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Does Platelet Rich Plasma show improved outcomes in the treatment of chronic tendinopathies compared to other non-operative treatment options?
No full textBackground: Chronic tendinopathies result from overuse of the tendon and degradation due to lack of blood supply.1 Many cases will resolve with physical therapy alone, but some require additional treatments. With the new research on platelet rich plasma (PRP) there has been hope of using PRP for tendon pathology. The purpose of this literature review is to analyze the efficacy of PRP on chronic tendinopathies.
Methods: A search was conducted with the use of PubMed and Google Scholar to identify articles comparing platelet rich plasma in the treatment of chronic tendinopathies. There were four specific tendinopathies of interest; Patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, Rotator Cuff tendinopathy, and Lateral Epicondylitis. An interview with Dr. Holmes of Twin Cities Orthopedics was performed with emphasis on current clinical outcomes with the use of PRP. Results: For all four tendinopathies included in this literature review, the research was in favor of the use of PRP on those cases that have failed initial treatments. It was noted that it is difficult to draw a conclusion in many of these articles as the PRP preparation is not consistent across studies.
Conclusion: Majority of the literature advised that more research is still needed on PRP. Many articles have concluded that PRP is a promising option as it has minimal complications. With the chronic nature of these tendinopathies and the difficulty some patients have in finding a treatment for their pain, it was concluded that PRP is a viable option prior to the consideration of surgical intervention
Is there a link between Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer\u27s Disease?
No full textBackground: Alheimers disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, most common in the elderl population that results in significant health problems. Similarly, periodontal disease is also harmful and increases with age. It is estimated that 70.1 % of adults above the age of 65 have the periodontal disease.1 Researchers have speculated that local inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis have contributed to the development of AD. The focus of this paper is to determine if there is an association between periodontal disease and Alzheimer\u27s Disease.
Methods: Data was collected from the PubMed and UpToDate. Studies included in this paper analyzed the relationship between Alzheimer\u27s disease and periodontal disease and the role of this relationship in the disease process. Most of the studies were literature reviews and systematic reviews. Keywords that were used in the search engine include Alheimers disease, periodontitis, periodontal bacteria, periodontal disease, mild cognitive impairment, proinflammatory cytokines, neurodegenerative diseases, neurofibrillary tangles, and inflammation.
Results: Systemic inflammation likely plays a role in Alzheimer\u27s disease inflammatory state. Periodontal disease is also capable of triggering localized and systemic inflammation by releasing proinflammatory cytokines into the systemic circulation, therefore, likely contributing to aggravate neuroinflammation in the development of Alheimers disease.
Conclusion: There are proven links between periodontal disease and Alheimers disease; however, there is no conclusive proof of the causal connection between periodontitis and Alheimers disease. Further work is required to ascertain the nature of the connection and find therapeutic approaches that may prevent the development of both diseases
A Literature Review: An Analysis of the Widespread Effects of Solitary Confinement/Social Isolation on Mental Illness and Mortality
Get PDFSolitary confinement or isolation is widespread globally and has been used as a form of punishment, reform, reflection, and cleansing throughout time. The devastating impacts of not having social interactions for extended periods of time have been documented and noted.1 These impacts include severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide, motor disturbances, biological changes, and increased mortality.1-3 The analysis of how the United States became the country with the largest prison system and mentally ill population is addressed in this thesis including understanding how the prison-industrial complex was built. Understanding how the prison- industrial complex was built aids in the dismantling of the system. A case study of Kalief Browder along with several others is also discussed throughout this paper, in support of the real-life manifestations of solitary confinement. Research from several disciplines will be presented to support the vast amount of research supporting the outlaw of solitary confinement of all types. The findings discussed in this research paper are compiled and extracted from peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published between 1999-2019. This research paper examines the strengths and limitations of the reviewed articles
The Implications of Democratization of Information
Get PDFGlobalization is largely hailed as a positive force throughout the world-it is responsible for new technologies, revolutionary medical breakthroughs, and, of course, vacationing and tourism. However, globalization is also linked to our current information deluge, which greatly complicates citizens\u27 lives as well as the role of government. In this paper, I attempt to answer several questions: Does this informational deluge make governance better or worse? Does it improve how we are governed? Does this improved governance ultimately lead to an improved society as well, or does it simply complicate things and hinder progress? The democratization of information allows individuals unprecedented access to data and information, as well as the ability to generate information themselves. Figures like Julian Assange and his organization Wikileaks aim to eradicate govemment secrets in the hope of creating a better society, but their attempts to do so actually destabilize and complicate goverrrmental institutions. Even when individuals have access to this information, many choose to engage in soma-like activities instead of understanding the barrage of news and statistics they encounter. Many now theorize we live in a postmodern world, largely due in part to the democratization of information. Detraditionalisation and manufactured risks are products of postmodernity; they pose a specifically troubling threat to the stability of government-if life is rapidly changing and all information is imperfect at some level, what can individuals rely upon? Finally, the rise of dataveillance and issues of privacy lead to difficult ethical dilemmas governmental institutions must address. The democratization of information complicates the role of governance in our daily lives; ultimately, more information does not necessarily equate to better governance or a higher quality of life
The Influence of rap in the Arab Spring
Get PDFThroughout history, music has been influential in social, religious, and political disputes. In the early 21st century, change in the established order can be found in expressing the need for reform halfway around the world in the Middle East\u27s Arab Spring. Rap artists such as El General (Tunisia), GAB (Libya), and Omar Offendum (Syria) used their talents to both spark and encourage protestors during the early days of the Middle Eastern protests that began in late 2010; these protests have since been coined The Arab Spring. The energy that could have been used to wield guns and bombs was instead poured into protest music that these and other artists produced during this time period. The relatively Western genre of rap music became integral in peaceful citizens protests happening all over the Middle East. Important to the fields of both communications and music, this research shows the relevance of rap music in dissenting communication of the 21st century, specifically in the Arab world. This research was conducted using news and scholarly articles, personal interviews, and musical examples from the countries of Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Yemen. The research specifically examines the role of rap in the protests of the Arab Spring, why and how rap became a major medium for the protests, and the effect rap has had in peaceful conflict resolution throughout the world
It\u27s all About the Green: the Economically Driven Greenwashing Practices of Coca-Cola
Get PDFIn a warming world where environmentally friendly corporations and products are undeniably a necessary component of mitigation, it is important to examine how this need maybe exploited for profit. This research examines three print and one online advertisement for Coca-Cola\u27s Dasani plantbottles to discern what rhetorical and visual appeals were used to mark the product as green Analysis reveals that cultural meanings of nature were drawn on to create symbols that were appealing and represented the product as clean, fresh, and natural. This research then examines how consumers use these symbols to label themselves as environmentally conscious. Portrayals of the plantbottles and how they are depicted through advertising is also compared to the actual ecological impact of plantbottles, with resultant findings that they are not an environmentally friendly product as their image would lead one to believe. Future research is needed to continue identifyirg deceptive green advertising campaigns and the methods they use to mislead the public. This research will contribute to an understanding of how environmental ads utilize shared natural symbols, the types of information corporations Promote and conceal about their environmental impact, and facilitate informed advocacy for stricter eco-labeling
Realistic Fantasy and Sub-creation: a Narratological Approach to Evaluating Storyworld Construction by Using J.R.R. Tolkien\u27s Middle-earth
Get PDFThis essay examines J.R.R. Tolkien\u27s concept of sub-creation\u27 meaning both myth creation and the power to create artificial storyworlds, and how it predates contemporary narratology. The two approaches to narrative share similar thought processes. This essay examines how Tolkien\u27s theory of fantasy was built on the same foundation as narratology and even helped create certain narrative dynamics before contemporary narratology defined the terms. Using elements of narrative dynamics and Tolkien\u27s insights on art and imagination, as well as the creation of artificial worlds, I develop a set of criteria for story-world narrative to showcase Tolkien\u27s techniques: 1) Space and temporality within the storyworld can be mapped. 2) The storyworld\u27s construction has a witness (nested frames and an implied author). 3) The textual and textual reference world of the implied storyworld draws references from, or allows readers to interact with, the actual world
New Perspectives on Catholic and Democratic Voting Behavior Regarding Constitutional Same-Sex Marriage Bans
Get PDFIn the United States, constitutional same-sex marriage bans were a prominent political phenomenon in state and national politics for most of the 2000s, and were ballot items as recently as 2012. Traditionally, this has been addressed as it correlates to Republican party politics and the evangelical Protestant voting bloc, with some attention paid to the opposition to these measures by Democrats. In addition, Catholic voting is viewed as essentially a barometer of the general electorate, not only on this issue but on all issues other than reproductive rights. However, most of this research came out in response to the wave of amendments passed in 2006 and before multiple votes on these amendments in the following years. In addition, while researchers and media outlets pay great attention to the role of Protestant and Republican voters in these elections, there is little discussion of Catholic or Democratic voters\u27 activity regarding constitutional same-sex marriage bans. Reviewing data on religiosity, party affiliation, and voting on such amendments reveals unexpected and unusual connections between Catholic voters and the outcomes of these votes and that Democratic voting on same sex marriage was not unified until the amendments had become a somewhat common practice. In addition, it is a regularly held belief that acceptance of gay marriage by the general populous has been a steady, gradual process over the course of three decades. However, data from these elections suggests there has been at least one point of notable shift in voter behavior
The Rise of Cities as Catalysts for Effective Climate Action in a Post-Westphalian Landscape
Get PDFGlobalization is a dynamic, transboundary force challenging the Westphalian model of state-dominated geopolitics that has dominated world affars for neady 400 years. Equally problematic to state-centric international relations is global climate change, an environmental calamity that is increasingly being recogntzed as a threat to state security, yet cannot be solved by traditional diplomatic or military means. Consequently, an array of sub-national actors are becoming more influential in all areas of global governance, including the management of the planet\u27s ecological commons. This paper explores how cities are following the trajectory of this trend to establish themselves as world leaders in formulating climate change agendas. Inconsistent efforts to draft effective climate stfategies at the state and international levels are contributing to this power shift, along with the ability of metro-regions to establish global networks dedicated to sound emissions reduction and climate planning strategies. Analysis further shows that urban areas are important loci of economic production and commodities output, as well as key entry points for domestic and international trade, the combination of which suggests metro-regions have the necessary capital and political wherewithal to serve as initiators of green diplomacy. Discussion follows concerning the specific intra-state and transnational efforts cities are taking to become catalysts for international climate action, as well as what unique challenges they face
Manganese Toxicity on Cultured SH-SY5Y Cells
No full textManganese exposure to humans can be very toxic at a specific level. This toxicity causes symptoms that is very closely related to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Manganese is essential in life for metabolic pathways and cellular homeostasis and it is also a cofactor for many enzymes. Humans are exposed to it through air and water at a non-toxic level. One typical way that manganese can be exposed to at a toxic level is occupationally through mining, welding, and/or smelting. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, derived from metastatic cells found in bone marrow, will be used to test the toxicity of manganese on human cells. In order to do this, a dose response was done to see cell viability at an increasing concentration of manganese starting at 0 μM to 2000 μM of MnCl2*4H2O on undifferentiated cells. As the concentrations of manganese increased, a notable change was seen as the number of live cells decreased dramatically. After discovering that 1000 μM of manganese was the point at which it killed most of the cells and made them very unhealthy, these cells were then differentiated with retinoic acid and exposed to that concentration of manganese and observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The differentiated cells promoted survival of these cells and were less vulnerable to toxicity than the undifferentiated cells. These cells were then stained with MitoRed in order to look at the mitochondria using fluorescence microscopy. The manganese was seen to have an effect on the mitochondria as time went on. This helps us see what manganese does to the mitochondria and if there is anything that can be done to avoid mitochondrial dysfunction of these cells.https://idun.augsburg.edu/zyzzogeton/1016/thumbnail.jp