Wikipedia:Main Page history/2011 September 20

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Urine from a person with rhabdomyolysis showing the characteristic brown discoloration as a result of myoglobinuria

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which damaged skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly. Breakdown products of damaged muscle cells are released into the bloodstream; some of these, such as the protein myoglobin, are harmful to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure. The severity of the symptoms, which may include muscle pains, vomiting and confusion, depends on the extent of muscle damage and whether kidney failure develops. The muscle damage may be caused by physical factors (e.g. crush injury, strenuous exercise), medications, drug abuse, and infections. Some people have a hereditary muscle condition that increases the risk of rhabdomyolysis. The diagnosis is usually made with blood tests and urinalysis. The mainstay of treatment is generous intravenous fluids, but may include dialysis or hemofiltration in more severe cases. Rhabdomyolysis and its complications are significant problems for those injured in disasters such as earthquakes and bombings. Relief efforts in areas struck by earthquakes often include medical teams with the skills and equipment to treat survivors with rhabdomyolysis. (more...)

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Did you know...

From Wikipedia's newest content:

Fresco of Saint Mercurius in the Dragalevtsi Monastery

  • ... that the 15th-century church of the Dragalevtsi Monastery on the outskirts of the Bulgarian capital Sofia features frescoes of military saints in full knights' armour (pictured)?
  • ... that the breakaway North America Vishwa Kannada Association was formed in March 2009 by 7 founder members of the Association of Kannada Kootas of America and 25 others?
  • ... that in 1737 cooper Charles Milsom discovered a spring in Lyncombe, Bath while fixing a fishpond, and styled himself as a doctor to market the spring water for its health-giving properties?
  • ... that Argentina stayed neutral during most of World War II, and declared war on the Axis powers on March 27, 1945?
  • ... that even after Hurricane Estelle dissipated, rain continued over Hawaii for three days?
  • ... that the controversial novel Fra Kristiania-Bohêmen gave its name to a literary movement in Norway in the 1880s?
  • In the news

  • In basketball, EuroBasket 2011 concludes with Spain defeating France in the final (tournament MVP Juan Carlos Navarro pictured).
  • Monsoon rains cause flooding in Pakistan's Sindh province, killing at least 230 people and damaging more than a million homes.
  • A 6.9-magnitude earthquake near the India–Nepal border results in at least 102 deaths.
  • In Gaelic football, Dublin defeat Kerry to win the All-Ireland Senior Championship Final for the first time since 1995.
  • The United Nations General Assembly accepts the credentials of the National Transitional Council to represent Libya in the assembly's current session.
  • On this day...

    September 20

    Statue of the Great Buddha, Kōtoku-in, Kamakura, Japan

  • 1498 – A tsunami caused by the Meiō Nankaidō earthquake washed away the building housing the statue of the Great Buddha (pictured) at Kōtoku-in in Kamakura, Japan.
  • 1848 – The American Association for the Advancement of Science, publisher of the journal Science, was founded.
  • 1943World War II: Australian troops defeated Imperial Japanese forces at the Battle of Kaiapit in New Guinea.
  • 1967Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard publicly announced the story of Xenu in a taped lecture sent to all Scientologists.
  • 1971Hurricane Irene departed Nicaragua to become the first known tropical cyclone to successfully cross from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific.

    More anniversaries: September 19September 20September 21

    It is now September 20, 2011 (UTC) – Refresh this page
  • Today's featured picture

    Blue Mountains Tree Frog

    The Blue Mountains Tree Frog (Litoria citropa) is a moderate-sized species of tree frog, up to about 60 mm (2 12 in) in length. It is native to coastal and highland areas of eastern Australia, especially in the Blue Mountains (hence its name).

    Photo: Benjamint444

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