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The pursuit of cloning has moved from merely answering the query of the possibility. Today, cloning human beings are being undertaken for many different purposes. For example, scientists believe that through cloning, the body can be replaced while keeping the original brain of the donor. In other cases, the clone can b... |
Cloning and the Future Positive and Negative Impacts |
Cloning is one of the aspects of modern day science and technology that has been aggressively pursuing studies involving cloning practices and fine tuning existing theories and ideas. Cloning will soon be considered as a viable option for different important aspects of life. The main question today that professionals n... |
Hurdling considerations on safety, the animals can also be produced through cloning to answer for particular food and dietary needs. For example, the United States through its agency the US Food and Drug Administration or the FDA has shown positive reaction to animal cloning and its practical uses. They declared in Dec... |
In the aspect of cloning human beings, the positive development that can stem from this is the creation of a supply line wherein organs are already available. The main problem of the practice of cloning human beings is ethical problems - should clones of human beings be treated as a human being as well, and thus entitl... |
The natural life and reproductive system among select living organisms has displayed cloning and cloning-like abilities and activities. Because of man, what is now being developed is the next step which is artificial cloning. The question now is this is artificial cloning a good or bad thing Today, the world is still g... |
Evaluation of an article on the neurotoxic effects of gasoline inhalation in male rats |
Section 1 Description of article |
Title of article Impacts of gasoline inhalation on some neurobehavioural characteristics of male rats. |
Source BMC Physiology, 24 November 2009, 9 (21), p.1-10. |
Author Amal A. Kinawy, Psychology department, Faculty of Arts, Cairo University, Egypt. |
Section 2 Type of article |
Impacts of gasoline inhalation on some neurobehavioural characteristics of male rats is a piece of Primary literature, meaning that it describes a research project and was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. As the content of the article presents new information based on original research, it can be also ... |
Section 3 Summary of article |
The above mentioned article is a prospective study on the effects of chronic exposure of rats to gasoline vapors. Recent abuse of gasoline (gasoline sniffing) has brought the potential toxic effects of these fumes to the attention of scientists. In 1992, it was noted that up to 110 million people are exposed to these t... |
Materials Methods |
Forty-five male rats were randomly separated into three groups of fifteen. A dynamic respiration system (Haschek Witschi, 1991, p. 78) was used to expose the rats to gasoline vapors at concentrations close to exposure levels in open air situations. The first group was exposed to 15 LC 50 of leaded gasoline vapors for... |
Significant variations in monoamines were noted in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus andor cerebellum of rats submitted to leaded and unleaded gasoline inhalation when compared to the control group. Furthermore, a significant difference was noted between the two study groups and the control group in (AChE)... |
In conclusion, inhalation of gasoline, be it leaded or unleaded, causes serious fluctuations in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brains of male rats. These variations are responsible for an increase in aggressive behavior. |
Section 4 Relationship between article and physiology |
To study the toxic effects of any substance, one must first understand the physiology of the system that is attacked by that substance. By first understanding the normal physiology, we can better determine how toxic substance interacts with the body to create pathological signs. The above described study could not have... |
Section 5 Personal opinion of article |
Impacts of gasoline inhalation on some neurobehavioural characteristics of male rats by Kinawy is a report on a well carried out, interesting research project. The article not only taught me a lot about neurophysiology, but more importantly, introduced me to the risks of gasoline inhalation. The precise description of... |
Ehlers-Dandos Syndrome |
The name of this condition refers to the work of two doctors at the turn of the 20th century. It can vary from the mild to a life threatening effect depending upon the type as the title now covers 6 related closely conditions. Despite the years that have passed since it was discovered and given its name no cure has yet... |
Because there is no true remedy yet available treatment is supportive and includes close cardio vascular monitoring. The Mayo Clinic stresses the need to manage each patients individual signs and symptoms and so try to prevent the onset of any further complications. Such treatment would include both physical therapy a... |
Signs and symptoms |
These reflect the various places in which collagen is to be found and are in general to do with tissue fragility. Joints are unstable and highly flexible and there may be dislocations. Osteoarthritis may set in at a relativley early age. Club feet and flat feet are both common symptoms. |
Because of the extra elasticity muscle tone may be low resulting in weakness. Myalgia is alos present in many cases. |
Blood vessels can be fragile, so bruising occurs relatively easily. More seriously major blood vessels may be affected and there may be aneurisms. The skin is smooth and quite easily stretched. Wounds may scar abnormally. |
The autonomic nervous system may be involved, which affects such things as the heart valves. |
These are the commonest symptoms, but there may be others. There are in fact 6 major types as described by the Ehlers Dalos National Foundation and those with one type will not pass any other kind on to their children. It is quite a rare condition,affecting on average only one person in 1500 according to research quo... |
Because of the variety and uncurability of this condition research is relatively rare and tends to focus on a particular type. In 2005 Oderich et al published The spectrum, management and clinical outcome of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV a 30-year experience. The group were studying those with the possibility of ute... |
Such results concerned with such a rare condition have little significance apart from for those individuals concerned, but for them it is obviously very important indeed especially of they know they can pass on the condition to their children.. |
Another study was carried out by Le Tallec et al in 2006. This was very limited in that only two patients were concerned. Its conclusion though is important. |
Surgery may be necessary to correct dislocated joints but is often not sufficient to resolve the handicap, and physical therapy has an important place in management. |
For this reason they point out how important it is that physicians are properly aware of this condition so that, by providing education in body mechanics and using various devices, they are better able prevent the possible joint dislocation and subluxations which in their turn can cause much pain and permanent hand... |
Medical Implications |
Modern day treatment must be individualized and it must also be holistic. There is obviously a need for professionals from various disciplines to work together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. A look at the variety of health professionals included in the medical advisory group of the Elhers Danos Support... |
Public Health and Social Implications |
All children bang themselves, run into things, fall etc. A child with this syndrome who bruises very easily may cause teachers, social workers etc to ask questions, as they may suspect child battering as described in issue 14, Ehlers-Danlos Support Group. Despite the fact that there is no known cure, it is therefore ... |
Instabiliy of joints can make writing difficult and some children will need educational support. Children with the condition often love to be involved in sports because they are, when young, exceptionally mobile. This has implications for staff who may be worried that they will be blamed if a child is injured or has ... |
All types of the syndrome are obviously rare conditions, some more so than others. This could mean that they arent considered important, but to those concerned the condition can affect many aspects of their lives. Genetic counseling can therefore be considered as important, yet many western countries still have no s... |
Rarity means that many doctors have not met patients with the condition and so research is rare. This puts the onus on those with the condition. Often they will find themselves in the position of knowing more about their condition than some of the medical staff concerned, as is the case with other genetic connective ... |
Research seems to be almost entirely based upon physical symptoms, but ethical issues also need to be considered. Parents may feel pressurized for instance to consider termination if one or both are carriers. Potential parents who are known carriers need to consider the issues before a pregnancy is embarked upon. The... |
Critique on The Chamber by John Grisham |
During the 1960s, America was going through many changes. Schools were being desegregated, the Civil Rights movement was in full force, and police investigating was about to take a whole new path for finding justice. The field of forensic science was on the brink of making its mark in the justice system. |
Unfortunately, its use in law enforcement did not occur until many years later. In the 1994 book, The Chamber, written by John Grisham the field of forensic science is brought to light in a way that is only recognized by someone studying forensics. John Grisham makes it a point to bring out the importance of forensic... |
In the book, The Chamber, Grisham brings to life two main characters. The first character is Adam Hall, a young, nave, and still wet-behind-the ears attorney who is sent to southern Mississippi to represent a man on death row. At the beginning, Hall has no idea that the man he will be representing is actually his gra... |
Hall meets with Cayhill through a piece of glass in a visitation area set up for attorneys to meet with their clients. Cayhill is in his late 60s now, moves slowly, is handcuffed and shackled, and claims to not remember many details of the event. This leaves Hall to do much of his own grunt work in order to find out ... |
Cayhill seemed distant and uncooperative with Halls line of questioning. Hall repeatedly reminded Cayhill that time was of the essence and there was not much of it left. Hall already knew that this meant there was a second person involved in the bombing murder of the Kramer twins, but Cayhill would not admit to it. ... |
What seems so damning in this story is that a man was willing to die to protect the crime of another. Cayhill was merely an accomplice to the crime, and would most likely have been given life in prison for his part therein. In reviewing the evidence of the crime, the remnants of the bomb used to blow up the building ... |
Forensic science has collectively made the investigatory process during criminal investigations more in depth and more involved. It takes more time to process a crime scene today than in yesteryear, but the results are accurate and precise. As the field of forensic science expands and grows, it is continually used to... |
The book, The Chamber, is divided up into four intricate parts. The book chronicles many issues including the use of forensic science, the death penalty, social impact, and legal premise leading up to the execution of a death row inmate. The mention of forensics is so deeply embedded in the writing, that if one is no... |
It would have been a more interesting read if Grisham had incorporated the use of a forensic psychologist to evaluate Cayhill. For one to be able to see into the mind of a person still living in an era past would be intriguing. It would be educational to know and understand what and how ones mind can become so twiste... |
Phase Transition in Membrane Lipids Associated with Chilling Damage in higher plants |
Chilling damage is a physiological defect in higher flora brought about by contact to low temperatures just above freezing point. Some crops of commercial importance are affected by temperatures below 150 Celsius. This is known as chilling injury. Crops affected include sweet potatoes, sugar cane, sorghum, potatoes and... |
According to Sharom, Willemot Thompson (1994), broad- angle x-ray gave proof of lipid stage severance in covering of microsomes of chill-damaged tomato fruit. Fully developed fruits were kept at temperatures of five degrees Celsius and developed no symptoms of chilly injury. However, after the same fruits were placed ... |
During chilling injury, hydrophobic bonds in proteins become weak and hydrogen bonds become more stable. Thus enzymes fail to function due to interruption of regions not attracted to water, or due inactivation and establishment of new hydrogen bonds and structure stabilization as a result of strengthened hydrogen bonds... |
Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in Response to Stress in Higher Plants |
Generation of oxygen reactive species in higher plants has been attributed to stresses from living things and non-living things. A two phase oxidative explosion occurs in plant cells when a microbe which cannot infect is sensed. The organelle level and means of reactive oxygen species development is not fully understoo... |
Various strategies are associated with development of pathogen induced reactive oxygen species. These include different oxidizing enzymes and those which breakdown hydrogen peroxide. An origin of reactive oxygen species has been observed from tobacco epidermal cell. The correlation involving an infectious microbe react... |
Mitochondria act as origin of reactive oxygen species. It is suspected that mitochondria takes part in oxidative explosion in presence of avirulent pathogen. In breakdown of carbohydrates, the resulting oxygen molecule is univalently reduced in the location where respiratory oxygen species is generated. The superoxide ... |
As noted earlier, mitochondria play a vital role in generation of reactive oxygen species. Placing Arabidopsis cells in continuous oxidative strain enhances electron transport during respiration. It causes high oxygen intake thus the formation of reactive oxygen species which intensify oxidative strain. Hydrogen peroxi... |
Reactive oxygen species in plants is as a result of byproducts of several metabolic processes in various organelles of the cell. In normal conditions, these byproducts are neutralized by antioxidants found in those organelles. Plants have a well developed defense mechanism against generation of reactive oxygen species.... |
The mechanisms include non-protein antioxidants and antioxidants which are proteins in nature. Non-protein antioxidants comprise of glutathione and vitamin C. It also includes alkaloids, flavonoids, tocopherol and carotenoids. Vitamin C and glutathione act as buffers in oxidation-reduction reactions. Plants lacking vit... |
Reactive oxygen species that are protein in nature comprise of superoxide dismutase, vitamin C peroxidase, hydrogen peroxide degrading enzymes and glutathione peroxidase. Superoxide dismutase is the primary defense enzyme against reactive oxygen species. It breaks superoxide to hydrogen peroxide. Vitamin C peroxidase, ... |
Cystic Fibrosis |
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs however, it also affects the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. Salt is not properly transported away from the cells, which causes the lungs, intestines, and other organs to break down. As a result, mucus builds us and blocks the airways it traps... |
The disease is very rare in Asians. Only five patients in Korea, one in 90,000 Asian infants in Hawaii and one in 350,000 live births in Japan have been reported. One baby in every 2,000 births has the disease. About one third of cystic fibrosis patients are adults. Males are more likely to get the disease than fe... |
As it has already been stated, children inherit cystic fibrosis from their parents. Both parents must carry the gene they may or may not have the disease. If two parents are carriers of cystic fibrosis, 50 percent of their children will be carriers, 25 percent will have the disease, and 25 percent will not be affecte... |
Scientists used genetic markers to locate the cystic fibrosis gene. The closer the marker sequence lies to the gene that causes CF, the more often it will be inherited along with the defective CF gene in people who have the disease. In 1989, researchers identified the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) ge... |
CFTR belongs to a family of transmembrane proteins called adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporters, and functions as a chloride channel in apical membranes. From there, researchers looked for certain characteristics that indicated the presence of the gene. The CFTR gene contained mutations in cystic ... |
There are 250,000 possible positions on the DNA chain of the cystic fibrosis gene. The defect lies on the 508 position of the DNA strand. Its called the delta F508 defect- the delta (d) standing for deletion, the F for the particular building-block that is missing (phenylalanine). In total, there are 800 other gene ... |
The Cystic Fibrosis Neonatal Screening Program of Minas Gerais State diagnosed 111 newborn patients with cystic fibrosis through a mandatory screening program from July 2003 to April 2008. Researchers used a PCR test to make the diagnoses. The F508del mutation was detected in 48 percent of the cystic fibrosis chromos... |
Some symptoms of cystic fibrosis are recurrent cough, wheezing, phlegm production that is yellowgreen, coughing up blood, bulky, smelly stools, and pain in nasal or facial sinuses. Currently, there is not a cure for cystic fibrosis, but there are various treatments available. Each year, approximately 200 patients wit... |
There are three types of lung transplant procedures. The first is the heart-lung transplant. This was actually the first successful way to transplant lungs. It was first performed in 1983. However, it had major consequences. It damaged the patients platelets. This resulted in heavy, post-operative bleeding. The ... |
The most favored procedure is the bilateral sequential lung transplant. Surgeons remove one diseased lung and replace it with a donor one. The new lung starts to work immediately. Next, surgeons replace the other lung. There is no need for a heart-lung bypass machine. The final procedure is living donor lobar tran... |
Everything is also very technical and routine. Doctors use live donors two donors are used for one transplant procedure. The donors give up half of one lung, which decreases their total lung capacity by 20 percent, which is not noticeable with breathing. |
A lung transplant is not advisable if the patient is HIV-positive, has severe malnutrition or osteoporosis, cancer, acute fungal infection or tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or other organ failure. Also, the chest cavity must be a compatible size that enables the new lungs to fit. As with any organ transplant, the recipie... |
Cystic fibrosis also affects glucose metabolism. CF-related diabetes (CFRD) has emerged as the most common comorbidity (two or more existing diseases). It is similar to both Type I and Type II diabetes with a few differences that include respiratory infection and inflammation, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal malfu... |
Some other treatment options are inhalers like albuterol. Chest pounding and aerobic exercise loosen mucus there are also medicines that thin the mucus to limit infection. In 2005, researchers engineered the parainfluenza virus (PIV) that causes the common cold to help cystic fibrosis tissues clear themselves of mucu... |
Doctors recommend that patients have annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations. With the emergence of the H1N1 virus in 2009, this is now a new consideration. In July 2009, patients at the Prince Charles Hospital Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center in Queensland, Australia were experiencing flu-like symptoms such as sore throat... |
Regional cystic fibrosis centers provide conventional treatment programs. Some of the areas of focus are nutritional and psychosocial support (genetic counseling), pancreatic enzyme replacement, treatment of respiratory tract infections, and the clearance and reduction of lower airway secretions. Doctors can also pre... |
Good nutrition is important for everyone, but it is especially necessary for those with cystic fibrosis. They tend to develop malnutrition since there is usually some problem with some part of the digestive system. It is possible to develop indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting (Kepron, 56). Malnutrition can d... |
Vitamin A is necessary for normal vision and normal cell growth. It is found in carrots, milk, egg yolk and leafy green vegetables. Those that are deficient in vitamin A usually experience night blindness. Fortunately, vitamin A deficiency isnt common. Vitamin E is prevalent in oils from fish, soybeans, corn, and sun... |
A shortage of vitamin K typically would only be a problem for babies however, research shows that vitamin K deficiency can be a problem at any age. In one survey, 58 of patients with cystic fibrosis had laboratory evidence of vitamin K deficiency (Durie, 935). These patients have liver disease, pancreatic failure, or... |
The 25 hydroxyvitamin D (250 HD) level determines the degree of vitamin D insufficiency. A level that is less than 30 ngmL is considered to be insufficient (Anis, 1). Patients should have their vitamin D levels checked once a year. Studies at cystic fibrosis centers show that more than 90 percent of patients have a... |
If cystic fibrosis patients arent getting enough vitamins from food, they can take supplements. A multivitamin that contains vitamins A, E, D, and K would work. Patients need 5,000 to 10, 000 international units (iu) per day of vitamin A, 400 to 800 iu daily of vitamin D, 200 to 400 iu daily of vitamin E, and 2 mg dai... |
Iron, calcium, and some fatty acids are essential. Low iron can result in anemia this is very common. Doctors can check the iron levels of their patients. They can prescribe iron pills if necessary. Lack of calcium is very common in cystic fibrosis patients since many tend to develop osteoporosis. Having fatty aci... |
The increase in the energy requirements, the decrease in intake, and the greater dietary deficiencies are related to the deterioration of pulmonary function, anorexia, vomiting, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic inflammatory activity, biliary complications and intestinal complications, resulting in a loss of lean body ... |
Children with cystic fibrosis need to consume enough calories to support their immune system and to promote healing and growth of their lungs. It is suggested that children eat more and drink high-energy milk shakes as snacks. Unfortunately, pancreatic insufficiency is common in cystic fibrosis patients. That means ... |
As it has already been stated, osteoporosis is common in cystic fibrosis patients. There are also other unusual problems that are associated with cystic fibrosis such as arthritis and Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy (HPOA). It causes pain around the forearms or the lower legs due to inflammation. Patients ma... |
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is common in 30 to 50 percent of cystic fibrosis patients. Because it can affect the digestive system in a dramatic way, patients should get tested frequently. The Hydrogen Breath test is a common means of detection. However, Aleksandra Lisowska, Jerzy Wjtowicz, and JarosB... |
About 37.1 percent of those patients had abnormal breath test results. About 17.7 percent of cystic fibrosis patients were diagnosed with SIBO. They proved that SIBO is common in cystic fibrosis patients, and that measuring both hydrogen and methane improves the sensitivity of the breath test. |
The medium survival age for patients with cystic fibrosis is 35 or more years. In the 1950s, life expectancy was less than one year. Death occurs from pulmonary complications (e.g., pneumonia, pneumothorax, or hemotysis) or as a result of terminal chronic respiratory failure and cor pulmonale. Many people are surprised... |
Scientists have attempted to do gene therapy on the lungs. It is easiest to introduce gene therapy into the lungs as an aerosol solution. Scientists can produce a normal CFTR gene artificially. The goal is to introduce into airway cells to produce normal CFTR protein to reduce further infections and inflammation. T... |
Currently, the more promising treatments for cystic fibrosis can fix the causes and not the symptoms of the disease. As with most diseases, taking medications to treat the symptoms can sometimes have side effects that are worse than the disease itself. The root cause of cystic fibrosis is a defective gene. Further, ... |
CFTR dysfunctions have led to new treatment options. One is Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Replacement Pharmacotherapy. This affects intracellular functions, like trafficking, expression, and functioning of CFTR. It is designed to target the classes of mutations that were previously discussed. Denufosal and... |
In conclusion, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Scientists are developing new treatment options that could potentially treat the causes instead of the symptoms. Over the past few years, scientists have been thinking of developing new aerosol devices for cystic fibrosis. If parents know that they are carriers or ... |
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