Abstract This paper presents an overview of the causes of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and the difficulties faced by the population fighting the disease.
From the Paper ?Only 10 percent of the world's population lives south of the Sahara, but the region is home to two-thirds of the world's HIV-positive people, and it has suffered more than 80 percent of all AIDS deaths."
From the Paper "Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder characterized by an inability of the body to utilize one of the constituents of a normal diet- phenylalanine (PHE), which is one of the essential amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized within the body. It means that they have to be taken in from the foods. PHE is found in all protein foods such as meat, eggs, fish, milk, cheese, and so forth. "
Abstract A paper discussing the issues surrounding health hazards caused by computer use. The author looks at individual as well as institutional protective measures with special reference to avoiding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
From the Paper "Within the past two years, substantial media attention has been directed at potential adverse health effects of long-term computer use. Renewed concerns about radiation, combined with reports of newly recognized "repetitive stress injuries" such as carpal tunnel syndrome, have led some to call for regulation in the workplace and others to rearrange their offices and computer labs. There is little evidence that computer use is on the decline, however. On the contrary, more people are spending more time doing more tasks with computers -- and faculty, students and staff at colleges and universities have some of the most computer-intensive work styles in the world."
Abstract This paper outlines the current method of allocating needed organs and also outlines the way that it should be changed to as agreed by doctors across the world to make the process more effective. The author cites numerous examples.
From the Paper "On November 8, 2000, seventeen-year-old Leah Therese Loeffler of Middletown, Maryland met her fate. She died from injuries sustained in a brutal car accident just the day before. Though her death was tragic and untimely, life sprang from the remains of her petite, damaged body. Leah's uninjured organs were harvested and allocated to individuals in desperate need of a second chance. Her death is responsible for sustaining the lives of several individuals. Leah was their second chance, which makes it evident that the importance of one organ is so monumental that it should not matter whether the person lives across the country or right next door to the donor. Something must be done to decrease the amount of deaths related to poor allocation of one of the nations most valuable and most scarce resource: human organs. The issue at hand is the discrepancies in the organ allocation process by which a committee chooses what organs go where and to whom. The determining factor on who is next to receive an organ should be simply who needs it the most. The needs of critically ill patients should be taken into primary consideration when determining who gets a second chance."
Abstract This paper provides a detailed description of how the process of cloning is completed. The author discusses the benefits of cloning to our society, as well as the disadvantages. The final section includes the author's own biased conclusion based on his/her research.
From the Paper "Genetic cloning is a scientific practice that will affect our lives for generations to come. Is our society ready for such drastic changes in medicine? Will our government be able to develop legislation that will satisfy both people "for" and "against" cloning? This is perhaps the biggest scientific breakthrough of the century and will surface even more as this practice becomes more popular. Genetic cloning causes more debates and more dilemmas than any other practice in history."
The paper discusses the problem of childhood obesity and analyzes the possible causes. In addition to this, the paper discusses as to what should be done to resolve this problem.
2,260 words (approx. 9 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract This paper presents a study conducted on the increasing number of children classed as overweight or obese The author examines how childhood obesity most often lends to adulthood obesity, and how this may give rise to an immense public health problem in the future. The specific aim of the research study is to find out the reasons for the existence of the problem of obesity among the children, to study the consequences of the problem on the physical and mental health of the individual and to propose different solutions to the problem.
From the Paper "The research plan is developed with the aim to identify the health risks associated with childhood obesity. The research objectives thus defined aim at the identification of the health risks associated with the problem and on proposing the possible solutions to the problem. Moreover, it is the objective of our research to find out the possible causes of the problem and to define specific tools that are used for the identification of the problem. We have taken a sample of 30 individuals consisting of 15 girls and 15 boys within an age limit of 6-10 years. The sample is taken out of a wide population of the children attending schools and facing the problem of obesity. Sampling is done on random basis as it was the most convenient and simplest method of sampling when dealing with such a huge population. The research findings are based on the observations of the behavior of the children with respect to their eating habits, physical activities etc. The aim was to identify the reasons and consequences of obesity. After identification of the problem and the causes of the problem several suggestions are made in order to overcome the problem of obesity."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial debate over abortion in the United States, as well as the medical aspects of the procedure. The author discusses the difference between induced and spontaneous abortion, alternatives to surgery, the option of adoption, and various abortion rates on a global scale.
From the paper:
"In this day and age, women no longer need to experience giving birth to a child at all. With the legality of abortion, came the option of staying pregnant and giving birth or terminating the pregnancy in the early stages. Abortion is a highly controversial and personal decision. A decision that requires a lot of time for thought. The issue has brought upon a real life tug-of-war match between the pro-lifers and pro-choices. Those who support pro-life beliefs feel that abortion should be abolished and that the laws are too lenient. Those who support pro-choice believe that the decision should lie solely with the mother and laws should not limit her options."
Abstract The following defines and discusses the different types and causes of breast cancer. In addition it looks at how this cancer is treated, the different stages of this illness and the proposed treatment.
From the paper:
?A doctor should be seen if changes in the breasts are noticed. The doctor may suggest a mammogram. A mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast that may find tumors that are too small to feel. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to cut out a small piece of the lump and look at it under the microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This procedure is called a biopsy. If the biopsy shows that there is cancer, it is important that certain tests (called estrogen and progesterone receptor tests) be done on the cancer cells. Estrogen and progesterone receptor tests may tell whether hormones affect the way the cancer grows.?
Tags: lobes, tissues, malignant, hereditary, inflammatory, women, health
This paper highlights the advances in imaging technology that have allowed scientists to discover how memory works and the areas of the brain involved.
Abstract This paper looks at how the different advances in brain imaging-techniques have contributed to scientists increased ability to understand the concept of memory. It looks at the advent of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and what they have meant to the increased ability to understand and treat brain, and memory disorders.
From the Paper "For example, fMRI was found useful for research by Awh and colleagues (1999) to observe brain activations during the performance of a spatial working memory task. In this investigation, subjects were given a spatial working memory task and a control task. Using fMRI the researchers found a functionally distinct, region that showed sustained activity during the spatial working memory task, confirming the location for the neural bases for that function. In the past, researchers who wanted detailed studies of human brain activity struggled because they lacked effective investigative tools. In experiments with humans the best technologies brought only limited success in mapping the processes of consciousness."
This paper looks at the effects of the drug Ritalin given to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) children.
Abstract This paper looks at the debate surrounding the use of Ritalin, especially the misuse among children under the age of six. The paper details what ADD and ADHD are, how they are diagnosed and treated and what the growth in the number of children being diagnosed with these disorders has done to the use of Ritalin. The paper looks at several different issues including treatment of adolescents, teenagers and young adults. It also addresses the issue of a lack of research being conducted into the affects that this drug has on children and adolescents.
The paper has an extensive bibliography, but is without footnotes, or endnotes.
From the Paper "Children who take Ritalin note that they are more goal directed, they are able to stay focused on their schoolwork, are less aggressive and are more docile and compliant. The effects of the drug usually are seen within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. The peak occurs within one to three hours and the influences are gone in 3 to 5 hours. The sustained release form, effects last 6 to 8 hours. It is entirely metabolized and out of the system within 12 to 24 hours. The dose is usually taken twice a day. The Physicians Desk Reference lists more than 25 side effects that can be seen while taking Ritalin. Some of these include nausea, insomnia, headaches, weight loss, slowing of growth, compulsive behaviors, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure and Tourette syndrome. Regardless of the evidence that this drug has damaging side effects, doctors still ignore a safer solution. Non drug approaches for children are also underfunded."
Abstract This paper studies the plastic surgery industry in the United States. It focuses on breast implants and face lifts. It describes the history of the field and discusses the current techniques. The paper contends that cosmetic surgery has become a multi-billion dollar industry and involves many more average Americans than stars and wealthy patients. The industry is thriving despite the controversy over the breast implant surgery and the future looks very profitable. The paper concludes that the industry of plastic surgery will continue to thrive and prosper in the future, especially in the United States.
From the Paper "Until several decades ago plastic surgery was reserved for the very wealthy and Hollywood movie stars. They would go into hiding, and come out a few weeks later looking younger than they did before. Everyone knew something had been lifted or tucked but it was rarely vocalized in public. Then the breast implant market hit the scene and the plastic surgery industry exploded into a Mecca of revenue and business. Women between 18 and 80 were rushing to have their breasts enlarged. Once this became an accepted practice it was not long before the "average" person was taking vacation time from work to have a face-lift. Cosmetic surgery has become a multi-billion dollar industry and involves many more average Americans than stars and wealthy patients. The industry is thriving even given the controversy over the breast implant surgery and the future looks very profitable. "
Tags: Plastic, Cosmetic, surgery, Hollywood, face, lift, breast, implant, United, States, industry
Abstract This paper examines the psychiatric illness of schizophrenia. The author discusses possible causes, risk factors, the symptoms such as depression, hallucinations, lack of motivation, social withdrawal, delusions, etc. The author also discusses how families cope with schizophrenic members, and the various anti-psychotic drugs available.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia can be classified as gradual-onset schizophrenia (also known as insidious schizophrenia) or acute-episode schizophrenia. Sometimes there is a slow build-up of symptoms leading up to episode schizophrenia; other times there are no warning signs. Episode schizophrenia spans a short period of time but is nevertheless intense and oftentimes includes the following symptoms: hallucinations or delusions, thought disorder, and self-disassociation. Schizophrenia can also be onset suddenly. In a matter of weeks or even days, a schizophrenic's behavior can change significantly."
Abstract This paper examines the controversial topic of abortion in the U.S., particularly non-surgical abortion through the use of the pill RU-486. The author looks at the social, legal, political, and cultural issues surrounding the abortion pill.
From the Paper "Into what is already one of the most intense and polarizing ethical and philosophical issues of the late 20th century in the United States ? the debate over induced abortion ?moves a new element, the medical (i.e. non-surgical) form of abortion that is produced by the use of the drug commonly known as RU-486, recently approved for use in this country by the Federal Drug Administration. Proponents of the drug believe that it will make abortion more accessible to American women as well as less traumatic, both because it can be performed earlier in a pregnancy than a surgical abortion and because the woman herself is more actively engaged in the process. And because RU-486 can be taken in any doctor's office, women will not have to brace the nearly constant protests at abortion clinics, another factor that should alleviate the difficulty in obtaining abortions."
Tags: abortion, clinic, pill, doctor, fda, france, women, united, states, pregnancy, unwanted, Mifepristone, drug, surgical
Abstract A paper which studies Tourette Syndrome in children. The paper shows that TS, a neurological disorder usually associated with tics, affects about 1 in every 2000 children. It examines symptoms and diagnosis of the syndrome, treatment in the medical fields, a search for a cure and the difficulty for both child sufferers and their families of living with the disorder.
From the Paper "The most exciting and promising part of TS is the amount of research that is being done in the hopes of finding not just a cure, but better treatments for those who continue to suffer. Craig Whitley's site highlights some of the research being done by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the leading contributor to TS research nationally. The recent studies have determined that TS is an inherited trait from a dominant gene that causes different symptoms to appear in different people. The disorder may turn out to be more common than was previously thought. Genetic studies are trying to find the chromosomal link to TS, so that new therapies can become an option for research and development. Once the marker is found, the research can focus on finding the gene, which can lead to a better determination of risks for people who carry the gene, gene therapy when couples are preparing to have children and perhaps a more definite diagnosis technique."
Tags: Jim, Eisenreich, Foundation, for, Children, Haldol, Klonopin
Abstract The author of this paper defines the term "hallucinations". The paper then discusses causes and symptoms of hallucinations such as drug use, stress and neurological disorders. Diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of hallucinatory states are also examined. Finally, the paper touches on the main difference between hallucinations and transitory illusions.
From the Paper "The hallucinations that come with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders can often be controlled with medication. In addition, the patient can be counseled about the true nature of these experiences, and some people with these disorders can learn to live with the experiences and cope with them when they happen. Situation ally-induced hallucinations, of course, will disappear when the stressors causing them (severe fatigue, etc.) are dealt with. Some people seek out these types of hallucinations, believing them to bring enlightenment. Those people may attempt to induce the experience using medication, sensory deprivation or illegal drugs. They will see these episodes as controlled experiments in self-growth, desirable, and not as a source for concern."
