Androstendione essays

Androstendione essays Androstenedione is one of the leading supplements in body building nutrition. Many serious bodybuilders use androstenedione to further help increase their lean muscle size and strength. Androstenedione helps the body build lean mass through the extra supplementation of testosterone. This drug has helped many accomplish what they are looking for but at a price. Androstenedione is also one of the most controversial supplements on the market. It has many side effects and is even been said to cause cancer. Many people do not know the true chemistry behind this drug that makes it all work. Androstenedione is produced in the body from either 17-a-hydroxyprogesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also found in meat and in the pollen of the Scotch Pine Tree. Since this natural testosterone precursor occurs naturally in plants and in the human body, it falls within the classification of a dietary supplement under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA). Androstenediones chemical name is 4-androstene 3, 17-dione. It is naturally produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes and can be converted directly by the liver into testosterone. This chart shows a little more information concerning the true chemistry behind this product. Characteristics: White Crystalline powder As you can see, androstenedione is very similar to that of pure testosterone. This is how it can be so functional because it just increases a chemical that is already in the body. The pictures on the following page also display some additional information regarding the molecular structures of testosterone, androstenedione and other related chemicals. Androstenedione is the most controversial sports supplement there is. This supplement may do a lot of good for most people but they do not tru ...

Tiziano de Cadore essays

Tiziano de Cadore essays In Vasari's Lives of the Artists, Vasari offers us a fairly in-depth portrait of Tiziano de Cadore (most commonly and hereafter to be referred to as "Titian") both as one of the great painters of the Renaissance and as a truly great and beneficent individual. Indeed, the portrait of Titian that Vasari offers is one of a prodigiously and suprememly talented youth whose early painting went through a series of exceptionally dramatic although always impressive shifts. Indeed, many of these changes were due to his alternation tutelage, as well as the fact that, hailing from Venice, he was not initially in contact with the changes in painting then going on in Rome. Specifically, Early works of Titian betray a general ignorance of the resurgent classicism and historical study of painting then occurring in Rome, but with the arrival of some Roman-schooled painters, he adapted his style to be more in tune with the Roman one, while retaining much of the vigor and energy of the Venetian painting of his youth. Titian later traveled to Rome and found much success there, but he ultimately returned again to Venice. Indeed, his style changed yet again as he aged, but these changes only reflected Titian's amazing strength and versatility as a painter and revealed the very elements of his style and sensibilities that make us remember him even today, hundreds of years after his death. Indeed, much of the mystique surrounding Titian can be derived from his own enormous individual talent. Even as a young child he should an enormous interest in a and talent for painting, and it was these factors that convinced his father to apprentice him with the great northern painter He, seeing that the boy was much inclined to painting, put him with the famous painter Gian Bellini, under whose discipline he studied drawing, and showed himself in a short time to be endowed by nature ...

ZIMMER Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ZIMMER - Case Study Example patients in making amputation unnecessary and replacement of joints possible, but was a relief to health insurers such as Medicaid and health practitioners; they were able to handle such cases with much ease, at lower costs and resulted to much less suffering in the patient. It was in the 90s that the leading companies in orthopedics realigned in a competitive market, which led to massive mergers and acquisitions of other device makers that a new trend in orthopedics was designed. Companies in this period vehemently searched for smaller companies to acquire to improve their product lines, improve innovations through technologies, increase market penetration, and reduce complexity of managing rapidly growing companies, especially in spinning off major business lines by large pharmaceutical companies to reduce the size of their enterprises (Bickel, 3). As explained earlier, it was innovativeness through research and development that many companies such as Zimmer managed to venture rapidly in the market, while strategically making acquisitions to strengthen their footing in the global market. For example, through such innovativeness Zimmer became the pioneer of initiating a bloodless and less painful surgery operation, resulting in reduced trauma in a patient’s body tissues; such innovations opened another new page in orthopedics, a window that introduced the company to stiff competition. The strength of the company was concentrating more on research and development, to come up with new products increased its competitiveness. In addition to innovations, marketing activities were critical in defining a company’s presence in any particular market. However, in this marketing approach there were unfair trends in selling of orthopedic products to hospitals. Instead of manufacturers dealing directly with major hospitals, di stributors were largely used to acquire such products. The problem was that surgeons and other medics could take advantage of such distribution

Declaration of Independence day Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Declaration of Independence day - Term Paper Example The independence day of the United States is celebrated on July, 4 as approved by the congress. The interpretation as well as sources of the declaration has been subject of scholarly evaluation and request even as the original version is displayed at the national archives in Washington, D.C. (Bond, September, 1). The most important and dominant theme of the document is, perhaps, the founding fathers’ vision and dream for the country as a democratic powerhouse in the global scene. True to their vision, the country has worked on many fronts to make a nation based on outlined democratic principles such as equality, right to life, liberty and a chance to exercise the pursuit of happiness (Armitage 22). The declaration highlights the American orientation to democratic foundations. It is clear that Jefferson represented the will of the American leadership. The retention of the resolve to protect â€Å"self-evident† principles of human life and social health, democracy was cultivated in the country’s long journey to success. The right to life is a fundamental truth in the American dream and as demonstrated in various national policies that ensure the protection of life, the country has made tremendous steps in establishing institutions to protect life. Provision of important li fe protection services offered by the federal government in relation to such subjects as food, shelter, income and healthcare are illustrations of how the culture of life is protected to date (Armitage 22). In view of how liberty was envisioned and implemented to date, America has a long journey. Political liberty is perhaps one of the most celebrated principles in America and as envisioned in the Declaration of Independence, the country rose to set an enormous standard for others to emulate (Bond 3). Through model governance structures and an impressive track record for accommodation of divergent views, America borrows a lot from the

Government in america Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Government in america - Essay Example Brown posits that amendments are a serious necessity in the United States constitution (The Birthright Question 106). Brown states that, â€Å"the 14th Amendment was passed by Congress on June 13, 1866 and finally ratified on July 9, 1868† (The Birthright Question 106). Hammerstrom expounds more on the 14th amendment, which gives equal rights to every citizen in the United States and completely abolished slavery (1). The historical and contemporary government development in the14th amendment is important to the American people and the government mandate is to protect and upheld the rights of the American people stated in the amendment. The thought of independence means guaranteed equal rights to every citizen in a country. Stock explicates that the meaning of independence was not as was expected to the American people because the people only experienced the concept of equal rights after the 1868 14th amendment (139). The 14th amendment passed by the congress was after a long c ontroversy and heated debate. According to Brown, racism was very dominant in the United State between the white and the black people (The Birthright Question 106). The amendment reaffirms states and federal citizenship for all people irrespective of race whether born or have been naturalized in the United States. ... Brown indicates that the 14th amendment granted citizenship to any person both within United States geographical area despite parent’s legal status or not (A United States Analysis 421). The 14th amendment indicates that a state will not abridge the privilege and freedom of American Citizen (Our Constitution 168). Therefore, every person in America as long as the citizen is above twenty-one is allowed to vote. According to Brown, the Constitution of the United States has no clause that the term ‘slavery’ is directly cited. Article 1, Section 2 of the constitution apportioned tax and enumeration of representatives of Congress according to whole number of free persons (The Birthright Question 106). Therefore, slavery included the three-fifth of total number of people counted. The Congress bounded such people to slavery for a period of one thousands and ninety nine years. The constitution gave primary rights to government to the states rather than federal government (The Birthright Question 107). Therefore, the southern states declared their withdrawal from the union. These happened when Abraham Lincoln voiced his support for the states right of withdrawal. In 1854, establishment of the Republic Party was to stop slavery in America and this contributed to Abraham Lincoln elected as the president of America. After the election of Abraham Lincoln, the southern state seceded from the union leading to the Republican Party and the northern states having absolute control of the federal government (The Birthright Question 108). In 1862, the congress passed laws to confiscate all slaves from the southern states therefore using the freed slaves as soldiers to fight against the southern state. The Civil war between the states

Economic Impact of Pollution: Article Analysis

Economic Impact of Pollution: Article Analysis Luis Andre Talavera Nunez CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ANALYSIS An analysis of Peter Cai’s article: â€Å"Iron ore the victim in Beijings smog crackdown in the Business† Published the 26th of February – 2015 in the website businessspectator.com.au EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Peter Cai’s article analyses the economic impact of the pollution produced by the steel factories in China and their repercussion in the steel market and the iron ore prices. The article takes as an example the city of Hebei, one of the most important steel producer centres of China, which suffers one of the most critical pollution levels of its history. The province’s strategic location close to Beijing, the Chinese capital is a contributor factor to the increment of smog in the metropolitan area. The social pressure that arises from this issue is forcing the government to take drastic decisions with potential socio-economic impacts. New environmental standards were created in order to regulate the emissions. The new policies have the power to shut down any factory that does not meet the minimum standards. This is creating a lot of pressure on the industry and forcing the steel makers to reduce output and, in some cases, to update their assets. This new policies come in line with the Chinese economy slow down and the reduction of demand for the steel and its main resource, the iron ore. This has generated a crisis in the steel manufacturing industry that has seen a reduction of revenue and an increase of the operational cost in the last year. There is a potential risk of massive plants shut downs due to an important number of the steel makers won’t be able to afford the high cost that an update represents. This is also a consequence of poor government regulations during the economic boom that did not stimulate the companies to reinvest the capital in new and cleaner technologies when the revenue was higher. The social pressure has forced the government to take strong policies orientated to reduce the steel production capacity with the aim to minimize and control the toxic emissions. This represents a massive economic impact for the government which will be affected by lower tax revenue and potential increase of unemployment. INTRODUCTION The Hebei province, well known as the biggest steel producer in China and the second worldwide, contributor of the 22.5 percent of the national steel output is facing a critical time. The reports demonstrate a fall of 0.6 percent from the total steel production in 2014 in comparison to the 2013 figures and China’s total production is expected to drop 1.07% to 814 million tonnes by 2015. (Stanway, 2015; the Australian, 2015). The main reason for this crisis is the reduction in demand for the Chinese market and the new environmental policies that restrict the operation of plants that exceed the new emission standards (Li 2013). This environmental issue has situated the province within the top 10 most contaminated cities in China and has been affected people’s health critically reducing life expectancy by five years (Cai P., 2015; Stanway, 2015). As a consequence, there is a strong social pressure that request fast solutions to a problem that seems not to have a sustainabl e solution in the short term. This article address the following issues: The economic impact of the reduction of steel production’s output in the province of Hebei and its repercussion on the steel and iron prices in the short and medium term. The impact of the new environmental policies that force the shutdown of steel’s factories that don’t meet the minimum emission standards. Reduction in the demand of steel, impact on the government revenue and increment in the unemployment rate. ECONOMIC THEORIES One of the most important parts of the article is the dynamic of the Chinese steel market and its influence in the iron global supply. In the last decade the Chinese demand and supply for steel have been growing consistently driven by the strong urbanization process (World Steel Association 2014). However, this figure is changing rapidly due to China’s growth slowdown and a shift towards an economic model orientated to consumption and less steel dependent. The performance indicators demonstrate that the Chinese steel markets not in shape (Serapio. 2014), face serious issues related to competitiveness, productivity, efficient logistics, infrastructure and technology. The chart below explains the relation between Supply and Demand during the last 7 years and the reduction in market growth as result of the deceleration. Figure 1 – Source: EYGM Limited. 2014. The effect of the reduction in steel demand has been reflected in lower steel prices as result of the existing excess of the capacity. The steel producers have no other option than become more competitive, orientating their efforts to improve productivity and reduce costs in order to maximize the profits. According Agrawal (EYGM Limited. 2014), this highly competitive scenario will lead to a flatter marginal cost curve along the productive sector, reducing the breach between the competitors. This means that any fluctuation in the market variables will affect most of the participants evenly. THE PARTICIPATION OF THE GOVERNMENT What is the position of the government? The Chinese government is facing two major issues. According Elliott (EYGM Limited. 2015), the two major contributor factors are the critical contamination levels in most of the major cities around the country as product of the poor regulation policy to the steel market and the socio economic pressure to maintain an industry that provides generous tax income and maintain low unemployment levels. As result of social pressure the government decided to apply new regulation policies with the aim to reduce the actual steel production capacity. The new industrial emission standards give the government the tools to shut down the plants that don’t meet the new environmental requirements (Jiabao, Li. 2013). The article mentions that the pollution reduction technologies are expensive and under the current steel prices and many of the current steel producers are not going to be able to afford the investment. This exemplifies a clear normative economic, where the government identify a problem and prescribe solutions based on facts. Un-employment is an additional impact that has to be managed by the government. According Cai’s article, â€Å"the new industrial policy could cost 200,000 direct jobs as well as another 400,000 indirect positions†. In the short term the chances of a rapid migration towards a cleaner and environmental friendly industry are almost impossible due to the economic situation that the China is facing at the moment.. Here is where the government must evaluate different tools like tax incentives in order to stimulate the migration to cleaner industries in the medium term. One fact that was not mentioned in the article is that the government possesses participation in some factories; these factories receive incentives that allow them to operate even in loss with the aim to maintain levels of employment. This creates a clear dead weight loss for the government (EYGM Limited. 2014). The government subsidies are illustrated in the graph below: Figure 2 – Deadweight loss of government subsidy in the steel market. P1 is the original market price for the steel and Q1 is the original demand. Pc is the price that the consumer pays after the subsidy whilst Ps is the real price including the subsidy. Qs is the quantity of steel produced as result of the subsidy, this represent inefficient production. The area highlighted in red represents the deadweight loss to that the society pays as product of the government subsidy. CONCLUSION Cai’s article highlights the complex situation that the Chinese steel market is facing these days, as well as, the economic, environmental and social repercussion of its reduction capacity and the roll of the government in the market regulation. The article makes reference to production figures that can be easily tracked and verified in diverse economic reports. There are two points that the article doesn’t cover in deep. The subsidies of the government to some steel makers and how this affects the supply and the effect of the Iron Ore price fluctuations in the Chinese steel market. It’s clear that the social pressure is changing the traditional political Chinese scenario, characterized by their authoritarian decision making at the moment to approve and put in practice government interest policies. The demand for a better air quality reflects a new scenario where the politicians are willing to listen and negotiate. The short term solution of shutting down factories that don’t meet the environmental standards is only a policy that can alleviate the current contamination but does not provide a sustainable solution to the underlying problems: Maintain the competitiveness of Chinese market under optimal environmental standards. Reduce unemployment and also guarantee the resources that the country required to continue growing sustainably. The priority in a long term is to promote the development of more environmental friendly industries that can produce the high end products that China will require in the future. However, this is a big risk considering the investment and time required to transform an industry that has been considered one of the most traditional and important in China. REFERENCES Cai, P. (2015). â€Å"Iron ore the victim in Beijing’s smog crackdown†. Business spectator. Retrieved from http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2015/2/26/china/iron-ore-victim-beijings-smog-crackdown. EY Limited (2014). â€Å"Global steel 2014, planning to profit from opportunity: preparing for future demand†. Retrieved from http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY_-_Global_steel_2014/$FILE/EY-Global-steel-2014.pdf The Australian (2015). â€Å"China’s steel production to fall†. Retrieved from: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/chinas-steel-production-to-fall/story-e6frg9df-1227208363291 Serapio, Manolo. 2014 â€Å"China steel demand shrinks for first time in 14 years as slowdown stings†Ã‚  http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/25/us-china-steel-idUSKCN0HK0Z320140925 Stanway, David. 2015. â€Å"Steel output dips 0.6 pct in Chinas Hebei in 2014†Ã‚  http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/26/china-steel-hebei-idUSL4N0V51DK20150126 World Steel Association. 2014. â€Å"World Steel in figures 2014†Ã‚  http://www.worldsteel.org/dms/internetDocumentList/bookshop/World-Steel-in-Figures-2014/document/World%20Steel%20in%20Figures%202014%20Final.pdf EYGM Limited. 2015. â€Å"Global steel 2014 Planning to profi t from opportunity: preparing for future demand†Ã‚  http://www.ey.com/Publication/vwLUAssets/EY_-_Global_steel_2014/$FILE/EY-Global-steel-2014.pdf Jiabao, Li. 2013 â€Å"Plant shutdowns likely as emission standards kick in†Ã‚  http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2013-03/15/content_16310734.htm American Economic Review. 1997  http://www.swlearning.com/ibc/hall/pdf/CH1a_hl.pdf

Cat In The Rain Essays -- essays research papers

Cat in the Rain   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The short story, “Cat in the Rain';, by Ernest Hemingway describes the stereotypical relationship between two married American tourists, one of whom is striving to recover a “poor kitty';. This seemingly mundane plot becomes symbolic and purposeful as the reader gazes beneath the surface to find the true intent of the short story. There are three characters in Hemingway’s story which help convey these meaningful analogies; in addition, the cat, the American woman, and the American man all represent something different in our present American society. The story is set in Europe and involves two foreigners for a special reason. They are isolated in a sense, forcing their true emotions and characteristics to shine ...

Case Study Medici Restaurant Essay

In the first question of the Medici Mediterranean Restaurant case study, it asks if there are any other options that Alissa might consider solving this problem. There are many other options that are not listed in the study that Alissa could exercise in this scenario to make Guido focus more on his job. In this particular case, the head chef Guido has not been through business school like the owner Alissa has. Guido lacks the business skills that are imperative to keep a business well and running, leading to recurring late payments of bills and invoices, deliveries of product that are not on time, and a non qualified wait staff that is hurting the business. Guido’s focus is in the kitchen and it has become a struggle for him to balance being a head chef, cooking food for numerous customers every day, and being a successful manager. In Medici II, there is a lack of wait staff that does no help to Guido, putting extra stress on him to perform to his best abilities as a chef. Guid o’s job is to ensure quality food keeping customers, while managing the entire floor of the restaurant, all while keeping Alissa happy. One option that Alissa may consider would to put her experience of business school to use and to take on the entire business side of both restaurant locations. Meaning to find a distributor that delivers product quick and on time, eliminating the need to change the popular menu items. Alissa would have to take on all invoices and bills in both restaurants, reducing what Guido’s job entails, leading him to focus more on being a chef, rather than a manager. Alissa would also have to decide which of the wait staff at Medici II is worth keeping, and fire the ones that are undisciplined. Hiring a wait staff that has experience in the restaurant business would benefit both Alissa and Guido and increase the profits in both restaurants because of an increase in efficiency. A more experienced wait staff would take stress off of Guido while he was in the kitchen, and would help him focus more on getting meals out to customers. Another option that Alissa may be able to exercise would be hiring an assistant chef for Guido, who has experience aiding to a head chef. This option would leave Guido with more time for taking care of the business side of the restaurant, such as bills and invoices, deliveries, and the wait staff. It will also give Guido more time during work hours to keep up appearances with customers, which come to the restaurant to see Guido, and eat the food that he prepares. With an assistant chef for Guido, revenue will increase again due to a rise in production output. The aid of an assistant chef giving Guido more time in the business, would lead Alissa to be able to stay at the original Medici location, minimizing the trips that she would have to take to the Medici II location. Helping her focus more on the issues that arise in the original location. The second question of the Medici Mediterranean Restaurant is to evaluate each alternative of the case carefully and to choose one that I think would be the best for this case. The first alternative option in the case is to maintain the status quo that Alissa already has in her businesses. This option entails Alissa and Guido sitting down and discussing a more manageable plan for handling office administration details at the Medici II loc ation. In this option Alissa considers the idea of hiring a full time employee to assist Guido with business details, but Alissa is not sure she will be able to afford another full time employee at this time. This option is not the one that I would choose for Alissa to exercise in her business. Sitting down in a non-confrontational manner and discussing the administrative side of the business and future of Medici II with Guido would be a step in the right direction, but would not get anything executed. Alissa has already talked to Guido about his work ethic and Guido has always promised Alissa to do better. The relationship between Guido and Alissa is obviously not working. In this option, it says that she will try to figure out his future plans, meaning she would wait to see if he is going to open a restaurant himself or not. This option is wasting valuable time for Alissa, time that she can be putting toward training a new head chef and manager for her business. The second option would be to discipline or fire Guido. This option entails that Guido has been repeating the same problems that have been addressed on previous occasions. Alissa is worried that firing Guido would put her business in a competition with Guido if he decided to open his own restaurant. With no guarantee that Guido would open a business in the area of Medici, Alissa still thinks that disciplinary steps are futile. This is the option that I would choose. The problems have been adding up for Guido as an employee of Alissa. The business is losing money and it is at the point where something needs to change. Alissa needs to cut ties with Guido, and hire a chef that is responsible in making business decisions and skilled in cooking Mediterranean cuisine. If Alissa does not fire Guido, Medici II will eventually fail as a business, causing a major set back financially for Alissa. Alissa needs to take this risk of firing Guido, and not worry if Guido will open a restaurant, for that will focus her on everything but what actually needs to be done in her business. At this time in her business, there are more important issues that need to be taken care of, and keeping Guido at the current position would take away time that could be used toward finding a new head chef and manager that may very well be a better employee than Guido.

Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge

Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge The Battle of Milvian Bridge was part of the Wars of Constantine. Date Constantine defeated Maxentius on October 28, 312. Armies Commanders Constantine Emperor Constantine Iapproximately 100,000 men Maxentius Emperor Maxentiusapproximately 75,000-120,000 men Battle Summary In the power struggle that began following the collapse of the Tetrarchy around 309, Constantine consolidated his position in Britain, Gaul, the Germanic provinces, and Spain. Believing himself to be the rightful emperor of the Western Roman Empire, he assembled his army and prepared for an invasion of Italy in 312. To the south, Maxentius, who occupied Rome, sought to advance his own claim to the title. To support his efforts, he was able to draw upon the resources of Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the African provinces. Advancing south, Constantine conquered northern Italy after crushing Maxentian armies at Turin and Verona. Showing compassion to the citizens of the region, they soon began to support his cause and his army swelled to near 100,000 (90,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry). As he neared Rome, it was expected that Maxentius would stay within the city walls and force him to lay siege. This strategy had worked in the past for Maxentius when he faced invasion from the forces of Severus (307) and Galerius (308). In fact, siege preparations had already been made, with large amounts of food already brought into the city. Instead, Maxentius opted to give battle and advanced his army to the Tiber River near the Milvian Bridge outside of Rome. This decision is largely believed to have been based on favorable omens and the fact that the battle would occur on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne. On October 27, the night before the battle, Constantine claimed to have had a vision which instructed him fight under the protection of the Christian God. In this vision a cross appeared in the sky and he heard in Latin, in this sign, you will conquer. The author Lactantius states that following the visions instructions, Constantine ordered his men to paint the Christians symbol (either a Latin cross or the Labarum) upon their shields. Advancing over the Milvian Bridge, Maxentius ordered it destroyed so that it could not be used by the enemy. He then ordered a pontoon bridge constructed for his own armys use. On October 28, Constantines forces arrived on the battlefield. Attacking, his troops slowly pushed back Maxentius men until their backs were at the river. Seeing that the day was lost, Maxentius decided to retreat and renew the battle closer to Rome. As his army withdrew, it clogged the pontoon bridge, its only avenue of retreat, ultimately causing it to collapse. Those trapped on the north bank were either captured or slaughtered by Constantines men. With Maxentius army split and decimated, the battle came to a close. Maxentius body was found in the river, where he had drowned in an attempt to swim across. Aftermath While casualties for the Battle of the Milvian Bridge are not known, it is believed that Maxentius army suffered badly. With his rival dead, Constantine was free to consolidate his hold over the Western Roman Empire. He expanded his reign to include the entire Roman Empire after defeating Licinius during the civil war of 324. Constantines vision prior to the battle is believed to have inspired his ultimate conversion to Christianity. Selected Sources Constantine the GreatLactantius Account of the BattleEusebius Life of Constantine

buy custom Genetic Predisposition and Environmental Conditions essay

buy custom Genetic Predisposition and Environmental Conditions essay Introduction HIV is an acronym that stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Just like bacteria, viruses are also infectious agents. The difference between these two agents is that viruses are much smaller and are also not self-sufficient. Though viruses can exist by themselves, they usually require a host especially for their reproduction. HIV is normally found to exist in the human immune systems macrophages and in a number of T-helper cells. This paper wishes to examine the interconnection between genetic predisposition and environmental conditions that trigger the onset of various modern diseases, in this case HIV. Viruses are known to replicate themselves once they have entered a host cell by the use of the host cells machinery. They eventually destroy it so that when it bursts open or during budding they get released. Within the human immune system, the most vulnerable cell that the HIV normally enters is the CD4 T-lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell known to perform very important roles within the immune system (HIS-CPSH, 2004). These immune cells get steadily and very slowly destroyed so that the body is weakened to be able to defend any disease that attacks the individual. When the CD4 cells are significantly reduced in number such that they fall below a given number, usually less than two hundred per cubic millimeter of blood the individual moves to the critical AIDS stage. Background In its history, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus was discovered as a strange disease among the gay community in North America. The victims would mysteriously fall sick and thereby develop certain tumors and infections that were unusual. Pneumocystic carinii was established to be one of the infectious agents. Though it had been known to be harmless, this micro-organism would make people and other organisms to experience fatal pneumonia especially in situations of abnormal weakness. Kaposis sarcoma was a tumor that was seen in these victims and was initially characterized by bluish red skin lesions on lower legs and feet. This was a cancer and was very aggressive. Its lesions would not only spread up ones body but also internally to lymph nodes (Goudsmit, 1997). Treatment of these gay men by physicians established that they had great immunodeficiency marked by a severe drop in T-helper cells. The CD4-positive cells are vital in the defense of the body against certain disease causing micro-organisms and thus by the action of the HIV that led to their destruction this role was impaired. It was evident that this impairment did not originate from an individuals own body, that is inborn, but it was acquired. This therefore made it to be known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The functions of the CD4 cells in the body are the recognition of any intruders and using the available fighter cells to fight these intruders off. Ironically, HIV enters the cells via these CD4 molecules and end up destroying those cells (Jones, 2010). The effect of the HIV is not immediately felt since the cells it destroys get replenished. However in the long run, the virus steady destruction of the cells leads to the bodys immunodeficiency. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus may not have been a new virus but an old virus that acquired a new degree of virulence. There exist more than one type, subtype and strains of the HIV. For example, HIV type 1 is mainly found within Europe and North America and is quickly speading towards South America. Whenever this type of HIV enters a new person, it gains strength and becomes more virulent. The most unfortunate thing is that this cycling process appears to be a family trait of the virus. It is possible that it might have acquired the mutations to bring about human immunodeficiency lately. People immune to HIV Jones (2010) asserts that studies that have been carried out lately say that there are some people who are naturally immune to the HIV. Scientists in certain places, for example Dr Nicole Bernard believes that it is the simultaneous expression of specific versions of HLA-B*57 and KIR3DL1 genes that are responsible for this innate ability to resist infection by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. They compared people experiencing primary level of HIV infections genetic profiles with those of individuals who are recurrently exposed to HIV but are not infected in their studies. It is alleged that KIR3DL1 gene codes belonging to a receptor found on the natural killer cells of the immune systems surface get activated and thus are responsible for destroying the bodys infected cells. It is hypothesized that these genetic mechanisms usually occur immediately after the virus begins infecting the cells in ones body. Carriers of these versions of the genes are able to efficiently kill the cells that have been infected due to their exposure to HIV. It is said that after the KIR3DL1 has been activated the HLA-B*57 gene codes belonging to a protein present on body cells surfaces binds it and thus reducing the natural killer cells activity. Other scientists suggested that the generation of cytotoxic T-cells is the process responsible for the creation of the immunity against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This was after a research carried out by a group of researchers drawn from Japan, Gambia and England within a number of Gambian women who were apparently immune to infection by HIV. The women were prostitutes exposed to the risk of HIV infection for about five years but were free of any signs of the virus infection during that whole period. These various researches all tend to concur on one thing; that there are a number of people within the human population that are immune to HIV infection. I agree with most of these and believe in the hypothesis that this ability to resist infection by HIV is because of the individuals possession of CD8+ T-cells, immune cell types that are responsible for the identification and destruction of infected cells (Tatalovic, 2008). These cells mode of working whereby they created and then delivered perforin and granzyme B molecules that brought about immunity was the important aspect as far as this characteristic is concerned. Relationship between HIV and AIDS AIDS is the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and an individual is said to have this disease if he has a CD4+ cell count of less than two hundred per cubic millimeter of blood or one of twenty six specific illnesses with no other known cause of immune deficiency apart from HIV. There are numerous proofs that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection has an underlying responsibility for the occurrence of AIDS. Most of these are based on the virologic, epidemiologic and immunologic data available. The continuous destruction of CD4+ molecules causes acute immunosuppression, neurological complications as well as constitutional illnesses and along-tthe-way infections and neoplasms. Treatments and prognoses Currently, there are no available cures for people infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus; however, treatment options which have the ability to make persons living with this virus to live long and fulfilling lives exist. Post-exposure prophylaxis is a type of antiretroviral treatment that is administered to an individual within the period after he is exposed to the virus. The earlier one commences this type of treatment, the higher the reduction rate of the risk of HIV infection. Entry inhibitors are yet another type of treatment options available to patients. Complete HIV infection eradication has however not been possible despite various researches that have been carried out. Scientists have established that the lack of treatment in an infected individual will make this person to have a net median period of survival of between nine and eleven years since the time of infection with the virus. In addition, a study that was conducted explains that without treatment; depending on the virus subtype an individuals median survival period after being diagnosed with AIDS is six to nineteen months. This is specifically for areas with limited resources. The introduction of newer treatment options makes peoples survival time to also change with time. Environments and conditions that help spread the virus According to San Francisco AIDS Foundation (2008), the transmission of the HIV virus from person to person occurs in the condition that the HIV virus is present in a certain individual. It can not occur where none of the individuals in question possesses the virus. How concentrated ones blood is with the virus as compared to other body fluids is also a necessary condition for infection. A slight concentration of this virus in the blood being passed from one individual to another will lead to the other person getting infected. However, for the spread of the infection to occur via body fluids there ought to be a larger concentration of this virus. HIV is transmitted in such instances as through contact with the anal mucous membrane, open wounds, eyes, genitals as well as the mouth. This is as long as the body fluids infected with HIV get access into an uninfected persons body. In African countries, apart from the other obvious factors that cause the spread of HIV, social factors such as political problems and oppressions, poverty problems, cultural factors, wars and psychological disorders among others tend to offer a basis for the illnesses proliferation. In many other parts of the world the prison environment exposes the prisoners to the risk of HIV infection through homosexuality and lesbian behaviors. In America and in other countries of the world where same sex relationships and marriages are legal people are exposed to the risk of HIV infection through sexual activities (Tatalovic, 2008). Conclusion In the case of HIV transmission, no genetic predispositions are involved in the process. Causes of the disease are mostly as a result of the exposure to bodily fluids that are infected as in the case of breast milk, semen, blood and vaginal secretions. Therefore, in an attempt to establish the interconnection between genetic predisposition and environmental conditions in triggering transmission of HIV, it is evident that HIV is transmitted solely through environmental conditions. Buy custom Genetic Predisposition and Environmental Conditions essay

Subtle Expressions of Patriotism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Subtle Expressions of Patriotism - Essay Example It is not the cultures of the Irish, Hispanics, and Germans that dot this continent. America is a set of principles, values, and ideals that have remained unchanged for over two centuries. Giving our continual vigilance and support to these abstract concepts is what patriotism is. A colorful hat or a flag on the lawn does little to strengthen our nation or bind us together as a people. Living the principles and ideals of our founding fathers is a subtle, yet powerful, way to not only show our patriotism, but to put it to work to strengthen our nation. Practicing the founding principle of equality binds us together in a nationalistic environment that creates the strength of numbers with the peace of individualism. We practice equality in our day-to-day lives by acting on the immortal words "We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights" (Declaration of Independence). We live up to this ideal by treating our fellow citizens with dignity and respect. This calls us to do more than simply profess to be fair and equal in our treatment of minorities, religions, and opposing political opinions. It means that we must also accept them as legitimate and equal in terms of allowing them to exist, flourish, and grow. The practice of equality is a subtle expression of patriotism that is built upon the foundation of our nation's beliefs. Equality helps our nation assure that we are allowed to remain free and have the liberty that our independence granted us. Founding father Thomas Jefferson warned us that, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" (qtd. in Quotation Page). Our subtle patriotism is shown by our continued watch over our government, its excesses, and its direction in forming our domestic and foreign policies. As with equality, this expression of patriotism also requires action on the part of the citizenry. It requires us to stay informed of the issues that affect America. It demands that we participate in government when possible and whenever necessary. This may mean taking the simple action to vote, or may require running for public office. In addition, as Mark Twain said, we need to support our government when it deserves it. Freedom is a right that must be lived and watched over to assure it remains a part of our American tradition. As a nation that is built on equality and liberty, we have a patriotic obligation to support our country when we can, and criticize it when we can't. While we see our brave soldiers as true patriots, some patriots may be subtler in their approach. Visiting a veteran's hospital to thank the courageous men and women that have placed their life in harms way for our freedom is a quiet, yet forceful, show of patriotism. In addition, we must be willing to criticize our government when our conscience tells us that the government is taking action that is not in the best interest of the people. Civil disobedience can be as patriotic as enlisting in the armed forces. In both cases we are defending the principles and values that make this nation America. In conclusion, patriotism is an action that must be lived and incorporated into our daily lives. It isn't displayed by our once a year display of flags and fireworks. Patriotism is an

Amish in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Amish in America - Essay Example The Amish people have performed their best in agriculture and they have improved their lifestyles through assimilating the American way of living. Many scholars have presented the history of the Amish people and this topic is quite interesting because of the unique Amish cultural beliefs and their way of life in America. The study of Amish in America is one of the interesting aspects that attempt to reveal the traditional cultures and religious beliefs of the Amish people. However, modernization has contributed to the eroding of these traditional cultural beliefs and values; thus contributing to the swift currents of varied changes. The traditional Amish people have demonstrated an amazing resilience to varied cultural devastation. For instance, the distinctive dressing style and horse-drawn buggies set them apart as the society, which has dared to ignore the wave of modern advancement (Kraybill 23). Moreover, the Amish practices seem to defy the common sense because of varied contradictions and bound inconsistencies when studying their ways of life. Even, some of their neighbors call them hypocrites because of the attached beliefs of using varied services such as doctors and many others, but they do not want their children to pursue such careers related to such services. They ban telephone use from their homes but still use outdoor booth; thus, this can impact one’s understanding of American diversity. PBS. Org (pr. 6) reveals that some Amish who are attached to cultural beliefs reject modern technology such as use of phones, computer in homes, car ownership and even rejects televisions. Many of them use horses and farm carts for puling farm equipment, but those who have appreciated new technologies use tractors in farm fields. The Amish culture is not only a baffling issue to the outsiders, but also to themselves as well. Kraybill (5) argues that the puzzles of Amish cultural practices are baffling both to the outsiders and even the Amish