This will be my last post, and it will be a reflection of this whole project in general.
To summarise, this project has certainly been a enjoyable one. Through the whole course of this project, I have learnt aplenty on the topics which i researched on, which is Ecology and Nutrient Cycles in the Ecosystem, and Issues on Sex.
Besides information and facts that I have learnt, like the types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the importance of an organism in the ecosystem, I have learnt valuable life lessons, and realised many things. One life lesson I have learnt is that we should be ready to accept the risks and consequences of our actions. An example is in the form of STDs. If we engage in casual sex, or visit sex workers, we should be ready to face the music, in the form of diseases such as Genital Warts, Genital Herpes etc. This also showed me the importance of practising safe sex, so as to protect ourselves from this diseases, which can be prevented from the start. Also, I realised that many of our planet's rich diversity of organisms are declining, due to a variety of problems. The biggest of these problems is Global Warming. Global Warming has caused the melting of the polar ice caps in Antarctica, which has affected the krill there. The species of animals that feed on the krill are declining because of the krill's decline. Once again, from here, we can see the importance of an organism to the ecosystem.
Throughout this learning experience, the most surprising information I have come across is about the reason behind the decreasing numbers of the many species of animals in the Antarctic. I did not know that the decline of krill had been the cause of the problem, as i had initially thought that the declining sea ice affected the species of animals as they could not find land to rest on and drown. Also, i did not expect the many species in the Antarctic to be this badly affected.
After the research, I still have many queries that are yet unsolved. One of them is about how the STDs actually start developing in someone's body. Although I have found out what type of micro-organisms cause these diseases, I have yet to find out how do we get these micro-organisms in our body in the first place. This is a most interesting piece of information that I would like to know about. This knowledge might help scientists prevent the spread of any diseases.
Of course, it is inevitable that challenges lie ahead for any project. For me, one of the difficulties is to actually find a source that gives reliable and sufficient information. To overcome this difficulty, one of course must have patience. Patience is the key to success, and eventually I found reliable sources in the end.
To summarise, this project has certainly been challenging, and has given me an opportunity to learn information beyond the textbooks.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Entry 17: 26/7/08
I will now start my reflection about this question.
I feel that researching about this topic educated me about the importance of practising safe sex in the future. In this modern world of ours, we should be more careful about our sexual activities, as many new and deadly viruses now run rife in this world of ours. The two Sexually Transmitted Diseases I have learnt about clearly showed this point. Who knows what deadly virus you may be infected with if you visit prostitutes or engage in casual sex. Even though there may be advances in medicine which help to treat these diseases, we still have to undergo a degree of pain, and suffer because of the disease. Everthing that we do, there will be a consequence. So, we need to think clearly and be aware of the consequences because of our actions. Next time, before you do something, you should be aware of the risks, and think before you act.
I feel that researching about this topic educated me about the importance of practising safe sex in the future. In this modern world of ours, we should be more careful about our sexual activities, as many new and deadly viruses now run rife in this world of ours. The two Sexually Transmitted Diseases I have learnt about clearly showed this point. Who knows what deadly virus you may be infected with if you visit prostitutes or engage in casual sex. Even though there may be advances in medicine which help to treat these diseases, we still have to undergo a degree of pain, and suffer because of the disease. Everthing that we do, there will be a consequence. So, we need to think clearly and be aware of the consequences because of our actions. Next time, before you do something, you should be aware of the risks, and think before you act.
Entry 16: 26/7/08
I will now continue on the tertiary stage of Syphilis.
At this stage, Syphilis usually is no longer contagious. Tertiary Syphilis is also a systemic stage of the disease and can cause a variety of problems throughout the body including:
-Abnormal bulging of the large vessel leaving the heart (the aorta), resulting in heart problems
-The development of large nodules, or gummas in various organs of the body
-Infection of the brain, causing a stroke, mental confusion, meningitis (type of brain infection), problems with sensation, or weakness (neurosyphilis)
-Involvement of the eyes, leading to sight deterioration
-Involvement of the ears resulting in deafness.
The damage sustained by the body during the tertiary stage of Syphilis is severe and can even be fatal.
Depending on the stage of disease and the clinical manifestations, the treatment options for Syphilis vary. Long-acting penicillin injections have been very effective in treating both early and late stage syphilis. The treatment of neurosyphilis, however, requires the intravenous administration of penicillin. Alternative treatments include oral doxycycline or tetracycline.
Women who are infected during pregnancy can pass on the infection to the foetus through the placenta. Penicillin must be used in pregnant patients with Syphilis since other antibiotics do not effectively cross the placenta to treat the infected foetus. Left untreated, Syphilis can lead to blindness or even death of the infant.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Penicillin: Penicillin (sometimes abbreviated PCN or pen) is a group of Beta-lactam antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually Gram-positive, organisms.
Gumma: A gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth resulting from the tertiary stage of Syphilis.
Neurosyphilis: Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the central nervous system (CNS). Neurosyphilis may occur at any stage of syphilis.
At this stage, Syphilis usually is no longer contagious. Tertiary Syphilis is also a systemic stage of the disease and can cause a variety of problems throughout the body including:
-Abnormal bulging of the large vessel leaving the heart (the aorta), resulting in heart problems
-The development of large nodules, or gummas in various organs of the body
-Infection of the brain, causing a stroke, mental confusion, meningitis (type of brain infection), problems with sensation, or weakness (neurosyphilis)
-Involvement of the eyes, leading to sight deterioration
-Involvement of the ears resulting in deafness.
The damage sustained by the body during the tertiary stage of Syphilis is severe and can even be fatal.
Depending on the stage of disease and the clinical manifestations, the treatment options for Syphilis vary. Long-acting penicillin injections have been very effective in treating both early and late stage syphilis. The treatment of neurosyphilis, however, requires the intravenous administration of penicillin. Alternative treatments include oral doxycycline or tetracycline.
Women who are infected during pregnancy can pass on the infection to the foetus through the placenta. Penicillin must be used in pregnant patients with Syphilis since other antibiotics do not effectively cross the placenta to treat the infected foetus. Left untreated, Syphilis can lead to blindness or even death of the infant.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Penicillin: Penicillin (sometimes abbreviated PCN or pen) is a group of Beta-lactam antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually Gram-positive, organisms.
Gumma: A gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth resulting from the tertiary stage of Syphilis.
Neurosyphilis: Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the central nervous system (CNS). Neurosyphilis may occur at any stage of syphilis.
Entry 15: 26/7/08
I shall now continue.
In most women, an early infection resolves on its own, even without treatment. However, 25%, or a quarter of all cases, will proceed to the second stage of the infection called "secondary" Syphilis, which develops weeks to months after the primary stage, lasting from four to six weeks. Secondary Syphilis is a systemic stage of the disease, meaning that it can involve various organ systems of the body. In this stage, patients can initially experience many different symptoms, but most commonly they develop a skin rash, typically appearing on the palms of the hands or the bottoms of the feet, that does not itch. Sometimes the skin rash of secondary syphilis is very faint and hard to recognize; it may not even be noticed in all cases. This secondary stage can also include hair loss, sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, and headaches. There can be lesions on the genitals that look like genital warts,but are actually caused by spirochetes rather than the wart virus. These wart like lesions, as well as the skin rash, are highly contagious. The rash can occur on the palms of the hands, and the infection can be transmitted by casual contact.
Subsequent to secondary Syphilis, some patients will continue to carry the infection in their body without symptoms. This is the so-called latent stage of the infection. Then, with or without a latent stage, which can last as long as 20 or more years, the third, or tertiary stage of the disease can develop.
I will continue in my next post about the 3rd stage of Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Lesion: A lesion is any abnormal tissue found on or in an organism, usually damaged by disease or trauma. Lesion is derived from the Latin word laesio which means injury.
Tertiary: Of the third order, rank, stage, formation, etc.; third.
In most women, an early infection resolves on its own, even without treatment. However, 25%, or a quarter of all cases, will proceed to the second stage of the infection called "secondary" Syphilis, which develops weeks to months after the primary stage, lasting from four to six weeks. Secondary Syphilis is a systemic stage of the disease, meaning that it can involve various organ systems of the body. In this stage, patients can initially experience many different symptoms, but most commonly they develop a skin rash, typically appearing on the palms of the hands or the bottoms of the feet, that does not itch. Sometimes the skin rash of secondary syphilis is very faint and hard to recognize; it may not even be noticed in all cases. This secondary stage can also include hair loss, sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, and headaches. There can be lesions on the genitals that look like genital warts,but are actually caused by spirochetes rather than the wart virus. These wart like lesions, as well as the skin rash, are highly contagious. The rash can occur on the palms of the hands, and the infection can be transmitted by casual contact.
Subsequent to secondary Syphilis, some patients will continue to carry the infection in their body without symptoms. This is the so-called latent stage of the infection. Then, with or without a latent stage, which can last as long as 20 or more years, the third, or tertiary stage of the disease can develop.
I will continue in my next post about the 3rd stage of Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Lesion: A lesion is any abnormal tissue found on or in an organism, usually damaged by disease or trauma. Lesion is derived from the Latin word laesio which means injury.
Tertiary: Of the third order, rank, stage, formation, etc.; third.
Entry 14: 26/7/08
I will now continue on my last post.
Another type of Sexually Transmitted Disease is Syphilis. Syphilis is an STD that has been around for centuries. It is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism called a spirochete. The scientific name for the organism is Treponema pallidum. The spirochete is a worm like, spiral-shaped organism that wiggles vigorously when viewed under a microscope. It infects the person by burrowing into the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitals. The spirochete produces a classic, painless ulcer known as a chancre.
There are three stages of Syphilis, along with an inactive, or latent, stage. Formation of an ulcer, or chancre, is the first stage. The chancre develops any time from 10 to 90 days after infection, with an average time of 21 days following infection until the first symptoms develop. Syphilis is highly contagious when the ulcer is present.
The infection can be transmitted from contact with the ulcer, which teems with spirochetes. If the ulcer is found to be outside of the vagina or on the male's scrotum, condoms may not prevent transmission of the infection by contact. Similarly, if the ulcer is in the mouth, merely kissing the infected individual can spread the infection. The ulcer can resolve without treatment after three to six weeks, but the disease can recur months later as secondary syphilis if the primary stage is not treated.
I will continue in my next post for more information on Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Chancre: A chancre is a painless ulceration formed during the primary stage of syphilis.
Spirochete: A microscopic bacterial organism in the Spirochaeta family.
Another type of Sexually Transmitted Disease is Syphilis. Syphilis is an STD that has been around for centuries. It is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism called a spirochete. The scientific name for the organism is Treponema pallidum. The spirochete is a worm like, spiral-shaped organism that wiggles vigorously when viewed under a microscope. It infects the person by burrowing into the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitals. The spirochete produces a classic, painless ulcer known as a chancre.
There are three stages of Syphilis, along with an inactive, or latent, stage. Formation of an ulcer, or chancre, is the first stage. The chancre develops any time from 10 to 90 days after infection, with an average time of 21 days following infection until the first symptoms develop. Syphilis is highly contagious when the ulcer is present.
The infection can be transmitted from contact with the ulcer, which teems with spirochetes. If the ulcer is found to be outside of the vagina or on the male's scrotum, condoms may not prevent transmission of the infection by contact. Similarly, if the ulcer is in the mouth, merely kissing the infected individual can spread the infection. The ulcer can resolve without treatment after three to six weeks, but the disease can recur months later as secondary syphilis if the primary stage is not treated.
I will continue in my next post for more information on Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Chancre: A chancre is a painless ulceration formed during the primary stage of syphilis.
Spirochete: A microscopic bacterial organism in the Spirochaeta family.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Entry 13: 24/7/08
I will now start on my second question on Issues on Sex, which is as follows: Name two examples of STDs(Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and elaborate on them.
One example of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Genital Warts. Genital warts are caused by some types of HPV, which is the human papilloma virus. They can appear on the skin anywhere near the genitals as white or flesh-coloured, smooth, small bumps, or larger, fleshy, cauliflower-like lumps. There are more than 100 different subtypes of HPV, and around 30 of them specifically affect the genitals. Other HPV subtypes cause warts to grow on different parts of the body, such as the hands.
If symptoms do appear, then the infected person may notice pinkish or white small lumps, or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear on or around the penis, the scrotum, the thighs or the anus. In women, warts can develop around the vulva or inside the vagina and on the cervix. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual coloured vaginal discharge.
Warts may occur singly or in groups. The warts may itch, but they are usually painless. Sometimes, the warts can be difficult to spot. In severe cases, it is possible for warts to spread from the genitals to the area around the anus, even if anal intercourse has not occurred.
Genital HPV is transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact, or through the transfer of infected genital fluids. This is usually during vaginal or anal sex, but it is also possible to pass it on through non-penetrative sexual activity.
In rare circumstances, a woman can pass HPV on to her baby during vaginal child birth.
I will continue in my next post.
Sources:
http://www.avert.org/genital-warts.htm
Glossary:
Vulva: The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.
Cervix: The narrow outer end of the uterus. A portion of the cervix extends into the vagina.
One example of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Genital Warts. Genital warts are caused by some types of HPV, which is the human papilloma virus. They can appear on the skin anywhere near the genitals as white or flesh-coloured, smooth, small bumps, or larger, fleshy, cauliflower-like lumps. There are more than 100 different subtypes of HPV, and around 30 of them specifically affect the genitals. Other HPV subtypes cause warts to grow on different parts of the body, such as the hands.
If symptoms do appear, then the infected person may notice pinkish or white small lumps, or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear on or around the penis, the scrotum, the thighs or the anus. In women, warts can develop around the vulva or inside the vagina and on the cervix. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual coloured vaginal discharge.
Warts may occur singly or in groups. The warts may itch, but they are usually painless. Sometimes, the warts can be difficult to spot. In severe cases, it is possible for warts to spread from the genitals to the area around the anus, even if anal intercourse has not occurred.
Genital HPV is transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact, or through the transfer of infected genital fluids. This is usually during vaginal or anal sex, but it is also possible to pass it on through non-penetrative sexual activity.
In rare circumstances, a woman can pass HPV on to her baby during vaginal child birth.
I will continue in my next post.
Sources:
http://www.avert.org/genital-warts.htm
Glossary:
Vulva: The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.
Cervix: The narrow outer end of the uterus. A portion of the cervix extends into the vagina.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Entry 12: 20/7/08
I will now conclude on this question.
The Birth Control Pills and Emergency Contraception Pills contribute to Man as important drugs which prevent pregnancies, which helps in cases such as unwanted pregnancies. It acts as an alternative to abortion, in the sense that it prevents pregnancies from even happening. This is less costly than abortions, and it does not harm human lives.
Although there are some side effects to pregnancy pills, birth control pills are still generally safe for consumption. Hence, they are beneficial to Man.
The Birth Control Pills and Emergency Contraception Pills contribute to Man as important drugs which prevent pregnancies, which helps in cases such as unwanted pregnancies. It acts as an alternative to abortion, in the sense that it prevents pregnancies from even happening. This is less costly than abortions, and it does not harm human lives.
Although there are some side effects to pregnancy pills, birth control pills are still generally safe for consumption. Hence, they are beneficial to Man.
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