Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Medicine and health sciences

Digestive System Diseases

Oral Cavity

Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay: Destruction of tooth enamel caused by acids produced by oral bacteria as they break down food debris.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor dental hygiene or, less commonly, vitamin deficiency.

Stomach

Gastritis

Gastritis: Irritation of the stomach lining (mucosa) caused by factors such as alcohol, tobacco, certain medications, or hot spices.

Stomach Ulcer

Stomach Ulcer: An open sore or lesion on the stomach lining that can extend into deeper internal tissues.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis: An infection affecting the stomach and/or intestines, often caused by toxins from contaminated water or food, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal...

Domestic Plumbing Systems: Wastewater Management

Plumbing in domestic construction is designed to collect wastewater (including soapy water, greywater, and sewage) generated in bathrooms, powder rooms, laundry areas, and kitchens. This wastewater is then efficiently conducted through a network of pipes, drainpipes, and sewer lines, eventually connecting to municipal sewage networks.

In some rural areas where municipal sewage networks are unavailable, septic tanks are utilized for wastewater treatment. For specific situations or certain water features, latrines may also be employed.

Key Components of a Domestic Plumbing Installation

• Rainwater Downspouts
• Wastewater Drainage Pipes
• Strainers
• Drain Traps (e.g., P-traps, S-traps)
• Hydraulic Seals
• Secondary

Causative Agent

Malaria in humans is caused by four species of the protozoan parasite Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. Among these, P. falciparum is the most infectious and lethal.

Vector

The primary vector for malaria is the female Anopheles mosquito.

Description

Malaria is the most significant tropical parasitic disease globally, causing more deaths than tuberculosis. It has had a devastating impact on many developing countries, particularly in Africa, resulting in numerous fatalities, high medical costs, and significant loss of workdays.

Symptoms

• Attacks of fever
• Anemia
• Chills
• Joint pain
• Headaches

In cerebral malaria, infected red blood cells obstruct brain blood vessels, potentially damaging vital organs and often leading...

Health and Disease

Health: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Health is an integral state of physical, mental and social well-being.

WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) is an institution of the United Nations that coordinates international health activities.

Physiology: Physiology studies the functions and properties of the body.

Disease: A disease is an alteration in the functioning of one or more organs.

Trace: Study of etiology (causes), semiology (symptoms), diagnosis, details of the disease, treatment (curative) and prognosis.

Diagnostic Methods and Exploration

Diagnostic tests include: FSIC, observation, blood, lipids, hemoglobin, carbohydrates, enzymes, urine, prostate, ureter, radiology,...

Tropical Disease Concerns: Malaria Prevention

Mosquitoes thrive in hot and humid areas, particularly in wetlands and tropical regions of the developing world. Lowering the sanitary level can increase the risk. Prevention methods include the desiccation of wetlands, and the use of insecticides and mosquito repellents.

Research Challenges in Tropical Medicine

Medicines Investigated: In the last 10 years, less than 1% of research investment has focused on diseases like Malaria (caused by Plasmodium protozoa).

Protozoa vs. Bacteria

Diseases in the developing world often lack profitable research or investment. Protozoa (eukaryotes) are phylogenetically close to us, meaning agents likely to be toxic to the protozoan may also affect human cells.

Examples

Antitussives, Expectorants and Mucolytics

Antitussives

Opioid antitussives: with opioid activity: codeine (analgesic action, sedation). Without opioid activity: dextromethorphan, pholcodine (no analgesic effect).

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids: noscapine (used as antitussive only).

Others: cloperastine.

Expectorants

Tyloxapol (mechanism of elimination: stimulates bronchial secretions).

Mucolytics

N-acetylcysteine, S-carboxymethylcysteine, ambroxol, dornase alfa (decrease mucus viscosity, bronchial sputum secretion, and facilitate removal; dornase alfa is used in cystic fibrosis).

Cardiovascular Agents

With AP action: Glycosidic cardiotonics (inhibit Na+/K+ ATPase, so intracellular sodium rises, calcium entry increases and cardiac contractility is enhanced;...

Primary Care Program for Seniors in Mallorca

Since 2000, primary care has been developing the Care Program for Seniors. Here is a quick review of the main points covered.

General Objective

To improve the health and quality of life of people 75 or older who live in Mallorca.

Specific Objectives

• Increase uptake of risk assessment in homes.
• Increase the proportion of older people with healthy lifestyles.
• Reduce the situations that increase the risk of illness, complications, and sequelae.
• Reduce the incidence of accidents and falls.
• Reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases (tetanus, flu).
• Reduce the number of elderly with mental or social functional disability secondary to chronic conditions.
• Reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and readmissions.

Pharmacology Study Notes

Cholinergic Receptors and Autonomic Nervous System

• Two receptor types for acetylcholine: muscarinic and nicotinic
• Sympathetic (SNA) location: thoracolumbar
• Parasympathetic location: craniosacral
• Vagus nerve effect: decreases heart rate, delays conduction of the pulse
• Cholinergic agonists: acetylcholine, pilocarpine, carbachol
• Cholinergic agonist uses: bladder atony, glaucoma, Sjögren syndrome
• Anticholinergic example: ipratropium bromide

Bronchodilators and Beta-2 Agonists

• Short-acting: albuterol, pirbuterol, terbutaline
• Long-acting: formoterol, salmeterol xinafoate
• Salbutamol belongs to the B2 adrenergic agonist family
• Metaproterenol is also used in asthma treatment
• Beta-2 adrenergic antagonist examples: metaproterenol, albuterol,

Neurologia: La Malaltia d'Alzheimer

Alzheimer: Malaltia neurodegenerativa del sistema nerviós que actualment no té cura.

• Símptomes: Pèrdua progressiva de la memòria, dificultat en el llenguatge i en el moviment, incapacitat per dur a terme les activitats quotidianes, canvis de personalitat, confusió, ansietat i desorientació.
• Causes: Pèrdua progressiva de neurones cerebrals, acumulació d'una proteïna anòmala (beta-amiloide) i predisposició genètica. El risc augmenta amb l'edat; la probabilitat d'incidència es duplica cada 5 anys a partir dels 65 anys.
• Tractament: No existeix cura definitiva, però hi ha fàrmacs que alenteixen o disminueixen la progressió de la malaltia.
• Proves diagnòstiques: Tomografia per emissió de positrons

🌱 100 Good Habits

🧠 Mind & Personal Growth

1. Wake up early.

2. Sleep on time.

3. Make your bed.

4. Keep a daily routine.

5. Set daily goals.

6. Make a to-do list.

7. Read every day.

8. Learn something new daily.

9. Practice self-discipline.

10. Stay positive.

11. Avoid unnecessary overthinking.

12. Learn from mistakes.

13. Accept constructive criticism.

14. Be patient.

15. Believe in yourself.

16. Practice gratitude.

17. Celebrate small achievements.

18. Avoid comparing yourself with others.

19. Take breaks when needed.

20. Reflect on your day.

📚 Study & Career

1. Study consistently.

2. Revise regularly.

3. Take proper notes.

4. Ask questions when confused.

5. Practice instead of only reading.

6. Finish assignments on time.

7. Avoid procrastination.

8. Keep your study space clean.

9. Learn practical skills.

10. Improve communication skills.

11. Practice English