The Function of Telomeres in Obesity Term Paper

The Function of Telomeres in Obesity - Term Paper Example The investigators carried out a case-control study involving 793 children, obese (above the 97th percentile for weight) and non-overweight (below the 90th percentile for weight). Their peripheral blood samples were taken and leukocyte DNA extracted, from which measurements of telomere lengthening was done using PCR. Statistical analysis showed that mean leukocyte telomere length in the obese group was significantly lower than in the non-overweight group, equating to about a 24% decrease. No statistical differences were found across gender, age, blood pressure or total cholesterol levels, however, telomere length was inversely related to height and weight. The investigators concluded that telomeres of obese children are significantly shorter than those of non-obese children of comparable age, and therefore obese children have a biological age that is significantly higher than their actual chronological age – an alarming conclusion which stresses the importance of reducing obesi ty in order to reduce the risk of future diseases. Buxton et al (2011) cited a number of published articles. More than one of the cited papers demonstrated how obesity in various ways – by a waist-hip ratio in women, for example - was linked to shorter telomere length. Among the references, the paper that was most critical to the study objectives of Buxton et al (2011) was the study by Farzaneh-Far et al (2010). This is because it was the largest, most robust, and most popular study, with the highest standards of research methodology.... Buxton et al (2011) cited a number of published articles. More than one of the cited papers demonstrated how obesity in various ways – by waist-hip ratio in women, for example - was linked to shorter telomere length. Among the references, the paper that was most critical to the study objectives of Buxton et al (2011) was the study by Farzaneh-Far et al (2010). This is because it was the largest, most robust, and most popular study, with the highest standards of research methodology. This was a prospective cohort study, the most reliable study design, involving 608 participants over 5 years. Participants were patients with cardiovascular disease. The investigators found that over 5 years, 45% of these patients developed telomere shortening, 32% maintained the same telomere length, and 23% lengthened telomeres. Independent predictors of telomere shortening in cardiovascular disease patients included older age, male sex, and abdominal obesity (higher waist to hip ratio). Study pa rticipants with the longest telomeres experienced the greatest amount of shortening, while those with shorter telomeres maintained or increased their length. This suggested that there may be negative feedback regulation of leukocyte telomere length in humans. The shortening of telomeres was postulated to be done by the enzyme telomerase. In contrast with prior cross-sectional studies, the authors found no significant associations between telomere trajectory and blood pressure, insulin resistance, smoking, body mass index, or physical activity. It was recognized that many genetic and environmental stressors may have acted as confounders to influence

Organization context of practice in nursing Essay

Organization context of practice in nursing - Essay Example This paper will comprehensively analyze the fall prevention program at Oilfields General Hospital in Black Diamond, explaining its relevance, roles and responsibilities of various parties in the program, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, the QA/QI models and principles underlying the program will be explicated to ultimately enable the derivation of recommendations on how the program can be improved to take care of the Canadian aging population. According to Zerwekh and Garneau (2014), fall prevention programs are best suited for the prevention of fall-related deaths and injuries that cost Canada over $3 billion every year. In its broadest and vaguest form, a fall is an unanticipated occurrence where an individual or patient suddenly comes to rest on the floor, ground, or any other lower level. The fall prevention program is thus the consultation with a nurse, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and geriatrician where the client’s health is assessed to determine their probability of falling thus aiding in providing apposite safety nursing care and guidance (Capezuti, Malone, Katz & Mezey, 2014). The hospital outlines that anybody who is over 65 years of age, and experiences falls or is likely to experience a fall, those in a position to walk for 25 metres, and those who can securely take part in a controlled exercise program should participate in the program. After enrolling in the program, individuals are expec ted to attend exercise and consultation sessions twice a week for a duration of six weeks. The hospital’s commitment to plummet fall-related deaths is seen through its provision of consultants including nurses and physiotherapists who are often ill-equipped, but enthusiastic to guide participants through the program (Zerwekh & Garneau,  2014). The depression, confusion, grander sequestration, loss of independence, and mobility resulting from falls among the seniors is more devastating, a factor that reiterates