Kamis, 24 Februari 2011

Theory of Crime: Biological and Sociological

1. Biological Theories of Crime

1.1 Lombroso’s Born Criminal

Theory: some people are born with strong, innate predispositions to behave antisocially; based on the Darwinian idea that some people are genetically closer to their primitive ancestry than others.

A page of criminal faces from Lombardo’s ‘L'Uomo Delinquente’ (1876)
Lombroso’s Research:
  • Believed that criminals represented a separate species that have not yet evolved into Homo sapiens.
  • Collected data on physical measurements of Italian prisoners.
  • Conclusion: criminals can be distinguished by physical abnormalities (ex: flattened nose, large ears, fat lips); he proposed a taxonomy of 5 criminal types (CPPB and J):
    • Criminaloids: crime due to bad examples.
    • Professional: crime as a trade.
    • Passion: crime as intense love.
    • Born Criminal: crime as a predisposition.
    • Juridicial: crime as impulsivity.
Related Research: Goring compared the physical measurements of 3000 prisoners to non-prisoners and found no differences.
Results: most criminologists do not support this theory but many view him as the father of modern criminology.

1.2 Sheldon’s Somatotypes

Theory: proposed a link between physical characteristics and personality (constitutional psychology). He proposed three somatotypes, with a correlation between somatotype and personality (temperament):
  1. Endomorph: fat and soft – viscerotonia (sociable).
  2. Mesomorph: muscular and hard – somatotonia (adventurous).
  3. Ectomorph: thin and fragile – cererotonia (restrained).
People are classified on a 7-point rating scale for each category (ex: 1-7-1 is a pure mesomorph).
Research (the link between delinquency and physique): Sheldon predicted that mesomorphs would be related to delinquency because of their muscularity and need for adventure.
Results: research is inconclusive; he found that delinquents tend to be mesomorphic (and some endomorphic); recent research suggests there is no relationship.

1.3 Jacob et al’s Chromosomal Theory

Theory: violent crimes result from a genetic abnormality – the XYY supermale syndrome (males with 47 XYY) because the XYY makes people more masculine (and therefore more aggressive).
Research: research does suggest that XYY males exhibit impulsivity, low tolerance for frustration and low tolerance for anxiety.
Results: mixed results; the link is not specifically with violent crime (more with theft and sex offences), some XYYs aren’t criminals and most criminals aren’t XYYs.

1.4 Twin Studies

Theory: genetics play a big role in crime.
Research: meta-analysis of 13 studies revealed that 51.5% of MZ (identical) twins and only 20.6% of DZ (fraternal) twins are concordant for crime.
Results: heredity does play a role in primarily non-violent criminality but so does environment (see: adoption studies).



2. Sociological Theories of Crime

2.1 Merton’s Strain Theory

Theory: society encourages everyone to achieve the same goals without giving them equal opportunities to achieve them. The discrepancy between what society asks for and what the structure of our society permits is what causes crime. There are 5 ways of adapting to strain:

 
A Comparison of the 5 Ways to Adapt to Strain
Adaptation Means (Opportunity)GoalsExample
ConformistAcceptAcceptRegular people (middle-high class society)
InnovatorRejectAcceptCriminals
RitualistAcceptRejectLow-income families
RetreatistRejectRejectDrug addicts
RebelAccept new, rejects oldAccepts new, rejects old

2.2 Cohen’s Subculture Theory

Theory: where a subculture emerges within a dominant culture because they are isolated from society. This subculture has its own norms, values and belief system.
Focus: delinquent boys formed their own subculture where they could properly compete for status

2.3 Becker’s Labelling Theory

Theory: where a person is not deviant (or a criminal) until they are so labelled. This label creates outsiders by causing them to feel isolated and associate with other outsiders; this causes them to engage in the behaviour that society expects of them.
This theory examines the labelled, labellers and the impact of the label on the labelled.

source: http://www.edubook.com/

The Role of Music: To Bulid up Your Children Brain

"Researchers believe that musical training actually creates new pathways in the brain."

Music has a powerful effect on our emotions. Parents know that a quiet, gentle lullaby can soothe a fussy baby. And a majestic chorus can make us swell with excitement. But music also can affect the way we think.
In recent years, we've learned a lot about how the brain develops. Babies are born with billions of brain cells. During the first years of life, those brain cells form connections with other brain cells. Over time, the connections we use regularly become stronger. Children who grow up listening to music develop strong music-related connections.
Some of these music pathways actually affect the way we think. Listening to classical music can improve our spatial reasoning, at least for a short time. And learning to play an instrument may have an even longer effect on certain thinking skills.

Does Music Make Us Smarter?
Not exactly. Music seems to prime our brains for certain kinds of thinking. After listening to classical music, adults can do certain spatial tasks more quickly, such as putting together a jigsaw puzzle.
Why does this happen? The classical music pathways in our brain are similar to the pathways we use for spatial reasoning. When we listen to classical music, the spatial pathways are "turned on" and ready to be used.
This priming makes it easier to work a puzzle quickly. But the effect lasts only a short time. Our improved spatial skills fade about an hour after we stop listening to the music.
Learning to play an instrument can have longer-lasting effects on spatial reasoning, however. In several studies, children who took piano lessons for six months improved their ability to work puzzles and solve other spatial tasks by as much as 30 percent.
Why does playing an instrument make such a difference? Researchers believe that musical training creates new pathways in the brain. 


Why Classical Music?
The music most people call "classical"--works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, or Mozart--is different from music such as rock and country. Classical music has a more complex musical structure. Babies as young as 3 months can pick out that structure and even recognize classical music selections they have heard before.
Researchers think the complexity of classical music is what primes the brain to solve spatial problems more quickly. So listening to classical music may have different effects on the brain than listening to other types of music.
This doesn't mean that other types of music aren't good. Listening to any kind of music helps build music-related pathways in the brain. And music can have positive effects on our moods that may make learning easier. 


What Can You Do?
Parents and child-care providers can help nurture children's love of music beginning in infancy. Here are some ideas:
  • Play music for your baby. Expose your baby to many different musical selections of various styles. If you play an instrument, practice when your baby is nearby. But keep the volume moderate. Loud music can damage a baby's hearing.
  • Sing to your baby. It doesn't matter how well you sing! Hearing your voice helps your baby begin to learn language. Babies love the patterns and rhythms of songs. And even young babies can recognize specific melodies once they've heard them.
  • Sing with your child. As children grow, they enjoy singing with you. And setting words to music actually helps the brain learn them more quickly and retain them longer. That's why we remember the lyrics of songs we sang as children, even if we haven't heard them in years.
  • Start music lessons early. If you want your child to learn an instrument, you don't need to wait until elementary school to begin lessons. Young children's developing brains are equipped to learn music. Most four- and five-year-olds enjoy making music and can learn the basics of some instruments. And starting lessons early helps children build a lifelong love of music.
  • Encourage your child's school to teach music. Singing helps stimulate the brain, at least briefly. Over time, music education as a part of school can help build skills such as coordination and creativity. And learning music helps your child become a well-rounded person. 

source: http://www.educationoasis.com/

Earthworm as A Great Natural Medicine

The myth of Earthworm treatable disease, such as; Typus, fever, heart disease and stroke due to thrombosis, rheumatic, hypertension, diabetes, hemorrhoids, beauty skin and hair growth, not just talk, circulating in society.Some people feel disgusted with earthworms. Make no mistake, it was behind the smooth, earthworms save a lot of benefits. In fact, many people who take it to cure some disease, without effects, so safe to consume.According to the experiences of people who have a fever or high body temperature, with additional material earthworms consume their disorder increases.


According to a study done that earthworms are very high source of protein. Earthworms also contains several amino acids with a high level. One of them, worms Lumbricus Rubellus contain very high protein content approximately 76%. This is higher than the flesh of mammals (65%) or fish (50%) level. Several studies have proven the existence of the antibacterial protein extracted from earthworms that can inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria, gram negative dysenterica Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. 
Earthworms also contains the active substance in the form of the enzyme, which consists of: 
a. lumbrokinase enzyme (restore & stabilize blood function). 
b. catalase peroxidase (slows aging) 
c. Lignase cellulose enzyme (restore & stabilize the digestive function.) 
d. arachidonic acid (to accelerate the formation of new cells). 
e. αE tocoferol (elatisitas maintain & skin rejuvenation). 
f. Taurine (speed up fat metabolism to increase energy). 
g. Nutrients: polyunsaturated fat, calcium, phosphorus, fiber.

To make a drink worm, a worm that first thoroughly cleaned first. To remove fishy odor and taste, worms usually boiled with ginger. After the stew is filtered and ready to drink. More delicious when added to honey or practical sugar.For practise, many worms that have been prepared in consumption. Worm Worm has been through the process of drying and put into capsules.

Myths about earthworms is fulfilled, besides earthworms can safely treat us in terms of commercial good-enough. Moreover, the Indonesian people already know very well with a single animal.

Earthworm packed in tablet


The benefit of worm as a natural medicine

I will share about the benefits of worm extracts for health, like:
  • Working as a bio medicine, there is no side effects.
  • Safe for all ages (very good for adults and children).
  • Safe to consume in the long term and continuously.
  • Safely used in conjunction with doctor medication, also enhance those drugs work.

Other diseases can be cured by earthworms

Type of earthworm which usually used as a natural medicine are Lumbricus rubellus, Eisenia poetida and Pheretima sp. This kind of earthworm useful for :
  • Normalize the metabolism of human body cells.
  • Nervous system (calming, eliminate cramps, lower the heat, stop the pain).
  • Cardiovascular system (lowering blood pressure, normalize the irregular heartbeat).
  • Immunological system (enhancing immune / immunity against disease).
  • Respiratory system (widen nasal passages).
  • Blood circulation (prevent formation of thrombus, prevent blood clotting, destroying a thrombus).

Based the information from various source and expert, there are many diseases can cured by the earthworm. Like :

  • Healing typhus.
  • Lowers cholesterol.
  • Improve endurance of the body.
  • Lowers high blood pressure.
  • Increased appetite of eating
  • Treat digestive tract infections such as typhus, dysentery, diarrhea and other stomach disorders such as an ulcer.
  • Treat respiratory infections such as: cough, asthma, influenza, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
  • Reduces aches because of fatigue or rheumatic.
  • Lower blood sugar for diabetic.
  • Healing hemorrhoids, eczema, allergies, wounds and toothache..
  • Counteract nicotine.
  • Healing encephalitis, pneumonia, stroke, inflammation of the ear, liver, acne.
  • Maintain stamina of the body.

Research and Clinical Trials

  • XUANWU HOSPITAL OF CAPITAL MEDICAL COLLEGE (Medical school). XIANGXI PEOPLE'S HOSPITAL and XIANXI MEDICAL COLLEGE doing research and clinical trials for Lumbricius Rubellus enzyme powder to 345 patients with blood disorders of the brain (cerebrovascelus ischemic disease) and effectiveness of treatment reaches 93% and 73% complete healing.
  • CANADA RNA Biochemical Inc. develop the research on Lumbrokinase enzyme which found in Lumbricus Rubellus and managed to standardize this enzyme became a medicine of stroke. This medication is used to prevent blockage of coronary arteries (Ishemic) which invites the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension and stroke.
  • Prof.H.M. Hembing Wijaya Kusuma (medical expert  and medicinal plants). He said that earthworm extract contains 20 kinds of amino acids and proteins (76%) higher than fish or meat, Archidonat acid , lumbrokinase enzyme, peroxidase, catalase, cellulose, and lignase.
  • Dr.Husein Ahmad, MD Ph.D (President Director of HOLISTIC INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL). The best quality of Lumbricus Rubellus. That has the main function as an anti trombus with the "BIO ACTIVE" three main enzyme: Collagenase Enzyme, Fibrinolycin Enzyme, Protibinolycin Activator Enzyme, It's function for : Hipertention, Hipotention, Stroke, Thipoid, Improve the immune system. 
 

source: http://healthmad.com/

"Dragon Fruit" with its awesome benefits



  • Family: Cactaceae family
  • Origin: Mexico and South America
Dragon fruit plant is a night flowering vine-like cactus, the beautiful yellowish flower is about 1 foot long and 9 inches wide, bell shaped and very fragrant, they open during the early evening and wilt by daybreak. The fruit is oblong and has unique appearance because of its bright pink to red, green tipped overlapping scales rind. The edible portion is white or red, with hundreds of tiny black seeds. Its taste is sweet and juicy similar to that of pear, kiwi and watermelon. Dragon fruit is now grown commercially in Asia in places like Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Varieties:
  • Hylocereus it has red skin and white flesh.
  • Hylocereus polyrhizus it has red skin and red flesh.
  • Selinecereus megalanthus it has yellow skin and white flesh.
Health Benefits:
  • Dragon fruit help to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
  • Dragon fruit prevent formation of cancer causing free radicals.
  • Dragon fruit helps moisturize and smoothen skin and decrease bad cholesterol level.
  • Dragon fruit helps improve appetite.
  • Dragon fruit can enhance the body metabolism because of its protein content.
  • Dragon fruit helps improve digestion and reduce fat.
  • Dragon fruit helps maintain the health of the eyes.
  • Dragon fruit helps strengthen the bones and teeth.
  • Dragon fruit helps in tissue development.
  • Dragon fruit promotes healing of cuts and bruise.
  • Dragon fruit helps improve memory.
Hylocereus variety 
Selinecereus megalanthus variety 
Hylocereus polyrhizus variety 
Nutritional Value: per 100 g
  • Carotene: 0.012 g.
  • Vitamin C: 9.0 mg.
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1) traces
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.045 mg.
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3): 0.430 mg.
  • Calcium: 6 -10 mg
  • Iron: 0.3 - 0.7 mg
  • Phosphorus: 16 - 36 mg.
  • Carbohydrates: 9-14 g
  • Protein: 0.15 - 0.5 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 - 0.9 g
  • Water: 80-90g
  • Fat: 0.1 - 0.6 g
  • Calories: 35 - 50
Common names in different countries:
  • English names: Night Blooming Cereus, Strawberry Pear, Belle of the Night, Conderella plant, Mood Flower.
  • France: Cierce-Lezard, Poire de Cahrdon
  • Germany: Distelbirm, Echte Stachnelbirn, Distelbirm, Drachenfrucht
  • Hawaii: Pa-nani-oka, Pa-ni-ni, Kapunahou
  • Portugal: Catobarse, Cardo-Ananaz
  • Colombia, Mexico Venezuela: Flor de Caliz
  • Puerto Rico: Pitajaya
  • Mexico: Junco, Pitahaya Orejona, Reina de la Noche, Tasajo
  • Sweden: Skogkaktus, Rud Pitahaya
  • Vietnam: Thanh long
  • China: Long Gou, For Lung Kor
Uses: Dragon fruits serve as preserves and spreads such as jam, puree and cordial; salad; sherbets and sorbets; fruit pizza; and beverages

source: http://hubpages.com/

13 Ways Aloe Vera Can Help You

 Where does Aloe come from
Aloe vera gel comes from the plant by cutting open the leaves and collecting the ooze. The thick and clear ooze is known as a mucilage.
What is Aloe made of
This mucilage is 99.5% water. The other 0.5% is a combination of mucopolysaccharides, choline and choline salicylate.
Known for centuries as the "medical plant" or "the potted physician", this cactus-like plant with green dagger-shaped leaves filled with a clear, viscous gel was brought from Africa to North America in the sixteenth century. But long before, aloe, whose name means "shining bitter substance," was widely regarded as a master healing plant. The ancient Egyptians referred to aloe as the "plant of immortality" and included it among the funerary gifts buried with the pharaohs. In recent decades, medical research has confirmed and extended many of the health claims for the shining bitter substance (used topically or consumed as a liquid) that is the heart of aloe.
Here is a brief review of its merits.
1. Helps Heal Wounds
The bulk of the aloe leaf is filled with gel, 96% water with the other 4% containing 75 known substances. Applied to wounds, aloe gel is a mild anesthetic, relieving itching, swelling, and pain: it also is antibacterial and antifungal, increases blood flow to wounded areas, and stimulates fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for wound healing. An animal-based study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that both oral and topical aloe preparations speed wound healing. Animals were given either aloe (100mg/kg body weight) in their drinking water for two months or 25% aloe vera cream applied directly to wounds for six days. Aloe had positive effects in both cases. The size of wounds decreased 62% in the animals taking oral aloe compared to a 51% in the control group. Topical aloe produced a 51% decrease in wound size compared to a 33% in the control group.
2. Supports Surgical Recovery
Aloe decreases surgical recovery time, according to a report in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology. Eighteen acne patients underwent facial dermabrasion surgery, in which lesions are scraped away. Dressings were applied to their faces, with half of each person's face receiving the standard dressing coated with surgical gel, and the other half with aloe added to this dressing. The half of the face treated with aloe healed approximately 72 hours faster than the other side. Dermatologist James Fulton, M.D., of Newport Beach, California, principal author of the report, uses topical aloe in his practice to speed wound healing. "Any wound we treat, whether it's suturing a cut or removing a skin cancer, heals better with aloe vera on it," he states.
3. Soothes Burns
In a study in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 27 patients with moderate burn wounds were treated with a gauze coated in either aloe gel or Vaseline™ (petroleum jelly). The burns healed more quickly in the aloe group, with an average healing time of 12 days compared to 18 days for the group using Vaseline.
4. Minimizes Frostbite Damage
A study published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine established that aloe works for frostbite as well. Researchers gave standard treatments for frostbite (antibiotics, ibuprofen, and re-warming) to 154 patients with mild to severe frostbite. Of patients who additionally received aloe vera cream, 67.9% healed without any tissue loss (amputation) compared to 32.7% in the control group. Researchers concluded that aloe prevented a decrease of blood flow to the frozen tissues, a common cause of tissue loss in frostbite.
5. Screens Out Radiation
Aloe protects against skin damage from X rays, according to researchers at Hoshi University in Japan publishing in the journal Yakugaku Zasshi. They found that aloe was an effective antioxidant, mopping up the free radicals caused by radiation, and that it protected two of the body's healing substances, superoxide dismutase (an antioxidant enzyme) and glutathione (an amino acid which stimulates the immune system).
6. Heals Psoriasis Lesions
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Tropical Medicine and International Health, 60 patients with chronic psoriasis were given a 0.5% aloe vera extract in a mineral oil creme. The ointment was applied three times daily for five consecutive days (15 applications total per week) for four weeks. When patients were checked after eight months, far more psoriasis skin lesions had healed in the aloe group (82.8%) than in the placebo group (7.7%). Further, 83.3% of the aloe group were considered cured of their psoriasis compared to only 6.6% of the placebo group.
7. Eases Intestinal Problems
Aloe vera juice can be effective for treating inflammatory bowel disease, according to a study in the Journal of Alternative Medicine. Ten patients were given two ounces of aloe juice, three times daily, for seven days. After one week, all patients were cured of diarrhea, four had improved bowel regularity, and three reported increased energy. Researchers concluded that aloe was able to rebalance the intestines by "regulating gastrointestinal pH while improving gastrointestinal motility, increasing stool specific gravity, and reducing populations of certain fecal microorganisms, including yeast." Other studies have shown that aloe vera juice helps to detoxify the bowel, neutralize stomach acidity, and relieve constipation and gastric ulcers.
8. Reduces Blood Sugar in Diabetes
Aloe reduced the blood sugar levels in diabetics, as reported in Hormone Research. Five patients with adult (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes were given 1/2 teaspoon of aloe extract daily for up to 14 weeks. Blood sugar levels were reduced in all patients by an average of 45%, with no change in their total weight.
9. Reduces Arthritic Swelling
Aloe can help prevent arthritis and reduce the inflammation in joints already affected by arthritis, according to the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Aloe can also inhibit the autoimmune reaction associated with certain forms of arthritis, in which the body attacks its own tissues. Animals were injected with a bacterium to cause arthritic symptoms, namely inflammation and swelling. To determine if it could prevent arthritis, aloe (150mg/kg body weight) was injected under the skin daily for 13 days. Physical measurements were taken daily to determine the amount of swelling and inflammation. Several compounds from aloe showed antiarthritic activity, according to the researchers. One organic acid in aloe reduced inflammation by 79.7% and suppressed the autoimmune response by 42.4%. Another aloe compound (anthraquinone) reduced inflammation by 67.3% but had no effect on the autoimmune response.
10. Curtailing HIV Infection
An extract of mannose, one of the sugars in aloe, can inhibit HIV-1 (the virus associated with AIDS). In a 1991 study in Molecular Biotherapy, HIV-1 cells were treated in vitro (outside the body) with a mannose extract. Aloe slowed virus reproduction by as much as 30%, reduced viral load (total amount of the virus), suppressed the spread of the virus from infected cells, and increased the viability (chance of survival) of infected cells.
11. Nutritional Support for HIV Patients
Aloe vera juice proved to be an effective part of a nutritional support program for HIV+ patients according to the Journal of Advancement in Medicine. For four months, 29 patients were given 100% pure aloe vera juice (five ounces, four times daily) along with an essential fatty acid supplement and another supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Patients were told to continue with their normal diet and not to take other supplements. After 90 days, all of the patients had fewer occurrences of opportunistic infections, thrush, fatigue, and diarrhea, as well as increased white blood cell counts (meaning their immune systems were responding positively). Their assessment of overall quality of health also improved. In 25% of the patients, aloe apparently knocked out the virus's ability to reproduce. Researchers found that aloe (the mannose extract and perhaps other compounds) stimulates the body's immune system, particularly T4 helper cells, white blood cells that activate the immune response to infection.
12. Stimulates Immune Response Against Cancer
Aloe may help prolong survival time and stimulate the immune system of cancer patients, according to recent research. In a 1994 study in the Japanese medical journal Yakhak Hoeji, mice with cancerous tumors were given aloe orally for 14 days. While the aloe did not suppress tumor growth, the average life span of the mice was prolonged by 22% for those given 50mg aloe/kg body weight and by 32% for those given 100mg/kg daily. A simultaneous experiment on human cancer cells (outside the body) found that high doses of aloe significantly suppressed the growth of these cancer cells. Researchers writing in Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy found that a compound (lectin) from aloe, when injected directly into tumors, activated the immune system to attack the cancer. Killer T cells, white blood cells that bind to invading cells and destroy them, began to attack the tumor cells injected with lectin. Aloe turns on the immune system by activating macrophages (white blood cells which "swallow" antigens), causing the release of immune-activating (and anticancer) substances such as interferons, interleukines, and tumor necrosis factor. In addition, aloe promotes the growth of normal (non-cancerous) cells, researchers said.
13. Benefits Lung Cancer
Aloe's protective effect was confirmed in a study of 673 lung cancer patients in Okinawa, Japan, published in the Japanese Journal of Cancer Research. This survey looked at the connection between smoking, comparative amounts of 17 plant foods in the diet, and the occurrence of lung cancer over a five-year period. Aloe was the only one of the plant foods that was protective against cancer. "The results of plant epidemiology suggests that aloe prevents human pulmonary carcinogenesis [lung cancer]," stated the researchers. Further, aloe is "widely preventive or suppressive against various human cancers."

source: naturalmedications.com

[Troponin T, B type Natriuretic Peptide, and Isoenzim CK-MB] Those "Three" and AMI

Well, I just wanna share a bit of the background of my thesis. It's about how significant the correlation of this laboratory test with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Some of the researchs that inspired me were taken from the new England journal of medicine. It's about Cardiac Troponin and the other is about B-type natriuretic peptide. So that, I pointed my research with isoenzim CK-MB laboratory test. 


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, this the first journal, about Cardiac Troponin T (well, I just write the review)

 

Troponin T Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes, with or without Renal Dysfunction

Background

Among patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes, cardiac troponin T levels have prognostic value. However, there is concern that renal dysfunction may impair the prognostic value, because cardiac troponin T may be cleared by the kidney.

Methods

We analyzed the outcomes in 7033 patients enrolled in the Global Use of Strategies to Open Occluded Coronary Arteries IV trial who had complete base-line data on troponin T levels and creatinine clearance rates. The troponin T level was considered abnormal if it was 0.1 ng per milliliter or higher, and creatinine clearance was assessed in quartiles. The primary end point was a composite of death or myocardial infarction within 30 days.

Results

Death or myocardial infarction occurred in 581 patients. Among patients with a creatinine clearance above the 25th percentile value of 58.4 ml per minute, an abnormally elevated troponin T level was predictive of an increased risk of myocardial infarction or death (7 percent vs. 5 percent; adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 2.2; P<0.001). Among patients with a creatinine clearance in the lowest quartile, an elevated troponin T level was similarly predictive of increased risk (20 percent vs. 9 percent; adjusted odds ratio, 2.5; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.8 to 3.3; P<0.001). When the creatinine clearance rate was considered as a continuous variable and age, sex, ST-segment depression, heart failure, previous revascularization, diabetes mellitus, and other confounders had been accounted for, elevation of the troponin T level was independently predictive of risk across the entire spectrum of renal function.

Conclusions

Cardiac troponin T levels predict short-term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes regardless of their level of creatinine clearance. 


source (click to see further)


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And then, this is the second journal.


The Prognostic Value of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

 

Background

Brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide is a neurohormone synthesized predominantly in ventricular myocardium. Although the circulating level of this neurohormone has been shown to provide independent prognostic information in patients with transmural myocardial infarction, few data are available for patients with acute coronary syndromes in the absence of ST-segment elevation.

Methods

We measured B-type natriuretic peptide in plasma specimens obtained a mean (±SD) of 40±20 hours after the onset of ischemic symptoms in 2525 patients from the Orbofiban in Patients with Unstable Coronary Syndromes–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 16 study.

Results

The base-line level of B-type natriuretic peptide was correlated with the risk of death, heart failure, and myocardial infarction at 30 days and 10 months. The unadjusted rate of death increased in a stepwise fashion among patients in increasing quartiles of base-line B-type natriuretic peptide levels (P<0.001). This association remained significant in subgroups of patients who had myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (P=0.02), patients who had myocardial infarction without ST-segment elevation (P<0.001), and patients who had unstable angina (P<0.001). After adjustment for independent predictors of the long-term risk of death, the odds ratios for death at 10 months in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of B-type natriuretic peptide were 3.8 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 13.3), 4.0 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.2 to 13.7), and 5.8 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.7 to 19.7). The level of B-type natriuretic peptide was also associated with the risk of new or recurrent myocardial infarction (P=0.01) and new or worsening heart failure (P<0.001) at 10 months.

Conclusions

A single measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide, obtained in the first few days after the onset of ischemic symptoms, provides predictive information for use in risk stratification across the spectrum of acute coronary syndromes. Cardiac neurohormonal activation may be a unifying feature among patients at high risk for death after acute coronary syndromes. 

source (click to see further)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Then finally, if you wanna see my thesis about isoenzim CK-MB click this.
 Well, it would be nice if we can have a discussion, so that comment to this post if you interested.

10 High-Stress Personality Characteristics


10 High-Stress Personality Characteristics

Chronic Stress Isn't Normal

Stress has been so ingrained in our days and in our culture, that we probably don’t even recognize it any more. We may believe that the general underlying sense of uneasiness we feel is normal and acceptable. Or we might blame the tension and stress we experience—in traffic, at work or at home—more on what’s happening “to” us than what’s happening “within” us.
The problem with this attitude is that it brings on a sense of helplessness, that there’s nothing we can do about stress other than cope. This thought alone is a source of stress, isn’t it?
When you realize that the stress you experience may have something to do with you, it helps you take control and start to solve the problem. Here are 10 personality traits that are symptoms of being highly stressed. Some are characteristics that, by their nature, add even more stress to your life. This list will help you recognize if you are highly stressed and give you ideas for doing something about it.
  
How many of these qualities do you exhibit?
  1. Over-planning each day. Do you feel the need to stick to a strict schedule? Do you live in fear of falling behind or overlooking a task?
     
  2. Doing several things at once. With too much to do and not enough time, it’s easy to think that “efficient” means doing everything at once. He who chases two rabbits catches neither.
     
  3. Extreme need to win. Do you feel like a failure if you don’t come out on top—even when the only competition is your own expectations?
     
  4. Excessive desire for advancement. Highly stressed people need confirmation from outside sources that they’re doing okay and performing well.
     
  5. Inability to relax without feeling guilty. Do your weekends become opportunities for “accomplishment” and “getting something done.”
     
  6. Impatience with delays. When you’re under pressure, everything in life takes on urgency and the additional burdens to get everything done as fast as possible.
     
  7. Overcommittment. Are you chronically late or forgetful of commitments? Does your schedule cause problems in personal or professional relationships?
     
  8. Chronic urgency. See #6. Now!
     
  9. Highly competitive drive. Have you forgotten what it’s like to have fun for fun’s sake? Have you “grown up” so much that playtime actually causes you anxiety?
     
  10. Compulsion to overwork. Is your office more familiar to you than your backyard? Do you find yourself missing out on what you might otherwise deem “meaningful”?

source : http://www.sparkpeople.com/

    Conjunctivitis and Its Best Home Remedies

    Conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pink eye, can either be caused by an infection - where there will be a greenish discharge or crusting of the eyelids in the morning, or by an allergy - most usually hay fever when itching is a prominent symptom, or by an irritant such as chillies.


    • Infective Conjunctivitis

    Standard treatment for infective conjunctivitis is an antibiotic cream or eye-drops, but many cases will clear with simple hygienic measures.
    Warm water compresses: Dip a flannel in warm water and apply it to the eye three or four times a day for ten minutes. In addition, a cotton-wool bud dipped in a bowl of warm water with a couple of drops of baby shampoo can be used to clear away the crusts from the eyelids.

    Apple juice: Apple juice is recommended for blepharitis-infection of the eyelids-which may be asso­ciated with conjunctivitis or come on its own accord. Peel off a two inch slice of apple, bend in half with the skin sides together till the juice appears, then press on the eye lids gently. The redness goes and so does the pus - not completely but it is kept in check if done several times a day. This is one of my best home remedies for conjunctivitis.



    Urine: Urine may seem an unlikely home remedy for conjunctivitis, but urine eye-drops are a particu­larly appropriate way of making use of its anti-infective properties.
    • Allergic Conjunctivitis

    The best treatment is undoubtedly the anti-­allergic compounds Opticrom or Predsol, but warm water compresses as described for infective con­junctivitis can help relieve the symptoms of grittiness and itchiness.
    • Irritative Conjunctivitis

    Inadvertently rubbing the eye after having han­dled a chilli can cause intense pain and copious tears. Dr Richard Roberts, a genetic specialist in Texas and self-confessed chilli addict, describes the following interesting remedy: 'I once experi­enced the symptoms when in the company of several Mexican friends who urged me to put hair in the affected eye immediately. Though incredulous I grabbed for my wife's hair-his own was too short for the purpose - and the pain and tears cleared immediately. I cannot explain this effect.

    source:  http://EzineArticles.com/

    Benefit Of Soursop To Treating Cancer


    Cancer can be treated by eating herbs or fruits. From many of these herbs, soursop has advantages over other fruit.
    Soursop is known to prevent and also effective for treating some types of cancer. “For the soursop itself has been studied to treat colon cancer (colon), lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer (breast),” said Dr. Hardhi Pranata, SpS, as Chairman of the Association of Physicians Medical Herbs Indonesia.
    Part soursop useful for cancer drugs are the stem, leaf, and also fruit or in juice form. The fruit can be eaten straight, made juice, or leaves are boiled and then the decoction drunk.
    “Either way soursop drinks fruit juice or by boiling 9 soursop leaves and drinks the cooking water and then monitored the situation. Usually appetite will increase and the growth ofcancer cells is inhibited,” said dr Hardhi.
    He also explained, soursop contain saponin compounds, polyphenols, as well as bioflavonoids that have antioxidant properties. Well, how to kill cancer cells by soursop is different with other herbs. Soursop just kills the cells or abnormal growth of specific cells such as free radicals existing cancer cells. But soursop does not destroy healthy cells.
    Besides having good taste, soursop fruit also helps maintain health, prevent disease, and treat disease. This is because the soursop fruit can also reduce blood pressure, anti-parasite, a sedative that works to increase immunity and to overcome depression, arthritis, and also foruric acid.
    “Consumption of soursop fruit again this should be encouraged so as not to become extinct because of the many benefits that can be obtained by eating this fruit,” said the doctor whopractices at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital this.
    For in Indonesia, the research on the efficacy of soursop and other medicinal plants will be done in the near future. In this study, Dharmais Cancer Hospital will cooperate with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine PDHMI facilitated. In this research, a combination therapy of drugs and herbs.
    “This cooperation MoU has been signed and is expected to begin in December already begun to do research in Indonesia,” added Dr. Hardhi.
    He said that at Nanjing University, this combination therapy has been performed. Cancer patients there did not experience nausea, hair loss, weight loss, and could still walk around as usual.
    Combination therapy is expected to reduce the side effects of standard cancer therapies that do, such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, and can reduce the amount of chemotherapythat should be done by the patient.
    Plants and fruits that are known to have anti-cancer effects, such as:
    1. Tomatoes are known to treat prostate cancer, by eating tomatoes that have been boiled.

    2. Red pepper is known to prevent colon cancer if consumed in the long term.
    3. Grape seed is also known to have anti-cancer compounds. Therefore, if you eat grapes, look who has the seeds and eat with the skin.
    4. Red betel leaf is known as an anti-breast cancer by boiling.
    5. Wild Ginger is known to have active substance cursil that is as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer.
    “Some medicinal plants in Indonesia contain anti-cancer drugs, such as sitotoksin who has the ability to kill and detecting cells that grow abnormally. The compounds in this plant can functionin the form of joint, but there is also a single,” he said.

    Source: health.kompas.com

    Aging Changes In Sleep



    Sleep occurs in multiple stages. The sleep cycle includes dreamless periods of light and deep sleep, with occasional periods of active dreaming (REM sleep). The sleep cycle is repeated several times during the night.

    AGING CHANGES

    With aging, sleep patterns tend to change. Most people find that aging causes them to have a harder time falling asleep, and that they awaken more often.
    Total sleep time remains the same or is slightly decreased (6.5 to 7 hours per night). It may be harder to fall asleep. The transition between being asleep and awake is often abrupt, giving older people the feeling of being more of a "light sleeper" than when they were younger.
    Less time is spent in deep, dreamless sleep. Older people average three or four awakenings each night, with increased recall of being awake.
    Awakenings are related to less time spent in deep sleep, and to factors such as the need to get up to urinate (nocturia), anxiety, and discomfort or pain associated with chronic illnesses.

    EFFECT OF CHANGES
    Sleeping difficulty is an annoying problem, but it is seldom dangerous. Because sleep is lighter and awakenings more frequent, older people may feel deprived of sleep even when total sleep time has not changed.
    Sleep deprivation can eventually cause confusion and other mental changes. It is treatable, and symptoms should lessen when adequate sleep is obtained. Sleep problems are also a common symptom of depression, so you should be evaluated and treated for depression if it might be causing the sleep problem.

    COMMON PROBLEMS
    • Insomnia is one of the more common sleep problems for the elderly.
    • Other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or hypersomnia, can also occur.
    • Sleep apnea, where the breathing stops for a time during sleep, can cause severe problems.
    PREVENTION

    The elderly respond differently to medications than do younger adults, so it is very important to consult with a health care provider before taking medications for sleep. Avoid sleep medications if at all possible. Medications for depression, on the other hand, can be very helpful if depression contributes to the cause of the sleep problem. Most antidepressants do not produce the problems associated with sleeping medications.
    Sometimes a mild antihistamine is more effective than an actual sleeping pill for relieving short-term insomnia, but even nonprescription drugs can have side effects.
    Sleeping medications (such as benzodiazepines) should be used only as recommended, and only for a short time. Some can lead to dependence (needing to take the drug to function) or addiction (compulsive use despite adverse consequences) in some cases. Some build up in your body, and toxic effects can develop if you take them for a long time. Confusion, delirium, falls, and other side effects can develop.
    You can take measures to promote sleep:
    • A light bedtime snack may be helpful. Many people find that warm milk increases sleepiness, because it contains a natural, sedative-like amino acid.
    • Avoid stimulants such as caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola drinks, and so on) for at least 3 or 4 hours before bed.
    • Do not take naps during the day.
    • Exercise (moderately) in the afternoon.
    • Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake at the same time each morning.
    • Use the bed only for sleep or sexual activity.
    If you can't fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do a quiet activity such as reading or listening to music.
    When you feel sleepy, get back in bed and try again. If not successful in 20 minutes, repeat.
    Drinking alcohol at bedtime may make you sleepy, but it is best to avoid it, because alcohol increases awakenings later in the night.

    *source: http://www.maimonidesmed.org/
    • Translate This Site

      English French German Spain Italian Dutch Russian Portuguese Japanese Korean Arabic Chinese Simplified

      Download Links

      Popular Posts