Thursday, August 7, 2008

BLOOD CELLS

Why Do People Age?
Ageing is a result of the gradual failure of the body’s cell and organs to replace and repair themselves. This is because there is a limit to the number of times that each cell can divide. As the body’s cells begin this limit, the rate at which they divide slow down. Sometimes the new cells that produced have defects or do not carry out their usual task effectively. Organs can begin to fail, tissues change in structure, and the chemical reactions that power the body become less efficient. Sometimes the blood supply to the brain is not effective. The brain cells become starved of nutrients, leading to forgetfulness. For most old people memories bring great pleasure. Strangely, even though recent events may be forgotten, old people often clearly remember events that took place in their childhood.The Immune System plays a big role in this aging process with its operation located in the thymus gland. When this gland fail, the immune system of the body fails and organs are at the mercy of virus, bacteria, etc.Nutrients that help keep the thymus healthy are Vitamin A, C and E along with the minerals zinc and selenium.Causes of Aging : Smoking and polluted air produce molecular crossing in cells and this are responsible for skin and tissue hardening which causes brittle and wrinkled skin.This effect of molecular crossing is also produced by free radicals which tend to destroy and disintegrate cell, proteins and tissues, as well as the heart of cell, the DNA, by oxidation.Free radicals are produced by ultra violet rays from the sun, by the normal metabolism of certain fats and polluted air.Free radicals affect cerebral cells causing old age such as the loss of memory, depression, insommia, sexual impotency, arteriosclerosis, etc.Suggestion for Healthier Body and Mind :1. Consume Grains - Grains are rich in protiens, minerals(calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium) and starches.Types of Grains:Cereal : rice, corn, wheat and oatsLegumes : (Rich in proteins) all types of beans - kidney, lentil, lima, garbanzos, soybeans and peas.2. Consume Vegetables - Leafy green vegetables, seed pod, flower, stalk and root.Leafy : All types of tomatoes, squash, hot peppers, eggplant, green beans, cucumber.Flower : Cauliflower, broccoli, squash blossom, artichokes, palm flowers.Stalks : Celery, asparagus, mushrooms, corn smut.Roots : Beets, all types of onions, garlic, carrots, radishes, turnips.The intake of these vegetables should varied in order to acquire the wide variety of vitamins and minerals that the body needs.3. Consume Fruits - Fruits contain monosaccharide sugars which are easily assimilated by the body.Fruits are classified into three categories :Juice : Orange, grapefruit, lime, grape, mandarin, lemon.Pulp : Banana, mango, papaya, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, tamarind.Endosperm : Apple, pear, peach, apricot, plum, quince, prickly pear, fig, grape, guava, kiwi, date, coconut, pomegranate, jicama.Avocado has the most calories than any other fruits. Papaya has the most protein.4. Consume Tubers - Potatoes and yams are the most common. These products are rich in polysaccharide carbohydrates(starches). The sugars in fruits and tubers provide the most important source of energy for the body.5. Fiber - Soluble fiber is found in oats, fruits, vegetables. It helps to lower cholesterol and concentrated sugars in the blood. Insoluble fiber that is found in cereals and legumes is good for the digestive system and protects gainst cancer of the colon. It is suggested to consume from 20 to 30 grams per day.6. Fat - In a good diet, fat should be removed, as long as it is not more than 30% of the daily calorie intake.Daily supplements for adult (150lbs) use :Supplement Suggested Daily Use Comments1. A Beta Carotene with 2 capsules daily Powerful antioxidantVit. E and Selenium 1 capsule before each Helps resist infections;meal repair tissues2. Chinese lycium 2 to 3 capsules per day Powerful anti+ Vit. C 1 capsule before each oxidant. Preventsmeal oxidation of cells in the body Strengthens the immune system3. Ginseng and/or 3 tablets daily. Use for energy, impotence,Royal Jelly 1 tablet, 20 minutes enchancing immune systembefore each meal 4. Multi- minerals 6 tablets daily Zinc and Selenium are impt.(Zinc, Selenium) 2 tablets each meal for the immune system5. Aloe Vera Juice 3 ounces daily Aloe Vera is helpful inor nectar 1 ounce before each infections, skin cancer,meal arthritis, allergies6. Bee Pollen 3 tablets daily of 5gr Energy, vitamins, minerals1 tablet each meal amino acids, nutrients7. Omega-3 3 to 6 caps daily Fish oil contains EPA1 to 2 caps before high in polyunsaturatedeach meal fatty acids.

Blood :White cells:
There are five main types of white blood cell and each has a specific function. They are divided into two groups by the presence or absence of cytoplasmic granules, and by the structure of the nucleus.GranulocytesNeutrophils are the most numerous of the white cells. They are characterized by their multilobed nucleus and by the presence of cytoplasmic granules that stain with neither basic nor acidophilic dyes. The cytoplasm of these cells suggests that there is little synthesis by the mature cell, implying that once the cell is activated it has a short lifespan. The granules contain molecules active in killing bacteria, such as myeloperoxidase. One unique feature of neutrophils is their ability to function in areas of low oxygen tension. They are therefore well suited to operate in areas of infection and tissue damage. Neutrophils are increased in bacterial infection and inflammation.Eosiniphils are much less numerous than neutrophils, and can be recognized by their eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules. The secretions of eosinophils tend to inhibit mast cell degranulation and limit the destructive effects of mast cells. Their major acivity is with respect to parasitic diseases and allergic disorders.Basophils are even less common than eosinophils. They have basophilic cytoplasmic granules and a bilobed nucleus. The cytoplasmic granules contain heparin, histamine and chondroitin sulphate. The surface of basophils is coated with IgE produced by plasma cells. Antigen binding results in rapid degranulation.Agranular white cellsLymphocytes are found circulating in the blood as small cells with a round dense nucleus and very little cytoplasm. Small lymphocytes increase in size upon stimulation by antigen. Large lymphocytes represent activated B cells. They travel to the tissues where they are transformed into plasma cells.Monocytes are the largest of the white cells being about 20um in diameter. The have a large kidney-shaped nucleus and pale cytoplasm. Monocyte travel from the blood into the tissues where they transform into macrophages.Connective TissueConnective tissue is found in the body as a covering around organs, as layers of fascia , as the substrate for sheets of epithelium lining the surfaces of the body, and as major components involved in force transmission in the musculoskeletal system Connective tissue is derived from mesoderm.OrganizationAll of the forms of connective tissue show variations on a basic plan. The connective tissues are composed of a matrix in which are embedded cells. The proportions of matrix/cells vary as do the composition of the matrix and the types and numbers of cells present. According to composition the connective tissues are divided into general and special supporting tissues. The general forms appear either as loose (areolar) or dense. The dense forms may be regular or irregular.General Connective TissueThe CellsThe cells may be grouped into three types according to their function. They are either involved in synthesis and maintenance of the matrix, store fat, or are involved in defence and immune functions.FibroblastsFibroblasts are elongated cells found embedded in a matrix which they have produced. Since the fibroblast is responsible for synthesis and release of the components of the matrix the cytoplasm of the cell is filled with extensive RER and Golgi. Fibroblasts synthesize collagen, reticular and elastic fibres and the glycosaminoglycans of the ground substance. Quiescent cells are termed fibrocytes. Active fibroblasts are found in wound healing where they synthesize the matrix. At sites of scar formation myofibroblasts may also be found. Myofibroblasts contain contractile filaments and are able to cause shrinkage of scar tissue.MacrophagesMonocytes circulating in the blood migrate into the tissues where they transform into macrophages. Macrophages can divide in the tissues. As monocytes transform to macrophages the cell enlarges and organelles multiply. There is an increase in Golgi complex, RER, lysosomes, microtubules and microfilaments. The cell outline becomes irregular with many pseudopodia. The major functions of macrophages are the injestion and digestion of particles, and the secretion of molecules active in defence mechanisms.Mast CellsMast cells are found in loose and irregular connective tissue. Their prevalence below the skin, GI epithelium, below the peritoneum and around blood vessels reflects their importance in defence. Mast cells are round or oval cells up to 30um in diameter. The cytoplasm is packed with basophilic granules. Mast cells release heparin, chondroitin sulphate, histamine and leukotrienes. The surface of mast cells contains receptors for IgE. IgE is produced by plasma cells in response to antigenic stimulation. The antibody then binds strongly to the surface of mast cells. Anaphylactic shock may result from massive stimulation of mast cells through binding of a specific antigen with the IgE on the mast cell surface. Histamine causes contraction of smooth muscle in the bronchioles, dilates cpillaries and increases permeability.Plasma cellsPlasma cells are formed from large lymphocytes in the tissues. Plasma cells are not normally found circulating in the blood. Plasma cell cytoplasm is packed with RER, reflecting their role in antibody production. Plasma cells are short-lived in the tissuesThe MatrixThe matrix is formed of a ground substance in which fibres are embedded. Both the substrate and the fibres show a wide range of variability, producing connective tissue able to meet a wide range of requirements.The ground substance is formed of a hydrated gel of glycosaminoglycans. There are four main groups of molecules in the glycosaminoglycans family: hyaluronic acid; chondroitin sulphate and dermatan sulphate; heparan sulphate and heparin; keratan sulphate. Glycosaminoglycan molecules are large and complex with a strong negative charge. Because they are unable to be sharply bent, and they are strongly hydrophilic, glycosaminoglycan complexes tend to take the form of coils filled with water molecules. Each of the molecules of the glycosaminoglycans family has specific characteristics which allow the construction of gels with a range of pore sizes important at filtration sites such as the renal glomerulus, and a range of tensile strength resistance to compression as in cartilage. The type of gel present in each form of connective tissue varies but in each case its normal structure and function is essential to the integrity of the connective tissue.The fibres of the matrix are of four types: collagen, elastin, fibrillin, and fibronectin. Collagen fibres are the most common in all forms of connective tissue, and there are many types of collagen Collagen fibres resist tensile stresses and so are ideal in tissues such as tendons and ligaments. However collagen is also found as sheets of basement membrane separating the primary tissues of the body. Elastin fibres are formed by an arrangement between elastin and fibrillin. These fibres allow connective tissue to stretch and recoil, important features of blood vessels and the lung. Fibronectin is found in a range of forms, with an ability to bind to collagen, heparin and cell adhesion molecules, the integrins. Fibronectin is thus of great importance in the adhesion of cells to the substrate. Other non fibrillar proteins, such as laminin, entactin and Tenascin, also participate in cell adhes.

CONFERENCE CALL

Conference Call Recording Made Easy
I have created my fair share of podcasts and found that recording phone conversations for interviews was a must. I also found that recording conference calls was a brutal exercise in futility and frustrating to say the least.
Yes, there are plenty of conference call companies out there who provide recording now but it seems bizarre how many of them are still delivering actual CDs and Tapes!? Most of them do not even make the recordings available online after the call, you have to ask for it and it costs extra.
There are free conference call providers out there that allow you to use their service free of charge who do provide recordings, but you have to pay for the long distance toll charges.
With some services it's as simple as a checkbox when you create your conference call online or if you are using the system in an ad-hoc reservationless fashion you can just enter "6#" on your phone to start or stop recording. Within a few minutes your call recording(s) will be waiting for you.
You can listen to the conference recording using the embedded flash player or download the recording MP3 to your computer. Some services also offers an RSS feed for the recordings that is quite unique. You can add recordings to your RSS feed creating a podcast that listeners can use to download recordings directly to their MP3 player or iPod. It's as easy as click on the plus button next to your recording. You can reverse the process as well by clicking the minus button to remove it from your podcast feed.
Now that we have our RSS feed link we can post it to our blog. When a reader subscribes to that RSS feed their reader will reflect the changes that you make to your feed. If you add a conference call to your feed they will see that and be able to listen to it. If you remove a conference call they will lose that call from their feed.The Benefits of Having a Reservationless Conference Call
Organizations of all types today utilize new communications technology to facilitate collaboration among members. One of the most-used and most useful applications is the teleconference, which enables multiple people and groups of people in separate locations to connect and talk on the same phone call. The teleconference has become a staple of business life, and it is used by all types of organizations, including multinational corporations, government agencies, universities and academic collaborators, and small businesses. New communications technologies facilitate the spread of information and ideas, and conference calls are no exception.
However, conference calls today still are not very user-friendly. Often there is a long dial-in number that needs to be distributed beforehand either through email or another phone call. Then after dialing that number, the teleconference participant must enter a code or password in order to join the conference. This process can be tedious and annoying in everyday situations; in the event of an emergency, this type of delay could actually be dangerous.
The reservationless conference call is the answer to quickly setting up and participating in a teleconference with either a handful or dozens of other people. Not all mass notification companies offer the option of setting up an instant conference call, so it is important to make sure that the company you select offers this service. The notification company will contain the contact information of the organization's members in its database, and when an administrator or other user sends out a message, they can select the option to connect that person to an on-demand conference call.
Imagine this situation: your company receives word that a natural disaster has occurred at or near one of its facilities. Management needs to be notified immediately to determine the details of the situation and to decide what course of action to take. How do you connect all of these people in the fastest way possible? You could contact all of them by phone individually, but this wastes valuable time in a critical situation. You can email them, but there is no guarantee they will see the email or realize the severity immediately.
The solution is an emergency notification service that has the ability to set up a reservationless conference call. Simply send out a message to your users, telling them that a critical situation has occurred. This message will be send over multiple modalities, including email, SMS text message to cell phones, and voice messages to cell phones, home phones, work phones, and BlackBerry PINs. The message will give the user the option to connect instantly to an on-demand conference call. In a matter of seconds, your whole team can be connected to a reservationless conference call, without all the hassle and waste of first setting up the conference, then notifying all of the participants of the dial-in number and the password, and then waiting for all the the participants to dial in and enter their passwords.
Conference Call Providers
Conference call providers are the ones who enable the basic service for conference calls, either on web conferencing software or on a comparative low cost audio conferencing solution for online conference call meetings. They provide advanced teleconferencing platforms for customers to place international phone calls to anywhere in the world. With these features and calling flexibility, the telecom costs can be easily reduced by 90% over the traditional phone companies. This helps businesses to save money on international phone bills.
An organization can have up to 50 people connected on a single call through a conference caller, and be billed the same rate as a regular phone call. They don’t have to pay those high per-minute rates from other telecom companies. Conference call providers use the latest digital routing and switching equipment. Nowadays, conference call providers use full fiber-optic cabling throughout the network, providing callers with the finest quality service available, with a good bandwidth and less noise and transmission errors. There are multiple options to connect to a conference call provider. You can dial into a local toll-free access number, enter your conference code and get connected.
For conference call providers, with Conference Caller Web Dial Out, the calls are initiated via the Internet, are able to be received at any time of the day, 7 days a week. The fully automated system acts as a 24-hour operator, connecting organizations to their international partners and clients.
A lot of these providers are full-service conference call companies offering quality service and low-cost options. These companies provide personalized service for all of your conferencing needs. Affordable conference call provider rates, obviously, are preferred by most businesses. Reasonable pricing is the growing trend in the conferencing industry. Conference call providers are battling for their share of the marketplace. One must be sure to discuss and negotiate the best deals from their providers.
One should note that many providers offer a limited selection of conferencing services. Most of the companies specialize in one or two services, like audio, video, web, or data. Web collaboration software, video equipment, and conferencing phones are also offered by some companies.