Articles: ninos.
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The hemostatic system consists of the subcutaneous tissue/vessel wall/platelet system and the coagulation cascade. Hemostasis occurs initially through the interaction between circulating platelets and subendothelial collagen, so that a platelet plug is formed. ⋯ The presence of the fibrin in the plug results in permanent hemostasis. The five tests of hemostasis - platelet count, bleeding time, partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and Factor XIII assay - are described.
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Polyneuropathy is characterized by simultaneous bilateral symmetrical involvement of peripheral nerves. Clinical features in fully-developed cases are paresthesias, irregular 'glove and stocking' cutaneous sensory loss, loss of deep sensations, weakness of distal muscles of extremities, and absent deep tendon reflexes. The most common forms of neuropathy encountered in practice are -- alcohol-induced, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and that secondary to diabetes mellitus. Since PN has many causes, a scheme based on clinical features is presented so that the possibilities can be narrowed and pursued with further investigations.
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During the past 50 years, there has been increasing expectation by patients and physicians that serious disease is preventable by early diagnosis. Unfortunately, the value of screening by X-rays, electrocardiogram, cytologic smears, and biochemistry has yet to be proven. The family physician should concentrate his efforts more on preventable disease caused by poor diet, exercise levels, or life style and by closely monitoring blood pressure.
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The author examines some of the causes of today's socio-medical problems, suggesting family life education as one method of preventing these problems. The development of such a program in Victoria, B. ⋯ Evaluation of such programs is difficult, but one of the more obvious gains was bridging the communication gap between generations, enabling students to discuss with ease hitherto taboo subjects with doctors parents or teachers. The Victoria family life education program was started seven years ago.