Thursday, March 19, 2020
Cholesterol The Good and Bad Essays
Cholesterol The Good and Bad Essays Cholesterol The Good and Bad Paper Cholesterol The Good and Bad Paper Cholesterol The Good and Bad Cholesterol is the principal sterol for animals and humans alike, consisting of a hydroxyl group, a steroid group, and a hydrocarbon side chain. (htpp://EncyclopediaBritannica.com). It is an insoluble lipid substance produced by the liver and found both in cell membranes and circulating in the blood stream. The name cholesterol is derived from the Greek word chole, which means bile, in conjunction with stereos, also a Greek word that means solid. That is because it was discovered in the 18th century in solid form, as gallstones, by Franà §ois Poulletier de la Salle in 1769. The -ol part in the word is the way alcohol is named in chemistry.  A few years later the chemist Eugà ¨ne Chevreul gave it the name cholesterine. (htpp://EncyclopediaBritannica.com). Cholesterol was correctly synthesized for the first time in 1951 by Robert B. Woodward, an American chemist and Nobel Prize winner, and it has been known to have potentially dangerous health effects as early as the year 1910 (http://science.jrank.org/pages/1454/Cholesterol-History.html) On that year, Russian biologist Nikolai Antischow found plaques of cholesterol on the arterial walls of laboratory rabbits fed a high cholesterol diet. This breakthrough discovery prompted scientists around the world to further study the controversial and elusive role of cholesterol and its relation to heart disease, currently the leader in deaths for both men and women in the Western world. That’s because even though cholesterol is involved in many important metabolic processes, there has been increasingly clear evidence that when present in elevated levels it can lead to Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), stroke, and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol, contrary to its popular image as a potent enemy of health and longevity, is actually a crucial substance that performs innumerable vital functions in the body. Cholesterol is needed for the synthesis of bile acids, which are essential for the absorption of fats, and of many hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, dihydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, and cortisol. Together with sun exposure, cholesterol is required to produce vitamin D. Cholesterol is an essential element of cell membranes, where it provides structural support and may even serve as a protective antioxidant. (Colpo 83) Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood. The desirable levels are 200 mg/dL, while anything over 239 mg/dL is considered high. The imminent connection between CVD and elevated levels of blood cholesterol is that as excessive amounts circulate freely in the blood stream, it accumulates in the arterial walls. When this process continues over the years, the buildup, also called plaque, hardens and therefore narrows the arteries. Calpo mentions that:        The plaques are complex entities with numerous        components, including smooth muscle cells, calcium,        connective tissue, white blood cells, cholesterol,        and fatty acids (84). The result is a reduced volume of blood reaching the heart; blood that is rich in oxygen necessary for its normal function. A heart attack occurs when an artery gets completely blocked. Of particular importance is the Framingham Heart Study started in 1948 under the direction of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the University of Boston. Culminating in 2005 and spanning three generations of thousands of people, it conclusively catalogs hypercholesterolemia as a risk for CVD and other serious health conditions. This study spawned over 1,200 medical research articles published in leading medical journals (Byrne). Still under investigation by the Framingham Heart Study is the direct relationship of low density lipoproteins (LDL), commonly known as â€Å"bad cholesterol†and CVD (framingham.com/heart/). There is mounting evidence that low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) play an important role in the overall health effects of cholesterol:            Because cholesterol is water-insoluble, it must be transported inside lipoproteins. Various types of lipoproteins exist, but the two most abundant are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The main function of LDL is to transport cholesterol from the liver to tissues that incorporate it into cell membranes. HDL carries old cholesterol that has been discarded by cells back to the liver for recycling or excretion.(Colpo 83) Based on this information, HDL is considered a benign type of cholesterol, while LDL is feared as the main culprit of increasing the incidence of a large variety of cardiovascular ailments. Optimal LDL levels are 100 mg/dL, and anything over 159 mg/dL is considered high, placing the patient at risk of CVD. On the other hand, because HDL is a type of cholesterol that could prevent heart disease, the higher its levels the better for the patient. Thus, doctors look for numbers at around 60 mg/dL, while blood test results lower than 40 mg/dL might place the patient at an elevated risk of heart disease. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that genetics plays a role in hypercholesterolemia:           The cells of the body contain information, in the form of genes, for the body to make all the necessary structural components and chemicals to ensure normal function. Genes contain the instructions for the way in which cholesterol and other fats are taken into the cells. The LDLR gene contains the instructions for the body to make the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) â€Å"receptor†           (R) that enables the absorption of the LDL into the cell. When this receptor            is not working properly, cholesterol and other fats build-up in the blood,            causing plaques to form and resulting in a susceptibility (predisposition) to            coronary artery disease. (McKusick 298) While McKusick concludes that a very small percentage of the population carries the faulty gene, scientists have been able to confirm that age and gender also play a role in cholesterol levels found in the general population (299). Middle-aged men and women typically notice their cholesterol levels rise, and even though pre-menopausal women maintain lower numbers than men, once they reach menopause their numbers are equal to men. Moreover, most researchers agree that diet has a strong impact on reducing the incidence of high cholesterol. Studies show that consuming high levels of saturated fats and some oils significantly increases the blood levels of LDL cholesterol. Therefore, the current medical recommendations lean toward following a diet low in meat and dairy products, reducing overall fat consumption. Additionally, exercising regularly helps maintain proper weight and reduce cholesterol levels with the added benefit of improving overall cardiovascular health. A diet low in saturated fats and a consistent and age-appropriate exercise program go hand in hand with acceptable cholesterol levels.  Patients with hypercholesterolemia who achieve their ideal weight as a result of diet and exercise typically see a reduction in cholesterol serum levels. Also, bi-yearly check ups are recommended to assess the blood cholesterol levels of patients, as well as to allow the physician to better manage the blood test results (Henkel 24). A typical visit with the doctor includes a follow-up chart of weight and overall heart screening including normal pulse, respiratory capacity and any symptoms indicative of cardiac problems. Blood test results are analyzed for total cholesterol levels as well as individual LDL and HDL levels. Hemoglobin and other blood lipids, such as triglycerides are screened as well. Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood, a vital component for a healthy cardiovascular system. Statin drugs are the prescription medicines of choice when diet and exercise are not enough to control hypercholesterolemia. They reduce blood cholesterol by blocking the synthesis HMG coenzyme A reductase, a liver enzyme necessary for producing cholesterol (Colpo 85). Furthermore, Colpo mentions that statins prevent the formation of plaque, and even reverse atherosclerosis, according to studies performed on laboratory rabbits (85). Additionally, and this is very important as it relates to the inflammatory nature of heart attacks, Colpo states that: In research with mice, statins markedly reduce measures of both inflammation and atherosclerosis, despite little change in serum cholesterol levels. In humans, statin therapy produces significant reductions in C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammatory activity that has repeatedly been associated with increased cardiovascular risk (86). Pharmaceutical drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor are widely prescribed nowadays, with additional cardiovascular fringe benefits that go beyond lowering cholesterol levels, as mentioned in the previous paragraph (Colpo 86). The synthesis and metabolism of cholesterol is a complex process that directly affects cardiovascular health. Regardless of family history, exercise, diet, and proper administration of prescription drugs successfully help reduce overall cholesterol levels, including lowering the levels of LDL. However, as with any medical condition, more research is necessary to better understand the complexity of cardiovascular disease and exactly how elevated blood cholesterol and in particular low density and high density lipoproteins affect its onset. Byrne, Kevin P. Understanding and Managing Cholesterol: A Guide for Wellness Professionals. Human Kinetics Books, 1991. Colpo, Anthony. â€Å"LDL Cholesterol: Bad Cholesterol, or Bad Science?†Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons Volume 10 Number 3 (Fall 2005): 85-86. Henkel, John. â€Å"Keeping Cholesterol under Control.†FDA Consumer            Magazine. (January February 1999): 22-24 framingham.com/heart http://info.britannica.com http://science.jrank.org/pages/1454/Cholesterol-History.html McKusick, Dr. Victor A. John Hopkins Directory of Genetics Support            Groups, Services and Information (2006): 298-299
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
The Truth About Famous Black Inventors
The Truth About Famous Black Inventors Quite a few of our readers have written asking me to clear up some facts about African American inventors in a sort of mythbuster manner. Much of the discussion has centered around who was the first person to invent a comb, elevator, cell phone, etc. African American Patents When an inventor files for a patent, the application form does not require a person to state his/her race. Thus little was known about early African American inventors. So librarians from one of the Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries decided to compile a database of patents granted to black inventors by researching patent applications and other records. These compilations include Henry Bakers Patents by Negroes [1834-1900]. Baker was a second assistant patent examiner at the USPTO who was dedicated to uncovering and publicizing the contributions of Black inventors. The database listed the inventors name followed by the patent number(s), which is the unique number assigned to an invention when a patent is issued, the date the patent was issued and the title of the invention. However, the database was misunderstood as readers falsely assumed that the title of the invention meant that the inventor had invented the first comb, elevator, cell phone and such. In the case of Henry Sampson, readers even misunderstood the title of gamma cell to mean Sampson had invented the first cell phone. Black Myth or Black Fact? This has led to writers publishing misleading articles that assume that every invention mentioned in the database would not have been invented if black people did not exist. Even worse are other writers who have written counterpoint articles that falsely give the impression that black inventors have not achieved great things. Understand that titles are required by USPTO law to be as short and specific as possible. Nobody entitles their patent applications The First Comb Invented or The 1,403th Comb Invented. You have to read the rest of the patent to find out what new improvements that the inventor is claiming. And nearly all patents are for improvements to pre-existing items. Did you know that Thomas Edison, who was not the first person to invent a lightbulb, invented over fifty different lightbulbs? Misleading the Public? Not one of the black inventors lied in their patent applications or stated that they had invented something totally new when it was merely an improvement. However, I have read articles that imply that these inventors have done something terrible. For example, take my article on John Lee Love. Nowhere do I state that John Lee Love invented the very first pencil sharpener, but the tone is favorable and shows the respect I have for Love as an inventor. Another website uses a headline that read Pencil Sharpener - John Lee Love in 1897? No! This harsh tone puts the inventors achievements in a negative light. However, these were still real inventors who received real patents at a time when it was rare and difficult for a person of color to do so. Why Recognizing Back Inventors Is Important My database list of African American patent holders holds historical value far beyond winning the first race. It has led to research that answered many important questions. Questions such as: Who were the first African Americans to receive a U.S. patents?What were African American inventors inventing during the 19th and early 20th centuries?Did early black inventors profit from their inventions?What are contemporary African American scientists and inventors achieving today? About Henry Baker I believe wholeheartedly that inventors make the best people. And while I will continue to maintain the historical aspects of the database and update the database with current inventors, what we know about early African American innovators comes mostly from the work of Henry Baker. He was an assistant patent examiner at the U.S. Patent Office (USPTO) who thankfully was dedicated to uncovering and publicizing the contributions of Black inventors. Around 1900, the Patent Office conducted a survey to gather information about black inventors and their inventions. Letters were sent to patent attorneys, company presidents, newspaper editors and prominent African-Americans. Baker recorded the replies and followed-up on leads. Bakers research also provided the information used to select black inventions exhibited at the Cotton Centennial in New Orleans, the Worlds Fair in Chicago and the Southern Exposition in Atlanta. By the time of his death, Baker had compiled four massive volumes.
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Symbolism in the Short Story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Symbolism in the Short Story - Essay Example For instance, a substantial part of the story is spent on describing the â€Å"stepping stones†in the river and the girl’s passage of it. Stepping stones and rivers have traditionally been symbolic of the journey of life. Rivers are also important as boundaries and crossing them often signifies passage from one world to another. The crossing of river Jordan into the Promised Land, for instance, is a crucial element of the Bible (Ferber, 2007, p. 170). The stepping stones, that are at first harder to cross and easy afterwards are also symbolic of the passage of life. This is the first hint that the speaker may be coming from a different land, or even a different plane of existence. The emphasis on the â€Å"glassy†sky is yet another symbolic clue. Glassy has connotations of an unnatural or artificial material, as it is man-made. It can also signify a certain deadness of the subject, an absence of expression as in the phrase â€Å"glassy eyes†. The absence of life, and the distance she feels from manmade objects further intensify the suggestion that the speaker is already dead. The narrator also mentions several objects of the landscape that she finds missing, suggesting a rather long absence. There was now a road that had replaced the pave and the pine tree she knew was gone.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
2 Questions paraphrased Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
2 Questions paraphrased - Essay Example A federal state can be defined as one that involves the sharing of sovereignty across a number of levels of government whereas a unitary state, on the other hand, involves the concentration of sovereignty at the level of a single central government. These states may be centralized, decentralized, or regionalized. Federalism may be found in unitary states such as France and Italy The unitary form of government was introduced after the French revolution while federal governance was first experimented in US after the American Revolution. This was followed by the confederate form of government. Unitary form of government constituted nationalization which meant that the people of those nations were to be kept united under one common flag and one political government. There was also the involvement of a centralized government to ensure that there was order in the states. On the other hand the federal state is one formed by the association of various states which are usually formed for a common purpose. This will ensures that the member states maintain a huge measure of autonomy and independence. This implies therefore, both unitary and federal systems differ on the basis of autonomy. There is no much autonomy in unitary form of governance as compared to the federal form of governance, where there is considerable intensity of autonomy. However, the unitary and federal form of governments exists in varying forms and therefore they revolve in the extent of central regulation of affairs. The unitary form of government has sub-national governments that exist having strict functions of welfare governance regulated by the center. Both forms of governance involve a field over which they take shifts and since both are not wholly separated, a few states are regarded as being between complete federalism and complete unitary form of governance. The two forms of
Saturday, January 25, 2020
The Boxes of Life :: essays research papers
Boxes of Life      There are many factors that contribute to what society thinks of us. The way we dress, the music we listen to, and the activities that we participate in are a few that really â€Å"allow†society to put us into these boxes of conformity. And while these things we do are representations of ourselves, they don’t always mean the same to us as they do to society.      The ways I dress and act have always been hard for me to â€Å"box-up.†I think that I fall into a couple of different categories, and do things in all of the different categories with all types of people. For example, when talking about one’s attire, there are a couple of major groups that you can stereotype together. There are, of course, the â€Å"preppy†styles, the â€Å"I don’t care†looks, and the â€Å"gothic†looks. Now I think there are different bits and pieces of all of these groups that I can put myself in. But this doesn’t just apply to the clothes that you choose to wear. It also groups you into what activities you normally partake in, and the different things you like. And, no matter what â€Å"group†you fall into, you are going to be perceived, in a way that you might not always like, by society.      First, there is the â€Å"preppy†group. This is the group, for guys, that usually consists of faded or ripped-up jeans, a button-up shirt, usually tucked-in in the front, and spiked and frosted hair. And for girls, it’s all about the tight-fitting clothes. Usually a short skirt or tight jeans, accompanied by a smaller than normal shirt, and hair that’s been died or highlighted so many times that you can’t even tell what color it originally was supposed to be; but over everything, there is usually some bright, blonde highlights over the color of the month. As for the activities that â€Å"these people†partake in†¦they are usually more of the athletic types, you know†¦the stars of the football or track team. If this whole stereotype is at all â€Å"correct†, then there is a lot of that that I fall into. In high school (which, actually, is what I’m relating most of this to), I played a couple of different s ports, and wasn’t too bad either. I wasn’t ever the â€Å"star†, but I started on the baseball team, and got plenty of minutes on the basketball team.
Friday, January 17, 2020
Documentary: Waiting for Superman Essay
The concept of education as a vital part of life and success is universal, regardless of how it is done. Unfortunately, regardless of its importance in society, the education system does not always accomplish its goals. The documentary, Waiting for Superman, was an excellent illustration of the large problems we face here in America. From our disappointing comparisons of education in the US compared to other countries, and the system of the government (impoverished neighborhoods, poor and failing education institutions) is a crisis that should be addressed and brought to public attention. Although there have been countless attempts to reform education, increase budgets, and implement new programs, the education system in the U.S. is not doing its job entirely and as effective as society needs it to be to foster the future generations. The film is alarming to the sad truth: there are teachers out there who don’t care about what they do. There are teachers who use the contract that they signed into to take advantage of their role, and not do what they signed up to do. This was alarming especially being aware of real life examples and videos that were caught on tape of how teachers use their classroom time. Even more alarming the results of school testing that illustrates a clear image- schools are not producing what they should, and education system in institutions are not working! It does not take a genius to realize that something has to change. â€Å"You can’t have a great school without great teachers†is a beautiful quote mentioned in the film. Although government officials have sought out to reform education by providing funds or special programs, the real problem is finding effective and passionate teachers who truly seek to make a difference in the world by giving the gift of knowledge. If the system can effectively evaluate its teachers worldwide, and rid of teachers who are not doing an adequate job or benefitting the students or institution, they should no be teaching. Time is precious, especially time in the classroom and hopes for a new age of education system is possible. If there are more great teachers in our school systems, the US may have a brighter future. If there are qualified and effective schools, the children of America would not have to fight for a spot to receive education we all deserve. It is a shame that the system has come to do this, change must come.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
2016 Presidential Election Approaches, And The Issue Of Jobs
As the 2016 Presidential Election approaches, we have seen a series of events from each candidate: Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and once, Bernie Sanders, who ran as a third-party candidate. The New York Times provides a transcript of the first Presidential Debate of this year. As we know, voting is an irrational act; we often vote based on our emotions/how we feel about certain topics. During the first debate, both candidates touched on important subjects: â€Å"Achieving prosperity; America’s direction; and securing America.†â€Å"Achieving prosperity†in the country refers to the U.S. and the issue of jobs. In response to this topic, Hillary Clinton proposed a number of solutions, which include: â€Å"jobs in infrastructure, in advanced manufacturing, innovation and technology, clean, renewable energy, and small business; [as well as] raising the national minimum wage and guarantee, finally, equal pay for women’s work.†In addition to this, Clinton mentioned that we, as a country, have to make â€Å"the wealthy pay their fair share and close the corporate loopholes.†In opposition of Clinton’s standpoint, Trump analyzed this topic from a more racial and business perspective; his argument was mainly built upon his belief that the American job market is in danger because of countries such as Mexico and China. And so, Trump vouched for a solution to our weakening job market by saying, â€Å"Under my plan, I’ll be reducing taxes tremendously, from 35 percent to 15 percent for companies, smallShow MoreRelatedLeadership Style Of Leadership Styles Essay1433 Words  | 6 Pagescase at all. 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