The Black Death “Bubonic Plague” Was Not Picky When Choosing

The Black Death â€Å"bubonic plague† was not picky when choosing its victims during the medieval times and thrived in heavily populated areas. The symptoms of the Black death were, â€Å"boils the size of eggs in their groins and armpits, black blotches on their skin, foul odors, and severe pain† (The Earth and its People pg. 309). The sudden occurrence of the Black Death is still not fully known, but â€Å"The origins of the Black Death can be traced back to the Gobi Desert of Mongolia in the 1320s.† ( Geoffrey), by fleas, mosquitoes, and rats transferring the Yersinia pestis bacteria. The plague had major effects on trade, the economy, social status, and the religion of Europe and China. However, out of all the bad things about the Black Death, good†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Even if medieval doctors had understood its source, eliminating the rats and fleas that thrived on urban refuse would have been difficult† (The Earth and Its People pg 30 9). After the death toll started growing rapidly ports started closing and countries started closing their borders, which led to people not receiving things they needed and halting trade along the Silk Road and other trade routes. With the plague running wild in Europe and showing no mercy, people would pack up all they had and move out of the city, leaving farm lands unattended; which led to a shortage of workers. Nobility blood lines were ending with whole families being wiped out. The Black Death was not only affecting human lives, but also the farm animals which in turn increased the labor workers had to bear. Lords were losing serfs and those that were willing to work demanded an increase in wages; â€Å"This demand for peasants gave the under classes the ability to demand better compensation for their work. Laborers would now begin to fight for their rights by bargaining with the kings and dukes over their working conditions.† (Gottfried). With workers receiving higher wages, inflation started to sit in on Europe’s economy; as the plague was killing more and more people there was a surplus of agricultural goods which drove the price down. With some middle-class lords not generating any reve nue on their land anymore, they had to

Film Response to Avatar free essay sample

This is because it came into the market when the revolutionary 3 dimension television was entering the world market. Even more hype was drawn to it due its characters in that are lifelike and the special effects that channel through the viewers mind as the plot unfolds. James Cameron the director places the storyline in a convincing manner fusing the main parts of the movie namely, the plot, the dialogue, the characters, settings and the themes that make it quite a good movie to catch. The storyline basically evolves around a solder in the US army who happens to be paralyzed half of his body. Due to technological advancements a way through which humans could be transformed into hybrid nature called avatar exists. The avatars mission is to explore outside destinations. The soldier is recruited to be the traveler to a moon known as the Pandora. As events unfold the viewer is taken into a mental rollercoaster of the Pandora land. We will write a custom essay sample on Film Response to Avatar or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Beautiful scenery and untamed thick forests with characters having supernatural powers is what greets the viewer. However conflict arises as the plot picks when the main character Jack Sully falls in love not only with the land but also with Neitiri an inhabitant of the Pandora or the Navi. This was against the wishes of the human creators of the main character the avatar. Soon its discovered that massive resources exist in Pandora and the human greed takes over. Its decided that the Navis are to be moved by force but the power of determination and good eventually triumphs. The plot of Avatar is in my opinion is original as its characterized by unique features and motion effects that makes it possible for one to be glued on the screen. Its one of the few elements of the movie that makes it recommended to movie audiences to watch. Also, dialogue of the characters is good as its minimal but very relevant. Cameron has used nonverbal or body language of the characters to communicate with the audience about the story. For instance the ability of the avatar to do things in amazing is self explanatory to the viewer. The characters of the movie are unique but very simple in their action. The development of their traits is evident as the movie goes on. The main character, Sully begins the movie as a wounded soldier whom its expected to be weak and dull due to the fact of his condition however as he turns into the avatar the experience of Pandora freedom seems to be opening for amore vibrant person but also a kind and adventurous person. Neytri on the other hand is seen as a more down to earth lady who is principled and who cannot trade anything for her people. In addition those two main characters the other supporting casts help bring out the themes of the movie which include imperialism and greed in the society. Its noted that the storyline also includes position whereby the humans discover a fortune in the Pandora and dont care if the moons in habitants exist or not. They invade with superior weapons and attack the planet but the forces of nature counter attack them. Environmentalism is a theme is that depict what people can do not only in Pandora but on earth to destroy the environment. This is perhaps an indirect movie that promotes greenness on earth. Having looked at the elements of the movie one can decide to take a good look at the criticism that has been on the increase regarding the movie. First are the fantastic computer graphic and the imagery. This is the best movie that has brought life to the graphics industry. There has been a revolution and a growth over the years in the graphics industry that has seen amore acceptable standard of the movie industry. The graphic are believable and if watched on the 3D format they can be quite entertaining. Another interesting feature of the movie is the director himself who has had a completely different approach in his works and approaches. This means if one likes adventurous movies with characters with determination and vibrancy this is the movie to catch. However the movie can also be counter analyzed. This means it has some characteristics that are a setback. First, the story line is too predictable at some point. The viewer is able to tell that in the long rub the triumph will go a particular side. This is one feature that makes great movies to have a shorter lifespan. The director ought to have left suspense at the end or at the anticlimax but chose not to, this may have cost the movie an interesting feature. Some critics have also pointed out that the plot of the movie is not original although its set up in the unique environment. There have been movies that had similar approaches like that of the avatar. However since the new concept of graphical development is introduced the originality is quickly covered. The company that produces such movies argued on this point that perhaps since it had improved the making of the movies using the 3D concept, perhaps it could appeal to more audiences. Despite depicting the White man save the day notion the movies has strong ant-colonialism and environment message. The movie thus is one of the great must watch because of the above stated reasons. Its one of the most expensive movies of all time and one may clearly say that the work wasnt in vain.

The history of the Christian Church

Introduction The history of the Christian Church was an eventful process that was characterized by several periods marked by particular events and personalities. This paper looks at some of those events and personalities that shaped the Church as we know it today. The paper is divided into two sections. The first section (A) is concerned with the definition of some of the important concepts in the life of the Church. Section B provides a summary of some of the important events in the Church history.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The history of the Christian Church specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Definition of Terms Germanic Tribes These were Indo-European ethnolinguistic people whose origin could be traced to the northern part of Europe, and who were distinguishable by their Germanic languages. The word Germanic was coined during the classical by Roman authors to refer to certain tribal groupings considered ph ysical and less intellectual than the Romans. Carolingian Renaissance This referred to the era of cultural movements during the late eighth century. It was the foremost medieval Renaissance that happened in the course of the rule of Carolingian rulers. It was marked with a rise in the amount of literature liturgical changes and architecture. Scholasticism This referred to a technique of analytical thinking and defending dogma that governed the teachings in universities around Europe during the medieval period. It focused on acquisition of knowledge by deduction in resolving contradictions. Saint Francis Saint Francis of Assisi was a priest of the Roman Catholic Church who created the Order of Friars Minor for men. He also set up the women’s group of the Order of Saint Clare. Beguines These were people belonging to a grouping that originated in the medieval period. It was started by a group of single women and widows who dedicated themselves to a life of prayer and good deeds after they lost their men in battles and during the crusades. Petrarch Often referred to as the father of Humanism, Francesco Petrarch was a poet and an Aretine intellectual who existed in Italy during the Renaissance period. He rediscovered the correspondences of Cicero’s, which were credited for triggering the Renaissance during the fourteenth-century.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Marsilio Ficino Ficino was among the most prominent humanist academics during the early Renaissance in Italy. He was also an astrologer and was the first to translate the surviving works of Plato into Latin. Zwingli Huldrych Zwingli was one of the people who spearheaded reformation in his country, Switzerland. He was the only significant reformer whose movement did not metamorphose into a church. Anabaptists Anabaptists were a group of Christians who revolted against the system of baptis m during the sixteenth-century Radical Reformation in Europe. They advocated for re-baptism, and disputed the credibility of the baptism that was administered to infants. Avignon Papacy This term was used to refer to the period in the Roman Catholic Church when the papacy was centered in Avignon, in France. Martin Luther referred to this period as the ‘Babylonian captivity of the popes.’ Black Death This was one of the most disturbing pandemics that had ever been witnessed in human history. The plague was said to have been caused by the Yersinia bacteria and resulted in the deaths of over 100 million people. Erasmus Desiderius Erasmus was a Dutch Christian who was a scholarly authority in Europe. Though he advocated for and contributed to the protestant reformation, he took a strong stance against violence and criticized Martin Luther for his radical rhetoric.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The history of the Christian Church specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More 1517 C.E This was the period that marked the beginning of protestant reforms in the history of the church when Martin Luther wrote his ’95 Theses.’ In the theses Luther attacked some practices in the Roman Catholic Church. In 1521, he was excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Jesuits Also referred to as the Society of Jesus, it was a Christian grouping with an entirely male membership. The congregation was established by Ignatius Loyola upon his religious conversion after he was wounded in war. Spiritual Exercises These were a collection of Christian prayers, meditations, and mental practices designed by Ignatius Loyola. The exercises were distributed within one month, and were intended to bring the believer closer to Christ. Hernan Cortez Cortez was a Spanish explorer who headed a mission that instigated the collapse of the Aztec Empire. He was part of the initial group of Spanish colonizers who en tered the Americas. Lady of Guadalupe This was the title bestowed upon the Virgin Mary associated with a miracle in which she appeared to one of the natives of Mexico. Currently, there is a renowned image put up in the Basilica of Guadalupe. Old Believers This term was used in reference to a collection of Russians who rebelled against certain changes to the Orthodox liturgy. The reforms were forced on the Russian Orthodox Church by Nikon. 1492 C.E This was the period in church history that was characterized by a mass expulsion of Jews from Spain. Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain signed a document that saw the removal of all Jews from Spain on the reason that they were not willing to convert to Christianity.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Summary Christian Asceticism Christianity has brought to fruition every part of the various forms of ascetic practices. Though the New Testament Gospels do not discuss asceticism, the theme highlighted therein about following in the footsteps of Christ provided a good starting point for ascetic practice within Christianity. The chapters on asceticism traced asceticism to the first letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians. In this communication, Paul uses the analogy of an athlete that needs to prepare himself regularly to win a race. The chapter also depicted how self-denial, vigils and abstaining from food were practiced in early Christianity. The authors also discuss some of the early sects of Christianity such as the Encratites, in which asceticism was practiced. In the early church, ascetics lived within communities and played their roles. Celibacy along with martyrdom characterized the lives of the first ascetics. In the late third century, monasticism, which was an ascetic pr actice, came from Egypt. It was also thought that bits of monasticism came from Mesopotamia. It was adopted into Christianity and was practiced in the form of cenobitism. It got prominence after Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire (Hastings 48). The chapter indicated that particular traits of asceticism surfaced in early Methodism, Puritanism and the Oxford Movement despite the fact that ascetic practices were discarded by those who were spearheading the Protestant Reformation. Calvinism and Pietism also showed traits of asceticism. The protestant work ethics could be seen as a form of asceticism that required a rejection of pleasures obtained from material things even when legitimately obtained. The Christian Empire Constantine’s conversion to Christianity played a big role in transforming the Roman Empire into a Christian Empire. The chapter on the adoption of Christianity in the Roman Empire highlighted some of the challenges the implementat ion faced including resistance from the traditional Roman cultures. Christians also faced a hard task of transitioning from a relatively unknown religion to the mainstream religion practiced by the emperor. The chapter also highlighted some of the institutions that had to be created to meet the increased responsibilities while retaining the essence of the message carried in the Gospel. Constantine was made the Roman Emperor in 306. His conversion took place during a battle that involved his brother-in-law who was called Maxentius. He claimed to have had a vision in which God instructed him to imprint a holy sign, which he would carry into battle. From the chapter, it was not clear when Constantine developed a liking for Christianity. What was clear was the fact that his mother, Helena might have exposed him to Christianity during his youth. However, the emperor did not obtain baptism until towards the end of his life. Making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire was the biggest moment in the spread of Christianity and shaped the way Christianity under the Roman Catholic Church was practiced. Constantine became the patron of the early Christian Church, and under his leadership the church became more institutionalized. Constantine also instructed the supply of Bibles to Christians living in Constantinople. That action encouraged early publication of Bibles such as the Codex Sinaiticus. Reformation This chapter discusses the Protestant Reformation and the exodus from the Roman Catholic Church (Somervill 102). This chapter outlines the role played by Martin Luther and his ‘95 Theses’ in instigating the reform. It also looks at John Calvin and other influential figures during this period of church history such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Knox. Luther began his dissent of the Roman Catholic Church by condemning the corrupt practice of selling indulgences in exchange for absolution (Bainton 296). The debate later grew to involve other iss ues such as celibacy and the authority invested in the papacy. The Protestant Reformation began at a time when many groups of people were discontented with the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church. Most political leaders who supported the Reformation were unhappy with the amount of political power wielded by the papacy. Merchants also supported the Reformation since they did like the taxes imposed by the Roman Catholic Church. A major motivation throughout the progression of the Protestant Reformation was humanism. Erasmus was the most esteemed among the scholars that spearheaded the Protestant Reformation. He advocated for a restoration to the original Christian sources. Erasmus published his Treatise on Free Will in 1522. A reply by Martin Luther titled ‘On the Bondage of Free Will’ indicated how divergent their fundamentals regarding church reformation were. Though Luther, Zwingli, Melanchthon, Bullinger, Bucer, and Calvin founded their quest for reform on the pri nciples of the early church fathers, their radical views were characterized by their interpretation of the Bible. The Protestant Reformation resulted in cultural, political and social changes. Governmental structures that had been designed taking into consideration the Roman authority had to be realigned while groups who had hitherto been used to the Roman cultures and norms transitioned to new norms that resulted from the radical reforms. The Holy Russia Chapter The Christian faction that formed the Russian Orthodox Church was allegedly formed by Apostle Andrew while visiting Scythia and other Greek colonies (Garrard and Garrard 181). Legend has it that Andrew put up a cross at Kiev and predicted the growth a vast Christian city. It was in that spot that the Saint Andrews cathedral was built. The eastern parts of eastern Russia were under the control of the customs of the Roman Empire by the conclusion of the first millennium AD. The translation of the Bible into Slavonic that was done by Saint Methodius leveled the way for adoption of Christianity by the Slavs. The Eastern Orthodox Church parted ways with the Roman Catholic Church due to doctrinal differences and issues concerning the supremacy of the papacy. The Eastern Orthodox faithful accused their Roman Catholic counterparts of diverging from the teachings of the first seven ecumenical councils. The Russian Orthodox Church would also face its own division known as the Old Believer’s schism. Some members of the clergy and lay leaders of the church misunderstood the reforms that had been suggested by Patriarch Nikon and dissented from the mainstream church authority. Mysticism in the History of the Church Mystic practices of the Church generated increased yearning for God at a time when many church adherents were fed up with certain practices within the church leadership such as nepotism, corruption and selling of indulgences. Such Christians sought direct experience with God in order to avoid the doctrines they did not like in the Church. Mysticism was also in response to the intellectual workings of scholasticism where people’s doctrines were used in almost all aspects of worship. In response, mysticism sought to encourage a direct relationship with God through prayer and meditation. Known mystics in the history of the Church included Ignatius Loyola and Teresa of Avila (McColman 49). The void that was left during the Avignon Papacy and the Great religious Schism that happened during the last parts of the fourteenth century was an additional reason that encouraged mysticism in the early Church. While the pope was operating from France, some Christians felt that there was no actual leadership within the church. Due to this lack of direction, many Christians took to mysticism to communicate with God directly. The bubonic plague also played a major role in increasing mystic practices within the Church. The resultant uncertainty of life caused by the numerous deaths made people more spiritual and increased their hunger to improve their experience with God. The gender bias within the ranks of the Church also pushed some women faithful into mysticism. Christina of Markyate was one such Christian. She wanted to be a nun, but her parents disagreed with her decision and sent a man to take her virginity. She, however, managed to convince the man her parents had sent. She went to live as a nun under the guardianship of a monk called Roger. She became a nun in St. Albins and later became an important authority on England’s national issues. Catherine of Sienna, another female mystic, nursed people all through the bubonic plague. Therefore, she championed the notion of marriage to Christ. There were several similarities that existed between mysticism and the protestant Reformation. Like the protestant reformation that sought to do away with intermediaries in worship, mysticism sought direct relationship with deity. However, it was important to note th at mysticism was not in rebellion toward Church authority. Conclusion Christianity certainly has a rich history that involves the contributions of many influential figures. The state of Christianity is still undergoing metamorphosis and more changes can be expected in the future. Works Cited Bainton, Roland. Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2009. Print. Garrard, John and Carol Garrard. Russian Orthodoxy Resurgent: Faith and Power in the New Russia, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2008. Print. Hastings, Adrian. A World History of Christianity, United Kingdom: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2000. Print. McColman, Carl. The Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality, Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing, 2010. Print. Somervill, Barbara. Martin Luther: Father of the Reformation, Minneapolis: Capstone, 2006. Print. This essay on The history of the Christian Church was written and submitted by user Josiah Miranda to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Employment Is The Key To A Great Future

Employment Is The Key To A Great Future Many students today, have jobs while attending high school. In the article â€Å"When Job Crimps School, Future Pays,† written by Christine Baron, she feels as if having a job is future threatening. Baron also believes that it is an educational disadvantage, to participate in responsibilities other than school. However, whatever way it’s looked at, it is the path most often traveled by teens today. In my opinion, being employed during high school isn’t threatening at all. It should be a motivating and moving experience, which makes a person look forward to their future. For many teens, high school is a place of freedom. Whether it be finding out who they are, what purpose they serve or simply becoming employed. A place of employment is an opportunity to excel in what a person feels they have to offer. Each and every high school student that I know feels this way. They would very much disagree with Baron, just as much as I do. I work with an eighteen-year-old girl who is a sophomore in college and this is her first job. She told me that she was an only child and very sheltered. Also she stated that she didn’t have the kind of freedom others did in high school. While her friends went off to earn their weekend spending money, she was at her home with her parents, watching television. She wanted that freedom of having an occupation but wasn’t given the opportunity, until now. She is slowly catching up to those students that have had the chance, to experience what it is to be independent. Education is very important, it is a too l that trains a person for job skills used and tested in the future. However, if a student is able to maintain good grades and a job in high school, it is more feasible for the road ahead. In school students work, but in work students get hands on training and preparation for future jobs. With experience and an education, it makes it easier to... Free Essays on Employment Is The Key To A Great Future Free Essays on Employment Is The Key To A Great Future Employment Is The Key To A Great Future Many students today, have jobs while attending high school. In the article â€Å"When Job Crimps School, Future Pays,† written by Christine Baron, she feels as if having a job is future threatening. Baron also believes that it is an educational disadvantage, to participate in responsibilities other than school. However, whatever way it’s looked at, it is the path most often traveled by teens today. In my opinion, being employed during high school isn’t threatening at all. It should be a motivating and moving experience, which makes a person look forward to their future. For many teens, high school is a place of freedom. Whether it be finding out who they are, what purpose they serve or simply becoming employed. A place of employment is an opportunity to excel in what a person feels they have to offer. Each and every high school student that I know feels this way. They would very much disagree with Baron, just as much as I do. I work with an eighteen-year-old girl who is a sophomore in college and this is her first job. She told me that she was an only child and very sheltered. Also she stated that she didn’t have the kind of freedom others did in high school. While her friends went off to earn their weekend spending money, she was at her home with her parents, watching television. She wanted that freedom of having an occupation but wasn’t given the opportunity, until now. She is slowly catching up to those students that have had the chance, to experience what it is to be independent. Education is very important, it is a too l that trains a person for job skills used and tested in the future. However, if a student is able to maintain good grades and a job in high school, it is more feasible for the road ahead. In school students work, but in work students get hands on training and preparation for future jobs. With experience and an education, it makes it easier to... Free Essays on Employment Is The Key To A Great Future Employment Is The Key To A Great Future Many students today, have jobs while attending high school. In the article â€Å"When Job Crimps School, Future Pays,† written by Christine Baron, she feels as if having a job is future threatening. Baron also believes that it is an educational disadvantage, to participate in responsibilities other than school. However, whatever way it’s looked at, it is the path most often traveled by teens today. In my opinion, being employed during high school isn’t threatening at all. It should be a motivating and moving experience, which makes a person look forward to their future. For many teens, high school is a place of freedom. Whether it be finding out who they are, what purpose they serve or simply becoming employed. A place of employment is an opportunity to excel in what a person feels they have to offer. Each and every high school student that I know feels this way. They would very much disagree with Baron, just as much as I do. I work with an eighteen-year-old girl who is a sophomore in college and this is her first job. She told me that she was an only child and very sheltered. Also she stated that she didn’t have the kind of freedom others did in high school. While her friends went off to earn their weekend spending money, she was at her home with her parents, watching television. She wanted that freedom of having an occupation but wasn’t given the opportunity, until now. She is slowly catching up to those students that have had the chance, to experience what it is to be independent. Education is very important, it is a too l that trains a person for job skills used and tested in the future. However, if a student is able to maintain good grades and a job in high school, it is more feasible for the road ahead. In school students work, but in work students get hands on training and preparation for future jobs. With experience and an education, it makes it easier to...

What are the motivation behind sexual serial homocide Essay

What are the motivation behind sexual serial homocide - Essay Example er in which sexual contact is explicit" (Kellaher, 2004), other experts attribute this term to the homicidal act only if "the perpetrator describes an internal feeling of arousal" (Kellaher, 2004). There are some observations which indicate that the murder is sexual homicide. They are exposure of sexual parts of the body of the victim, victim attire, lack of victim attire, presence of the body of the victim in sexual position, presence of foreign bodies in the various cavities of the body of the victim, evidence of intercourse either, vaginally, orally or sexually and presence of evidence of substitute sexual interest, sexual activity or sadistic fantasy (Mirich, 2004). According to Schlesinger (2004), there is a dire need to understand the acts of sexual homicide by examining the criminal psychodynamics and also the crime context. Schlesinger (2004) emphasizes the need for forensic examiners to review and evaluate the statements made by witnesses and also collateral histories as available from the family members of the criminals and the employers. The numbers of sexual homicide cases which occur are not much known, but they constitute to about less than 1% of all murders. Over the past 35 years, it has been estimated that the rate of sexual murder has almost tripled. According to experts, in about 43% of cases, the victim was a stranger to the assailant and there was no known connection. According to the FBI study (qtd. in Mirich, 2003), all the serial sexual murderers were male, with most of them being white. The study also revealed that most of the victims of serial sexual killing were women. Another interesting finding in the FBI study (qtd. in Mirich, 2003) was that most of the killers were eldest sons with 80% having average or above average intelligence. Also, atleast 74% killers had a stable income and about 69% of the killers were alcoholics and 33% drug addicts. There were family histories of psychiatric disorders in 53% of killers. Many of them also

Genre Impact on the Representation of Gender and Sexuality Essay

Genre Impact on the Representation of Gender and Sexuality - Essay Example The visual media present several role models of both genders that influence people’s mind-set in the issue of sexuality. The media representation of women for instance centers on physical beauty and absence of strong and influential female role models (McCaughey & Neil, 12). Although the nature of women might have changed from emphasizing much on beauty or emergence of influential role models, the perception of people towards women remains as portrayed in the media. Conversely, media representation of men centers on strength, power and sexual charisma. Although this might not be true for all men, the media representation ensures that everyone perceives men in that line (McCaughey & Neil, 14). The diverse representation of different genders in films raises the issue of gender imbalance in films. Gender imbalance in films also has an impact of representation of gender and sexuality. A recent study revealed that more than 60% of the speaking roles in films are given to men leavin g the lesser percent to the women (Nanthakumar, 2). Further, females in films are more than three times likely to be displayed almost naked or fully naked. The women dress in more provocative clothes than men do. This has influenced the representation of gender and has sparked complains among some female groups. The groups claim that women are viewed as sexual objects particularly after watching depicting them as so. According to the research report, close to 30% of the girls are depicted as attractive which has raised the issue of female characters being perceived as servants. The films portray women and girls as attractive and sexual objects. This makes them feel that they should always be mindful of their physical beauty and be submissive to the men. ... This has created a gender representation in which the women feel less important in the society because their ideas are opinions are not important according to the film. One of the films that have such a representation is the movie, â€Å"Twilight† (Douglas, 40). It was further discovered that men are hardworking in terms of movie production as opposed to women. This implies that there are more male movie producers, writers, directors or cameramen than women. The films represent men as physically stronger than women. In the action adventure films, the men usually dominate the scenes. The men usually the heroes are depicted as sexually striking, brave and physically stronger than women. They are also depicted as independent and confident. In these types of films, the opposite of the heroes are the villains. The villains are depicted as wicked and cruel. They are less attractive when compared to the heroes while their scary look makes the audience hate them. The films depict wome n as motivating characters and usually play a passive role. Most Hollywood movies portray women as frail and helpless. This has made the world perceive women as so (Dole, 87). The films are shot with the women screaming, sobbing and most of the time crying. Some movies however, portray the women as rowdy and aggressive. Some of the viewers of such films might change and start perceiving the women as violent and aggressive. The Watkin’s Chicago provides a good example of media representation of aggressive women. Some of the movies that portrayed women as aggressive include the film â€Å"noir femmes fatales†, â€Å"the vamps†, and the more recent ones such as â€Å"Monster† and â€Å"Million Dollar Baby† of 2003 and 2004 respectively (Cristian, 45). The

Impact of Frailty on Depression

Impact of Frailty on Depression Background With increasing life expectancy, diseases associated with old age have increased in growing proportion in recent decades. (1) The integration of frailty measures in clinical practice is crucial for the development of interventions against age-related conditions (in particular, disability) in older persons. Multiple instruments have been developed over the last years in order to capture this geriatric multidimensional syndrome characterized by decreased reserve and diminished resistance to stressors and render it objectively measurable. (2) Frailty is not uncommon to the medical contemporary research nowadays. Several possible definitions were given by different researchers in the past to define frailty. One and commonly used definition of physical frailty was given by Fried et al, Frailty was defined as a clinical syndrome in which three or more of the following criteria were present; unintentional weight loss (10lbs in past year), self-reported exhaustion, weakness (grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. (3) Frailty in older people was again classified into prefrail those having one or two criteria given by Fried et al, and frail elderly having three or more criteria as per Fried et al definition. Medical Syndrome like frailty, keeps older adults at increased risk of adverse health outcomes when exposed to a stressor. (4)   Stressors lead to decline across multiple physiological systems incrementally and are associated with greater depressive symptoms and disability. (5) Depression is not a normal part of ageing process (6) and is a potentially life-threatening disorder that affects hundreds of millions of people across the world. (7) Depression is commonly seen in frail older people as they may face widowhood or loss of function or independence or bereavement. Depression, if left untreated, complicates other chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, etc. It may also incur health care costs and often accompanies functional impairment and disability. (6) Various systematic reviews and journal articles has demonstrated association between depression and frailty. In this review, focus has made to highlight the role of stressors that leads pathways linking depression and frailty. Prevalence of frailty, depression and their co-occurrence in older individuals Several studies have been carried out to measure the prevalence of frailty in community-dwelling older people as well as those in hospital settings. Majority of the studies have used similar criteria to measure frailty among older adults. Systematic review of frailty prevalence worldwide concluded that 10.7% of community-dwelling adults aged à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥65 years were frail and 41.6% pre-frail. (8) It was noted that prevalence figures varied substantially between studies (ranging from 4% to 59%) using different criteria to measure frailty. (6) Data from Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) in 2004 covering more than 10 European countries, showed prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in 65+ age group as 17.0% (15.3 18.7) were frail and 42.3% (40.5 44.1) were pre-frail. (9) The prevalence of frailty in community dwelling older people ranged from 17%-31% in Brazil, 15% in Mexico, 5%-31% in China, and 21%-44% in Russia. However, prevalence of frailty was again fou nd much higher in institutionalized older patients as 32% in India and 49% in Brazil. Findings of study in outpatient clinics reported prevalence of frailty was 55-71% in Brazil and 28% in Peru. (10) Above finding suggests that older people of low- and middle-income countries were found frail in significant proportions which imply policy and health care provisions for this ageing population. Depression varies in its prevalence in different studies and settings. Prevalence of depressive symptoms was found 14% in Brazilian adults (11), 9% in United States general population (12) and 23.6% (95% CI: 20.3-27.2%) in Chinese older adults. (13) Depressive symptoms were most commonly associated with women (11) (12) (13) and single adults (i.e. divorced, unmarried or widowed) than in married older adults. (13) Prevalence of depressive illness rises further in the event of associated co-morbid condition such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension[N1]. Median prevalence of minor depression was 14.4% and 10.4%, in medical settings and community-based setting, respectively[N2]. (14) The median global prevalence of serious depression in the elderly population is around 1% 5%. (15) (16) (17) Depressed elders show many phenotypical expressions of frailty and vice versa. Coexistence of both depression and frailty among older people has been investigated in several studies. (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) A recent systematic review examined the relationship between depression and frailty found serious depression in 4 16% of frail individuals who are aged 60 and over. (6) However, this percentage rises to 35% in older population with age 75 years or more. (6) (24) A study conducted within framework of prospective cohort study, the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons (NESDO) found that the prevalence of physical frailty was significantly higher in the depressed group in comparison with non-depressed (27.2% vs 9.1%, p4) was present in as high as 46.5% of the frail subjects. Depressed patients often exhibit symptoms that interfere with their ability to function normally for longer duration which facilitates progression of frailty syndrome. (6) Therefore, in order to improve health and preventing frailty depression in elderly, it is essential for researchers and practitioners to understand the linking phenomena for further research and developing treatment options. Main pathways linking frailty and depression Several studies have identified the possible physiological pathways that link between frailty and depression in older adults. Of which, the main hypothetical pathways identified were vascular depression, chronic inflammation, Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and accelerated cellular ageing. Vascular depression hypothesis Alexopoulos et al. (26) proposed that cerebrovascular disease may predispose, precipitate, or perpetuate some geriatric depressive syndromes. This statement was supported by another study of vascular depression based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conducted by Krishnan KR et al. (27). Bivariate analyses and a fully adjusted logistic regression model in MRI study revealed that older age, late age at onset, and nonpsychotic subtype occurred more often in patients with vascular depression than in those with nonvascular depression. He also observed that anhedonia and functional disability were seen somewhat more often in patients with vascular depression. There are several clinical studies that examined vascular disease in depression. Some studies (28) found a highly significant increase in physical illness and vascular risk factors in the late onset group, after adjusting for age when they compared early and late onset late-life depression. (29) On the other hand, several others found no association of depression with cerebrovascular score (30) and vascular disease (31). Depression may occur as a result of vascular disease in a significant subpopulation of elderly persons. (32) Depression has a bidirectional association with vascular diseases and plausible mechanisms exist which explain how depression might increase these vascular diseases and vice versa. Thomas AJ et al summarized that coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke are all associated with high rates of depression and depression is an independent risk factor for the subsequent development of CAD and stroke. (29) Mechanism of vascular depression can be hypothesized as reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to given stressors. Normal CBF in adult humans is about 60ml/100 grams/min and regionally, about 70ml/100g/min in gray matter and 20ml/100g/min in white matter. Between the ages of 20 to 65, normal CBF generally declines about 15-20%. It is generally accepted that when CBF reaches 30ml/100g/min, neurologic symptoms can appear and when CBF falls to 15-20ml/100g/min, electrical failure or irreversible neuronal damage can occur even within minutes. (33) Blood flow to the brain is influenced by systemic hemodynamics and cerebro-vascular auto-regulation, with cerebral arteries contracting or dilating as arterial pressure changes. These processes interact to maintain stable perfusion. (33) However, these processes are impaired in the context of vascular disease: hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis lead to vascular wall hypertrophy, reduced arterial lumen diameter, reduced arterial distensibility, and endothelial cell dysfunction. This affects cerebral blood flow. Mild CBF reduction may impair cognitive and affective processes, while greater CBF reduction may cause ischemic injury. The subcortical white matter is particularly sensitive to these changes because it is supplied by terminal arterioles with limited collateral flow and so susceptible to infarction due to impaired autoregulation. Greater white matter hyperintensities (WMH) severity may be a marker of broader deficits in perfusion and autoregulation. Thus, risk factors for vascular disease can lead to subclinical cerebrovascular disease throughout the brain. Katz (2004) theorizes that cerebrovascular disease that causes prefrontal white-matter hyperintensities and vascular depression may also lead to posterior white matter hyperintensities, resulting in characteristics of frailty such as falls, slowness, and weakness. (34) He further stated that if the effects are anterior, the manifestations may include depression. However, if the effects are more posterior, the manifestations may be in the form of disturbances of gait and balance. Several other studies had compared depressed elderly with control group and demonstrated an increase in deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMH) in depression (35) (36) (37), but no or not significant association with peripheral vascular lesion (PVH) (36) (37). The cerebral WM contains fiber pathways that convey axons linking cerebral cortical areas with each other and with subcortical structures, facilitating the distributed neural circuits that subserve sensorimotor function, intellect, and emotion. The va scular depression hypothesis postulates that altered mood regulation and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly are due to subclinical cerebrovascular ischemia that disrupts frontostriatal neural circuits. (38) (39) This disruption of fronto-striatal neural circuits leads to disconnection syndrome that corresponds to the clinical and neuropsychological profile of LLD. (40) Prefrontal WMH also leads to executive dysfunction which affects planning, self-monitoring, attention, response inhibition, co-ordination of complex cognition (as in Trail making Test) and motor control. This leads to frailty. Chronic Inflammation hypothesis Aging- and disease-related processes promote proinflammatory states in older individuals. Administration of cytokines or induction of peripheral inflammation results in an inflammatory response, which in turn is correlated with fatigue, slowed reaction time, and mood reduction. Even without medical illness, depressed individuals exhibit increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. Proinflammatory cytokines affect monoamine neurotransmitter pathways, including indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase upregulation and kynurenine pathway activation. This results in decreased tryptophan and serotonin and increased synthesis of detrimental tryptophan catabolites that promote hippocampal damage and apoptosis. Cytokines, including IL-1ÃŽÂ ², also reduce extracellular serotonin levels by activating the serotonin transporter. Effects of the CNS inflammatory cascade on neural plasticity Microglias are primary recipients of peripheral inflammatory signals that reach the brain. Activated microglia, in turn, initiate an inflammatory cascade whereby release of relevant cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory mediators, and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS and ROS, respectively) induces mutual activation of astroglia, thereby amplifying inflammatory signals within the CNS. Cytokines, including IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, as well as IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma (from T cells), induce the enzyme, IDO, which breaks down TRP, the primary precursor of 5-HT (serotonin), into QUIN (quinolinic acid), a potent NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) agonist and stimulator of GLU (glutamate) release. Astrocytic functions are compromised due to excessive exposure to cytokines, QUIN, and RNS/ROS, ultimately leading to impaired glutamate reuptake, and increased glutamate release, as well as decreased production of neurotrophic factors. Of note, oligodendroglia are especially sensitive to the CNS inflammatory cascade and suffer damage due to overexposure to cytokines such as TNF-alpha, which has a direct toxic effect on these cells, potentially contributing to apoptosis and demyelination. The confluence of excessive astrocytic glutamate release, its inadequate reuptake by astrocytes and oligodendroglia, activation of NMDA receptors by QUIN, increased glutamate binding and activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors (accessible to glutamate released from glial elements and associated with inhibition of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression), decline in neurotrophic support, and oxidative stress ultimately disrupt neural plasticity through excitotoxicity and apoptosis. 5-HT, serotonin; BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CNS, central nervous system; GLU, glutamate; IDO, indolamine 2,3 dioxygenase; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; NMDA, N-methyl-D-aspartate; QUIN, quinolinic acid; RNS, reactive nitrogen species; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; TRP, tryptophan. Regarding LLD, the aging process disrupts immune function, increasing peripheral immune activity and shifting the CNS into a proinflammatory state. Elevated peripheral cytokine levels are associated with depressive symptoms in older adults, with the most consistent finding being for IL-6, but also implicating IL-1ÃŽÂ ², IL-8 and TNFÃŽÂ ±. Proinflammatory states in older adults are associated with cognitive deficits, including poorer executive function, poorer memory performance, worse global cognition, and steeper decline in cognition. Finally, greater IL-6 and C-reactive protein levels are associated with greater WMH burden. In LLD, ischemic lesions are also more likely to occur in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), Similarly, depressed elders exhibit increased expression of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the DLPFC. CAMs are inflammatory markers whose expression is increased by ischemia, supporting a role for ischemia in LLD and highlighting the relationship between vascular and inflammatory processes. HPA dysregulation When the HPA axis is activated by stressors, such as an immune response, high levels of glucocorticoids are released into the body and suppress immune response by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1, TNF alpha, and IFN gamma) and increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13) in immune cells, such as monocytes and neutrophils. Excess stress also appears to play a role in the development of depression and can cause dysregulation of the HPA axis. Patients with major depression have been found to have elevated plasma and urinary cortisol levels as well as elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone and decreased levels of BDNF. Prolonged severe stress is thought to damage hippocampal neurons and to reduce the inhibitory control exerted by the HPA axis in regulating glucocorticoid levels. During an immune response, proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1) are released into peripheral circulatory system and can pass through the blood brain barrier where they can interact with the brain and activate HPA axis. Interactions between the proinflammatory cytokines and the brain can alter the metabolic activity of neurotransmitters and cause symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and mood changes. Increased levels of aldosterone in the circulation stimulate excessive production of collagen, which leads to fibrosis of tissue or organ whereas low levels of adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and insulin-like growth factor 1 are associated with frailty. Further, cortisol may mimic the effects of aldosterone. Elevated serum levels of cortisol and aldosterone are independent predictors of mortality in patients with heart failure. Accelerated Cellular Aging hypothesis Accelerated cellular aging, as measured by telomere length (TL) shortening, might also be linked to depression and frailty. At both ends of every DNA strand in a human cell is a telomere.Telomeres prevent chromosomes from becoming frayed, fusing into rings, or binding with other DNA. Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein structures located at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes. They play a critical role in controlling cell proliferation and maintenance of chromosomal stability. As part of bodys normal aging process, each time a cell divides the telomeres in your DNA get shorter. Add oxidative stress to the mix and telomeres shorten even more rapidly. Oxidative stress is the effect of destructive reactions in your bodys cells caused by too many free radicals or atoms/molecules that have unpaired electrons. In their search for an electron to make them whole, they destroy other cells. Free radicals come from environmental toxins, such as pollution, chemicals, drugs and radiation, and even naturally occur in your own body when you exercise. Antioxidants fight free radicals and stem the causes of oxidative stress. Eventually, bodys cells are unable to divide (or reproduce) and simply die. Eventually, this instability leads to tissue breakdown potentially leading to premature aging. Any stressful condition or anxiety leads to feeling of depression which in turn initiates physiologic body response that includes, increase in stress-induced glucocorticoid release and oxidative stress. Unhealthy behaviour will also stimulate inflammatory response which lead to release of cytokine and can affect telomere length.