Effects of Zinc Deficiency

Effects of Zinc Deficiency INTRODUCTION Zinc is a trace mineral that plays an indispensable role for human health because of its critical structure in multiple enzymes that are involved in gene expression, cell development and replication (International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group [IZiNCG], 2007). Aside from its unique and extensive role in biological processes, zinc is essential for physiological processes including growth and development, and brain and immune function (Ackland and Michalczyk, 2006). More than 85% of total body zinc is found in skeletal muscle and bone (National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC], 2006) as well as in the brain that plays a central role in the production of enzymes essential for RNA and DNA synthesis (Black, 1998). Zinc deficiency affects, on average, one-third of the world’s population ranging from 4 to 73% in different countries (Hotz and Brown, 2004). It has been estimated that zinc deficiency is responsible for deaths of nearly 450,000 children under age 5 years old annually (Black et al, 2008). Similarly, zinc deficiency is accounted for 16% lower respiratory tract infections, 18% of malaria and 10% of diarrheal disease and more than 28 million aggregates to loss of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). In total, 1.4% (0.8 million) of deaths worldwide were attributable to zinc deficiency: 1.4% in males and 1.5% in females (WHO, 2012). Zinc deficiency is defined by short stature, hypogonadism, impaired immune function, skin disorders, cognitive dysfunction and anorexia (Prasad, 1991). Zinc deficiency is uncommon but a widespread problem across the globe (Ackland and Michalczyk, 2006). It has far-reaching consequences, playing a contributory role to stunted growth in children (Brown et al., 2001) and causing abnormal cerebellar function and damage of behavioural and emotional responses (Henkin, 1975) in addition to morbidity from diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria (Shankar, 2000). Therefore, zinc deficiency compromises the development of children worldwide and is a veritable public health concern (Gibson, 2005). Background of the Study Micronutrients have been scientifically and technically discovered to improve the overall well-being of an individual and that deficiencies can cause a range of health and developmental problem. Zinc is one of the micronutrients that promote immunity, resistance to infection as well as growth and development of the nervous system. Zinc deficiency can lead to more frequent infections, reduce children’s ability to fight and survive disease, and impair mental capacity. These risks remain serious as children grow and develop because they cannot learn as well, and lose school days due to illness. Later in adulthood, it negatively affects physical energy and, therefore, productivity. Reduced intellectual capacity undermines investments in education and perpetuates cycles of poverty, which is a significant barrier to achieve economic growth and improved standards of living. In addition, intellectual ability is affected by iron which affects work capacity, physical and cognitive performance (Global Report, 2009). Zinc has the primary focus of scientific investigations related to linear growth which is intimately connected to nutrition. As a manifestation of chronic undernutrition, stunting has been linked to multiple adverse health outcomes that extend beyond childhood into adult life (Souganidis, 2012). Recent evidences also suggest that zinc deficiency may be associated with deficits in activity, attention, and motor development that commonly occur in nutritionally deficient children (Souganidis, 2012) because it contributes to the structure and function of the brain (Black, 1998). According to the World Bank (2012), the Philippines ranks 48th out of 136 countries in terms of the prevalence of stunting and 32% of Filipinos are at risk for insufficient zinc intake. Generally, zinc status is of high magnitude (>20%) among infants and preschool children (6 months to 5 years), female adolescents (13 to 19 years), older persons (20 to Statement of the Problem Zinc deficiency has been a major micronutrient problem in the Philippines. It has been associated with linear growth and cognitive development. Zinc has also been related to iron due to their inhibitory factor with one another. The effect of zinc on physical growth occurs during the first 2 years of life with association to high rates of infection, inadequate nutrition and cognitive deficits. The following questions were highlighted in the study to examine the association of zinc status to nutritional status, iron status and cognitive development as well as possible risk factors of zinc deficiency in 2 to 3 year old children in Laguna, Philippines. What are the socio-economic and demographic characteristics, water and sanitation practices, health services, child care and feeding practices of mothers? What are the food intake and nutrient adequacy of children? What is the nutritional status, zinc status and iron status of children? What is the level of cognitive development of children? What is the degree of association between zinc status and the following variables: water and sanitation practices, and health services; child care and feeding practices, and food intake; nutritional status; iron status; and cognitive development? Hypothesis of the Study The following were the research hypothesis that guided the study: Water and sanitation practices are associated with nutritional status. Health services are associated with nutritional status. Infection is associated with nutritional status and cognitive development. Food intake is associated with nutritional status and cognitive development. Weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height are associated with zinc status, iron status and cognitive development. Zinc status is associated with iron status and cognitive development Iron status is associated with cognitive development. Objectives of the Study Generally, this study aimed to determine the Zinc status and its relationship to physical growth and cognitive development of 2 to 3 year old children in Laguna, Philippines. It specifically sought to: describe the socio-economic and demographic characteristics; water and sanitation practices; health services; and child care and feeding practices of mothers; evaluate the food intake and nutrient adequacy; assess the nutritional status, zinc status and iron status; determine the level of cognitive development; and examine the association of zinc status with each of the following variables: water and sanitation practices; health services; child care and feeding practices, and food intake; nutritional status; iron status; and cognitive development. Significance of the Study The province of Laguna has been consistent in the implementation of nutrition programs. The nutrition sector has been conducting nutritional assessment to address the magnitude and severity of malnutrition particularly, of under and overnutrition in the province. However, zinc deficiency, as one of the public health concerns, and its multifactorial causes have not yet been given attention. With limited researches, the assessment of zinc status provided a deep understanding of the consequences of stunting and iron status as well as its contributory effect to cognitive development of 2 to 3 year old children. The results of the study shall provide local government units, program planners and policy makers with significant inputs for relevant programs; suggested and recommended effective nutrition strategies to local nutrition and health workers; and imparted to nutrition and nutrition-related professionals knowledge and awareness on micronutrient deficiencies, particularly of zinc. Scope and Limitations of the Study The study focused on the assessment of physical growth, zinc status, iron status and cognitive development of 2 to 3 year old children in the province of Laguna. Factors affecting child nutritional status included were to socio-economic and demographic characteristics, health, water and sanitation practices, child care and feeding practices and dietary intake. Contributory factor to nutritional status such as infection was also included. The criteria in selecting the study area and the profile of the province were limited to the availability of secondary data. The sample size was based from the 2013 Operation Timbang (OPT) list which may not include all children with ages 24 to 35 months old. Data on child morbidity was limited to personal interview of mother-respondents. Likewise, dietary assessment was limited to a non-consecutive 2-day food recall which may not indicate foods that are highly seasonal. Determination of cognitive development was also limited to the adapted items of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program, Metro Manila Developmental Screening Test (MMDST), and Child Development Index (CDI). The sample size may not be able to reflect the entire population of 2 to 3 year old Filipino children. However, the sample size was sufficient to test the statistical significance of the study. The conclusions were made from the results of the study. Hence, it was limited to the conditions inherent to the selected children.

Incompatibility of Subjective and Objective Knowledge :: Philosophy Philosophical Essays

Incompatibility of Subjective and Objective Knowledge In his book The View From Nowhere (1986), Thomas Nagel discusses the various problems that arise when we consider the contrast between the objective world we inhabit, and are part of, and the inherently subjective way we view that world. Nagel writes that understanding the relationship between these external and internal standpoints is central to solving these problems: 'It is the most fundamental issue about morality, knowledge, freedom, the self, and the relation of mind to the physical world' (p.3). In this essay I will survey the problems that Nagel is referring to, and will echo Nagel's view that this issue is of central importance within philosophy. However, I will also suggest that Nagel is wrong in his emphasis in dealing with the issue. The opening words of the book make it clear that Nagel sees ultimately only a single problem: 'how to combine the perspective of a particular person inside the world with an objective view of that same world, the person and his viewpoint included'. He then goes on to address the particular problems, each of which he sees as only an aspect of this single overall problem. Problem 1: How can we account for the existence of subjective experience within an objective physical universe? This problem is a modern version of the mind/body problem; i.e. what is the relationship between the mind and the body? Are they separate entities, or are they somehow different aspects of the same thing? The question was posed in Nagel's 1974 essay 'What Is It Like to Be a Bat?' and has been somewhat revitalised recently in the guise of Chalmers's 'hard problem' of consciousness (Chalmers, 1995). Nagel argues that although we may understand the way bats use sonar to perceive their world, to fly and catch insects, we will never know what it is like to be a bat using sonar, precisely because we are not bats. Our understanding of bat sonar can only be a physiological and functional account; we will only ever have a view of bat sonar from the outside. Imagine what sonar must feel like inside, to a bat! In the same way that there is something it is like for us to see the world using our eyes (i.e. colours, hue and depth in our visual field), surely there must also be something it is like for bats perceiving the world through sonar.

The Golden Ages

In about the 2nd century AD. Rome had its golden age. Also, around 500 to 300 BC was the Greek golden age. They both had many achievements during they’re golden ages, and many of them have affected us today. In Rome’s golden age they made concrete and roads. This helps us today because concrete is used in many different ways. Concrete makes up most of the building structure on this earth. Before even the use of concrete for roads, it was used to make simple things, such as pots to cook in, new types of housing etc. nce buildings came into affect, jobs then formed, business started, then grew and so on. They also constructed roads. Something as simple as a roadway opened up new civilization to the early Romans. Places they never could have known about, or gotten to by foot or horse and carriage. Concrete really had the biggest impact on our infrastructure. Concrete today is still in high demand, and is still a source of employment for many people. In Greece’s golden age they made mathematics, and architecture. By them making math, it affects us today because without math, a lot of things wouldn’t be able to get done. For example bills being paid, buildings and cars being made, and even having some jobs. Mathematics started early by drawing a line each time the sun rose or set. Counting turning into simple math has changed the course of our world. Math in this era is totally different even than just 20 years ago when our parents were young. Mathematicians can even calculate weather, due to the eventual discovery of physics, they have found that math is even at the basics and almost every level of medicine and how the physiology of the body works. Archetecture started back when they used natural beautiful material to construct buildings. We have moved on to use less expensive and less beautiful materials, but have changed our architectural design. Those are some of the achievements of the Roman and Greek golden ages. Romans made concrete and roads that helped us have buildings and to get places. The Greek’s came up with mathematics, and architecture.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) - 2212 Words

HIV is known as one of the great pandemics in history, and it is most prevalent in western Africa. Even with new scientific discoveries and improved technology, vaccines are consistently unsuccessful because the virus is able to mutate very quickly and make many errors in the process, which makes it extremely difficult for researchers to formulate a vaccine. The virus can be treated with antiretroviral drugs, but many people being treated do not adhere to the regimen, causing the virus to worsen and drug resistant strains to develop. HIV affects people in all parts of the world, and there are many ethical issues regarding the vaccine trials that have been conducted, especially in developing countries. Literature Review The human†¦show more content†¦HIV is transmitted sexually, or through blood (blood transfusions and infected needles). HIV is single stranded RNA virus in the Retroviridae family and in a subgroup called lentiviruses, which are considered to be â€Å"slow viruses.† The virus attaches to a dendritic cell, which is found in mucous membranes, then is transported to the lymph nodes. Here, other immune cells can become infected. In order for the virus to become a part of human cell’s genes, the RNA needs to convert to DNA by using reverse transcriptase. In order for the virus to replicate, it must attach to the CD4+ receptor and co-receptor that are on the CD4 cell. Once the HIV viral envelope has fused with the CD4 membrane, HIV is able to enter the cell and expel its contents (the two copies of RNA). Now in the cytoplasm, the viral RNA is converted to DNA. The DNA needs to be made more functional, so it is cut into smaller pieces by protease. Th e new HIV DNA is now able to travel to the nucleus where integrase is used to insert the viral DNA into the host cell’s DNA. If activated, it uses the CD4 cell to make chains of HIV proteins; however, if not activated, the virus can lie dormant for many years. Noninfectious HIV then buds from the CD4 cell and releases protease, which breaks up the noninfectious virus. Infectious HIV is created from combining the broken up proteins, and thousands of HIV particles can be made from one