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Colorectal cancer The colon is also called the large intestine. The colon is in the lower part of the abdomen. Rectum is the last part of the colon and its main function is to store fecal matter until when it is expelled.   The main function of the colon is water and nutrient absorption. Cells mostly affected The colon and the rectum are lined with mucus secreting cells. Mucus protects the lining of the colon from erosion. These cells are usually mostly affected. Cancer that affects mucus secreting cells is called adenocarcinoma. Polyp growth usually and mostly precede colorectal cancer. Early excision of polyps helps reduce incidences of colorectal cancer. Symptom of Colon Cancer includes : Diarrhea Weakness or fatigue Anemia Narrow stools Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Constipation Pain, cramps, or gas in the abdomen Pain during bowel movements Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool Unexplained weight loss Changes in stool consistency...

VACCINES USED IN KENYA AND THEIR SIDE EFFECTS A vaccine is a substance derived from a pathogen or synthetically made and is administered in order to provide immunity against diseases. A vaccine is antigenic substance as opposed to being pathogenic. This confers artificial or active immunity to the individual. Artificial immunity can last from a few months to many years and booster doses can be administered to boost the immunity even further. Vaccination in Kenya usually lasts from 0 weeks in children to 18 months. TYPES OF IMMUNIZING AGENTS Immunizing agents are in three major groups, vaccines immunoglobulins and antisera ·          Live attenuated vaccines ·          DNA vaccines ·          Recombinant factor vaccines ·          Conjugate vaccines     ·       ...

Management  of acid base imbalances The normal PH of blood is usually 7.35 – 7.45. The body therefore has to maintain blood PH within this values in order for the body to function normally. A substance that dissociates to produce ions is acid. Acids are also proton donors while bases are proton acceptors. Acids are produced when the body metabolizes substances. For example during oxidation reactions that produce energy also yield carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide then combines with water to form carbonic acid. Low PH in the body is called acidosis and when there is high blood PH is called alkalosis. Acidosis can be metabolic acidosis or respiratory acidosis. Acidosis can be due to; -           Carbon dioxide retention -           Excessive loss of bicarbonate either through feces or urine -           Ingestion of acids or their precurso...

  POINT OF CARE TESTING Abstract Diagnostic testing is very important in coming up with the right and accurate diagnosis in a clinical setup. Some clinical tests can also be carried out in a home setting or sites away from the hospital. These tests provide vital clinical information about the status of a patient before treatment is initiated. Decentralizing these tests make it easier for patients to access tests when they need them making point of care testing very important.   Concepts of point of care testing Point of care testing is proving diagnostic testing at a point near the patient. The patient does not therefore doesn’t has to move in order to get tested. Point of care testing is also called bedside, near-patient, remote or decentralized testing. Some of the tests carried out at point of care testing include, rapid malaria tests, HIV testing, blood sugar testing for diabetic patients and hemoglobin estimation. Point of care testing is also perfor...

BRAIN SURGERY Surgery usually is the first step in treating most benign and many malignant tumors. Although a second opinion is not always necessary, many patients seek one before proceeding with surgery. Description Surgery is the initial treatment for most benign and many malignant tumors. It is often the preferred treatment when a tumor can be removed without any unnecessary risk of neurological damage. Purpose Surgery may be recommended to: Provide a tumor sample to establish an accurate diagnosis. Remove as much tumor as possible, either to relieve symptoms caused by the tumor itself or to reduce the amount of tumor to be treated with radiation or chemotherapy. Enable direct access for chemotherapy, radiation implants, or genetic treatment of malignant tumors. Relieve seizures (due to a brain tumor) that are hard to control. Types The most common types of surgery for brain tumors are listed below. It is important to note that all of these procedur...