Aristolochic Acid Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Aristolochic Acid - Essay Example 'Aristolochic acid is a rodent carcinogen found in the Aristolochia and Asarum species, both in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants such as the Aristolochia fangchi' [1]. Botanicals Known or Suspected to Contain Aristolochic Acid [4] Botanical Name* Common or Other Names Aristolochia spp. Aristolochia Guan mu tong Guang mu tong Aristolochia acuminata Lam. Syn. Aristolochia tagala Champ. Oval leaf Dutchman's pipe Aristolochia argentina Griseb. Aristolochia baetica Linn. Syn. Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Aristolochia bracteata Retz. Ukulwe Aristolochia chilensis Bridges in Lindl. Aristolochia cinnabarina C.Y. Cheng & J.L. Wu Aristolochia clematitis L. Birthwort Aristolochia contorta Bunge Ma dou ling Tian xian teng Aristolochia cymbifera Mart. & Zucc. Mil homens Aristolochia debilis Siebold & Zucc. Syn. Aristolochia longa Thunb. Syn. Aristolochia recurvilabra Hance Syn. Aristolochia sinarum Lindl. Ma dou ling Tian xian teng Qing mu xiang Sei-mokkou (Japanese) Birthwort Long birthwort Aristolochia elegans Mast. Syn. Aristolochia hassleriana Chodat Aristolochia esperanzae Kuntze Aristolochia fangchi Y.C. Wu ex L.D. Chow & S.M. Hwang Guang fang ji Fang ji Mokuboi (Japanese) Kwangbanggi (Korean) Fang chi Kou-boui (Japanese) Aristolochia fimbriata Cham. Aristolochia indica L. Indian birthwort Aristolochia kaempferi Willd. Syn. Aristolochia chrysops (Stapf) E.H. Wilson ex Rehder Syn. Aristolochia feddei H. Lv. Syn. Aristolochia heterophylla Hemsl. Syn. Aristolochia mollis Dunn Syn. Aristolochia setchuenensis Franch. Syn. Aristolochia shimadai Hayata Syn. Aristolochia thibetica Franch. Syn. Isotrema chrysops Stapf Syn. Isotrema heterophylla (Hemsl.) Stapf Syn. Isotrema lasiops Stapf Yellowmouth Dutchman's... Aristolochic acid (AA) is a known genotoxic mutagen and is generally derived from plant extracts and is formed from aristolochic acid I (AAI) and aristolochic acid II (AAII), [20, 22, 17, 25] it is potentially carcinogenic to most rodent species [12, 13, 5, 25] and in humans [6, 15, 25]. The formation of DNA adducts by Aristolochic acid (AA) gives it it's mutagenic and carcinogenic properties, due to the process of reductive metabolic activation where both types of AA's (AA I and AA II) react with the nucleic acids adenine and guanine [18, 19, 25]. Specimen exists at New York Botanical Gardens. Tropicos does not list this species as a synonym for any Thottea species. Kew Gardens Herbarium does not recognize the genera Bragantia. Until additional information is obtained we will use the name as cited in J. Nat. Products 45:657-666 (1982) Using a laboratory-made pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) method set at the dynamic mode, Aristolochic acids I and II can be extracted from medicinal plants. If the intended extracts will be extracted from medicinal plants, spiking (addition of enzymes or other catalytic substances) will not be done, but ultrasonic and Sohxlet extraction will both be done to determine the accuracy of the techniques.

End of Course Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

End of Course Reflection - Essay Example I also learnt time management skills from the assignment deadlines and now I believe I am a better person than I was to join the corporate world. Conversely, the course was well structured as it included all aspects of learning that allowed as students to captivate knowledge and skills to mold our psychology as we go out to the job market (Harvard and Hodkinson, 2004). Personally, I have been elevated by the course since most of the stuff that I previously did not have interest in are currently my new passion. The course has modeled me in all aspects; educationally, socially and morally, thus I am in a better position to solve the current problems in the field and the world since the skills that I possess are enough to enable me come up with a formidable solutions to the current problems in the field. Finally, the course presented a challenge through its objectives, thus we as students had the obligation to satisfy the general goals of the course; I am glad that I have satisfactorily met a significant amount of the course responsibility and hope the knowledge will be of great importance in the practical field (Williamson,

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Essay Example for Free

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Essay Bridge to Terabithia is an ambitious, thrilling, and at times heartbreaking story about childhood, friendship, and individuality. Paterson begins the story by introducing Jess Aarons, an eleven ­year ­old boy living in a rural area of the South who loves to run. He dreams of being the fastest boy in the fifth grade when school starts up in the fall, feeling that this will for once give him a chance to stand in the spotlight among his five sisters, and win him the attention of his constantly preoccupied father. Jess is very insecure in his identity. He loves to paint and draw, but he knows that this labels him a sissy in most eyes, particularly his father. As Katherine Paterson said â€Å"Jess drew the way some people drink whiskey.† I enjoyed reading about Jess’s confliction between his masculinity and effeminacy. With his family stretched so tight by poverty he has little chance to really explore his own identity during this crucial period of adolescence. He is determined to win in doing something masculine that will rid the undesired label of â€Å"sissy† or â€Å"Girl† in the eyes of his father and schoolmates which will allow him to shine in his own right. He practices each morning, always dreaming of his upcoming victory. However, when the races come around at recess, a new girl, Leslie Burke, who just moved next door to Jess, boldly crosses to the boys’ side of the playground and beats everyone.

Sleep Disorders and their Effects

Sleep Disorders and their Effects Sleep disorders are medical disorders where the sleep patterns of a person is disrupted. A French scientist, Henri Pieron wrote a book entitled Le problem physiologique du sommeil which first examined sleep from a physiological perspective. Then, Dr. Nathaniel Kleitman also known as Father of American sleep research questioned the regulation of sleep and wake and of circadian rhythms. His work delved into studies of sleep deprivation. Soon after, Kleitman and his student, Dr. Eugene Aserinsky discovered rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep. Dr. Kleitmans research was further extended by another one of his students, Dr. Willaim C. Dement who discovered the connection between REM sleep and dreaming. Sleep disorders effect a persons sleep cycle which can be life disrupting where it disturbs a persons social and psychological state. These disorders vary from more common disorders such as snoring to life threatening disorders such as narcolepsy. There are three broad classifications of sleep disorders; dyssomnias, parasomnias and medical-psychiatric sleep disorders. Dyssomnias are disorders which involve excessive sleepiness and are associated with disturbed sleep. Disorders such as primary insomnia, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are disorders categorized under dyssomnias. Parasomnias are disorders which involve undesirable physical phenomena which occur during sleep and generally are disorders or arousal, partial arousal, and sleep stage transitions. Disorders such as sleepwalking, night terrors and rhythmic movement disorders are examples of parasomnias. Medical-psychiatric sleep disorders are relations between psychiatric and sleep disorders. Peop le who suffer from depression tend to wake up early and are unable to fall back asleep. This makes their depression worse as the amount of sleep effects ones illness. Likewise, treatment and medication used in psychiatric disorders can cause sleep disorders such as insomnia. There are many types of sleep disorders which vary between the three broad classifications of sleep disorders. Here are a few brief descriptions on some more commonly known sleep disorders. Insomnia is the condition where one finds it difficult to fall asleep whether it may be in the beginning of the night, after waking up in the middle of the night or waking up much earlier in the morning. This will cause lack of sleep which will bring about complaints of non-restorative sleep, sleepiness during the day or fatigue. Sleep apnea is where one has difficulty breathing and sometimes stops breathing over a period of time while sleeping. This condition can range from 10 pauses per hour to 30 pauses per hour. Loud snoring, daytime sleepiness and tiredness are common effects of sleep apnea and most people complain of hypersomnulence and loud snoring to the extent where it can be heard from outside of the house. Narcolepsy is another disorder of excessive sleepiness and hypersomnulence which is associated with cataplexy and other REM phenomena. A person suffering from narcolepsy may just fall asleep instantly without their own awareness. Such a disorder can be very life threatening as falling asleep in certain conditions like behind the wheel can prove to be fatal. Night terrors are severe and frightening partial arousal from sleep. Most people scream and cry while showing fear and anxiety. When experiencing sleep disorders, it is vital to seek medical treatment to cure this condition. Most doctors recommend sleep clinics for diagnosis of the sleep problem. The doctor will study ones history, lifestyle and habits before diagnosing ones condition. Generally, sleep disorders can be treated by self-care regimes such as the Good sleep hygiene regime. This habit advices that one should stick to a regular bedtime schedule, avoid napping during the day, avoid substances which contain caffeine, alcohol and nicotine and also sleeping in a surrounding where it is dark, comfortable and relaxing. Dead man walking Somnambulism Ever heard of horror stories where someone wakes up in the middle of the night, walks up to someone else or something else and acts out or mumbles? More often than not, these cases are mistaken for some supernatural happening. The more skeptical group of people believes that this was caused because that someone was possessed. The punch line for this whole situation is that there is a perfectly reasonable scientific explanation where this whole phenomenon is actually a sleep disorder; Somnambulism. Somnambulism is defined as a series of complex behaviors which arise during slow wave sleep (REM) and result in walking during sleep. This condition is also referred to as sleepwalking. Somnambulism or a more common term, sleepwalking, occurs mostly in children but there are cases which can last to adulthood. When the brain has trouble with the transition from non-REM to REM sleep, sleepwalking occurs. The hypothalamus in the brain controls the sleep-wake cycle of the body. When one sleeps, the hypothalamus blocks a part of the brain so that it does not perform any action and blocks off certain nerves that brings impulses to the brain while sleeping. During REM, our body has a mechanism which keeps us still so we do not act out our dreams. When this feature is missing, people experience REM sleep behavior disorders which include sleepwalking. There are many elements which can lead to sleepwalking. Most of these factors are categorized into three main factors; genetics, medical conditions and environmental factors. Genetics plays a vital role in ones sleepwalking condition. When a person is diagnosed with sleepwalking, it is a possibility that they have inherited that specific gene. If there is a family member with that abnormality, it is ten times the chances of that person inheriting the sleepwalking disorder. Identical twins also have a higher chance in becoming sleepwalkers. There are also many medical conditions which lead to sleep walking. Conditions such as fevers which directly impact the nervous system, nighttime asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, night time seizures and psychiatric disorders have a great impact towards sleepwalking. Adults with psychiatric disorders often consume drugs like anti-seizure medicines and stimulants which cause sleepwalking. A persons environmental surroundings can also induce sleepwalk ing. When someone experiences hormonal changes induced by pregnancy, menstruation or puberty it can lead to sleepwalking. Also, sleep deprivation, alcohol intoxication and unusual sleep schedules bring about the said disorder. So, what actually happens when one sleepwalks? In some cases, the sleepwalker sits up from their laid position. Some cases have the sleepwalkers run from their beds. The sleepwalkers actions vary depending on the type of dream. If someone is dreaming about being chased by a hungry wild animal, that someone is more likely to run as fast as they can. One can only imagine the outcome when a sleepwalker is dreaming about using the bathroom. While sleepwalking, the sleepwalkers eyes can be open or closed and appear glassy. Even though their eyes are open, their vision is not permitted as they are still in a state of sleep. Most people stereotype sleepwalkers to have their hands propelled out as if they were zombies and their eyes rolled back. In actual fact, these sleepwalkers perform daily life tasks. Some may cook meals and some have ended up behind the car wheel. Lucky for them, they couldnt find the car keys. It is not advised to awaken a sleepwalker as it is possible for them to go i nto a state of shock. After all, they are not controlling their actions at this moment in time. As soon as the sleepwalker wakes up from their dream, they experience amnesia where they cannot recall what they did previously when sleepwalking. The danger of sleepwalking can not only affect the sleepwalker but also the people around them. There have been over 20 cases where people have performed murders while sleepwalking. Also, many sexual assault and rape cases have been related to sleep walking. It is hard to justify these cases as most of it is performed when the person is not conscious of their actions. Sleepwalking is a serious sleep disorder and has to be resolved as soon as its diagnosed. Of course the best solution is prevention. In order to prevent sleepwalking, one should get adequate sleep. Never allow yourself to experience sleep debt. One should also cultivate a stress-less lifestyle. Meditation and relaxation exercises help provide a tranquil and serene sense of thought. However, if one has already succumbed to the sleepwalking disorder, there are many solutions to resolve this problem. Medication is a common treatment for sleepwalking. Medications are necessary if sleepwalker is at risk of injury, causes disruption to the family household, and other treatment option are not effective. Other treatment options are non-drug based and are preferred treatment for a long term. Anticipatory awakenings are when the patient is woken up approximately 15-20 minutes before the anticipated attack and is kept awake through the time of the attack. Relaxation and mental imagery are more natural techniques and can be very effective if it is carried out by an experienced behavioral therapist or hypnotist. Hypnosis also helps reduce sleepwalking. In order to protect the sleepwalker from the risk of injury, a safe environment should be preserved where it is free from harmful objects. Also, the doors and windows should be locked and an alarm bell should be installed at the door of the sleepwalkers bedroom. This is to alarm the family when the sleepwalker is on the move. Conclusion Sleep disorders are a medical condition where the sleep pattern is disrupted. Most disorders occur when there is a dysfunction with the REM sleep. Sleep disorders are categorized into three broad classifications which are dyssomnias, parasomnias and medical-psychiatric sleep disorders. Dyssomnias disorders involve excessive sleep, parasomnias involve undesirable physical phenomena and medical-psychiatric sleep is correlated where the psychiatric conditions of a person effects the sleep conditions and vice versa. Most sleep disorders can affect ones daily life whether it may be the person experiencing the sleep disorder or the person around them. Sleep disorders vary from mild conditions such as bruxism to dangerous, life-threatening conditions such as sleep apnea. It is vital for people who suffer from sleep disorders to seek medical help in order to contain this condition from getting worse whether it may be from medication or just adapting a healthy lifestyle. Somnambulism (sleepwa lking) is when a person gets up and walks about during the deep sleep stages. A person experiencing sleepwalking is acting out a dream or a vision in their heads. The sleepwalker does not realize they are sleepwalking and after each episode they experience a mild case of amnesia. The sleepwalking syndrome is usually caused by three main factors which are genetics, medical conditions and environmental surroundings. A sleepwalker experiences episodes where they wake up in the most unlikely places and in some cases end up in embarrassing situations. When sleepwalking, one does not realize their actions and are in no control of it. Some sleepwalking cases can be very dangerous as they attempt things which are fatal when the conscious mind is not at play. In order to end accidents by sleepwalking, this disorder needs to be treated. Methods such as medication, anticipation awakenings, relaxation and mental imagery are effective when treating sleepwalking.

The Psychological Effects of Gender Roles Essay -- Gender Roles Equali

The Psychological Effects of Gender Roles â€Å"Let the boys be boys.† You’ve heard this phrase before. Often repeated by parents regarding their little boys. So what makes a boy, a boy? Rambo like characteristics? Muscles? Short hair? Wearing blue? Wearing T-shirts and jeans or playing with sporting equipment? Well last I remember, the main characteristics boys shared were penises. The role gender association play in the lives of our children can sometimes affect them negatively. The messages that gender roles send, is that in order to be part of society, you must fit into the norm or the status quo or most importantly what society deems as acceptable. But all the while, trying to incorporate individuality and establishing ones sense of self. Two conflicting ideas that can confuse a child and also alter the way they live their lives. There are two colors that are designated to babies that serve one purpose and one purpose only. Most infant boys were the color blue and girls wear pink. Seeing that it is difficult to determine the sex of an infant without general exposure to the genitals, most parents choose to clothe they’re young child in the respective colors so people will know whether it is a boy or a girl. After all, what male infant wears pink? When the children grow older, do they still continue the practice the color identification game? This is wear it changes. When boys reach the age wear they start dressing themselves and start buying their own clothes, they will continue to wear the blues and the greens and even yellows and reds, but not pink or violet, cause those are â€Å"girly† colors. Girls on the other hand, when they reach the same age still continue to wear the pink and violets and can even wear the blues, yellows, blacks, and greens. So why can girls make the â€Å"cross-over† without being teased or mocked but boys cant without being called a gay or a fagot. The clothing issue goes farther than that. The fashion industry does make boundaries with clothing. There is women’s clothing and men’s clothing. Women can wear men’s clothing, and at times its the stylish thing to do. Young girls can dress like boys or wear boys clothing and at times will only be called a tom-boy, but that is acceptable to society. Let’s see a man in public wearing a dress, and we stop and go out of our way to break our necks just so we can get a good look.... ...d am able to observe what is going on and what can happen. I’m am in no way implying that making your infant son wear blue is bad and if he wears pink as he gets older, it your fault. I know that I probably wouldn’t be to happy about the fact that my little boy is wearing pink either, but its how you approach and deal with the situation the can have an effect on your child. Many parents would probably tell their children this type of situation, â€Å" Pink is for girls, take it off. What are you gay or something. Are you a sissy? Act like a boy.† (Finaut) It is brought upon so negatively and makes the child feel low and incompetent, especially if they are told this by their fathers. Not everyone will agree with my point of view and that is something I understand, but its all about being open-minded which is obviously not the message gender roles send. Works Cited Finaut, Jim. Personal Interview, 11, July 1999. Hales, Dianne. Invitation to Health: Power of Prevention, eighth edition. California: Brooks/Cole, 1990. Richards, Orland. Personal Interview, 13 July 1999. Tannen, Deborah. You Just Don’t Understand: Women and Men in Conversation. New York: Ballantine, 1990.

The Problem with Evil. Essay -- essays research papers

Arevalo 1 Michael Arevalo Philosophy/Extra Credit 02-03-02 The Problem With Evil The Problem With Evil refers to the statement; "No evil happens to a good person in this life or after death". The question at hand refers to the statement being accurate or not. Depending on how you define the words; â€Å"good†, and â€Å"person†, this statement may be construed as inaccurate or accurate. We must first define the words â€Å"good†, and â€Å"person†. The American Heritage defines â€Å"good† as being; (1a) â€Å"Virtuous; Valid or True†. It also defines â€Å"person† as; (2a) â€Å"Self; the personality of a human being†. However the Dictionary also has these alternative definitions: good – (1b) â€Å"Genuine; Real†: person – (2b) â€Å"the living body of a human being†. If you are to believe definition (2a), that there is more to a person than the physical body, our statement in question could be considered accurate. The thought or notion to be â€Å"true†, and or the â€Å"personality of a human being† is a concept. These concepts are forever true or changeless (eternal). Our ability to become aware of these concepts may illustrate somet...

Quality Culture

There are many differences between a quality culture and a traditional culture. While we are preparing policies and applying quality culture, we need to appreciate these differences and plan accordingly. There will be an evaluation between the differences of quality culture and a traditional culture. Quality culture is basically incorporation of quality in the overall system of an organization which leads to a positive internal environment and creation of delighted customers. Traditional culture consists of the beliefs and practices held or observed by specific human groups that have been passed down from their ancestors through their grand-parents, parents and the society around them. Within religion, it is holding or observing certain festivals. Within a community it is behaving or acting in a way that has been regularly done in the past specifically in that particular part of the world. In business, we have the practices that we presently use and the practices that we have had from past vision statements. The business of focus in this paper is Walmart. There are certain factors that will allow the company to be evaluated under the quality and traditional cultures. Sam Walton started Walmart in 1962 in Rogers, Arkansas. He started his operating philosophy slogan to be â€Å"People First. † Sam Walton believed in the catering to the customer. The slogans that come along afterwards are â€Å"Save Money. Live Better,† replacing â€Å"Always low prices. † The world's largest retailer said its first new ad tagline in 19 years comes as the company is incorporating more of an emotional tone into its advertising (usatoday 2007). Reference http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/2375.html