Louisa May Alcott Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Louisa May Alcott - Essay Example Perhaps feminists can constructively criticize a book they grew up reading. Simone de Beauvoir and Gertrude Stein both read the book as young girls and found much to admire in the character of Jo (Baker, 2006; Friedell, 2005). If the reader ignores the ending where Jo burns her manuscripts, there is much that a feminist could admire about the strength and focus of her character. There is much, also, to admire in the real-life Louisa Alcott, who became a masculine stereotype as breadwinner for her real life family. According to Friedell (2005), Alcott worked 14 hour days at her writing, spent her earnings on her parents and younger sister, and cared for various nieces and nephews when her other sisters died. By the age of 40, Alcott declared proudly that her family was out of debt and finally free, but she still continued to produce writing to support the family. When she contracted mercury poisoning serving as a nurse during the Civil War, Alcott became addicted to morphine and still continued to work. She didn’t even enjoy writing Little Women. While she was usually willing to change stories and novels to please her editors, refused to marry Jo off to Laurie, but gave in to the general idea of marriage, saying in her journals she did not want Jo to end up like herself, worked to the bone with no time to enjoy anything, and alone. It is interesting that the character of Laurie was probably patterned after a real-life romance between Alcott and Ladislas Wisniewski (Sands-O’Connor, 2001). Most of the characters in this novel were patterned after someone Alcott knew, and her journals and letters are vague as to whether there was a real romance between Ladislas and Louisa, or whether she simply fictionalized that, too. The feminists speculate whether Alcott was bisexual or lesbian, and a romance with Wisniewski never blossomed in public. The book Little Woman and the character of Jo certainly start out as

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 55

History - Essay Example They were also against the reforms that were legislated by the state because they had a preference for individual freedom by choice. They majorly favored agricultural farms and independence in the rural areas and the right to ownership of slaves. Their agenda at this time was rapid expansion in territories whether by purchase or war. Their main focus was to progress by external growth. On the other hand during the 1840s period was the Whigs. They too had their political interests. Contrary to the democrats, the Whigs were a party of modernization. They looked into the needs of the future. Their main interest was the hope of the people of America. They strategized the use of federal state governments to spear head the growth of the nation especially the transport and banking sector. (Holt, 30) writes that they facilitated reforms in public schools, prisons and temperance. As opposed to the democrats, they favored free labor, industrial and urban growth. They were opposed to war and favored gradual expansion of territories as opposed to the democrats who favored rapid expansion of territories through conquering and purchase. The candidate that was chosen to run for 1844 elections was called James Birney. He only managed to win 2% of the total votes but managed to get most of the votes from the northern part which was majorly Whig dominated. On the other hand of the opposing party, were the non-abolitionists who opposed the expansion territorial conquering. This party won in 1848 with 10% of the popular vote. Martin Van Buren was the party candidate. However in 1852 they lost half percentage of their support because their candidate had rejected the compromise made in 1850. In 1860, the democrats’ party split when they were defeated in a defending platform concerning slavery. The convention was held in Charleston, South Carolina. (Holt, 34) points out

Economy versus the Environment Essay Example for Free

Economy versus the Environment Essay Down to Earth by Ted Steinberg highlights the role of nature in US history. Steinberg provides historical events, from minute detail of migrating birds to monumental breaking up of Pangeae, to support his analysis and for readers to fully grasp the course of American history. He maintains that the continuous interaction between human and nature drives them to evolve. But the truth, of course, is that human has tendencies to disregard nature to achieve their ideal standard of living. Moreover, human’s present consumption puts the life of future generation at risk. Long before the European settlement in the region, America’s natural resources were already being threatened. Native American hunters utilized the world around them according to their needs. These early hunters drove mammoths to extinction, as well as the giant ground sloths and other prehistoric species. Many of them used fire to clear landscape which did served their purpose but harmed other plants and animals. Eventually, however, they became gifted stewards of their environment. Their activities, hunting, gathering and farming, were influenced by the cycles of nature. The early exploration dictated by personal consumption quickly followed by exploitation. Migrants poured in pursuit of gold and silver in the English colonies which was abandoned for intensive harvesting of lucrative crops or the trapping of animals. The slang â€Å"buck† for money in America refers to deer hides called buckskins, being exported for glove making and other forms of leather manufacturing. This economic system persists until the end of the colonial period. By mid-1800s, regions were identified by the kind of cash crops they produced. Tobacco, â€Å"King Cotton,† rice from South Carolina lowlands, timber from the virgin forests of the Great Lakes, Texas cattle and wheat from the Great Plains. The system made the nation wealthy but at a devastating cost to biodiversity. Steinberg pointed out that the major factor that brought the ecological change in America is â€Å"putting a price tag on the natural world. † Cities were expanding, farmers were becoming more specialized in their cash crops and companies were pushing for more profits. Nature was transformed to articles of trade. Lumber companies, for instance, led to much deforestation which led to loss of other plants and habitat of animals. The citizens of the US seemed to have a sense of â€Å"ecological amnesia,† oblivious to the effect on nature of ruthless exploitation despite the mounting evidence. Aside from lumber companies, other businesses and industries abused the natural resources for profit to further degrade the environment. A common man specializing in one type of cash crop had to rely on other farmers to provide for the needs not met by his own produce. Rivers where fish used to spawn were dammed and converted to companies’ energy source. Nature was completely ignored in the interest of commerce and industry. As trade and commercialization intensifies so as reliance of everyone on someone else. Economic activity, both production and consumption, relates to the environment in two ways: the environment provides the raw materials for production, and through the process of production and consumption, we emit wastes into the environment (Worster, 1994). However, human wants are limited while resources are finite. Demand always exceeds supply. So what happens now if we continue to strive to obtain more goods and services from our limited supply of non-renewable resources? Our present and future generations are in peril. Economic theories of trade argue that a country should concentrate on trading and producing goods and services where they have the comparative advantage (Krugman Obstfeld, 2008). The comparative advantage in production is achieved if the input that was used is abundant in the country. For instance, labor intensive goods should be traded by countries with large population, while countries should concentrate in producing capital intensive goods if they are abundant in capital. This exactly what the early traders did. They traded according to their comparative advantage, maximized their profit and yes, abused the environment to further their gains. The economic thinking that competitiveness as a function of efficiency of labor and capital is outmoded (Epping, 2001). In other parts of the world, industries are starting to factor in the efficient way of using their natural resources. These efficiencies benefit countries, companies and local communities. Japan and Germany use half the energy input of American industry in their products. Energy represents about 10 percent of the cost of production and so they achieve with their efficiency about a five percent comparative advantage in world markets relative to US goods. The idea is to have a sustainable supply of both non-renewable and renewable resources relative to demand, to use the natural resources in a more efficient way to make the goods and services of a country, a company or a community more competitive in the market. We do not want to be the generation that kills everything. References Epping, Randy Charles (2001). A Beginner’s Guide To World Economy. New York: Random House, Inc. Krugman, P. Obstfeld, M. (2008). International Economics: Theory and Policy. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Steinberg, Ted (2002). Down To Earth (pp. 1-115). New York: Oxford UP. Worster, Donald (1994). Nature’s Economy: The History of Ecological Ideas. United Kingdom: Cambridge UP.

Thyroid Gland And Thyroid Hormone Synthesis

Thyroid Gland And Thyroid Hormone Synthesis Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low amount of the thyroid hormone synthesis. This may be due to a thyroid problem or any other reason. Thyroid hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes. Inadequate thyroid hormone has many consequences for the body Thyroid gland and thyroid hormone synthesis Thyroid gland has two lobes connected by an isthmus. It attaches to the thyroid cartilage and trachea. Therefore it moves with swallowing. Thyroid gland consists of follicles lined by a cuboidal epithelial cell layer. These follicles filled with colloids.Parafollicular cells situated in between follicular cells which secrete calcitonine. Thyroid gland synthesizes mainly two hormones. They are L-thyroxin/tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).T3 is the active form that acts at the cellular level and T4 is the prohormone.Iodide enters the thyroid follicles primarily through a transporter. Thyroid hormone synthesis occurs in the follicular space through a series of reactions, many of which are peroxides-mediated. Thyroid hormones stored in the colloid in the follicular space that is released from Thymoglobulin by a hydrolysis reaction which occur inside the thyroid cell. E.g. Thyroglobulin (Tgb), monoiodotyrosine (MIT), diiodotyrosine (DIT), Triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4). If there is hereditary defect of enzyme in above process, Thyroid hormone synthesis could not occur. So its leads to congenital goiter and often results in hypothyroidism. Regulation of the synthesis of thyroid hormones Thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by another gland located in the brain called pituitary. In turn the pituitary gland in part regulated by the thyroid hormone via feedback mechanism and other gland called hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes thyrotropin hormone (TRH), which give a signal to the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH in turn sends a signal to the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone. If some defect occurs in one of these levels, a lack of production of thyroid hormones can cause a deficiency of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism). Hypothalamus TRH down arrow Pituitary- TSH down arrow Thyroid- T4 and T3 The rate of thyroid hormone synthesis is regulated by the pituitary gland. If there is an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone circulating in the body to normal functioning, the release of TSH from the pituitary increased in order to stimulate more thyroid hormone. However, when there is a large amount of thyroid hormones in circulation, TSH level decreases and pituitary attempts to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. In people with hypothyroidism have low levels of circulating thyroid hormones. Physiological effects of thyroid hormones à ¢-   Cardiovascular system increased cardiac output and heart rate. à ¢-   skeletal system increased bone turnover and resorption. à ¢-   Respiratory maintains normal hypoxic and Hypercapnic drive in respiratory centre. à ¢-   Gastrointestinal increases gut motility. à ¢-   Blood increases red blood cell 2, 3-BPG facilitating Oxygen release to tissues. à ¢-   Neuromuscular increases speed of muscle contraction and relaxation and muscle protein turnover. à ¢-  Metabolism of carbohydrates increases hepatic Gluconeogenesis/glycolysis and intestinal glucose Absorption. à ¢-   Metabolism of lipids increased lipolysis and Cholesterol synthesis and degradation. à ¢-   Sympathetic nervous tissue increases catecholamine Sensitivity and ÃŽÂ ²-adrenergic receptor numbers in heart, skeletal muscle, adipose cells and lymphocytes. Reduces cardiac ÃŽÂ ±-adrenergic receptors. If there is a defect in the synthesis or regulation pathways or thyroid lead to many disorders. They are mainly divided in two parts. They are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is the overproduction of thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and most often caused by the development of Graves disease which is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies are produced which stimulate the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. This disease can lead to the development of toxic goiter due to the growth of the thyroid gland in response to the absence of negative feedback mechanisms. This is manifested by symptoms such as thyroid goiter, protruding eyes (exopthalmos), palpitations, excessive sweating, diarrhea, weight loss, muscle weakness and unusual sensitivity to heat. Appetite is increased. Classification of Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is often classified by association with the indicated organ dysfunction Type Origin Primary Thyroid gland The most common forms are Hashimotos thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease and can be occur in radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism. Secondary Pituitary gland Occurs if the pituitary gland does not release enough thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. Although not every case of secondary hypothyroidism has a clear-cut case, it is usually caused by damage to the pituitary gland, as by a tumor, radiation, or surgery. Secondary hypothyroidism accounts for less than 5% or 10% of hypothyroidism cases. Tertiary Hypothalamus Results when the hypothalamus fails to produce sufficient Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH prompts the pituitary gland to produce thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Hence may also be termed hypothalamic-pitu Autoimmune Atrophic (autoimmune) hypothyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism and the associated with antithyroid auto antibodies leads to lymphoid infiltration Cancer and eventually atrophy and fibrosis. It has been six Times more common in women and the incidence increases with age. This can be associated with other autoimmune Diseases such as pernicious anemia, vitiligo and other endocrine disorders. In some cases, intermittent Hypothyroidism occurs when recovering from illness, antibodies which block the TSH receptor can sometimes be involved in the etiology. Hashimotos thyroiditis. This form of autoimmune thyroiditis, again, more common in women and the most common in the late. The average age is atrophic changes with regeneration, leading to the formation of goiter. This may be usually firm and Rubber but can vary from soft to hard. TPO antibodies very high amount (>1000 IU / L). Patients can be euthyroid or hypothyroid, but they can pass through the initial phase of the toxic Hashi toxicity, Levothyroxine therapy. The goiter may reduce the even if the patient does not Hypothyroid. Postpartum thyroiditis. Typically, this is a temporary phenomenon Observed after pregnancy. It can cause hyperthyroidism, Hypothyroidism or the two sequences. It is believed to cause changes in the immune system necesnecessary.In case of pregnancy, and histologically lymphocytic thyroiditis. The process is usually self-limiting, but when Conventional antibodies are there is a strong chance this procedure of permanent hypothyroidism. Postpartum Thyroiditis may be misdiagnosed as postnatal depression. Thyroid function test is done to detect this situation. Defects in hormone synthesis Iodine deficiency. Dietary iodine deficiency still exists in some areas as endemic goiter where goiter, occasionally massive is common. Patients may be euthyroid or hypothyroidism depending on the severity of iodine deficiency. The mechanism is considered borderline hypothyroidism leading to TSH stimulation and thyroid enlargement against iodine deficiency continues. Iodine deficiency is this still a problem in the Netherlands, the Western Pacific and South. East Asia for example, the mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Africa. Some countries affected by iodine deficiency, for example, China and Kazakhstan take measures providing iodine in salt, but others, such as Russia, have not yet done so. Of The 500 million with iodine deficiency in India about 2 million suffering from cretinism.Dyshormonogenesis is a rare disease is due to genetics. Defects in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, patients Develop hypothyroidism with goiter. One particular family Form is associated with sensorineural hearing loss due to the removal Mutation of chromosome 7, resulting in a defect Transporter Pendrin (Pendred syndrome author). Hypothyroidism causes many symptoms. The term myxedema refers to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides.In the subcutaneous tissue. The classical pictures are Slow in working, dry hair, thick-skinned, deep voice, Weight gain, cold intolerance, bradycardia, and constipation. These features make the diagnosis easy. Milder symptoms, however, more common and difficult to distinguish from other causes Nonspecific tiredness. Many of the cases on the biochemical detection Screening Particular difficulties in diagnosis may occur in certain circumstances: à ¢-   Children with hypothyroidism may not classical Properties, but often have a slow growth rate, poor School performance and sometimes arrests of pubertal Development. à ¢-   Young women with hypothyroidism may not show obvious signs. Hypothyroidism is excluded in all Patients with oligomenorrhea / amenorrhea, Menorrhagia, infertility and hyperprolactinemia. à ¢-   the elderly show many clinical features that are difficult Distinct from normal aging. Investigation of primary hypothyroidism The Serum TSH is the examination of choice, a high TSH level Confirmed primary hypothyroidism. A low free T4 level confirms the hypothyroidism is (and is also essential for TSH to close a deficiency and clinical hypothyroidism is strongly suspected and TSH is normal or low).Thyroid and other organ-specific antibodies are present. Other exceptions are the following: à ¢-   Anemia, usually normochromic and normocytic In type but can macrocytic (sometimes this is by Associated pernicious anemia) or microcytic (in women, By menorrhagia) à ¢-   increased serum aspartate transferase levels, from Muscle and / or liver à ¢-   increased serum creatine kinase levels, with associated myopathy à ¢-   Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia à ¢-   Hyponatremia due to an increase in ADH and reduced Free water clearance. Treatment Replacement therapy with levothyroxine (thyroxine, that is to say, T4) is Data for life. The starting dose will depend upon the severity of the failure and the age and condition of the patient, especially their cardiac function: 100ÃŽÂ ¼g per day during the Young and fit, 50ÃŽÂ ¼g (up to 100ÃŽÂ ¼g after 2-4 weeks) for the small, old or weak. Patients with ischemic heart disease Illness an even lower initial dose, especially if the Hypothyroidism is a severe and prolonged. Most doctors Would then start with daily 25ÃŽÂ ¼g and performing serial ECG, increasing the dose at 3 to 4-week intervals as angina Not occur or worsen and the ECG is not Deteriorate. Monitoring The goal is to recover well within T4 and TSH The normal range. The adequacy of the replacement is reviewed Clinical and thyroid function tests after at least 6 weeks at a constant dose. If serum TSH remains high, the dose of T4 Should is increased in increments of 25-50 g Æ’Â ¬ the tests Repeated 6-8 week intervals until TSH returns to normal. Complete suppression of TSH should be avoided atrial fibrillation and the risk of osteoporosis. The usual The Maintenance dose is 100 to 150 g Æ’Â ¬ administered as a single daily Dose. An annual thyroid function test is recommended this is usually done in the first line, often assisted and in response to the district thyroid registers. Clinical improvement T4 cannot start 2 weeks or more and complete resolution of symptoms 6 months. The need for lifelong therapy should be emphasized and the possibility of other autoimmune endocrine disease development, Especially Addisons disease or pernicious anemia, Should be considered. During pregnancy, an increase of T4 Dosage of about 25-50ÃŽÂ ¼g is often necessary to maintain normal TSH and the need for replacement during optimal. Pregnancy is highlighted by the finding of the reduction of Cognitive function in children of mothers with elevated TSH during pregnancy. A few patients with primary hypothyroidism complain incomplete symptomatic response to T4 replacement. Combination T4 and T3 replacement is advocated in this Context, but randomized clinical trials show no consistent Benefit from the quality of life symptoms. Borderline hypothyroidism or Compensated euthyroidism Patients are often seen with a low-normal serum T4 levels and slightly elevated TSH values. Sometimes this follows surgery or radioactive iodine therapy when it can be reasonably seen as compensatory. Treatment with levothyroxine is normally recommended where the TSH is consistently above 10 mu / L, or if possible symptoms, high titers of thyroid Antibodies or lipid abnormalities are present. When the TSH is only marginally increased, the tests must be repeated three to six Months later. Conversion to overt hypothyroidism is more common in men or TPO antibodies are present in Practice, vague symptoms in patients with marginal Elevated TSH (less than 10 mu / L) rarely responds to treatment, However, a therapeutic trial of substitution may be required to confirm that the symptoms are not related to the thyroid gland. It is also is considered to be the best time (TSH level normalization, the ideal case, the former) Pregnancy, in order to avoid the side effects of the fetus.Myxedema coma severe hypothyroidism, especially in the elderly, may be with confusion and even coma. Myxedema coma is very rare. Low temperature is often there, the patient may have severe heart failure, hypoventilation, hypoglycemia, and hyponatriemia.The best treatment Controversial, there is no data, most doctors recommend T3 oral or intravenous injection, a dose of Æ’Â ¬2, and 5-5 grams every 8 hours then, such as the above-mentioned increase. High-dose intravenous cannot be used. Other measures, although there is no proof of Include: à ¢-   Oxygen (by ventilation if necessary) à ¢-   monitoring of cardiac output and pressure à ¢-   Gradual warming à ¢-   Hydrocortisone 100 mg intravenously 8-hour à ¢-   Glucose infusion to avoid hypoglycemia. Myxedema madness Depression is common in hypothyroidism but rarely with severe hypothyroidism in the elderly can the patient be said demented or psychotic, sometimes with prominent delusions. This may occur shortly after starting T4 replacement. Screening for hypothyroidism à ¢-   the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is Approximately 1 in 3500 births. Untreated, severe Hypothyroidism produces permanent neurological and Intellectual damage (cretinism). Routine screening of the newborn with a bloodstain, like Guthrie test, a high TSH level as an indicator of primary detecting Hypothyroidism is efficient and cost effective; cretinism is prevented if T4 is started within the first few months of life. à ¢-   screening of elderly patients for thyroid dysfunction a low pick-up rate and is controversial and not currently recommended. However, patients who have undergone Thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine should receive Regular thyroid function tests, should be as those who Lithium or amiodarone therapy. Signs and symptoms early hypothyroidism is often asymptomatic, can have very mild symptoms. Subclinical hypothyroidism normal levels of thyroid hormones, thyroxin (T4) and triiodo thyronine (T3), moderate to high thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) conditions. TSH and low free T4 at a higher level; the symptoms are more obvious in clinical hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism may be associated with the following symptoms: Early à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ cold intolerance, increased sensitivity to cold à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Constipation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ weight gain, water retention à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ bradycardia (low heart rate less than 65 times per minute) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fatigue à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ decreased sweating à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Muscle cramps and joint pain à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ dry, itchy skin à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ thin, brittle nails à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Quick thoughts à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ depression à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ muscle tension difference (hypotonia) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ female infertility and problems in the menstrual cycle Hyperprolactinemia and galactorrhea à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ elevated serum cholesterol Late à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ goiter à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ slow speech and a hoarse, breaking voice deepening of the voice can also be noticed. Reinke edema. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Dry puffy skin, especially in the face à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (sign of Hertoghe) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Menstrual cycle abnormalities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Low basal body temperature à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ thyroid related depression Uncommon Impaired memory Impaired cognitive function (brain fog) and inattentiveness. A slow heart rate with ECG changes including low voltage signals. Diminished cardiac output and decreased contractility Reactive ( post-prandial) hypoglycemia Hair loss slow reflexes Anemia caused by impaired hemoglobin synthesis (decreased EPO levels), impaired intestinal iron and folate absorption or B12 deficiency from pernicious anemia Yellowing of the skin due to impaired conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A (carotoderma) Difficulty swallowing(dysphagia) Shortness of breath with a shallow and slow respiratory pattern(dyphnea) Increased need for sleep Irritability and mood instability Impaired renal function with decreased glomerular filtration rate myxedema madness (a rare presentation) Decreased libido due to impairment of testicular testosterone synthesis Impairment of taste sensation and anosmia Puffy face, hands and feet (late, less common symptoms) Gynecomastia(enlarge breast tissue) Loss of hearing Diagnosis thyroid function test the only validation test diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism is thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxin (T4) level. However, these levels can be varying without thyroid disease. High TSH levels, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone levels (primarily thyroxin (T4) and a small amount of iodine Thyroid three original leucine (T3)). However, measuring just TSH can diagnose secondary and tertiary thyroid function loss, resulting in the following recommended a blood test, if the TSH is normal hypothyroidism remains skeptical: Free triiodothyronine (ft3) Free thyroxin (ft4) Total T3 Total T4 Additionally, the following measurements may be needed: Free T3 from 24-hour urine catch Antithyroid antibodies for evidence of autoimmune diseases that may be damaging the thyroid gland Serum cholesterol which may be elevated in hypothyroidism Prolactin as a widely available test of pituitary function Testing for anemia, including ferritin Basal body temperature Exams and Tests A physical examination may reveal a smaller than normal thyroid gland, although sometimes the gland is normal size or even enlarged (goiter). The examination may also reveal: Brittle nails Coarse facial features Pale or dry skin, which may be cool to the touch Swelling of the arms and legs Thin and brittle hair A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart. Laboratory tests to determine thyroid function include: TSH test T4 test Lab tests may also reveal: Anemia on a complete blood count (CBC) Increased cholesterol levels Increased liver enzymes Increased prolactin Low sodium Treatment the treatment of hypothyroidism is levorotatory forms of thyroxin (thyroid hormone) (L-T4) and triiodo thyroxin liothyronine (L-T3). Thyroxin is a name, and in the USA, the most common form of thyroxin tablets. Thyroxin is a doctor of the most common drugs, wherein a synthetic thyroid hormone predetermined. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as speech delay, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, cold feeling. This will also help in the treatment of goiter. It can also be used to treat certain types of thyroid cancer, surgery and other medicines. Both synthetic and animal thyroid tablets available, and may be required in patients with the additional thyroid hormone. Daily doses of thyroid hormone, doctors can monitor blood pressure, in order to help ensure that the correct dose. Thyroxin is the best 30-60 minutes before breakfast, because some foods can reduce absorption. Calcium can interfere with absorption levothryoxine. Compared with water, t he coffee can be reduced about 30% of the absorption of thyroxin. Some patients may be anti-thyroxin, in fact, they do not have good absorption sheet to solve the problem by spraying. There are several different treatment options for thyroid replacement therapy: T4 only such treatment methods include supplementary levothyroxin separately, a synthetic form. This is the current standard treatment of mainstream medicine. A combination of T4 and T3 in This treatment method involves the combination simultaneously manage two synthetic L-T4 and L-T3. Dried thyroid extract Dried thyroid extract is an animal thyroid extract; the most common is from porcine sources. It is also a combination therapy, containing a natural form of L-T4 and L-T3. Dealing with controversial T4 T3 generation has been investigating the potential benefits, but has proved to be no conclusive combination therapy benefit. Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines in 2002, the the clinical biochemical state of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences during pregnancy: L-T4 dose should be increased (usually 50 micrograms / day) maintained at 0.5 ~ 2.0 mIU / L and serum serum TSH FT4 within the normal reference interval the upper third. Doctors tend to assume that if your TSH is in the normal range, sometimes defined as high as 5.5 MIU / L has no effect on fertility. But there is an approximately 1.0 MIU / L, TSH level in healthy pregnant women Subclinical hypothyroidism there are a series of biochemical and point thyroxin treatment, the typical treatment of hypothyroidism symptoms views. Reference range has been debated. As of 2003, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACEE) that within the normal range of 0.3-3.0 MIU / L. There is always an excess risk of hyperthyroidism. Some studies suggest that subclinical hypothyroidism does not require treatment. In 2007, the Cochrane Collaboration, a meta-analysis found that, in addition to the no benefit of thyroid hormone replacement lipids and left ventricular function in 2002 meta-analysis checks whether subclinical hypothyroidism may increase the risk of heart disease increase, some of the parameters previously thought, a slight increase, and recommended to be updated for the current recommendations for further research with the end point of coronary heart disease. Replacement therapy the connection has been a slow release combination of T3 and T4, supporters will be able to thyroid dysfunction symptoms and functional quality of life. This is still a matter of debate, refused by the traditional medical community. Remember, the important thing when are taking thyroid hormone are: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ do not stop taking the drugs, and when you feel better. Continue the medication completely guidance of a doctor. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ If you change the brand of thyroid drugs, let your doctor know. Your levels may need to be checked. Some dietary changes can change your body absorb thyroid drugs. Contact your doctor, if you eat a lot of soy products, or in the high-fiber diet. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Thyroid medicine best on an empty stomach, and if any other drugs before one hour. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ do not take the thyroid hormone supplement fiber, calcium, iron, multivitamins, aluminum hydroxide, sulfuric acid agent, colestipol, or in combination with a bile acid drugs. You start taking replacement therapy, the doctor tells you, if you have any symptoms of increased thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism), such as Palpitations Rapid weight loss Restlessness or shakiness Sweating Myxedema coma is a medical emergency; the thyroid hormone the body becomes very low. Intravenous replacement thyroid hormone and steroids. Some patients may need support therapy (oxygen, breathing assistance, fluid replacement) and intensive care. Outlook (prognosis) in most cases, thyroid levels to normal, and appropriate treatment. However, thyroid hormone replacement for the rest of life.Myxedema coma can result in death. Possible complications Hypothyroidism, myxedema coma, the most severe form is rare. This can be caused by infection, illness, exposure to cold, or certain medications in untreated hypothyroidism. The symptoms and signs of myxedema coma include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ room temperature à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Reduce breathing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ low blood pressure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ hypoglycemia à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ unresponsive Other complications include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Heart disease à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Increased risk of infection à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Infertility à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ abortion Untreated hypothyroidism are at increased risk: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ gave birth to birth defects à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ heart disease, the higher the level of LDL (bad cholesterol) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ heart failure Too much thyroid hormone treatment are at risk of angina or a heart attack, as well as the risk of osteoporosis(the bone thinning).

Lowering the Drinking Age to 18 :: Argumentative Persuasive Essays

There has been an ongoing controversy in the United States on whether the drinking age should be lowered to eighteen like most of the world or if it should stay at twenty-one. Underage drinking has been a major controversial issue for years, yet why is it not under control? Teenagers are continuing to buy alcohol with fake identification cards, drink, get into bars, and drink illegally. As a teen I have proof that these things are going on not only in college but in high school as well. There are a lot of factors that come together to why the drinking age should be lowered to eighteen; the most obvious reason is too many people are drinking before they are twenty-one. Liquor stores, bars, and clubs all want to make money and if they can get away with selling to underage teens then they will. A study done by the Academic Search Premier agrees that, ?By now it is obvious that the law has not succeeded in preventing the under-21 group from drinking? (Michael Smith 1). There would be a lot of benefits to having the drinking age change to eighteen. The amount of binge drinking would lessen, and the out rage to drink would also decrease. According to Smith, ?Reports of binge drinking come from all types of campuses across the country. In 1992, researchers reported that more college?s students were drinking to get drunk than their counterparts a decade earlier, and one recent study reported an increase, just since 1994, in the number of students who drink deliberately to get drunk? (Smith 1). I interviewed my friend Shelly Mitchell who recently turned twenty-one and asked her how she felt about finally being legal to drink. She quoted, ?It is not as exciting to drink anymore, I mean I still like to go out with my friends to bars, but the fun is all over, in high school and college it was so exciting trying to get alcohol by using a fake ID.? All of these factors could be changed by lowering the drinking age to eighteen. In a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health, binge drinking is defined as five drinks in a row for boys and four drinks for girls. And when they did a survey they found that 44% of the students attending Harvard binge drink (Jeffrey Kluger 1).

Serial Killers and Mass Murderers :: Murder Violence Crime Serial Killers Essays

Serial Killers and Mass Murderers Mass Murderers and Serial Killers are nothing new to today’s society. These vicious killers are all violent, brutal monsters and have an abnormal urge to kill. What gives people these urges to kill? What motivates them to keep killing? Do these killers get satisfaction from killing? Is there a difference between mass murderers and serial killers or are they the same. How do they choose their victims and what are some of their characteristics? These questions and many more are reasons why I was eager to write my paper on mass murderers and serial killers. However, the most interesting and sought after questions are the ones that have always been controversial. One example is; what goes on inside the mind of a killer? In this paper I will try to develop a better understanding of these driven killers and their motives. Although mass murderers and serial killers are both dangerous and somewhat sick people, there are several distinct characteristics of each that put them in different categories. The most distinct differences between the two are; Most mass killers kill several victims over a relatively short period of time, usually hours, but sometimes days (Murder 1). Serial killers most often kill his or her victims separately, over a much longer period of time, sometimes lasting several years until the killer is taken into custody by authorities or killed. If a mass killer’s murders are committed in more than just a single location, then they are part of a continuous action (Murder 1). Their victims are usually chosen at random, not just killed at first sight. Their targets may also come in specific groups. More than occasionally, a mass murderer will take his own life after his urge to kill is over. This is possibly because authorities recognize the killer is unstable and are likely to shoot the killer in order to protect themselves. A typical mass murderer uses a semi-automatic weapon and plots his murders to be made in a school, university, or restaurant (murder 1). Serial killers commonly attack a single target at a time one on one. There also tends to be no or very little relation between the person being killed and the killer (murder 1). â€Å"The nature of this drive has been heavily debated, but there is a consensus on some points (Anderson 1).† Many researchers have noted sexual behavior in the murder.

Mindy Lewis’

Adolescence is difficult and painful: rebellion, critical parental scrutiny, an overall feeling of not living up to expectations. For some of us it is a time of excess – drug use, arguments, lots of psychic pain. Mindy Lewis’ compelling memoir is about what happens when adolescent rebellion is not treated as routine. Her version of teenage acting out led to a more than two-year incarceration in the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia–Presbyterian Medical Center (which she calls PI) when she was almost 16 years old. The book, Life Inside, explores Lewis’ life, telling a story of an upbringing quite different from most, and its effects. Always a creative soul, Lewis expressed her emotions in painting, rarely in writing. But an intense cyber-romance in the early ‘90s led her to begin to express her emotions in writing. She began to take workshops, writing essays and the occasional short story. Positive reinforcement in the workshops and small successes getting published made her take her writing a little more seriously. She actually wasn’t sure she could go through with her story, until she followed friends’ encouragement to write it, not just for herself but for the others who had been with her and for those who are in a similar situation now. Life inside chronicles a reasonably happy childhood in Manhattan, her father’s departure for California, and the dissolution of her parents’ marriage. The arrival of a stepfather did not provide any cushion as her relationship with her mother started to disintegrate when she began high school, smack in the middle of the ‘60s. Though her painting ability had secured her acceptance at the High School of Music and Art, she soon began to feel as though she didn’t fit in. She just didn’t feel hip enough for the other kids and heady atmosphere that pervaded the school. Lewis had discovered an escape in marijuana, LSD, and a collection of other drugs. Her parents sent her to a psychiatrist to try to find a way to reach her, and though he didn’t seem to think that she was â€Å"crazy†, he recommended institutionalizing her when she was suspended from Music and Art and made a perfunctory attempt at suicide. Several things strike the reader during the journey through the book: the remarkable level of detail about Lewis’ experiences at PI; the difficult adulthood that seemed as excruciating as it was inevitable following such a contorted adolescence; and the courage that it must have taken to commit all of it to paper. As Lewis says: â€Å"In [Life Inside] I hoped to give something—clues to parents of adolescents, or to adolescents themselves who are in pain. I wanted to let them know that there are kindred spirits—they’re not alone. There is a path out of the dark. If the worst situation in my life can become a positive, it’s like alchemy. It gives me faith that miracles can happen in life.† Her story is honest and open. As a reader, one could identify with her pain and her experience, even though it is quite different from one’s own. Many of the feelings she describes are universal, which leads us to question society and its definition of insanity. The book is really well-written and vivid, with great attention to physical and emotional detail. The story moves quickly (over 30 years in 350 pages), with its main focus how the 27-months in the institution affected Mindy's life. However, the book also details Mindy's journey to understand her life, the world around her, her family, and how to create meaning from experience, going beyond â€Å"life inside†. Readers who will particularly appreciate this book include lovers of well-wrought prose, and people who feel impaired by something in their past, and cautiously optimistic about their chances of getting over it and/or growing from it. Life inside received a starred Kirkus Review, and was named 2003 Book of the Year by the American Journal of Nursing. It is a vivid first-person account of the author's experiences as a rebellious 15-year-old remanded to a psychiatric ward in the late 1960s. No comments are needed for the following words: â€Å"While conversing with me it was quite obvious that she is more genuinely wrapped up within herself†¦ She is very self-conscious and is usually unable to face the interviewer†¦ Her walk is a sort of bedraggled shuffle which makes me think of someone being led off to their execution. The patient is fearful, extremely anxious and depressed. At times her anxiety rises to such heights that she begins to tremble.† â€Å"There must be something wrong with my reflexes. If they'd been working right, I would have pulled my foot away, or kicked him. I hope he's a better shrink than he is a doctor.† â€Å"The sleeves hang over my hands, which is fine with me — the more that's hidden, the better†¦ Once I was a nice little girl, but those days are over. Before I can stop it, that nice little girl's tears fill my eyes. I blink them away, hoping nobody saw†¦ I can't take another minute sitting out here in the hallway. Privacy is as important to me as air, and I'm suffocating.† â€Å"I sit here in my chains and the days go by and nothing ever happens. It is an empty joyless life, but I accept it without complaint. I await other times and they will surely come, for I am not destined to sit here for all eternity†¦.I muse on this in my dungeon and am of good cheer.† Today Lewis is by any account a healthy and creative adult with extraordinary insight. She is an artist by profession, a dancer by avocation and a writer by sheer force of will. At 50, Lewis has kept her youth with her. She is tall, trim, and strong; belly dancing is a passion and bike riding and swimming help, as well. Her manner is direct, tempered by a quietness that bespeaks a life path that has not always been clear or easy. Inviting the readers to take a close look at contemporary views of mental health through the lens of her own powerful and intimately rendered story, in Life Inside, Lewis has written an important memoir, as tough and candid as it is inspiring and compassionate. Bibliography: 1. Lewis, Mindy. Life inside: A Memoir. Atr