RedScrubs
The Resource for Medical Professionals

Twenty-five years ago little was known about the causes of neurodegenerative diseases. Now, however, it is clear that they are the result of the abnormality in the processing of proteins. Of all the laboratory studies done on neurodegenerative diseases, the most unexpected findings had to do with the discovery of the prion protein and infectious prions. The concept of prions has provided an explanation of how a disease can be both infectious and genetic and has revealed previously unknown neurological diseases. Presentation is approximately 1 hour, 17 minutes.

A 45 minute video that explores the three most common psychosomatic conditions in the elderly is presented here. Dementia, delirium and depression are the 3 most prevalent mental conditions in geriatrics. The criteria for each of these disorders are explored and treatment options discussed. Sub-types of dementia are also discussed, including the Lewy body variant. Dr. James Bourgeois, professor of Clinical Psychiatry at UC Davis, explores the work up and management of elderly persons presenting with these mental disorders. This program is certified for CME by UC Davis Office of CME.

Dr. Barkley, PhD. discusses the recent advances in the diagnostic criteria and treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Sustained, or persistence of attention is focused on as a primary concern in the disorder. Response, or reactions to reality, or sustainment of reaction to reality, is another problem addressed in ADHD. Resistance to distraction is also an issue. Recent discoveries in the causes and medications that might help ADHD are also explored in detail. The video is approximately 59 minutes long. Series: M.I.N.D. Institute Lecture Series on Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

Twice as many women as men suffer from depression and mood disorders – but only between puberty and menopause. This burden on women in the reproductive years suggests a powerful link between female hormones and brain function. Dr. Ellie Williams, MD, associate director of the Center for Neuroscience in Women’s Health discusses this role of hormones in women’s mental health.

Dr. David Adams performs mitral valve repair surgery of Fibroelastic Deficiency. Fibroelastic deficiency is a degenerative condition often seen in older adults > 60 years of age with a shorter history of valve regurgitation. Rupture, often of a single chord, is the most common cause of leaflet dysfunction in fibroelastic deficiency, and in most cases the only abnormal leaflet tissue is found in the prolapsing segment. The other leaflet segments are often thin and translucent, and of normal height. The posterior annulus may be dilated, but the size of the anterior leaflet and valve are most often normal.

The poisons in some Chinese milk might not be just from pure melamine, but actually from melamine scrap that has other chemicals in it. Melamine is a nitrogen-rich compound normally used for processing products like plastic, glue, textiles, flame-retarding agents and rubber antioxidants. It does not have any nutritional value, but is used to make a product look like it has more protein in it than it actually does. By itself, melamine in not toxic in low doses -so how it caused kidney failure in thousands of Chinese babies is still unclear. Melamine scrap, however, is a leftover by-product of processing coal into melamine and may contain more than just melamine itself. Because of the way it is processed, it can also have toxic residue from urea, ammonia, acetic acid and sodium nitrite in it and this may be the reason for the observed toxicity seen in so many children.