Saturday, September 7, 2019

Intellectual and Cognitive Development Essay Example for Free

Intellectual and Cognitive Development Essay Intellectual and Cognitive Development Explain the sequence and rate of development Age Range 0-3 Months Babies at this age are learning a lot about their parents they are beginning to recognise the sound of their voices, especially Mums voice and smell, they may stop crying when Mums voice is heard. 3-6 Months Objects and toys become very interesting to babies at this time. Toys are explored with fingers and mouth. They are very alert. 6-9 Months Around this time babies will cry when their primary carer leaves the room but then around 8 or 9 moths learn that people and objects do not disappear but continue to exist even when they are out of sight. 1-2 Years At this time in their life they recognise routines throughout the day, babies may get excited when they see a familiar face or toy or when a bib is put on for feeding. They enjoy toys that they put things in to containers and out again, they may pull off hats and socks repeatedly. They also respond well to brothers and sisters. 2-4 Years Children begin to know what they like and play with the same games over and over again. They like pretend play games like drinking from an empty cup or dressing up in clothes of their heros. 4-7 Years This is the age they gain load of confidence and co-ordination. They start school and learn to read, write and count they also do simple maths. -12 Years By this age children are well co-ordinated, the way children think and reason is reflected in their play, they are much more organised and focused. 12-16 Years Children of this age have learnt how to solve problems and have an understanding of reasoning. 16-19 Years Decisions have to be made at this tae of ones life, if to stay in education or to find a job. If leaving your familiar environment you have to embrace new settings, rules and people.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Ethical Standards in Health Care Accounting Essay Example for Free

Ethical Standards in Health Care Accounting Essay As a health care manager, there is a need to understand the basic accounting principles and the need to be able to look at a financial report and understand what it says. Without these keys and a good ethical compass, there could be serious consequences and could result in loss of revenue, funds, termination, or even prison time. Now this may seem like an extreme statement, but without using the four elements of financial management and some good common sense, it might not be a far stretch of the truth. This paper will address the four elements of financial management and how good ethical standards and common sense ensure the best results. The Four Elements of Financial Management Financial management is simply put managing the financial aspect of a business. That involves cash coming in and cash going out. There are four elements of financial management which include planning, controlling, organizing and directing, and decision making. These four elements are important and need to be discussed separately. Planning â€Å"The purpose (of planning) is to identify objectives and then to identify the steps required for accomplishing these objectives† (Baker Baker, 2011, p. 5). Planning allows a manager to understand what his or her organization is about, or what it wants to achieve. This stage allows a manager to lay out the basic roadmap for what needs to happen. This does not meant that this is exactly what will happen, but still it provides a starting point. Creating a plan also requires thought into developing checks and balances. Who will be in charge of what, and who will be watching over whom. Plan to make it difficult for someone to make unethical decisions. According to Chuck Gallagher, a business ethics and fraud prevention expert; â€Å"Unethical behavior(s) that morphs into fraud will always have (need, opportunity, and rationalization) at their core† (Gallagher, 2009, p.41). Planning helps eliminate the opportunity for fraud. Controlling â€Å"The purpose of controlling is to ensure that plans are being followed† (Baker Baker, 2011, p. 5). At this stage managers use reports to see what areas are and what areas are not following their plans. The manager uses reports to ensure that financial targets are being met and that fraud is not occurring. Depending on the size of the organization, there may be many layers of controls put into place. It might be best to have someone that keeps everyone honest, at multiple levels. According to a quote in an article in Healthcare Financial Management, â€Å"’every organization ought to have a set of fairly detailed internal controls that protect its key assets. These controls should be reviewed by external and internal auditors or staff to make sure they are being adhered to’† (Sandrik, 1993, p. 4). Organizing and Directing Organizing is determining how best to use existing resources to achieve the goals of the company or organization. A few examples of this could be whether to have multiple nurses in the pediatric department today when they are needed in the ER, or whether to keep an ultrasound machine that is rarely used in a clinic, when it could best be served somewhere else. Directing is the day to day job of ensuring that resources are organized or designated in the most efficient manner. Decision Making Decision making is done continually throughout the other three elements or stages. Every time something is planned, controlled, or organized, it was because someone made a decision. Remember when making decisions to base them on the four principles of business ethics, â€Å"autonomy, which assumes every human being is capable of making his or her own choices; justice, which requires actions and practices to be fair and nondiscriminatory; beneficence, which promotes human welfare; and non-maleficence, which ensures protection of individuals from harm† (Sandrik, 1993, p. 5). Keeping transparency in a business is a great way to keep people honest as well. In July, 2010, The Healthcare Group Purchasing Industry Initiative (HGPII) received rave reviews for it â€Å"activating a formal process to ensure prompt and fair resolution of supplier complaints† and for â€Å"implementing an Independent Advisory Council to have outside observers make sure they are doing everything possible in terms of ethical standards† (Freeman, 2010, pp. 3). Conclusion Financial accounting might look like pages of numbers or gibberish; however they are the key to unlocking income potential, and success. Whether a manager is directly in charge of the reporting or in charge of something completely different, understanding these reports can help make an organization more efficient, able to offer more services, or even more profitable.

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Cellular Metabolism and the Immune Response Control

Cellular Metabolism and the Immune Response Control PRESTES, A. F. R. O.1; KONDO, F. V.2; HUETE, G. C.3; MURILLO, O.4 Keywords: mTOR, metabolism, Akt, immune system, regulation, mitochondria, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory I. Introduction Metabolism and immune system: The metabolic system was seen only as a system of power generation and metabolites for the functioning of cells. Today we know that changes in metabolic regulation may interfere directly in diseases that involve inflammatory processes. Thus, knowledge of the relationship between metabolism and cell signaling helps in understanding metabolic disorders, cancer, and also in the study of immune response (1,2). The relationship between metabolic and regulatory aspects of the immune system is not yet fully known. Even with major discoveries on the subject, the metabolism of many cells of the immune system is unknown (1,2). The metabolic changes during phagocytosis of three types of immune cells from pigs, leukocytes and peritoneal exudate monocytes and alveolar macrophages. In this study it was observed that macrophages depend on oxidative phosphorylation to produce energy during phagocytosis, whereas the other two cells only use glycolysis to produce energy (3). Another study confirms the close relationship between immune system and metabolism, which showed that incubation of dendritic cells (differentiated in vitro) with LPS provides an increase in glucose consumption, increased formation of lactate and reduction in oxygen consumption. Furthermore, these changes also reflected in increased CD86 co-stimulatory molecule indicating a functional modulation of these cells (4). The need for meta bolic resources to build active components of the immune system, the messenger function of certain classes of metabolites and metabolites, and the intimate relationship between parasite and mammalian defense mechanism, which is probably immune regulatory events are reflected in the metabolism (5). The metabolic profile of the cells of the immune system is also important to provide a tool that generates a systemic metabolic description induced by the parasite in the host, promoting a new direction of the immune response during infection by the parasite (5). In most biological systems, there is a stimulus that triggers an effector response, which usually makes the system back to the starting point. Although having different primary functions, the immune system and metabolic pathways are arranged in the same manner as in serum glucose levels in thermogenesis or bacterial infection, where the lipopolysaccharide stimulates TLR-4 receptor, which promotes the release of TNF-ÃŽ ±, improving bactericidal activity and vascular permeability reducing infection (2). Metabolism and associated pathways Akt/PI3K/mTOR: As well as the metabolic pathways generate energy, the means of regulation of protein synthesis involves several intracellular signaling pathways such as Akt as Akt (serine/threonine kinase), expressed in heart, lung, brain and skeletal muscle. Various stimuli, such as cytokines, growth factors and hormones, are responsible for the phosphorylation and activation of Akt, which is composed of three members, Akt1, Akt2 and Akt3 (6). The Akts proteins are recruited to the plasma membrane by PI3K, which acts as a lipid kinase. The Akt/PI3K pathway operates in promoting cell survival through evasion of apoptosis and cell proliferation through activation of mTOR in response to nutrient availability and to stimulation by growth factors. The mTOR protein stimulates translation that is required for cell cycle progression (7). mTORC1 activation is indirectly given when Akt phosphorylates TSC-2 one of the molecules of heterodimer TSC1 and TSC2, this activates the GTPase function of this heterodimer which reverses the inhibition of mTORC1, inhibiting RHEB to pass the ADP to ATP linked to this protein, by activation of cyclase function of the TSC heterodimer (8). Akt phosphorylation is important for neutralization and PRAS40, important for the activation and interactions mTOR1 and mTOR2 with their substrates (9). Thus, the mTOR pathway is also known as PI3K/Akt/mTOR. Despite the multiple substrates involved in this pathway. Additionally, Akt is not limited to this path and fulfills other functions at the cellular level. Metabolism and mTOR: Mammalian Target of Rapamycin is a serine/threonine protein kinase involved in regulation of many cellular events, such growth, survival, function, metabolism, and differentiation. It is constitutively expressed, and its regulation occurs predominantly post-translationally (7). This protein was discovery from searches about target of Rapamycin, that was originally found as a growth inhibitor which have immunosuppressive and anticancer properties (10). Additionally, due to the ability of mTOR activation to regulate metabolism, it promotes a crucial link connecting metabolic demands and cellular function (7). This link is mediated through the control of key transcriptional regulators. (11). mTOR fathers two functionally distinct signaling multi-protein complexes: mTORC1, which is composed of the scaffolding regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR), DEP domain containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR), Proline-Rich Akt Substrate 40 kDa (PRAS40), and mammalian Lethal with Sec13 protein 8 (mLST8); and mTORC2, which is composed of RAPTOR-independent companion of TOR (RICTOR), protein observed with RICTOR (PROTOR), mSIN1 proteins, mLST8 and DEPTOR. The connection of mTOR with these adapter proteins has functional distinct consequences (3,4). II. Metabolism and T cells differentiation Such described previously, the mTOR ability to play a role in cellular differentiation occurs through the regulation of transcription regulators. Follow, some these regulators and its role in metabolic programs regulation. HIF-1: The Hipoxia-inducible Factor is a hetrodimeric protein which regulates the expression of various genes crucial for cellular adaptation to a low-oxygen environment. This protein supports the differentiation of naà ¯ve CD4+ T cell to Th17 cell through the stabilization of the RORÃŽ ³t expression, as well as inhibits Treg differentiation through the inhibition of Foxp3, mediating its proteosomal degradation (3,5). Myc: The oncogenic transcription factor Myc regulates various metabolic pathways essentials for cellular growth and proliferation, such glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and fatty acid oxidation (14). PPARÃŽ ±: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ÃŽ ± (PPARÃŽ ±) is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates fatty acid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, playing a role as a intracellular sensor of endogenous fatty acids. This receptor induces Treg differentiation and inhibits effector differentiation (11). PPARÃŽ ³: Like its homolog PPARÃŽ ±, PPARÃŽ ³ is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates adipogenesis, lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in cells. This receptor plays the same role in T cell differentiation (11). SREBP: The sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP) plays a critical role in regulating cellular lipogenesis, facilitating the anabolic enzymes transcription, which is involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis (11). This protein was found to associate with the IL17 promoter, where it interacts with and inhibits the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. This transcription factor is known to be important for expression of Th17-associated genes (5,7). Once the antigen is recognized, the integration of many factors from the microenvironment gives the effector fate of the naive CD4+ T cell. Until now, the T-cell subsets have been characterized only by their transcription factor expression and cytokine secretion profile. Nevertheless, it has currently proposed that each T-cell subset also hold a single metabolic profile and a corresponding set of signal requirements of mTOR complexes (11). According this metabolic classification, the T-cell would present these features: Th1 T cells phenotype exhibit a strong glycolytic phenotype and express high levels in surface of the Glut1 glucose transporter. Its development is dependent on the mTORC1 signaling complex (3,8). Th2 T cells phenotype also express high levels in surface of the Glut1 glucose transporter and exhibits a high rate of lactate production and glucose uptake following stimulation. These cells can develop in absence of mTORC1 but are dependent on the mTORC2 signaling complex (3,8). Th17 cells phenotype is the higher glycolytic T-cell subset. The IL-17-secreting CD4+ T cells development drastically decreases in T cells lacking mTOR, mTORC1 and treated with Rapamycin. Nevertheless, T cells lacking mTORC2 does not appear to have its development inhibited (3,8). Treg cells phenotype exhibits an oxidative metabolic profile which uses mitochondrial respiration and fatty acid oxidation to achieve energy. The treatment with process of glycolysis inhibitor compounds in naive CD4+ T cells importantly enhance its development, what also occurs with culture conditions that conduces to a low mTOR signaling (3,8). III. Regulation of cell B by mTORC The PI3K pathway to mTOR is required for B cell proliferation. Since the BCR is blocked by inhibition of mTOR. This was evidenced in mouse spleen cells, wherein inhibition of mTOR suppresses the proliferation and differentiation of B cells by CD40 (10,11). In humans, Rapamycin suppresses B cell proliferation when is activated in the presence of CD40L and B cell inducing cytokines. Rapamycin prevents antibody-mediated apoptosis, generating a reduction of B cells that produce IgG and IgM, also suppresses the production of cytokines that induce proliferation of B cells and IgM, as IL-2 in inflammation conditions (18). Some authors suggest that mTOR regulates IL-17, which is important in the proliferation of pro-B cells. Thus, if rapamycin in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines is evidence that IL-17 induces apoptosis in these cells is used. But when S1N1, an important element of mTORC2, is suppressed cell survival is increased possibly by the increased expression of IL-7R (20). In mature B cells, activation of TLRs and BCR induces activation of mTOR, even so, have been identified as Akt independently of mTOR regulates the BCR and this is accomplished by inactivating FoxO1 which is sequestered and degraded in cytoplasm after Akt is phosphorylated (21). When is deleted TSC1 or TSC2, is inhibited the maturation of cells B, contrary to what happened when Akt was active, in where B cells were significantly reduced in the marginal zone (MZ). But when rapamycin was fed this phenomenon was corrected, and once again the importance of mTOR is displayed in the control populations of B cells in MZ. Despite all the evidence to date is known that the PI3K pathway is a major regulatory functions and populations of B cells through regulating FoxO1. But do not have enough information to indicate the direct role of mTOR in the control and regulation of B cells, which is still under study and demonstration (22). IV. Metabolism and APCs Regulation Dendritic Cells (DC): crucial regulators of both cellular activation and tolerance in adaptive immune responses. The function which DC will perform depends on their activation and differentiation status (23). The DC activation occurs through PAMP stimulation of TLR, what leads a metabolic transition in the resting immature DC, which is characterized by a conversion from mitochondrial b-oxidation of lipid and OXPHOS to aerobic glycolysis (9,10). Once exposed to TLR agonists, in an early phase, the lacking of glucose in culture medium leads to critical faults in DC activation, such production of IL-12p40 and surface expression of CD40 and CD86. Afterwards, DCs activated by TLR signals are highly dependent on glucose for survival, becoming more sensitive to apoptosis by nutrient limitation. Thus, for full DC activation is essential initiating glycolysis at the time (9,10). Differently than OXPHOS, glycolytic pathway may be requested due to the necessity to produce substrates which will be used during DC activation. As an option, glycolytic pathway components can control protein translation and can be responsible to regulate the translation of crucial proteins for DC activation (24). Macrophagues: Macrophages can be classified into two major groups M1 (inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory). And each type of macrophage used different metabolic pathways, M1 uses energy mainly anaerobic glycolysis, mediated by HIF-1ÃŽ ±, while M2 employs FAO mediated PPARÉ ¤ and PGC-1ÃŽ ² (26). Evidencing with this, the relationship with of the metabolic function and and the population of macrophages. This regulation may be mediated by mTOR, which is an important nutrient sensor / power as processes such as protein synthesis, autophagy, glycolysis and regulation of immune response, de novo lipogenesis, among others. (27) Natural killer cells (NK cells): The NK cells rapamycin inhibits proliferation by blockade of the cell cycle in G1 phase in rat. Nevertheless, rapamycin does not affect interferon production by NK cells. When mTOR is inhibited in vitro, the death of T-cell YEC-1mediated by NK cells decreases slightly. In vivo, rapamycin reduces the number of NK cells in rat liver allografts (10). Neutrophils: Human neutrophil is inhibited the chemotaxis and chemokinesis induced by GM-CSF, when rapamycin is delivered. The same way, the response to IL-8. Rapamycin reduces polymerization of actin, important for leukocyte migration. mTORC1 is linked in activation of neutrophils and acute lung injury in association with TLR2 and TLR4 (18). V. Mitochondrial metabolism and regulation of immune response Effect Warburg: Is a termination used to describe a mechanism of some cancer cells to metabolize glucose via glycolysis, where the conversion of glucose to lactate with oxygen available to obtain energy with rapid generation but less efficient pathway for obtaining ATP (20,21). Carbon precursors necessary for the synthesis of nucleic acids, phospholipids, fatty acids, cholesterol and porphyrins can be provides by glycolysis (28). Glycolysis in normal tissues is the metabolism of 6-carbon glucose to 3-carbon pyruvate and the energy in the form of ATP occur via oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria (30). Hexocinase-2 (HK-2) is an isoform over-expressed in many cancer cells and is located on the external mitochondrial membrane protein VDAC (voltage-dependent anion channel). HK-2 has preferential access to mitochondrial generated ATP via the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), and protection from inhibition by its product G-6-P. Cancer cells have overproduced HK-2 and making the reaction between ATP and the incoming glucose to produce G-6-P at a high rate (30). Studies suggest a link between cancer cells and Hif-1a, where high Hif-1a activity is demonstrated to mediate the Warburg effect. HIF-1a is able to produce enzymes hexokinase 2, triosephosphate isomerase, isomerase, glucose 6-phosphate, and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in glycolysis (31). HIF-1 is a transcription factor responsible for the change of gene expression during cellular response to low oxygen conditions. Amplifies HIF-1 transcription of genes encoding glucose transporters and glycolytic enzymes (32). Recent studies show Warburg effect have many mechanisms: tumor microenvironment and stabilization of HIF, oncogene activation and loss of tumor suppressor genes, mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells, nuclear DNA mutations, epigenetic changes, miRNA, glutamine metabolism, and post-translational modifications (28). Metabolic pathways and importance in the differentiation and function of immune cells: The response, proliferation, polarization or action of immune cells requires the supply of nutrients and high energy consumption, for this reason the contribution of ATP for these functions comes from differential form of the various metabolic pathways, from glycolysis, to pyruvate until lactate production or acyl-CoA, to enter the tricarboxylic cycle acid (TCA); or through of the fatty acids oxidation (FAO). Producing enough electrons (NADH and FADH2) to activate of the electron transport chain to fuel oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) (1). It is also already considered that myeloid cells such as granulocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells and T cells mainly use glycolysis as a source of ATP via anaerobic when they present an effector or inflammatory profile (Figure XX)(1,2). This is evidenced by neutrophils that have few mitochondria and consume little oxygen (34). Under these conditions the Warburg effect is generated. Producing lactate and NADPH, an essential cofactor for the NADPH oxidase for the production of important microbicidal product H2O2 (35). Some authors suggest that eosinophils and basophils are metabolically similar to neutrophils (36) As with neutrophils, macrophages are important in the immune response and are distributed in all organs and tissues. Playing an important role in innate immunity and adopt different states of activation. Interferon-É ¤ (IFN-É ¤), in combination with TLR agonists, induces M1 (inflammatory), while IL-4 and IL-13 cytokines induces M2 (regulators) (37). M1 macrophages secrete IL-12, IFN-gamma promotes, thus inducing NK cells and T cells, addition of TNF-ÃŽ ±, that activate other immune cells, and NO. Contrary M2 macrophages, secret anti-inflammatory molecules and stimulate tissue repair. Activation of M1 and M2 is characterized by the use of different metabolic pathways (38). M1 using arginine as a substrate to produce iNOS occurs only in the M1, and not in M2. M2 using arginine as a substrate for Arginase1 expressed only in the M2, and not in M1(37). The M1 macrophages possess a glycolytic metabolism. Similar to the different types of activated cells such as dendritic cells and granulocytes. (Figure XX). The Macrophage M1 has higher basal mitochondrial oxygen consumption, the other macrophages. M2 macrophages inducing the mitochondrial OXPHOS through of IL-4 and FAO. in such a way, metabolism M2 is strongly biased towards the use of FAO and mitochondrial respiration to meet their energy needs (Figure XX) (39). DCs derived from cultured bone marrow stimulated with colony-stimulating factor granulocyte-macrophage, are a model of production of TNF-ÃŽ ± and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). At rest, the DCs oxidize glucose in the mitochondria, by OXPHOS, with little lactate production. But, once stimulated with TLR agonists, become dependent on Warburg metabolism to subsistence (40). PI3K and Akt are important in the activation of glycolytic metabolism (41); play an important role in the duration of glycolysis in DCs activated. As evidenced by DCs activated by more than 12 hours which increases glucose consumption and TCA and mitochondrial oxygen consumption cease (40), increasing lactate production, and the cells survive only by aerobic glycolysis (Fig. XX). The high production NO gas by iNOS from arginine, inactive mitochondrial respiration in these cells. So the activation of glycolytic metabolism in activated DCs induces the expression of iNOS and production of NO thus inhibits OXPHO S. This subsistence mechanism is vital for the rapid production of ATP in the absence of machinery for the production of mitochondrial ATP (42). As the cells of the innate immune system, the T and B cells activated Warburg metabolism used at the time of the proliferation. In contrast to most of innate cells, which use Warburg metabolism after activation but not proliferate (1). Contrary to activated effector T cells, memory T and B cells do not use aerobic glycolysis but if they use mitochondrial FAO for their development and persistence, maintain or adopt a catabolic metabolism (Figure XX) (43). Once an antigen recognized by naive T cells and with adequate costimulation, this growth rapid, proliferation, and acquisition of specialized effector functions is initiated. This requires of the T cell a metabolic reprogramming and energetic. This pass of a catabolic metabolism to an anabolic metabolism, changes the cell is not in a state of maintenance and homeostasis (1). Some molecules such P13K, Akt, Myc, and HIF are associated with immune and metabolic signals for the activation, function, development and upkeep of T cells. So the metabolic pathways induce a T helper subsets (1). As was evidenced in Treg cells mainly use mitochondrial OXPHOS and FAO for their development and subsistence (17) or in Th17 cells where glycolysis is primarily required (44). In activated T cells the IL-12 induce an increase in the glucose transporter and glycolytic metabolism. Besides glycolysis in maintaining the activity of active effector T cells, exist other pathways involved, as via the pentose phosphate and glutaminolysis as well as the use of key molecules such as citrate and malate (Figure XX) (1).It is important to consider the available nutrients, substrates, or other resources that can create an imbalance in the environment of immune cells, affecting the metabolism of cell function and fate of immune cells. Mitochondria in the production of iNOS and inflammation: All metabolic process to generate ATP by OXPHOS generates ROS, which are involved in oxidative stress of the mitochondria. Production of O2- in excess, induces activation of factors of redox-sensitive transcription, such as NF-kB, and thus an increase of cytokines, chemokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), eicosanoids, and adhesion molecules (45). Some of these superoxide anions combine with nitric oxide (NO) to produce peroxynitrite (ONOO-), a powerful oxidant. These ROS oxidize proteins, membrane lipid and mtDNA; damaging mitochondrial integrity (46). Being mitochondria, the inducer of the pro-inflammatory action by the action of innate immunity using redox sensitive or direct inflammasome activation molecules. Progression that result in the immediate activation of caspase-1, and subsequent activation of the inactive precursor of IL-1ÃŽ ² and IL-18 (47). DAMPs activate the same receptors that detect PAMPs, such as TLRs and cytoplasmic NOD and NLRs (46). Once activated, NLRP3 this is depolymerized and induces the recruitment of the adapter protein ASC and caspase-1 (and her cleavage), and other cytoskeletal proteins, glycolytic enzymes and caspase-7. This group of proteins called inflammasome. This complex induces pro-inflammatory, such as IL-1ÃŽ ² and IL-18.(47). Elevated levels of ROS generated by the mitochondria activate NLRP3 inflammasome. Interestingly, the humidity and the myth-AMPS can activate APCs, as well as other non-immune cells including mesenchymal stem cells and astrocytes. Additionally, IL-1ÃŽ ² pro-inflammatory IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF is induced by degradation of mtDNA in mouse primary astrocytes. (48). This activation of the inflammasome can activate NF-kB, increasing even more pro-inflammatory cytokines duration of the inflammatory response. This summation of events can be a clear explanation to the high deterioration of mitochondria (46). Biogenesis of mitochondria: The availability of nutrients and oxygen can determine the function of a time cell proliferate and differentiate. Under normal conditions the cell has high level out of ATP/ADP/AMP. Thus, an increase in AMP activates AMPK, activating ATP production by activating TSC 1 and 2 which blocks mTOR (7). After ATP levels are increased activated Akt/PKB promotes mitochondrial biogenesis by phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NRF-1 and nuclear translocation with increased mitochondrial hexokinase (HK), using glycolysis coupled to OXPHOS with uptake mitochondrial ATP, especially in order to allow cell survival and maintenance of cell functions (49). An important protein in the biogenesis of mitochondria is BAD, which is involved in the initiation of a protein complex that catalyzes the first step of glycolysis by deHK-4 activation. But absent BAD gives a restriction of respiration in the presence of glucose and in the absence of glucose dephosphorylated BAD and induces apoptosis(50). This interaction between energy metabolism and the regulation of apoptosis, is important in mitochondrial biogenesis, and any imbalance can lead to mitochondrial failure and loss problems inducing pathological cell survival (51). Thus, the whole process of inflammation, oxidation and apoptosis, requires a high rate of mitochondrial replacement to allow the restoration of damaged mitochondria continuously and cell survival, which may serve as a signal that stimulates the production of mediators anti-inflammatories such as the IL-10. This is evidenced by the increased immune tolerance during periods of mitochondrial biogenesis may be a risk for recurrent or secondary infections evidencing with them a close relationship between immunosuppression and the regeneration of the mitochondria, this period of immunosuppression may be greater depending the damage level of the mitochondria involved in the initial inflammatory process.(49). VI. References 1. Pearce EL, Pearce EJ. Metabolic pathways in immune cell activation and quiescence. Immunity. Elsevier Inc.; 2013 Apr 18;38(4):633–43. 2. Odegaard JI, Chawla A. The immune system as a sensor of the metabolic state. Immunity. Elsevier Inc.; 2013 Apr 18;38(4):644–54. 3. Oren R, Farnham AE, Saito K, Milofsky E, Karnovsky ML. Metabolic patterns in three types of phagocytizing cells. J Cell Biol. 1963 Jun;17:487–501. 4. Krawczyk CM, Holowka T, Sun J, Blagih J, Amiel E, DeBerardinis RJ, et al. 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Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Choose 2 scenes in Twelfth Night and state how you would direct them Es

Choose 2 scenes in Twelfth Night and state how you would direct them Choose 2 scenes in Twelfth Night and state how you would direct them. Discuss some of the challenges you might face in directing the play to a modern audience. Being one of Shakespeare’s best romantic comedies, Twelfth Night has been re-enacted many a times, be it during Elizabethan times, or in modern times. Although set in the Elizabethan era, Twelfth Night has its charms. And indeed, it proves to be relevant and intimate to a modern audience, with its applicable themes and endearing characters. In directing a play of such mannerism, one would have to consider many factors affecting the overall effect of the play, and how it brings forth its true message and intentions. Hence, I have chosen to direct Act 3 Scene 1, as well as Act 2 Scene 3. The reasons why I have chosen the above scenes, is so as in Act 2 Scene 3, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, Maria and Feste portray a kind of platonic love, that can be applied to a modern audience. In addition, Malvolio is shown forth as the typical puritan, who is the wet blanket for every party and discourages any kind of fun and disorder. This, hence, is also applicable to a modern audience, as the audience see Malvolio as the kind of person everyone would dislike. Thus, later on, when Malvolio is plotted against, the audience can comprehend why. This scene is seen to be a comical one, where humour is the main theme. Henceforth, Shakespeare’s theme of comedy still stands, despite later scenes of seriousness. Act 3 Scene 1 is a scene where we can see Olivia’s desperate and intensifying infatuation for Viola pouring out uncontrollably. Through Viola’s focused and straightforward rejections, we once again sense her dilemma due to her disguise, and also her devotion towards her task and towards Orsino. On the other hand, the message is brought forth that perhaps, woman aren’t always the ones waiting to be wooed. Olivia tries hard to achieve her goals (even when she fails), and gives a sense of stubbornness towards her ‘love’ for Viola (Cesario). Therefore, I have chosen to direct these two scenes. Firstly, Act 2 Scene 4. For this scene, it could be summarized as a comic scene with Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, Maria and Feste having fun amongst them. Then, Malvolio, the puritan comes in, and spoils their fun, insulting them a... ...ness, and brings forth the carefree tone of the play. Overall, this challenge still stands in the sense of showing Shakespeare’s ‘see-saw’ method in its best light. Another challenge that I think I would face in directing this play would be making the costumes fit the Elizabethan times, yet attracting the modern audience and adding a personal touch to display the play in a way impressing to a modern audience, whom I believe like to watch plays which attract them at first glance. Hence, the clothing could be modern cum Elizabethan, creating an interesting mix. Yet another challenge would be keeping the audience engaged and have continued interest in the show, so as to bring the show to them fully and meaningfully. This is important as if the audience cannot stay focused, the overall effect may be affected. Hence, perhaps the actors could engage the audience with eye contact and stand in such a way as to not have their backs face the audience (unless completely necessary). All in all, directing the play of Twelfth Night to a modern audience proves to be a challenging task, but possible with perseverance in keeping the overall comedy-romantic genre of the play.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Comparison of Two Films About King Arthur Essay -- Film Movies Compare

Few works of literature or legend are as varied as that of King Arthur and his round table, forever retold by each generation. Without question, the defining work of Arthurian Literature is Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur. Morte d'Arthur is a compilation of all the King Arthur legends that existed before Malory. Malory tried to bring all the stories together into one cohesive whole. Morte d'Arthur is a trove of stories about magical encounters and various quests that is loosely centered on the rise and fall of King Arthur. Since it was written, there have been countless interpretations and adaptations. Today, we not only have countless Arthurian books, but many movies on the subject as well. In this paper I hope to compare and contrast two such Arthurian movies, Excalibur and King Arthur, and discuss what each film adds to the treasury of Arthurian lore. It is hard to believe that two completely opposite movies are based on the same literature. The movie Excalibur is like a modern day Morte d'Arthur, while the more recent King Arthur differs greatly from all former Arthurian works by attempting to be historically plausible. Excalibur Although Excalibur is based mostly on Malory, it also contains stories from Chrà ©tien de Troyes and Alfred, Lord Tennyson's Idylls of the King. The film takes scenes straight from Malory, but it also changes Malory slightly by condensing some of his many details and mixing them with stories from other Arthurian writers. It smoothes over many of Malorys contradictions then manages to throw in some plot twists of its own. Excalibur The first scene of the film introduces the most important symbol of the film, Excalibur. Throughout the entire movie at every critical juncture, Exc... ..."with machines." Two of her fingers were broken. Arthur receives another shock when he realizes that these ministrations were performed by a priest. The priest believes that to torture heathens is an act of kindness that would enable them to enter heaven. The final blow that completely crushes Arthur's belief in the Church is the news he receives on Pelagius' excommunication. How can the Church excommunicate a man who believes in such lofty and glorious ideas? Conclusion While Excalibur keeps both the content and form of Malory, King Arthur tries something new by trying to translate the barely-fitting together cacophony of Morte d'Arthur into a historically plausible film. Though Excalibur is more enjoyable to real King Arthur lovers, King Arthur is strangely refreshing in its extreme adaptation of the overused story, while being still familiar in its core.

Monday, September 2, 2019

The Roman Empire Essay -- History Rome Historical Essays

The Roman Empire In 27 BC, Augustus became the first emperor of Rome, thus creating a strong leader figure, which could shape and mold the Republic system into what was best for the empire or themselves. During the reign of the emperors, the political policies for Rome would vary according to, which emperor was in power. Not only were politics shaky, but also there never was a clear-cut method of succession for the man who controlled those politics. Rome had created the position of emperor in hopes that men like Augustus would continue to lead her into prosperity, however the office of emperor struggled in attempting to find great men to lead Rome. The office never truly evolved into something greater than when it had been created, but rather the office varied according to the personality of the man in the position. Augustus created the office of emperor with the Augustan Principate, which was â€Å"to have no institutionalized authoritarian power, no perpetual dictatorship such as Julius Caesar had had himself voted early in 44, or anything like it (Stockton, 124).† Despite his wishes the people of Rome ended up giving Augustus eternal office, and powers to control the Senate with the rights to dictate agendas and veto (Stockton, 128). The people of Rome had created a position of absolute power, the exact thing Augustus was attempting to prevent. At the time the people of Rome could not have realized what they were creating in the office of emperor, for Augustus was a great man whose leadership created a great shadow over the shoulder of any future emperor. Augustus would be followed by the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which reigned over the beginnings of Imperial Rome. The succession of Augustus demonstrated the diffi... ...ed in times of good fortunes, and expansion. While during times of instability the artistic ingenuity would stagnate. Finally at the end of the empire, the art quality would decrease as the empire was deteriorating. This deterioration in art quality would continue for decades until the Renaissance would bring back an art quality on the level of that of ancient Rome under the Antonines. The type of art being created could be used as a very good indicator of what the political scene in Rome looked like at the time. Works Cited 1. Stockton, David. â€Å"The founding of the Empire.† Oxford Illustrated History. Oxford U. Press, 1988. pp. 121-149 2. Purcell, Nicholas. â€Å"The Arts of Government.† Oxford Illustrated History. Oxford U. Press, 1988. pp. 150-181 3. Wilson, R.J.A. â€Å"Roman Art and Architecture.† Oxford Illustrated History. Oxford U. Press, 1988. pp. 361-399 The Roman Empire Essay -- History Rome Historical Essays The Roman Empire In 27 BC, Augustus became the first emperor of Rome, thus creating a strong leader figure, which could shape and mold the Republic system into what was best for the empire or themselves. During the reign of the emperors, the political policies for Rome would vary according to, which emperor was in power. Not only were politics shaky, but also there never was a clear-cut method of succession for the man who controlled those politics. Rome had created the position of emperor in hopes that men like Augustus would continue to lead her into prosperity, however the office of emperor struggled in attempting to find great men to lead Rome. The office never truly evolved into something greater than when it had been created, but rather the office varied according to the personality of the man in the position. Augustus created the office of emperor with the Augustan Principate, which was â€Å"to have no institutionalized authoritarian power, no perpetual dictatorship such as Julius Caesar had had himself voted early in 44, or anything like it (Stockton, 124).† Despite his wishes the people of Rome ended up giving Augustus eternal office, and powers to control the Senate with the rights to dictate agendas and veto (Stockton, 128). The people of Rome had created a position of absolute power, the exact thing Augustus was attempting to prevent. At the time the people of Rome could not have realized what they were creating in the office of emperor, for Augustus was a great man whose leadership created a great shadow over the shoulder of any future emperor. Augustus would be followed by the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which reigned over the beginnings of Imperial Rome. The succession of Augustus demonstrated the diffi... ...ed in times of good fortunes, and expansion. While during times of instability the artistic ingenuity would stagnate. Finally at the end of the empire, the art quality would decrease as the empire was deteriorating. This deterioration in art quality would continue for decades until the Renaissance would bring back an art quality on the level of that of ancient Rome under the Antonines. The type of art being created could be used as a very good indicator of what the political scene in Rome looked like at the time. Works Cited 1. Stockton, David. â€Å"The founding of the Empire.† Oxford Illustrated History. Oxford U. Press, 1988. pp. 121-149 2. Purcell, Nicholas. â€Å"The Arts of Government.† Oxford Illustrated History. Oxford U. Press, 1988. pp. 150-181 3. Wilson, R.J.A. â€Å"Roman Art and Architecture.† Oxford Illustrated History. Oxford U. Press, 1988. pp. 361-399

Sunday, September 1, 2019

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Globalization

Globalization is such a commonly used term in the twentiethcentury. It simply means that the world has become integrated economically, socially, politically and culturally through the advances of technology, transportation and communication. It is undeniable to say that globalization has resulted in both positive and negative effects which must be addressed accordingly. To begin with, globalization has contributed to the worlds economies in many beneficial ways. The advances in science and technology have allowed businesses to easily cross over territorial boundary lines. Consequently, companies tend to become more productive, competitive thereby raising quality of goods, services and the worlds living standard. Secondly, several companies from the more developed countries have already ventured to establish foreign operations or branches to take advantage of the low cost of labor in the poorer countries. This kind of business activity will provide more influx of cash or investment funds into the less developed countries. However, one cannot deny the negative effects which havederived from globalization. One crucial social aspect is the risk and danger of epidemic diseases which can easily be spread as the mode transportation is easier and faster in todays advance society. This is evidenced in the recent birds flu disease which has infected most Asian countries over a short time frame. As large corporations invest or take over many off shore businesses, a modern form of colonization will also evolve which may pose certain power pressure on the local governments of the less developed countries. Unemployment rates in the more developed regions like Europe may also escalate as corporations choose to outsource cheaper work force from Asian countries. In conclusion. I like to reiterate that globalization is inevitable and we must urge individuals, companies and governments to use a more balanced approach by taking appropriate steps to deal with matters relating to the financial or economical gains verses the social, political or ecological concerns of the world.