellular fluid)?
Although not all women experience this, but it happened occasionally to most pregnant women.
Reading this article will help you understand the simple reason why this happens.
Remember from our last discussion I talked about the role of plasma protein in the body. Now let's find out why and what they aside bonding and transportation of drugs to their binding sites or target receptors.
Swelling of the feet and faces during pregnancy is caused by increase fluid retention due to increase metabolic demand and also when there is a reduction in the level of albumin or other major proteins that play key role in maintaining oncotic pressure or oncotic pressure, edema (accumulation of fluids in tissues of the body leading to swelling) sets in.
One of the reason why most pregnant women have swollen legs and faces is as a result of reduction in plasma proteins which is caused by protein continuous absorption by the developing foetus in the womb and consequently this results to low level of plasma protein in the pregnant woman.
Malnutrition also causes a reduction in protein level. The pitin edema is physiologic and resolves after pregnancy. Hope this meets you well. It is as simple as that.
We will continue next in the subsequent article with the next pharmacokinetic property, Metabolism or how the drugs we ingest is broken down. Keep in touch
Let's look at why too much of eating pizza is not good for your health.
One thing about fatness is that most times it predisposes you to some disease conditions.
Obesity, overweight or fatness reduce your immunity thus making you easily susceptible to disease.
You need to watch what you eat most times because all the fats humans accumulate usually come from some of the foods we eat.
Our genetic makeup also has a role to play. There are people that are born naturally to be fat because they have increased activity of the hormone (adipokines) that favours adipocyte formation (fats accumulation).
Increased activity of this hormone is the reason why they eat a lot because it also causes increased appetite.
So, you discover that no matter the exercise they do to reduce, it is barely and almost impossible.
You also have to note that, the larger your size, the larger you eat most times because you need to eat enough to commensurate the increased metabolism in your body. Although this still varies from people to people due to our genetic makeup.
So as much as you can you need to try to do exercise and regulate how you eat by disciplining yourself.
You're not possibly helping yourself by eating a big bowl of food after going for jogging or exercise which is intended to help you burn fats.
Control your appetite for pizza and Burger in particular if you are the type that love them alot and all unhealthy fatty foods.
This article is original and authored by me , all rights reserved.
Let's critically discuss the physiology behind male erection
Meanwhile let's quickly talk about the male reproductive system, sexual intercourse, the physiologic mechanisms, processes and the whole lot of activities that happens during sexual intercourse taking the male as case study today.
While you are enjoying that lovely moment, do you know what really happens.
Do you know that it is the inflow of blood into the penis that makes it erect.
Do you know the difference between spermatozoa and semen. All these and several more will be revealed in this article.
It's another great opportunity and privilege to share with us today a topic that any where it is taught, people are usually more eager to listen to.
Sex is sweet and it is that period when emotions and feelings run high. It is that moment when both partners forget about beauty, the only thing that matters is the feeling of excitement in the process.
As one of my friends will most times say whenever he talks about sex
"during sex, no one thinks about the nature of the area between the two legs"
In as much as sex has its own advantages, such as boosting of the immune system, stress relief , reduction in risk of hypertension, improve the female bladder control, reduces pain and anxiety, helps you have a better sleep and many more, it could as well be the most deadly weapon if not controlled especially in the cases of multiple sex partners.
what really is sex?
If you ask me what really is sexual intercourse, and reason why people are involved in the act, well this will be my honest response
"sexual intercourse is an act that involves the process where by a male reproductive organ is thrust into a female reproductive tract.
The event resulting to release of semen into the female and this consequently leading to the fusion of the sperm and egg which finally gives rise to a zygote.
Sex gives that unique satisfaction that nothing else can which is obviously why many indulge in it"
I tried as much as possible to summarize a lot of things in the definition I gave above but believe you me, there is a whole lot of event that occurs during those processes.
Beginning from the arousement of both the male and the female counterparts, followed by increase in the muscle tension and the sexual intercourse proper.
Yes, everyone knows that sex is sweet, even those that have not indulged in the activity will still blindly and affirmatively tell you that sex is sweet but the processes involved in this act is overwhelming.
I am going to explain a whole lot of concepts in this article, I will expose those hidden mechanisms that bring about the excitement of sex so that you get to understand that there are certain things that happen inside of you of which you are not totally aware of neither are they fully within your power to control.
Let's begin with the sensitization stage, a stage where the man is aroused and in the mood for sexual intercourse.
A lot of factors come into play after arousement.
The first and most important is erection of the male genitalia - the penis. The penis must be on erection before sexual intercourse.
The big question now is, how does erection occur?
Have ever pondered on this before? Why is that whenever you feel sexually aroused, the Penis responds by erecting but later in the long run becomes flaccid once the feeling of arousement is gone. Here is the reason!
***Mechanism of penis erection***
Erection of the penis is initiated first by dilation of the the arterioles of the penis. This action allows blood to quickly and gradually rush into a tubular tissue in the
Penis thereby making it strong and erect. Once this happens, the penile erectile muscle tissues surrounding the shaft of the penis - the **corpora carvenosa** and the **corpus spongiosum.**
They both compress the veins and by this way doesn't allow the outflow of blood hence ensuring the tugor of the penis.
This **corpus spongiosum** is that muscle particularly muscle that contracts during ejaculation and what is assist in doing is to force the semen directly into the vagina while the corpora carvenosa plays the major role of keeping the penis erect.
The chief major muscle that actual propels the semen out of the urethra is the contraction of the **Bulbocavernososus muscle.**
This muscle is very strong and you cannot in any way prevent it from carrying out its job once it has been stimulated.
When ever you hear of erectile dysfunction (inability to obtain an erection) or impotency, the first thing your mind should think of is these two muscles.
They are usually innervated by the **parasympathetic nervous system** most importantly the **fibres of pelvic splanchnic nerves (nervi erigentes)** of the body and in a situation whereby thy are not stimulated, the penis will not rise.
Though the two muscle are not their only ones solely associated with impotency, other factors can also contribute.
Penile erection ensures that the spermatozoa is safely transportated all the way from the site of production and storage - the testes, which is enclosed by the scrotal sac to the site of ejection into the female.
Let's continue! Next time, stick around for more.
How hiv and cancer damage the human body through their virulency
The term virulence simply means the degree of disease causing ability of an infectious agent.
HIV is one heck of a virus that has so far defied science through its non availability of drug for permanent cure.
HIV virus just as earlier said, has high attraction for CD4 cells or T-helper cells that play major role in protecting the body system against infection.
The major reason why HIV is more attracted to the helper T cells is because the helper T cells have a surface receptor to which the HIV can bind to.
It's common to say that HIV is transmitted through sexual intercourse but do you actually know the mechanism through which this happens?
Directly, they easily enter the body system through blood to blood contact but through sexual contact, it's a different scenario.
The mucous membranes on the wall of the vagina, rectum are endowed with a lot of CD4 cells, HIV infects these cells and through this means, you get infected.
In the same vein, dendritic cells (major antigen presenting cells on skin surface that primarily capture infectious agents e.g HIV and transport them to the lymph node where other immune cells especially the T cells are activated.
The replication of the virus thus begins in the lymph nodes and during this stage, the virus is not detectable.
A virus undetectable at this point is equally untransmitable, bear this in mind.
On what basis is the virulence?
The virulence of HIV is based on its ability to invade and take over the genetic machinery of the host cell.
Generally, cells that have CD4 receptors on their surfaces are attacked by HIV.
Examples include the Dendritic cell, macrophages, monocytes and lymphocyte - T-cells.
Upon entry into the blood, with their GP120 glycoprotein spike, they lock onto the CD4 receptors on the T helper cells and in order to ensure that the attachment is stable, a co-receptor either CCR5 or CXCR4 is also engaged.
It then uses its GP41 protein to fuse its envelop with the cell wall of the T helper cell. This singular action then allows the capsid of the of the HIV to enter the T- cell.
Once inside, they take over the T cells and use their genetic machinery to produce more HIV.
Another fascinating thing about HIV is that, they are are highly evasive (that is, they have the ability of circumventing the host immune system). How on earth do they do this?
Why HIV is not curable up till date
HIV integrates itself into the DNA of human immune system cells and only replicates when the cell is stimulated to respond to an infection. These cells are called latently-infected cells.
These cells are not recognised as infected by the immune system and killed off, allowing them to persist for as long as the cell lives.
You can only regulate its replication with anti-retroviral drugs but you cannot remove it from the body.
This is the main reason why they say it has no cure. It continues to attack and damage CD4 cells until their levels are significantly low thus, leaving the bloody vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
A state regarded as Acquire immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Bear in mind that AIDS is the most critical stage of HIV infection and it also regarded as the stage 3.
More reason why most patients with long HIV history suffer opportunistic infections (infections as a result of weakened immune system) like Tuberculosis, herpes simplex virus 1, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, candidiasis etc
Effects of drugs
Drugs produced only target specific stages of the virus replication so as to inhibit them.
A simple block in the CCR5 or CXCR4 receptors by drugs for example, automatically inhibits infection of the CD4 cells by HIV.
A viral load above 100,000 copies/ml is tantamount to speedy reduction in the CD4 cells. Test done to detect HIV, targets the presence of the HIV antibody and the HIV P24 antigen.
In all, administration only help to reduce to viral load and consequently increase the CD4 cell counts in the patient, so as to boost the immune system in a bid to prevent opportunistic infections.
Without treatment, death as a result of AIDS is certain and inevitable. Due to advancement in science and medicine, the development of drugs has gone a long way to keep HIV patients healthy and strong.
Earlier before now, it was believed that infection with HIV is death sentence, the reverse is the case now. With anti retroviral drugs, one can still live a normal life, healthy and strong.
Haven said all the above about HIV, are the explanations enough to tag HIV and the most notorious? Let's quickly delve into the world of another harbinger of death - Cancer
The economic trend since the onset of Corona virus
This article is intended to enlighten the reader on the principle of filtration involving nose mask, uncovering the main facts about different types of PPE (Personal protective equipment), how to identify original nose mask, basic qualities a standard nose mask must have, the proper way a nose mask must be worn against the falsely spread methods of usage, why N95 and N100 are much better protective than surgical mask, health implications of nose mask overusage and more.
This is going to be an interesting read, there are some things you probably must have been doing out of Ignorance, reading this article will enlighten you.
Ensure to take a chill glass of soft drink because it is gonna be a long ride but I can assure you that it is worth your time. Let's get on with this shall we.
The economic trend since corona virus pandemic onset
Since the outbreak of corona virus, there have been great concern and increased usage of surgical mask.
The price of this medical personal protective equipment (PPE) speedily sky rocketed.
Retailers suddenly began to hoard and as well as increased the price of this equipment due to the fact that importation became a major challenge.
They were obviously scared of going out of stock. Due to fear of the unknown.
They probably believed that they might not be able to get new delivery when their old stock is finished and there is every likelihood of an increase in the price of importation of new stock.
Corona virus pandemic have caused not only an increase in PPE prices, but have also caused increase in some medical and general commodities like hand sanitizers, testing diagnostics kits, non contact thermometers and more.
Getting them now is more like getting the Japanese passport.
Bearing in mind that China is one of the major supplier of commodities to Africa, with emphasis on Nigeria and other neighbouring African countries. Getting some of this equipment is now is major problem to the common man.
The rich and well placed individuals use more and better PPE (ventilators) than health care providers who are are actually supposed to be using them.
The politicians and well to do individuals are able to get the more advanced respiratory masks such as N95 and N100 while the ordinary health care provider use the less effective surgical mask.
Prices of virtually anything that will reduce the spread of the disease went up. Due to the several travel and trade restrictions, many outlets took advantage of the pandemic to exploit the common man.
Well looking at the scenario, one wouldn't want to fully apportion the blame on them as they are also fighting to stay in business.
Getting new stock would obviously be difficult as the producers would as well take advantage of the present situation to increase the cost price in a bid to make more profit since there is high demand.
This is simple economics of demand and supply.
Due to the outrageous increase in prices of sanitizers, personal protective equipments such as nose masks etc, this has forced people into improvising by producing their own hand sanitizers and also the trending stylish design of nose mask made from fabrics.
This is also recommended by regulatory bodies.
You could actually make your own nose mask by following the procedure in this document by CDC: how to make nose mask with clothes
To ensure you are on the safe side, do not buy any hand sanitizer whose alcohol concentration is less than 60%. Preferably, for nose mask made locally, avoid buying from those hawking them on the road.
Some persons test and return the nose masks to the sellers just in a bit to look for the one that perfectly suit them and this is a very dangerous practice.
The person testing this nose mask could be infected. It is much better to get from your tailor or fashion designer. Currently what people do now, remnants of your material can be used to sew nose masks for you.
All you need do is to instruct your tailor to get you enough nose mask from the remnants of your clothes.
The effectiveness of respirators
Surgical mask are less effective in protection when compared to N95 respirators which are well designed and suited for to filter off infectious particles in a more stringent way.
Healthcare providers are more in use of the N95 respirators because they offer better protection than the surgical masks since these people are much closer to the critically ill patients with Corona virus.
It is important that you know this, surgical mask are not reusable and you are expected to discard it after usage.
Is the usage of mask enough to protect against Corona virus?
The answer is an emphatic no! The use of sanitizer and washing of hands with soap and running water goes a long way to ensure you do not get infected.
Another's reason why you are advised to wear face mask is to reduce and minimize hand contact with your face, nose and mouth.
When you cough, ensure to use a disposable handkerchief or tissue paper.
You can as well cough into a flexed elbow rather than coughing into your hands. Wash your hands under a running water and not inside a bowl of water.
Wrong practice by people when washing hands
It a common practice by people to use their hands to open a tap water and after still use the washed hands to close the tap, this is very wrong.
Remember your hands were dirty when you opened the tap and obviously you must have deposited some germs or virus on the tap key.
The right thing to do is to call someone whose hands is clean to assist you in opening the tap.
In the absence of anyone, what you do is to open the tap and wash both your hands and the tap lock very well before locking it.
Lastly, we will end by describing the health Implications of using nose mask wrongly and for a very long time.
Health implications of using mask for a prolonged time
Truth be told, the surgical masks or respirators are mainly for health professionals and not for general or public use.
As a human, you are meant to breathe freely without any form of air resistance.
In a situation where you're unable to breathe freely for a very long time due to air resistance offered by the surgical nose mask definitely there will be increased accumulation of carbon dioxide which you are meant to breathe out and reduced intake of oxygen.
Increase accumulation of carbon dioxide ultimately increases the level of carbon dioxide in the body system leading to a condition known as respiratory acidosis where you have reduce pH (increase in acidity) of the blood.
Increased acidity of the blood definitely leads to complications that can be detrimental to the physiological state of the body.
It is because of this that some respirators have exhaltation valve to ease breathing unlike surgical masks that does not have exhalation valves.
In surgical mask, you have to do more work in breathing to get more oxygen into the body system. This does not pose well for the healthiness of the body system.
The shift from only usage by healthcare professional to the general public occurs majorly due to infectious disease outbreak, Just like we have a seen in the case of the current pandemic Corona virus outbreak.
Components and correct usage: surgical mask and respirators
Depending on the type you buy, generally, almost all surgical mask and respirators have ties, ear loops or bands.
It also has a stiff bendable edge which helps you determine which area is the top and bottom. Once you get a surgical mask, the stiff bendable edge is the top and it is this area that is meant to be molded to the shape of the nose.
Before you use a face mask, you must be able to determine which area is the front and which is the back. Usually, the front side of the face mask is the well coloured part and it expected to be facing out. The green/blue coloured part is meant to be facing out always.
When putting on the the face mask, You are expected to try as much as possible not to touch the inner white layer, doing this will result to contamination.
Touch the stiff bendable area only when you are putting on the face mask when making an attempt to mold it into the shape of your nose.
Proper fitting of the edge on the nose is one factor that ensures you are well protected from infectious droplets.
A nose mask you put on, must be able to offer some form of air resistance. If you put on a nose mask and there is no form of reduction in air flow or the way you breathe then it actually does not offer much protection.
For more details and illustration visist Centre for health protection, department of Health, Hong Kong special administrative region
When removing the face mask, you must not for any reason touch the front side (the well coloured area). It is already contaminated.
After removing a nose mask ensure to wash your hands in running water with soap or detergent.
For the N respirators, one of the major factor to be considered when putting them on is to ensure that it is perfectly fit around the region of the nose and mouth.
Just like the surgical mask, respirators even offer much more air resistance hence better protection.
They have tight fittings around the mouth and the nose and this also mskes them more superior than the surgical mask.
In summary, the higher the air resistance, the greater the protection masks offer.
Bear in mind that putting on the nose mask mesns you inadvertently will be taking in or inhaling a fraction of the previously exhaled carbondioxide and as this continues, the more you keep struggling to take in more oxygen to compensate and remove the steadily increasing carbondioxide.
The use of mask for prolonged time also comes with pressure ulcers and pains.
Any N-95 respirator that is tightened onto the face puts great pressure on the face skin through its edges and this leads to irritation to the area of the skin it is in contact.
It can be a serious problem for those that have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) like emphysema - a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. They can even worsen breathlessness.
Decreased intake of oxygen can be detrimental to the health as it can lead to syncope or fainting, since the brain is not getting enough oxygenated blood.
Bear in mind that the brain is the first centre of the body system to detect low oxygen, when oxygen level falls below standard you are likely to pass out.
You mustn't wear nose mask all the time. Put it on only wear when necessary and if needed. Don't wear nose mask in your house or in your car while the AC is turned on and glass wind up.
Keep your body system balanced by breathing in fresh air so that you don't accumulate carbon dioxide and consequently complicating matters for yourself in a bid to protect yourself against covid-19.
Stay safe, until next time❤️❤️❤️
Introduction of overview of nose mask
A good and standard surgical face mask has three layers. The outer, first or coloured layer is regarded as the fluid-repelling layer (hydrophobic).
This layer primarily prevents any fluids from gaining access into the nose mask.
Next is the middle layer that basically serves as the barrier or hindrance to germs, it is more like the filter.
It does the primary job of trapping germs, bacteria and viruses particles that might have escaped the first layer.
The innermost or last layer is the moisture-absorbing layer. The innermost layer absorbs fluids when we cough, sneeze or talk.
It is able to absorb particles from the mouth of an infected person as ensures that they don't infect others.
Any surgical mask that doesn't have these three basic layers is substandard and cannot be used to protect against any infection like corona virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Now, how will you feel that you are talking and then all the particles coming out of your mouth is landing against the fluid repelling (coloured) layer instead of the moisture absorbing layer.
Your mouth and nose will be virtually be in contact with most of all the particles coming out of your mouth since the coloured is repelling fluids and does not absorb them.
Qualities that determines a standard mask in addition to the above
It does not matter what the goal is; to prevent outward or inward transport of dangerous particles, more emphasis is placed on the fact that the filter of the mask or respirator must be able to capture all range of dangerous particles usually within the range of (less than 1 to greater than 100micro meters) over a range of air flow (10 - 100L/min).
A quality face mask is determined by its pore size, efficiency and filtration rate. The pore size of the mask on its own determines the efficiency of the filtration rate of the mask.
Another factor is the rate of air resistance by the face mask, a quality face mask is expected to have some degree of air resistance and pressure drop.
This quality ensures that bio-aerosol or respiratory droppings doesn't have easy and direct access through the pores of the face mask.
Not every mask are suitable and effective in preventing various bio-aerosols especially some viruses that are very small in size.
Generally, the pore diameter of most surgical mask ranges from 16 - 51 microns.
Any bio-aerosol less than 16 microns will definitely pass through the micro pores of the mask.
Hence the need to know the suitable and quality mask for infectious diseases.
Mask with lesser pore size are much more effective and they have higher filtration rate when compared with those with higher pore size.
The quality of a mask should never be ignored. Always go for those masks with lesser pore size.
The inner layer or white side of the mask is designed to contain, absorb and filter droplets of microorganisms that are released from the mouth and nasopharynx of an infected person.
So when infected or probably you sneeze and cough, you are expected to put on the face mask to prevent you from infecting or spreading the disease to others.
Mechanism of filtration in standard surgical mask and respirators is quite complex but I will make it as simple as it can be as usual.
The type of filters in most modern surgical mask and N-respirators are fibrous in nature. They collet particles through three mechanical ways namely:
•Inertial impaction
•Interception and
•Diffusion
These three mechanical mechanisms work to ensure that particles are captured appropriately.
The inertial impaction and interception both work together to primarily capture larger particles while diffusion is responsible for capturing of smaller particles.
Some times, the filters could be made of charged fibers thus making them to operate based on electrostatic attraction (with particles of opposite charges getting attracted to the mask).
With the electrostatic charges in action, it makes it easier for it to capture both larger and smaller particles.
At any point any particle that is oppositely charges passes, they are immediately trapped.
During the stage of inertial impaction, those particles that have high inertial due to their size or mass cannot move along with airstream thus, they are automatically diverted to the filter.
Similar thing happens during interception, larger particles are intercepted when they jam or get closer to the filter fiber but during diffusion, what happens is that, because smaller particles have lesser weights, they are easily bombarded by air wave thus causes them to deviate and come in contact with the filter where they are consequently trapped by strong molecular forces thus, making it very difficult for them to be released.
The myths about proper use of the face mask.
Over some months now, there has been a serious misconception on the proper use of the nose masks.
It is even quite unfortunate that even some of our very own health workers are guilty of this. The misconception is this:
"If one infected with a disease, you are expected to wear the face mask in such a way that the front side (coloured part) faces outside while the white part faces you.
On the other hand if you are apparently healthy, you put it on with the coloured part facing inward while the white part facing outward."
From all indications and findings so far, no regulatory body backs up such claims, WHO and CDC, NCDC and other health regulatory body have never made any public notice or statement to support such practice.
This is the problem you get when some fakes news keeps spreading without governmental agencies quick intervention to dispute and nullify false claims.
As it stands, there is only but one correct way to wear the surgical mask and that is:
"the coloured part facing outside while the white part facing inwards" it doesn't matter if you put it on to prevent being infected by other people or because you are infected and you don't want to infect others."
Do you know why elderly people are predisposed to diabetes
The Up and Down regulations of receptors
In a situation where there is a chronic or continuous and increased exposure of a receptor to a ligand or drugs that acts as an antagonist (has inhibitory function), this results to an upregulation (increase) in the number of the receptors but when the receptor is exposed to an Agonist (promoter), it results to a downregulation or decrease in the receptor numbers on the cell membranes.
Take the insulin receptors for example, when they are exposed to Insulin for a very long time and continuously, it leads to a gradual decrease in their number by the process of receptor internalization and degradation which is caused by increased hormonal binding.
This means that over-reactivity of the islet of Langerhans that produces insulin can cause gradual damage to the Insulin receptor and this consequently results to type 2 insulin resistant diabetes mellitus.
The above does not actually apply in all cases because the nicotinic receptor acts otherwise. In cases of chronic exposure to agonists (nicotine), rather than donwregulation, there is an upregulation of the nicotinic receptors.
This explains why the intake of nicotine is addictive in nature. The more you are exposed to them, the more you wish to take them.
Why aged people are predisposed to type two diabetes
As we age, there is gradual decline and alterations in the receptor binding and post receptor response sensitivity.
The way your body receptor respond to drugs at young and adult stage diminishes as you grow older and it reaches a point where the receptors are no longer sensitive.
A typical example of this is seen in insulin resistant type 2 diabetes mellitus, where the insulin receptors are no longer sensitive to insulin because there has been a physiologic alterations in the receptor binding ability as well as their response sensitivity.
Though other factors like overweight or obesity, sedentary life style, high intake of calories etc can also make the insulin receptors insensitive to insulin.
The chemical interactions of drugs
The chemical interaction of a drug could either produces a very serious unwanted side effects. This usually occurs when some drugs are taken concurrently with other drugs.
Some could alter the effective absorption or metabolism of the primary drug while some may end up enhancing the therapeutic potency and efficacy of the primary drug. Some may not need to compete for receptors with the primary drug.
It is needful at this point to say that, not all drugs necessarily require receptor binding before they exert their therapeutic effects.
Some drugs are able to produce some effects without even altering or changing any cellular function of the biological system. Some are also able to exert effects without binding to receptors.
A typical example is the mechanism of action of most antacids (drugs used for the treatment of ulcers). These drugs are bases and they reduce the acidity of the stomach by simple reaction with the acid to produce a neutral salts.
In a nutshell, what we are trying to establish here is that, the action of drugs could be direct or indirect (binding to receptors or enzymes) and immediate or delayed (neuromuscular blocking agents or those that interfere with DNA synthesis).
In conclusion, pharmacodynamics helps us determine the dose response about drugs.
How they interact with the biological system of the body, their potency, max concentration and their interaction with others drugs and molecules.
Always remember, the Pharmacodynamics of a drug is dependent on its binding to biological targets or its interaction and concentration at the binding site.
Advent of novel pharmacokinetic drug enhancers
You may no longer have to worry much about continually loading those pack of drugs in a bid to get cured of an ailment or worried about the easy degradation of drug by the liver enzymes.
Pharmacokinetic enhancers come in handy especially when a drug is easily metabolised (degraded by liver enzymes - the cytochrome family of enzymes) thus the need for continuous administration of the drug but bearing in mind that at some point, the receptors will activate their protective mechanism - tachyphylaxis.
Mechanism of action of pharmacokinetic enhancers
Pharmacokinetic enhancers are a class of drugs regarded as boosters. They help to boost the therapeutic potential of another's drug. They are always given together with the drug of choice.
Upon administration, the pharmacokinetic enhancer operates by interfering or blocking the breakdown of the other drug (especially those that are prone to quick or fast degradation by the liver enzymes).
Because the main or primary drug has been inhibited from quick or undesired degradation, this allows it to remain in the body at longer period and at higher concentration thus, enabling them to fully exert their therapeutic action.
A good example where this drug is used is in HIV treatment regimen. Typical example of a pharmacokinetic enhancer is the Cobicistat (commonly called Tybost). It is a CYP3A inhibitor basically used to enhance the systemic exposure of the HIV drugs - atazanavir or darunavir.
With pharmacokinetic enhancers, drugs especially HIV drugs stay longer and are much effective and are able to evade degradation by the liver enzymes.
Let's go into the second components of Pharmacodynamics
Post receptor effects
After the binding of drugs, events that occur afterwards are regarded as post receptor effects. Receptor must be available and free before a ligand can bind to them.
Just like we earlier established from the law of mass action, the more the receptors are occupied by a ligand or a drug, the greater their Pharmacodynamic effects. This concept is what is referred to as receptor occupancy.
This though doesn't necessarily mean that all the receptor sites must be occupied before a maximum effects is obtained.
Some use signal amplification to get a maximal effect thus sparring some receptor sites. This concept is what is know as spare receptors.
Note that, a drug's Pharmacodynamic effects can be altered or affected due to diseases like genetic mutation, Parkinson's disease, thyrotoxicosis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), myasthenia gravis, and even some type of insulin resistant diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) etc.
Aging and the competition of other drugs for the active site of a receptor can also alter the drugs pharmacodynamic effects.
Drugs that inhibit other drugs during competition for the binding site on a receptor are generally referred to as Antagonist while those that promote binding are called Agonist.
Antagonist are also referred to as inhibitors while agonist are referred to as promoters.
In a situation where two drugs compete for the same active site of a receptor, it leads to what is referred to as competitive inhibition of lesser active drug that is unable to effectively compete.
This is why some drug combination are not always recommended.
You can read this article for more details about drug synergism and notable combinations of drugs you should never try.
Critical overview on what drugs do to human body
Drugs that are commonly associated with tolerance are the opiods and alcohols.
These drugs induce the hepatic enzyme - cytochrome P450 leading to accelerated metabolism of the drugs. What happens when you are tolerant to a drug is that, you will need higher dose of that same drug to produce same effect subsequently.
It is also possible to develop resistance to a drug. Resistance to a drug usually happens when you do not take a complete dosage of drug, thus allowing the microorganisms to adapt and withstand the previous destructive effect by the drug. This usually occurs mostly with antibiotics.
The role of pharmacogenomics in drug resistant
Pharmacogenomics is simply the study of how our gene or genetic make up affects how different individuals respond to drugs. The way you react or respond to a drug can at times vary from another person. Reason being that, your genome (all your genetic make up) varies from another person. The gene determines the type of protein you express.
All receptor are made up of protein which are product of gene. In a situation where there is an alterations or mutation in the gene that codes for receptor protein, this automatically leads to deformation in the protein molecular structure or production of abnormal receptors, thus leading to abnormal or ineffective functions of the receptor. This results to inability of the receptor to bind to drugs that would on a normal bind without resistance.
Genetic mutation or diseases can cause drugs receptor to become resistant to drugs and the best way to check this, is through the study of pharmacogenomics. Always bear in mind that, the way you respond to a drug always and most times differ from others. Even identical twins can react differently to drugs not minding that they are identical.
Of a truth, identical twins come from the same fertilized egg. For the fact that they share similar genetic profile does not make them identical in genetic make up. Identical twins are apparently not genetically identical.
Back to our discussion on receptors!
Receptors exhibit a unique phenomenon of becoming unresponsive or insensitive to drug. This phenomenon is known as tachyphylaxis. Let's briefly talk about it.
Desensitization and Tachyphylaxis
Have you ever noticed that, at some point, when you continually take a medication, it suddenly doesn't produce those severe side effects on you when compared to the initial first time you took the drug.
If you continually take the drug, you would observe that there is a continuous reduction in the effects and at some point, you won't feel the effects any longer.
Your inability to feel the effects is a sort of protective mechanism by the drug receptors to avoid its damage. This is known as tachyphylaxis.
By definition, tachyphylaxis also known as desensitization or refractoriness is the decreased, insensitive or unresponsive state of a drug receptor due to continuous stimuli it receives from drugs or due to the drug continuous administration.
Receptors employ this mechanism to ensure that there is no damage to its components. In a nutshell, It is a decreased biological response to a drug when given continuously.
A drug administrated continues to exert it action until at a point where it begins to decline in action.
A close look at the dose-response curve below says it all. You would observe there was a gradual increase in the pharmacological effect of the drug starting from point a until it reaches it's maximal pointb after which it begins to decline in potency.
Tachyphylaxis is one of the problem encountered when a drug is expected to be continually administered or when they liable and susceptible to easy degradation by liver enzymes.
So since this is a major challenge in drug administration , what then is the way forward? Well the solution is not far fetched, thanks to advancement in drug discovery and the technology associated with it.
Rather than excessive administration of a particular drug, they could actually be made to stay longer and exert their therapeutic effects.
This leads us to the discovery of pharmacokinetic enhancers. We will look at the concept of pharmacokinetics enhancers.
The Pharmacodynamics of drugs
From our main last discussion on the pharmacokinetics of drugs, we where able to understand that pharmacokinetics means, the processes involved in a drug's absorption, distribution, metabolism and the excretion of its toxic or non toxic metabolites from the systemic circulation.
We were able to understand that pharmacokinetics simply means how the body handles a drug. Today, we will succinctly discuss the about Pharmacodynamics and it's associated terminologies. Let's do this , shall we!
We will briefly discuss about some concepts that are indispensable before going into the real deal about pharmacodynamics. Just to remind and bring you up to speed, the general mechanism of drug actions is their binding to biological targets. Their binding leads to conformational change in the receptors which in turn leads to a biological response.
The action of the drug could either be full or partial and this brings us to the two very concept in Pharmacodynamics - Emax and EC50.
The concept of Emax, this is the maximal effect a drug can produce on any parameter that is being measured. Another one is EC50, which is the concentration of the drug which produces half of the maximum effects at a very steady state.
Pharmacodynamics is the near opposite of pharmacokinetics as it relates to how drugs we ingest affect our biological system. Pharmacodynamics is simply the study of the physiological, mololecular and biochemical effects of a pharmaceutical drug on the body. The concept of Pharmacodynamics places major emphasis on the dose-response relationship.
To further clarify the above, Pharmacodynamics is all about the relationship that exists between a drug's concentration and its effects on the site of action. Drugs generally bind to receptors before they exert either their physiologic, biochemical or pharmaceutical actions. You cannot talk about drug actions without full understanding of the concept of drug-receptor interactions. Pharmacodynamics is anchored on three main points and they include:
•Receptor binding and sensitivity
•Post receptors effects and
•The chemical interactions of the drugs.
The three above are the main focal point on which Pharmacodynamics of drugs stands on. We will pick each point and elaborate more on them for a better understanding of the concept of Pharmacodynamics. You are sure to learn a lot here. Let's begin with the first point.
Receptor binding and sensitivity
Receptors are glycoproteins that are located in the cell membranes of biological tissues. They could be intracellular (within the cell membrane) or extracellular (outside the membrane). Those that are found outside the membrane of the cell sometimes transverse across the membrane into the cell. They recognize ligands (drugs) and bind to them. Just like I pointed out earlier, drugs bind to receptors in order to exert theirs pharmaceutical actions.
Now the pharmacological response as a result of the binding in turn depends on whether the drug binds to its target or not. In the same vein, the drug's effects effects after successfully binding to its active site depends on the drug's concentration at the receptor site. What this simply means is that, the concentration of a drug at the receptor site influences the effects of the drug.
The binding of a drugs or ligand to a receptor is purely governed by the law of mass action which states that:
The rate of the chemical reaction is directly proportional to the product of the activities or concentrations of the reactants
The higher the concentration of the drug, the greater the effects. But repeated usage can lead to a condition known as tolerance. Tolerance is simply a situation where there is a decreased response of the body to a particular type of drug due to repeated usage. Been tolerant to a drug means that you have either abused the drug or overused it. Drugs that are commonly associated with tolerance are the opiods and alcohols.
We will continue next time.
How cancer cells damage the body organs and tissues
Cancer on the other hands as we have established earlier, is an uncontrolled abnormal growth of cells.
They are generally cells that are independent of any regulatory mechanism in the system. Both HIV and cancer funny enough share some similarities and one of which is that they could be both highly invasive.
The invasiveness of a pathogen makes it much more dangerous because, they will continue to attack healthy and normal cells until they have full dominance over the host.
A close look at the picture above in the last row, tells us that the cells is changing in conformation into a star like shape with spikes, typical of metastatic tumours. They burst later and spread to neighbouring cells.
Recent research has shown that the water content of a tumour determines the invasiveness of the cancer cell. The cells that are more stiffer and with less water content , tend not to burst and invade other cells unlike when its exterior ends are soft and filled with much water content.
Could this be a way out or be used as a bench mark to determine the invasiveness of a cancerous growth?
Metastatic capability of cancers cells.
Cancerous cells have a unique attribute of metastasizing (the ability to spread, move and invade other healthy cells.
Unlike the HIV, cancerous cells do not necessarily need to take take over the genetic machinery of a heathy cell, rather because of their hyper proliferation (rapid and fast multiplication), they displace healthy cells.
They also deprive healthy cells necessary nutrients required for proper functioning thus leading to death.
A classical and simple example is breast cancer. About 80% of breath cancers are highly invasive and metastasizes.
The gif below shows a cancerous cells at its late stage ready to burst and spread to surrounding cells. A typical characteristic of an invasive cancerous cell.
Another reason for their easy invasiveness is the abundance of lymph nodes around the chest region when related to breast cancer.
This lymph nodes enable and facilitates to easy spread of cancers. Another typical example is cervical cancer. The abundance of lymph nodes plays a critical role in the spread of cancerous cells in the cervix.
It's very obvious that lymph node as very significant role to play in neoplasia (new growth).
If you would recall, in the discussion about HIV, lymph node also play an important role in their replication at the early stage of infection. It's obvious that both HIV and cancerous cells have special interest in lymph node.
Another unique feature about cancerous cell is Angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels). Cancer cells are well known to posses the ability of producing blood vessels in a bid to compensate or supplement their hyper activity.
The more blood vessels are produced, the more nutrients they assimilate for growth. This goes to say that, cancerous cells are not so entirely dependent as they could help themselves. Unlike HIV that solely depends on viability of other cells like the CD4, cancerous cells need not rely on others cells for replication.
The replication of cancer cells is so independent because they bypass regulatory checkpoints. Chemotherapies are aimed at totally eliminating cancerous cells but this also comes with some negative effects as most chemotherapeutic treatment cannot differentiate between healthy and an unhealthy cell.
This means that, you cannot kill the cancerous cell without harming healthy cells in one way or the other.
This is another area where cancer poses serious threat. Operation is one of the way to remove cancerous growths provided they are not highly invasive.
For treatment to be successful, most cancers are better detected and removed at their early stages. Failure to do this, death is certain and inevitable.
The hallmark!
In all, it still points to the fact, early detection is the key to survival. Both disease are not human friendly and as such prevetion is better than cure.
Eat healthy, exercise, keep fit, go for breast scan. A tumour that last for more than a week with serious pain is worth examining. Go for check ups.
Let's compare hiv and cancer
Lately, I have been trying to get some answers to a question I feel worth asking. Reason been that, both harbingers have increased mortality rate over the years.
I intend to compare both cancer and HIV and possibly try to establish basis if any, as to which is more notorious in causing death. One might be tempted to give immediate answer but without critical analysis, your answer might just be a mere guess with no strong bases.
In this article, I also intend to do justice to both life threatening diseases and at the same time critically explore their notoriety in causing death. Join me on this as it promises to open your eyes more to things you probably don't know.
First of all, let's get a little grip of what cancer and HIV/AIDS is all about.
HIV/AIDS
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus the name alone tells us that it deals severely with the immune system.
HIV is a retrovirus (meaning it stores its genetic information as RNA and has the ability of using the RNA to produce its DNA machinery for replication once inside a living host) and remains viable in the the infected person as long as the person is alive - one of the reason why infection with HIV has no cure for now.
On their own, they cannot survive, rather this virus has high affinity for a type of cell which play a huge role in human immune system known as the CD-4 cells (Cluster of Differentiation 4 cells).
The CD4 cells are a type of white blood cells that play crucial role in ensuring that the body maintains strong and healthy immune system by responding to infection.
The HIV virus has a very strong attraction to the CD4 cells. In due course, you will find out why of all cells in the body, why the CD4 cells.
The HIV virus infection leads to what is known popularly as AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome). A stage in the disease where death is a result of acquired infections.
Even ordinary little disease or ailment that on a normal, cannot kill a human being, becomes deadly. The mysteries behind this will bunraveled later. Lets continue, shall we!
Now you have gotten an inkling about HIV/AIDS, let's talk little about cance
CANCE
I am sure you must have one way or the other heard about cancer. The simplest definition of cancer is that, it is an uncontrolled abnormal growth of cells in the body.
Cells in the body are subject to regulatory mechanism and checkpoints during cell division but in a situation where these check points and regulators are absent or altered due to one reason or the other, for example due to mutation (an alteration in the genetic make up of a living organism) , this results to uncontrolled division and growth.
They could also be called malignacies or tumours (an aggregation of abnormal cells). Don't get it twisted, all cancers usually form tumours but not all tumours are cancerous.
A tumour that is not cancerous is referred to as a benign tumour. So bear in mind that not all swellings are cancers.
The well known type of cancers include carcinoma (those that arise from glands and organs such as the skin, breast, pancreas and the lungs.
Others are lymphoma (those that affect the lymphocytes), leukemia (cancer of the red blood cells), Sarcoma (cancers that affect connective tissues of the body such as the bone, muscle, fats and cartilages) and Melanoma those that affect the pigmentation of the skin.
Nothing is more important to a patient in the hospital with a tumour than being told that his / her swelling is benign and not malignant. The sigh of relief unimaginable.
Now you have basic understanding of what HIV/AIDS and cancer is, lets now go into the main discussion. This will be in our next discussion.
Principle and mechanism of nose mask
Primary function and usage of face masks
Primarily, the use of the surgical mask is by health care professionals during surgery and when providing or carrying out some medical procedures.
It is usually worn by these healthcare professional to prevent any droppings from their mouth from contaminating surgical wounds thus protecting the patient.
It was designed to prevent infectious agents which can be virus, fungi, bacteria and other pathogens (micro rganisms with ability of causing diseases) from infecting the wearer.
Surgical mask were never designed to be used for a very long time, it has health implications.
Due to increased concern about infectious diseases most especially those that are transmitted through respiratory droppings, the usage of this PPE has shifted from medical personnels to non medical personnels, all in a bit to prevent the wearer from diseases.
There need to be a shift usage of surgical mask back to health workers and professionals.
Using surgical mask is not a problem but the main concern is how much do you know about this PPE and its correct usage.
Most times I see some persons with a very dirty and worn out face mask. Some are even ignorant of how this PPE is correctly used.
What if I tell you that the nose mask, be it the one made locally or foreign made can as well be a source of infection to you if not properly used or handled.
There are very important steps and procedures for the usage and disposal of the nose mask you need to know and remember always.
The face mask is one of the basic personal protective equipment that can prevent the wearer from infectious agents and as well prevent the wearer from infecting other persons.
Read the last statement again and think deeply; it protects you and as well as prevents you from infecting others.
What this statement means is that the nose mask has dual function when making reference to protection. So how then do we wear it?
First you need to understand the various parts and components of the nose masks. Knowing this, gives you a proper understanding of its usage.
We will begin with the describing this parts and their functions before delving into the proper usage of the nose mask.
The clear difference between surgical mask and N- respirators
It is very important I let you know that, the surgical mask is not the same as N respirators - a device designed to prevent the wearer from inhaling airborne diseases and viruses.
The major striking difference between surgical mask and respirators is that, respirators offer higher air resistance than surgical mask and this consequently means higher protection.
The surgical mask is mainly designed to prevent the wearer from being splashed with liquid that come from respiratory droppings or through the nasopharynx as they could contains viruses and bacteria from infected person and it also prevents the wearer from transmitting respiratory bodily fluids or secretions to others when they cough or sneeze.
Though the surgical mask are less effective when compared to respirators because the respirators are far more protective when it concerns patients with severe cases of infectious viral diseases.
You hardly see a health professionals wearing surgical mask when attending to patients with Corona virus, rather they wear respirators.
Due to the increased air resistance, there could be a tendency of build up of air pressure hence this is why some respirators e.g the N-95 come with exhalation valve which helps and makes breathing easier for the wearer and also helps to reduce the condensation build-up inside the mask.
Under normal circumstances, face mask worn by the healthcare provider ensures that the healthcare provider does not contaminate an open wound with salivary secretions from the mouth while talking. It also keeps the hands and fingers from contaminating the nose and mouth.
The principle and more Understanding of the role Vitamin-c plays in our immune system
In addition, it also regenerates endogenous important cellular and membrane antioxidants like vitamin E. Vitamin C could also modulate immune function by regulating redox-sensitive cell signaling pathways.
This is a complex mechanism which we won't be going into. But just bear in mind that vitamin C in conjunction with other micronutrients like, folate, Vitamin E, selenium, zinc, copper, and iron affects synthesis of cytokines, prostaglandins and histamine.
Cytokines - important cell signaling molecules that are secreted by a variety of immune cells, in response to infection and inflammation modulate both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses.
Cytokines can elicit pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses, and vitamin C modulates their production in a complex manner and also decreases histamine levels.
However studies have shown that the effect of vitamin C on cytokine generation appears to depend on the cell type and/or the inflammatory stimulant.
Did you know Vitamin C influences your white blood cells?
White blood cells are like the soldiers defending the integrity of the body system against invasion by foreign pathogens.
Neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages in particular, play a major role during inflammation (to initiate the process of wound healing)/infection and Vitamin C plays a big role in their actions.
During the initial stages of inflammation, phagocytic cells especially neutrophils migrate to the wound site through the process of diapidesis in response to inflammatory mediators (chemotaxis) in order to sterilize it via the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) - oxidants and antimicrobial proteins.
Hope you now see how some of these oxidants accumulate in the body. Let's continue.
Does it means oxidants doesn't have any role they play in body?
Actually some oxidants like reactive oxygen species in moderate and low concentration have some roles they play in the body especially in the aspect of immuno modulation.
Many infections just like we explained above lead to the activation of phagocytes, with the release of reactive oxygen species assists in the deactivation of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. So they could also in addition to immuno modulation, acts as sterilizing agents.
When you take Vitamin C after an infection, what it does is to stimulate and enhance the migration of phagocytic cells to the site of infection, enhances phagocytosis and microbial killing.
Patients with severe infection exhibit compromised neutrophil chemotactic ability which could in part be attributed to reduced levels of vitamin C which is prevalent during severe infection.
ThIs is why you are always encouraged to take enough vitamin C during infection. In summary some oxidants also have beneficial roles to play in us.
Vitamin C and apoptosis
Following microbial phagocytosis and killing, the phagocytes have to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).
This process facilitates their subsequent phagocytosis and clearance from the body by macrophages that consequently engulfs and destroys them together with the pathogens.
There is a key enzyme that must be present before apoptotic cell death is activated and it is known as Caspases.
Their presence on any cell marks the cell for destruction, re-uptake and clearance by macrophages.
Because Caspases are thiol-dependent enzymes, they are highly sensitive to inactivation by reactive oxygen species generated by activated neutrophils.
Thus, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant protecting this oxidant-sensitive enzyme and the apoptotic process which in turn enhances the resolution of inflammation and prevents excessive tissue damage.
Without the protective effect of vitamin C on this enzyme, the apoptosis will continue non-stop. This is another wonderful role of vitamin C in the body.
We will continue next time... keep in touch.
@Cyprianj