This paper discusses the continual debate over the benefits of vaccine for protection of the public and for prevention of the disease versus the risk to individuals who receive the vaccine for vaccine-related complications.
2,140 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 66.95
Abstract This paper explains that the common end goal for parties for and against immunization is the same; both parties want their children and the public to lead safe and healthy lives. The author points out that immunizations, which have eliminated numerous diseases that used to kill thousands of children, are the most cost-effective measure in all of medical science; children not immunized against measles have a 3500% higher risk of contracting measles than others. All children deserve the benefits of immunizations unless medically contraindicated. The paper relates that some people believe that vaccines are dangerous, that the government's power to deny individual rights is wrong, that vaccination does not constitute immunity, and that vaccines contain adjuvant substances known to amplify the body's response to the vaccine, which can sometimes cause allergic and autoimmune responses.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Those in Favor of Immunizations
Those Questioning Immunizations
Stakeholders
Interview of Health Care Providers
Parents Interviewed
Summary
From the Paper "For those promoters of vaccinations, the general belief is that "vaccination is modern medicine's greatest achievement." The goal would be to have 100% compliance. This group believes that vaccinations are necessary to the basic welfare of every child. "Public health officials take the stance that they are legally and morally obligated to act out of concern for the well being of every individual child, and the reality is that any unvaccinated child remains vulnerable to serious, even life-threatening diseases." Non-medical exemptions from immunizations also lower the level of protection in the general public."
Abstract Describes this autoimmune disease that affects mainly women. Etiology (genetic & environmental) and the activitation of B-cells. .Clinical manifestations and major concerns of the disease including tissue damage, organ damage ( kidneys), rashes, leisons Differential diagnosis. Treatments such as medication & emotional support. Prognosis.
From the Paper "Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-factorial, multi-systemic, autoimmune disease that tends to affect women (10:1) mostly in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life. The disease is more common in Blacks than in other races and symptomatic manifestations of the disease are brought about as a result of the deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in capillary networks and specific visceral organs (Tierney et al., 1998). The disease tends to produce a pattern of relapse and remission and though it is mostly associated with low mortality, it can in some cases be very aggressive resulting in a rapid deterioration of the patient, ending in death.
ETIOLOGY
The activation of B-cells both by genetically predetermined event ..."
Abstract This paper begins by providing some basic information about the disease - that it is a multi-factorial, multi-systemic, autoimmune disease that tends to affect women (10:1) mostly in the 2nd and 3rd decades of life. It then looks at the disease's etiology and clinical manifestations. It then discusses the differential diagnosis of the disease and finally looks at the treatment available.
From the Paper "The activation of B-cells both by genetically predetermined events and environmental triggers, which are currently unknown, leads to the loss of self recognition and is the main cause of morbidity in SLE. According to Kumar et al.(1997) The array of antibodies that are produced as a result of the overactive plasma cells tend to form complexes with corresponding antigens and directly lead to tissue damage by creating an exaggerated hypersensitive state. These antibodies tend to be destructive toward the skin, kidneys, serous membranes, joints and heart."
Abstract This paper examines how Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, usually life-long, potentially fatal, autoimmune disease that can be difficult to diagnose. It looks at how, since the disease is estimated to afflict anywhere between 500,000 to 2 million Americans, it is important that the medical community take the necessary steps to ensure that it continuously educates its fraternity about the disease's symptoms, methods of diagnosis, types, and treatment. It researches lupus, its causes and symptoms, available treatment, and its impact on patients? lives.
From the Paper "Unlike diseases such as Cancer, AIDS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer?s, Lupus is a relatively unknown illness in common parlance. The fact that there is little awareness or knowledge about Lupus among the lay public is, in fact, surprising considering that it is now estimated that the disease afflicts anywhere between 500,000 and 1.5 million Americans. One reason for the lack of public awareness about Lupus could be that for most people, Lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs (Lahita, 2001). However, the more likely reason is perhaps the fact that, though considerable advances have been made in the last ten years in the diagnosis and treatment of lupus, the disease still remains something of a mystery (Whitaker, 2001)."
Abstract In this paper the writer first looks at the blood vessels and their functions. Then the writer discusses the meaning of "immunization" and autoimmune diseases. The paper then studies how various diseases affect the lungs. Finally, the writer discusses the function of the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney.
From the Paper "Arteries arterioles and capillaries carry oxygenated blood to the tissues of the body and capillaries venules and veins carry de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs for re-oxygenation. The only arteries which carry oxygen-poor blood are the pulmonary arteries which carry this blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. The only veins which carry oxygen-rich blood are the pulmonary veins which carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. The pulmonary arteries ... "
Abstract This paper explains that the immune system has the startling ability to differentiate between your body's own cells, which is self and non self (foreign cells). It claims that each cell lugs protein markers or antigens that recognize it as self or non self. Your body's immune system, it expands, couples with all cells that hold the self marker except with specific autoimmune diseases where the body could slip up and think that it is self for non self. Basically, anything that carries a non self marker prompts a response from the immune system, which may include bacteria and viruses.
From the Paper "The body's immune system has the startling ability to differentiate between its own cells, between which are "self" and which are "non-self" (foreign cells). Each cell lugs protein markers or antigens that recognize the differences. The body's immune system couples with all cells that hold the "self" marker, except in cases of specific autoimmune diseases in which the body could slip up differentiating between the two. Any cell that carries a non-self marker prompts a response from the immune system, which may include bacteria and viruses. The immune system accumulates a large cache of cells. Some immune cells can destroy a myriad of foreign invaders, while others attack and destroy only specific targets. For the immune system to work succinctly, the immune cells must not only communicate but cooperate with each other."
Abstract The paper explains that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where antibodies meant to protect the body against infection end up attacking body tissue. The paper discusses the roles of a proper diet and nutritional supplements, exercise and optimism in building a strong and healthy immune system to fight this disease. The paper points out that if RA is left untreated, it can do serious damage to the various organs of the body.
From the Paper "Rheumatoid Arthitis (RA) is a disease that affects about 2.1 million Americans according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Although associated with senior citizens, the disease affects people of all ages including younger people. There is a form of RA that is common among young people called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthitis. (JRA). JRA is believed to affect about 1 in 1000 children. RA affects women at higher rates than men and has been known to show up in certain families which leads scientists to believe it may be hereditary. RA is less common than ostheoarthristis which is caused by the wear in tear in the joints as people age. According to the book "Understanding Arthritis," by Stanton P. Newman, osthearthitis is found in the majority of people over the age of 75."
Tags: diet, exercise, optimism, inflammation, joints, antigens, immune, system
Abstract This study provides a discussion of silica, the evolution of crystalline silica dust exposure concerns, an overview of the various uses of crystalline silica in the workplace, a summary of the various governmental regulations and standards that currently govern crystalline silica in the workplace, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) evaluation process for classification of silica, a discussion of how the presence of crystalline silica is currently determined and measured in the workplace, as well as what can be done to protect workers from exposure to this hazardous material. Additionally, the various health risks resulting from crystalline silica exposure are discussed, including the relationship between crystalline silica exposure and the incidence of silicosis, cancer, and various autoimmune disorders. Finally, the specific dangers of exposure in the construction industry and among heavy-equipment operators are explored, and the growing body of legal actions resulting from crystalline silica exposure is discussed.
Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Definition of Terms
Overview of Study
Review of Literature
History of Crystalline Silica Exposure
Use of Crystalline Silica
Measurement of Crystalline Silica
Determining the Presence of Silica in the Workplace
Measuring Workplace Exposure to Crystalline Silica
Protection Against Crystalline Silica
Silicosis Resulting from Crystalline Silica
The IARC Evaluation Process
IARC Classification of Silica
Amended IARC Evaluation of Silica as a Carcinogen
Crystalline Silica and Autoimmune Diseases
Exposure to Silica in Construction
Exposure to Silica Among Heavy Equipment
Exposure to Silica in Sandblasters
Legal Actions
Death in the Workplace
Regulation
OSHA's Hazard Standard
Relevant OSHA Regulations
Methodology
Approach
Data Gathering
Database of Study
Validity of the Data
Originality & Limitations of the Data
From the Paper "Silicon is classified as a nonmetal, but it has many of the properties that are associated with metals. Some scientists refer to this type of an element as a metalloid. Silicon acts like a metal and conducts electricity at high temperatures, but at low temperatures, it behaves more like an insulator and does not conduct electricity. Therefore, it is referred to as a semiconductor. This particular property is what made silicon the perfect element to propel technology into the world of transistors, then integrated circuits, and finally today's computer chip (Boegel, 1968).
Silica is a chemical compound, as opposed to an element, and is formed from silicon and oxygen atoms. A chemical compound is defined as "a distinct and pure substance formed by the union of two or more elements" (USGS, 1992, p. 3). Due to the abundance of the elements of oxygen and silicon, the natural formation of silica is quite common. Silica sand, the substance from which pure silicon is derived, is made of quartz. Quartz is the most common form of silica found in nature."
Abstract This is a critical report of Lyn Lofland's "A World of Strangers: Order and Action in Urban Public Space,"an interesting study of urban neighborhoods, and what makes them the way they are today. The paper shows how Lofland contends that neighborhoods are far different today because of the growth of cities. We live in a neighborhood of strangers, and our interactions with them cause little or no discourse or meaning. It shows how the author of the book makes it clear from the beginning that her premise is about the people who inhabit the cities of her topic, and not so much the cities themselves.
From the Paper "Lofland also discusses the threat we feel from strangers, and how we react to this implied threat. In today's society, strangers are often a threat, and so we tend to avoid them at all costs, especially in public situations. The person standing across from us on the subway platform could be the man of our dreams, or an axe murderer looking for his next victim. We are afraid of strangers because of the autoimmunity of our society, and our cities. There are many different types of avoidance behaviors people exhibit when strangers surround them, such as in terminal waiting for a bus or a plane, or at a social engagement where they know none of the others in attendance. People go to fairly elaborate measures to ignore strangers in these situations, such as reading books, sitting in one spot and ignoring everyone around them, and moving from place to place investigating everything in the room so they are never in one place long enough to make contact with anyone else. These avoidance mechanisms say a lot about our society, and how we are all strangers to one another."
Abstract Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormones by an overactive thyroid. This paper discusses the disease by looking at its causes (autoimmune reaction), symptoms (weight loss, heat intolerance, etc.), signs (goiter and bulging eyes) and treatment (diverse, depending on the patient's age and condition).
From the Paper "However, the classical clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism may be lacking, and instead anorexia with wasting, atrial fibrillation, or congestive heart failure may be the predominant manifestation of hyperthyroidism (Woeber, 2000). This is almost always the case in young patients with Grave's disease, whereas in elderly patients, toxic nodular goiter is a common cause of hyperthyroidism."
Abstract This discusses primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). It is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by an elevation in mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Recently, PPH gained national attention because of its association with appetite suppressants. PPH may also be associated with pregnancy, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disorders, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and the use of drugs such as oral contraceptives and cocaine. Patients with PPH may report dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. Early diagnosis is crucial.
Abstract Every year, in the United States, more than 250 workers die because of silicosis, a disabling, incurable lung disease. This complete, 5-chapter dissertation, investigates the incidence and impact of silicosis on the American workplace in terms of its economic, social, and political consequences. Based on these findings, appropriate recommendations for workers and management are then developed.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4: Data Analysis
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Silicosis is a chronic disease of the lungs that is caused by the inhalation of silica dust over long periods of time. (Silica is the chief mineral constituent of sand and of many kinds of rock.) Silicosis is regarded as an occupational respiratory disease, and it is irreversible, often progressive (even after exposure has ceased), and potentially fatal. Exposure to silica dust occurs in many occupations, including mining. Parks and Conrad say the sources of occupational exposure to silica dust are diverse and include many manufacturing and construction processes that use silica as a tool or a raw material, as well as the mining and processing of silica-containing rock. A number of these industries are traditionally known as the ?dusty trades.? Some of the jobs in these industries may involve regular contact with silica but are not commonly recognized as dusty trades (e.g., dental technician, chemist, or sculptor). Silica sand and gravel are used in road construction and concrete and in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, foundry castings, and abrasives such as sandpaper and sandblasting materials. Silica sand or flour is also used as a filler in detergents, paints, plastics, and cements; as a filtering agent for water, sewage, and food production; and as the primary component of some abrasive cleansers (e.g., scouring powder) (Parks & Conrad, 1999)."
Abstract Alopecia areata is a systemic hair loss disorder, which affects roughly around 4.7 million people in the United States alone. The paper explains that it is characterized as an autoimmune disease that leads to either localized or complete hair loss. The effects of the disease may either be permanent or reversible depending on the nature and extent of damage to the hair follicles. It is believed that both genetic as well as environmental factors have an influence in the onset of the condition. This paper provides a brief overview of the different types of alopecia and discusses in detail the possible pathophysiology and the treatment options for the disease.
Introduction
Alopecia (Different Types)
Hair Follicles (Complex Morphognesis)
Androgenic Alopecia
Molecular Pathology of AGA
Immunology of Alopecia Areata
Microcirculation in Scalp Tissues
Treatment for Alopecia (Cortisones and Anti Inflammatory and Immunotherapy Drugs)
Cosmetic Surgery
Conclusion
From the Paper "Alopecia is a disease triggered by the immune response of the body, which attacks and alters the normal development cycle of the hair follicles. Normally each hair follicle is in any one of the following three stages of life cycle namely anagen (growth phase), catagen (regression phase) and telogen (resting phase). Alopecia areata refers to the significant hair loss observed due to the immune response against the hair follicles in the anagen stage, resulting in severe reduction or complete stoppage of the hair growth phase. When the hair loss is observed throughout the body it is called as alopecia universalis. When complete hair loss is confined to the head, the condition is referred to as Alopecia totalis while hair loss that is localized and observed as patchy bald regions is known as Alopecia areata. [Ralph Paus]"
Abstract This paper identifies the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), examining possible causes and diagnosis techniques. The paper examines the progression of disease and presents current treatment modalities and research studies currently in progress. The paper explains that while the causes of MS are still being studied, there may be evidence of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, viruses and autoimmune dysfunction. The paper contends that research so far is inconclusive and researchers think MS develops due to a combination of these factors. Diagnostic studies are reviewed and discussed as to diagnosing the disease. The progression of the disease is discussed from relapsing-remitting MS to progressive MS. The paper presents a discussion of current treatment modalities based on the symptoms and type of MS that is diagnosed. The paper also examines the current clinical trials in progress and approval of new treatment modalities. The paper looks at several treatments, with the main focus on a research of a new drug therapy with monoclonal-antibodies called Tysabri.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Types of MS
Possible Causes
Diagnostic Methods
Treatment Modalities
Research
Conclusion
From the Paper "MS is a chronic, long term condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. MS is thought to be related to immune dysfunction, where the body's immune system attacks itself called an autoimmune disease. Studies show that the development of MS may occur as genetic predisposition. For example, if a family member has MS one would have a slightly higher incidence of developing the disease. It is not thought to occur by genetics alone, but in relation to an environmental exposure or infection. Factors that have been linked to development of the disease are the above mentioned genetic factor, environmental factors, viruses, and autoimmune disease. Environmental factors show a decrease in the incidence of the disease the closer to the equator that one lives. Studies have shown a higher incidence in northern states with seasonal changes, than in southern states. Researchers have not been able to identify the exact chromosome that would indicate MS. "
Abstract This paper describes the pathophysiology, incidence, signs and symptoms and typical progression of Guillain-Barreacute syndrome (GBS), a temporary disorder known to affect the peripheral nervous system. The paper includes an illustration.
From the Paper "There is currently no cure for the syndrome but with early detection, the condition is often reversible although it can at times be life threatening. Because an exact cause is not known, modern theory suggests that GBS is an autoimmune disorder that may occur from viral infections, surgery, trauma, or some reaction to immunization (s). However, because immune-mediated disorders such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome lead to peripheral neuropathies, it is logical to understand the pathophysiology of that process."