Chronic deseases of Aborigens of Australia Essay

Chronic deseases of Aborigens of Australia - Essay Example The table below shows disparities between the two populations: The implication of these disparities is that the population has a significant shortage of healthcare services. As such, the Aboriginal society has a number of serious health problems such as obesity, substance abuse, renal diseases, high infant mortality, pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In spite of the developments in mainstream Australia, the Aboriginal people are still strongly bound to their traditional societal structures. Their society still holds strong family values and highly values family bonds and ties. The Aborigines still hold strong beliefs in their traditions and spiritual life. As such, the provision of healthcare to such a group should take into consideration various factors including their economically disadvantaged position in society and their strong cultural background (Margereson, 2009). This paper critically evaluates the health condition of Peggy Moloney-an elderly Aboriginal lady from New South Wales aged 62. Though primarily admitted for peritonitis, the evaluation will take a critical review of her medical history and experience as well as these elements to her current health, which plagued by multiple conditions. Therefore, cultural, economic, social, psychological and biological elements will be factored in during the evaluation. The mind map on Peggy’s condition starts by reviewing her medical status in relation to her biological and physiological conditions. The major elements of consideration include her medical history and general status of biological/physiological health. Mrs. Peggy’s medical history shows that she developed renal failure seven years ago after a bout of nephritis. This occurred after a treatment of streptococcus infection on her left leg. After an antibiotic treatment, the legs infection was treated, but her nephritis persisted, and finally caused the damage of both kidneys. Her history presents the following condition s 1) Renal failure (2); peritoneal dialysis (3); diabetes mellitus (4); peripheral neuropathy on both feet (5); intermittent claudication; and a cataract on the left eye. Currently, she presents the following symptoms: fever, a general unwell feeling, clouding of central vision, loss of peripheral vision, shortness of breath, swollen lower legs and ankles as well as cellulitis around her catheter insertion site. In Mrs. Moloney’s case the most probable risk to her immediate admission condition-peritonitis-is peritoneal dialysis. This can be inferred from the occurrence of cellulitis on the area around her catheter (Treves, 2008). However, considering her multiple conditions, old age can be cited as a possible biological contributing factor. Notably, old age is characterized by a general decrease in immunity, muscle mass and strength. The decline in immunity on skin cells in the affected area may be a contributing factor to the infection cited on the dialysis catheter point (L ye, MacLennan & Hall 1993). However, primarily the infection may be a result of handling dialysis insertions. The decline in immunity as a result of aging was shown by the multiple conditions that included nephritis and a streptococcal infection on her leg. The persistence of nephritis coupled with weak immune finally led to renal failure, which could have been a result of general decline in

Alcoholism is a Disease Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Alcoholism is a Disease - Research Proposal Example This paper will attempt to provide a comprehensive alternative account of the hesitance of the alcoholism therapeutic circles to abandon the disease framework through applying Kuhn’s (1996) approach of scientific development in an historical investigation of the disease framework. To substantiate this standpoint, evidence of the surfacing of the disease framework as a model, assumptions about the causes of alcoholism, the elaborate definition of alcoholism by Jellinek in his book entitled ‘The Disease Concept of Alcoholism, and lastly the surfacing of inconsistency followed by difficulty in the alcoholism study and treatment community are included. The disease framework of alcoholism can be traced back more than two centuries ago, and is regarded by many to be the prevailing framework governing scientific investigation and therapeutic models for the greater part of the 20th century. Nevertheless, in the sixties, the disease framework came under assault because of the surfacing of inconsistent scientific and therapeutic findings. Aside from the United States, the disease framework is regarded by countless to have been questioned, and has traditionally been left out in support of alternative frameworks, such as social-learning assumption. However, in the United States, the disease framework and its main treatment objective of self-discipline persist to tremendously prevail over the treatment of alcoholism. Between other accounts, the financial and political interests of the treatment of alcoholism society in the U.S. have been presented to elaborate the reason why U.S. persists to be left out by other nations in moving further t he disease framework. Nevertheless, an alternative justification for the unwillingness of the alcoholism treatment society to give up the disease framework is exposed by applying Kuhn’s approach of scientific development in an historical investigation of the

Chinese history (east asian studies) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chinese history (east asian studies) - Essay Example Leaders in China remain worried about this incident, since the possibility of a popular uprising of a similar kind worries them. This could also lead to a schism in the leadership that would be disastrous for the unity of the nation. Shirk points out the parallel in history that worries the Chinese leadership, the breakup of the Soviet Union, which was the result of widespread discontent. Shirk points to the support of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In the absence of this support, the possibility of a similar breakup looms large, that worries the Chinese government, which seeks to prevent it through maintaining an authoritarian regime. 3. The evolution of the Chinese foreign policy is something that has caught the eye of various political thinkers and foreign policy analysts. The change from a passive approach to one that actively engages in the political affairs of the world in an active manner signals a change of approach that coincides with the entry of China as a supe rpower in the political arena. It is a change from the erstwhile policy of China that was aimed at attaining the status of a superpower without causing any damage to its internal situation of peace. This shall however, according to analysts around the world, cause a certain kind of conflict between the new and the old power, by which is meant the United States of America and China.

How ICT impacts on me Essay Example for Free

How ICT impacts on me Essay I think ICT impacts me a lot since I first used a computer. It made my life happier but as well as distracting me too much sometimes. When I first used a computer, I was about 8 or 9; it was a must because we all had computer lessons since primary 3 until year 7. Email was the only major thing that made me use computers. By the time goes by, I am getting older, I was told by my younger cousin to play computer games on the internet. Since then, I used computer every day. My mum saw this then she set me a do’s list and a don’ts list. She thought that I was too addicted to the internet for some reason. This probably is one of the handicaps of how ICT impacts on me. On the other hand, teachers taught us how to use email on the internet since we were small, that leaded me communicating with my school friends during holiday. I thought this was very easy for us; we did not have to ring each other very frequently, we could simply send emails. However, we did not use it too appropriately. As the technology is growing year by year, now I know what exactly computers or anything related to ICT help us and influence us. Say about the online banking nowadays, customers will receive a little machine from their bank, which is used for confirming you are the right person when your debit or withdraw money from online banking. This can help with avoiding crime on online banking. For example, customer will need their secure key every time they log on. Secure key is the name of the little machine. It is handy, easy to keep in a safe place. Whenever customers need to log on to their online banking account, the website will ask them for the security code from their secure key. Next, they need to click one of the buttons on their secure key, then a random number or key appear on the screen. This prevents from some people who are trying to hack in others’ accounts. This would also make people feel safer when they do online banking, and getting away from the stress of being stolen a huge amount of money sneakily. This also affects hackers in a bad way; they will not be able to investigate a new way to hack people’s accounts in a period! On the other side of the influence on me, it would probably be computers. Years ago, I was still ‘’writing’’ my prep, nowadays, I go straight to my laptop and ‘’type’’ out my prep and then print them off. We have a various choice for us to prepare and do our paper work on our laptops. Now I use word processer to do my essay-work. Presentation software is for presenting information to a group of people. Spreadsheet is for calculating faster than working out numbers ‘manually’. Database is for holding a massive amount of data and records. This really does help people work more efficiently and spend less time on their work. Correcting words immediately after you find out wrong words is one of the advantages of ICT. Scribbles can be prevented if I work on my laptop. Finally, ICT really affects us in a good way, but there is one main thing that is bad for us. On the social side, some social websites tend to be too distracting to people, this would affect their working motivation and their working force. ICT could be a handicap in some ways. It could lead some teenagers or children over-addicted to computer games or social websites. In conclusion, ICT impacts me well so far. I could do my prep in a faster way and entertainment myself when I am bored or free.

Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on Bilharziasis

Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on Bilharziasis Abstract Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) gained a great attention in biomedical researches and become more applicable in nanomedicine in recent years because they have distinctive physicochemical properties. The current study was planned to assess the effect of the AuNPs with three doses levels on genes expressions, histology and oxidative stress status of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice liver. Inoculation of mice with 100 ÃŽÂ ¼l AuNPs at different doses (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg mice body weight) twice per week on day 46 and day 49 post infection reduced the total worm burden. Meanwhile, it reduced egg load in the liver and reduce the granuloma size. Also, AuNPs were able to significantly decrease the activities of malondialdhyde and nitric oxide as compared to infected untreated group. However, they increased the level of glutathione as compared toinfected untreated group. Concomitantly, AuNPs ameliorate the inflammatory response through decreasing the mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFʽ ±, IFNÃŽÂ ³, and iNOS. In consistence with molecular, histopathological and biochemical data, AuNPs could ameliorate the infection induced damage in the liver of mice .Our results indicated that, AuNPs are effective anti-schistosomal and anti-oxidantagent.to confirm the role of nanogold as an antischistosomal agent and its mechanism of action, more studies are required to be done in the future. Keywords: Nanogold, Schistosoma mansoni, liver, gene expressions, histopathology, oxidative stress, mice. Introduction Bilharziasis is one of the most common parasitic diseases, which mostly affect the liver causing granuloma formation and hepatic fibrosis. Since, severe morbidity can result of schistosomal infection; the disease is still an important helminthic infection. Schistosomasis excessively affects people who have limited access to potable water and sanitation lived in the tropics and subtropics, approximately 240 million people infected with over 700 million people at risk of getting infected.1 Praziquantel (PZQ) is the known effective anti-schistosomal drug but the reinfection occurs rapidly after massive drug administration, thus, an efficient therapy used is the optimal way, especially in Schistosoma mansoni endemic areas. From a long time, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was have been used for drug delivery into cells.2,3,4Moreover, AuNPs have a strong potential role in cancer treatment and apoptosisinduction.5Accumulation of nanosystems at the targeted site I soften higher than normal drugs and usually leads to reduced systemic toxicity. However, chrysotherapy; gold was used in some diseases treatment smallpox, skin ulcers, syphilis and measles in ancient cultures in Egypt, India and China.2 Gold complexes showed potential antileishmanial and antimalarial activity, which have interesting role against Leishmania promastigotes in culture medium, becoming promising for using as band-aids to treat skin lesions. In addition, the effects of AuNPs as larvicidal for a mosquito vector of malaria have been reported. Thus, the impact of researches on gold for human tropical diseases therapy is considerable.6 The recent interest in using AuNPs in medicine has altered the methods of diagnosis and treatment.2For example, employing AuNPs in PCR has optimized the specificity of this diagnostic method.7Also some researchers have took advantage of AuNPsin transferring drugs into the biological cells, which provided a good basic for nuclear targeted delivery.8 Additional in vivo investigations are wished for the antihelminthic efficacy of AuNPs.9 Therefore, the present work aims to determine the cure rate of three doses of AuNPs against hepatic injury induced by schistosomasis in CD-1 mice . Materials and methods Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) AuNPs have been prepared by chemical reduction method as reported by Turkevich10. A solution of HAuCl4 has been used as Au3+ ions precursor. Sodium citrate has been used as both of mild reducing and stabilizing agent. The color of the solution slowly turned into faint pink color, indicating the reduction of the Au3+ ions to Au nanoparticles. The fabrication of AuNPs were performed with the colloidal reduction process of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4.3H2O) with salt of trisodium citrate (N3C6H5O7) purchased from Aldrich (99% pure) Chemical Co. Ltd and used without further purification. In a typical experiment: 2 mM of HAuCl4.3H2O was dissolved in 100 mL of double distilled water. To this solution, 1% N3C6H5O7 (~3 mM) was mixed. The pH of this solution was measured via pH meter (Cole parmer U.SA.), which was reached to 7.88. The obtained pinkish colored solution was stirred vigorously and refluxed the solution at boiling temperature for 15-20 min. pinkish color was changed to deep red color ed solution of AuNPs. The obtained colloidal solution was stored for the further morphological and other elemental analysis. Characterization Size and morphology of AuNPs were done by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Samples for TEM were prepared using the colloidal solution of nanoparticles. The colloidal sample solution was sonicated for 10 min in a bath sonicator before the observation and dipped in carbon coated copper grid (400 mesh) and dried at room temperature for the morphological analysis.A TEM picture was taken by a JOEL JEM 2000 EX 200 microscope at 200kv. Animals Sixty male CD-1 mice weighing 18-20 g were used in all experiments. The animals were obtained from a closed random bred colony at the Schistosome Biological Supply Center (SBSC) at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt. Animals were housed in polycarbonate boxes with steel-wire tops (not more than six animals per cage) and bedded with wood shavings. Ambient temperature was controlled at 22  ± 3  °C with a relative humidity of 50 ± 15% and a 12-h light/dark photoperiod. Food and water were provided ad libitum. This study was conducted in accordance with legal ethical guidelines of the Medical Ethics Committee of the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), Giza, Egypt (Approval No. 4018/2011). Mice Infection S. mansoni cercariae (Egyptian strain) were obtained from infected intermediate host snails (Biomphalaria alexandrina) maintained at the SBSC. Mice were infected subcutaneously with freshly shed 100 ± 10 cercariae/mouse according to Liang et al.11method. Experimental design Animals were divided into six groups of ten mice each. Group I served as a control (non-infected); the animals were received saline (100 ÃŽÂ ¼l saline water/mouse) by intraperitoneal (ip) injection for 10 days. Group II and Groups III, IV, V and VI were infected with 100 ±10 S. mansoni cercariae. The animals of groups III, IV and V were intrapretonially inoculated with 100 ÃŽÂ ¼l AuNPs at different doses (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg mice body weight) twice per week on day 46 and day 49 post infection respectively. Finally, infected animals of Group VI were orally administered 100  µl of PZQ (600 mg/kg mice body weight) on day 46 post infection at an interval of 24 h for 2 days.12 Study of parasitological criteria Immediately after mice killed by cervical decapitation, hepatic and portomesenteric vessels were perfuse for worms recovery and subsequent counting.13 After perfusion, a piece of liver was used for the determination of the number of ova in liver and the percentage change in egg density was determined. The percentage of eggs at various developmental stages was examined in three samples from each mouse and the mean number of eggs at each stage/animal was determined.14 Sample preparation After dissection, the liver of all groups were immediately removed and divided into three parts, the first part for RNA extraction, the second one for histopathological studies and the third part was homogenized (10% w/v) in ice-cold 0.1 M Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4). The homogenate was centrifuged at 2000 ÃÆ'-g for 15 min. at 4  °C and the resultant supernatant was used for biochemical analysis. Histopathological investigations and granuloma size Tissue samples of the liver of all groups were immediately fixed after animal dissection in 10% neutral buffered formalin dehydrated and processed for paraffin sectioning. Sections were then deparaffinized, stained with hematoxylin and eosin stains. To assess the size of tissue granuloma, the mean diameter (ÃŽÂ ¼m) was measured. For each group, 30 granulomas were chosen from different hematoxylin-eosin stained liver sections from different mice. Assessment of oxidative stress markers Estimation of the reduced glutathione (GSH) level GSH level in liver was determined by the methods of Ellman.15 The method based on the reduction of Ellmans reagent with GSH to produce a yellow compound; the reduced chromogen directly proportional to GSH concentration and its absorbance can be measured at 405 nm. Determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were assayed through colorimetric tests of the liver homogenates according to the method of Ohkawa et al.16 In this method, TBARS was determined by using 1 ml of trichloroacetic acid 10% and 1 ml of thiobarbituric acid 0.67% which were then heated together in a boiling water bath for 30 min. TBARS which react with the amount of malondialdehyde found in liver homogenate to give a red color were then measured at 535 nm. Determination of nitric oxide level Nitric oxide (NO) level was assayed colorimetrically in liver homogenate according to the method of Green et al.17 The nitrite/nitrate level was determined where in an acid medium and in the presence of nitrite the formed nitrous acid diazotisesulphanilamide is coupled with N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine. The resulting azo dye has a bright reddish-purple color which can be measured at 540 nm. Quantitative PCR Tissues frozen at -80oC were thoroughly grounded with a mortar under liquid nitrogen and total RNA was isolated with Trizol (Sigma-Aldrich). Quality and integrity of RNA were determined using the Agilent RNA 6000 Nano Kit on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies). RNA was quantified by measuring A260nm on the ND-1000 Spectrophotometer (NanoDrop Technologies).18 Real time PCR was performed as detailed previously.19, 20 In brief, total RNA freed from DNA using the DNA free kit (Applied Biosystem, Darmstadt, Germany) was used to synthesize cDNA using QuantiTectTM Reverse QuantiTectTM SYBR ® Green PCR kit (Qiagen) was applied for amplifications in the ABI Prism ® 7500HT Sequence Detection System (AppliedBiosystems, Darmstadt, Germany) with gene-specific QuantiTectTM primers delivered by Qiagen (Hilden, Germany). We investigated the genes encoding the mRNAs for the following proteins: interleukin-1ÃŽÂ ² (IL-1ÃŽÂ ²), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFÃŽÂ ± ), interferone-à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ § (IFNà ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ §), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). PCR reactions were performed and evaluated as detailed elsewhere.18 Statistical analysis The obtained data were presented as means  ± standard error. One-way ANOVA was carried out, and the statistical comparisons among the groups were performed with Duncans test using a statistical package program (SPSS version 17.0). Pà ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤0.05 was considered as significant for all statistical analysis in this study. Results Morphological analysis of colloidal AuNPs The structural morphology and crystalline character of AuNPs were examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The obtained images shows the corresponding TEM results, which are shown in figure (1), the low magnified image (Fig. 1A) shows that, AuNPs are spherical in shape within the range of 10-15 nm in diameter. From the observation, its depicted that all the NPs are in definite spherical shape with rough surface and free from agglomeration behavior. Another obtained image represents the high resolution TEM (HR-TEM) image of AuNPs (figure 1B), which shows the lattice difference fringes between two adjacent planes are about 0.235 nm. The obtained lattice difference clearly corresponds to the lattice constant of face centered cubic (FCC) of AuNPs and are analogues with the previously reported information.21, 22 The crystal lattice fringes of HRTEM observation (Fig. 1B), again shows a confirmation of good crystalline nature of synthesized AuNPs and it is consistent with the low magnified image of AuNPs. 21, 22 AuNPs treatment induced a significant reduction in hepatic worm burden at all examined doses (0.25, 0.5 and1 mg/kg) as compared to infected group. The worm burden reduction rate was approximately, 32%, 49% and 64%, respectively (Table 1). Similarly, figure 2 shows that, the three dose levels of AuNPs caused a highly significant reduction on egg density in liver tissues of infected mice, and the highest reduction (69.8 %) was recorded at 1mg AuNPs dose level . Table 2 and figure 3 show the alternation on the liver histology from S. mansoni infected animals, compared with that from control animals. Figure 3A displays a histological section of liver from a control mouse. The center-lobe vein has normal morphological characteristics while figure 3B shows a histological section of liver after 56 days of S. mansoni infection in mice. Cellular alteration was verified on liver. There are leukocyte aggregations near blood vessels and evident vascular congestion. Histological investigation of hepatic tissue sections reveals that S. mansoni infection caused a severe inflammatory response of the liver, as indicated by inflammatory cellular infiltration as well as cytoplasmic vacuolation and degeneration of hepatocytes. In addition, the hepatic sinusoids were dilated and apparently contained more Kupffer cells. Treated livers of S. mansoni infected mice with the three dose levels (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) of AuNPs as shown in figures 3C, 3D and 3E, resp ectively appeared with moderate inflammatory cellular infiltration. Figure4 showed that, the granuloma size in hepatic tissue showed a marked and a significant reduction in the granuloma diameter at Pas a result of AuNPs treatment to schistosome infected mice at all investigated doses (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) as compared to untreated schistosome infected mice. Likewise, PZQ gavage induced a significant decrease in hepatic granuloma size infected of S. mansoni versus infected group. Schistosomiasis induced a significant elevation in hepatic levels of MDA and NO (table 3). In the same manner, injection of 3 different doses of AuNPs and PZQ to infected mice increased the levels of MDA and NO significantly as compared to non-infected group. Oppositely, a significant reduction was observed in hepatic MDA and NO levels as a result of AuNPs (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) and PZQ injection versus infected group. Finally, GSH which involved in the down-regulation of substances formed during oxidative stress has been determined (Table 3). It was striking that GSH was significantly down-regulated by S. mansoni infection but that this effect was largely ameliorated by AuNPs treatment. Moreover, the S. mansoni infected mice revealed a significant up-regulation in mRNA of IL-1ÃŽÂ ², IL-6, TNFÃŽÂ ±, IFNÃŽÂ ³ and iNOs in hepatic tissue; likewise, injection of different doses of AuNPs and PZQ induced significant up-regulation versus control group. On the other hand, treatment with AuNPs as well as, PZQ to infected mice decreased the expression of IL-1ÃŽÂ ², IL-6, TNFÃŽÂ ±, IFNÃŽÂ ³ and iNOs-mRNA significantly as compared to infected group (Fig. 5). 4. Discussion Newly in several fields of nanomedicine; AuNPs have been actively used for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. It has been debated that nanoparticles of gold could be used in nearly all medical purposes.23 Abraham and Himmel24proved the successful usage of colloidal gold in rheumatoid arthritispatients. In addition, AuNPs caused cestode paralysis, which is followed by death; the authors attributed to alterations in cestode enzymatic activity of the parasite.9 Our results revealed that schistosomiasis caused marked and significant histopathological impairments in liver sections, and granulomatous inflammation was recorded. Ameret al.25 reported that S. mansoni induced granulomas which were characterized by concentric fibrosis Ù†¡Ãƒâ„¢Ã¢â‚¬ ° the trapped eggs surrounded by many fibroblasts. In addition, Toussonet al.26observed main histopathological injuries in schistosomiasis mansoni such as granulomas, diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells eosinophils and small mononuclear cells and fibrosis of portal areas and interlobular septa. In the same manner, El- Banhawey et al. 27 cleared that schistosomiasis causes necrotic changes in the liver tissues. On contrary, our treatment with different doses of AuNPs appeared moderate inflammatory cellular infiltration, decreased the granuloma diameter. Moreover, AuNPs reduced the hepatic worm burden as compared the infected group. Dkhilet al.28 deduced that gold nanoparticles treatment to infected schistosome mice improved the histological disturbances of infected brain mice. Schistosomiasis mansoni imbalanced the hepatocellular antioxidant system and liberated the free radicals which are evidenced by decrement in GSH level and increased levels of both nitrite/nitrate and MDA in hepatic tissue. Meanwhile, AuNPs increased hepatic GSH level and decreased the levels of nitrite/nitrate and MDA. It was reported that, schistosomiasis disturbed the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants which impaired liver GSH content of mice and decreased hepatic antioxidant capacity inducing lipid peroxides generation which may act a main role in the pathology associated with bilharziasis.25, 29 Furthermore, S. mansoni caused oxidative stress in different mice organs such as brain. Neuroschistosomiasis induced reduction of GSH level and increased nitrite/nitrate and MDA levels. Otherwise, gold nanoparticles (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) injection to schistosome infected mice ameliorated GSH level and reduced levels of nitrite/nitrate and MDA in brain.28 In the present study, AuNPs injection (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) to schistosome infected mice showed a significant down-regulation of IL-1ÃŽÂ ², IL-6, TNFÃŽÂ ±, IFNÃŽÂ ³and iNOs-mRNA expressions in hepatic tissue versus infected mice. IL-1 and TNF-ÃŽÂ ± are the major pro-inflammatory cytokine, they considered as alarm cytokines which secreted by macrophages. IL-1 plays a role in initiation and propagation of the inflammation by stimulating the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells and leukocytes. In addition, TNF-ÃŽÂ ± may aggravate fibrosis and ameliorate the granulomatous reaction results from presence of schistosome eggs. So, in mice lacking of IL-1ÃŽÂ ² gene, characterized by delayed disease development and declined systemic inflammatory responses.30, 31 Moreover, lower expression of IL-6 and IL-1ÃŽÂ ² (pro-inflammatory cytokines) cause a down modulation of granulomatous inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis.32Also, Macrophages could be activate to produce NO and other inflammatory mediators by IFNÃŽÂ ³ is which considered as an important inducer of iNOs. In addition, Abdallahi et al.33detectediNOs mRNA in the liver at the onset of parasite egg laying; the authors cleared that the levels then increased as the eggs accumulated liver.34 However, Mwatha et al.35 reported that increased TNFÃŽÂ ³ is correlated with the development of severe hepatosplenic disease. Khan et al.36 concluded that gold nanoparticles (50 nm) showed a normal level of IL-6 gene expression in hepatic tissue of rat on day 5 of injection meanwhile, IL-1ÃŽÂ ², TNFÃŽÂ ± m-RNA expression was down regulated significantly on day 5. Moreover, nanoparticles of gold have no cytotoxic effect as they decrease the production of reactive oxygen species and do not stimulate secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFà °Ã‚ Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚ ¼and IL1-à °Ã‚ Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚ ½) making them suitable candidates for nanomedicine.37, 38Gold nanoparticles are not induced apoptosis, moreover, not activated gene expression related to oxidative stress and inflammatory response (TNFà °Ã‚ Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚ ¼) while their low reactivity with biomolecules and cells provides a promising medical platform.39 Conclusion Collectively, our investigations suggest that the way in which AuNPs exert their ameliorating effects on Schistosomiasis mansoni promoted oxidative stress may be attributed to its ability to scavenging free radicals , and that this action could find a clinical use in the treatment of hepatic dysfunction in schistosomiasis. Additional studies are still necessary, however, with a view to clarify the exact mechanism of this modulatory effect, and to examine its potential therapeutic effects in more detail.

The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering Essay -- Genetic Engineering E

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Genetic engineering is a process in which scientists transfer genes from one species to another totally unrelated species. Usually this is done in order to get one organism to produce proteins, which it would not naturally produce. The genes taken from one species, which code for a particular protein, are put into cells of another species, using a vector. This can result in the cells producing the desired protein. It is used for producing proteins which can be used by humans, such as insulin for diabetics and is also used to make organisms better at surviving, for example genetically modifying a plant so that it can survive in acidic soil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is debate about whether genetic engineering should be used or not, and to what degree. There are many problems that can occur from the process and many of these cannot be avoided currently. There are known problems and there is also the fact that the whole process is unpredictable and unforeseen problems could crop up. A good example of this was the influence of a genetically engineered organism on a food chain, which sometimes damaged the local ecology. The new organism could now compete successfully against other species, causing unforeseen changes in the environment. This could then have a knock-on effect that could lead to the destruction of whole species.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Due to the quite random nature of genetic engineering, there is a risk that it may disrupt the functioning of other genes in an organism. This could mean that the organisms do not survive at all, or become some sort of mutated freak, which is completely different and maybe even more dangerous. Genetic engineers also intend to profit by patenting genetically engineered seeds. This means that, when a farmer plants these genetically engineered seeds, all the seeds have an identical genetic structure. As a result, if a fungus, a virus, or a pest develops which can attack this particular crop, they might all be at risk, resulting in widespread crop failure. Insects, birds, and the wind can carry genetically altered seeds, which can cross-pollinate with genetically natural crops and wild relatives. All crops, organic and non-organic, are vulnerable to contamination from cross-pollinatation, meaning that problems in the original genetically modified organisms can be spre ad a... ...age because it means that insulin, which keeps diabetics alive, can be produced quickly and cheaply. Genetic Engineering could also increase genetic diversity, and produce more variants of the same species that could also be crossed over and implanted into other species. Animals and plants can be 'tailor made' to show desirable characteristics. Genes could also be manipulated in trees for example, to absorb more CO2 and reduce the threat of global warming. This would actually help the environment. However many of these things have not been tested and are much more difficult in practice than in theory. That added to the massive uncertainty about the effects and results of genetic engineering would suggest that the benefits do not outweigh the risks taken to obtain them. A religious question also arises. By changing the cells of living organisms are we ‘playing God’ and if we are should we be allowed to?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion I would say that genetic engineering is certainly a good thing saving lives in many cases. However more tests need to be carried out, and profit-hungry companies should not be allowed to do whatever they want in their quests for profit.

Lemongrass as Mosquito Repellent

Introduction Nowadays, our country is very rampant with mosquitoes that carry various diseases and one of the most popular diseases that are caused by a mosquito is â€Å"DENGUE†. Because of this disease, a lot of Filipinos died. Dengue is a disease caused by any one of the four related viruses transmitted by mosquitos. One of the easiest ways to prevent mosquitoes is to use Mosquito Repellent. This is the reason why the researchers want to make an alternative Mosquito Repellent.There are many commercial Mosquito Repellent available in the market. The commonly used commercial Mosquito Repellent in the Philippines is quite unaffordable and use chemical that may cause irritation. The researchers planned to use natural ingredients. Since the ingredient to be use is natural, the Mosquito Repellent to be made is more affordable and environmental friendly. The ingredient that the researchers are going to use is Lemongrass.Lemongrass has natural anti-microbial properties, is an antis eptic, suitable for use on various types of skin infections, usually as a wash or compress, and is especially effective on ringworm, infected sores, acne and athlete’s foot. Lemongrass is also used as a Mosquito Repellent. In using this product, you will spray it over all exposed skin areas. Avoid spraying near your eyes. You may reapply after washing. If irritation occurs, wash of immediately and discontinue use. The very most importance of this product is to avoid or prevent the spread of various diseases caused by mosquito bites.Mosquito Repellent is a substance skin, clothing, or other surfaces which discourages insects from landing or climbing on that surface. Mosquito Repellent also helps prevent and control the outbreak of insect borne diseases such as Malaria, Lyme disease, Dengue fever, Bubonic plague, and West Nile Fever. Theoretical Framework Lemongrass herb is very popular plant found commonly in India and used for medicinal, food and insect/mosquito repellent pro ducts.The lemongrass oils are also used in cosmetics, soaps, perfumes, dyes and dorizes along with thousands of other products. (www. newtechbio. com/articles/Lemongrass-as-an-insect-repellent. htm) Lemongrass oil has a fresh, strong, lemon-like, and pungent odor and is used in deodorants, herbal teas, skin care products, fragrances, and insect repellents, and for aromatherapy. (http://www. naturalstandard. com/index-abstract. asp? create-abstract=patient-lemongrass. asp&title=Lemongrass) Significance of the Study People nowadays can be easily infected with diseases caused by mosquitoes.Diseases that can kill people. The people who are easily infected with this diseases are those people living near canals, dump sides, and rivers. Mosquitoes are dangerous pest in the whole world. Nowadays, people encountered various diseases such as malaria and dengue. Due to economic crises the researcher found a solution to get rid of mosquitos that exist in locality. However the following product is tested by the following stake holders such as client, teachers, students, and workers.The researchers find the study significant because there is an increasing number of mortality due to mosquito bites, although there are alternative solutions to this problem. Filipinos cannot deny that some of their brothers and sisters cannot afford to buy organic insect repellent made out of lemongrass. Scope and Limitations The researcher’s product is only limited to minimize the amount of mosquitoes in a certain household. This is to see how effective the product will be before applying it somewhere else.