Abstract This paper presents a detailed overview of sickle cell disease, an inherited disease of the red blood cells, which is present from birth. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the history of the disease, including its discovery. Next the paper investigates the pathophysiological aspects of the disease, presenting the information in easy-to-understand layman terms. The paper then discusses how sickle cell disease affects sufferers physically. Finally the paper presents and evaluates treatment options.
Outline:
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiological Basics of Sickle Cell Disease Physical Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease Treatment options for Sickle Cell Disease Conclusion
From the Paper "Before one can speak in depth on sickle cell disease itself, one must understand the basic pathophysiology which surrounds the condition. Hemoglobin is a protein carried by red cells, which carries oxygen from the lungs for delivery to peripheral tissues. It is composed of two similar proteins, alpha and beta. It is the coordinated action of the alpha and beta globin chains which allow the oxygen transport to occur. These two chains combine to form hemoglobin. During life, except during the very first week of embryonic development, one of the globin chains in an alpha. A developing fetus also has another chain which is a gamma globin; sometimes called non-alpha is present in the fetal circulation. The gamma globin is replaced shortly after birth with the beta, which then chains with the alpha. When two alpha chains combine with two gamma chains, this is called Hemoglobin F, or the common hemoglobin of fetal circulation. Adult hemoglobin, formed of two alpha and beta chains is called Hemoglobin A. If one alpha and one non-alpha chain combine, then this two chain combination is called a dimer and it not functional enough to deliver oxygen to tissues."
Abstract This paper explains that Kuru disease is found among natives in the eastern highlands of New Guinea who eat the brains of deceased relatives to honor them. The author points out that it is similarity to other spongiform encephalopathies, now known as prion diseases. The paper looks at the biochemical features of the disease and reviews prion diseases in general.
From the Paper "Kuru disease is one of a family of diseases known as prion diseases because they are caused by an abnormal form of the prion PrP protein found in membranes. The family includes Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease."
This paper examines Sander Gilman's argument that disease and illness are main avenues for projecting societal beliefs, views and ideologies, as detailed in his book "Disease and Representation."
Abstract This paper explores Sander Gilman's theory that the representations of illness and disease are manifestations of society which are susceptible to changes, much the way knowledge is. Art and literature are two major avenues in which society projects its beliefs and views. Gilman uses this phenomenon to examine how disease and illness are seen through society. Gilman contends that in art and literature, painters and poets have accumulated their society's fears of illness and disease and manifested them into very detailed pictorial representations. The writer stresses the need to create representations that can be physically seen which would lessen society's fear of illness. This paper also discusses the various methods created by scientists in which observations and ideas can in fact be seen and scrutinized which results in better understanding of disease and illness.
From the Paper "Scientists have created a method by which observations and ideas can be observed and scrutinized in order to better the comprehension of the world. The scientific method is central to new ideas and theories becoming more accepted in the scientific community. Just as a human relies on its five senses to interact with the world, the scientific method relies on human observations and ideas to create knowledge. Thus, in its own essence, the scientific method is relying on lesser means of perception in order to broaden the understanding of the world. As an idea passes through the scientific method on its way to becoming accepted knowledge, it must first pass the task of acceptance by society."
Tags: science, perception, art, literature, illness, disease, society, social
Abstract The paper relates that approximately 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. The paper explains that this is a disease that affects a person's memory and often makes it impossible to do everyday activities such as eating or dressing. The paper discusses how today scientists know more about this disease, but they do not have a cure for the illness. The paper explains the importance of knowing the definition of Alzheimer's disease with its many symptoms, as well as studying the best treatments for the disease.
Abstract The paper discusses the onset of coronary artery disease and the condition of atherosclerosis. The paper explains that coronary artery disease is primarily characterized as an inflammation of the arteries. The paper outlines the causes of this inflammation and examines the strong correlation between coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as with Type II Diabetes. The paper looks at the most serious complication from coronary artery disease, which is the possibility of a heart attack.
From the Paper "Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a frightening name for an all-too common illness. It is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women ("What Is Coronary Artery Disease?" NIH, 2007). More than 64 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, and in 2001, cardiovascular disease was responsible for more than 39 percent of all deaths in the United States (American Heart Association: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2004, cited by "Coronary Artery Disease and Atherosclerosis, Health Concerns, 2006, p1)."
Abstract This paper examines the novel mechanism of disease transmittal in prions as well as the diseases themselves (mad cow disease and Creutzfeld-Jacobs disease). Functions of normal prions are also discussed. The paper also examines how prions are devoid of nucleic acids, and thus carry no information other than their tertiary structure.
From the Paper "Knockout mice survived up to their 70th week, and then they began to display signs common with brain disease, which included a loss of motor coordination. Curiously, the symptoms shown by these knockout mice were similar to those found in many cases of prion diseases."
Tags: brain, cow, creutzfeld, disease, infectious, jacobs, mad, prions, protein
Abstract The topic of this study is Alzheimer's disease, especially issues related to the treatment of this particular disease. Alzheimer's disease is not only a chronic, debilitating and progressive disorder, but it is also one that is expected to escalate on account of the aging of the population. When one adds the fact that there currently is no cure for the disease, and that total care is required for people who are in the final stages, then one is left with perhaps one of the most significant health issues in our society. Also, the fact that care giving is such an important aspect of treatment, one is faced with the effects that are experienced by caregivers. This final point makes the topic of profound interest to the author on account of the author's own involvement in care giving.
Abstract This paper presents CAD, or coronary artery disease. The paper begins with an overview of CAD, including statistical data. Next, the paper explores the etiology of disease. The paper then examines diagnostic tests used to detect the condition and signs and symptoms of the disease. The paper concludes with a discussion of treatment -- and under-treatment -- of the disease.
From the Paper "Coronary artery disease generally refers to the buildup of cholesterol in the inside layers of the arteries. This buildup slowly narrows the flow of blood through the vessel and the muscles..."
Abstract This paper describes the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and examines possible causes for the condition. A description of the discovery of the disease is followed by a discussion of its symptoms. A significant portion of the paper is a review of current literature regarding causes of Alzheimer's disease. The paper concludes with a description of populations at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Table of Contents
AD History
Suspected Causes of AD
Is AD Contagious?
Is it Caused by Something we Eat?
Other Risk Factors
Conclusion
From the Paper "Proteins, not necessarily those consumed but rather those made in the body, have also formed a basis for AD research. Pathologist George C. Glenner, in 1983, examined the molecular structure of [beta]-amuloid, a structure that constitutes the tip of the plaques present in AD, and discovered that the concentration of these amyloids is particularly high, appearing like strips of sticky substance spilled on a floor and gumming up the works (Odle, 2003). Since Glenner's work, new research indicates that [beta]-amyloid is toxic to neurons, and could therefore easily lead to cell destruction."
Abstract This paper discusses heart disease in the Unites States. The paper suggests that heart disease is an indiscriminate disease that affects individuals of any age, culture or socioeconomic group, but that in many cases, it can be prevented through proper diet and exercise. The paper discusses the epidemic in the United States of individuals neglecting their health which leads to a higher incidence of heart disease.
From the Paper "Introduction Heart disease is contended to be one of the most common causes of deaths in the United States. It is an indiscriminate disease that affects individuals of any age, culture, or socioeconomic group, and that, in many cases can be prevented through proper diet and exercise. This is evident, as the research demonstrates, because many within the country elect to live sedentary lives with little activity or exercise. Individuals that continuously neglect activity in their lives are creating their own health future by allowing their heart rates to slow down due to inactivity, their muscles to deteriorate, and their bones to become weak."
Abstract This paper discusses the frequency of heart disease and stroke in the United States. It explains that heart disease and stroke is the number one and number three killer of Americans today. The author contends that Coronary Heart Disease affects males 40% more often than females. The paper claims that in the southern and eastern portions of the United States heart disease is reportedly more prevalent than in other portions of the country.
From the Paper "Heart disease and stroke is the number one and number three killer of Americans today. Coronary Heart Disease affects males 40% more often than females, and for African American males there re 243 deaths for every 100,000 African American males in the country. In the southern and eastern portions of the United States heart disease is reportedly more prevalent than in other portions of the country. Although there has been a decrease in the disease among the majority of the population since 1980, heart disease is still a significant threat to the health of Americans in 2005 ("Heart Disease", 2003). Stroke: The highest rate of strokes exists in the African American population at the age of 85, with the lowest rate of stroke for minorities existing in the Hispanic population at the age of 39. Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina residents experience the ..."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth study of whirling disease. It describes everything from game management, to current research and the disease cycle. The paper illustrates how the disease has spread and the current fish populations affected in the U.S. and world wide. The paper examines the fish species and their treatment options. Finally, it includes the current statements from the U.S. Fish and Game officials from three different states.
From the Paper "Prior to 1990, the Madison River in southwest Montana was a prime example of a blue ribbon trout stream, famous for its wild rainbow trout. Many people considered the river to be the ?cathedral of fly-fishing,? as it summons anglers from around the world. The following years showed a dramatic decrease in the rainbow trout population when it plummeted from 3500 fish per mile to 300 per mile in 1994 (Potera, 1997). On one 55-mile stretch of the Madison, an estimated half-million fish have been killed since 1990; including 90% of the fingerling rainbows and the catch rate of adult rainbows has dropped 75% (Woodbury, 1996). Some fly-fishermen were spending the entire day on the river and reportedly getting "skunked" (not catching any fish). The residents of Montana became worried because the income generated from trout fishing brings $250 million per year into the state (Potera, 1997)."
Abstract This paper begins by explaining what the disease is and a history of its diagnosis. It then provides a brief guide of symptoms of the disease and warning signs. Current and future treatment options are then analyzed to provide a full survey of this disease which affects a person's mind and causes dementia.
From the Paper "Alzheimer's Disease was first discovered in 1907 by Dr. Alois Alzheimer (Cutler xi). One of Alzheimer's patients, a fifty-one year old woman, had been experiencing a deterioration of memory and personality. Upon her death and an autopsy of her brain tissue, Dr. Alzheimer discovered "tangles of neuron fibers and deposits of a peculiar substance--the Alzheimer plaque--in her brain" (Cutler xi-xiii). These neuron tangles had been seen before in older demented people, but due to the discovery of the deposits, Dr. Alzheimer believed it to be a new form of dementia (Cutler xiii). Thus, the disease involving these two trademark signs became known as Morbus Alzheimer, or more simply, Alzheimer's Disease (Cutler xiii)."
Abstract This paper describes Behcet's disease and look at possible etiology, symptoms, options, complications and the lack of specific treatment for the disease that is not lethal, but may cause blindness. It also looks at various clinical aspects of the disease and some treatments.
From the Paper "Hulusi Behcet a Turkish dermatologist first described a disease associating uveitis with genital and oral aphthous lesions, a disease which now bears his name in Wechsler and Piette. Fifty years later Behcet's disease had expanded and was recognized as a ..."
Abstract This paper traces the history of infectious disease in American prisons back to the American Revolution and the containment of American soldiers by British troops on prison ships. The paper explains that during that period, the British operated 16 prison ships, which often held over 1,000 men each by 1776 (DeWan, 2006, para. 2). The American prisoners were comprised of military men and seamen that the British held as enemies to the British crown off the coast of New York and New Jersey. The prisoners, many of them wounded in battle or already infected with disease, received no medical treatment during their incarceration. Furthermore, the prisoners were held in close quarters, without sanitary conditions, allowing for the spread of disease to be imminent.
