INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the cardinal signs of chronic pancreatitis is unintended weight loss. This is because, in chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas is damaged and is thus unable to release the usual quantities of digestive enzymes. This makes it challenging to successfully digest and absorb food and leads to malnutrition and weight loss. Here are some ways to differentiate the weight loss of chronic pancreatitis from weight loss associated with other medical conditions: Unintended weight loss is also one of the hallmark signs of cancer. The difference with cancer, however, is that it may be associated with other symptoms such as night sweats, shortness of breath, and/or pain in the affected area of the body. The weight loss of chronic pancreatitis is associated with abnormal stools, but rarely any other symptoms. Unintended weight loss may also be experienced as a result of bowel disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or Celiac disease. Both of these conditions lead to troubles with absorption through the gut, resulting in the weight loss. Celiac disease can be tested for by measuring tTG-IgA in the blood, and following up with a biopsy if the first test is positive. Inflammatory bowel disease can be tested for with blood tests for anemia (low red blood cells) and stool tests for blood in the stool, as well as a colonoscopy (a scope inserted in your colon) to examine the state of your bowel wall. People with cystic fibrosis may also have unintended weight loss, because cystic fibrosis leads to challenges with the pancreas that resemble those of chronic pancreatitis. Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed with a sweat test. Cystic fibrosis may actually lead to the development of subsequent pancreatitis, as the two conditions are linked. In chronic pancreatitis, stools tend to be abnormal, presenting either as diarrhea or as oily, fatty stools that may be pale or clay-colored. The stools are also sometimes foul smelling and difficult to flush. The stool abnormalities are again due to digestive problems, resulting from insufficient amounts of digestive enzymes released from a damaged pancreas. Other medical conditions that may present with abnormal stools include: Other bowel diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. These can be tested for with a combination of your medical history, blood tests, stool tests, and a possible colonoscopy. Abnormal stools may also result from problems with the liver and/or gallbladder. These can be screened for with blood tests. One of the hallmarks of many cases of chronic pancreatitis is epigastric pain, which occurs in the upper abdomen. This may radiate through to your back, and it may worsen in relationship to eating (particularly fatty foods) or drinking (particularly alcohol); however, although abdominal pain is present in the vast majority of cases of chronic pancreatitis, there are some people who present with no pain, which can make the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis a challenge. Other medical conditions that may present with right upper quadrant abdominal pain include: Liver and/or biliary tract diseases, which can be screened for with blood tests. A muscular or soft tissue injury. Other gastrointestinal or bowel diseases, which can be assess for with blood tests, stool tests, and possibly a colonoscopy. Note that, if you are experiencing all of the above symptoms that are suggestive of chronic pancreatitis (unintended weight loss, abnormal fatty stools, and upper abdominal pain, in addition to possible nausea and/or vomiting), chances are that you do in fact have pancreatitis (as opposed to another medical condition). This is because, while each symptom on its own is relatively non-specific (and may be caused by a number of medical problems), the constellation of all of them together paints the picture of likely pancreatitis. Note, however, that you will need to proceed with a series of diagnostic tests and evaluations to confirm (or rule out) the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. It is not a diagnosis that can be made on the basis of symptoms alone; rather, symptoms are used to guide your doctor when they have reason to suspect that you may indeed have pancreatitis. The number one risk factor for developing chronic pancreatitis is consuming large amounts of alcohol. If you have been a heavy drinker in your life (consuming multiple drinks daily for several years), this greatly increases the chance that the symptoms you are experiencing are the result of chronic pancreatitis (as opposed to another condition).

SUMMARY: Notice unintended weight loss. Examine your stools. Watch for upper abdominal pain. Tell your doctor about the sum total of your symptoms. Take note if you have a history of alcohol consumption.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pour the water into an empty, clean aquarium or fish tank. Measure out the right amount based on the number of Triops you currently have or expect to have after hatching. Use natural spring water, which has calcium to help the animals grow. You can also use tap water, as long as it's been treated to remove all chlorine, which is toxic to Triops. Do not use mineral or distilled water. The mineral level in mineral water is too high, whereas distilled water doesn't have enough calcium for the Triops. Because Triops need warm water to hatch and thrive, set a lamp over the top of the tank to maintain a mild water temperature. Position either a fluorescent or incandescent light about 12 inches (30cm) above the water. Put an aquarium thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temperature. If the tank is sitting somewhere in the sun or in a warm room, you may not need the light to heat the water. Line the tank with soil, gravel, or sand so the Triops can dig around. Fill the bottom with about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1cm) of your chosen substrate to protect any larvae and prevent the Triops from mistaking the eggs for a snack. You can buy the substrate at a pet store or from an online retailer. Wash the substrate with plain tap water before putting it in the tank to remove any potential chemicals or dirt. While Triops don't require any plants or extra items, like large stones or fake castles, in their tank, you can put some in if you'd like it to look more appealing. Only use plants or decorations that are safe for aquarium use, however, so you don't accidentally poison the Triops. Never put things you find in nature, like a rock or a log, in the tank as they can contain harmful bacteria. To keep the water fresh, replace about 1/4 of it on a weekly basis. Scoop it out with a cup or bucket, then pour clean, natural spring water in. Be careful not to scoop up the Triops with it! Do not use soap when cleaning your tank. It's poisonous to Triops.

SUMMARY:
Fill a tank with .5 to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8L) of natural spring water per Triops. Place a heat lamp above the tank to keep the water between 72 and 84F (22 and 29C). Add substrate to the tank if you'd like to recreate their natural habitat. Choose plants carefully if you want to add decoration. Change out about 25% of the water in the tank once a week.