Canavan disease: decembrie 2012

marți, 4 decembrie 2012

Vinegar: condiment, cleaner - or essence of life?

For most people, that bottle of vinegar sitting on the pantry shelf serves a multitude of purposes. Not only is it a condiment, food preservative, and a general household cleaner, but for many, it's a medicinal wonder. Most often, it's taken for granted, and people only see a bottle of vinegar. However, to scientists studying the origins of life on Earth, acetic acid/vinegar, is thought to have played the key role in biochemical development of the first primitive life forms, and without it, life, as we know it would not exist.

Historical documentation of vinegar's use for dye making, medicinal purposes, invigorating tonics, a condiment, and as a food preservative dates back to the earliest known records. Natural vinegar is produced by the secondary fermentation of the alcohol in wine and is a three to five percent solution of acetic acid in water. Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its distinctive biting taste and aroma. It was probably the first commercially produced acid in the world. Acetic acid in fundamental to our existence, not only from a essential biological standpoint, but also in the production of chemicals, light industry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, printing/dyeing, rubber, pesticides, plastics, photographic chemicals, electronics, and food processing to name a few. In nature, a family of bacteria called acetobacter converts alcohol into acetic acid, and they are the single largest producer of acetic acid to keep Earth's the life machine running. The micro
scopic, acid resistant critters are pervasive in the environment. They thrive in the alcoholic ecological niches of flowers, fruits, water, soil, and in a dormant stage, they're even floating around in the air we breathe. Acetobacter also thrive in the intestines of all living creatures where they are essential to the digestive process and most likely, the major suppliers of acetate to keep our system functioning. According to the widely accepted Wchtershuser's theory on how primitive life forms evolved from the primordial soup, the first organic molecule in the chain of events was acetic acid. He based his theory on the fact that the formation of acetic acid is a primary step in metabolism in most all living things that provides the energy cells use to manufacture all the biological ingredients an organism needs to exist. There is a metabolic activity essential to life called acetylation, and among many other roles the process has in the body, it also plays th
e key role in the repair of DNA. A study published in the 2000 Elsevier publication Cell about DNA repair states: "Data show that cells defective for DNA-break repair capability lack the histone acetylase [acetylation] activity leading to apoptotic machinery breakdown." Acetate hemodialysis is a common therapy for people suffering with kidney failure. In several studies, aside from acetate's buffering effect, it has shown to aid in dialysis by dilating veins, thus increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. One 1987 study on stated: "Acetate provoked vascular dilatation, which was compensated for by a heart rate-dependent increase in cardiac index." Acetic acid is fundamental to the biochemistry of almost all forms of life. It's the foundation for the acetyl/acetate group which is a plays the essential in the Krebs Cycle/Citric Acid cycle. The Krebs Cycle occurs in all plants and animals. The importance of the function lies in the
efficiency with which it captures energy released from nutrient molecules and stores it in a usable form.
In humans and animals, functioning of the Krebs cycle relies on a product produced in our system called Acetyl Coenzyme A created during the synthesis of fatty acids. Another acetate-based enzyme called Acetyl Cholinesterase/AchE is integral to the operation of brain functions and the central nervous system. In fact, there are a number of acetyl-based enzymes that are essential to human/animal life down to the chemical composition of genes. Curiously, when it comes to explaining where the acetate comes from to feed the processes, scientists' explanations seem to be somewhat vague, convoluted, and often, contradictory. However, aside from the metabolic production of acetate by organ functions, large amounts of acetic acid is produced by acetobacter in the intestines which is absorbed into the system; and it would logically appear that that process provides most of the acetate needed. In a 1985 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investiga
tion, Carbohydrate fermentation in the human colon and its relation to acetate concentrations in venous blood, the authors' state: "These studies show that the large intestine makes an important contribution to blood acetate levels in man and that fermentation may influence metabolic processes well beyond the wall of this organ." Several studies suggest that there may be such a thing as an acetate deficiency, and acetate supplementation may be useful in the treatment of Canavan disease, a hereditary, neurodegenerative disorder. In folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is touted as a cure for many health problems such as a host of allergies, sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis, and gout. While apple cider vinegar is the traditional choice, the only ingredient of any volume that may have an effect at the dosage recommended (one two tablespoons a day) is
acetic acid. As far as cider vinegar's effectiveness for alleviating gout and arthritis symptoms, the anecdotal (testimonial) evidence is overwhelming. And some studies give credence to the claim; however, they all point to the acetic acid content. The interesting aspect of the cider vinegar is that unlike the parent apple for which, possibly, is the most well researched fruit, there is no research to be about cider vinegar or even plain of vinegar as having any health benefits. To an investigative writer, in light of all the abundant health claims made for cider vinegar, the paucity of research, especially to disprove the claims, evokes a great deal of suspicion the unmistakable aroma of a rat rotting somewhere in the woodwork. It's most unusual not to see volumes of scientific studies into a product that is so entrenched in folk medicine. Both the parochial scientists and naturopaths fail to see the possibility of acetate deficiencies. Maybe, i
t's simply a question of not seeing the forest for the for the [apple] trees.' However, the role of acetate in animal health has been well researched in animal husbandry, and farm animal feedstock is routinely supplemented with either vinegar or acetic acid. However, when realizing that primordial formation of acetic acid is postulated to be responsible for the creation of the first life on earth, and the essential function acetate plays in biochemistry, there has to be something special about vinegar. ### <a href="http://iautoblog.com">iAutoblog</a> the premier <a href="http://iautoblog.com">autoblogger</a> software

luni, 3 decembrie 2012

Stories of Lives Saved by Cord Blood

The advancements of medicine and technology are saving lives each year that would otherwise be lost to disease or medical disorder. Each year, more and more children are living through potentially terminal diseases and battling their way back to health with help of cord blood. Cord blood is found within the umbilical cord and preserved upon the birth of the child. Since the blood contains stem cells, numerous diseases and disorders are successfully treated and even cured through transplants. Parents today are choosing to either bank cord blood for future use or donate their newborn's cord blood so that ill children can take advantage of this life-saving blood.

An inspiring case is that of siblings Ashley and Kelvin J. of Maryland. These two children were both born with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome that is usually terminal, since the body's immune system cannot fend off the germs that would otherwise be harmless to a healthy body. Projected life span for children diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCIDS) is approximately six months; however, both Ashley and Kelvin received a transplant of cord blood from anonymous donors whose cord blood was donated to public blood banks. Another story that shows the success of using cord blood to treat potentially deadly diseases and disorders is that of brothers Blayke and Garrett L. of Los Angeles. Born three years apart, both boys developed a rare disorder known as lymphoproliferative disease. Blayke and Garrett's immune systems were unable to successfully fight off germs commonly found in the world around them. Generally, at a very early age childre
n diagnosed with lymphoproliferative disease develop mononucleosis, a potentially fatal disease that individuals with a working immune system commonly recover from. Again, thanks to the donation of cord blood from an anonymous donor, both boys are now living happy and healthy lives due to a blood transplant. If this option was not available, the young brothers' only hope would be a painful and complicated bone marrow transplant that would not have had the same success rate as the cord blood transplant.
In addition to children using donated cord blood to survive the odds, more and more children are using their own cord blood to treat or cure diseases or medical disorders. These diseases are disorders may be present before birth or be developed after birth, but regardless the case, cord blood is an excellent tool in the fight to preserve life. A recent study at Duke University involved children diagnosed with Krabbe's diseasea rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and attacks cognitive and motor functions. Twenty-five children diagnosed with Krabbe's disease were followed and studied regarding their treatments. For those children treated with a cord blood transplant immediately after birth, 100 percent showed positive development and survival, whereas 43 percent of children treated with cord blood transplant after development of symptoms saw success. These children are testament to the vitality of umbilical cord blood and should inspire parents to not let thi
s life-saving blood go to waste. According to the informative Web site Should You Bank Cord Blood,upon delivery of the child, technicians must work quickly to ensure they preserve the cord blood before it begins to clot and becomes useless. Whether you choose to store your child's cord blood in a private blood bank or donate your child's cord blood to a public blood bank so that it can potentially save the life of an Ashley, Kelvin, Blayke, or Garrett in the country, ensure that your child's cord blood is used in the best possible manner. More and more, hospitals around the country are developing a system to ensure that all cord blood is either stored or donatedbut not wasted. <a href="http://iautoblog.com">iAutoblog</a> the premier <a href="http://iautoblog.com">autoblogger</a> software

duminică, 2 decembrie 2012

Lung Cancer when Associated with Asbestosis and Mesothelioma is an Occupational Disease

The assertion that asbestosis must be present in order to attribute a lung cancer to asbestos exposure does not meet accepted standards for establishing causation. One interesting study is called, "Historical perspectives in occupational medicine. Changing attitudes and opinions regarding asbestos and cancer 1934�1965" by Philip E. Enterline PhD - American Journal of Industrial Medicine Volume 20, Issue 5, pages 685�700, 1991. Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - Literature published in the years 1934�1965 was reviewed to determine attitudes and opinions of scientists as to whether asbestos is a cause of cancer. In Germany, the issue was decided in 1943 when the government decreed that lung cancer, when associated with asbestosis (of any degree), was an occupational disease. In the United States, however, there was no consensus on the issue until 1964. Opinions of scientists over a 22 year period are shown and the contributions of various cultural, social, economic and politica
l factors to these opinions are discussed. A lack of experimental and epidemiological evidence played a major role in delaying a consensus. Other important factors included a rejection of science conducted outside of the U.S. during this period, particularly a rejection of German scientific thought during and after WWII, and a rejection of clinical evidence in favor of epidemiological investigations. Individual writers rarely changed their minds on the subject of asbestos as a cause of cancer."
A second study is called, "Lung cancer and asbestos exposure: Asbestosis is not necessary" - David Egilman MD MPH, Alexander Reinert - American Journal of Industrial Medicine - Volume 30, Issue 4, pages 398�406, October 1996. Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - Recent commentaries on the issue of asbestos-related lung cancer have raised important points. One major question is whether lung cancer can be attributed to asbestos exposure in the absence of asbestosis. This review attempts to place the debate in the proper context for establishing causation. Relevant epidemiologic and pathologic studies are analyzed, as well as the scientific basis for each position in the debate. The assertion that asbestosis must be present in order to attribute a lung cancer to asbestos exposure does not meet accepted standards for establishing causation. In addition, some evidence has been incorrectly cited in support of this position. This discussion can benefit from clearer definitions of asbe
stosis, a more thorough evaluation of the available scientific information, and a proper context for determining causation. This review of the available evidence indicates that lung cancers can occur as a result of asbestos exposure, in the absence of clinical or histologic asbestosis. Causation in an individual should be assessed by considering duration of exposure, intensity of exposure, and appropriate latency."
A third study is called, "Induction of micronuclei, hyperdiploidy and chromosomal breakage affecting the centric/pericentric regions of chromosomes 1 and 9 in human amniotic fluid cells after treatment with asbestos and ceramic fibers" by Elke Doppa, Maik Schuler, Dietmar Schiffmanna and David A. Eastmond - Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis - Volume 377, Issue 1, 9 June 1997, Pages 77-87. Here is an excerpt: "Abstract - This article describes the induction of micronuclei, hyperdiploidy and chromosome breakage in human amniotic cells in vitro by amosite, chrysotile and crocidolite asbestos, and ceramic fibers. The response of human (amniotic fluid cells) and rodent (Syrian hamster embryo fibroblasts, SHE) cells to fiber treatment was compared using the micronucleus assay. The data of the rodent studies were taken from a previous investigation (Dopp, E. et al. (1995) Environ. Health Perspect., 103, 268�271). All types of mineral fibers cau
sed a significant increase of micronucleated cells. The kinetochore analysis revealed that all three types of asbestos and ceramic fibers yielded similar effects. Approximately 50% of the induced micronuclei were kinetochore-negative indicating formation through clastogenic events. Human amniotic cells were much less susceptible than SHE cells to the induction of micronuclei by mineral fibers. This again demonstrates that SHE cells are more susceptible to chromosomal changes than human amniotic fluid cells. The application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with tandem DNA probes yielded more detailed information about specific structural chromosome aberrations in the 1 (cen�q12) and 9 (cen�q12) regions and about abnormal numbers of chromosomes in interphase human amniotic fluid cells. Using this FISH approach we found a statistically significant increase of chromosomal breakage in the pericentric heterochromatin regions of chromosomes 1 and 9 in interphase human a
mniotic cells after exposure to asbestos and ceramic fibers compared to control cells. The number of hyperdiploid cells was also significantly increased. Our results show that asbestos fibers as well as ceramic fibers are inducers of structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations in human amniotic fluid cells."
We all owe a debt of gratitude to these fine researchers for their important work. If you found any of these excerpts helpful, please read the studies in their entirety. <a href="http://iautoblog.com">iAutoblog</a> the premier <a href="http://iautoblog.com">autoblogger</a> software

sâmbătă, 1 decembrie 2012

Deadliest Business Disease - 3 Ways It Can Kill

It's easy for a business to go beyond the boundaries of its main market and get excited about branching out into these new opportunities. While these opportunities are enticing the business must stay true to its focus and continue to mine the gold contained in its core product/offering.
 You need look only at a couple of examples from history to know this is true. The Roman Empire was perhaps the greatest organization ever. It's only really rivaled by Alexander the Great's empire and perhaps the Persian Empire. One of the big things that brought the Roman empire down was a disease from within. There were many outside that factors like a communicable disease which wiped out 25% of the population, a seemingly endless line of poor emperor leaders, civil war, and an ever widening chasm between the rich and the poor which was 10 times greater than what we see today. In addition, there were always lots of cults and pagan religions the Romans were tolerant of. Then Christianity started to come to the forefront in the third and fourth centuries A.D. and caused a crisis of identity in the Roman Empire. This Crisis of identity sent people searching for religion and faith and caused them to question the b
enefits of the Roman empire and its rule. This was probably the most damaging thing that led to the end of the Empire.
 This identity crisis was the silent internal killer which brought down the empire. So you need to maintain the culture of your business and its identity. Everyone working in your business needs to believe in the identity and what the business is doing to bring value to your marketplace. When that starts to come into question it is the beginning of the end for your business. IBM had a huge crisis of identity 30 to 40 years ago but they were able to remake themselves and adapt to the marketplace thus saving their business. Plan for your growth and maintain the strength of your identity. Don't let your business get to the point of IBM where it needs saving. It's easy to take a look at and learn from the mistakes of history that brought some of the greatest organizations down. People, including your business employees and partners and suppliers, all need something to believe in a higher purpose to strive for. Religious o
rganizations know this and are good at it. It's time for you to put this concept into practice in your business. Keep organizational identity strong and clear and so will your business be. <a href="http://iautoblog.com">iAutoblog</a> the premier <a href="http://iautoblog.com">autoblogger</a> software