Thursday, October 31, 2019

Roles, Relationships and Responsibilities in Lifelong learning Essay

Roles, Relationships and Responsibilities in Lifelong learning - Essay Example The religious teachings must not be aimed at spreading the lessons of a particular religion to influence the idea, thoughts and beliefs of the learners. Such acts of religious teaching are prohibited by the law. The teachings of different religion and faith are, however, not prohibited. The teaching of religious education should not be biased and should give equal respect to the faith and belief of all the religions. The regulatory requirements although imposes limitations on the schools to impart religious education on a particular belief or faith but allows flexibility to the teaching of religious education in the terms of the time and process of exploration of religious ideas and beliefs for dissemination to the learners. The codes of practice for teaching of religious education offers liberty to the teachers of religious education to engage into teaching of as many religious lessons and faith to the students but disallows confinement or stress on a particular religion. Thus the r ole of teachers is very important in developing a non-biased environment during the process of teaching. There is ample scope of questions related to values of life in religious teaching. The codes of practice allow teachers to address such question in an effective manner in order to impart complete teachings in the field of religious education. ... The promotion of equality and valuation of diversity in religious teachings is a key area of responsibility for the teachers. The teachers should be responsible in imparting the religious beliefs of all faith to learners. The strength of religious teachings lies in the inclusive aspect of the field. The teachers are responsible for non-discrimination of primary or specific religion among the vast field of religious ideas and beliefs. The learners should have the freedom to question on any aspect of religion keeping due respect to the teachings of other religions as well. The students irrespective of their notions on different religions and culture should be treated equally by the teachers. The students should have the freedom to raise the queries on the subject. The teachers should distribute equal emphasis to the teachings of all religion in order to attain equality in religious teachings. The weakness factor is presented by the aspect of diversity in religious teaching. Thus the te acher also has the responsibility of managing diversity in religious teachings. The teacher should be able to value diversified ideas and beliefs of different religions. The fundamentals of various religious faiths should be clearly explained to the learners. The responsibilities of the teacher demand avoidance of any bias and value the diversified ideas by developing a comprehensive study of religious teachings. These are the factors that influence the responsibility of the teachers in achieving equality and valuing diversity in religious teachings (Gravells and  Simpson, p.56). Evaluation of roles and responsibilities in the Lifelong learning The evaluation of roles and

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Community Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Community Communication - Essay Example He wondered such, because of the diffusion of cities created due to the stage of industrial revolution and unsettled west. Another scholar that set out to find the relation between community and communication was Gabriel Tarde in the 1980s. According to him, public opinion is a means of collective community which is controlled and arranged by the media (Katz, 1991). Furthering the previous thought, Bowes (1997) confirms that this relationship further gained strength in the 1920s and thus has now become indivisible. According to this study, for a collective action, communication between citizens and individuals is an important function for initiating a combined action, with the collective action being stimulated and expressed through the media. Of course, when it comes to finding the relation between these two variables, it is obvious to understand the definition of community. According to Hillary (1955), community can be explained in 94 ways. However, three essential components can b e found in the explanation of this variable. Beginning with a person involved in a specific community contact, the author mentioned geographic area as the second component with the common ties completing the collection. Bracht (1990) also revolves around the same concept of community. According to this study, a community can be explained as a cluster of individuals that share the same ethics, ideals and institutions. Further adding to the definitions, the author explained interpersonal relationships, culture and social groups as the interdependent basic components. Therefore, the above mentioned components work collectively towards a common good. This means that these components are a food for the community that are intellectual and conscious in nature and is thus a highly necessary requirement Dewey (1946). Bell and Newby (1971) added more to the definition and stated that communities have nowadays adopted a virtual nature. According to this study, the idea of a physical space has currently adopted a less physical approach of communication. Nonetheless, the relation between community and communication remains intact. Where traditionally the use of broadcast and print media was at its peak, the introduction of the computer based era and the enhancement of development and interactive media have positively worked towards eliminating the geographical constraints in communication. The virtual temperament of the media used two basic tools; the internet and direct broadcast satellites. Therefore, it becomes imperative to mention at this stage that after adopting the virtual mode, the communication media not simply aid the traditional community, rather it aids to the change in the entire definition of it (Bowes, 1997). According to Berrigan (May 1979), there is always the risk of importance in considering communication. That is, it is the author’s firm belief that although communication media is an effective tool in affecting the community, the role of the med ia is highly exaggerated. The study also stated that the media revolves around precedence in its importance. For the role of communication to be effective, it must be understood that it can never work alone. The media, in spite of its role in not the only factor that can bring changes to the community, the organizational, social and political structures also play a vital role that need to be identified. As the international communication association (May 2012) states; as our perceptions regarding the organizational, personal and social communities are undergoing massive changes, the boundaries and peripheries are becoming

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Treating Alzheimers Disease with Vitamin A, C E (ACE)

Treating Alzheimers Disease with Vitamin A, C E (ACE) ACE Alzheimers: An adjuvant strategy of treating Alzheimers disease with Vitamin A, C E (ACE) ABSTRACT Alzheimers disease (AD) is a chronic and slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder which has become a major concern with regards to health, worldwide. This disorder is characterised by progressive dementia and cognitive decline. Pathologically, AD is characterised by the presence of AÃŽÂ ² plaques and tau neurofibrils. However, literature has shown that oxidative stress is one of the most important risk factor behind the cause of AD. Oxidative stress often leads to production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which further increases structural and functional abnormalities in neurons of the brain, which subsequently, presents as dementia and cognitive decline. In order, to curb the oxidative stress, antioxidants can be of great help. There have been many evidences that supports the use of antioxidants in the treatment for AD. Vitamins A, C and E are an example of antioxidants that can be used as adjuvants in the treatment of AD. This article will focus on current literature and will present forward the evidence based advantages of using Vitamin A, C and E as an adjuvant treatment for AD. Keywords: Antioxidants, ACE, Adjuvant therapy. INTRODUCTION A clinical psychiatrist and neuroanatomist, Alois Alzheimer, reported A peculiar severe disease process of the cerebral cortex to the 37th Meeting of South-West German Psychiatrists in Tubingen, thus marking the discovery of one of the most interesting pathologies in medicine Alzheimers disease. His invention was based on the observations in one his patient named Auguste D, suffering from profound memory loss, unfounded suspicions about her family, and additional worsening psychological changes. Her post mortem findings further revealed dramatic shrinkage of the brain and abnormal deposits in and encircling the nerve cells [1]. AD has proven to be a significant public health issue, as it consumes a major amount of heath budget in developed as well as developing countries. AD has become one of the leading causes of dementia in patients less than 65 years, other causes being Lewy body dementia (LBD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), vascular dementia (VaD) and alcohol associated dementia [2]. United States alone has documented a $200 billion annual expenditure on patients affected by AD. Moreover, one person develops Alzheimers dementia every 68 seconds emphasizing the incidence of the disease [3]. Dementia can be defined as a chronic progressive disorder marked by memory deficits, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. Results from population-based studies have shown a significant relationship between the certain risk factors and development of AD. Increased risk was shown with an increase in age, fewer years of education, and head trauma. Genetic factors do contribute to the early development of AD increased risk with mutations on chromosome 21 (cases of downs syndrome) as it carries the amyloid precursor protein, the presence of apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele and the presenilin 1 and 2 genes. The strongest factor identified till date are the apolipoprotein E genes located on chromosome 19 which exists in three forms ÃŽÂ µ2, ÃŽÂ µ3, and ÃŽÂ µ4. ÃŽÂ µ2 has been found to reduce the risk, ÃŽÂ µ3 is found to be neutral whereas ÃŽÂ µ4 has been associated with a tremendous increase in risk as well as early development of symptoms (Figure 1) [4]. Chromosome Genes 21 AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN 19 APOLIPOPROTEIN E 14 PRESENILIN 1 1 PRESENILIN 2 Figure 1. Genetic factors causing a risk to develop Alzheimers Ad is difficult to differentiate from other causes of dementia like LBD, FTD and Vad [5]. It may present with dysfunction of various fields such as vision, touch voluntary movements, personality deficits and judgemental disorders depending upon the area of the brain affected [6].The National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimers disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS/ADRDA) has proposed a diagnostic criteria for differentiating between AD and other known causes of dementia. In compliance with NINCDS/ADRDA , AD is diagnosed if: (I) Cognitive functions decline progressively over a period of time including/ not including memory impairment or (Ia) Inability to understand language and verbal commands (aphasia); (Ib) Loss of ability to accomplish tasks due to incoordination of muscles (apraxia); (Ic) Failure to recognise previously known objects and loss of ability to use them(agnosia); (Id) Unable to plan, organise and execute dail y chores; (II) All above mentioned under I do get progressively deteriorated with time; (III) Other known causes of dementia as well as cognitive deterioration must be eliminated [6,7]. Neurofibrillatory tangles and extracellular amyloid plaques have been the initial histopathological findings associated with AD. Recently several other features have been recognised which include degeneration of neuronal synapses, aneuploidy and loss of neurons in the hippocampus. Despite the recent inventions, presence of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular NFT have been taken into account as the main histopathological criteria for establishment of AD [8]. Among all the different hypothesis, AÃŽÂ ² cascade has been the most accepted. Previously, a mutation in beta-Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), which contributes to the normal function of neurons and cerebral development, was thought to be the sole culprit since the accumulation of AÃŽÂ ² proteins had lead to the pathogenesis of AD [9]. Eventually, mutated presenilin genes (both 1 and 2) have been discovered to play a role in the formation of AÃŽÂ ² pools [10]. But the exact mechanism underlying how AÃŽÂ ² a ggregation contributes to the pathophysiology of AD largely remains unclear. Formerly, toxicity of neurons was believed to be caused by intracellular plaques. But recent data has suggested the role of intracellular AÃŽÂ ² proteins, which do not become sequestered into the extracellular plaques, as the toxic triggers stimulating the progression of AD [11]. Recently, it has also been shown that intracellular accumulation of AÃŽÂ ² proteins precedes the formation of extracellular AÃŽÂ ² protein plaques and NFT formation [12]. The role of intracellular AÃŽÂ ² protein in the progression of AD has also been demonstrated in recent experiments on transgenic mice. Results of these experiments indicate that increased deposits of AÃŽÂ ² proteins within the cells are associated with accelerated cell death [13]. Other important causative factors in the development of AD include oxidative stress and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) [14]. Susceptibility to oxidative damage is due to several factors which include relatively lower levels of antioxidants, significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, (these fatty acids rapidly fall prey to ROS), the presence of metallic ions and high oxygen utilisation [15]. Oxidation have been prove to be fatal for several constituents of the cells including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, RNA and DNA [16]. Indirect mechanisms do play a vital role in the damaging process. Oxidation has been proven to accelerate the expression of inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and accentuate the activity of neuronal NOS (nNOS). This leads to increased production of nitric oxide (NO). NO is known to interact with super oxide anions thus forming a highly reactive peroxynitrite anion. These transient molecules exerts their effects mainly on sulfhydryl groups of cells. [17 ]. The entire process has been depicted in figure 2. Figure 2. Nitric Oxide Pathogenesis In addition to the indirect mechanisms, oxidative stress alters the protein structure. Impaired proteins are known to accelerate oxidative damage, thus proven to be interrelated. ROS causes the protein to be oxidised leading to a modified structure and causing them to be dimerized and aggregated [18]. Thus the oxidised protein which is both structurally and functionally abnormal gather as inclusions within the cytoplasm of the neurons, seen in the form of NFT (tau aggregates) and AÃŽÂ ² plaques [19]. Alternatively, AÃŽÂ ² plaques can also lead to the increased production of ROS. The entire process has been depicted in figure 3. OXIDATION ALTERED PROTEIN STRUCTURE CYTOPLASMIC INCLUSIONS DIMERISATION AGGREGATION Figure 3.Displaying Correlation between Oxidation and Protein Dimerization, thus forming a Vicious Cycle AÃŽÂ ² (1-42) is an abundant species of AÃŽÂ ² proteins seen in AD [20]. AÃŽÂ ² (1-42) peptides is known for its toxicity which can be attributed to a residue of methionine at position 35 [21]. Oxidation of methionine contributes to the formation of methionine sulfoxide, which generally leads to irreversible oxidation and subsequently, forming methionine sulfone [22]. Methionine sulfoxide reductase (MSR) can even help the reduction of methionine sulfoxide into methionine [23]. However, the activity of MSR is also observed to be impaired in AD [24]. Methionine peroxide plays an important role in oxidative stress and toxicity caused by AÃŽÂ ² (1-42) peptides. The lone-pair of electrons present on the S atom of methionine undergoes oxidation of one atom and as a result, sulfuranyl radicals (MetS.+) are generated [21,25]. Sulfuranyl radicals are known to trigger the generation of other ROS like sulfoxides and superoxides by interacting with molecular oxygen [26]. The reason behind this intense oxidative damage could be attributed to the relative absence or decreased function of different antioxidant mechanisms of the body. Glutathione is one of the major antioxidant which can protect the brain tissues by causing detoxification of damaging ROS [27]. One of the main reasons of increase in oxidative stress in AD is the decreased glutathione levels in the brain [28]. The other members of the cellular antioxidant mechanism which plays a pivotal role includes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). SOD is an antioxidant which is responsible for converting toxic superoxide ions into far less toxic hydrogen peroxide [29]. CAT evolves this reaction in to one step further and turns hydrogen peroxide into water [30]. Investigations have revealed that the levels of SOD and CAT decline in patients with AD [31]. Glutathione reductase (GR) and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) represent the other crucial parts of the cellular defence mechanism which acts against oxidative stress. GPx is responsible for the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides [32] and GR accelerates the reaction which helps in the regeneration of Glutathione (GSH) [33]. In total, the combination of an oxidative stress with above mentioned cellular defence mechanism against ROS, leads to the pathogenesis of AD. The pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease is mentioned in Figure 4. Figure 4. Pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease (MG : Microglia ; AS: Astrocyte; AP: Amyloid protein beta; NFT: Neurofibrillary tangles) ACE ALZEIHMERS: VITAMIN A, C E (ACE) THERAPY   Ã‚   ROLE OF VITAMIN A Vitamin A and beta carotene have been shown to have multiple benefits for people suffering from AD. Various studies have found that patients suffering from AD have significantly lower levels of Vitamin A level and beta carotene in their CSF as well as blood [34]. The development of neurodegenerative disorders has shown to be influenced by Vitamin A and beta-carotene. Vitamin A plays an active role in neuronal development both in early life and in the adult nervous system. It protects and assists in the regeneration of neurons during recovery from neurodegeneration [35]. Inhibition of formation and destabilization of AÃŽÂ ² fibrils is an additional effect of Vitamin A and beta-carotene [35]. Since oligomerization of AÃŽÂ ² fibrils is an important mechanism contributing to neuronal toxicity in AD, Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to decrease the aggregation and oligomerization of AÃŽÂ ²40 and AÃŽÂ ²42 fibrils [36]. It has also been shown that Vitamin A and beta carotene decrease the decline of cognitive function in AD. Moreover, higher levels of these vitamins have been associated with better memory performance and spatial learning in these patients [3436]. ROLE OF VITAMIN C Various studies both in vivo and in vitro have shown to have significant effect in the brain due to decreased levels of vitamin C. Decreased plasma levels despite adequate intake in patients further confirmed the belief of protective effects of vitamin C in the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases [37]. Hence, it can be proved that oxidative stress induces damage in AD and protection against this stress is offered to a certain degree by antioxidant vitamins. The progression of AD is altered by Vitamin C by interfering with various different aspects of pathology. Numerous studies, both in-vivo and in vitro, have shown that Vitamin C can decrease oxidative stress. The structural progression of AD is prevented by Vitamin C by hindering the oligomerization of AÃŽÂ ² peptides [38]. Brain injury induces oxidative stress and reduces the level of antioxidants like vitamin C and SOD. Vitamin C supplementation improves the level of SOD, which consecutively helps to decrease oxidative stress and subsequent brain injury [39]. It has been suggested that even without additional supplementation, a normal intake of Vitamin C can have a neuroprotective effect in patients with AD. Cognitive decline in AD patients has shown to decrease is patients taking adequate Vitamin C [40]. In addition, results from a prospective observational study (n=4740) over a period of 3 years have shown that additional supplementation with antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C and E may be associated with both decreased incidence and prevalence of AD [41]. ROLE OF VITAMIN E Vitamin E represents a cluster of 8 antioxidants composed of 4 tocotrienols and 4 tocopherols. It has been reported that there is a greater risk of neurodegenerative disorders like AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with lower plasma levels of vitamin E. Additionally, the level of vitamin E metabolic products (5-nitro-ÃŽÂ ³-tocopherol etc.) is shown to increase significantly in AD and MCI [42]. Deficiency of Vitamin E can lead to the damage and destruction of neurons and has been implicated in cases of cerebellar atrophy [43]. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant which can delay the progression of AD at several levels. Increased oxidative stress induced by AÃŽÂ ² plaques is known to be a risk factor for neuronal death and ensuing brain injury in AD. Vitamin E behaves like a scavenger for these free radicals and therefore, is neuroprotective. [44]. Vitamin E also provides protection against AD via various other methods. For example, the 12-lipoxygenase pathway leads to glutamate-induced neuronal cell death by inflammation. Vitamin E can reduce this inflammation induced neuronal death [45]. Furthermore, consumption of vitamin E has been linked with the regeneration of SOD, levels of which are shown to decline in AD [39]. Among the different forms of vitamin E, the greatest degree of protection against AD is provided by ÃŽÂ ±-tocopherols and ÃŽÂ ³-tocopherols [46]. A population-based cohort study of 5395 individuals was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary supplementation of antioxidants to provide protection against AD. Among all the antioxidants used, results showed that the most significant degree of protection (p=0.02) against dementia and AD was provided by Vitamin E [47]. Moreover, supplementation of 30 International Units of alpha-tocopherols can act as a valuable adjuvant in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD [48]. Conclusion Alzheimers disease represents one of the most significant age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Oxidative stress is one of the most important mechanisms involved in the development and progression of this condition. In order, to curb the oxidative stress, antioxidants can be of great help. The use of antioxidant vitamins A, C and E as adjuvant therapy for AD has always been given consideration. Thus, further clinical research is necessary to study the potential of these vitamins such that it can be integrated into clinical treatment to accelerate the recovery of patients afflicted by this disorder. REFERENCES Alzheimer A, Uber eine eigenartige Erkrankung der Hirnrinde Allgemeine Zeits Psychiat Psychisch Gerichtlich Med 1907 64:146-48. Harvey RJ, Skelton-Robinson M, Rossor MN, The prevalence and causes of dementia in people under the age of 65 years J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2003 74:1206-09. Alzheimers Association2012 Alzheimers disease facts and figures Alzheimers Dement 2012 8:131-68. Lindsay J, Laurin D, Verreault R, Hà ©bert R, Helliwell B, Hill GB, Risk factors for Alzheimers disease: a prospective analysis from the Canadian study of health and aging Am J Epidemiol 2002 156:445-53. Karantzoulis S, Galvin JE, Distinguishing Alzheimers disease from other major forms of dementia Expert Rev Neurother 2011 11:1579-91. Castellani RJ, Rolston RK, Smith MA, Alzheimer Disease Dis Mon 2010 56:484-546. McKhann GM, Knopman DS, Chertkow H, Hyman BT, Jack CR, Kawas CH, The diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimers disease: Recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimers Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimers disease Alzheimers Dement 2011 7:263-69. Swerdlow RH, Pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease Clin Interv Aging 2007 2:347-59. Zheng H, Jiang M, Trumbauer ME, Sirinathsinghji DJ, Hopkins R, Smith DW, Beta-amyloid precursor protein-deficient mice show reactive gliosis and decreased locomotor activity Cell 1995 81:525-31. Levy-Lahad E, Wasco W, Poorkaj P, Romano DM, Oshima J, Pettingell WH, Candidate gene for the chromosome 1 familial Alzheimers disease locus Science 1995 269:973-77. Lesne S, Kotilinek L, Amyloid plaques and amyloid-beta oligomers: An ongoing debate J Neurosci 2005 25:9319-20. Gouras GK, Tsai J, Naslund J, Vincent B, Vincent B, Edgar M, Intraneuronal Abeta42 accumulation in human brain Am J Pathol 2000 156:15-20. Bayer TA, Wirths O, Intracelluar accumulation of amylois beta- A predictor for synaptic dysfunction and neuron loss in Alzheimers disease Front Aging Neurosci 2010 2:8 Butterfield DA, Amyloid beta-peptide (1-42)-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity: implications for neurodegeneration in Alzheimers disease brain. A review Free Radic Res 2002 36:1307-13. Butterfield DA, Castegna A, Lauderback CM, Drake J, Evidence that amyloid beta-peptide-induced lipid peroxidation and its sequelae in Alzheimers disease brain contribute to neuronal death Neurobiol Aging 2002 23:655-64. Butterfield DA, Reed T, Newman SF, Sultana R, Roles of amyloid ÃŽÂ ²-peptide-associated oxidative stress and brain protein modifications in the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease and mild cognitive impairment Free Radic Biol Med 2007 43:658-77. Koppenol WH, Moreno JJ, Pryor WA, Ischiropoulos H, Beckman JS, Peroxynitrite, a cloaked oxidant formed by nitric oxide and superoxide Chem Res Toxicol 1992 5:834-42. Hensley K, Hall N, Subramaniam R, Cole P, Harris M, Aksenov M, Brain regional correspondence between Alzheimers disease histopathology and biomarkers of protein oxidation J Neurochem 1995 65:2146-56. Butterfield DA, Kanski J, Brain protein oxidation in age-related neurodegenerative disorders that are associated with aggregated proteins Mech Ageing Dev 2001 122:945-62. Selkoe DJ, Alzheimers disease: genes, proteins, and therapy Physiol Rev 2001 81:741-66. Butterfield DA, Boyd-Kimball D, The critical role of methionine 35 in Alzheimers amyloid beta-peptide (1-42)-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity Biochim Biophys Acta 2005 1703:149-56. Moskovitz J, Berlett BS, Poston JM, Stadtman ER, Methionine sulfoxidereductase in antioxidant defence Methods Enzymol 1999 300:239-44. Maher P, Redox control of neural function: background, mechanisms, and significance Antioxid Redox Signal 2006 8:1941-70. Gabbita SP, Aksenov MY, Lovell MA, Markesbery WR, Decrease in peptide methionine sulfoxidereductase in Alzheimers disease brain J Neurochem 1999 73:1660-66. Pogocki D, Schoneich C, Redox properties of Met(35) in neurotoxic beta-amyloid peptide. A molecular modeling study Chem Res Toxicol 2002 15:408-18. Milller B, Williams T, Schoneich C, Mechanism of sulfoxide formation through reaction of sulfur radical cation complexes with superoxide of hydroxide ion in oxygenated aqueous solution J Am Chem Soc 1996 118:11014-25. Dringen R, Gutterer JM, Hirrlinger J, Glutathione metabolism in brain: metabolic interaction between astrocytes and neurons in the defence against reactive oxygen species Eur J Biochem 2000 267:4912-16. Saharan S, Mandal PK, The emerging role of glutathione in Alzheimers disease J Alzheimers Dis 2014 40:519-29. Zelko IN, Mariani TJ, Folz RJ, Superoxide dismutase multigene family: a comparison of the CuZn-SOD (SOD1), Mn-SOD (SOD2), and EC-SOD (SOD3) gene structures, evolution, and expression Free Radical Biol and Medi 2002 33:337-49. Chelikani P, Fita I, Loewen PC, Diversity of structures and properties among catalases Cell Mol Life Sci 2004 61:192-208. Marcus DL, Thomas C, Rodriguez C, Simberkoff K, Tsai JS, Strafaci JA, Increased peroxidation and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity in Alzheimers disease Exp Neurol 1998 150:40-44. Arthur JR, The glutathione peroxidases Cell Mol Life Sci 2000 57:1825-35. Shigeoka S, Onishi T, Nakano Y, Kitaoka S, Characterisation and physiological function of glutathione reductase in Euglena gracilis z Biochem J 1987 242:511-15. Bourdel-Marchasson I, Delmas-Beauviex M-C, Peuchant E, Richard-Harston S, Decamps A, Reignier B, Antioxidant defences and oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes and plasma from normally nourished elderly Alzheimer patients Age and Ageing 2001 30:235-41. Ono K, Yamada M, Vitamin A and Alzheimers disease Geriatrics Gerontol Intl 2012 12:180-88. Takasaki J, Ono K, Yoshiike Y, Ikeda T, Morinaga A, Takashima A, Vitamin A has anti-oligomerization effects on amyloid-ÃŽÂ ² in vitro J Alzheimers Dis 2011 27:271-80. Rivià ¨re S, Birlouez-Aragon I, Nourhashà ©mi F, Vellas B, Low plasma vitamin C in Alzheimer patients despite an adequate diet Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 1998 13:749-54. Montilla-Là ³pez P, Muoz-à gueda MC, Feijà ³oLà ³pez M, Muà ±oz-Castaà ±eda JR, Bujalance-Arenas I, Tà ºnez-Fià ±ana I, Comparison of melatonin versus vitamin C on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in Alzheimers disease induced by okadaic acid in neuroblastoma cells Eur J of Pharmacol 2002 451:237-43. Ishaq GM, Saidu Y, Bilbis LS, Muhammad SA, Jinjir N, Shehu BB, Effects of ÃŽÂ ±-tocopherol and ascorbic acid in the severity and management of traumatic brain injury in albino rats J Neurosci Rural Pract 2013 4:292-97. Harrison FH, A critical review of Vitamin C for the prevention of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimers disease J Alzheimers Dis 2012 29:711-26. Zandi PP, Anthony JC, Khachaturian AS, Stone SV, Gustafson D, Tschanz JT, Reduced risk of Alzheimer disease in users of antioxidant vitamin supplements: the Cache County Study Arch Neurol 2004 61:82-88. Mangialasche F, Xu W, Kivipelto M, Costanzi E, Ercolani S, Pigliautile M, Tocopherols and tocotrienols plasma levels are associated with cognitive impairment Neurobiol Aging 2012 33:2282-90. Aoki K, Washimi Y, Fujimori N, Maruyama K, Maruyama K, Yanagisawa N, Familial idiopathic vitamin E deficiency associated with cerebellar atrophy Rinsho Shinkeigaku 1990 30:966-71. Yatin SM, Varadarajan S, Butterfield DA, Vitamin E prevents Alzheimers amyloid ÃŽÂ ²-peptide (1-42)-induced neuronal protein oxidation and reactive oxygen species production J Alzheimers Dis 2000 2:123-31. Khanna S, Parinandi NL, Kotha SR, Roy S, Rick C, Bibus D, Nanomolar vitamin E ÃŽÂ ±-tocotrienol inhibits glutamate-induced activation of phospholipase A2 and causes neuroprotection J Neurochem 2010 112:1249-60. Morris MC, Evans DA, Tangney CC, Bienias JL, Wilson RS, Aggarwal NT, Relation of the tocopherol forms to incident Alzheimer disease and to cognitive change Am J Clin Nutr 2005 81:508-14. Devore EE, Grodstein F, van Rooij FJ, Hofman A, Stampfer MJ, Witteman JC, Dietary antioxidants and long-term risk of dementia Arch Neurol 2010 67:819-25. Pham DQ, Plakogiannis R, Vitamin E supplementation in Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, tardive dyskinesia, and cataract: Part 2 Ann Pharmaco ther 2005 39:2065-72.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Cicero Essay -- History

Cicero Born Marcus Tullius Cicero in Arpinum (Italy) in 106 BC, he became a writer, statesman, orator and philosopher. He loved politics and he wrote only when he could not participate in government. He had a motto which he constantly strived for: to always be the best and over top the rest. Cicero had a high political career in Rome for that time as winning elections were almost always exclusively controlled by a group of wealthy aristocratic families. Cicero’s family was not one of them. Lacking this advantage there were essentially only two career options open to him; a military career, he was no soldier and hated war, or a career in law. He prepared for this by studying jurisprudence, rhetoric and philosophy. Then he began taking part in legal cases could lead to a career in law and did lead to political success. He proved to be excellent orator and lawyer and a shrewd politician. He was elected to each of the principal Roman offices on his first try at the earliest legal age and was now a member of the Roman senate but could only offer advice. Advice that would almost always be followed. But the Roman government was not a democracy but more of an oligarchy with only a few men wielding all economic and political power. During his term as consul in 63BC he was responsible for exposing the conspiracy of Catiline. Catiline was a plan to take over the Roman state by force. Cicero had the five conspirators put to death without trial. He became proud of this as...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Health Care Financial Terms Week One Essay

Controlling is the practice that managers use to ensure that the company plans and goals are being attained. By comparing report to each other areas that are working and succeeding are defined and the areas where problems are occurring can be addressed and corrected (Baker & Baker, 2011). A manager has four different, lets say teams† that report to this manager. Controlling would be when team A, B, C, and D submit the teams’ financial report to the manager. The manager would review all four teams to ensure the teams are meeting the financial goals. So, in this scenario Team A, B, and C is on target and meeting the goals. However, Team D has not met the goals. The manager needs to review the team D’s progress determine where the problem is, such as cutting cost, the resource allocation, operating procedure, or other issues. Without controlling the teams and reviewing progress, other area will suffer. Decision making Decision making is management making informed decisions based on all information that accomplishes the company’s goals (Baker & Baker, 2011). The company is making a decision on purchasing electronic medical records. The financial reports will inform management of the financial status on the company and the amount of money they can budget for the purchase of this the EMR. Organizing Organizing is a term for companies to decide how to use resources for the best outcome for the company (Baker & Baker, 2011). A manager is given a certain amount of revenue and the manager decides where the money is allocated for the department to accomplish the goals set by the company. Planning To succeed, companies need corporate goals. Planning is identifying the goals and resources. Laying out the steps by using the resources to accomplish those goals (Baker & Baker, 2011). A manager has a specific project to install and to perform the primary function of the project. The manager works out a step by step plan from the beginning to the end of implementing the project until the project is complete and accomplishes the goal. Original records When a transaction is recorded into a journal or ledger this becomes the original records (Baker & Baker, 2011). A patient makes a payment of $100. This payment is entered into the patient’s file and payment history. This entry is an original record in the company’s income ledger. Reference: Baker, J. J., & Baker, R. W. (2011). Health Care Finance Basic Tools for Nonfinancial Managers (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, LLC.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Deconstruction of an Advertisement Essay

Each day we are inundated with thousands of advertisements which contribute to shaping and defining our world views. As a capitalist society ads are crucial to attract the attention of the consumer. They are everywhere, whether it be a billboard, a commercial or a radio announcement, advertising reaches out and touches almost everyone living in our modern world. The effectiveness of an advertisement campaign has a huge influence on the purchaser. Ads are carefully constructed to appeal to the consumer in order to sell a product and to make a profit. An effective ad appeals to the emotion of the consumer as â€Å"80% of decisions are influenced by â€Å"dormant† emotions in the subconscious. †(†¦ ) through the ingenious construction of ad campaigns a consumers purchases are greatly influenced. The CK one ad campaign for the Calvin Klein brand is an excellent of the example of the thought and assembly needed in order to create an effective advertisement. Through the deconstruction of the CK one ad found in the April 2011 issue of Elle Canada it will be shown why the ad was created, how it’s used to grab the attention of its target audiences, and the use of hidden messages and social issues that are being expressed. The target audience of the CK One ad is clearly directed towards women as it appears in a magazine called Elle! Elle Canada has a 90% female readership (†¦ ) whose ages generally range from a younger segment to a middle segment (18 to 34 and 35 to 54). Elle Canada has a large age demographic due to the fact that their articles encompass a broad audience and the magazine contains ads that focus on the younger market as well as advertisements focusing on middle aged women. Although Elle Canada has a large readership age range, the CK One ad seems to be targeting more directly the 18-24 and 24-35 age range. The advertisement incorporates a focus on social media and a ‘rebellious’ look which is often directed towards the younger market. Young people who are still questioning authority and who are still defining themselves will see the dark eye makeup and lassiez-fair ‘detached’ attitude of the model and feel attracted to the ad. Furthermore the ads target audience is aimed towards 18-34 year olds because it uses ‘technology’ to capture the audiences attention. The model is ‘trapped’ in the CK One box and in order to get in the box, the bottom left hand corner of the ad tells you that you can â€Å"Download the App at CKONE. COM†. The ad is definitely towards the 18-34 age group because ‘getting in the CK box’ with a rebellious young woman is ridiculous notion unless you’re a young person with very little responsibility. Finally, although the spending power of the older age groups is greater (Diversity: Targeting the Ever-Changing Marketplace, p35) it is trendy to market to and advertisers remain youth obsessed. The targeted income level for this advertisement seems to be for those from the middle-middle, or upper-middle class. Calvin Klein is an iconic American brand that is moderately expensive and is featured in respected magazines. The median income of and Elle Canada reader is around $70 000 (†¦ ) therefore is it logical to assume that Calvin Kline is directing its ads at those who are willing to spend a little more. This advertisement would also be directed towards the Emulator-Achiever or Emulator groups. Emulators are young and impressionable people who will buy products to help them fit in (Duncan, p75). Emulators would be attracted to this ad because it offers the chance to fit in and join the CK One box; all you have to do is download the app! On another note, this ad would also be directed towards Emulator-Achievers because this group feels more comfortable with uptown brands such as Tiffany, Gucci or Stella Mcarthy and Calvin Klein is a very well known and respected American Brand. This brand offers prestige and it fits in with typical ideas of American wealth. Finally it appears that this advertisement is slightly more targeted for Caucasian’s. The model is Caucasian and there isn’t a single background model or object indicating the inclusion of any other racial groups. Although minorities represent a huge market and are predicted to exceed 1. 5 trillion in buying power, ( Diversity: targeting the ever changing market) Calvin Klein still uses mainly Caucasian models. Despite the fact that the ad features a white woman it could still be directed to a variety of racial groups because the model doesn’t necessarily represent a stereotypical white american girl; almost anyone can be a rebellious youth regardless of your ethnicity. Although her beauty and figure represent the social ideal her ebellious look is not necessarily the ‘norm’ and therefore enables more people to relate to it. Determining the target audience enables us to better interpret and understand the construction of an advertisement. Based on a target market, advertisers use eight main elements to create an ad that speaks to the heart. Ads that create emotional appeal are based on these eight elements; models, setting, copy, sound, color, point of view and details (Dun can, p77). In terms of the CK One ad, the model that was chosen was a young white attractive looking female. The model is in black lingerie and she is in a sexual pose. There is a hyper-sexualization of the model as her cleavage is very prominent and being pushed up against her bra. The models hair and makeup are messy with a ‘bed head’ look which suggest rebelliousness and late night partying which is considered both fun and exciting. Finally the facial expression of the model suggests a sexual and confident attitude. More over the model is very slim and her skin is flawless, her face is clear and her hair is blonde. The ‘perfection’ of the models skin and face reflect the ideals of society. Despite the models dark makeup and ‘bed head’ look she is our societies ideal with her blonde hair and beautiful figure. These ideals that the ad is promoting are completely unrealistic for the average female and it creates body image issues and warps both female and males idea about what an average person should look like. Furthermore through the continual use of impossibly beautiful models our society becomes body obsessed and through this many women and men experience body image issues. The CK One ad has been specifically and ingeniously positioned to promote the preferred reading. Most notable is the is the models physical position within the ad; her body, more specifically her cleavage, is framed between her hands which are pressed against the screen. The positioning of the models hands also frames the word, fuck, which has been discreetly positioned within the ad. The F is seen by the table which is cut off by the models buttocks, the U is seen in the models cleavage and the CK is to the right of the model, at chest level. Furthermore, through the technical code of camera angles the model is close-up with a slight low angle. These technical codes suggest power and intimacy with the model. The Ck One ad could be promoting their products by relating the suggested feelings of power and sexuality with the purchase of the product. The oppositional reading who be through a critical point of view that it is impossible to obtain any type of lasting feeling with a purchase of a material item. As for the captions, they are the only thing that has any coloring which draws attention to them. The most noticeable caption in big bold lettering that says CK One _Jeans_Underwear_Fragrance_ which is right next to the models cleavage. This caption is necessary to inform the reader what is being advertised because the model is only wearing plain black underwear it would be likely to assume that it was the only product. On the bottom left-hand corner of the Ad is says â€Å"Get in the CKONE box >>Download the app at CKONE. com† this caption really allows us to tie in the key concepts of the ad. The Calvin Klein ad also employs a font that ads to the incorporation of digital media. Lastly the fifth line of writing on the bottom left-hand corner says â€Å"Scan Ad to Reveal More† which could be referring to the hidden message (the word fuck) within the ad. Through the captions is it’s very clear that this Calvin Klein ad is trying to incorporate digital media and sex with the purchase of there products. In terms of the coloring of the advertisement, it is very unique because it supposed to represent screen to a computer or gaming device. The coloring is mostly black and white apart from the bright green which is used to draw attention to the captions. The color green is generally a calming color which represents wealth and well-being however it can also be used to symbolize envy or jealousy. The use of green indicates that Calvin Klein is a desired brand. Furthermore the green coloring is also placed just above the models forehead, this use of specific placement of the color could indicate 1st level cropping in which a models forehead is removed. By covering the top part of the models head with a different color advertisers objectify the model and remove any signs of her intelligence. On another note, the lighting that is used is artificial however it ties in with the setting. The setting is white relatively bare room, which is the ‘Ck One box’. The only furnishings are a stool, a table, two wooden boxes and game console. There is also a door with a visible knob; this indicates that the model is trapped in the ‘box’, however it is an exclusive place that you can get into- if you purchase the product and download the app. However this is where the oppositional reading come in; through the download of an ‘app‘ you will not enter the Ck one box you will not become a gorgeous model. The Ck One ad is trying to promote digital media therefore the bare setting could be used to represent whats behind your screen when you download the app. The limited settings also enable us to focus more closely on the model and the attitude she is giving. Gender representation also plays a key role the preferred reading of this Ad. Although the model is selling lingerie there is an irrelevant sexualization of the model ( Duncan, p. 46) The bra and panties that are being advertised are relatively plain and not the focal point of the ad; instead the ad is marketing the models body. The models cleavage is pouring out of her bra which actually distracts the audience from the bra itself, instead readers are led to believe that this lingerie will help them have the ‘perfect’ body. Furthermore, as mentioned previously, the ad also includes dismemberment. The presence of the green color above the models forehead which suggests objectification. Also the models legs are cut off below the knee which causes the reader to mostly focus on the core body of the model. This greatly objectives the model and females as a whole in advertising. Furthermore, there is also a bit of clowning present because majority of people do not stand in such a contorted position as the stance of the model. Although the model isn’t necessarily in a foolish or silly position her stance certainly is unnecessarily contorted in order to appear more sexual. These gender representations lead to the final conclusion that women are sexual objects to be looked at and played with (Duncan p. 48) All the elements used to construct the ad lead us to the general meaning of the ad: Sex. The meaning is so clear that it is even explicitly written within the ad. The models ‘look’ establishes the preferred reading. The preferred interpretation is that through the purchase of the CK One clothing line you will gain confidence and become sexually appealing while being fun and rebellious. Advertisers use body obsession and female insecurities to help sell products because through the preferred reading consumers believe that will look like the model through the purchase of the product (Duncan p14-15). This leads to us the oppositional reading, it is completely impossible and unrealistic to think that through the purchase of a product you will automatically you will automatically become beautiful and sexualy appealing. The reality is that most photographs of models have been retouched and realistically even the models don’t look as good in real life. Calvin Klein has always used a variety of controversial ads ranging from pictures of a half-naked Kate Moss to an ad featuring young children wearing only Calvin Klein underwear. Shock advertising is used in order to generate more press and more profits. The Ck One is not an exception with its use of the subliminal message featuring the word fuck it is a clear example of shock advertising. Ultimately the theme of the ad comes down to rebellious sex. The CK One ad uses a variety of different elements in order to sell its products. First it employs the use of stereotypical gender representations. Although the model is in a ‘powerful’ position as she is staring directly at the camera and looking slightly downwards, she still in an overly sexual stance with very little clothes on. The models brain has been covered with a different color giving off the impression that she is laking intelligence. The model is beautiful and has a ‘perfect’ body. The advertisers played upon female insecurities and there desire for perfection in order to attract customers and make a profit. Another aspect that the advertisers used to attract attention to the ad was the rebellious look and the incorporation of digital media. The ad gives false promises that through the purchase of Calvin Klein clothing you will be a sexy, young rebel who fits in to the CK One box. Consumers should alway be aware of the image a brand is trying to portray and the affect it has on its target audience. Advertisers are trying to sell a message and our consumer society should be aware of how the advertisements shape and impact our everyday lives.