Lupus

If you have lupus, your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake. This can damage your joints, skin, blood vessels and organs. There are many kinds of lupus. The most common type, systemic lupus erythematosus, affects many parts of the body. Discoid lupus causes a rash that doesn't go away. Subacute cutaneous lupus causes sores after being out in the sun. Another type can be caused by medication. Neonatal lupus, which is rare, affects newborns.

Anyone can get lupus, but women are most at risk. Lupus is also more common in African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American women. The cause of lupus is not known.

Lupus has many symptoms. Some common ones are

Joint pain or swelling
Muscle pain
Fever with no known cause
Red rashes, often on the face (also called the "butterfly rash")

There is no one test to diagnose lupus, and it may take months or years to make the diagnosis. There is no cure for lupus, but medicines and lifestyle changes can help control it.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Lupus on Wikipedia

:''For the autoimmune disorder see lupus erythematosus.'' '''Lupus''' (Latin for ''Wolf'') is a southern constellation. It is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 in Ptolemy's Almagest. It is between Centaurus and Scorpius.

Notable features

Lupus has no extremely bright stars, but has around thirty stars of second and third apparent magnitude and 70 of greater than sixth, including a number of binary star or multiple stars. The stars which make up the constellation figure have no names, the brightest is α Lupi, a blue giant.

Notable deep sky objects

Towards the north of the constellation are globular clusters NGC 5824 and NGC 5986, and close by the dark nebula B 228. Two open clusters are to the south of the constellation, NGC 5822 and NGC 5749. On the western border are two spiral galaxy and the Wolf-Rayet star planetary nebula IC 4406, containing some of the hottest stars in existence. Another planetary nebula, NGC 5882, is towards the centre of the constellation.

Mythology and History

The constellation has no clear mythology, but is sometimes associated with the tale of Lycaon. Although known from ancient times no particular animal was associated with it until the Latin translation of Ptolemy's work identified it with the wolf. It was not separated from Centaurus until Hipparchus of Bithynia named it ''Therion'' (meaning ''beast'') in the 200s BC. Prior to its separation it was considered an asterism (astronomy) of Centaurus, and was considered to have been an arbitrary animal, killed, or about to be killed, on behalf of, or for, Centaurus. As such, together with other constellations in the Zodiac sign of Virgo (specifically, Sagitta, and Centaurus) it may have formed the basis of the tale of the Erymanthian Boar, ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Dorough Lupus Foundation - Official site for this non-profit organization started by Howie Dorough and his family. Aims to aid in research, education of the public, and providing financial assistance to individuals who cannot afford treatment for the disease.

Kat's Meow - Dorough Lupus Foundation - Fan based charity support site for the Dorough Lupus Foundation. Offers news, pictures, reviews, and information on other charities.

Bloodhound Gang Interview - Guitarist Lupus talks about music, his life and several other related topics.

Lupu, Radu - Rumanian; includes brief biography and the Decca discography.

Neuhaus, Heinrich (1888-1964) - Associazione Musicale Heinrich Neuhaus-Italia, is dedicated to this Russian pianist and teacher. It also includes Svjatoslav Richter, Emil Gilels, Radu Lupu, and others.

Canis et Lupus: A Sirius Black/Remus Lupin fansite - Character backgrounds, canon citings for the relationship, fan fiction, and shipper buttons.

The Ultimate Nutrient - For anyone suffering from CFS, EBV, lupus, fibromyalgia, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/Aids, sinusitis, and cancer. By Jesse A. Stoff, M.D. one of the world's leading viro-immunologists.

Hanging By A String - A violinist's near-death experience, her experiences with lupus and faith healing, and spiritual recovery.

Seriously Shady - Marketing UV protective hats, clothing, and accessories for skin cancer, lupus, medicine-induced allergies, and those concerned about sun exposure.