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Thursday, 12 February 2015
Thursday, 12 February 2015
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Folic AcidFolic acid is one of the B-complex vitamins required in order to produce red blood cells. Folic acid is a manufactured form of folate; folate can be found naturally in certain foods, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, beans, and grains. Some cereals contain 100% of the daily value of folic acid a woman should take per day. If there is an insufficient amount of this vitamin, it can cause anemia. Because the body does not make much folic acid, it is useful to take a vitamin pill form to ensure that you get the recommended daily value.
History
Many scientists around the 1920s thought that folate deficiency and anemia were the same condition. In the year 1931, a researcher named Lucy Wills led to determining folate as the nutrient needed to prevent anemia during pregnancy. In other words, folate was an important source needed during the state when a person is pregnant. Through this identification, Dr. Wills illustrated that anemia could be reversed with brewer's yeast. Thus, folate was seen as the corrective substance in brewer's yeast. In the year 1941, Mitchell and other people first separated and extracted folate from spinach leaves.
Furthermore, in 1943, Bob Stokstad who worked at the Lederle Laboratories of the American Cyanamid Company, isolated the pure crystalline form and was then able to determine folate chemical structure. Under the supervision and help of Director of Research Dr. Yellapragada Subbarao, a group called "folic acid boys" in the year 1945 was able to obtain folic acid in a pure crystalline form. This historical research project led to the synthesis of the antifolate aminopterin. Antifolate aminopterin is the first anticancer drug.
Then in the 1950s to the 1960s, many scientists started to study biochemical mechanisms and discovered the different actions for folate. This led to linking folate deficiency to neural tube defects. Overall, many US scientists noticed that food sold in markets contain really little folate; therefore, more food should contains folate to help people especailly those who are pregnant.
Foods Containing Folate
There are many healthy foods that are very high in folate. Some are listed below:
- Egg yolks
- Sunflower seeds
- Liver and Kidney Products
- Leafy vegetables such as turnip greens, lettuce, spinach
- Legumes such as beans, peas, and lentils
- Grain Products such pasta, cereal, bread
Food that contains few amount in folate:
- Fruits such as banana, raspberry, strawberry
- Juice such as orange or pineapple juice
Note that folate is naturally found in foods that are susceptible in high heat and UV light. Folate is also water soluble.
Folic Acid and Pregnancy
Folic acid has been proven to protect against birth defects during the first weeks of pregnancy. Such birth defects include spina bifida, which is the case involving the backbone and spinal canal not being able to fully close. It can also protect against anencephaly, a condition in which the brain does not develop. Babies born with anencephaly usually die before or shortly after they are born. [1] Women who are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant are recommended to take 400 to 800 micrograms of folic acid per day.
It is possible for folic acid to reduce chances of spinal or brain defects by nearly 70%. These diseases are known as neural tube defects which always occur when the spinal cord fails to close properly during development which is what spina bifida is.
Folic acid ultimately reduces the level of a potentially harmful compound called homocysteine. This is done by speeding up the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, a nontoxic amino acid that the human body prefers and needs. Scientists and researchers discovered that locking the enzyme MTHFR to its cofactor FAD allows folic acid to perform its unique function in the human body. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration recommends all women of child-bearing age to supplement her diet with folic acid to prevent potential birth defects from occurring.
Side effects of taking folic acid include a skin rash, itchiness, redness, or difficulty breathing.
Folic acid can also be ingested through a balanced diet. This includes, fortified cereals, whole grains, fruits, veggies, beans, and other natural protein. Those looking to increase folic acid intake due to pregnancy can do it naturally through diet or both with supplements and food. It is important for males also to not neglect folic acid. Although they do not benefit from the birth defect preventions, folic acid is still a healthy supplement that is necessary in small doses.
Sperm Quality
It is commonly seen that folic acid can minimize the chromosomal defeats in sperm. Thus, folate is an important source for fertility in both men and women because it contributes to spermatogenesis. Basically, for both gender, it is crucial to receive a good amount of folate through the diet to avoid subfertility.
Heart Disease
Using folic acid will reduce homocysteine levels, but it will not minimize cardiovascular disease. However, this applies differently for women who are pregnant. Consuming folic acid during pregnancy may reduce the risk of heart defects in infants, which is a good thing. It may also reduce the risk for children to develop a syndrome called the metabolic syndrome.
Stroke
Even though taking folic acid does not reduce heart disease, it appears to reduce the risk of stroke. However, there are many reviews that indicate how only some individuals who take folic acid may in return minimize the risk of stroke. In other words, folic acid may only work on some people. It is being said that stroke reduction is consistent with the reduction in pulse pressure produced by folate supplementation of 5 mg per day. So for those who are likely to get heart disease, it is important to consume folate in every day diet. This is the reason why hyperhomocysteinemia or stroke patients are greatly encouraged by their doctors to take daily vitamin B which includes folic acid. Folic supplements are in expensive and are quite safe to use, but do not overdo it.
Cancer
Since many cancer cells tolerate folic acid and overexpress the folic acid receptor, this had led to the creation of anti-cancer drugs that target the folic acid receptor. There are investigations that proved that good levels of folic acid may be related to lower risk of stomach, esophageal, and ovarian cancers. However, the benefits of folic acid against cancer may only depend on when an individual is taking it and on the conditions of that particular person. This is because everyone tends to have a different immune system that reacts to certain things differently.
Moreover, for individuals who are already suffering from cancer or from precancerous condition may find that taking folic acid may not be helpful and can be damaging. Therefore, consuming a certain amount of folic acid is crucial for everyday diet, but it is important to note that excess of folate may promote tumor initiation. High folate intake promotes advanced carcinogenesis and low folate intake protects against early carcinogenesis. Hence, many doctors and public health recommend being super careful when taking folate and encourage not to intake too much folate.
Diets that are high in folate are related with the decreased risk of colorectal cancer. There are some researches that show how the association is stronger for folate that are taken from foods than folate from supplements. In relation to folate and one carbon metabolism, colorectal cancer is the most studied type of cancer. Furthermore, there are epidemiologic studies that suggest diets high in folate are associated with decreased risk of breast cancer. Studies also show that high dietary folate intake will minimize the risk of prostate cancer. Overall, there had been many studies dealing with folate acid to prevent many kinds of disease.
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
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The career opportunities available for aspirants in the field of microbiology are on the rise currently. There are many fields for one to choose from for their advanced studies. More about this course and its many educational and career options are mentioned in detail below.
One can choose to specialize in any particular area of their choice for their PG program. A few specializations are cited below.
The specializations offered in microbiology comprise of:
Aero microbiology
Agricultural Microbiology
Cellular Microbiology
Environmental Microbiology
Evolutionary Microbiology
Food microbiology
Generation Microbiology
Inam ur Rehman Microbiology
Industrial Microbiology
Medical Microbiology
Microbial Genetics
Microbial Physiology
Nano Microbiology
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Soil Microbiology
Veterinary Microbiology
Water Microbiology
Qualification Criteria for Higher Studies after B.Sc Microbiology
Candidates with a B.sc. degree in microbiology, zoology or botany may apply for post graduation course in Microbiology.
Higher study options in Microbiology after B.Sc
Generally, a person will need a doctoral degree to take up the profession of a microbiologist. One can take up microbiology or any other allied fields during their graduation. The career possibilities for aspirants will increase with a PG degree. Otherwise there is a possibility of the choices to get limited. One can choose to become a teacher or a research scientist after they finish their Postgraduation.
It takes one 4 years to get a Graduate degree and 2 years to get the PG degree. The doctoral program has a time period of 3 – 4 years.
The courses given below can be taken by students for their advanced level studies:
Post graduate Course
M.Sc. (Applied Microbiology)
M.Sc. (Hons.) (Microbiology)
M.Sc. (Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics)
M.Sc. (Microbiology)
Ph.D. (Microbiology)
Diploma Courses in Microbiology
Advance Post Graduate Diploma in Marine Microbiology
Subjects covered under Higher Studies after B.Sc Microbiology
The topics those are included in the M.Sc Microbiology course is given below.
Advanced Immunology
Agricultural Microbiology
Bacteriology & Virology
Bioinformatics & Computational Methods
Biological Chemistry
Biophysical Techniques & Instrumentation
Bioprocess Technology
Bioprocess Technology & Agricultural Microbiology
Cell biology & Enzymology
Engineering &Bioinformatics &Computational Methods
Environmental Microbiology Medical Microbiology
Microbial Genetics & Genetic Engineering
Microbial Physiology & Molecular Biology
Microbial Technology
Principles of Microbiology
Career Opportunities of Higher studies after B.Sc Microbiology
The career opportunities available for Microbiologists are quite ample these days. It is possible for them to find jobs with areas such as research organizations, research labs of hospitals of private and public sectors, pharmaceutical firms and chemical industries etc. One thing that makes the job opportunities in the arena of microbiology so ample is due to the many similarities between microbiology and biotechnology.
The increase in awareness about taking care of the environment, finding cure for diseases such as Cancer, heart diseases and AIDS etc has increased the demand of professionals in this field. Many firms try to produce cures and find different methods of treatment for these ailments. Due to this, career opportunities are becoming available in plenty. Aspirants also have the option to get employed as a science writer. They can answer questions or write articles.
The remuneration of aspirants will differ according to the institution employing them and the area of operation. As a beginner, one will be able to get an income of Rs.15, 000/- to Rs.20, 000/- a month. With higher qualification and experience, one can get better remuneration.
Thursday, 15 January 2015
Thursday, 15 January 2015
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You probably know about the relationship between smoking and lung cancer, but did you know smoking is also linked to heart disease, stroke and other chronic lung diseases? Smoking can also increase your risk for cancer of the bladder, throat and mouth, kidneys, cervix and pancreas. Thinking about quitting? Look at the facts!
Why you should quit?
Why you should quit?
- Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in the United States.
- Smoking causes more than one in five deaths in America.
- 90 percent of lung cancer in men is directly related to smoking and 80 percent of lung cancer in women is caused by cigarettes.
- About 23 percent of adult men and about 18 percent of adult women smoke.
- The highest percentage of people who smoke are between the ages of 25 and 44.
- According to the American Heart Association, most adult smokers started smoking when they were preteens or teenagers. Unfortunately, many young people don’t fully understand the dangers of smoking.
- About 60 percent of American children ages 4-11 are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.
- On average, smokers die 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers.
- Since 1965, more than 45 percent of adults who have ever smoked have quit.
- You can be one of the millions of people who successfully quit every year.
What makes cigarettes so toxic and dangerous?There are 4,000 chemical components found in cigarettes and at least 250 of them are harmful to human health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here are a few examples:
- 1,3-Butadine is a chemical used to manufacture rubber. According to the CDC, “it may increase risk of cancer in the stomach, blood and lymphatic system.”
- Acrolein is a gas linked to lung cancer. It inhibits DNA repair and can destroy the lining in the lungs that protects you from lung disease.
- Arsenic is used to preserve wood. In humans, it can cause heart disease and cancer.
- Benzene is used to manufacture other chemicals. It can cause cancer, particularly leukemia, in humans.
- Cadmium is a metal used to make batteries. Cadmium can interfere with the repair of damaged DNA, as well as damage the kidneys and the lining of the arteries.
- Chromium VI is used to make alloy metals, paint and dyes. It has been proven to be linked to lung cancer.
- Formaldehyde is a chemical used to kill bacteria and preserve human and animal remains. It’s a known cause of cancer, one of the main substances linked to chronic lung disease and a very toxic ingredient in secondhand smoke.
- Polonium-210 is a radioactive element inhaled directly into the airway. Some studies show that people who smoke a pack-and-a-half of cigarettes a day are receiving the same radiation they’d get from 300-plus X-rays per year!
- Tar is solid, inhaled chemicals linked with an increased risk for cancer. It also leaves a sticky, brown residue on your lungs, teeth and fingernails.
Carbon monoxide & nicotine: A dangerous duo
Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas you inhale when you smoke. Once in your lungs, it’s transferred to your bloodstream. Carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen that is carried in the red blood cells. It also increases the amount of cholesterol that is deposited into the inner lining of the arteries which, over time, can cause the arteries to harden. This leads to heart disease, artery disease and possibly heart attack.
Nicotine is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical. It can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, flow of blood to the heart and a narrowing of the arteries (vessels that carry blood). Nicotine may also contribute to the hardening of the arterial walls, which in turn, may lead to a heart attack. This chemical can stay in your body for six to eight hours depending on how often you smoke. Also, as with most addictive substances, there are some side effects of withdrawal.
Second-Hand Smoke
Smokers aren’t the only ones affected by tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard for nonsmokers, especially children. Nonsmokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol have an even greater risk of developing heart diseases when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke.
Environmental tobacco smoke causes about 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths. Studies show that the risk of developing heart disease is about 25-30 percent higher among people exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at home or work. Secondhand smoke promotes illness, too. Children of smokers have many more respiratory infections than do children of nonsmokers. Nonsmoking women exposed to tobacco smoke are also more likely to have low-birthweight babies. Excerpted and adapted from "When Risk Factors Unite," appearing in the Stroke Connection Magazine January/February 2005 (Science update May 2008)
Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas you inhale when you smoke. Once in your lungs, it’s transferred to your bloodstream. Carbon monoxide decreases the amount of oxygen that is carried in the red blood cells. It also increases the amount of cholesterol that is deposited into the inner lining of the arteries which, over time, can cause the arteries to harden. This leads to heart disease, artery disease and possibly heart attack.
Nicotine is a dangerous and highly addictive chemical. It can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, flow of blood to the heart and a narrowing of the arteries (vessels that carry blood). Nicotine may also contribute to the hardening of the arterial walls, which in turn, may lead to a heart attack. This chemical can stay in your body for six to eight hours depending on how often you smoke. Also, as with most addictive substances, there are some side effects of withdrawal.
Second-Hand Smoke
Smokers aren’t the only ones affected by tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard for nonsmokers, especially children. Nonsmokers who have high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol have an even greater risk of developing heart diseases when they’re exposed to secondhand smoke.
Environmental tobacco smoke causes about 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths. Studies show that the risk of developing heart disease is about 25-30 percent higher among people exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at home or work. Secondhand smoke promotes illness, too. Children of smokers have many more respiratory infections than do children of nonsmokers. Nonsmoking women exposed to tobacco smoke are also more likely to have low-birthweight babies. Excerpted and adapted from "When Risk Factors Unite," appearing in the Stroke Connection Magazine January/February 2005 (Science update May 2008)
These are just a few of the dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes; there are many more. But you do not have to spend the rest of your life giving in to your addiction! Thousands of people kick the habit every year, and you can be one of them. It may not be easy, but you can do it!
Saturday, 10 January 2015
Saturday, 10 January 2015
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Free Download Nutritional Biochemistry 2nd Edition by Tom Brody
Nutritional Biochemistry takes a scientific approach to nutrition. It covers not just "what's"--nutritional requirements--but why they are required for human health, by describing their function at the cellular and molecular level. Each case study either leads to a subsequent discovery or enables an understanding of the physiological mechanisms of action of various nutrition-related processes. The text is "picture-oriented" and the commentary is directed towards explaining graphs, figures, and tables.
Nutritional Biochemistry includes a discussion of relevant aspects of physiology, food chemistry, toxicology, pediatrics, and public health. Experimental techniques for nutritional science are emphasized, and primary data is included to help give students a feel for the nutrition literature. This "real-world" approach provides students with a realistic view of the basis for much of our understanding of nutritional biochemistry.
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Nutritional Biochemistry includes a discussion of relevant aspects of physiology, food chemistry, toxicology, pediatrics, and public health. Experimental techniques for nutritional science are emphasized, and primary data is included to help give students a feel for the nutrition literature. This "real-world" approach provides students with a realistic view of the basis for much of our understanding of nutritional biochemistry.
* Integrates biochemistry and nutrition in a case-oriented method
* Emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning - case histories and clinical and research data illustrate all major points
* Places emphasis on metabolism - metabolic pathways, enzymology, nutrient requirements (including RDA values)
* Reveals the benefits of the Mediterranean diet, the biochemistry of exercise, the cell signaling pathways, how nutrition can influence the development of cancer, and the anthropometry and genetics of obesity.
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Free Download Nucleic Acids in Chemistry and Biology 3rd Edition
The 3rd edition of Nucleic Acid in Chemistry and Biology has been extensively updated from previous releases. Featuring an expanded group of editors and contributors, this leading textbook offers a thorough and up-to-date background in all modern aspects of Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Biology. Coverage includes both the chemistry and biology of nucleic acids; the chemical synthesis of nucleosides and nucleotides; and the chemistry for the synthesis of oligonucleotides and analogues.
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Download Road Map Biochemistry by Richard G. Macdonald and William G. Chaney
You'll never find an easier, more efficient, and more focused way to ace biochemistry and biochemistry-related questions on the USMLE and course examinations than the USMLE Road Map. Designed to provide maximum learning in minimum time, this fully updated USMLE Road Map offers a concise, creative, and well-illustrated approach to mastering biochemistry.
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Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
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Free Download Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Compendium
While biomedical investigation has greatly advanced, investigators have lost touch with and inadvertently corrupted significant nomenclature at the foundation of their science. Nowadays, one has to be an insider to even understand the titles of journals, as modern biochemists have a tendency to invent new terms to describe old phenomena and apply acronyms in a haphazard way. In addition, while the use of kits now saves time, by taking shortcuts, many have lost touch with the principles that lie behind the processes they employ. Assembled by Roger Lundblad, the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Compendium provides both academic and industrial researchers with an exceptionally accessible resource that offers a plethora of practical information not found in more database-oriented resources. A renowned scientist and author who bridges the old school of protein research and current proteomics, Dr. Lundblad is uniquely qualified to bring forth this handy resource.
With great respect for the roots of the science, Dr. Lundblad provides a list of commonly used acronyms with definitions, as well as a glossary of terms and subjects used in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, proteomics, genomics, and systems biology. He also provides a chapter on those chemicals commonly employed in biochemistry and molecular biology, complete with properties and structure drawings, as well as a detailed accounting of protease inhibitors and protease inhibitor cocktails. A list of organic name reactions used in biochemistry is also included, as is a list of buffers with references to specific uses and unwanted side reactions.
Until now, this information could only be garnered from older books and Internet searches convoluted by uncertain nomenclature. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Compendium may not provide all the answers, but researchers will find it to be a valuable tool that will save them time, as well as provide essential links to the roots of their science.
To download this book click on download button
With great respect for the roots of the science, Dr. Lundblad provides a list of commonly used acronyms with definitions, as well as a glossary of terms and subjects used in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, proteomics, genomics, and systems biology. He also provides a chapter on those chemicals commonly employed in biochemistry and molecular biology, complete with properties and structure drawings, as well as a detailed accounting of protease inhibitors and protease inhibitor cocktails. A list of organic name reactions used in biochemistry is also included, as is a list of buffers with references to specific uses and unwanted side reactions.
Until now, this information could only be garnered from older books and Internet searches convoluted by uncertain nomenclature. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Compendium may not provide all the answers, but researchers will find it to be a valuable tool that will save them time, as well as provide essential links to the roots of their science.
To download this book click on download button
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