Health Care

By: Kevin Camilleri

DNA Paternity testing is the most accurate way of confirming biological relationships between individuals. The standard way of collecting samples from the individuals to be tested is through the use of oral/buccal swabs. Buccal swabs are relatively easy to use and pain-free since the procedure involves simply rubbing the swab on the inside of the mouth to collect a saliva sample. In addition, they can be easily sent by post to the client when they order a test. Hence, they provide an excellent medium to obtain DNA from an individual.

However, occasions arise when it is not possible to obtain the sample directly from the individual, as for example in the case of a dead or missing person or samples collected from a crime scene. Therefore, in such cases, it is possible to utilise alternative samples (defined as non-standard samples), to obtain the DNA of a person for the purpose of DNA Testing.

The following list provides information about a number of non-standard samples that can be used to obtain DNA for testing purposes.

1. Direct Biological Samples

Hair

Any hair submitted must have roots or the follicle attached. Hair that is cut will not produce significant DNA. When submitting a hair sample, one must make sure not to touch the part with the follicle as much as possible to avoid contamination. The hair can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample. The lab will normally require a minimum of 6-10 hairs (or as many as possible) depending on what is available. The more the hairs available, the more the chance of obtaining a DNA profile from them.

Blood

Blood samples can take various forms including whole blood, blood spots on paper or other material (tissues, clothing, and furniture), dried blood etc. Blood used to be the most common form of submitting DNA samples for DNA paternity testing until the advent of buccal swabs. It now rarely requested as it is an invasive procedure as opposed to the non-invasive and painless nature of a buccal swab. Fresh blood sent in a normal tube will provide a more than enough sample for obtaining DNA. In cases where blood is sent as spots on some form of material, then the success of the extraction will depend on the state of the blood and whether it has been exposed to possible contamination such as the elements, human contamination and/or chemical agents.

Nails

It is also possible to extract DNA from Nails. Freshly trimmed nails work best and have the highest chance of success. Nails are normally recommended (apart from hair) in cases where the person has recently died. It is important to handle the nails with minimal direct contact as possible to avoid contamination. The nails can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Sperm

In the case of liquid semen, it is recommended that the sample is absorbed through a clean cotton swab and air-dried for about one hour. In the case of dried semen stains, either send the material directly to the laboratory or else absorb the stain onto a clean cotton swab moistened with distilled water. Then air-dry for about an hour. The samples can then be sent in sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Bone

Bone samples are one of the most difficult materials to obtain DNA from and not all DNA laboratories offer the service. The success rate will depend on the condition of the bones (e.g. how long the person has been dead, how his body has been preserved etc). When submitting bone samples it is normally recommend that fragments from the shaft of the femur or humerus are obtained weighing approximately 2 grams per individual. It is recommended that the laboratory processing the sample is contacted prior to taking the samples to discuss the case in advance. Collection of samples should be performed by a qualified person.

2. Everyday items that may contain DNA for testing purposes

Cigarette Butt

Cigarette butts can be an excellent source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated. The more the cigarette has been smoked the more DNA is likely to be available. If the cigarette has been shared it is likely that a mixed DNA profile will be obtained, in which case more specialised analysis will be required to separate the profiles. The client should make sure that the sample is not handled from the end used to inhale the smoke. Ideally the client will submit 2-4 cigarette butts if available. The butt can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Toothbrush

A toothbrush can be a good source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated. The more the toothbrush has been used the more DNA is likely to be available. If the toothbrush has been shared it is possible that a mixed DNA profile will be obtained in which case more specialised analysis will be required. The client should make sure that the sample is not handled from the end of the bristles to avoid contamination. Also the brush should be air dried for about 30-60 minutes to ensure that it is properly dried before sending to the laboratory. The toothbrush can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Envelope and Stamp

Licked envelopes and stamps can provide a source of DNA for paternity testing purposes. However, the success rate on this type of sample can very widely since it is not always possible to know if the stamp and envelope have been licked or not. In cases where there has been no contact with a person’s saliva then it is clearly not possible to obtain DNA. Because of this, the sample is normally classified as having a low rate of extraction success rate. When submitting the sample, it is important to ensure not to touch the seals and the back of the stamp to minimise possible contamination.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can be a good source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated by exposure to contaminating agents. Sugar free gum is preferred to normal type of gum. It is important to try not to touch the gum with the fingers as this can lead to contamination. The gum can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Kevin Camilleri writes articles for dna paternity test. Other articles written by the author related to paternity testing, home paternity test and paternity test kit can be found on the net.

By: Kevin Camilleri

DNA Paternity testing is the most accurate way of confirming biological relationships between individuals. The standard way of collecting samples from the individuals to be tested is through the use of oral/buccal swabs. Buccal swabs are relatively easy to use and pain-free since the procedure involves simply rubbing the swab on the inside of the mouth to collect a saliva sample. In addition, they can be easily sent by post to the client when they order a test. Hence, they provide an excellent medium to obtain DNA from an individual.

However, occasions arise when it is not possible to obtain the sample directly from the individual, as for example in the case of a dead or missing person or samples collected from a crime scene. Therefore, in such cases, it is possible to utilise alternative samples (defined as non-standard samples), to obtain the DNA of a person for the purpose of DNA Testing.

The following list provides information about a number of non-standard samples that can be used to obtain DNA for testing purposes.

1. Direct Biological Samples

Hair

Any hair submitted must have roots or the follicle attached. Hair that is cut will not produce significant DNA. When submitting a hair sample, one must make sure not to touch the part with the follicle as much as possible to avoid contamination. The hair can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample. The lab will normally require a minimum of 6-10 hairs (or as many as possible) depending on what is available. The more the hairs available, the more the chance of obtaining a DNA profile from them.

Blood

Blood samples can take various forms including whole blood, blood spots on paper or other material (tissues, clothing, and furniture), dried blood etc. Blood used to be the most common form of submitting DNA samples for DNA paternity testing until the advent of buccal swabs. It now rarely requested as it is an invasive procedure as opposed to the non-invasive and painless nature of a buccal swab. Fresh blood sent in a normal tube will provide a more than enough sample for obtaining DNA. In cases where blood is sent as spots on some form of material, then the success of the extraction will depend on the state of the blood and whether it has been exposed to possible contamination such as the elements, human contamination and/or chemical agents.

Nails

It is also possible to extract DNA from Nails. Freshly trimmed nails work best and have the highest chance of success. Nails are normally recommended (apart from hair) in cases where the person has recently died. It is important to handle the nails with minimal direct contact as possible to avoid contamination. The nails can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Sperm

In the case of liquid semen, it is recommended that the sample is absorbed through a clean cotton swab and air-dried for about one hour. In the case of dried semen stains, either send the material directly to the laboratory or else absorb the stain onto a clean cotton swab moistened with distilled water. Then air-dry for about an hour. The samples can then be sent in sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Bone

Bone samples are one of the most difficult materials to obtain DNA from and not all DNA laboratories offer the service. The success rate will depend on the condition of the bones (e.g. how long the person has been dead, how his body has been preserved etc). When submitting bone samples it is normally recommend that fragments from the shaft of the femur or humerus are obtained weighing approximately 2 grams per individual. It is recommended that the laboratory processing the sample is contacted prior to taking the samples to discuss the case in advance. Collection of samples should be performed by a qualified person.

2. Everyday items that may contain DNA for testing purposes

Cigarette Butt

Cigarette butts can be an excellent source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated. The more the cigarette has been smoked the more DNA is likely to be available. If the cigarette has been shared it is likely that a mixed DNA profile will be obtained, in which case more specialised analysis will be required to separate the profiles. The client should make sure that the sample is not handled from the end used to inhale the smoke. Ideally the client will submit 2-4 cigarette butts if available. The butt can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Toothbrush

A toothbrush can be a good source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated. The more the toothbrush has been used the more DNA is likely to be available. If the toothbrush has been shared it is possible that a mixed DNA profile will be obtained in which case more specialised analysis will be required. The client should make sure that the sample is not handled from the end of the bristles to avoid contamination. Also the brush should be air dried for about 30-60 minutes to ensure that it is properly dried before sending to the laboratory. The toothbrush can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Envelope and Stamp

Licked envelopes and stamps can provide a source of DNA for paternity testing purposes. However, the success rate on this type of sample can very widely since it is not always possible to know if the stamp and envelope have been licked or not. In cases where there has been no contact with a person’s saliva then it is clearly not possible to obtain DNA. Because of this, the sample is normally classified as having a low rate of extraction success rate. When submitting the sample, it is important to ensure not to touch the seals and the back of the stamp to minimise possible contamination.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can be a good source of DNA if the sample has not been contaminated by exposure to contaminating agents. Sugar free gum is preferred to normal type of gum. It is important to try not to touch the gum with the fingers as this can lead to contamination. The gum can be sent in a normal plastic or paper envelope and marked clearly as a non-standard sample.

Kevin Camilleri writes articles for dna paternity test. Other articles written by the author related to paternity testing, home paternity test and paternity test kit can be found on the net.

Ever since it was first extracted from common spinach leaf folic acid has been found to have an increasing number of uses. Originally folic acid was discovered to help correct the anemia women sometimes developed during pregnancy and later it was used to help correct anemia from other causes including a deficiency in other vitamins. Although it wasn’t a replacement for these other vitamins it certainly was found to be very effective at treating anemia due to all kinds of causes.

Folic acid is involved in the replication of our DNA and RNA and it was quickly found that those taking folic acid for anemia had less chance of giving birth to babies with certain birth defects. These defects are Spina Bifida and other neural tube defects, cleft lip and palate and limb defects. In fact folic acid is so effective at its job in maintaining DNA that doctors estimate half of the nearly four thousand babies born with neural tube defects yearly develop the defects due to a folic acid deficiency. Imagine being able to cut that number in half just by making sure that women have enough folic acid in their diets.

More recently there was a connection found between folic acid, homocysteine and certain diseases. Homocysteine is a by-product of the metabolizing of protein that we take in in our food. More specifically it is released when the body breaks down methionine, which is an amino acid and a component of protein.

Homocysteine is toxic to the lining of our blood vessels and though its a part of the breakdown process of protein, normally we have enough folic acid present in our systems to help convert homocysteine into another compound. Those who have a deficiency of folic acid can also develop a high level of homocysteine over long periods of time.

So by taking folic acid or making sure it is in the diet it is possible to help prevent a build up of homocysteine in the blood. The damage to the blood vessel walls caused by homocysteine leads to arteriosclerosis or a stiffening of the walls.

Arteriosclerosis can lead to other cardiovascular diseases by making the heart pump harder, and keeping parts of the body from getting enough blood and oxygen. This also leads to an increased risk of heart attack.

Also there have recently been links made between high levels of homocysteine and Cancer, Arthritis, and Osteoporosis. Currently there are studies being made to try and determine whether homocysteine is one of the causes of these conditions or if it is simply an indicator or symptom of these conditions.

So you can use folic acid to help prevent:

Ÿ Anemia

Ÿ Certain Birth Defects

Ÿ Cardiovascular disease

Ÿ And possibly some forms of dementia (including Alzheimers),

Ÿ Cancer,

Ÿ Arthritis,

Ÿ And Osteoporosis.

Syndrome X is actually called Metabolic Syndrome X. This was discovered over 10 years ago, but scientists have been looking for this for 100 years.

What does it mean? Metabolic has to do with metabolism, the way our body uses energy. Syndrome means many diseases involved. X means "we don't know". So it's basically a bunch of diseases that relate to your metabolism that scientists don't know enough about. The cause of Syndrome X is now being discovered and determined.

In Syndrome X, the blood has high levels of sugar, but unlike diabetes, there is lots of insulin to process the sugar, but the sugar (food) is not getting in the cells to provide energy. You are tired.

A sign of having this Syndrome X would be a person who needs to eat sugar, carbohydrates, and caffeine to keep going throughout the day. They get an energy boost, which falls in an hour, and then they need another boost and another boost throughout the day.

Syndrome X is only found in industrialized countries and cities. It started when white flour and sugar came along with the industrial revolution in the 1800's. It got much worse when companies started using fructose to sweeten foods. It is 20 times sweeter than glucose (sugar). Your body can't handle all this sugar.

It is estimated that 99% of women have Syndrome X. Even if that statistic is high, that still means a lot of women have Syndrome X.

So, what's happening in the body with this Syndrome X? Let's say you eat an apple. Your body only absorbs 20% of the sugar contained in that apple. The same goes for corn on the cob. Bananas are higher at 40%. Watermelon is 10%. Eating these whole foods does not produce a huge amount of sugar (carbohydrates) for your body to deal with. The body makes a little insulin to go with the glucose which then goes into the liver. Then the glucose (energy) is sent to the cells along with insulin, which helps the sugar (energy) get into the cell.

Now, let's look at what happens when you eat white flour, sugar, or fructose (high fructose corn syrup, like the sugar in soft drinks).

A note to make here: Most all bread available is based on 'white flour'. Even wheat bread is made from 'white flour'. Bread made from flour that has been truly stone ground the old fashioned way is the only time you get away from 'white flour'. Stone ground flour will spoil in a week whereas processed flour will keep for years. That's why the industrialized societies changed to processed flour, but it has hurt our health. And the adverse effects are getting worse with each generation.

When your stomach sees flour or sugar coming, it tells the pancreas to make lots of insulin to deal with the large amounts of glucose from white flour (or sugar or fructose). This huge amount of sugar (because 100% is able to be absorbed) goes into the liver, which monitors all food. The liver tastes the blood and decides that it is too sweet, so it turns the sugar into fat, which then goes into the bloodstream.

This fat is the triglycerides in your blood. It is sugar converted to fat. White blood cells then gobble up this fat (because there's too much of it) and store it in your belly, hips, everywhere.

This fat, along with a second type produced (which cannot be broken down, the body can't burn it), will also cover and coat a cell. This covering of fat over the outside of a cell prevents food/glucose from getting into the cell to provide energy.

So, our cells aren't getting enough energy and we have to eat more sweets to give us a quick boost, causing the pancreas to secrete more insulin. I believe this constant secreting of insulin is what wears out the pancreas and gives people the tendency to get Type II Diabetes.

It's estimated that 70-90% of people have high triglycerides. This high blood sugar, turned into high fat by the liver, causes 70% of modern diseases.

Fat in the arteries leads to strokes and heart disease. Fatty deposits on the brain can lead to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Multiple Sclerosis. DNA damage can lead to auto-immune diseases while unchecked cell growth in the body can lead to cancer.

When the liver breaks down fructose Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) is produced. This converts to Palmitic Acid, which goes inside the cell.

But when Palmitic Acid is in the cell it then converts to Salimide. This Salimide goes into the DNA and attacks it, causing a mutation. These mutations can make a person prone to certain types of cancer. They can also be the source of auto-immune diseases where the body attacks its own cells because it doesn't recognize them, due to the DNA damage.

These mutations also get passed on to our kids. This is why our children's health is not going to be as good as was our parent's health, unless we change our ways and teach our children how to live healthier lives.

So, basically, sugar converted to fat is damaging the genes in our DNA.

It will take 2-3 generations of improved attention to health and nutrition to fully correct damaged genes, but it is possible.

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Anita Murray is a Professional Health Coach, Nutritional Consultant, and Founding Editor/Owner of FibromyalgiaHope.com. For information on getting away from your sugar and caffeine cravings, join Anita’s Interactive E-course, where you will learn about 8 important strategies designed to reverse your declining health and move your toward the health you deserve.

gordy weiss

The utilization of the magnet in the field of medication is not new but is continuing for hundreds years. There has been a massive change in the pattern of approach. With the emergence of new technology, magnets are being utilized in a more advanced way to normalize the body functions. The Smart Magnet is the product of the new invention, which has certain magnetic frequencies programmed into its magnetic pattern to max out the effect on a specific area of the body.

Magnetic therapy with the help of smart magnet activates the DNA when these magnets are held close to the skin. The explanation of its working has been cleared in the biophysics. It is vital that the DNA in your cells should receive a good magnetic energy so that it is able to instruct your genes on how to continually maintain the 5 ‘R’ level. You must wonder reading this article

what these 5 ‘R’ stands for? The 5 ‘R’ are
1. Replenish
2. Rebuild
3. Replace
4. Rejuvenate

We know that there are to sources of energy; the food we eat which is the direct source of energy and the sunlight, which is considered as the indirect source of energy. Apart from these two types of energy there is one more source that provides us with energy and this is magnetic energy that is vital for our survival. The different sources of magnetic energy are the earth's magnetic field, the good or natural foods you eat, the sun, from man made devices, supplements in ionic form and other people that radiate a positive attitude.

The alteration of good DNA energy existing in your body due to the interference of suppressors like electrical devices and appliance for example; Televisions, Cell phones, Microwaves, High electrical tension wires, Computers screens, etc can lead to premature aging, sickness, or terminal illnesses. Even when the food is overcooked the magnetic energy of these food is completely diminished.

Your DNA needs to be fully charged with magnetic energy so as to provide your genes the right information to build healthy cells and this energy can be obtained by eating a variety of raw food with its own frequency and it is these magnetic frequencies that activate and promote your DNA to perform its natural function of directing the genes to produce a healthy body. Failure for your body to rebuild itself will results in a distressed immune system and premature aging. Smart Magnets give you the added magnetic energy to your own internal power. Once charged stop using it but continue eating good charged food to protect yourself from destructive magnetic energies.


magnetic bracelets - magnetic jewelry - magnetic therapy bracelets

By: Terry Bytheway

New research suggests that the radiation given out by mobile phones reduces sperm count by up to 30%.

A lot of concerns have been expressed by some male members of the public about the implications of prolonged cell phone exposure to male sperm cells. Considering the possible hazards, several considerations were taken into account.

Researchers of Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University Ohio evoked, that prolonged cell phone use may damage sperm in male users.

Subsequently, the findings were presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine conference in New Orleans. The findings were actually based on a study of 361 men attending the clinic for infertility tests. The men were divided into four groups: One group with no cell phone usage; one group that used cell phones less than two hours a day; a group who were exposed for two to four hours a day and a group with more than four hours a day of cell phone usage.

The men who used their cell phones in excess of four hours showed a 30 % drop in sperm motility and viability when compared to the men who did not use cell phones. Thus, the sperm count, quality, and shape were also reduced with each level of increased phone usage.

According to Dr. Ashok Agarwal, “There was a significant decrease in the most important measures of sperm health and that should definitely be reflected in a decrease in fertility which is seen worldwide”. Mobiles could have a devastating effect on fertility but it still has to be proven, he stressed.

In addition, he suggested that cell phones might be harming the DNA of the phone users, disrupting their testosterone-producing cells, or shrinking the tubules that create sperm. He noted that the small study did not prove that male fertility was affected by cell phone use, thus he suggested that further investigation is necessary.

On the other hand, scientists who have heard the results requested that factors such as age, weight, smoking, stress and sedentary occupations should be considered.

Alan Pacey, Senior lecturer in Andrology at Sheffield University, U.K said "If you're using your phone for four hours a day, then it is out of your pocket”. Thus, the question would be how is it that testicular damage is supposed to occur? If you are holding it up to your head to speak, it makes no sense it is having a direct effect on your testes”, he stressed. He added that people who use a phone for four hours a day spend more time sitting, which could mean there is a heat issue. It could be that they are more stressed, or more sedentary. Thus, he pointed out that those factors seem to be better explanations than a phone causing the damage at such a great distance.

Furthermore, Alasdair Philips, director of the consumer pressure group Powerwatch added, "Sperm is very temperature sensitive as shown by many studies, and a short-term rise in temperature could be responsible. He theorized that mobile phones may only heat the groin area when men are doing things like sending text messages while the cell phone is in their lap.

All these new researches were taken into consideration however, the final point is though scientists say that cellular phones can be linked to male infertility, further research has to be conducted to confirm the findings and establish how exactly sperm production is affected by radiation given out by mobile phones.

About the Author:

Links Juice Health Directory for websites containing information to help you with your health issues. Public safety directory to keep yourself safe in the public.

By: Jim Pretin

One day in the not too distant future, modern medicine will change completely, and stem cells will be used to treat and cure serious conditions that as of right now are still considered untreatable and irreversible. We will not even need doctors anymore. Every time something goes wrong, you will just pop offer to your local gene therapy clinic to get a tune-up with some freshly grown injectable stem cells engineered to cure your latest malady.

What are stem cells? They are cells that have not decided what they want to be yet. They are undifferentiated, non-specific human cells with a full complement of DNA that have not yet transformed into anything specific, such as the cells in your hand, or the cells in your hair follicles. These cells are capable of being a mechanic for your body; they can repair you by undergoing cell division to manufacture whatever cells are needed in order to replace old, damaged, or diseased cells that are no longer viable and need to be replenished.

Stem cell lines, once isolated, are very easy for scientists to work with because they can continue to make these cells for testing from the original line, due to the fact that those original lines are basically immortal, providing scientists with an unlimited supply that they can use for experimentation.

Currently, stem cell treatments are not available for most conditions and are usually only utilized in bone marrow transplants and not much else. The primary challenge that researchers face, as they attempt to perfect the usage of these treatments, is to prevent the immune system of the patient from rejecting the injected cells. A similar dilemma occurs with organ transplants, as the immune system of the recipient can reject the donation.

There have been a few successful, high risk experiments that utilized stem cells to reverse a debilitating condition. One of the most noteworthy examples occurred within the past 2 years, as scientists injected cells into the area where a test patient had been suffering from acute arthritis, and the results were astonishing. The cells divided into healthy joint cells that integrated themselves into the inflamed area and reversed the arthritic condition.

Stem cells will ultimately be the final frontier of medicine, providing cures for diseases that scientists have struggled with for years, such as Alzheimers, heart disease, and organic brain disease. However, there is much opposition to the research. Prominent religious leaders and idealogues are opposed to the research.

The religious right feels that creating an embryo to do research is tantamount to abortion. However, if the research is to reach its full potential, the creation of further embryos will be a necessity in order to support adequate research.

In the end, science will likely win, as some states have already funded the research that uses both existing cell lines and embryos. It may take some time, but the cures that will result from the usage of these treatments are far too important too dismiss simply because of religious beliefs.

Jim Pretin is the owner of www.healthpalace.net/penis-enlargement, an online directory for herbal products

Article Source: http://www.eArticlesOnline.com