...Genetics of Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is a frightening and expensive disease. Studies show that in 2010 over $215 billion dollars were spent on dementia care, and the condition is among one of the highest diseases that people currently fear getting, second only to cancer (PBS). Scientists are actively searching for clues to determine cause of this disease. Due to the fact that the genetics and risk factors of late-onset are not fully understood, scientists around the globe are actively researching Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and developing theories and finding clues that may help with identifying the causes, genetic risks, and biomarkers or early indicators of the disease. Research into these areas...
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...There a number of factors pertaining to genetic mapping and testing for future health problems that can create dilemmas for both the patient and the health care providers. There is always uncertainty and numerous variables when genes pose the probability of predisposition to certain diseases. As to the procedure in which this problem is addressed one needs “To uncover the patient’s genetic background.” In cases of certain types of cancer, for example, there are four specific traits that suggest it is a wise course to take upon genetic testing of the patients’ family members. This is possible in 60% to 95% of the families of cancer patients. The predictions of genetic testing can reduce apprehension and uncertainly of the tested patient. This predictive genetic testing can be a stress reduces for those who have a family history of hereditary disease. Profound anxiety may occur when gray shades pertaining to the uncertainty of a gene cells propensity to carry a serious disease exists within the family history. This stressful mental frame of is a dilemma unto itself, so psychological counseling may be necessary for some patients. Psychological counseling may apply for ton’s illnesses such as hunting disease (a neuro degenerative disease) as well as certain hereditary forms of cancer and some hereditary heart diseases. “The psychological counseling should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the disease.” A disease with no known care such as Huntington’s disease needs...
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...Genetic testing is a scientific process in which an individual’s DNA can be screened for mutations or variations that may cause certain diseases or dysfunctions. It is my opinion that standard genetic testing for disease or the predisposition to disease is purely beneficial. Having clear answers as to whether or not a person may carry a higher risk for some diseases may in fact save their life, or the lives of their current or future children. However, over the years of development of the science, more and more controversial types of testing have developed. In this paper, the science of genetic testing will be introduced by going through a brief history, the different types of genetic testing available, as well as the controversies that surround them. History Genetic testing had a very positive and productive start. The first usage of Genetic Testing occurred over half a century ago, beginning with the testing of infants for PKU, or Phenylketonuria, “an inborn error of metabolism in which an amino acid buildup in the blood causes mental retardation.” (Lewis) To test infants, a drop of blood was taken from their heel while at the hospital after birth. If a child was found positive for PKU, dietary treatment was used to prevent loss of brain function. Testing was reliable and results were accurate. The disease being tested for was easily treatable, and every child that came through was tested without a problem. (Lewis) In the 1970’s, doctors began the process of testing...
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...and that this human genome project is boarder line of scientist trying to imitate God and his marvelous works. (Davies, Kevin. cracking the genome: inside the race to unlock human dna. New York: free press, 2001) Eradicating diseases are much needed and can prove to be very helpful through research, however I think genetics where meant to be passed from generation to generation. The term positive eugenics is an oxymoron; it somehow seems that these two words collide with each other as if they do not fit. However, negative genetic engineering consists of justifying or taking out genes to stop or take care of genetic disease. It is difficult to think that humans could perhaps control reproduction and decide on offspring in a way that will be moral for society as a whole, one has to believe that this person or persons who think this is proper to attempt has no reference of who God really is. The word eugenics was invented by Francis Galton in 1833, at this point being in its very basic form of concept. Eugenics refers to practices designed to improve the genetic makeup of the human race. (Jones, G. 1982. "Eugenics and Social Policy Between the Wars," History...
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...For this part of the assignment I am going to be evaluating how nature and nurture may affect the development of an individual over two life stages. I will be looking at the effects of nature, nurture in relation to the Jim twins, development over their childhood and adulthood. D1 Nature and Nurture Effects on Childhood Physical Development The Jim twins were identical twins and nature obviously had a big effect on how they looked, both the boys inherited genetics from their parents which determined what they were going too looked like, during their childhood the boys would have looked identical, but they just didn’t know each other. But one twin in his childhood had a fringe and the other didn’t, these different hair styles would have been the effect of nurture as he would have been influenced to have his hair that way by seeing others with the same hairstyle or his adoptive parents wanting him to have his hair like that. Nature would have had an effect on the twin’s physical development as the genes they gathered from their biological parents would have determined that during their childhood, they disliked basketball and other sports, this could have been because, both their parents may not of been very sporty, which could of led them to inherit gene which meant they were going to be very athletic/sporty either. On the...
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...2011). Epidemiology and genetics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetically heterogeneous heart muscle disorder. This disorder is characterized by a left ventricular hypertrophy, with an involvement of interventricular septum. This disease affects...
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...Introduction Introduction Outline and evaluate the role of genetic factors in aggressive behaviour (5+16 marks) Moghaddom (1998) distinguishes between explanations of aggression which are normative, and those which are causal. Causal explanations, as in this case, suggest aggression is determined by particular factors e.g. genes and are usually biological explanations. The genetic explanation of aggression suggests that it is influenced through our genes, and that such behaviour is therefore inherited. Para 1 A01 Para 1 A01 It is thought that aggression is due to a defective gene that is inherited by following generations. One possible gene is the Monoamine Oxidase A gene, which produces Monoamine Oxidase A enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters associated with aggression. It is thought that a build-up of serotonin and dopamine can cause an individual to act aggressively to stress in the fight or flight response. There are two forms of the gene, MAOA-H (produces a high level of the enzyme) and MAOA-L (produces a low amount of the enzyme). The presence of the MAOA-L gene is related to an increase likelihood of aggression. One third of people in Western countries have the MAOA-L gene, compared to two thirds in countries with a history of warfare; leading the gene to be dubbed with the term “warrior gene”. Para 2 A02 Para 2 A02 Research to support the role of the MAOA gene comes from Cases et al who disabled the gene in the X chromosome of mice. As no enzyme was produced...
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...TAQ 1 Male The scrotum is a sac of skin that holds the testicles, which are 2 oval glands containing seminiferous tubules that produce sperm. Sperm is stored in coiled tubes called epididymis which push sperm into the vas deferens. From there sperm passes into seminal vesicles, which produce seminal fluid. The sperm and seminal fluid combine to form semen. Ejaculatory ducts formed by the fusion of vas deferens and seminal vesicles empty into the urethra, contained in the penis. Together the urethra and penis form the passageway for ejaculation of semen. Muscle contraction of the prostate glands contributes to semen expulsion. The penis becomes engorged with blood causing the enlargement and stiffening of the penis required for intercourse....
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...------------------------------------------------- Full Chapter Text ------------------------------------------------- Section 13.386 * ------------------------------------------------- Version List ------------------------------------------------- Recent History * ------------------------------------------------- 2006 13.386 New 2006 c 253 s 1 * ------------------------------------------------- 2013 Subd. 3 Amended 2013 c 82 s 3 * ------------------------------------------------- 2012 Subd. 4 New 2012 c 292 art 4 s 1 13.386 TREATMENT OF GENETIC INFORMATION HELD BY GOVERNMENT ENTITIES AND OTHER PERSONS. § Subdivision 1.Definition. (a) "Genetic information" means information about an identifiable individual derived from the presence, absence, alteration, or mutation of a gene, or the presence or absence of a specific DNA or RNA marker, which has been obtained from an analysis of: (1) the individual's biological information or specimen; or (2) the biological information or specimen of a person to whom the individual is related. (b) "Genetic information" also means medical or biological information collected from an individual about a particular genetic condition that is or might be used to provide medical care to that individual or the individual's family members. § Subd. 2.Private...
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...Adrenoleukodystrophy is an X linked genetic disorder in all males that affect the nervous system and the adrenal glands; these glands are located at the top of each kidney. The fatty covering the spinal cords is prone to deterioration this reduces the ability of the nerves to send important information to the brain. It could also shorten the amount of certain hormones. ALD is caused by a genetic abnormality, commonly referred to as a “genetic mutation”. This affects the X chromosome, otherwise known as an “x-linked” condition. Everyone has two sex chromosomes: women have two X chromosomes and men have an X and a Y chromosome. If a woman inherits the abnormal X chromosome, she still has a normal, second X chromosome to help balance out the effects...
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...1. Introduction Genetic profiling for the public has been around for a few decades but it has already changed many people’s lives. However, though it has many benefits an ethical issue arises should someone have the duty to disclose their genetic information to someone who may be at risk. In this essay, the issue of disclosure will be discussed, it will be broken down into 3 main topics: the advantages and disadvantages of genetic profiling; disclosing genetic information to family members and finally disclosing genetic information in the work place. This essay will then prove in its conclusion that there though there are ethical objections to disclosing genetic information there is a greater moral duty to show information. 1.1. Definition of genetic profiling Genetic profiling is also called DNA and genetic finger printing. According to the glossary of the National Human Genome Research Institute (n.d., n.p) the definition is “Genetic testing is a laboratory test to look for genetic variations associated with a disease. The results of a genetic test can be used to confirm or rule out a suspected genetic disease or to decide the likelihood of a person passing on a mutation to their offspring.” 2. Genetic Profiling and Ethics 2.1 Advantages of genetic profiling and ethics Even though genetic profiling is still relatively new, its positive outcomes can already be seen in the world around us. A layman’s example would be the use of genetic testing to discover the...
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...Galactosemia is a genetic disease in which the body is unable to metabolize a food sugar called galactose. This genetically inherited disorder follows an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Due to the mutation in a certain gene, there is a deficiency of galactose-1- phosphate uridylyltransferase enzyme (GALT), which is essential for the conversion of galactose to glucose. This deficiency will result in the accumulation of galactose in blood, a condition called classic Galactosemia (a common form of Galactosemia). A less severe form of Galactosemia is due to the deficiency of galactokinase deficiency. The disease can be classified into three different forms. Classic Galactosemia is the most common and severe amongst the three. Galctose-1-phospate,...
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...Genetic Disease Project – Tay-Sachs Disease Tay-Sachs is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the HEXA gene on chromosome 15 that damages the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. It is also known as GM2 gangliosidosis because of the accumulation of gangliosides (especially and particularly GM2 gangliosides, a component of the cell membrane) in the brains nerve cells which leads to premature death of the cells and is the cause of the deterioration the patient exhibits. The disease is named after two physicians, Waren Tay and Bernard Sachs. Tay was the first to define and discuss the cherry-red spot in on the retina, which is an indicator of the disease. Sachs was a neurologist that studied the Ashkenazi Jew population and noticed the cellular changes of the disease and its increase prevalence in isolated populations. An individual with the disease will fall into one of three classifications, infantile (the most common), juvenile on-set and adult on-set. Classification of Tay-Sachs depends on the symptoms and the age at which the symptoms occur. The prognosis is not a favorable as the disease is severely degenerative and usually results in death of the infant or juvenile. Adults become wheelchair bound but may not die of the disease. Babies with infantile Tay-Sachs appear normal for the first few months after birth but as the gangliosides begin to accumulate and distend and stress the neurons the mental and physical deterioration begins. This...
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...cells that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life. Heritary Patterns Many cancers begin when one or more genes in a cell are mutated, creating an abnormal protein or no protein at all. The information provided by an abnormal protein is different from that of a normal protein, which can cause cells to multiply uncontrollably and become cancerous. A person may either be born with a genetic mutation in all of their cells or acquire a genetic mutation in a single cell during his or her lifetime. An acquired mutation is passed on to all cells that develop from that single cell (called a somatic mutation). Somatic mutations can sometimes be caused by environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke. Most breast cancers are considered sporadic, meaning that the damage to the genes occurs by chance after a person is born and there is no risk of passing on the gene to a person's children. Inherited breast cancers are less common (5% to 10%) and occur when gene mutations are passed within a family from one generation to the next. Types of Testing There exists many forms of testing. Some...
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...LPBL – Week II – Group IV STEP I - Unknown Words There is no unknown words in this section. STEP II – Keywords * 42-year-old * Female * Colleague with breast cancer, gave a blood sample for gene-testing, had a mutation in the BRCA-1 gene. * Her sister had breast cancer at the age of 36. * Her father’s family has a history of breast cancer. Step III – IV - Problem Sentence * * Mrs. K, a 42-year-old woman, is worried about a possibility of having breast cancer due to her family history. Step V - Learning Objectives * What is breast cancer? * Age of occurance. * Causes and symptoms. * How can you treat cancer? * Is it important to do a genetic test? STEP VI/VII – Individual Research & Report Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast. There are two main types of breast cancer: * Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type. * Lobular carcinoma starts in the parts of the breast, called lobules, which produce milk. In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast. Breast cancer can be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive means it has spread from the milk duct or lobule to other tissues in the breast. Noninvasive means it has not yet invaded other breast tissue. Noninvasive breast cancer is called "in situ." * Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or intraductal carcinoma, is breast cancer...
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