Don’t dissolve English in adrenaline—– A biometric perception Professor Dr.S.Elangovan. PT Lee College of Engg & Tech, Kanchipuram

Abstract

English language is a bull to the non native speakers like their domesticated one and as such they should take the bull by the horns. Language learning is so much fun and not formidable. Man is the master of the language and language is not the master of the man.. If one wants to become proficient in English, he must become the “Linguistic Dictator. In this regard Biometrics comes handy to diagnose the fear psychosis which is needless. Biometrics is the recognition process based on one or more intrinsic anatomical, physiological and psychological characteristics. Recently, computational bio-electrography based on gas discharge visualization (GDV) technique has been proposed as one of the biometrics tools for investigating physiological and psycho-emotional functional states of an individual. In this paper, we present an application of computational biometrics based GDV for visual and quantitative evaluation of anxiety in the process of learning English as a Second Language (ESL). The integration of biometrics in the education paradigm has been investigated in a pilot study involving foreign students enrolled in the ESL course at the ESL Institute, VIT University. We measured the electro- photonic emission (also called GDV-grams) of students’ fingertips before and after language activities, specifically listening comprehension tasks and showed that the anxiety in

Key Words

Adrenaline, English, take the bull by the horns, Biometrics, Bio-electrography, GDV technique, Anxiety, ESL, Entropy, Right hemisphere

1. Introduction

Biometrics is an automated process of recognizing the individual features based on one or more intrinsic anatomy, physiology and psychological characteristics. A typical biometric system is comprised of 5 components: a sensor, signal processing algorithms, data storage, a matching algorithm and a decision process. The purposes of the biometric models are recognition, identification and verification. Recognition is knowledge of a previously enrolled individual; identification is the process of determining the identity of an individual, where as verification is a process by which the system confirms the

existence of an individual. The biometric models existing nowadays are based on fingerprint, face, iris, voice, signature, hand geometry, palm and vascular pattern recognition, performance evaluation and novel sensors [1;

2]. For example, the palm and fingerprint models combine ridge flow, ridge characteristics and a ridge structure of the raised portion of the epidermis. Vascular pattern recognition models use near-far infrared light reflected or transmitted images of blood vessels of a hand or finger for personal recognition. Dynamic models use anatomic and behavioral characteristics for recognition purposes [3]. There exist other biometric models that are based on speaker recognition, dynamic signature measures, key stroke dynamics, retina recognition, gate/body recognition and facial thermography.

The main areas of biometrics applications can be classified into the following four groups: 1) Medical biometrics, which is related to the use of biometrics in medical applications such as medical diagnosis and is based on the extraction of biomedical pattern and its association to possible diseases; 2) Forensic biometrics, which refers to the use of biometrics for criminal and body identification; 3) Convenience biometrics, which is related to maintaining the convenience level during the use of biometric services, 4) Security biometrics to reduce frauds and control the access to restricted areas [4].

Computational bio-electrography has been recently proposed and used as a promising method for complex evaluation of the functional state of an individual using the fingertips and electro-photonic emission in a high intensity electromagnetic field [5]. The method involves capturing and analyzing the electro-photonic emission of fingertips using an electro-photonic impulse analyzer based on gas discharge visualization technique (GDV) [5]. Several studies tried to determine what exactly forms the fluorescent glow (also called GDV-grams) around fingertips. Krizhanovsky et al. [6] determined that the human central nervous system plays a crucial role in the formation of skin glow in a high intensity electromagnetic field. The ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) molecule acts as a neurotransmitter in the autonomous neuromuscular junctions, the ganglia and the central nervous system. Therefore, in case of normal operation of the organism,

the ATP diffusion exchange (and the electron stream) must be regular, thus ensuring the regularity and uniformity of the fluorescence (glow) that occurs during the interaction of the skin (i.e. of a finger) with the high intensity electromagnetic field. Another study conducted by Williams [7] claims that specific structural-protein complexes within the mass of the skin provide channels of heightened electron conductivity, measurable at acupuncture points on the skin surface. Stimulated impulse emissions from the skin are also developed mainly by transport of delocalized electrons. Optical emissions amplified in gaseous discharge, are registered by optical sensors in the electro-photonic impulse analyzer [7]. The areas of application of GDV technique include medicine, sports, psychology and cognitive study. The correlation of GDV data and the data obtained from the other diagnostic devices showed that GDV is a very fast, at the same time, accurate real-time diagnosis technique [8-12].

The GDV technique has been successfully used in psychology and cognitive studies mainly to assess the psycho-emotional state of an individual and evaluate the changes that take place in a human organism over a period of time. Based on GDV parameters such as form and size of electro-photonic emission, symmetry and relationship of the captured image with the rest of the GDV-grams of all fingertips, the presence or absence of aggressive signs and defects with the organs/organ systems can be predicted and hence it becomes possible to conclude about the functional state of an individual at the moment of study [13; 14].

Second language learning is a process by which a person learns a language in addition to his/her native language. English is the current lingua franca for communication in the modern era of globalization and has been widely studied for adaptation as an international language [15]. In the United States of America, a majority of the population speak English as their native language. International students usually experience cultural shock when they are exposed to a native English environment, such as the United States, and it takes time for them to overcome the language barriers. It has been demonstrated that native English speakers perform significantly better than non-native English speakers in all the major subtests (on Writing, Reading and Listening) of an English Language Proficiency test [16]. The relatively poor performance of non-native speakers of English is mainly attributed to anxiety, which is a prominently documented psychological phenomenon in second language learning. It has been recently reported that one third to one half of international students experience debilitating levels of anxiety while performing in their second language [17].

The anxiety phenomenon in the field of second language learning has been the focus point of different

studies and research projects. It has been established that (i) anxiety can occur at any stage of language acquisition and can influence speed and accuracy of learning, (ii) language anxiety can be one of the predictors of language proficiency, (iii) learners with higher language anxiety avoid interactive communication more often than less anxious learners, (iv) anxiety arousal can negatively influence the communication output as it can be interrupted by the “freezing up” moments which learners experience when they are anxious, (v) language learning under anxious circumstances can become traumatic to the identity of a learner [18]. Young [19; 20] determined several aspects as potentially interrelated sources of anxiety from the perspective of the learner, the teacher and instructional process. Therefore, he claims that the possible causes of anxiety may be (i) personal and interpersonal anxiety, (ii) learner beliefs about language learning, (iii) instructors beliefs about language teaching, (iv) instructor-learner interactions, (v) classroom procedure and (vi) language testing.

In this paper, we hypothesize that language activities such as listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing may involve anxiety factor which can be quantified and visualized using the GDV method. The psycho-emotional aspects of language learning and performance, such as anxiety and stress, are manifested at the physiological level by increased sweating of palms and fingers and muscle tension. An electro-photonic impulse analyzer based on GDV can make use of these manifestations, especially those revealed through the fingertips, for quantifying and visualizing the anxiety level of an ESL (English as a Second Language) learner. The GDV technique is non-invasive and provides a real-time measurement of the signals of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system [21]. Thus, using this biometric model of GDV, one will be able to quantify and visualize unique biological features in psychological and physiological parameters pertaining to anxiety with respect to ESL learning. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: Section 2 reviews the literature on relationship between learning English as a second language and anxiety. Section 3 provides an overview of the origin of computational bio-electrography based on the GDV technique and describes the actual procedure used to obtain the GDV-grams. We also describe the analysis of the GDV-grams using the built-in GDV software of the Electro-photonic impulse analyzer. Section 4 describes a pilot study, the first of its nature, which has been conducted by us to quantify and visualize the anxiety levels of the student learners of English as a second language at Jackson State University. Section 5 concludes the paper.

2. English as a Second Language and Anxiety

With the increase of popularity of English language in the world and its usage in almost all spheres of social, economic and cultural life, the need to learn English as a Second Language (ESL) has increased among the populace whose native language is other than English. The education goals pursued by non-native students in English speaking countries, like the United States of America, require certain level of English language proficiency which can be achieved through preparation and taking a TOEFL test. Some students have to start English study from the beginner’s level and advance slowly due to the peculiarities in their cultural background. For example, it has been established that English language learners from Confucian Heritage Cultures (CHCs), such as China, Korea and Japan, are more anxious when learning, performing and communicating in ESL [22]. It is a very challenging task for teachers and counselors in U.S. schools to address the specific needs of the students for whom English is not a native language.

Scovel [23] was the first to associate the inconsistency in second language learning with anxiety. Horwitz was the first to clearly define the concept of foreign language anxiety. Horwitz’s Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) was the major contribution to the field of second language learning and acquisition [24]. The major ways of anxiety measurement include behavioral observation, physiological assessment such as heart rates and blood pressure, learners’ self-report on their internal feelings and reactions as well as structured interviews, follow-up interviews and questionnaires [25; 26]. The negative relationship between anxiety and achievement or performance has been confirmed in several subsequent studies involving all four language skills: speaking [27-29], writing [30], reading [31] and listening [32; 33].

A student who suffers from reading anxiety can exhibit a variety of symptoms that result from the inhibition of their intellectual curiosity, aggression or independence. It has been shown [34] that (1) reading anxiety shows a stronger negative correlation with reading achievement compared to general anxiety; and (2) although general anxiety and reading anxiety correlate substantially, reading anxiety measures something beyond general anxiety. Listening anxiety is a type of anxiety that comes from listening to others, such as in a foreign language situation. Thus, listening anxiety may negatively influence the learning process and affect performance [35].

Foreign language learners typically experience considerable anxiety about taking listening tests. The results in [36] indicated that foreign language anxiety and listening anxiety are separate but related phenomena that both correlate negatively with achievement. An English

Writing Anxiety Scale was developed in [37] and it identified four contributing factors for writing anxiety in English: fear of writing tests, anxiety about making mistakes, fear of negative evaluation and low confidence in English writing. The results have showed that the scale has adequate psychometric properties. Another study [38] evaluated the anxiety of students over a ten year period, using FLCAS. The FLCAS scores measured the students’ perception about their language learning skills and showed that anxiety plays a primary role in performing and successfully accomplishing using a foreign/second language.

The first attempt [39] to use GDV technique in education was realized in the experiment to teach listening skills in English as a foreign language. The eyes of the student participants in this experiment were closed. The GDV technique was used to assess the functional state of the individuals and the biological dynamics in the process of perception and processing the information in English [39]. In 2007, Bulatova et. al. [40] reported the results of investigation of school children with GDV technique. According to the interpretation of the GDV-grams obtained in their studies, only 36% of children had normal psycho-emotional and physiological state; 42% have shown deficiency in electro-photonic emission and 17% were in a critical state. A positive correlation was found between the level of performance of the students and the results of GDV test. Children with deficiency in electro- photonic emission had lower performance level. Due to the active effort of psychologists, family, teachers and children themselves, over a five month period of counseling, regime, daily exercise and correct nutrition,

82% of children had their electro-photonic emission in the

normal range. This experience has established that GDV technique can be helpful in education process, mainly because of instant and real-time assessment of the functional state of an individual and also anxiety and stress that accompany a learning process. Taking cue from this research, we will employ the GDV method to identify the unique physiological and psycho-emotional signatures associated with anxiety in ESL learning process.

3. Computational Bio-electrography Based on Gas

Discharge Visualization Technique

The first world-wide discoveries of the phenomenon of bright fluorescence around human body in a high frequency electrical circuit belong to Nicola Tesla in 1880. The understanding of the significance of this discovery began in 1939 when Russian technician Semion Kirlian noticed the florescence around his fingers when repairing the high frequency equipment in the hospital. He and his wife Valentina investigated this “mysterious glow” till

1978 and it became famous under the name of “Kirlian

Photography”. During the 1980s, different approaches for

the applications of bio-electrographic technique in medicine were developed (e.g., by Dumitresku I. in Romania, Mandel P. in Germany, Milhomens N. in Brazil, Lerner A. in France, Oldfield H. in England, Konikevich A. in the USA and many others). Many books and research articles have been published on Kirlian Photography and statistical correlations with interesting observations worldwide. In 1995, the Gas Discharge Visualization (GDV) technique, based on optical methods, modern electronics and computer processing of data, gave a new dimension to Kirlian Photography and lead to the foundation of a new scientific field called computational bio-electrography.

Figure 1: A Setup of the Electro-photonic Impulse

Analyzer Operated through a Laptop

Figure 2: Actual Procedure of Covering the Hand with a Black Cloth for EPE Capture

The GDV assessment of the functional state of an individual comprises of static snapshots (also called GDV- grams) of the electro-photonic emission (EPE) of the 5- fingers from each hand (a total of 10 finger EPE snapshots) which are collected with and without using filters on the glass surface of the Electro-photonic Impulse

Analyzer. The filter is a thin plastic film that prevents the direct contact of the skin of the fingertip on the glass surface of the analyzer. The rationale behind using the filter is to capture the EPE that represents the physiological parameters of the person; whereas, the EPE captured without using the filter represents the psycho- emotional parameters of the person. Figure 1 demonstrates a setup of the Electro-photonic Impulse Analyzer operated through a laptop and Figure 2 illustrates the actual procedure of covering the hand with a black cloth to prevent the penetration of light onto the glass surface. A GDV-camera underneath the electrodes captures the EPE (i.e., GDV-grams) of the fingertips placed on the glass surface of the analyzer.

Figure 3: Sample GDV-grams of the Thumb and Index Fingers on the Left and Right Hands illustrating the Different Sectors representing the Organ Systems and their Energy Coefficients (L – Left, R – Right)

Figure 4: A Sample GDV-diagram obtained using the static GDV-grams of the 10 fingertips

The electro-photonic impulse analyzer has an in-built GDV-software to analyze the GDV-grams. The GDV- software quantifies the activity status of the different organs/organ systems in the form of energy coefficients. The energy coefficient of an organ/ organ system in a GDV-gram is characteristic of the energy state (i.e., the activity) of the organ/ organ system and is obtained by normalizing the image to the standard GDV-grams. The GDV software that computes these numerical energy coefficients has been pre-calibrated with the standard GDV-grams collected from about 10,000 people with normal health. The range of the energy coefficient values for an organ/organ system in normal state is [-0.6, … ,

1.0]; whereas, the organs/organ systems with energy

coefficient values below -0.6 are said to be hypo- functional (low energy) and organs/organ systems with energy coefficient values greater than 1.0 are said to be hyper-functional (excess energy). Figure 3 illustrates the GDV-grams obtained for the (1) thumb and (2) index fingers on the left (L) and right (R) hands for a human subject. The energy status observed for the organs/organ systems has been visualized (in Figure 3) by highlighting their energy coefficient values in green, pink and yellow colors – representative of the normal, hypo-functional and hyper-functional states respectively.

Using the energy coefficients obtained from the GDV- grams of all of the fingertips from the left and right hands, the GDV-software constructs a GDV-diagram that presents a comprehensive view of the energy states of all

the organs/organs systems. The GDV-diagram of a person (a sample is shown in Figure 4) is represented using two curves (of red and blue color) and each of these curves is divided into different sectors whose radius correspond to the energy coefficient values observed for the sector. Each sector in the GDV-diagram is characteristic of a particular organ/organ system. The curve with the red color represents the GDV image taken without using the plastic filter and it captures the functionality of the organs/organ systems characteristic of the psycho-emotional status of an individual. The curve with the blue color represents the GDV image taken using the filter and it captures the functionality of the organs/organ systems characteristic of the physiological status of the individual. For better visualization of coefficient distribution, the circles are presented in three colors: pink, green and yellow corresponding to the levels below norm (i.e., hypo- functional), norm (normal) and above norm (hyper- functional) respectively.

In addition to static snapshots of the fingertips, one

could also collect dynamic GDV-grams to monitor the changes in the physiological and psycho-emotional states of a person while performing a particular activity. The dynamic GDV-grams can be used to monitor an individual over a period of time during certain activities such as watching a video, test, public speaking; investigate the psycho-physiological dynamics that may take place and correlate them with the content. The GDV-grams are a series of static snapshots of the fingertips collected at a

regular interval. In Figures 5 and 6, we show a sequence of GDV-grams (collected for every minute), illustrating the energy status changes of non-native and native speakers while watching a 3-minute movie in English. A visual interpretation of the two sets of GDV-grams indicates that the non-native speakers undergo serious changes in their energy states while watching a movie that affects their emotional anxiety, while there are no significant changes in the energy states of the native speakers watching the same movie.

Figure 5: Dynamic GDV-grams of a Non-native Speaker while Watching a Movie in English

Figure 6: Dynamic GDV-grams of a Native Speaker while Watching a Movie in English

4. Pilot Study of ESL Learning Process Using GDV Technique

Four international students of Turkish, Vietnamese and Chinese origin (right hand dominant) at the English as a Second Language Institute (ELSI), Jackson State University, volunteered to participate in our study. We have chosen to initially study auditory comprehension anxiety because of our conjecture that listening skill is the hardest to master in second language learning. Our hypothesis in this pilot study is that being non-native speakers, these individuals will have increased expression of anxiety associated with language tasks in English, especially with the listening comprehension section. All the students were enrolled in the medium level of English as a Second Language course at ELSI. The students signed the consent form in compliance with the human Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the purpose of the procedure was explained to them according to the guidelines of the human IRB. Seven individuals were recruited and participated in the first phase of GDV recordings; however, only four participants completed the experimental protocol. Three students did not show up because of lack of understanding of instructions given in English language.

We recorded two sets of the static images of electro-

photonic emission around the students’ fingertips in a high intensity electromagnetic field generated by electro-

photonic impulse analyzer, before and after the listening comprehension tasks.

Figure 7.1: Activation Coefficient for Student 1

Figure 7.2: Activation Coefficient for Student 2

Figure 7.3: Activation Coefficient for Student 3

Figure 7.4: Activation Coefficient for Student 2

Figure 7: The Distribution of the Activation Coefficient in the Four ESL Participants Before and After Taking the Listening Test

The recording of the images was done with and without filter. Two integral parameters, activation coefficient and integral entropy, were analyzed and were considered as potential indicators for the measure of anxiety of the student participants. According to Korotkov

[5], activation coefficient is an average of the absolute magnitude of difference of the energy coefficients of diagrams created using GDV images captured with and without filter taking corresponding dispersions.

The proposed 0-10 scale of anxiety based on the

activation coefficient is divided into four main parts: 0-2 (low level of anxiety), 2-4 (normal level of anxiety, 4-8 (high level of anxiety) and 8-10 (distress, altered state of consciousness). The activation coefficient of the four ESL participants before and after taking the listening comprehension test is shown in Figure 7. As seen in this figure, the activation coefficient of three of the four participants was high before the test and low after the test. The activation coefficient of these participants decreased from 5.37 to 4.66 (a 13% decrease), 2.43 to 2.12 (13% decrease) and 5.42 to 2.06 (62% decrease). For the fourth participant, the activation coefficient increased after the test (from 2.97 before the test to 3.28 after the test – 10% increase). We would expect the anxiety to go up after the listening comprehension activities. However, for 3 out of the 4 ESL participants, we do not observe an increase in the activation coefficient after the listening test.

Figure 8.1: Integral Entropy for Student 1

Figure 8.2: Activation Coefficient for Student 2

Figure 8.3: Integral Entropy for Student 3

Figure 8.4: Activation Coefficient for Student 4

Figure 8: The Distribution of the Integral Entropy in the Four ESL Participants Before and After Taking the Listening Test

Thus, the proposed anxiety scale 0-10 after Korotkov cannot be used for the evaluating anxiety in the ESL listening comprehension task, though we do not exclude the possibility of using the activation coefficient as a measure of evaluating anxiety for other language activities such as speaking, reading and writing.

On the other hand, the distribution of integral entropy

has shown very promising results. Integral entropy is a measure of the deviation from the physiological and psycho-emotional balance. The proposed scale of anxiety based on integral entropy is divided into four main parts:

0-1 (low level of anxiety), 1-2 (normal level of anxiety, 2-

4 (high level of anxiety) and > 4 (very high level of anxiety). As presented in Figure 8, the integral entropy level of all the four ESL participants, measured using the GDV-grams for the left hand corresponding to the right hemisphere of the human brain, increased after the test when compared to the values obtained before the test. The integral entropy level of the student participants increased from 1.77 to 2.08 (18% increase), 1.77 to 1.90 (7% increase), 1.73 to 2.06 (19% increase) and from 1.58 to

1.76 (11% increase). Hence, we contemplate on using integral entropy as a measure of the anxiety of learning English as a Second Language, at least for the listening tasks, vindicated by the results in our pilot study.

Our preference for integral entropy as a measure of anxiety is also justified by the following observations from the literature on Chaos/ Complexity Science and Second Language Acquisition [41] and the recent discovery in the literature that the right hemisphere is more involved in second language learners who are less familiar and less trained in the language [42].

According to Larsen-Freeman [41], language learning

is a dynamic, complex, open, self-organizing, feedback sensitive task, and is constrained by strange attractors. It is complex, because a multitude of interacting factors are involved in the ESL learning process. Learning new vocabulary is a nonlinear process, for example, the student can listen to the text with familiar words and feel comfortable in performance, but the moment the teacher introduces new words, rather than making progress, the student’s performance becomes less proficient, because after the introduction of new unfamiliar words, the system the student has constructed in his mind implodes. Therefore, orderly periods are very frequently followed by periods of chaos, especially when something new is introduced and students have to adjust a new content to their understanding and awareness. Order, eventually, can be restored through interaction with others. The integral entropy metric captures the fluctuations in the physiological and psycho-emotional parameters of the individual from an orderly status to a disorderly status and vice-versa.

The results of a very recent study demonstrated the significant difference between the proficiency level and hemisphere involvement in language processing. It has been shown that the right hemisphere of the human cerebrum is more involved and hence contributes to an increase in the entropy in second language learners with less experience and less training [42]. The results of our pilot study provide empirical evidence to the above finding and show that listening comprehension tasks in English as a Second Language activate functioning of the right hemisphere of the human brain, which is responsible for parsing and analyzing the semantic and phonetic characteristics of the language.

5 Conclusions and Future Work

Biometrics are used in the identification of unique features based on anatomical, physiological and psychological parameters of an individual. Computational Bio- electography based on GDV technique is a biometric tool to identify unique signatures expressed by individuals at physiological and psycho-emotional levels. Learning of English as a second language (ESL) is a process that is accompanied by anxiety, which can negatively influence the performance of students. In this paper, we have demonstrated the use of GDV to measure, quantify and

visualize the anxiety levels of ESL learners. We identify the integral entropy measured by GDV as the appropriate parameter to quantify and visualize the increase in anxiety. As observed from the results of our pilot study, the integral entropy of an ESL learner who has gone through a listening comprehension task increases by 7%-18%. Our conclusion of the use of integral entropy, based on the images collected from the left hand corresponding to the right hemisphere, is also substantiated by recent findings on EEG (Electro-encephalogram) synchronization in the literature. Thus, GDV as a biometric tool may be used to study anxiety associated with ESL learning and in other areas of education.

We anticipate that the integral entropy can also be used to capture the anxiety levels of ESL learners for other language activities such as reading, writing and speaking and this will be verified in our future work. As part of future work, we would also develop computational models that can identify unique biological signatures that are characteristic of the anxiety level of an ESL learner for a particular language activity.

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[39] A.V. Gavrilova, B. A. Belogorodsky, E. E.

Yanovskaya Application of GDV for checking the efficiency of teaching listening skill. In Proceedings of VIII International Scientific Congress on Bio- electrography, Saint Petersburg, 2004.

[40] T. E. Bulatova, M. N. Tarasova, L. I. Ivanova, L. P.

Fadyushyna, A. E. Astafyeva, N. A. Sokolova The possibilities of application of GDV method in Education. In Proceedings of XIII International Scientific Congress on Bio-electrography, Saint Petersburg, 2009.

[41] D. Larsen-Freeman, Chaos/complexity science and second language acquisition. Applied Linguistics,

18(2), 141-165, 1997.

[42] S. Reiterer, E. Pereda, J. Bhattacharya Measuring second language proficiency with EEG synchronization: how functional cortical networks and hemispheric involvement differ as a function of proficiency level in second language speakers. Second Language Research, Vol. 25, No. 1, 77-106

2009.

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A new ruling has become effective 1-31-2010 that  allows fliers to bring any of 11 different POCs aboard aircraft and use them, with the approval of the aircraft operator and airline.

The FAA has announced that passengers on U.S. commercial aircraft now may bring any of 11 different portable oxygen concentrators on board and use them, with the approval of the aircraft operator and the airline.

Randy Babbitt, an FAA Administraor, signed the amended Special Federal Aviation Regulation bill 106, Use of Certain Portable Oxygen Concentrator Devices on Board Aircraft. The concentrators include the DeVilbiss Healthcare Inc.’s iGo, International Biophysics Corporation’s LifeChoice, Inogen Inc.’s Inogen One G2, and Oxlife LLC.’s Oxlife Independence Oxygen Concentrator.

A portable oxygen concentrator, (POC) also called a portable concentrator is a portable device used to provide oxygen therapy to a patient at substantially higher concentrations than the levels of ambient air. It is very similar to a home oxygen concentrator, but it smaller in size and more mobile. The portable oxygen concentrator makes it easy for patients to travel freely; they are small enough to fit in a car and most of the major concentrators are now FAA-approved.

SFAR 106, originally published in July 2005, already allowed passengers to carry on and use AirSep Corporation’s LifeStyle and FreeStyle; Inogen’s Inogen One; SeQual Technologies’ Eclipse; Philips Respironics Inc.’s EverGo; Delphi Medical Systems’ RS-00400; and Inva

In the rule, FAA said it still intends to develop a performance-based standard for all future POC devices but wants to ensure such a standard does not hamper innovative technologies by the manufacturers. “This process is time-consuming and we intend to publish a notice in the Federal Register and offer the public a chance to comment on the proposal when it is complete. In the meantime, manufacturers continue to create new and better POCs, and several have requested that their product also be included as an acceptable device in SFAR 106,” the agency explained.

For more information, please visit Oxygen Concentrator

Researcher for medical company.

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While Welsh Corgis are great family pets, unfortunately they come with their fair share of health problems.

Particular care is needed to keep these dogs in shape and avoid over feeding them. Due to their short legs and long body they tend to gain weight easily which can pose a problem with their joints in the future. One good way to keep them in shape is swimming, as it doesn’t put pressure on their back or joints.

The Welsh Corgi is also prone to spinal problems due to the length of its spine, which can lead to early arthritis, particularly for those that are overweight. Biophysical stresses are a renowned problem for these breeds on their spine, which is directly related to the weight of an over-sized belly. This problem has lead to other secondary diseases such as osteoarthritis.

Unfortunately they are also predisposed to developing a disease called DM (Degenerative Myelopathy). A test for this has been developed and is available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Further research is still being conducted as to why some Welsh Corgi’s develop DM and others don’t.

Pembroke’s in particular are at risk for hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease and other eye disorders.

Von Willebrand’s is a blood clotting disorder which is only detected by a DNA test. At the moment it is only eliminated by avoiding breeding carriers or affected Pembroke’s together. One parent must be clear to avoid the disease.

As for eye problems, both parents need to have passed CERF

Hip dysplasia in these dogs is poly-genetic, where more than one set of genes may be involved. It is important to have as many ancestors tested as possible as well as a fair rating in OFA. This is the best way to avoid dysplasia, but unfortunately there is not a completed guarantee.

Maintaining the recommended weight of Welsh Corgi’s will ensure longevity and a healthy life. These breeds are known to live up to 12 – 15 years. So if you’re looking at having this breed, ensure you stick to a regular diet and exercise regime without over feeding, so you and your family can enjoy the company of your dog for many years to come.

Camille Goldin informs about the various health issues in a Welsh Corgi. Get information on Dog health and care from TrainPetDog.com

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Drug rehabilitation programs within the state of Florida employ various methods to treat addictions. The highest quality programs generally look beyond the physical addiction to help patients learn how to reintegrate into family and community life. If patients are to maintain their sobriety, they must gain the skills to cope with everyday stress and must address the deep-rooted issues at the core of their addiction. A combination of detoxification, behavioral therapy and counseling generally gives the recovering addict the best chance at success.

Withdrawal symptoms of some substances are nearly unbearable and, for these substances, addiction treatment centers may use specific medications in a medical detoxification program to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal. Medical detoxification may be done as inpatient or outpatient therapy and begins with clearing the body of the addictive drug. Inpatient treatment is the preferred method for medical detoxification. Although outpatient treatment can be successful, inpatient treatment provides the full range of drug treatment program benefits to include medical supervision, constant support, counseling and surveillance. The benefit of this method of drug rehabilitation, popular with many Florida drug rehab centers, is that is helps reduce the pain related to detoxification and that helps reduce the perceived need to keep using the addictive substance.

Other methods of drug addiction treatment programs include holistic treatment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), biophysical treatment and behavioral modificati

The cost of drug rehabilitation treatment varies depending upon the type of treatment. Many insurance plans provide for both inpatient and outpatient treatment on a limited basis; inpatient treatment is often capped at 30 days and additional days are at the expense of the patient. Some programs are results oriented and charge one flat fee, regardless of the time it takes for the patient to gain sobriety and become able to cope with everyday life again.

The state of Florida has approximately 479 drug rehabilitation centers, with 48 of those in Miami alone. Additional drug treatment facilities can also be found in Coral Gables and Palm Beach, as well as in many other cities around the state. Many offer high end facilities such as the upscale offerings of West Palm Beach drug rehabilitation centers.

Finding the best drug addiction treatment programs is confusing. With lots of drug addiction treatment programs in Florida drug rehab centers and West Palm Beach drug rehabilitation centers, you have lots of choices to make. The article eliminates this confusion in finding the best.

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I have found the Internet to be an invaluable source of information on what human activities have done to the operation of our biosphere, Gaia. I have researched this issue for quite a few years. I believe I now have a sound understanding of what has happened. I do not speculate on why we have done this. I leave that to others who have much more expertise in the appropriate fields. Reg Morrison in ‘Plague Species’ is very plausible on this subject. I have concentrated on what has happened. I now appreciate that the body of our civilization is dying as the result of our activities. You will be aghast. You are not the only one. The mind of our civilization has not taken this fact on board yet. I use the term mind here as an analogy to how I, and you operate. Our bodies depend on the input of natural resources, air, food and water to enable this very complex organism to operate. Our minds take this consumption for granted most of the time. We are aware of only some of the functions. But our minds are aware of our mortality. Civilization, on the other hand, is encouraged to believe that its use of natural resources can go on forever.

What are the symptoms of the demise of civilization? I present my view of them here. I do not expect it to influence evolving events. Society is too besotted with the economic growth paradigm to do other than slowly and belatedly respond to what nature is saying about the health of our life support system. Their myopic view is encouraged by a vast amount of rhetoric and literature that provides a biased view of biophysical reality

Before I begin to present my view in some detail, I will point out that misleading terminology often clouds the issues. I do not use this misleading terminology below but I need to point it out so that you can more easily relate to what is being said.

It is common to see ‘renewable energy’ in articles on the evolving energy situation. Energy cannot be renewed. It always degrades to waste heat when used. That is an irreversible process, just like time passing. That is an immutable natural law that almost everyone does not think about. The use of the term ‘renewable energy’ obscures this fact. The Sun supplies almost all our energy. Some of this has been stored in the fossil fuels for eons. We draw down on this energy capital by extracting and using the fossil fuels. Some people, including Georgescu-Roegen, prefer to call it ‘store energy’. Sunshine continually provides our ‘energy income’ (or flow energy). This energy income drives the growth of plants. We can harness some of this energy income directly (with PV cells) or indirectly (hydro, wind etc) but we have to use other natural resources to set up the system to accomplish this. This energy income is what is meant when the term ‘renewable energy’ is misleadingly used.

It is common to talk in terms of energy as though it exists in isolation. In fact most discussions of energy in the business world treat it as a commodity. This can also be misleading, as energy is an attribute of materials except when it is insolation (sunshine). It is the waste material that causes pollution from an energy process (like coal combustion that produces a number of greenhouse gases plus particulate matter and slag). The energy itself ends up as waste heat when used that does little harm. There is appreciable talk about ‘clean energy’ production methods. That is shorthand for using methods where attempts are made to remove the waste material from the process. And, of course, energy is not ‘produced’. That word conveys the wrong impression again. It gives the impression that it is within the powers of humans to produce it. Using, for example, the chemical energy in coal producing steam to drive a turbine generates electrical energy. Or it can be generated by the kinetic energy in winds turning a turbine. In all these cases, there is a transformation of one form of energy to another with the ultimate destiny of being waste heat. You might feel that I am pedantic about this terminology. You might believe that most people do understand what is being referred to when these misleading terms are used. If you believe that, think through what politicians, business people and the media are saying about the subject. They give the impression that energy is inexhaustible. That is not so. Modern civilization is built on the cheap energy obtained from the fossil fuels.

Now on to my view of what has happened. Many speculate on why human society has so wantonly used natural resources for its exuberant purposes, without considering the legacy they are leaving future generations – do without – and what they are doing to their life support system. We humans, a single species among millions, consume about forty percent of Earth’s primary productivity, forty percent of all there is. Greedy lot, are we not? Basically we do this because we have been conditioned to believe that money is the deciding factor on what can be done. We would all like to be wealthy, even though it gives us more capability to consume irreplaceable natural resources. It was and still is the grand delusion. Money is an abstraction we invented. We cannot eat or drink money. We cannot use it as a fuel for our cars and planes. It is not a building material. Everything we do and use really does require the consumption of natural resources and the use of natural services. And we do not pay for that. Think about that. Even listening to music requires prior consumption of food and drink, courtesy of natural production systems even if abetted by human assistance using up energy resources. And we take it for granted that we are able to breathe as we listen to the music. Money can buy you goods and services only so long as nature can continue to supply the energy and material. And some, like oil globally and water in many regions, are becoming scarce. It really is quite ironical. We know that time passes irreversibly. We are aware of our own mortality in spite of wishful thinking. Yet we collectively ignore the fact that we are using up many natural resources irreversibly. We would not spend our own capital thoughtlessly yet we deem it permissible to draw down on global natural capital. That is a much more serious matter as it affects everyone.

Some of the natural resources we use, like the air we breathe, are naturally recycling, albeit contaminated by the pollution our industries produce. It is one of the wonders of nature that photosynthesis in plants provides the supply of oxygen essential to our existence. We, with the other animals, reciprocate by providing some of the carbon dioxide the plants need to grow. We think so little of this natural wonder that we cut down the forests that largely drive this process so we can produce junk mail.

We also provide a surplus of carbon dioxide by burning fossil fuels to power our cars to save us from walking or riding. Gaia is showing a very limited ability to absorb this surplus of carbon dioxide. The oceans are absorbing some but this is affecting marine life. Many people are devastated by the prospect of the Great Barrier Reef dying. Yet these same people drive their cars or fly so they can enjoy this tourist delight – whilst it remains. The atmosphere also gives signs of being unable to cope. There are clear signs that the global climate is changing largely because of the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that we put there. The reduction of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is just one sign amongst a multitude that are worrying climatologists – and thinking people. The indigenous people are often the most aware of what is happening. Some people, however, maintain that we are not causing this change. But the business people most concerned, the insurers, think other wise. And we will have to learn to cope with these changes because they are irreversible.

Other natural resources, like oil, are exhaustible. And we cannot replace them with our cleverness. We can produce partial substitutes, like fuel from coal, at ecological cost. There are also those resources that are slowly naturally replenishable, like forests, which we are using at an alarming rate. I need not go on, as I am sure readers can think of many others in each category. In short, there are too many humans consuming too many natural resources. We are like a plague in that respect. Morrison entitled his book ‘Plague Species’ with good reason. But we go further; we produce enormous amounts of gaseous, liquid and material wastes. Some of these wastes do little harm. They just fill dumps. Others, however, are devastating the environment and even changing the climate. Many are also harming our health in insidious fashion. Nature has a remarkable recycling capability but that does not extend to most of the waste our industrial system generates. In fact, there is emerging evidence that human activities have upset natural checks and balances. Lovelock, of Gaia fame, certainly thinks so.

This brings up another misleading term. Many talk about how good we have become in ‘recycling’ our wastes. They ignore the ecological cost of this ‘recycling’ that is not really recycling but just extending the life of the material. Nature does a good recycling job but we have failed lamentably to be able to emulate nature in this regard. In fact, there are very few natural processes that we can effectively emulate.

We are starting to understand another area in which we have unknowingly created many problems. Clever people have created chemically many products that supposedly add to our lives by easing tasks or augmenting capabilities or making us look better. Many of these are foreign to the natural systems, which are unable to cope. The dramatic increase in cancer is just one example of the deleterious impact of chemical products. There are even signs that our use of such products is changing the ratio between female and male births. The EU is belatedly introducing measures to ensure that companies establish that products they plan to put on the market are not harmful.

In summary then, we humans are each an ecological debit during our lifetime, some much more than others. My debt to the ecology would have been about average for those in developed countries. I thought it great, at the time, to drive many kilometers in Europe, North America as well as Australia. I gave no thought to the fact that I was using up more than my fair share of an irreplaceable natural resource. Those with splendid homes and many cars and other symbols of a luxuriant lifestyle have become even more indebted to Gaia, but they will not have to pay. But their grandchildren will. There is a general claim that market forces ensure the distribution of these goods and services. It is a pity that these forces act in the wrong direction. They drive consumption. They drive the destruction of the material foundations of society. They are killing civilization’s body.

Today’s wealthy people have enjoyed their free lunch and their descendents will belatedly abuse them for it. Contrast our ecological indebtedness with that of the kangaroo or the elephant or the lion or the whale. And what do we do to earn ecological credit – nothing. We may do things that human society value but we do not improve the environment. We invariably degrade it to satisfy our wants as well as our needs. The consequence of our exuberance is that the foundations our global society is dying. That is an immutable fact. It is dying more rapidly in some regions, like Africa, than in others but that is because developed countries have better developed their techniques of importing natural resources from other regions.

I find it quite disconcerting that so many knowledgeable people can be so selective about what they consider to be the worst symptom of the malaise that humans have inflicted on Gaia. There is appreciable uncertainty about when the peak rate of extraction of oil has or will occur. It will quite likely cause a major recession in due course. But so many are focused on the energy situation that it is likely that remedial action in that area will actually exacerbate the holistic problem.

There is little uncertainly that climate change is already underway. This is another major symptom and one we should already be using some of our remaining resources on mitigating operations. That will not be done until misleading terminology is cast aside and reality faced. Decreasing ‘emissions’ is really decreasing the ‘rate of emissions’, that is, decreasing the rate at which the level of greenhouse gases is increasing. When the people trying to tackle climate change realize that then they will be in a better position to adapt to this irreversible process. Yes, it is irreversible because natural processes cannot handle the current rate of increase in greenhouse gas levels. This rate is many hundred times any previous natural rate.

There are many other symptoms. The loss of fertile soil is having a significant effect in many regions globally. Our peak research organization, CSIRO, has carefully documented the damage that has been done in the two hundred years of European style agriculture in Australia. But the governments have encouraged little mitigating action. This probably because there is little that can be done. Our problems in that regard pale by comparison with what is happening in China and elsewhere.

The draw down of aquifer water, de-forestation and desertification are other symptoms. Concentrating on particular symptoms does not help to address the holistic problem. There is an urgent need to prioritize where we use the natural resources to the best effect – for Gaia and for us. This is particularly important with respect to oil. Oil has been the cheap source of concentrated energy that has powered industrialization and the Green revolution. It has enabled the explosive growth in the global population. Paul Ehrlich summed the situation up with “Giving society cheap abundant energy at this point would be equivalent to giving an idiot child a machine gun.” And we have made good use of that machine gun.

I find it fascinating that most people are unable to come to grips with the fact that the operation of industrial society is unsustainable. The majority just don’t get that fooling with Mother Nature has consequences – as in Newton’s third law – “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” They seem unable to comprehend that the draw down of natural capital cannot continue, even if the population and its consumption were to stop growing. This is incomprehensible, as most people are familiar with how a car operates. They know that fuel is being used, even if they are just cruising. Many are not used to thinking in terms of rate of fuel usage but they understand what is happening. Yet they do not liken the usage of oil to an emptying fuel tank. They are encouraged in this delusion by common terminology, like ‘oil production’.

So our civilization is dying. That is a fact that needs to be faced so that as much as possible can be done to ease the pain. There is a real challenge in converting society from having to doing. Sharing the remaining exhaustible resources to get the most value is imperative. Providing the means to conserve the best of our culture will not be easy but it should be done. Reducing the rate of ecological devastation without using too many resources is a real challenge for our brightest. Understanding what our activities are doing to natural checks and balances, including those in our bodies, will provide a worthwhile career for many. But the biggest problem to be tackled is the reduction of the human population. It will occur, by natural means if no other.

Who knows what can be done to relieve the pain?

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The Institute Of Medical Sciences (IMS-BHU) is one of the three institutes of Banaras Hindu University considered to be one of the best medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh. The Medical college is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Standing in the Northern part of India, this medical college is providing potential doctors to the country as well as the world. If we talk about the medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh, then obviously we have to take the name of the BHU”s Institute of Medical sciences for its quality teaching at the same time the co-curricular activities. This institute is equipped with all kinds of modern facilities- the high quality laboratory and state of art infrastructure.

The IMS-BHU started functioning as a College of Medical Sciences in the year 1960 having only 9 Departments of Modern Medicine. Under the dedicated, dynamic and noted leadership of Dr. K.N. Udupa, the Founder Director of the Medical College, it made all round growth and progress, and in the year 1971, the College of Medical Sciences, was upgraded as Institute of Medical Sciences. According to the recent statistics, the Medical college has 33 Departments of Modern Medicine including 10 Departments of Super-specialities and 8 Departments of Ayurveda. Thus, it has its name in the list of best Medical Colleges in India and subsequently one of the top Medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh.

The IMS is not directly comes under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India but under the administrative control of

Institute of Medical Sciences- Banaras Hindu university, is a residential medical institution with its own campus . Every year it allows the admission of 55 undergraduate students and 86 postgraduate students.

Faculties-

The Institute being a Medical Sciences hub of Banaras University provides the following courses-

MBBS – 5 ½ years (including one year compulsory rotating internship training): 1st professional (2 Semesters) subjects taught – Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics; 2nd Professional (3 Semesters) subjects taught – Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, Medicine, Community Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology; 3rd professional Part – I (2 Semesters) subjects taught – Community Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology, Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Ostetrics & Gynaecology, Otolaryngology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Medicine, Anaesthesiology, Dentistry, Radiology, Radiotherapy; 3rd professional Part – II (2 Semesters) covers the subjects of Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Surgery including Orthopaedics.

Postgraduate Courses : M.D./M.S. in all the major specialities – Physiology, Anatomy Biochemistry, Biophysics, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, E.N.T., Ophthalmology, General Medicine, Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases, Dermatology & Venereology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radiology, Radiotherapy, Dentistry, Anaesthesiology.

Post-Doctoral Courses: DM/MCh : Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Neurology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Endocrinology,Intensive care, Pain Medicine, Neuroanaesthesia.

Hence, the institute has the Faculty of Ayurveda which provides- BAMS – 5 ½ years (including one year compulsory rotating internship training),postgraduate courses and short term courses in ayurveda for foreign Nationals

The campus has 3 hostels for undergraduate men named ruiya medical hostel,punarvasu atrey hostel and dhanwntri hostel, and 3 hostel for postgraduate men named new p.g. Hostel, old p.g.hostel and married doctors hostel. Undergraduate and postgraduate women doctors live in kasturba girls hostel . All hostels run their own messes that provide a huge diversity of Indian meals. The students of IMS,BHU also gives importance on the co-curricular activities like- inter-collegiate cultural, literary and sports festival of IMS is called elixir and is held in mid February every year and is organized by the IMSonians. In addition to this, the IMSonians hold annual inter-class competitions where undergraduate students within IMS compete in various cultural fields, literary and sporting events. Both the undergraduate men’s hostels and the undergraduate women’s hostel hold hostel days annually. IMSonians have also tremendous facilities to learn various languages and other various hobbies in world class centres at Banaras Hindu University and in the leading medical college in Uttar Pradesh Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras.

Adarsh Sharma is the webmaster of Latestt.com. For more information about Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh and Medical Colleges in India visit the site.

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By: Matloob Thabal
The regions in which these pyramids were built include the outskirts of Moscow, Astrakhan, Sochi, Zoporozhye, Voronezh, Belgorod, Tver Region, Krasnodar, Tolyatti, Bashkiria (Uzbekistan), and Nice, France.

In the last 10 years, Alexander Golod has built 17 pyramids in 8 different locations in Russia.  Experiments carried out in them during this time include research in medicine, agriculture,  radioactivity, superconductivity , chemical, electrical, , and other areas.  For a detailed description of the research see Research Article section.

This research was carried out by the Russian National Academy of Sciences which includes:  the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences,  Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics,  Graphite Scientific Research Institute, and the Institute of Physics in Ukraine.

These pyramids are made of fiberglass and the largest is about 144 feet high (44 meters),  weights over 55 tons, and cost over 1 million dollars to build.  Many different experiments were done using these pyramids that include studies in medicine, ecology, agriculture, physics, and other areas.  What is significant about this work is that it has been carried out by top scientists in Russia and Ukraine and scientifically documents the changes that occur in these pyramids.

These pyramids were built by Alexander Golod.

 He is a Scientist and Director of a Defense Enterprise in Moscow.  He has constructed these pyramids since 1990.

He says that he built these pyramids because “he believes they will benefit mankind and make the world a better place.”  He was the one responsible for convincing the Russian government in 1998 to take crystalline substances that had been placed in one of his big pyramids on board the MIR space station.  These substances remained on the MIR space station for over a year.  In October, crystalline substances from the Pyramid were also placed on the International Space Station for 10 days. This was for the benefit of the space station and the entire world.

Work with more than 5000 people in jails in Russia showed that in a few months most crimes almost disappeared and behavior was much improved. This was attributed to the crystalline structures, which had been placed beforehand in the Pyramid and faced around the territories of jails.

Crystalline substances that had been placed in one of Alexander Golod’s big pyramids were delivered on board the MIR space station in 1998. These substances remained on the MIR space station for over a year. In October 2001, crystalline substances from the Pyramid were also placed on the International Space Station for 10 days. This works were for the benefit of the space stations and the entire world.

 For more articles visit the author’s website: http://www.mind-money-health-beauty.com/

You can contact the writer: mmhb909@yahoo.ca   Or  mmhb999@yahoo.co.uk

Matloob Thabal is a well known Columnist and Research-Writer.
His fields of expertise: Success, Super Mind, Latest-Research, Beauty,
Healing and Natural Therapies. He has a strong command in writing
Latest-Research-Articles. His EBook:”Mind-Money-Health-Beauty” is
a very popular piece of work. His Website is http://www.mind-money-health-beauty.com/

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Optimizing Conformational Stability and Biological Activity Maintenance of the native three dimensional conformation is critical for the long term stability and biological activity of biotherapeutics. Biophysical characterization techniques such as circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescence spectroscopy provide a mechanism to assess the conformational and thermodynamic stability of proteins under a range of formulation conditions. These tools allow development scientists to differentiate among various buffer, pH, ionic strength, and excipient conditions, and identify the conditions that confer the optimal environment for the therapeutic protein.

Utilizing Advanced Statistical Design for Preformulation Development Preformulation development includes statistical design of experiments, allowing simultaneous evaluation of multiple factors and evaluation of interactions between factors. It is crucial to use advanced biophysical characterization techniques to evaluate the conformational stability of large molecules in addition to traditional methods for evaluation of chemical stability.

A large molecule preformulation development program typically includes the following activities:

Evaluate the effect of pH, buffer type, and ionic strength on solubility.

Evaluate the effect of various excipients on improving solubility if necessary.

Evaluate effects of pH, buffer type, and excipients on conformational stability.

Evaluate the effect of pH, buffers, excipients and ionic

Utilize a statistical design approach to identify the optimal conditions for structural, physical and chemical stability.

Perform forced degradation to elucidate product degradation pathways and to demonstrate the stability-indicating capability of the analytical methods.

Forced degradation studies typically include forced oxidation, deamidation, aggregation (via agitation), and/or acid/base hydrolysis.

Evaluation of heat stress, photo stress, and freeze thaw are also performed.

Looking for information on Analytical Development and other related resources?

Formulation Development for Numerous Dosage FormsFormulation development includes dosage forms for parenteral, oral topical and inhalation administration, including liquids, gels, suspensions, emulsions and lyophilized powders. Formulation scientists are highly skilled in the development of the dosage forms most relevant to biotherapeutics, with particular expertise in lyophilization and development of stable liquid formulations for proteins. High concentration antibody formulation development for subcutaneous administration requires particular emphasis on viscosity and tonicity. Lyophilization cycle development is performed in the context of the unique thermodynamic properties of the API to deliver an efficient, scaleable, transferable process resulting in optimal product stability and reconstitution characteristics. Formulation development capabilities also include:

Effect of excipients on solubility, tonicity, and viscosity Evaluation of antioxidant and preservative compatibility Container-closure compatibility Long term and accelerated stability studies.

Advantages of Formulation Development Approach. This outlined approach to preformulation and formulation development result in significant savings to the client by eliminating the variables associated with suboptimal formulations. Preclinical development efforts in PK, PD, ADME and toxicology occur with confidence that additional uncontrolled variables from unstable formulations are not introduced into the study. This benefit extends far into clinical trials as well, where assessment of toxicity, dosage levels and efficacy are profoundly influenced by an optimal formulation that conserves the three dimensional conformation of the therapeutic protein. By eliminating uncontrolled stability variables, the focus is placed solely on therapeutic performance and clinical outcome.

Written by Douglas Stillson. Find the latest information on formulation development at kbibiopharma.

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Generals

As far as the body is concerned, alcohol is a poison. Some of the effects of chronic alcohol consumption include damage to the brain (women may be more vulnerable to chronic alcohol consumption), liver, pancreas, duodenum, and central nervous system. Alcoholism causes metabolic damage to every cell in the body and depresses the immune system. It may take years before the consequences of excessive drinking become evident, but if an alcoholic continues to drink, his or her life span may be shortened by ten to fifteen years or more.

Alcohol is broken down in the liver. The repeated consumption of alcohol inhibits the liver’s production of enzymes, impairing the body’s ability to absorb proteins, fats, and the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), as well as B-complex vitamins (especially thiamine and folic acid) and other water-soluble vitamins. Many essential nutrients are not retained for use by the body; they are rapidly eliminated through the urine. The toxic effect of alcohol on the liver is very serious. First, excessive amounts of fat accumulate in the liver, a result of alcohol’s effect on the body’s ability to digest fats properly. Next, the alcoholic may develop hepatitis, a condition in which liver cells become inflamed and may die. The final, usually fatal, stage of alcoholic liver damage is cirrhosis of the liver, a disease characterized by inflammation, hardening, and scarring of the liver This prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver, inhibiting the organ’s ability to filter ou

The liver is one of the most robust organs of the body. It is the only organ that has the ability to regenerate itself after certain types of damage. Up to 25 percent of the liver can be removed, and within a short period of time, it will grow back to its original shape and size. It continually takes abuse, but if cared for properly, it will function more than adequately for decades. Alcohol is one of the toxins that the liver doesn’t handle as well as others. The liver cannot regenerate after being severely damaged by alcohol.

There are many other health consequences of alcoholism as well. Alcoholics often experience damage to their peripheral nervous systems. This damage may show up initially as a loss of sensation in the hands or feet, with an accompanying difficulty in walking. Chronic drinking also causes inflammation of the pancreas. This further hampers the body’s ability to digest fats and other nutrients, and can lead to diabetes.

Alcoholics face an in creased risk of mouth and throat cancer due to the direct toxicity of the alcohol. They may also experience high blood pressure, reduced testosterone production, visible dilation of blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface, and pathological enlargement of the heart that can progress to congestive heart failure.

The social consequences of alcoholism can be very destructive as well. Alcohol abuse takes a tremendous toll on society through traffic and other accidents, poor job performance, and emotional damage to entire families.

Alcoholism and pregnancy

Drinking during pregnancy is particularly dangerous. The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and increases the chance of miscarriage. Alcohol passes through the mother’s placenta and into the fetal circulation. This toxic substance depresses the central nervous system of the fetus. Further, the fetal liver must try to metabolize the alcohol, but since the fetus’s liver is not fully developed, the alcohol remains in the fetal circulation. Women who drink during pregnancy generally give birth to babies with lower birth weights. Their growth may be retarded or stunted; their brains may be smaller than normal, and there may be mental retardation as well. Limbs, joints, fingers, and facial features may be deformed. Heart and kidney defects may occur. Some children exposed to alcohol in uterus become hyperactive at adolescence and exhibit learning disabilities. Every drink a pregnant woman consumes increases her child’s risk of being born with fetal alcohol syndrome, and also increases her chances of miscarriage. Even moderate amounts of alcohol may be harmful, especially in the first three to four months of pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms

Alcoholism is often accompanied by the following signs and symptoms. Symptoms vary with the amount of alcohol taken and how long it has been abused.

Craving for alcohol Inability to control drinking habits Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking Tolerance (the need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects) Psychological, social, occupational dysfunction Malnutrition, anorexia Cardiovascular symptoms (leading cause of death) Increased levels of cancer (second leading cause of death) Repeated infections—for example, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections Lung conditions—complicated by smoking; for example, respiratory failure, pneumonia Central nervous system disorders—unsteady gait or stance; cognitive impairment; psychiatric manifestations (for example, mood, anxiety, psychotic disorders); blackouts; coma; sleep disruptions Diarrhea, vomiting Gastrointestinal bleeding Men—increased sexual drive with decreased ability to maintain an erection Women—miscarriage, stopping of menstrual periods Inflammation of the pancreas Hepatitis (a disease of the liver) Poor wound healing Buildup of fluid in the body Swollen, painful muscles, paralysis, lack of reflexes Increased bone fractures Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Hypothermia (reduction of body temperature)

Moderate drinking

Alcoholism is caused by chronic over-consumption of alcohol.

Moderate drinking is probably best defined as the level of drinking that poses a low risk of alcohol-related problems, both for the drinker and for others. It is difficult to give a quantitative definition of moderate drinking because alcohol can have different effects on different individuals.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health of Ontario and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse defines moderation, or ‘low risk drinking guidelines’ as follows: ‘Healthy adults who choose to drink should limit alcohol consumption to 2 or fewer standard drinks per day, with consumption not exceeding 14 standard drinks a week for men and 9 standard drinks per week for women.

Who’s Most At Risk?

People with the following conditions or characteristics are at a higher-than-average risk for developing alcoholism. Genetically predisposed Preexisting psychiatric disorder Began consuming alcohol at an early age Stress

What to Expect at Your Health Provider’s Office

If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms associated with alcoholism, you should see your health care provider. He or she can help make a diagnosis and guide you in determining which treatment or combination of therapies including alternative therapies will work best.

Your provider will take a history and do a physical exam to look for specific organ damage or trauma and to evaluate if your muscles are tender or weak. Laboratory tests will reveal any indicators of alcoholism, such as high blood alcohol. Imaging techniques may be used to diagnose alcohol-related disorders.

Treatment Options

- prevention

The nature of treatment depends on the severity of your alcoholism and available resources, and must address both medical issues and rehabilitation. Treatments may be provided in a hospital, a residential treatment setting, or on an outpatient basis.

- treatment plan

To understand treatment and make the right treatment choices, it helps to have an overview. Treatment is often seen as having four general phases:

Getting started (assessment and evaluation of disease symptoms and accompanying life problems, making treatment choices and developing a plan) Detoxification (stopping use) Active treatment (residential treatment or therapeutic communities, intensive and regular outpatient treatment, medications to help with alcohol craving and discourage alcohol use, medications to treat concurrent psychiatric illnesses, 12-step programs, other self-help and mutual-help groups) Maintaining sobriety and relapse prevention (outpatient treatment as needed, 12-step programs, other self-help and mutual-help groups)

Promising types of counseling and complementary alternative medicine teach people to identify situations and feelings that trigger their urge to drink and to find new ways to cope without using include alcohol use. In addition, because the involvement of family members is important to the recovery, many programs also offer marital counseling and family therapy as part of the treatment process. Some programs also link up individuals with community resources, such as legal assistance, job training, child-care, and parenting classes.

Here are 12 questions to consider when selecting an alcohol or substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation program, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (USA):

1. Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you?

2. Is the program run by accredited, licensed and/or trained professionals?

3. Is the facility clean, organized and well-run?

4. Does the program encompass the full range of needs of the individual (medical: including infectious diseases; psychological: including co-occurring mental illness; social; vocational; legal; etc.)?

5. Does the treatment program also address sexual orientation and physical disabilities as well as provide age, gender and culturally appropriate treatment services?

6. Is long-term aftercare support and/or guidance encouraged, provided and maintained?

7. Is there ongoing assessment of an individual’s treatment plan to ensure it meets changing needs?

8. Does the program employ strategies to engage and keep individuals in longer-term treatment, increasing the likelihood of success?

9. Does the program offer counseling (individual or group) and other behavioral therapies to enhance the individual’s ability to function in the family/community?

10. Does the program offer medication as part of the treatment regimen, if appropriate?

11. Is there ongoing monitoring of possible relapse to help guide patients back to abstinence?

12. Are services or referrals offered to family members to ensure they understand addiction and the recovery process to help them support the recovering individual?

- prognosis

Recovery from alcoholism is a life-long process. In fact, people who have suffered from alcoholism are encouraged to refer to themselves ever after as “a recovering alcoholic,” never a recovered alcoholic. This is because most researchers in the field believe that, since the potential for alcoholism is still part of the individual’s biological and psychological makeup, one can never fully recover from alcoholism. The potential for relapse (returning to illness) is always there, and must be acknowledged and respected. Statistics suggest that, among middle-class alcoholics in stable financial and family situations who have undergone treatment, 60% or more can be successful at an attempt to stop drinking for at least a year, and many for a lifetime.

- drug therapies

Your provider may prescribe the following medications.

• Tranquilizers called benzodiazepines which are used during the first few days of treatment to help patients safely withdraw from alcohol

• Antipsychotic medications for people who do not respond to benzodiazepines

• Naltrexone, a recently approved medication to help people remain sober. When used in combination with counseling, this medication may lessen the craving for alcohol and help prevent a return to heavy drinking.

• Disulfiram, an older medication, which discourages drinking by causing nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant physical reactions when alcohol is used

Medications for specific organ damage or for symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.

- complementary and alternative therapies

A comprehensive treatment plan for alcoholism may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies.

– nutrition (Western Medicine)

A well-balanced, nutritionally adequate diet helps to stabilize alcohol-induced blood-sugar fluctuations and decrease cravings. Following these tips can help reduce symptoms.

• Eliminate simple sugars.

• Increase complex carbohydrates (whenever possible, replace highly processed grains, cereals, and sugars with minimally processed whole-grain products).

• Consume adequate protein. (If you eat meat, steer yourself toward the leanest cuts. If you like dairy products, skim or low-fat versions are healthier choices. Beans, soy, nuts, and whole grains offer protein without much saturated fat and with plenty of healthful fiber and micronutrients).

• Increase essential fatty acids (essential fatty acids – two polyunsaturated fatty acids [PUFAs] that cannot be made in the body are linoleic acid [omega 6 family – e.g. oils from Safflower, Sunflower, Corn, Soya, Evening primrose, Pumpkin, Wheatgerm] and alpha-linolenic acid [omega 3 family – e.g. Linseed (flaxseeds), Rapeseed (canola), Soya beans]. They must be provided by diet and are known as essential fatty acids. Within the body both can be converted to other PUFAs such as arachidonic acid, or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In the body PUFAs are important for maintaining the membranes of all cells; for making prostaglandins which regulate many body processes which include inflammation and blood clotting. Another requirement for fat in the diet is to enable the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K to be absorbed from food; and for regulating body cholesterol metabolism.)

• Decrease saturated fats and fried foods (saturated fats – usually derived from animal sources e.g. lard, suet and butter. Saturated and monounsaturated fats are not necessary in the diet as they can be made in the human body).

• Avoid caffeine.

Potentially beneficial nutrient supplements include the following.

• Vitamin B1 (50 to 100 mg a day – Alcoholics are deficient in B vitamins, especially B1 )

• Vitamin B2 (50 mg a day), B3 (25 mg a day), B5 (100 mg a day – Aids the body in alcohol detoxification. Needed to counteract stress), B6 (50 to 100 mg a day), B12 (100 to 1,000 mg a day)

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3,000 to 10,500 mg a day in divided doses – )

• Vitamin E (400 IU a day) to protect the heart

• Calcium (2,000mg daily at bedtime) a vital mineral that has a sedative effect

• Magnesium (250 – 1000 mg ) to decrease withdrawal symptoms

• Selenium (200 mcg a day) to protect the liver

• Zinc (15 mg a day) to aid metabolism

• Amino acids: carnitine (500 mg two times a day) to protect the liver, glutamine (1 g a day) to decrease cravings, glutathione (300 mg a day) to protect liver and heart

• Multienzyme complex (as directed on label. Take with meals – To aid digestion) plus proteolytic enzymes – As directed on label. Take between meals – Essential for assimilation of protein. Caution: Do not give these supplements to a child.)

• Chromium (250 to 500 mcg twice a day) helps reduce sugar cravings and reduces low blood sugar related to alcohol cravings.

- herbs

Herbs are generally available as dried extracts (pills, capsules, or tablets), teas or decoctions, or tinctures (alcohol extraction, unless otherwise noted). Dose for teas is 1 tsp/cup water steeped for 10 minutes (roots need 20 minutes). Herbal extracts made with alcohol should be avoided in alcoholics. For TCM herbs the dosage is prescribed by the TCM Practitioner or Herbalist.

- Western Herbs

The use of certain Western herbal remedies may offer relief from symptoms.

• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): 80 to 200 mg three times a day, to support the liver

• Primrose oil (Oenothera biennis ): 1,000mg 3 times daily, with meals. Used successfully in Europe, this supplement is a good source of essential fatty acids.

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): 2 to 8 g of root three times a day in tea, or 5 ml three times a day of leaf tincture helps detoxify the liver. Works well with milk thistle.

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): historic use for hysteria, tension, and nervous disorders, especially anxiety; a cup of tea before bed can help insomnia.

• Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis ) has a calming effect. It is best taken at bedtime.

• Desiccated liver capsules (500 mg three times a day) help heal liver tissue.

- Traditional Medicine Herbs & Diet

Dietary plan for the Garden of Eden: In the book of Genesis, Chapter one, verse 29, God tells man what he should eat: “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of the face of the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seeds; to you shall be for food.”

Certain cooling, detoxifying foods are commonly prescribed by (TCM) in the treatment of alcoholism: tofu, mung bean sprouts, mung beans, fresh wheat germ, romaine lettuce, banana, either sugar cane or dried unrefined cane juice, pears, and spinach. Honey eaten by the spoonful until satiation during a hangover reduces the desire for more alcohol. Soups are helpful and provide a good medium for tofu, mung beans, romaine lettuce, and spinach in the diet.

Kudzu or Ge Gen (otherwise known as Pueraria lobata) is one of the earliest medicinal plants used in TCM. Researchers at the Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA have many profound pharmacological actions including antidipsotropic (anti-alcohol abuse) activity. Although both the roots and flowers of Kudzu (Ge Gen), Radix and Flos Puerariae, respectively, have been used to treat alcohol abuse safely and effectively in China for more than a millennium (reduce cravings).

The herb American ginseng, Xi Yang Shen in Mandarin, (Panax quinquefolium) is prized in East Asia for the treatment of alcoholism, and may be used in conjunction with the golden seal or chaparral formulas. In the event of extreme weakness, American ginseng is indicated as part of the regeneration diet herbal formula containing it in equal parts (in fact this formula is a hybrid between Chinese and Native American traditional medicine):

Suma root (Pfaffia paniculata)

Dried Ling Zhi (Reishi – Ganoderma lucidum ), Maitake, or Shiitake mushroom

Job’s tear’s seeds (Coix lacryma-jobi)

American/Canadian Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolium)

Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus)

Because of its warming nature, do not use Chinese or Korean Panax ginseng. Avoid warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper.

After a cleansing program that purges heat and other signs of excess, high protein sources can be added for one to two years to rebuild the liver. It is very important to tonify the body after or even simultaneously because during cleansing a lot of qi (energy) is lost. TCM purging (cleansing) herb formula are balanced from this stand point.

Especially beneficial is spirulina or other green micro-algae; in cases of weakness, small amounts (1—3 ounces) of animal products may be necessary three or four times per week: sardine, mackerel, tuna, pork liver, and pork or beef kidney.

- Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath can prescribe a regimen for treating alcoholism that is designed especially for you. Some of the most common acute remedies are listed below.

• Arsenicum album for anxiety and compulsiveness, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Nux vomica for irritability and compulsiveness with constipation, nausea, and vomiting

• Lachesis for cravings for alcohol, headaches, and difficulty swallowing

• Lycopodium for low self-esteem, heartburn, impotence

Acute dose is three to five pellets of 12X to 30C every one to four hours until symptoms are relieved.

- Acupuncture

Alcoholics who stop drinking often experience withdrawal symptoms, especially during the first week or so that they abstain from alcohol. Insomnia, visual and auditory hallucinations, convulsions, acute anxiety, a rapid pulse, profuse perspiration, and fever can occur. With time, however, and with appropriate supervision if necessary, these symptoms pass and the alcoholic is set free to begin the lifelong work of recovery.

Acupuncture can help committed people to stop drinking by reducing or eliminating the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol abstinence and reducing cravings. Ear and/or body acupuncture can be used by TCM practitioners to treat people with alcoholism based on an individualized and thorough assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of qi (life force) located in various meridians. In the case of alcoholism, a qi deficiency is usually detected in the liver meridian, while the gallbladder meridian tends to contain excess qi. From a TCM perspective the related syndromes of addiction to alcohol or other substances can be defined as follows:

• liver qi stagnation (swellings, lumps, distended abdomen and chest, tension, thyroid problems, repressed emotions, frustration, anger, impatience), which over time leads to liver heat (red face, eyes, and tongue, insomnia, splitting headaches, constipation, aggression, violence), liver wind (moving or fluctuating pain, pulsating headache, spasms, cramps, dizziness, manic/depression) and/or deficient liver yin (dry eyes, weak vision, night blindness, dry brittle nails, and other general deficient yin signs).

• kidney-adrenal stress, resulting in deficient kidney yin (ringing in the ears, dry throat, dizziness, low backache, weak legs, red tongue, insecurity, agitation), deficient kidney yang (cold extremities, aversion to cold, weak knees and low back, frequent urination, edema, enlarged, pale tongue, lack of will power), and deficient jing (poor physical and/or mental development, inadequate brain function, early senility, impotence, dizziness, loose teeth, loss of head hair). Many drug “highs” consume massive amounts of jing essence.

• heart-mind spirit lack of balance (lack of mental focus, forgetfulness, poor sleep patterns, mental illness, speech problems, and agitation during de toxification).

• general qi deficiency (frailty, weakness, faint voice and shallow breath, little or no tongue coating, lack of motivation) and blood deficiency (pale lips, nail beds, tongue, and complexion; thinness; thin, dry hair; spots in the field of vision; irregular menstruation).

One of the primary aims in addiction work is a smooth, obstruction-releasing qi flow throughout the body-mind so that intoxicants are no longer craved. This entails clearing the liver, which directs smooth qi flow in general. Imbedded in the liver are chemical residues representing the life history of unresolved problems, denials, resentments, and repressions that have been masked by alcohol?

In addition to performing needling treatment, acupuncturists may employ other methods such as moxibustion, herbal remedies, diet and therapeutic massage.

Acupuncture has shown potential as an effective treatment for addictions, according to the studies performed in last two decades in China, Europe and North America. They found that acupuncture may reduce the desire to drink alcohol and the lower the number of admissions to alcohol detoxification centers, other studies have failed to duplicate these findings. Interestingly however, many addiction programs that currently offer acupuncture report that people appear to “like acupuncture” and, in many cases, want to continue with their detox program for longer periods of time when acupuncture is provided as a treatment option. This is very important since attendance is essential for the success of treatment.

Following Up

After initial care, medical and/or health care follow-up should continue for 6 to 12 months.

Recommendations

• Avoid all alcohol. Total abstinence is a mandatory requirement for taking back the control over your life and your health.  You cannot begin drinking again and expect to maintain control over it even after years of sobriety. As little as a sip of any drink containing alcohol can renew the drinking pattern. You must choose not to drink.

• Seek help from a person or persons knowledgeable about this disorder. Alcoholics Anonymous has been doing wonderful work for many years in helping alcoholics achieve and maintain sobriety. Al-Anon is a similar group that pro vides support for the friends and families of alcoholics. The assistance and counseling services of these groups are avail able in nearly every city and town nationwide. Look in your local telephone directory for the group nearest you, or call your local mental health association for information.

• If possible, consult a nutritionally oriented physician or a TCM practitioner to determine your specific nutritional needs.

• Go on a ten-day live juice and cleansing fast to remove toxins from the body quickly.

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet of fresh whole foods, organically grown if possible, and follow the nutritional supplement program outlined above. Your primary foods should be raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.

• Avoid saturated fats and fried foods, which put stress on the liver. For essential fatty acids, use primrose oil supplements plus small amounts of cold-pressed organic vegetable oils.

• Do not consume refined sugar or anything that contains it. Alcoholics often have disorders of sugar metabolism.

• Get plenty of rest, especially in the early weeks of recovery, to allow your body to cleanse and repair itself.

• Avoid people, things, and places that are associated with drinking. Make new friendships with people who do not drink. Taking up a hobby, becoming involved in sports, and exercising (including Yoga, Tai-chi, Qi-Gong) or promote self-esteem and provide a productive outlet for energy.

• As much as possible, avoid stress. Cultivate patience, meditate, pray; this will be needed for the long, slow road to recovery.

• Do not take any drugs except for those prescribed by your physician.

• If you suspect that someone you know may be abusing alcohol, encourage the person to seek professional care.

ANNEX 1 – ‘Alcohol worse for female brains’

Pictures of the brains of more than 150 volunteers revealed how women come to more harm and quicker than men when they drink heavily.

Scientists have suspected for some time that men might be more resilient to booze than women. The German research gives visible evidence of this. The University of Heidelberg team published their findings in Alcoholism.

In the study, around half of the volunteers were alcoholics. All of the volunteers had brain scans at the start and end of the six week study. Those who were alcoholic were helped to “dry out” during the six weeks.

When the researchers analyzed the brain scan results they found obvious evidence of brain damage among the heavy drinkers.

The drinkers had smaller brains, due to loss or atrophy, than the controls.

Brain loss

Women who were heavy drinkers lost the same amount of brain volume as the drinking men, but over a much shorter period of alcohol dependence.

Lead author Professor Karl Mann said although men generally drink more alcohol, women probably develop alcohol dependence and adverse consequences more readily.

Other alcohol-related disorders, such as heart problems, depression and liver disease, also occurred earlier in women than men, he said:

“Women typically start drinking later in life, consume less…and one could reason that women are less affected by alcohol. But there is evidence for a faster progress of the events leading to dependence among female alcoholics and an earlier onset of adverse consequences of alcoholism. This suggests that women may be more vulnerable to chronic alcohol consumption.”

For these reasons, he said it was even more important to spot and treat alcohol abuse early in women.

A spokesman from the Institute of Alcohol Studies said: “This study supports previous findings that women experience much alcohol-related harm before men at the same level of drinking. These results are particularly concerning given the rising alcohol consumption in UK women, and the increased risk of alcohol dependence that goes with it. This worryingly suggests that alcohol-related damage experienced by women in the UK is set to increase rapidly in the coming years.”

Dan Micu, Diplomat Acupuncturist works full-time in his private practice ”Soothe – Pain and Stress Management”, North York, Ontario, Canada with a team of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Related posts:

1. Alcoholism Treatment Options
2. These is How Alcoholism Disease Develops
3. Alternative Therapies In Neurologic Disease: An Introduction To Cause And General Treatments

Adolescent medicine is a medical subspecialty that deals primarily with the care and treatment of patients who are in the adolescent stage of development. This period typically starts between the ages of nine to 11 for females and 11 to 14 for males.  Considered as a primary care subspecialty, adolescent medicine integrates various iatrical aspects including dermatology, endocrinology, gynecology, nutrition, psychology and sports medicine. It is likewise an integral component of internal medicine, family practice, pediatrics, and youth health.

Medical practitioners who delve in the practice of adolescent medicine often address issues and disorders with a high prevalence during adolescence. These include the following:

§ Precocious puberty

§ Birth control

§ Substance abuse

§ Acne vulgaris

§ Unintended pregnancy

§ STDs or sexually transmitted diseases

§ Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia

§ Menstrual disorders like amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea

§ Mental illnesses, particularly anxiety disorders, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, major depression, suicidal ideation and certain types of schizophrenia

Healthcare providers who deal with adolescents normally take a holistic approach as they try to gather information relevant to the patient’s well-being. The approach closely resembles the biophysical model which is epitomized in the HEADSS assessment. It is a screening acronym for adolescent patients and stands for Home, <

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Aside from a comprehensive medical history, adolescents ought to undergo a thorough physical examination as well as a mental health status exam at least once a year. The physical exam should include sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing, a neurological assessment, and a reproductive system exam. In addition, developmental progression should be documented on an annual basis, and endocrinological tests should be considered especially among patients who fail to develop in a normal manner.

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Young women must be properly educated on how to examine their breast for signs of breast cancer, and young men should know how to examine their penis and testicles for STDs and cancer. Laboratory tests, including a CBC to screen for anemia, and a fasting lipid profile or a spot cholesterol check to screen for hyperlipidemia should be undertaken at least once during the adolescent period.

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For those who are sexually active, especially patients who are living in areas of high prevalence, screening tests for STDs should be done, including rapid plasma reagin (RPR) or venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test for syphilis, screening for HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Females who are sexually active must have a pelvic exam, including a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.

In terms of immunizations, the following are deemed imperative: a meningitis vaccination, a tetanus vaccination or booster shot, the Gardasil vaccine against HPV particularly for sexually active young women, and an annual influenza inoculation.

Teen Addictions

Daniel Beeler is the Author of these Articles. You can simply visit our blog site at http://parentingteens.com/blog and http://parentingteens.com/

Related posts:

1. Adolescent Accusation
2. Adolescent Accusation – II
3. Adolescent Accusation – III