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- The West Bengal government has recently taken action by suspending 12 doctors for "medical negligence" after a woman and her newborn tragically died due to the alleged use of expired intravenous fluids at Medinipur Medical College and Hospital.
- About Intravenous Fluids (IV Fluids):
- IV fluids are specialized liquids administered directly into a vein to address or prevent dehydration. They are commonly used for individuals of all ages who are ill, injured, suffering from dehydration due to heat or exercise, or undergoing surgery. IV rehydration is a widely used, safe, and straightforward procedure with minimal risk of complications. Typically, IV fluids include water, glucose (sugar), and essential electrolytes (such as potassium, sodium, and chloride). Additionally, an IV setup may allow the simultaneous infusion of multiple fluids into the bloodstream.
- Types of IV Fluids:
- Crystalloid Solutions:
- These are the most frequently used IV fluids. They consist of small molecules that dissolve easily, allowing them to pass from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues and cells. Because of this, crystalloid solutions are rapidly accessible to cells after administration. Common examples include normal saline (salt in water), D5W (dextrose in water), and lactated Ringer’s solution, which contains sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate, often used for aggressive fluid replacement.
- Colloid Solutions:
- These contain larger molecules that cannot pass easily through cell membranes, making them more likely to remain within the bloodstream. As a result, colloid solutions tend to stay within the blood vessels and are used differently from crystalloid solutions. Examples include albumin and hetastarch.
- Crystalloid Solutions:
- The Tungabhadra river water has turned green in the areas surrounding Shiranahalli, Gangapur, and Korlahalli villages in Mundargi taluk, Gadag district, Karnataka, sparking concerns and panic among local residents.
- About Tungabhadra River:
- The Tungabhadra is a prominent river in peninsular India. It serves as a major tributary of the Krishna River. Revered as sacred by Hindus, the river is mentioned in the ancient epic Ramayana, where it is referred to as "Pampa." The river takes its name from two primary streams: the Tunga, which is approximately 147 km long, and the Bhadra, around 178 km in length. These streams originate from the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
- After merging near Shimoga in Karnataka, the river flows for about 531 km, ultimately joining the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh. The Krishna River then continues to the Bay of Bengal. The Tungabhadra river stretches for 382 km in Karnataka, forms a 58 km boundary between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and continues for an additional 91 km in Andhra Pradesh.
- The total catchment area of the river is approximately 69,552 square kilometers up to its confluence with the Krishna. The river's flow is predominantly influenced by the southwest monsoon.
- Major Tributaries:
- Varada River
- Hagari (Vedathy) River
- Several dams and reservoirs are built along the Tungabhadra, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, Bhadra Dam, Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.
- The historic city of Hampi, which was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, lies on the banks of the river.
- New research has revealed delayed effects of genetic mutations in the development of Huntington's Disease (HD).
- About Huntington’s Disease (HD):
- Huntington’s disease is a hereditary genetic disorder that impacts brain cells. It is inherited from one’s parents and leads to the gradual loss of brain cell function and eventual cell death. If one of your parents carries the gene for HD, there is a 50% chance that you will inherit the condition as well. HD primarily affects brain regions responsible for voluntary movement and memory.
- What causes Huntington’s Disease?
- Huntington’s disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. This gene produces a protein called huntingtin, which is essential for the proper functioning of nerve cells (neurons). In individuals with HD, the mutation causes huntingtin proteins to form incorrectly, leading to damage instead of supporting the neurons. This genetic mutation leads to the death of nerve cells in specific areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia, which controls movement, as well as the cortex, which is responsible for cognition, decision-making, and memory.
- How common is HD?
- Huntington’s disease is rare, affecting approximately 3 to 7 individuals out of every 100,000, with a higher prevalence among people of European descent.
- Symptoms:
- Common symptoms of HD include uncontrollable, dance-like movements (chorea), abnormal postures, and a decline in behavior, emotional regulation, thinking, and personality. Additional symptoms can include tremors (involuntary muscle movements) and abnormal eye movements, which may appear early in the disease. As the disease progresses, these symptoms worsen, and patients eventually require constant care and supervision. HD is typically fatal, with most individuals passing away 15 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms.
- Treatment:
- Currently, there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, and no treatment can halt or reverse its progression. However, medications can help manage certain symptoms. Drugs such as haloperidol, tetrabenazine, and amantadine are commonly used to control the involuntary movements associated with the condition.