The introduction of Bison- post slaughter- era:
-the ghost dance of the 1880s anticipated the reappearance of bison in full life/measure. Bison numbers plummeted from 7o billion to less than a thousand. The math speaks for itself. The broader ecological system is that that the introduction of bison cannot regulate the whole ecosystem by themselves. You see the antelope and deer keep the plant species balanced by their concentration on shrubs and forbs...however, paralleling the history of beef, as the bison market matures, overall damage to vegetation resources....escalate..... however central to present market limitations is the dichotomy between the lower production cost of bison and the three times prices found in market place. The capitalist principle still operates bison have a greater profit margin than cattle...The largest remaining conclusion is to develop the management and marketing pathways that will avoid past mistakes...the ecological and economic potentials provide the impetus to provide the bison a come back pathway...
2- climate emission- control-
After researching and providing presentation in class nothing has changed. In order to stabilize CO2 concentrations at about 450 ppm by 2050 global emission would have to decline by 60 % by 2050.
(Please refer to class presentation material).
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
week 10- Ecosystems and Deep Ecology
"What do you think about the eight-point Deep Ecology Platform"-
It pushes social and ecological systems toward new patterns of production and reproduction...yet, the parameters held in place do not take into account what actually creates mental shifts for outcomes to be actualized.
Perhaps what is not being addressed is the potential fact that despite countless studies about nature/environment /global warming ects.. does not prompt law makers to gain insight for better environmental standards and this could be related to a condition called, " lack of conscious awareness," or the " lack to have insight into something greater than the core self," and it goes beyond the spectrum of narcissistic spectrum disorders.
In other words, perhaps these folks are undiagnosed sociopaths/and psychopaths ( that is the definition in DSM-V) ...they cannot gain insight in the internal structures of their psyche landscape because they lack the brain mechanisms to do so.............which is a genetic composition........how can one expect them to gain awareness> they are however, interested about the course of how the environment and those in it are monitored/ utilized/ and discarded.......
It would make sense.... a human being that does not have the capacity to have insight......has brain related deficits...this is found in the literature...in brain scans....it could just be that these folks do not have the apparatus to integrate data....its like forcing a blind man to see.............so the eight point ecology platform works with humans that have the capacity to have a sense of building internal insight....yet other variables can be addressed in terms of what forum of individuals are making the ultimate choices regarding outcome analysis.
" Can you explain why Ecosystems are both strong and fragile"
There are ancient feedback systems that regulate the state of environmental homeostasis on this planet.... and when one of these systems is shifted due external non-nature derived demands, it throws the balance out of place... Predictability and stability in the ecosystem are due to be threated by external changes created by man-made events which have unintended and vital consequences....example- Geo-engineering....working against the inevitable....
" How would you assess the end goals of Social Ecology"
The contributions of radical activists- end goals- include and not limited to including well being and health, social justice, and fostering mutual relationships, incorporating personal meaning, organizational learning- the overall goal- addressing the inherent rights of nature to be recognized and respected...AGAIN TO GAIN ECOLOGICAL INSIGHT- HUMANS NEED TO HAVE THAT CAPACITY.....and they in turn can support the process .....and not rely on humans that are unable to have the ability to have insight!!!!
-great attempt , if no sense of mindfulness skills or spirituality is incorporated with nature , perhaps other attempts to create this attachment with nature can be synthesized......................the important process in this matter is to first assess and to contextualize which individuals are able to have insight.........
It pushes social and ecological systems toward new patterns of production and reproduction...yet, the parameters held in place do not take into account what actually creates mental shifts for outcomes to be actualized.
Perhaps what is not being addressed is the potential fact that despite countless studies about nature/environment /global warming ects.. does not prompt law makers to gain insight for better environmental standards and this could be related to a condition called, " lack of conscious awareness," or the " lack to have insight into something greater than the core self," and it goes beyond the spectrum of narcissistic spectrum disorders.
In other words, perhaps these folks are undiagnosed sociopaths/and psychopaths ( that is the definition in DSM-V) ...they cannot gain insight in the internal structures of their psyche landscape because they lack the brain mechanisms to do so.............which is a genetic composition........how can one expect them to gain awareness> they are however, interested about the course of how the environment and those in it are monitored/ utilized/ and discarded.......
It would make sense.... a human being that does not have the capacity to have insight......has brain related deficits...this is found in the literature...in brain scans....it could just be that these folks do not have the apparatus to integrate data....its like forcing a blind man to see.............so the eight point ecology platform works with humans that have the capacity to have a sense of building internal insight....yet other variables can be addressed in terms of what forum of individuals are making the ultimate choices regarding outcome analysis.
" Can you explain why Ecosystems are both strong and fragile"
There are ancient feedback systems that regulate the state of environmental homeostasis on this planet.... and when one of these systems is shifted due external non-nature derived demands, it throws the balance out of place... Predictability and stability in the ecosystem are due to be threated by external changes created by man-made events which have unintended and vital consequences....example- Geo-engineering....working against the inevitable....
" How would you assess the end goals of Social Ecology"
The contributions of radical activists- end goals- include and not limited to including well being and health, social justice, and fostering mutual relationships, incorporating personal meaning, organizational learning- the overall goal- addressing the inherent rights of nature to be recognized and respected...AGAIN TO GAIN ECOLOGICAL INSIGHT- HUMANS NEED TO HAVE THAT CAPACITY.....and they in turn can support the process .....and not rely on humans that are unable to have the ability to have insight!!!!
-great attempt , if no sense of mindfulness skills or spirituality is incorporated with nature , perhaps other attempts to create this attachment with nature can be synthesized......................the important process in this matter is to first assess and to contextualize which individuals are able to have insight.........
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Biology Week 9: Cell Biology: HIV and AIDS
" How do you feel about western approaches to HIV/AIDS?"
-It is a work in progress........................................................................
-The human immunodeficiency virus is of the lentivirinae sub-family of retroviruses. There have been two strains of HIV identified: HIV-1 ( in the US) which binds to CD4 receptors and HIV-2 (found in Africa).
-Ongoing antiretroviral clinical trials are charged with the task of determining: -when to initiate antiretroviral therapy,- whether monotherapy or combination therapy is more effective,- when to change antiretroviral therapy.
The antiretroviral therapy is targeted at different steps in the replication cycle so diagnosis and testing phases are vital. The use of AZT have severe adverse effects on women with early on infection. Headaches, nausea, and malaise are the main chief complaint. AZT and related treatments target the bone marrow to prevent opportunistic infections. Most countries provide routine testing for pregnant women presenting at STD clinics. HIV prevention initiatives have been successful in reducing HIV infections within health care settings. However, the concern is about populations that are not covered by insurance, access to treatment and care remains an obstacle for many people. The focus is on cost effective and sustainable treatment to specific groups that are at high risk.
TCM treatment: it is utilized to enhance treatment protocols that are often harsh on the immune system. An adjunct to the use of needles is moxibustion which has a deeply penetrating effect which can locally sooth surrounding tissue. Herbal formulations are also recommended. Herbal decoctions are prepared to support immune function and decrease side effects.
-2) Ecophilosophy,Ecosophy and the Deep Ecology Movement:
The mission of Ecophilosophy is to "explore a diversity of perspectives on human nature contexts and interrelationships," Ecological harmony which takes into account a comprehensive view of human and individual experience. This movement has a philosophy tied to nature and attempts to incorporate diversity at subsequent levels, which include and not limited to policies and social justice. The Platform Principles of the Deep Ecology Movement are to assist the process of self-realization for all beings. Its a movement with potential outcomes.
-It is a work in progress........................................................................
-The human immunodeficiency virus is of the lentivirinae sub-family of retroviruses. There have been two strains of HIV identified: HIV-1 ( in the US) which binds to CD4 receptors and HIV-2 (found in Africa).
-Ongoing antiretroviral clinical trials are charged with the task of determining: -when to initiate antiretroviral therapy,- whether monotherapy or combination therapy is more effective,- when to change antiretroviral therapy.
The antiretroviral therapy is targeted at different steps in the replication cycle so diagnosis and testing phases are vital. The use of AZT have severe adverse effects on women with early on infection. Headaches, nausea, and malaise are the main chief complaint. AZT and related treatments target the bone marrow to prevent opportunistic infections. Most countries provide routine testing for pregnant women presenting at STD clinics. HIV prevention initiatives have been successful in reducing HIV infections within health care settings. However, the concern is about populations that are not covered by insurance, access to treatment and care remains an obstacle for many people. The focus is on cost effective and sustainable treatment to specific groups that are at high risk.
TCM treatment: it is utilized to enhance treatment protocols that are often harsh on the immune system. An adjunct to the use of needles is moxibustion which has a deeply penetrating effect which can locally sooth surrounding tissue. Herbal formulations are also recommended. Herbal decoctions are prepared to support immune function and decrease side effects.
-2) Ecophilosophy,Ecosophy and the Deep Ecology Movement:
The mission of Ecophilosophy is to "explore a diversity of perspectives on human nature contexts and interrelationships," Ecological harmony which takes into account a comprehensive view of human and individual experience. This movement has a philosophy tied to nature and attempts to incorporate diversity at subsequent levels, which include and not limited to policies and social justice. The Platform Principles of the Deep Ecology Movement are to assist the process of self-realization for all beings. Its a movement with potential outcomes.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
week 8 field trip
Wed- Picked up a new work rotation and ordered sushi ....never gets cold...rest....an organic experience.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Week 7 : TCM and Western approach to understanding cancer diagnosis and treatment
1. How sophisticated is our understanding of cancer?
As a former oncology nurse....the understanding of cancer is sophisticated in the area of molecular research r/t the following current research and treatment modalities:
Western model for what causes cancer: The prevailing model for cancer development is that mutations in genes for tumor suppressors and oncogenes lead to cancer. In addition, many viruses infect humans only a few viruses are known to promote human cancer. These include both DNA viruses and retroviruses a type of RNA virus.
TX focus: Direct annihilation of the cancer cells using aggressive therapies.
From a molecular perspective cancer compromises at least 100 different diseases and all cancer cells share one characteristic: identified abnormal cells in which the processes regulating normal cell division are disrupted. These changes are often a result of inherited mutations or acquired via environmental factors. Cancer results from a series of molecular events that alter the normal properties of cells. These altered cells divide and grow in the presence of signals that normally inhibit cell growth. As these cells grow they develop new characteristics, including changes in cell structure, decreased cell adhesion, and production of new enzymes. Its cell progeny divide and grow which eventually invade other tissues. Only a small number of approx. 35,000 genes in the human genome have been associated with cancer. These malfunctioning genes are known as proto-oncogenes, producing products that normally enhance cell division or inhibit normal cell death. The mutated forms of these genes are called oncogenes. Another group called tumor suppressors make proteins that normally prevent cell division or cause cell death. The third group contain DNA repair genes which help prevent mutations that lead to cancer.
Cancer cells do not stop dividing so research attempts to understand what stops a normal cell from dividing? In terms of cell division normal cells differ from cancer cells in at least four ways-
1- normal cells require external growth factor to divide. When synthesis of these growth factors is inhibited by normal cell regulation the cells stop dividing. Cancer cells have lost the need for positive growth factors so they divide whether or not these factors are present.
2- Normal cells show contact inhibition; that is, they respond to contact with other cells by ceasing cell division. This characteristic is lost in cancer cells which continue to grow after they touch other cells which continue to grow after they touch other cells causing a large mass of cells to form.
3- Normal cells age and die- and are replaced in a controlled and orderly manner by new cells. Apoptosis is the normal programmed death of cells. Telomerase is activated in cancer cells allowing an unlimited of cell division...
4-Normal cells cease to divide and die when there is DNA damage or when cell division is abnormal. Cancer cells continue to divide even when there is a large amount of damage to DNA or when the cells are abnormal.
Detection and DX:
-Imaging techniques, MRI, X-rays, CT, ultrasound, endoscopy to biopsy tissue to be sent to a pathologist= which then looks for abnormalities in the cells in terms of their shape, size, structure, borders of tumors, and developmental stage of tumor, diagnosis can involve removal and examination of lymph nodes to determine whether the cancer cells have spread.
-tumor markers
Tx: Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location and state of advancement.
1-surgery- remove solid tumors
2-radiation- kills cancer cells with high energy rays targeted directly to the tumor damaging the DNA ad preventing its replication.
3-Chemotherapy- drugs are toxic compounds that target rapidly growing cells. Newer drugs target signal transduction pathways such as receptors, growth factors or kinases. Examples of Drugs that enhance immune system and work with hormonal system such as : Tamoxifen, Raloxifen, spindle inhibitors, endostantin, angiostatin, interluken 2, alpha interferon, Herceptin.
4- Hormones therapy- some cancer cells require hormones for growth so drugs that block the activity of the hormone are utilized.
5-Chemoimmunotherapy- attaches chemotherapy drugs to antibodies that are specific for cancer cells.
Prevention:
-Cancer appears to result from a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors. The National Cancer Institute recommends a diet with large amounts antioxidants and other nutrients that may help to prevent cancer: Vitamin A,C,E, phytochemicals which are found in plants, vegetables , and fruits.
-Screening, genetic testing, and counseling: early DX and TX: detection of BRCA1 and BRCA2- genes associated with early development of breast cancer for women.
2. TCM approach to cancer how does it differ?
TCM approach emphasize the importance of the body-mind communication network. The development of cancer is viewed as a part of the presenting features of a syndrome representing an imbalance of the whole body-mind network. Thus, cancer is a systemic DX from the start and the
rebalance of the body-mind network will be restored and this will help resolve the cancer.
-In TCM herbs are used to enhance innate immunity and in combinations are used to enhance their benefits while reducing their side effects: extracts for anti-cancer therapy include and not limited to: anemarrhena, asphodeloides, atremisia argyi, commiphora myrrha, duchesnea indica, gleditsia sinensis, rubia cordifolia salvia chinensis.. these herbs contain a variety of chemicals that may act synergistically to inhibit tumor cell division, increase tumor cell death , increase the proportion of immune cells within the tumor and increase blood flow through the tumor.
-Acupuncture- an immune modulating effect- is utilized as a technique which modulates neurotransmitters, cytokines, and neuropeptides through electrophysiological changes in the nervous system.
TCM role in cancer supportive care:
-modification of biological response to improve therapeutic gain
-improve psycho-neuro immunological response
-enhancement of sx control
-psychospiritual integration synergistically
TCM cancer tx/prevention-
- appropriate nutrition- the use of green tea and panax ginseng
-sx control- residual tx of residual effects such as fatigue and depression- spleen and stomach qi are supported by the use of appropriate formulas.
-Qi gong and tai chi and awareness meditation which are used to change electromagnetic changes that may represent the flow of qi.
-balancing the 5 elements associated with psycho-spiritual concepts through herbs and acupuncture
As a former oncology nurse....the understanding of cancer is sophisticated in the area of molecular research r/t the following current research and treatment modalities:
Western model for what causes cancer: The prevailing model for cancer development is that mutations in genes for tumor suppressors and oncogenes lead to cancer. In addition, many viruses infect humans only a few viruses are known to promote human cancer. These include both DNA viruses and retroviruses a type of RNA virus.
TX focus: Direct annihilation of the cancer cells using aggressive therapies.
From a molecular perspective cancer compromises at least 100 different diseases and all cancer cells share one characteristic: identified abnormal cells in which the processes regulating normal cell division are disrupted. These changes are often a result of inherited mutations or acquired via environmental factors. Cancer results from a series of molecular events that alter the normal properties of cells. These altered cells divide and grow in the presence of signals that normally inhibit cell growth. As these cells grow they develop new characteristics, including changes in cell structure, decreased cell adhesion, and production of new enzymes. Its cell progeny divide and grow which eventually invade other tissues. Only a small number of approx. 35,000 genes in the human genome have been associated with cancer. These malfunctioning genes are known as proto-oncogenes, producing products that normally enhance cell division or inhibit normal cell death. The mutated forms of these genes are called oncogenes. Another group called tumor suppressors make proteins that normally prevent cell division or cause cell death. The third group contain DNA repair genes which help prevent mutations that lead to cancer.
Cancer cells do not stop dividing so research attempts to understand what stops a normal cell from dividing? In terms of cell division normal cells differ from cancer cells in at least four ways-
1- normal cells require external growth factor to divide. When synthesis of these growth factors is inhibited by normal cell regulation the cells stop dividing. Cancer cells have lost the need for positive growth factors so they divide whether or not these factors are present.
2- Normal cells show contact inhibition; that is, they respond to contact with other cells by ceasing cell division. This characteristic is lost in cancer cells which continue to grow after they touch other cells which continue to grow after they touch other cells causing a large mass of cells to form.
3- Normal cells age and die- and are replaced in a controlled and orderly manner by new cells. Apoptosis is the normal programmed death of cells. Telomerase is activated in cancer cells allowing an unlimited of cell division...
4-Normal cells cease to divide and die when there is DNA damage or when cell division is abnormal. Cancer cells continue to divide even when there is a large amount of damage to DNA or when the cells are abnormal.
Detection and DX:
-Imaging techniques, MRI, X-rays, CT, ultrasound, endoscopy to biopsy tissue to be sent to a pathologist= which then looks for abnormalities in the cells in terms of their shape, size, structure, borders of tumors, and developmental stage of tumor, diagnosis can involve removal and examination of lymph nodes to determine whether the cancer cells have spread.
-tumor markers
Tx: Treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location and state of advancement.
1-surgery- remove solid tumors
2-radiation- kills cancer cells with high energy rays targeted directly to the tumor damaging the DNA ad preventing its replication.
3-Chemotherapy- drugs are toxic compounds that target rapidly growing cells. Newer drugs target signal transduction pathways such as receptors, growth factors or kinases. Examples of Drugs that enhance immune system and work with hormonal system such as : Tamoxifen, Raloxifen, spindle inhibitors, endostantin, angiostatin, interluken 2, alpha interferon, Herceptin.
4- Hormones therapy- some cancer cells require hormones for growth so drugs that block the activity of the hormone are utilized.
5-Chemoimmunotherapy- attaches chemotherapy drugs to antibodies that are specific for cancer cells.
Prevention:
-Cancer appears to result from a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors. The National Cancer Institute recommends a diet with large amounts antioxidants and other nutrients that may help to prevent cancer: Vitamin A,C,E, phytochemicals which are found in plants, vegetables , and fruits.
-Screening, genetic testing, and counseling: early DX and TX: detection of BRCA1 and BRCA2- genes associated with early development of breast cancer for women.
2. TCM approach to cancer how does it differ?
TCM approach emphasize the importance of the body-mind communication network. The development of cancer is viewed as a part of the presenting features of a syndrome representing an imbalance of the whole body-mind network. Thus, cancer is a systemic DX from the start and the
rebalance of the body-mind network will be restored and this will help resolve the cancer.
-In TCM herbs are used to enhance innate immunity and in combinations are used to enhance their benefits while reducing their side effects: extracts for anti-cancer therapy include and not limited to: anemarrhena, asphodeloides, atremisia argyi, commiphora myrrha, duchesnea indica, gleditsia sinensis, rubia cordifolia salvia chinensis.. these herbs contain a variety of chemicals that may act synergistically to inhibit tumor cell division, increase tumor cell death , increase the proportion of immune cells within the tumor and increase blood flow through the tumor.
-Acupuncture- an immune modulating effect- is utilized as a technique which modulates neurotransmitters, cytokines, and neuropeptides through electrophysiological changes in the nervous system.
TCM role in cancer supportive care:
-modification of biological response to improve therapeutic gain
-improve psycho-neuro immunological response
-enhancement of sx control
-psychospiritual integration synergistically
TCM cancer tx/prevention-
- appropriate nutrition- the use of green tea and panax ginseng
-sx control- residual tx of residual effects such as fatigue and depression- spleen and stomach qi are supported by the use of appropriate formulas.
-Qi gong and tai chi and awareness meditation which are used to change electromagnetic changes that may represent the flow of qi.
-balancing the 5 elements associated with psycho-spiritual concepts through herbs and acupuncture
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