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Showing posts from March, 2023

Francis Gooding · When Thieves Retire: Pirate Enlightenment · LRB ... - London Review of Books

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L ike ​ many other important scientific inventions, the first true recipes for gunpowder were devised in China. The classic cocktail of sulphur, saltpetre and charcoal was known from at least the ninth century CE , though Taoist alchemists, searching for both gold and immortality, had by then been aware of similar preparations for hundreds of years. A very early reference appears in the Zhenyuan Miaodao Yaolue ( Classified Essentials of the Mysterious Tao of the True Origin of Things ), a text attributed in part to the third-century alchemist Zheng Yin. He warns against the mixing of sulphur, realgar, honey and saltpetre, a dangerously deflagrable combination: alchemists experimenting with the ingredients had burned down buildings and singed their beards. Zheng's list of procedures to be avoided also included the imbibing of elixirs made of lead, silver, mercury and cinnabar (outcome – death); taking cinnabar derived from mercury and sulphur (causes boils and sores); and drinking ...

Earlier HPV vaccination associated with completed vaccine series - Contemporary Obgyn

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Early initiation of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in adolescents is associated with improved HPV vaccine series completion, according to a recent study published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. Vaccination against HPV has up to 98% effectiveness in preventing HPV 16 and HPV 18 infection, protecting individuals from adverse events of infection such as increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer and other cancers. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ rates decreased in female patients from 164 to 2 per 10,000 after vaccination in a Cochrane review, and CIN3+ rates from 70 to 0 per 10,000. Age of vaccination has been found to be vital, with 2 HPV doses in early adolescence giving similar antibody production to 3 doses after age 14 years. The risk of developing cervical precancer and genital warts is also decreased in individuals vaccinated before age 11 years. HPV vaccination was recommended in female individuals by the CDC in 2006, and male individuals in 2011....

Sexually transmitted diseases: Chlamydia - Emergency Live International

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Often asymptomatic, if left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which – in 10-20% of cases – can lead to infertility. Chlamydia, what is it and how is it transmitted? Chlamydia is an infectious disease that mainly affects adolescents and young adults, and which is transmitted mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse (although maternal-foetal transmission is also possible). According to WHO estimates, 131 million people worldwide contract it every year. Caused by the Chlamydia Trachomatis bacterium, chlamydia has very mild clinical manifestations: only in 10% of cases it is diagnosed, as generally the affected person does not have symptoms or presents them very lightly. For this reason it is defined as a "silent" pathology. However, while serious consequences are rare in men, this is not the case in women and it can even lead to infertility. There is not just one type of chlamydia. Indeed, there are several serological variants: L1...

Why do cold sores keep coming back? - Nebraska Medicine

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Cold sores are painful blisters in or around the mouth. These sores are a marker of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which comes in two forms, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Anyone with either type of HSV is at risk of developing cold sores, but type one is most often responsible. According to the World Health Organization, about two out of three people under 50 have HSV-1. So, despite whatever stigma HSV has, it's important to remember this virus is extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed about. With proper medical attention, it's relatively easy to effectively treat and limit HSV's effects, including cold sores. What are cold sores? Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters, usually around the lips and in the mouth. Because there's no known cure for HSV, the virus that causes cold sores, it will remain in your body for the rest of your life. "It's generally a virus that lays dormant and then can be reactivated at times," says Zachary Genant...

MCHD offers free STI testing, resources for students - The Daily Athenaeum - thedaonline

[unable to retrieve full-text content] MCHD offers free STI testing, resources for students    The Daily Athenaeum - thedaonline

Tinea Corporis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More - Verywell Health

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Tinea corporis , or ringworm on the body, is a common fungal infection. The main symptom of ringworm is a ringlike rash. This fungal infection typically affects large body areas, such as the arms and legs. Despite its name, the condition is not caused by worms. It is caused by a contagious type of fungus that can be transmitted through close contact. It is easily treatable, and most people do not experience any severe symptoms or complications. This article will cover the signs and symptoms of tinea corporis, its causes, how it is diagnosed and treated, and more.  Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2022 Tinea Corporis Symptoms The symptoms of ringworm appear differently depending on the area of the body with the infection. General symptoms include: Itchy or scaly patches that appear red, gray, or brown Patches might appear as raised skin plaques A round, flat patch of itchy sk...

How Do I Know if I Have Herpes? | HealthNews - Healthnews.com

[unable to retrieve full-text content] How Do I Know if I Have Herpes? | HealthNews    Healthnews.com

Sore Throat and Cough: Causes, Medicines, Remedies - Verywell Health

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A sore throat is a scratchy or tender sensation in the throat that may worsen when swallowing or talking. A cough is your body's way of clearing mucus ("wet") or other irritants like dust ("dry") from your throat and lungs. Sore throat and cough may occur together, such as with a cold or COVID-19 infection. Noninfectious factors, like allergies, may also cause a sore throat and cough. This article will discuss the health conditions associated with a sore throat and cough and ways to relieve such symptoms at home. Strategies for preventing sore throat and cough will also be reviewed. SDI Productions / Getty Images Home Treatment for Sore Throat and Cough Most sore throats and coughs are caused by viruses and clear up on their own. In the meantime, home treatments can help provide comfort. Sore Throat Remedies Simple at-home remedies to soothe a sore throat include: Sucking on throat lozenges that contain...

Have a jock itch? Try these home remedies to treat this fungal infection - Health shots

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Listen to this article In the coming days, your skin may become dry and itchy as a result of the winter chill. However, if you're experiencing intense itchiness and irritation in your inner thigh or groin, it may be a jock itch. If you're coming across this term for the first time, let us explain what is it. A jock itch is a type of fungal infection like a diaper rash, athlete's foot, and oral thrush. But since they frequently appear in the genital region, inner thighs, or buttocks, it can be extremely unpleasant. Fortunately, getting rid of it is easy! Arthi Raguram, a skincare expert (natural and organic skincare products), spoke to Health Shots about how you can treat jock itch at home with the help of natural remedies. Raguram says, "Jock itch is a fungal infection that usually occurs in areas such as the groin, and inner thighs. It is commonly found among men, but women can also get a jock itch. In women, a jock itch can affect the skin around the groin, inner thi...

HPV Shot: From Puberty, After 26, and Onward - Verywell Health

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The HPV vaccine (shot) protects against some types of human papillomavirus. HPV is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is transmitted via penetrative sexual contact and intimate, skin-to-skin contact. The HPV vaccine may be most effective when given before any type of exposure to HPV. HPV infection can lead to certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HPV vaccination for children of any sex ages 11 to 12. HPV shots can, however, be given to children as young as 9 years. For those who don't get vaccinated early, the CDC recommends HPV vaccination up until age 26. Adults may be viable candidates for vaccination up until age 45. This article will discuss the Gardasil HPV vaccine, who should get it, the dosing schedule, where it is mandatory, and weighing its risks and safety. Anchiy / Getty Images What I...