Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is a form of sexual dysfunction in males characterized by the persistent or recurring inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection with sufficient rigidity and duration for satisfactory sexual activity. It is the most common sexual problem in males and can cause psychological distress due to its impact on self-image and sexual relationships. The term erectile dysfunction does not encompass other erection-related disorders, such as priapism.

 

The majority of ED cases are attributed to physical risk factors and predictive factors. These factors can be categorized as vascular, neurological, local penile, hormonal, and drug-induced. Notable predictors of ED include aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal lipid levels in the blood, hypogonadism, smoking, depression, and medication use. Approximately 10% of cases are linked to psychosocial factors, encompassing conditions such as depression, stress, and problems within relationships.[14] ED is reported in 18% of males aged 50 to 59 years, and 37% in males aged 70 to 75.[14]

 

Treatment of ED encompasses addressing the underlying causes, lifestyle modification, and addressing psychosocial issues.[4] In many instances, medication-based therapies are used, specifically PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil.[13] These drugs function by dilating blood vessels, facilitating increased blood flow into the spongy tissue of the penis, analogous to opening a valve wider to enhance water flow in a fire hose. Less frequently employed treatments encompass prostaglandin pellets inserted into the urethra, the injection of smooth-muscle relaxants and vasodilators directly into the penis, penile implants, the use of penis pumps, and vascular surgery.[4][15]

 

Signs and symptoms

ED is characterized by the persistent or recurring inability to achieve or maintain an erection of the penis with sufficient rigidity and duration for satisfactory sexual activity.[14] It is defined as the "persistent or recurrent inability to achieve and maintain a penile erection of sufficient rigidity to permit satisfactory sexual activity for at least 3 months."[4]

 

Psychological impact

ED often has an impact on the emotional well-being of both males and their partners.[14] Many males do not seek treatment due to feelings of embarrassment. About 75% of diagnosed cases of ED go untreated.[16]

 

Causes

Causes of or contributors to ED include the following:

 

Diets high in saturated fat are linked to heart diseases, and males with heart diseases are more likely to experience ED.[7][8] By contrast, plant-based diets show a lower risk for ED.[17][18][19]

Prescription drugs (e.g., SSRIs,[20] beta blockers, antihistamines,[21][22][23] alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, thiazides, hormone modulators, and 5α-reductase inhibitors)[3][4]

Neurogenic disorders (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, temporal lobe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy)[3][4][5]

Cavernosal disorders (e.g., Peyronie's disease)[3][24]

Hyperprolactinemia (e.g., due to a prolactinoma)[3]

Psychological causes: performance anxiety, stress, and mental disorders[6]

Surgery (e.g., radical prostatectomy)[25]

Ageing: after age 40 years, ageing itself is a risk factor for ED, although numerous other pathologies that may occur with ageing, such as testosterone deficiency, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes, among others, appear to have interacting effects[1][26]

Kidney disease: ED and chronic kidney disease have pathological mechanisms in common, including vascular and hormonal dysfunction, and may share other comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus that can contribute to ED[9]

Lifestyle habits, particularly smoking, which is a key risk factor for ED as it promotes arterial narrowing.[27][28][29] Due to its propensity for causing detumescence and erectile dysfunction, some studies have described tobacco as an anaphrodisiacal substance.[30]

COVID-19: preliminary research indicates that COVID-19 viral infection may affect sexual and reproductive health.[31][32]

Surgical intervention for a number of conditions may remove anatomical structures necessary to erection, damage nerves, or impair blood supply.[25] ED is a common complication of treatments for prostate cancer, including prostatectomy and destruction of the prostate by external beam radiation, although the prostate gland itself is not necessary to achieve an erection. As far as inguinal hernia surgery is concerned, in most cases, and in the absence of postoperative complications, the operative repair can lead to a recovery of the sexual life of people with preoperative sexual dysfunction, while, in most cases, it does not affect people with a preoperative normal sexual life.[33]

 

ED can also be associated with bicycling due to both neurological and vascular problems due to compression.[34] The increased risk appears to be about 1.7-fold.[35]

 

Concerns that use of pornography can cause ED[36] have little support[37][38] in epidemiological studies, according to a 2015 literature review.[39] According to Gunter de Win, a Belgian professor and sex researcher, "Put simply, respondents who watch 60 minutes a week and think they're addicted were more likely to report sexual dysfunction than those who watch a care-free 160 minutes weekly."[40][41]

 

In seemingly rare cases, medications such as SSRIs, isotretinoin (Accutane) and finasteride (Propecia) are reported to induce long-lasting iatrogenic disorders characterized by sexual dysfunction symptoms, including erectile dysfunction in males; these disorders are known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), post-retinoid sexual dysfunction/post-Accutane syndrome (PRSD/PAS), and post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). These conditions remain poorly understood and lack effective treatments, although they have been suggested to share a common etiology.[42]

 

Rarely impotence can be caused by aromatase being active. See Androgen replacement therapy.

Pathophysiology

Penile erection is managed by two mechanisms: the reflex erection, which is achieved by directly touching the penile shaft, and the psychogenic erection, which is achieved by erotic or emotional stimuli. The former involves the peripheral nerves and the lower parts of the spinal cord, whereas the latter involves the limbic system of the brain. In both cases, an intact neural system is required for a successful and complete erection. Stimulation of the penile shaft by the nervous system leads to the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), which causes the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa (the main erectile tissue of the penis), and subsequently penile erection. Additionally, adequate levels of testosterone (produced by the testes) and an intact pituitary gland are required for the development of a healthy erectile system. As can be understood from the mechanisms of a normal erection, impotence may develop due to hormonal deficiency, disorders of the neural system, lack of adequate penile blood supply or psychological problems.[2]

 

Diagnosis

In many cases, the diagnosis can be made based on the person's history of symptoms. In other cases, a physical examination and laboratory investigations are done to rule out more serious causes such as hypogonadism or prolactinoma.[4]

 

One of the first steps is to distinguish between physiological and psychological ED. Determining whether involuntary erections are present is important in eliminating the possibility of psychogenic causes for ED.[4] Obtaining full erections occasionally, such as nocturnal penile tumescence when asleep (that is, when the mind and psychological issues, if any, are less present), tends to suggest that the physical structures are functionally working.[43][44] Similarly, performance with manual stimulation, as well as any performance anxiety or acute situational ED, may indicate a psychogenic component to ED.[4]

 

Another factor leading to ED is diabetes mellitus, a well known cause of neuropathy.[4] ED is also related to generally poor physical health, poor dietary habits, obesity, and most specifically cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.[4] Screening for cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and alcoholism, is helpful.[4]

 

In some cases, the simple search for a previously undetected groin hernia can prove useful since it can affect sexual functions in males and is relatively easily curable.[33]

 

The current – as of April 2025[45] – edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) lists Erectile Disorder (ICD-10-CM code: F52.21) as a diagnosis.[46] According to the DSM, it "is the more specific DSM-5 diagnostic category in which erectile dysfunction persists for at least 6 months and causes distress in the individual."[46] The ICD-10, to which the DSM refers regarding Erectile dysfunction,[46] lists it under Failure of genital response (F52.2).[47] The latest edition of the ICD – namely, the ICD-11 – lists the condition as Male erectile dysfunction (HA01.1).

 

Ultrasonography

 

Transverse ultrasound image, ventral view of the penis. Image obtained after induction of an erection, 15 min after injection of prostaglandin E1, showing dilated sinusoids (arrows).[48]

Penile ultrasonography with doppler can be used to examine the erect penis. Most cases of ED of organic causes are related to changes in blood flow in the corpora cavernosa, represented by occlusive artery disease (in which less blood is allowed to enter the penis), most often of atherosclerotic origin, or due to failure of the veno-occlusive mechanism (in which too much blood circulates back out of the penis). Before the Doppler sonogram, the penis should be examined in B mode, in order to identify possible tumors, fibrotic plaques, calcifications, or hematomas, and to evaluate the appearance of the cavernous arteries, which can be tortuous or atheromatous.[48]

 

Erection can be induced by injecting 10–20 μg of prostaglandin E1, with evaluations of the arterial flow every five minutes for 25–30 min (see image). The use of prostaglandin E1 is contraindicated in patients with predisposition to priapism (e.g., those with sickle cell anemia), anatomical deformity of the penis, or penile implants. Phentolamine (2 mg) is often added. Visual and tactile stimulation produces better results. Some authors recommend the use of sildenafil by mouth to replace the injectable drugs in cases of contraindications, although the efficacy of such medication is controversial.[48]

 

Before the injection of the chosen drug, the flow pattern is monophasic, with low systolic velocities and an absence of diastolic flow. After injection, systolic and diastolic peak velocities should increase, decreasing progressively with vein occlusion and becoming negative when the penis becomes rigid (see image below). The reference values vary across studies, ranging from > 25 cm/s to > 35 cm/s. Values above 35 cm/s indicate the absence of arterial disease, values below 25 cm/s indicate arterial insufficiency, and values of 25–35 cm/s are indeterminate because they are less specific (see image below). The data obtained should be correlated with the degree of erection observed. If the peak systolic velocities are normal, the final diastolic velocities should be evaluated, those above 5 cm/s being associated with venogenic ED.[48]

 

Graphs representing the color Doppler spectrum of the flow pattern of the cavernous arteries during the erection phases. A: Single-phase flow with minimal or absent diastole when the penis is flaccid. B: Increased systolic flow and reverse diastole 25 min after injection of prostaglandin.[48]

Graphs representing the color Doppler spectrum of the flow pattern of the cavernous arteries during the erection phases. A: Single-phase flow with minimal or absent diastole when the penis is flaccid. B: Increased systolic flow and reverse diastole 25 min after injection of prostaglandin.[48]

 

Longitudinal, ventral ultrasound of the penis, with pulsed mode and color Doppler. Flow of the cavernous arteries at 5, 15, and 25 min after prostaglandin injection (A, B, and C, respectively). The cavernous artery flow remains below the expected levels (at least 25–35 cm/s), which indicates ED due to arterial insufficiency.[48]

Longitudinal, ventral ultrasound of the penis, with pulsed mode and color Doppler. Flow of the cavernous arteries at 5, 15, and 25 min after prostaglandin injection (A, B, and C, respectively). The cavernous artery flow remains below the expected levels (at least 25–35 cm/s), which indicates ED due to arterial insufficiency.[48]

Other workup methods

Penile nerves function

Tests such as the bulbocavernosus reflex test are used to ascertain whether there is enough nerve sensation in the penis. The physician squeezes the glans (head) of the penis, which immediately causes the anus to contract if nerve function is normal. A physician measures the latency between squeeze and contraction by observing the anal sphincter or by feeling it with a gloved finger in the anus.[49]

Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT)

It is normal for a man to have five to six erections during sleep, especially during rapid eye movement (REM). Their absence may indicate a problem with nerve function or blood supply in the penis. There are two methods for measuring changes in penile rigidity and circumference during nocturnal erection: snap gauge and strain gauge. A significant proportion[quantify] of males who have no sexual dysfunction nonetheless do not have regular nocturnal erections.[citation needed]

Penile biothesiometry

This test uses electromagnetic vibration to evaluate sensitivity and nerve function in the glans and shaft of the penis.[50]

Dynamic infusion cavernosometry (DICC)

Technique in which fluid is pumped into the penis at a known rate and pressure. It gives a measurement of the vascular pressure in the corpus cavernosum during an erection.[citation needed]

Corpus cavernosometry

Cavernosography measurement of the vascular pressure in the corpus cavernosum. Saline is infused under pressure into the corpus cavernosum with a butterfly needle, and the flow rate needed to maintain an erection indicates the degree of venous leakage. The leaking veins responsible may be visualized by infusing a mixture of saline and x-ray contrast medium and performing a cavernosogram.[51] In Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), the images are acquired digitally.[citation needed]

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)

This is similar to magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance angiography uses magnetic fields and radio waves to provide detailed images of the blood vessels. The doctor may inject into the patient's bloodstream a contrast agent, which causes vascular tissues to stand out against other tissues, so that information about blood supply and vascular anomalies is easier to gather.[citation needed]

Erection Hardness Score

This section is an excerpt from Erection Hardness Score.[edit]

The Erection Hardness Score (EHS) is a single-item Likert scale used to assess the subjective hardness of the penis as reported by the patient. It ranges from 0 (indicating the penis does not enlarge) to 4 (indicating the penis is completely hard and fully rigid). Developed in 1998, the EHS is widely used in clinical trials and is recognized for its ease of administration and strong association with sexual function outcomes. It has been validated across various causes of erectile dysfunction and in patients treated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5), showing robust psychometric properties and responsiveness to treatment.[52]

Treatment

 

One ad from 1897 claims to restore "perfect manhood. Failure is impossible with our method".[53] Another "will quickly cure you of all nervous or diseases of the generative organs, such as Lost Manhood, Insomnia, Pains in the Back, Seminal Emissions, Nervous Debility, Pimples, Unfitness to Marry, Exhausting Drains, Varicocele and Constipation".[53] The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns that "phony cures" exist even today.[54]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In general, exercise, particularly of the aerobic type, is effective for preventing ED during midlife.[10] Counseling can be used if the underlying cause is psychological, including how to lower stress or anxiety related to sex.[12] Medications by mouth and vacuum erection devices are first-line treatments,[10]: 20, 24  followed by injections of drugs into the penis, as well as penile implants.[10]: 25–26  Vascular reconstructive surgeries are beneficial in certain groups.[55] Treatments, other than surgery, do not fix the underlying physiological problem, but are used as needed before sex.[56]

 

Medications

See also: List of investigational sexual dysfunction drugs

The PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are prescription drugs which are taken by mouth.[10]: 20–21  As of 2018, sildenafil is available in the UK without a prescription.[57] Additionally, a cream combining alprostadil with the permeation enhancer DDAIP has been approved in Canada as a first line treatment for ED.[58] Penile injections, on the other hand, can involve one of the following medications: papaverine, phentolamine, and prostaglandin E1, also known as alprostadil.[10] In addition to injections, there is an alprostadil suppository that can be inserted into the urethra. Once inserted, an erection can begin within 10 minutes and last up to an hour.[12] Medications to treat ED may cause a side effect called priapism.[12]

 

Prevalence of medical diagnosis

In a study published in 2016, based on US health insurance claims data, out of 19,833,939 US males aged ≥18 years, only 1,108,842 (5.6%), were medically diagnosed with erectile dysfunction or on a PDE5I prescription (μ age 55.2 years, σ 11.2 years). Prevalence of diagnosis or prescription was the highest for age group 60–69 at 11.5%, lowest for age group 18–29 at 0.4%, and 2.1% for 30–39, 5.7% for 40–49, 10% for 50–59, 11% for 70–79, 4.6% for 80–89, 0.9% for ≥90, respectively.[59]

 

Focused shockwave therapy

Focused shockwave therapy involves passing short, high frequency acoustic pulses through the skin and into the penis. These waves break down any plaques within the blood vessels, encourage the formation of new vessels, and stimulate repair and tissue regeneration.[60][61]

 

Focused shockwave therapy appears to work best for males with vasculogenic ED, which is a blood vessel disorder that affects blood flow to tissue in the penis. The treatment is painless and has no known side effects. Treatment with shockwave therapy can lead to a significant improvement of the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function).[62][63][64]

 

Testosterone

Men with low levels of testosterone can experience ED. Taking testosterone may help maintain an erection.[65] Males with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have lower levels of testosterone, and are three times more likely to experience ED than non-diabetic men.[65]

 

Pumps

Main article: penis pump

A vacuum erection device helps draw blood into the penis by applying negative pressure. This type of device is sometimes referred to as penis pump and may be used just prior to sexual intercourse. Several types of FDA approved vacuum therapy devices are available under prescription. When pharmacological methods fail, a purpose-designed external vacuum pump can be used to attain erection, with a separate compression ring fitted to the base of the penis to maintain it. These pumps should be distinguished from other penis pumps (supplied without compression rings) which, rather than being used for temporary treatment of impotence, are claimed to increase penis length if used frequently, or vibrate as an aid to masturbation. More drastically, inflatable or rigid penile implants may be fitted surgically.[11]

 

Vibrators

Main article: Vibrator (sex toy)

The vibrator was invented in the late 19th century as a medical instrument for pain relief and the treatment of various ailments. Sometimes described as a massager, the vibrator is used on the body to produce sexual stimulation. Several clinical studies have found vibrators to be an effective solution for Erectile Dysfunction.[66][67] Examples of FDA registered vibrators for erectile dysfunction include MysteryVibe's Tenuto[68] and Reflexonic's Viberect.[69]

 

Surgery

Main article: Penile implant

Often, as a last resort, if other treatments have failed, the most common procedure is prosthetic implants which involves the insertion of artificial rods into the penis.[10]: 26  Some sources show that vascular reconstructive surgeries are viable options for some people.[55]

 

Alternative medicine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend alternative therapies to treat sexual dysfunction.[70] Many products are advertised as "herbal viagra" or "natural" sexual enhancement products, but no clinical trials or scientific studies support the effectiveness of these products for the treatment of ED, and synthetic chemical compounds similar to sildenafil have been found as adulterants in many of these products.[71][72][73][74][75] The FDA has warned consumers that any sexual enhancement product that claims to work as well as prescription products is likely to contain such a contaminant.[76] A 2021 review indicated that ginseng had "only trivial effects on erectile function or satisfaction with intercourse compared to placebo".[77]

 

History

Further information: Impotence and marriage

Further information: Medicalisation of sexuality

 

An unhappy wife is complaining to the qadi about her husband's impotence. Ottoman miniature.

Attempts to treat the symptoms described by ED date back well over 1,000 years. In the 8th century, males of Ancient Rome and Greece wore talismans of rooster and goat genitalia, believing these talismans would serve as an aphrodisiac and promote sexual function.[78] In the 13th century, Albertus Magnus recommended ingesting roasted wolf penis as a remedy for impotence.[78] During the late 16th and 17th centuries in France, male impotence was considered a crime, as well as legal grounds for a divorce. The practice, which involved inspection of the complainants by court experts, was declared obscene in 1677.[79][80]

 

The first major publication describing a broad medicalization of sexual disorders was the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1952.[81] In the early 20th century, medical folklore held that 90-95% of cases of ED were psychological in origin, but around the 1980s research took the opposite direction of searching for physical causes of sexual dysfunction, which also happened in the 1920s and 30s.[82] Physical causes as explanations continue to dominate literature when compared with psychological explanations as of 2022.[83]

 

Treatments in the 80s for ED included penile implants and intracavernosal injections.[82] The first successful vacuum erection device, or penis pump, was developed by Vincent Marie Mondat in the early 1800s.[78] A more advanced device based on a bicycle pump was developed by Geddings Osbon, a Pentecostal preacher, in the 1970s. In 1982, he received FDA approval to market the product.[84] John R. Brinkley initiated a boom in male impotence treatments in the U.S. in the 1920s and 1930s, with radio programs that recommended expensive goat gland implants and "mercurochrome" injections as the path to restored male virility, including operations by surgeon Serge Voronoff.

 

Modern drug therapy for ED made a significant advance in 1983, when British physiologist Giles Brindley dropped his trousers and demonstrated to a shocked Urodynamics Society audience showing his papaverine-induced erection.[85] The current most common treatment for ED, the oral PDE5 inhibitor known as sildenafil (Viagra) was approved for use for Pfizer by the FDA in 1998, which at the time of release was the fastest selling drug in history.[81][86][87] Sildenafil largely replaced SSRI treatments for ED at the time[88] and proliferated new types of specialised pharmaceutical marketing which emphasised social connotations of ED and Viagra rather than its physical effects.[89][90]

 

Anthropology

Anthropological research presents ED not as a disorder but, as a normal, and sometimes even welcome sign of healthy aging. Wentzell's study of 250 Mexican males in their 50s and 60s found that "most simply did not see decreasing erectile function as a biological pathology".[91] The males interviewed described the decrease in erectile function "as an aid for aging in socially appropriate ways".[91] A common theme amongst the interviewees showed that respectable older males shifted their focus toward the domestic sphere into a "second stage of life".[91] The Mexican males of this generation often pursued sex outside of marriage; decreasing erectile function acted as an aid to overcoming infidelity thus helping to attain the ideal "second stage" of life.[91] A 56-year-old about to retire from the public health service said he would now "dedicate myself to my wife, the house, gardening, caring for the grandchildren—the Mexican classic".[91] Wentzell found that treating ED as a pathology was antithetical to the social view these males held of themselves, and their purpose at this stage of their lives.

 

In the 20th and 21st centuries, anthropologists investigated how common treatments for ED are built upon assumptions of institutionalized social norms. In offering a range of clinical treatments to 'correct' a person's ability to produce an erection, biomedical institutions encourage the public to strive for prolonged sexual function. Anthropologists argue that a biomedical focus places emphasis on the biological processes of fixing the body thereby disregarding holistic ideals of health and aging.[92] By relying on a wholly medical approach, Western biomedicine can become blindsided by bodily dysfunctions which can be understood as appropriate functions of age, and not as a medical problem.[93] Anthropologists understand that a biosocial approach to ED considers a person's decision to undergo clinical treatment more likely a result of "society, political economy, history, and culture" than a matter of personal choice.[92] In rejecting biomedical treatment for ED, males can challenge common forms of medicalized social control by deviating from what is considered the normal approach to dysfunction.

 

Lexicology

The Latin term impotentia coeundi describes simple inability to insert the penis into the vagina; it is now mostly replaced by more precise terms, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). The study of ED within medicine is covered by andrology, a sub-field within urology. Research indicates that ED is common, and it is suggested that approximately 40% of males experience symptoms compatible with ED, at least occasionally.[94] The condition is also on occasion called phallic impotence.[95] Its antonym, or opposite condition, is priapism.[96][97]

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erectile_dysfunction

 

Priapism is a condition in which a penis remains erect for hours in the absence of stimulation or after stimulation has ended.[3] There are three types: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic (intermittent).[3] Most cases are ischemic.[3] Ischemic priapism is generally painful while nonischemic priapism is not.[3] In ischemic priapism, most of the penis is hard; however, the glans penis is not.[3] In nonischemic priapism, the entire penis is only somewhat hard.[3] Very rarely, clitoral priapism occurs in women.[4]

 

Sickle cell disease is the most common cause of ischemic priapism.[3] Other causes include medications such as antipsychotics, SSRIs, blood thinners and prostaglandin E1, as well as drugs such as cocaine.[3][5] Ischemic priapism occurs when blood does not adequately drain from the penis.[3] Nonischemic priapism is typically due to a connection forming between an artery and the corpus cavernosum or disruption of the parasympathetic nervous system resulting in increased arterial flow.[3] Nonischemic priapism may occur following trauma to the penis or a spinal cord injury.[3] Diagnosis may be supported by blood gas analysis of blood aspirated from the penis or an ultrasound.[3]

 

Treatment depends on the type.[3] Ischemic priapism is typically treated with a nerve block of the penis followed by aspiration of blood from the corpora cavernosa.[3] If this is not sufficient, the corpus cavernosum may be irrigated with cold, normal saline or injected with phenylephrine.[3] Nonischemic priapism is often treated with cold packs and compression.[3] Surgery may be done if usual measures are not effective.[3] In ischemic priapism, the risk of permanent scarring of the penis begins to increase after four hours and definitely occurs after 48 hours.[3][6] Priapism occurs in about 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 100,000 males per year.[3]

 

Classification

Priapism is classified into three groups: ischemic (low-flow), nonischemic (high-flow), and recurrent ischemic.[3] The majority of cases (19 out of 20) are ischemic in nature.[3]

 

Some sources give a duration of four hours as a definition of priapism, but others give six. Per the University Hospital Schleswig Holstein, "The duration of a normal erection before it is classifiable as priapism is still controversial. Ongoing penile erections for more than 6 hours can be classified as priapism."[7]

 

In women

Priapism in women (continued, painful erection of the clitoris) is significantly rarer than priapism in men and is known as clitoral priapism or clitorism.[4] It is associated with persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD).[8] Only a few case reports of women experiencing clitoral priapism exist.[4]

 

Signs and symptoms

Complications

Because ischemic priapism causes the blood to remain in the penis for unusually long periods of time, the blood becomes deprived of oxygen, which can cause damage to the penile tissue. Such damage can result in erectile dysfunction or disfigurement of the penis.[9] In extreme cases, if the penis develops severe vascular disease, the priapism can result in penile gangrene.[10]

 

Low-flow priapism

Causes of low-flow priapism include sickle cell anemia (most common in children), leukemia, and other blood dyscrasias such as thalassemia and multiple myeloma, and the use of various drugs, as well as cancers.[11] A genome-wide association study on Brazilian patients with sickle cell disease identified four single nucleotide polymorphisms in LINC02537 and NAALADL2 significantly associated with priapism.[12]

 

Other conditions that can cause priapism include Fabry's disease, as well as neurologic disorders such as spinal cord lesions and spinal cord trauma (priapism has been reported in people who have been hanged; see death erection).

 

Priapism can also be caused by reactions to medications. The most common medications that cause priapism are intra-cavernous injections for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (papaverine, alprostadil). Other medication groups reported are antihypertensives (e.g. Doxazosin), antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine), antidepressants (most notably trazodone), anti-convulsant and mood stabilizer drugs such as sodium valproate.[13] Anticoagulants, cantharides (Spanish Fly) and recreational drugs (alcohol, heroin and cocaine) have been associated. Priapism is also known to occur from bites of the Brazilian wandering spider.[14]

 

High-flow priapism

Causes of high-flow priapism include:

 

blunt trauma to the perineum or penis, with laceration of the cavernous artery, which can generate an arterial-lacunar fistula.[11]

Anticoagulants (heparin and warfarin).

Antihypertensives (i.e., hydralazine, guanethidine and propranolol).

Hormones (i.e., gonadotropin releasing hormone and testosterone).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is often based on the history of the condition as well as a physical exam.[3]

 

Blood gas testing the blood from the cavernosa of the penis can help in the diagnosis.[3] If the low-flow type of priapism is present, the blood typically has a low pH, while if the high-flow type is present, the pH is typically normal.[3] Color Doppler ultrasound may also help differentiate the two.[3] Testing a person to make sure they do not have a hemoglobinopathy may also be reasonable.[3]

 

Ultrasonography

 

Color Doppler ultrasound demonstrating a hypoechoic collection that corresponds to hematoma with arteriovenous fistula secondary to traumatic injury of the penis due to impact with bicycle handlebars, resulting in high-flow priapism[11]

Penile ultrasonography with Doppler is the imaging method of choice, because it is noninvasive, widely available, and highly sensitive. By means of this method, it is possible to diagnose priapism and differentiate between its low- and high-flow forms.[11]

 

In low-flow (ischemic) priapism the flow in the cavernous arteries is reduced or absent. As the condition progresses, there is an increase in echogenicity of the corpora cavernosa, attributed to tissue edema. Eventually, changes in the echotexture of the corpora cavernosa can be observed due to the fibrotic transformation generated by tissue anoxia.[11]

 

In high-flow priapism normal or increased, turbulent blood flow in the cavernous arteries is seen. The area surrounding the fistula presents a hypoechoic, irregular lesion in the cavernous tissue.[11]

 

Treatment

Medical evaluation is recommended for erections that last for longer than four hours. Pain can often be reduced with a dorsal penile nerve block or penile ring block.[3] For those with nonischemic priapism, cold packs and pressure to the area may be sufficient.[3]

 

Pseudoephedrine

Orally administered pseudoephedrine is a first-line treatment for priapism.[15] Erection is largely a parasympathetic response, so the sympathetic action of pseudoephedrine may serve to relieve this condition. Pseudoephedrine is an alpha-agonist agent that exerts a constriction effect on smooth muscle of corpora cavernosum, which in turn facilitates venous outflow. Pseudoephedrine is no longer available in some countries.

 

Aspiration

For those with ischemic priapism, the initial treatment is typically aspiration of blood from the corpus cavernosum.[3] This is done on either side.[3] If this is not sufficiently effective, then cold normal saline may be injected and removed.[3]

 

Medications

If aspiration is not sufficient, a small dose of phenylephrine may be injected into the corpus cavernosum.[3] Side effects of phenylephrine may include: high blood pressure, slow heart rate, and arrhythmia.[3] If this medication is used, it is recommended that people be monitored for at least an hour after.[3] For those with recurrent ischemic priapism, diethylstilbestrol (DES) or terbutaline may be tried.[3]

 

Surgery

Distal shunts, such as the Winter's,[clarification needed] involve puncturing the glans (the distal part of the penis) into one of the cavernosa, where the old, stagnant blood is held. This causes the blood to leave the penis and return to the circulation. This procedure can be performed by a urologist at the bedside. Winter's shunts are often the first invasive technique used, especially in hematologically induced priapism, as it is relatively simple and repeatable.[16]

 

Proximal shunts, such as the Quackel's,[clarification needed] are more involved and entail operative dissection in the perineum where the corpora meet the spongiosum while making an incision in both and suturing both openings together.[17] Shunts created between the corpora cavernosa and great saphenous vein called a Grayhack shunt can be done though this technique is rarely used.[18]

 

As the complication rates with prolonged priapism are high, early penile prosthesis implantation may be considered.[3] As well as allowing early resumption of sexual activity, early implantation can avoid the formation of dense fibrosis and, hence, a shortened penis.

 

Sickle cell anemia

In sickle cell anemia, treatment is initially with intravenous fluids, pain medication, and oxygen therapy.[19][3] The typical treatment of priapism may be carried out as well.[3] Blood transfusions are not usually recommended as part of the initial treatment, but if other treatments are not effective, exchange transfusion may be done.[19][3]

 

History

Persistent semi-erections and intermittent states of prolonged erections have historically been sometimes called semi-priapism.[20]

 

Terminology

The name comes from the Greek god Priapus (Ancient Greek: Πρίαπος), a fertility god, often represented with a disproportionately large phallus.[21

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapism

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Mar 23 2008

Five More Days

...until my surgery rotation is over!

365 Days

 

Medical Knowledge Of The Day #5:

(This is just a very brief overview, please consult a textbook for an accurate description)

Key Word: Necrotizing Fasciitis

Other names: Flesh Eating Bacteria

What is it (Etiology): A RARE deep skin infection (often) caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pyogenes (a Group A, beta-hemolytic Strep). Necrotizing = death of tissue, Fasciitis = infection of the fascia (tissue layers between skin, muscle, etc...)

How does it work (Pathophysiology): The bacteria releases toxins, one of which is called "superantigen," and the toxins cause tissue death, cause your sensory nerves to stop working, and cause systemic effects (see below).

Symptoms: Usually occurs after an injury to an area where the bacteria can get in. The area quickly swells up, may become red and warm, with severe pain. The skin may even feel crunchy to touch. The area then becomes purple and may even turn black later on with loss of sensation. During the above symptoms there will often be fever and chills, may even have a rapid pulse with low blood pressure and mental confusion. These are the "systemic" effects.

Treatment: Admission to ICU with immediate initiation of IV antibiotics (Ampicillin/Gentamicin/Clindamycin) and then surgery to remove all the affected tissue.

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is a venomous snake endemic to Asia. The sole member of the genus Ophiophagus, it is not taxonomically a true cobra, despite its common name and some resemblance. With an average length of 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft) and a record length of 5.85 m (19.2 ft), it is the world's longest venomous snake. The species has diversified colouration across habitats, from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey. The king cobra is widely distributed albeit not commonly seen, with a range spanning from the Indian Subcontinent through Southeastern Asia to Southern China. It preys chiefly on other snakes, including those of its own kind. This is the only ophidian that constructs an above-ground nest for its eggs, which are purposefully and meticulously gathered and protected by the female throughout the incubation period.

 

The threat display of this elapid includes spreading its neck-flap, raising its head upright, making eye contact, puffing, hissing and occasionally charging. Given the size of the snake, it is capable of striking at a considerable range and height, sometimes sustaining a bite. Envenomation from this species is medically significant and may result in a rapid fatality unless antivenom is administered in time. Despite the species' fearsome reputation, altercations usually only arise from an individual inadvertently exposing itself or being cornered.

 

Threatened by habitat destruction, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2010. Regarded as the national reptile of India, it has an eminent position in the mythology and folk traditions of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

 

Taxonomy

The king cobra is also referred to by the common name "hamadryad", especially in older literature. Hamadryas hannah was the scientific name used by Danish naturalist Theodore Edward Cantor in 1836 who described four king cobra specimens, three captured in the Sundarbans and one in the vicinity of Kolkata. Naja bungarus was proposed by Hermann Schlegel in 1837 who described a king cobra zoological specimen from Java. In 1838, Cantor proposed the name Hamadryas ophiophagus for the king cobra and explained that it has dental features intermediate between the genera Naja and Bungarus. Naia vittata proposed by Walter Elliot in 1840 was a king cobra caught offshore near Chennai that was floating in a basket. Hamadryas elaps proposed by Albert Günther in 1858 were king cobra specimens from the Philippines and Borneo. Günther considered both N. bungarus and N. vittata a variety of H. elaps. The genus Ophiophagus was proposed by Günther in 1864. The name is derived from its propensity to eat snakes.

 

Naja ingens proposed by Alexander Willem Michiel van Hasselt in 1882 was a king cobra captured near Tebing Tinggi in northern Sumatra.

 

Ophiophagus hannah was accepted as the valid name for the king cobra by Charles Mitchill Bogert in 1945 who argued that it differs significantly from Naja species. A genetic analysis using cytochrome b, and a multigene analysis showed that the king cobra was an early offshoot of a genetic lineage giving rise to the mambas, rather than the Naja cobras.

 

A phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA showed that specimens from Surattani and Nakhon Si Thammarat Provinces in southern Thailand form a deeply divergent clade from those from northern Thailand, which grouped with specimens from Myanmar and Guangdong in southern China.

 

Description

 

Scales of the king cobra

 

A baby king cobra showing its chevron pattern on the back

The king cobra's skin is olive green with black and white bands on the trunk that converge to the head. The head is covered by 15 drab coloured and black edged shields. The muzzle is rounded, and the tongue black. It has two fangs and 3–5 maxillar teeth in the upper jaw, and two rows of teeth in the lower jaw. The nostrils are between two shields. The large eyes have a golden iris and round pupils. Its hood is oval shaped and covered with olive green smooth scales and two black spots between the two lowest scales. Its cylindrical tail is yellowish green above and marked with black. It has a pair of large occipital scales on top of the head, 17 to 19 rows of smooth oblique scales on the neck, and 15 rows on the body. Juveniles are black with chevron shaped white, yellow or buff bars that point towards the head. Adult king cobras are 3.18 to 4 m (10.4 to 13.1 ft) long. The longest known individual measured 5.85 m (19.2 ft). Ventral scales are uniformly oval shaped. Dorsal scales are placed in an oblique arrangement.

 

The king cobra is sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and paler in particular during the breeding season. Males captured in Kerala measured up to 3.75 m (12.3 ft) and weighed up to 10 kg (22 lb). Females captured had a maximum length of 2.75 m (9 ft 0 in) and a weight of 5 kg (11 lb). The largest known king cobra was 5.59 m (18 ft 4 in) long and captured in Thailand. It differs from other cobra species by size and hood. It is larger, has a narrower and longer stripe on the neck.

 

Distribution and habitat

The king cobra has a wide distribution in South and Southeast Asia. It occurs up to an elevation of 2,000 m (6,600 ft) from the Terai in India and southern Nepal to the Brahmaputra River basin in Bhutan and northeast India, Bangladesh and to Myanmar, southern China, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.

 

In northern India, it has been recorded in Garhwal and Kumaon, and in the Shivalik and terai regions of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In northeast India, the king cobra has been recorded in northern West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. In the Eastern Ghats, it occurs from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to coastal Odisha, and also in Bihar and southern West Bengal, especially the Sundarbans. In the Western Ghats, it was recorded in Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra, and also in Gujarat. It also occurs on Baratang Island in the Great Andaman chain.

 

Behaviour and ecology

  

Captive king cobras with their hoods extended

Like other snakes, a king cobra receives chemical information via its forked tongue, which picks up scent particles and transfers them to a sensory receptor (Jacobson's organ) located in the roof of its mouth. When it detects the scent of prey, it flicks its tongue to gauge the prey's location, with the twin forks of the tongue acting in stereo. It senses earth-borne vibration and detects moving prey almost 100 m (330 ft) away.

 

Following envenomation, it swallows its prey whole. Because of its flexible jaws, it can swallow prey much larger than its head. It is considered diurnal because it hunts during the day, but has also been seen at night, rarely.

 

Diet

King cobra in Pune

King cobra in Pune, India

The king cobra is an apex predator and dominant over all other snakes except large pythons. Its diet consists primarily of other snakes and lizards, including Indian cobra, banded krait, rat snake, pythons, green whip snake, keelback, banded wolf snake and Blyth's reticulated snake. It also hunts Malabar pit viper and hump-nosed pit viper by following their odour trails. In Singapore, one was observed swallowing a clouded monitor. When food is scarce, it also feeds on other small vertebrates, such as birds, and lizards. In some cases, the cobra constricts its prey using its muscular body, though this is uncommon. After a large meal, it lives for many months without another one because of its slow metabolic rate.

 

Defence

 

A king cobra in its defensive posture (mounted specimen at the Royal Ontario Museum)

The king cobra is not considered aggressive. It usually avoids humans and slinks off when disturbed, but is known to aggressively defend incubating eggs and attack intruders rapidly. When alarmed, it raises the front part of its body, extends the hood, shows the fangs and hisses loudly. Wild king cobras encountered in Singapore appeared to be placid, but reared up and struck in self defense when cornered.

 

The king cobra can be easily irritated by closely approaching objects or sudden movements. When raising its body, the king cobra can still move forward to strike with a long distance, and people may misjudge the safe zone. It can deliver multiple bites in a single attack.

 

Growling hiss

The hiss of the king cobra is a much lower pitch than many other snakes and many people thus liken its call to a "growl" rather than a hiss. While the hisses of most snakes are of a broad-frequency span ranging from roughly 3,000 to 13,000 Hz with a dominant frequency near 7,500 Hz, king cobra growls consist solely of frequencies below 2,500 Hz, with a dominant frequency near 600 Hz, a much lower-sounding frequency closer to that of a human voice. Comparative anatomical morphometric analysis has led to a discovery of tracheal diverticula that function as low-frequency resonating chambers in king cobra and its prey, the rat snake, both of which can make similar growls.

 

Reproduction

 

A captive juvenile king cobra in its defensive posture

The female is gravid for 50 to 59 days.The king cobra is the only snake that builds a nest using dry leaf litter, starting from late March to late May. Most nests are located at the base of trees, are up to 55 cm (22 in) high in the centre and 140 cm (55 in) wide at the base. They consist of several layers and have mostly one chamber, into which the female lays eggs. Clutch size ranges from 7 to 43 eggs, with 6 to 38 eggs hatching after incubation periods of 66 to 105 days. Temperature inside nests is not steady but varies depending on elevation from 13.5 to 37.4 °C (56.3 to 99.3 °F). Females stay by their nests between two and 77 days. Hatchlings are between 37.5 and 58.5 cm (14.8 and 23.0 in) long and weigh 9 to 38 g (0.32 to 1.34 oz).

 

The venom of hatchlings is as potent as that of the adults. They may be brightly marked, but these colours often fade as they mature. They are alert and nervous, being highly aggressive if disturbed.

 

The average lifespan of a wild king cobra is about 20 years.

 

Venom

Venom of the king cobra, produced by the postorbital venom glands, consists primarily of three-finger toxins (3FTx) and snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs).

 

Of all the 3FTx, alpha-neurotoxins are the predominant and most lethal components when cytotoxins and beta-cardiotoxins also exhibit toxicological activities. It is reported that cytotoxicity of its venom varies significantly, depending upon the age and locality of an individual. Clinical cardiotoxicity is not widely observed, nor is nephrotoxicity present among patients bitten by this species, presumably due to the low abundance of the toxins.

 

SVMPs are the second most protein family isolated from the king cobra's venom, accounting from 11.9% to 24.4% of total venom proteins. The abundance is much higher than that of most cobras which is usually less than 1%. This protein family includes principal toxins responsible for vasculature damage and interference with haemostasis, contributing to bleeding and coagulopathy caused by envenomation of vipers. While there are such haemorrhagins isolated from the king cobra's venom, they only induce species-sensitive haemorrhagic and lethal activities on rabbits and hares, but with minimal effects on mice. Clinical pathophysiology of the king cobra's SVMPs has yet to be well studied, although its substantial quantity suggests involvement in tissue damage and necrosis as a result of inflammatory and proteolytic activities, which are instrumental for foraging and digestive purposes.

 

Ohanin, a minor vespryn protein component specific to this species, causes hypolocomotion and hyperalgesia in experimental mice. It is believed that it contributes to neurotoxicity on the central nervous system of the victim.

 

Clinical Management

King cobra's envenomation may result in a rapid fatality, as soon as 30 minutes following a bite. Local symptoms include dusky discolouration of skin, edema and pain; in severe cases swelling extends proximally with necrosis and tissue sloughing that may require amputation. Onset of general symptoms follows while the venom is targeting the victim's central nervous system, resulting in blurred vision, vertigo, drowsiness, and eventually paralysis. If not treated promptly, it may progress to cardiovascular collapse and subsequently coma. Death soon follows due to respiratory failure.

 

Polyvalent antivenom of equine origin is produced by Haffkine Institute and King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research in India. A polyvalent antivenom produced by the Thai Red Cross Society can effectively neutralise venom of the king cobra. In Thailand, a concoction of turmeric root has been clinically shown to create a strong resilience against the venom of the king cobra when ingested. Proper and immediate treatments are critical to avoid death. Successful precedents include a client who recovered and was discharged in 10 days after being treated by accurate antivenom and inpatient care.

 

It can deliver up to 420 mg venom in dry weight (400–600 mg overall) per bite, with a LD50 toxicity in mice of 1.28 mg/kg through intravenous injection, 1.5 to 1.7 mg/kg through subcutaneous injection, and 1.644 mg/kg through intraperitoneal injection. For research purposes, up to 1 g of venom was obtained through milking

 

Threats

In Southeast Asia, the king cobra is threatened foremost by habitat destruction owing to deforestation and expansion of agricultural land. It is also threatened by poaching for its meat, skin and for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Conservation

The king cobra is listed in CITES Appendix II. It is protected in China and Vietnam. In India, it is placed under Schedule II of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Killing a king cobra is punished with imprisonment of up to six years. In the Philippines, king cobras (locally known as banakon) are included under the list of threatened species in the country. It is protected under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147), which criminalises the killing, trade, and consumption of threatened species with certain exceptions (like indigenous subsistence hunting or immediate threats to human life), with a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of ₱20,000.

 

Cultural significance

The king cobra has an eminent position in the mythology and folklore of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. A ritual in Myanmar involves a king cobra and a female snake charmer. The charmer is a priestess who is usually tattooed with three pictograms and kisses the snake on the top of its head at the end of the ritual. Members of the Pakokku clan tattoo themselves with ink mixed with cobra venom on their upper bodies in a weekly inoculation that they believe would protect them from the snake, though no scientific evidence supports this.

 

It is regarded as the national reptile of India.

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama.

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama.

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Contours Rx® is the #1 brand of non-surgical cosmetics because of our innovative products that look and feel like skin. Using state-of-the-art non-surgical beauty enhancement technology, our products can safely and instantly remove years from your appearance for your next big event or every day.

  

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Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Mar 24 2008

Four More Days

...until my surgery rotation is over!

365 Days

 

Medical Knowledge Of The Day #6:

(This is just a very brief overview, please consult a textbook for an accurate description)

Key Word: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Other names: Lupus

What is it (Etiology): A autoimmune disease that affects the entire body.

How does it work (Pathophysiology): Nobody knows what causes it. Your body creates antibodies to itself thus gradually destroying itself. The most common affected body parts are the joints, the skin, the kidneys, the heart, and the blood.

Who gets it: Women aged 14-64 mostly, but can affect anyone.

Symptoms: Anything. The classic thing they teach us in med school to look out for is a redish-purple rash over the nose and cheeks called a "malar rash" or "butterfly rash." To diagnose lupus there are tons of labs we have to check, such as: ANA, Anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm, C3, C4, etc...

Treatment: The main treatment is to get the immune system in check. The rheumatologist uses a combination of immune suppressing drugs (ex. methotrexate) and systemic steroids (ex. prednisone). Along with that, It is also important to address all the symptoms separately, such as giving NSAIDS for joint pain. Every person with lupus has different symptoms, reacts differently to meds, and has a varying severity of disease. It is a disease that is always treated but never cured.

Movie it appeared in: Gross Anatomy 1989 with Matthew Modine

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama.

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Uptake of Trypanosoma cruzi exovesicles by Vero cell.

 

Trypanosoma cruzi releases EVs at all stages of parasite development and these play an important role in host-parasite dynamics and in the pathophysiology of Chagas disease. In the early stages of infection, the contact of T. cruzi with host cells in the bloodstream promotes the release of EVs capable of inhibiting complement attack and increases the infection of parasites to host cells. The interaction between EVs and cells has revealed many important functions of EVs. Due to their size, endocytosis and fusion may be the two most likely mechanisms for exosome uptake. During uptake, bulges of the plasma membrane driven by actin filaments form an invagination that nonspecifically endocytize small particles such as EVs. Each different cell type can use a variety of EVs uptake pathways, but in general EVs uptake appears to be a complex and cooperative process involving a combination of different pathways: phagocytosis and pinocytosis.

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama.

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Jessica Veriotta of Bloomingdale.

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

  

Addis Ababa, 21 January 2014- The African Union Commission (AUC) awarded prices to two female top African scientists: Prof. Merzouk Hafida from Algeria representing the North region and Prof. Yalemtsehay Mekonnen from Ethiopia, representing the East region, for their scientific achievements and valuable discoveries and findings that has contributed to the development agenda of the Continent.

 

The award ceremony took place on 20 January 2016 during the closing of the 8th African Union Gender Pre-Summit, in the presence of H.E Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology (HRST), H.E Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the AUC and Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of the European Union Delegation to the African Union.

 

Addressing the laureates on behalf of H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Commissioner Ikounga congratulated the two female scientists and expressed the wish for more women to be involved in the area of science. He recalled that the prestigious African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme was launched on 9 September 2008, with the objective to give out scientific awards to top African scientists particularly the women. The programme is jointly implemented by the Regional Economic Communities and the Commission. The Commissioner explained that the programme is implemented at national level for young researchers, regional level for women scientists and continental level open to all scientists. The Continental level is the highest and level of the programme. Prizes are awarded to top African scientists in each of the following two sectors (a) Life and Earth Sciences; and (b) Basic Science, Technology and Innovation at the national, regional and continental levels. “The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme is one of the holistic and deliberate measures taken by the Commission to maintain science and technology on top of Africa’s development, cooperation and political agenda”, emphasised Commissioner Ikounga. He called on the Member States, Regional Economic Communities and other key stakeholders to popularize science among African citizens, empower them, celebrate their achievements and promote all efforts to transform scientific research into Africa’s sustainable development.

 

The two female laureates of the AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards received a cheque of 20,000 USD each, a gold plate medal, a certificate and flowers from the representatives of the AU Commission.

 

The Algerian Professor Merzouk is a graduate from the University of Tlemcen, where she received her Diploma DES in biology and Magister in animal biology. She was recruited as a teacher assistant in 1992 at the Institute of Biology, and provides courses and practical works to students in biochemistry and physiology specialty. Having a training scholarship abroad, she completed her doctoral researches at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, in the field of maternal nutrition, macrosomia and fetal growth retardation. After her Ph.D. thesis, she took the lead of a magister on physiology and cellular pathophysiology and conducted several magister theses on topics relating to cell dysfunction and diseases such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. She became a professor in 2004 and directed several doctorate theses in nutritional biochemistry. She has served in many administrative positions. Currently, she is the director of PPABIONUT laboratory where she manages several research projects on preventive nutrition and bioactive molecules, in collaboration with French teams in Dijon, Evry and Strasbourg. Very involved in her research, she is the author of numerous international publications and participates in several international conferences. She is also known for her active membership in the Algerian society of nutrition and orthomolecular medicine SANMO. Her integration into the SANMO society allows her to provide information on the importance of adequate nutrition for general population, and to promote preventive measures focus on maternal and children nutritional education. Recently, she has embarked on a project to study the chronic effects of low doses of pesticides on health, and a project on the beneficial effects of Algae consumption with international collaboration. Her strong research on nutrition and health make her convinced that she will add value and contribute positively to scientific excellence in Algeria and also in Africa.

 

On the other hand, the Ethiopian Professor Yalemtsehay was honored with a prize from his Emperor Haileselassie for scoring great distinction in Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Examination. She joined Addis Ababa University (AAU) in 1972 obtaining her B.Sc degree in Biology in 1977. She was then employed as a graduate assistant in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science where she joined the first graduate programme launched in the Department. She received her M.Sc degree in Zoology in 1980 with the first batch of graduates as the first woman both at the AAU and the country. She obtained her PhD in Human Physiology from the University of Heidelberg Germany in May 1992. She was promoted to the rank of full professor in January 2009. She was awarded with several research grants and fellowships nationally and internationally. To give some examples, the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission, the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Organization, the British Council, the International Foundation for Science, the Third World Academy of Sciences, the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Her main scientific work focuses on medicinal plants that are used by communities and test them in the laboratory if they have medicinal importance and assessing health hazard to humans, animals and the environment due to chemicals and other contaminants that are by-products of agricultural practices or industries. She has collaborated with researchers in Ethiopia and abroad and advised many graduate students. The outcome of her research work is exemplified by 92 publications in national and international peer reviewed scientific journals. Currently she is engaged in teaching and continuing her research activities in the College of Natural Sciences, AAU. In addition she is engaged in several professional activities (E.g. Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, Board member of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Executive Board President of the Society of Ethiopian Women in Science & Technology).She has great passion to motivate the young specially women to be confident and successful in their professional career in particular and their overall walk in life in general.

 

The award ceremony was moderated by Mrs. Mahawa Kaba Wheeler, Director of Women, Gender and Development of the African Union.

- See more at: www.au.int/en/pressreleases/19587/two-female-scientists-l...

Entry in category 4. Video loop; Copyright CC-BY-NC-ND: Lucia Janickova

 

The rat brain contains more than one hundred million of neurons and glial cells. Thanks to modern visualization techniques and state-of-the-art confocal microscopy we are able to scan and reconstruct neurons of our interest in 3D. In this example, analysis of interaction between neurons (red) and astrocytes (green) is essential to understand the molecular pathophysiology of the Down Syndrome and will assist in the assessment of new therapies targeting this condition being developed in our laboratory.

 

The Journal Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics (MMT) includes basic research aimed at understanding molecular mechanisms of disease, as well as translational research utilizing this information to develop new and improved molecular-targeted approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. The journal covers all aspects of molecular biology, pathophysiology and molecular therapeutics.

www.scitechnol.com/Molecular-Medicine.php

Tara Logan (Aurora)

Project: Inverted Nipple

 

Clinical Companion Medical Surgical Nursing 2e has been fully revised for use as a quick reference guide for Australian and New Zealand medical – surgical nursing students to carry with them on their clinical placements.

It is also the ideal reference for graduates or registered nurses re-entering acute care practice after a period of absence.

The text is designed to provide practical suggestions and helpful tips to assist with nursing care and learning outcomes.

A consistent format presents common diseases and disorders by causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications and Nursing considerations. Where medical or surgical interventions, tests or pharmacology are required, actions are clearly indicated.

Each body system is addressed with an overview of the anatomy and physiology followed by the pathophysiology of related conditions.

The Clinical Companion Medical Surgical Nursing 2e is the ideal resource to accompany Lewis’s Medical–Surgical Nursing 3e by Brown & Edwards and exciting new product Lewis Medical Surgical Simulation Learning System ANZ adaptation which will both be available in October 2011.

Together they create the ultimate learning package for all medical-surgical nursing students.

 

9780729539968

College of DuPage Medical Imaging students display and discuss their end-of-term projects at the 2013 Pathophysiology Panorama.

Entry in category 1. Object of study; Copyright CC-BY-NC-ND: Rossinelli Diego

 

The subarachnoid space of the optic nerve features trabeculae that bridges the meningeal layers. The function of such structures remains poorly understood and is thought to play a central role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the eye. Synchrotron-radiation micro-computed tomography at PSI, together with the most accurate computational schemes running on the supercomputer at EPFL, hold the promise of shedding light on the mystery concealed by this tract of the white matter.

 

Entry in category 2. Women and men of science; Copyright CC-BY-NC-ND: Lucia Janickova

 

The main interest of Prof. Csaba Szabo’s team (Department of Pharmacology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland) is the biology of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S plays a role in cell-to-cell communication and intracellular signaling. Therefore, our gender-balanced international team use several in vitro techniques to study biochemical and pathophysiological roles of H2S in health and disease. In our daily tasks, we employ interdisciplinary approach utilizing cutting edge techniques from the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry and translational science. This picture represents just one part of our daily routine in the cell culture room, where we follow the rules of personal protective equipment in cell culture techniques.

 

Au Groupe d'imagerie Cérébrale, des techniques de neuroimagerie fonctionnelle et structurale servent à élucider la pathophysiologie de plusieurs maladies psychiatriques, y compris la schizophrénie, la dépression, etc.

 

At the Brain Imaging Group, functional and structural neuroimaging techniques are used to better understand the pathophysiology of several psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia, depression, etc…

Free Preview Lecture

"Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Theory of Reasoned Action" Online Course on Udemy.

 

Discount Coupon: www.udemy.com/gestational-diabetes-mellitus-theory-of-rea...

 

What you'll learn

Theory of Reasoned Action, Identification of Pre-Diabetes and Diagnosis of Diabetes, Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), Pregestational Diabetes, Screening and Diagnosis through Pregnancy, Macrosomia Story, Developing Medicinal Adherence: Continuous Glucose Observation, Protocols of Insulin administration, Twice daily regime and Four times daily regime, and Oral Hypoglycaemic agents.

 

Who this course is for:

People from whole of the world, who have an interest in the following approaches: 1) Clinical Pharmacology, 2) Physiology, 3) Social Behavior, 4) Health Education & Behavior, 5) Health Promotion, 6) Nutrition, 7) Obstetrics and Gynecology, 8) Endocrinology and Metabolism, 9) Medical Sciences, 10) Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 11) Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, 12) Clinical Chemistry, 13) Clinical Therapy, 14) Biochemistry, 15) Pathology, 16) Laboratory Sciences, 17) Epidemiology, 18) Etiology, 19) Human Relationships, 20) Pharmacotherapy, 21) Quality Management in Health Care, 22) Theory and Research, 23) Women Health, 24) Clinical research, 25) Pathophysiology, 26) Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 27) Social Psychology, and 28) Teratology. And this course contains fifty-five resource.

 

By Maram Abdel Nasser Taha Shtaya - Pharmacist and American Studies Instructor who is teaching on Udemy.

Nearly 60 students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography and Sonography displayed and discussed their work featuring a variety of diseases and pathologies that have been detected using various imaging procedures.

Nearly 60 students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography and Sonography displayed and discussed their work featuring a variety of diseases and pathologies that have been detected using various imaging procedures.

Nearly 60 students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography and Sonography displayed and discussed their work featuring a variety of diseases and pathologies that have been detected using various imaging procedures.

Lynn Porter (Naperville)

Project: Testicular Teratomas

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Mary Thiel of Lombard.

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Ashley Shanahan of Oakbrook Terrace.

Ranee Martin (Naperville)

Project: Testicular Torsion

 

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Gina Denatare of Naperville.

Nearly 60 students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography and Sonography displayed and discussed their work featuring a variety of diseases and pathologies that have been detected using various imaging procedures.

 

(Photos by Mike McKissack/COD News Bureau)

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Lisa Vander Kamp of Elmhurst.

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Danielle Benson of Wheaton.

Students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Sonography recently shared their knowledge on a wide range of diseases at the 13th annual Pathophysiology Panorama. Pictured: Brittney Mollicone of Carol Stream.

Victorija Labanauskaite (Downers Grove)

Project: Gout

Approximately 80 students from the College of DuPage Diagnostic Medical Imaging programs in Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiography and Sonography displayed and discussed their work featuring a broad range of diseases and pathologies that have been detected using various imaging procedures.

 

(Photos by Mike McKissack/COD News Bureau)