Pellagra is a nutritional disorder caused by a deficiency of niacin (vitamin B3) or tryptophan, an amino acid that the body can convert into niacin. It's characterized by the four D's: diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death. The skin lesions typically appear on sun-exposed areas and are often described as "photosensitive." Other symptoms can include inflammation of the mucous membranes, mouth sores, anemia, and depression. If left untreated, pellagra can be fatal. It was once common in regions where people subsisted on corn as a staple food, as corn is low in tryptophan and contains niacin in a form that is not easily absorbed by the body. Nowadays, it's most commonly seen in alcoholics, people with malabsorption disorders, and those with severely restricted diets.

Nissl bodies, also known as Nissl substance or chromatophilic substance, are granular structures present in the cytoplasm of neurons. They are composed of rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis. These bodies were first described by Franz Nissl in the late 19th century and are often used as a marker for neural degeneration in various neurological conditions. They stain deeply with basic dyes such as methylene blue or cresyl violet, making them visible under a microscope.

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for human health. It is a crucial component of the coenzymes NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADP (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which play key roles in energy production, DNA repair, and cellular signaling.

Niacin can be obtained from various dietary sources, including meat, poultry, fish, legumes, whole grains, and fortified foods. It is also available as a dietary supplement and prescription medication. Niacin deficiency can lead to a condition called pellagra, which is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and, if left untreated, death.

In addition to its role in energy metabolism and DNA repair, niacin has been shown to have potential benefits for cardiovascular health, including lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. However, high-dose niacin therapy can also have adverse effects, such as flushing, itching, and liver toxicity, so it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid is an intermediate metabolite in the catabolism (breakdown) of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. It is formed from the oxidation of 3-hydroxykynurenine by the enzyme kynureninase. Further breakdown of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid can lead to the formation of various other metabolites, including quinolinic acid and picolinic acid, which are involved in the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism.

Abnormal accumulation or dysregulation of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid has been implicated in several pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders and certain types of cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of this metabolite in human health and disease.

Alcoholic psychosis is a term used to describe a group of psychiatric disorders that are directly related to alcohol abuse or withdrawal. The two most common types of alcoholic psychosis are Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's syndrome, which often occur together and are referred to as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

Wernicke's encephalopathy is a acute neurological disorder characterized by confusion, memory loss, difficulty with muscle coordination, and abnormal eye movements. It is caused by a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency that is often seen in people who are chronic alcoholics.

Korsakoff's syndrome, on the other hand, is a chronic memory disorder characterized by severe memory loss and confusion. People with Korsakoff's syndrome often have difficulty learning new information and may confabulate, or make up information, to fill in gaps in their memory.

Both Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's syndrome are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. Treatment typically involves administering thiamine and other vitamins, as well as providing supportive care to help manage symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

It is important to note that alcohol abuse can also lead to other types of psychosis, such as delirium tremens (DTs), which is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can cause confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Alcohol withdrawal delirium, also known as delirium tremens (DTs), is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in people who are dependent on alcohol and suddenly stop or significantly reduce their consumption. It is a form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome that is characterized by the sudden onset of severe confusion, agitation, hallucinations, tremors, and autonomic hyperactivity.

The diagnostic criteria for alcohol withdrawal delirium, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), include:

1. Disturbance in consciousness (i.e., reduced clarity of awareness of the environment) with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention.
2. A change in cognition (such as memory deficit, disorientation, or language disturbance) or the development of a perceptual disturbance that is not better explained by another medical condition or substance use disorder.
3. The disturbance develops over a short period of time (usually hours to a few days) and tends to fluctuate throughout the day.
4. There is evidence from the history, physical examination, or laboratory findings that the symptoms are caused by alcohol withdrawal.
5. The symptoms cannot be better explained by another medical condition, medication use, or substance intoxication or withdrawal.

Alcohol withdrawal delirium is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment in a hospital setting. Treatment typically involves the use of medications to manage symptoms, such as benzodiazepines to reduce agitation and prevent seizures, and antipsychotic medications to treat hallucinations and delusions. Supportive care, such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, may also be necessary to prevent dehydration and other complications.

I'm not aware of any medical definitions associated with the term "Angola." Angola is a country located in Southern Africa, known officially as the Republic of Angola. It does not have any specific relevance to medical terminology or healthcare. If you have more context or information about why you are looking for a medical definition of Angola, I may be able to provide a more helpful response.

Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis is a rare condition characterized by the growth of multiple, symmetrical fatty tumors (lipomas) beneath the skin. These lipomas are typically slow-growing and benign, but their large number and symmetric distribution can lead to significant cosmetic concerns and, in some cases, functional impairment.

The tumors usually develop on the neck, shoulders, back, and abdomen, and they may also occur on the arms and legs. While the exact cause of Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis is not known, it has been associated with alcohol abuse and metabolic disorders. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the lipomas, although this can be challenging due to their number and location. Recurrence of the tumors is also common.

Weight loss is a reduction in body weight attributed to loss of fluid, fat, muscle, or bone mass. It can be intentional through dieting and exercise or unintentional due to illness or disease. Unintentional weight loss is often a cause for concern and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Rapid or significant weight loss can also have serious health consequences, so it's important to approach any weight loss plan in a healthy and sustainable way.

An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work containing articles on various topics, usually arranged in alphabetical order. In the context of medicine, a medical encyclopedia is a collection of articles that provide information about a wide range of medical topics, including diseases and conditions, treatments, tests, procedures, and anatomy and physiology. Medical encyclopedias may be published in print or electronic formats and are often used as a starting point for researching medical topics. They can provide reliable and accurate information on medical subjects, making them useful resources for healthcare professionals, students, and patients alike. Some well-known examples of medical encyclopedias include the Merck Manual and the Stedman's Medical Dictionary.

Obesity is a complex disease characterized by an excess accumulation of body fat to the extent that it negatively impacts health. It's typically defined using Body Mass Index (BMI), a measure calculated from a person's weight and height. A BMI of 30 or higher is indicative of obesity. However, it's important to note that while BMI can be a useful tool for identifying obesity in populations, it does not directly measure body fat and may not accurately reflect health status in individuals. Other factors such as waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels should also be considered when assessing health risks associated with weight.

Body weight is the measure of the force exerted on a scale or balance by an object's mass, most commonly expressed in units such as pounds (lb) or kilograms (kg). In the context of medical definitions, body weight typically refers to an individual's total weight, which includes their skeletal muscle, fat, organs, and bodily fluids.

Healthcare professionals often use body weight as a basic indicator of overall health status, as it can provide insights into various aspects of a person's health, such as nutritional status, metabolic function, and risk factors for certain diseases. For example, being significantly underweight or overweight can increase the risk of developing conditions like malnutrition, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

It is important to note that body weight alone may not provide a complete picture of an individual's health, as it does not account for factors such as muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Therefore, healthcare professionals often use additional measures, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood tests, to assess overall health status more comprehensively.

Weight gain is defined as an increase in body weight over time, which can be attributed to various factors such as an increase in muscle mass, fat mass, or total body water. It is typically measured in terms of pounds or kilograms and can be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional weight gain may be a cause for concern if it's significant or accompanied by other symptoms, as it could indicate an underlying medical condition such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or heart disease.

It is important to note that while body mass index (BMI) can be used as a general guideline for weight status, it does not differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass. Therefore, an increase in muscle mass through activities like strength training could result in a higher BMI, but this may not necessarily be indicative of increased health risks associated with excess body fat.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure used to assess whether a person has a healthy weight for their height. It's calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. Here is the medical definition:

Body Mass Index (BMI) = weight(kg) / [height(m)]^2

According to the World Health Organization, BMI categories are defined as follows:

* Less than 18.5: Underweight
* 18.5-24.9: Normal or healthy weight
* 25.0-29.9: Overweight
* 30.0 and above: Obese

It is important to note that while BMI can be a useful tool for identifying weight issues in populations, it does have limitations when applied to individuals. For example, it may not accurately reflect body fat distribution or muscle mass, which can affect health risks associated with excess weight. Therefore, BMI should be used as one of several factors when evaluating an individual's health status and risk for chronic diseases.

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are a group of disorders that involve the abnormal production and accumulation of abnormal connective tissues in various parts of the body. Connective tissues are the structural materials that support and bind other tissues and organs together. They include tendons, ligaments, cartilage, fat, and the material that fills the spaces between cells, called the extracellular matrix.

Connective tissue diseases can affect many different systems in the body, including the skin, joints, muscles, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and blood vessels. Some CTDs are autoimmune disorders, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy connective tissues. Others may be caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors.

Some examples of connective tissue diseases include:

* Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
* Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
* Scleroderma
* Dermatomyositis/Polymyositis
* Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
* Sjogren's syndrome
* Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
* Marfan syndrome
* Osteogenesis imperfecta

The specific symptoms and treatment of connective tissue diseases vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Treatment may include medications to reduce inflammation, suppress the immune system, or manage pain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged tissues or organs.