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Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Of All The Mental Duties Revealed About The Rat During

Of all the mental duties revealed about the rat during this book, the one that most interested me was direct reciprocity. This was the most intriguing information, because while generalized reciprocity would seem to be a higher functioning thought process, in reality direct reciprocity is far more complex. The animals must learn and understand reciprocal altruism. Not only are the animals required to learn that there is a causal relationship between cooperatively working together and receiving more rewards, there is an entire chain of events that must take place. In order to perform direct reciprocity a rat must be able to tell apart other rats, and keep a mental list. This list consists of all of the specific rats that have helped it in†¦show more content†¦In this instance migratory birds are able to learn a sort of mental compass. While many people would assume that this information is genetically encoded, that is impossible since celestial poles change every 27,000 years (far faster than evolution can update a bird s mental gps). Rather than have this information genetically encoded, the migratory birds are genetically prepared to learn this information. Nestlings spend a majority of their time watching the constellations, in order to map the stars. The quality and quantity of the material the baby birds must learn is fascinatingly impressive. The cherished notion on the uniqueness of human intelligence is an unfair assumption. Many people dwell upon these ideas in order to feel superiority and to justify actions. People would be far less willing to experiment on lab rats if they acknowledged the fact that they are intelligent. People typically regard animals as less intelligent than they really are because if they didn’t then it would create a cognitive dissonance. People don’t want to probe at animals if they they believe the animals possess human-likeShow MoreRelatedAnimal Testing Is Cruel And Unusual Punishment2041 Words   |  9 Pagesmean great progress in the search for new vaccines and therapies. What place should animals have in an acceptable moral system? Why should we continue sacrificing lives of animals when possible alternatives are available? Practically all the advances in medicine during the past 100 years are attributed to animal testing. Each year, scientists use animal models to develop cures and preventions for diseases prevalent worldwide. Some examples of scientific advances were possible by animal tests includeRead More Friendship, Life, and Nature: Of Mice and Men Essay examples2143 Words   |  9 Pages â€Å"Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Steinbeck 3). Steinbeck compares Lennie to a large animal in physical terms. Lennie’s hand represents the paw of the large animal. Overall, Steinbeck’s style of writing illustrates the lives of two men during the Great Depression and the strong connection of friendship they share through a struggle of life and the nature of being human. Protection of a friend depicts the American theme of two male counterparts. George watches over Lennie in protectionRead MoreCompare and Contrast the Ways in Which the Writers Present the Horrors of the War in Regeneration and Journeys End.2304 Words   |  10 Pagesuniversity-trained historian and this is confirmed by the presence of very reliable sources in the Authors Notes, at the end of the novel. It was written the 1980s which has enabled her to gather a lot of information about the war. Pats grandfather had been bayoneted during the war, and Pat would see his scars when he went to the sink to wash. His experiences in the war made influenced Barkers understanding of the period, making the effect of the war more immediate and personal. She attributesRead MoreHuman Behavior and the Socil Environment7216 Words   |  29 Pagesprofession is broad, which is evident by supporting theories as presented by experts on Human Behavior. These theories support human growth and developmen t as well as the overall functioning of the individual in the midst of social service delivery. Almost all these theories come out of a socio-historical context and are value-laden. After birth a child quickly realizes that resources for his survival come from the parents or guardians and he discovers through contact with these people the strategiesRead More Gulf War Syndrome Essay3736 Words   |  15 Pagesthe Gulf War and still not all the answers have been found. Not only have thousands of troops suffered from this syndrome, but also their families have developed some symptoms related to this syndrome. It is important to inform our nation of this new disease because there is still no cure, and GWS can be our next conflict relating to AIDS and Cancer. This research is dedicated to people who are uneducated about Gulf War Syndrome. After reading many articles about Gulf War Syndrome there isRead MoreThe Things They Carreid by Tim OBrien Essay2102 Words   |  9 PagesVietnam, and they are both authors writing about Vietnam. While this novel pulls from factual informations and true events, the novel is a work of fiction. Doing so speaks to the ambiguity of the war and the infrequency of depended able information. â€Å"I want you to feel what I felt. I want you to know why story-truth is truer sometimes than happening-truth†(O’Brien). This novel is set apart from other war stories because it does not simply just speak about the events and facts, it also allows for theRead MoreCritics of Novel 1984 by George Orwell14914 Words   |  60 Pageswindows, where he sits for days alone. Finally, OBrien comes. Initially Winston believes that OBrien has also been caught, but he soon realizes that OBrien is there to torture him and break his spirit. The Party had been aware of Winstons crimes all along ; in fact, OBrien has been watching Winston for the past seven years. OBrien spends the next few months torturing Winston in order to change his way of thinking — to employ the concept of doublethink, or the ability to simultaneously hold twoRead MoreFifa Corruption Paper4265 Words   |  18 PagesCorruption Scores a Hat Trick Against FIFA FIFA has been at the center of a great deal of corruption during the last couple of years. There are endless topics to discuss on the matter of corruption and FIFA, but I wanted to focus on three of the biggest charges of corruption against FIFA, bribery, mistreatment of female athletes, and the use of slave labor to build stadiums to host their games. FIFA has been around for over a century and was a very respectable organization at one time, but thatRead MoreThe Effects of the Black Plague on Christianity2851 Words   |  12 Pagesmillion people between 1348 and 1350. There was no medical knowledge in England to cope with the disease. After 1350, it stroke England another six times by the end of the century. The Black Plague is said to have been caused by fleas carried by rats that were common in towns and cities. The fleas literally injected their victims with the disease by biting them. The symptoms of the Black Plague were terrible and swift moving. The symptoms included: painful swellings (known as buboes) of theRead MoreWhy Does a Lot of Students Feel Sleepy During Class Hours?6330 Words   |  26 PagesS.Y. 2012 - 2013 WHY DOES A LOT OF STUDENTS FEEL SLEEPY DURING CLASS HOURS? In partial fulfillment for the requirement in English IV World Literature SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO: MARCH 2013 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I dedicate this research work first to my parents who helped me to finish this paper works especially to my mother who help me construct my thoughts. To my adviser for reminding us how to do this research work. To my classmates and schoolmates who answered my survey that helped me a lot

Monday, December 16, 2019

E-Commerce Servers and Their Associated Components

1) (This is a report so it may be a little longer and have more cites, be sure to credit all sources of information) Select a topic related to E-commerce technology, covered in Chapter 3 or 4 of the text, which you want to learn more about. Find at least two web resources that give you some information on that topic. Post links to those sites and give summaries of the new information you learned. Include some discussion as to why you chose this area and what more you would like to know. Discussion should continue on these topics throughout the week. The goal is for us all to reach some level of understanding regarding the topic you have selected. Please add 1 cite from the text book e-Commerce servers and their associated components including catalog management, pricing, product configuration and shopping workflows have the potential to change the business models of the smallest to the largest business. The increasing reliance on a single system of record for all e-commerce transactions, captured as part of an e-commerce server architecture, is now the direction many enterprise are taking in their design and integration of their e-commerce platforms (Capozzoli, True, 2001). In assessing current research in the area of e-commerce platforms, the role of integration strategies and their effect on the maturation of the entire e-commerce is readily apparent. The text indicates how pervasive the adoption of Web Services are for example in integrating diverse systems andShow MoreRelatedIntroduction Of An Online Purchase Application1439 Words   |  6 Pagesgiven automatically to the user in their corresponding email. Apart from the admirable functionality of the site, users should always be concerned about the security issues of the system. The massive increase in the drift of e-Commerce has led to a new generation of associated security threats and thus, the site focuses on major security issues like- Availability − Information on the site should always be available 24*7. Reliability − Information should not be distorted during its transmission. AlsoRead MoreKey Components Of The Network Essay772 Words   |  4 PagesPlan Wired Network Wireless Network b.) The four Components of the Network: †¢ Ethernet Cable †¢ Network Interface Card (NIC) †¢ Switch †¢ Network Operating System Software c.) Network Topology: The network arrangement portrayed for the business is a star topology network. A star topology is composed with every hub (record server, workstations, and peripherals) associated straightforwardly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator. Information on a starRead MoreInformation Technology for Business1449 Words   |  6 PagesInformation Technology for Business 1 Information Technology for Business Introduction Technology has created new revenue streams via the Internet and e-commerce, new connections with clients and consumers at work, home, and by mobile applications, and enables business to conduct commerce across the US and on a global scale (Munson, 2011). Office technologies have advanced and have allowed business to advance to a point of doing business with global customers, not just their own areas. It hasRead MoreThe Impact Of E Commerce On Retail Industry1697 Words   |  7 Pagesimpact of E-Commerce on the ‘Retail Industry’ August 8 2016 The Findings and Analysis of customer information on an e-commerce platform. The Improved Marketing techniques of e-commerce. Security issues associated with conducting business over the internet and the methods used to combat these security vulnerabilities’ on e-commerce and the use of social media e-commerce the conventional method of conducting business today â€Æ' The Main Elements of E-Commerce and the impact of E-Commerce on ‘RetailRead MoreEssay On Data Frameworks892 Words   |  4 Pagesup this sort of systems spend a major measure of assets in researching, developing and innovating. Recent Advances in Information Systems for Company Managements Nowadays organizations overseeing internal processes as well as attempting to be associated with clients, workers, providers and so forth. From past to now organizations experienced a change from vertical incorporated to enhanced level structures in which correspondence, great relationship and a value chain among various players startingRead MoreEssay about E-Commerce2683 Words   |  11 PagesChapter 4 1. Name the six main pieces of the e-commerce site building puzzle. * Organizational Capabilities * Hardware Architecture * Software * Telecommunications * Site Design * Human Resources 2. Define the systems development life cycle and discuss the various step involved in creating an e-commerce site. * Methodology for understanding business objectives of a system and designing an appropriate solution 1. Systems analysis/planning 2. Systems design Read MoreE-marketplace, E-mall, E-tailing Essay1125 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction: There are various electronic commerce activities and mechanisms. E-Commerce Activities and Mechanisms include the following but not limited to: E-Market Place: It is an online market usually B2B where buyers and sellers exchange goods or services. EC transactions take place in the electronic equivalent of a mall called the electronic marketplace (e-marketplace). Electronic marketplaces utilize different tools (electronic shopping cart, e-catalog, fulfillment technologies, and checkoutRead MoreComputer Software3028 Words   |  13 Pagesattributes. Similar to other database models, even relational databases support the insert, delete and update operations. Benefits of Relational Databases Basically, relational databases are based on relational set theory. Normalization is a vital component of relational model of databases. Relational operations, supported by the relational databases work best with normalized tables. A relational database supports relational algebra, consequently supporting the relational operations of the set theoryRead MoreIn This Technology Era, It Is Essential To Have A Web Presence1476 Words   |  6 Pagesis prominent is E-commerce, allowing the business to have a web frontend, which provides the same services as traditional commerce world. The rapid changing technology had provided the opportunity for the companies to reach to a wide variety of consumers not just across the nation but also throughout the world. Based on the observation of how a small-sized business can reach more clients spread across the world, one of the high achiever’s path was to have a user-friendly e-commerce website to keepRead More5: Electronic Commerce and Enterprise Resource Planning3381 Words   |  14 PagesChapter 05: Electronic and Mobile Commerce and Enterprise Systems TRUE/FALSE 1. The length of the sales process for the typical B2B sale is much longer and involves more decision makers than for the typical C2C sale. ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: An Introduction To Electronic Commerce 2. The B2C market grabs more of the news headlines, but the B2B market is considerably larger and is growing more rapidly. ANS: T PTS: 1 REF: An Introduction To Electronic Commerce 3. Forrester Research forecasts that

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Nursing - senior project essay free essay sample

Although most people think they can get away with picking an easy topic for their senior projects it turns out to be a little more complex than that. Growing up my ideas and passions would always seem to be changing but when I finally became set in my ways at least in knowing what I would like to pursue the Nursing Program was up to par. I chose to do mine on Nursing in the ED (emergency department) because this is a field I would love to go into so I can be of service to those in need of any medical care, to always have a stable job to rely on, and further more to be able to excel in the field of medicine. I would love to be one of the people on call to respond to the needs of another individual in their time of need. Anyone could only imagine that feeling one would get after providing such an extraordinary service. Although the job seems like a walk in the park it takes many years of hard work and studying to get there. A registered nurse is responsible for the needs of patients suffering from illness or injury, and can provide care and cater to the needs of patients in a variety of settings, including operating rooms, ambulatory care, intensive care, physician’s offices, health care clinics or specialized practices. Most registered nurses can be found working in teams for health care facilities. Some of the positions involve little or no direct patient care and varying roles with health care staff, but the general responsibilities of a registered nurse can include: Observing and recording patient medical history and symptoms, Establishing a plan of care for patients or adding to an existing one then putting the plan into action, Managing and assigning tasks to licensed practical nurses and nursing assistant, Advising and providing emotional support for patients and their families (Guide to Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).). If a nurse decides to  work outside of a health care facility there is a different set of nursing careers available to them. Some of these include clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives and nurse anesthetists. In all nursing education programs, students take courses in nursing, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology and other social and  behavioral sciences, as well as in liberal arts. BSN program s typically take four years to complete; ADN and diploma programs usually take two to three years to complete. All programs also include supervised clinical experience in hospital departments such as pediatrics, psychiatry, maternity, and surgery. A number of programs include clinical experience in extended and long-term care facilities, public health departments, home health agencies, or ambulatory (walk-in) clinics. Bachelors degree programs usually include more training in the physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking, which is becoming more important as nursing practice becomes more complex. They also offer more clinical experience in nonhospital settings. A bachelors degree or higher is often necessary for administrative positions, research, consulting, and teaching. Generally, licensed graduates of any of the three types of education programs (bachelors, associate’s, or diploma) qualify for entry-level positions as a staff nurse.Many registered nurses with an ADN or diploma find an entry-level position and then take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits to work toward a BSN by completing an RN-to-BSN program. There are also master’s degree programs in nursing, combined bachelor’s and master’s programs, and programs for those who wish to enter the nursing profession but hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. To make sure one can handle the conditions of this job you have to be in a good physical condition. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and Because patients need round-the-clock care, working hours include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Nurses spend considerable time walking, bending, stretching and standing, so they must follow proper body mechanics to guard against injury. Because of the fast-paced and variable environment  of emergency rooms, ER Nurses must possess good stress coping skills and be able to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds. They must be able to work accurately around frequent interruptions. Nurses may face hazards from exposure to chemicals and infectious diseases. In addition, they treat patients that may be confused, irrational, agitated, and/or uncooperative. Along with all this you need. At a minimum for most entry-level emergency room (ER) nursing careers, applicants must have a diploma from an accredited Nursing degree program. However, most employers prefer to hire ER nurses who possess Associates or Bachelors degrees in nursing. Even more preferred are nurses who further their specialty by earning post-baccalaureate certificates in emergency nursing. Applicants also must be state licensed to practice as registered nurses (RNs). Emergency room nurses need strong  listening and communication skills. Because the job is unpredictable and requires quick thinking, nurses often need to make immediate decisions and pay close attention to detail. ER nurses also need be cautious and observe strict guidelines to guard against potentially disease transmission. Emergency rooms and hospitals operate 24 hours a day, and emergency room nurses are often expected to work irregular hours. As our economy starts coming to a slow halt in most career fields, the medical field is alive and well in every category. Registered nurses who work in general medical and surgical hospitals, including trauma nurses, made an average of $66,650 per year in 2010, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Geographic location, career demand, job experience, and benefits packages all impact the amount that you can make in this career. The job outlook for nurses is quite good, with 26th percent growth expected between 2010 and 2020. However, that growth is expected to be strongest in outpatient centers and private physicians’ offices, rather than hospitals and emergency rooms, so growth may not be as strong for trauma nurses as for nurses in other specialties. A nurse has significant opportunities to advance into management and similar roles. If you find that you prefer the fast-paced life on the floor of the ER, you can advance by taking on more responsibilities or transferring to a busier facility. If you find that the   environment of the ER is not for you, you can take your experience and use it in other branches of nursing. The skills you gain working in the trauma field will help you in many nursing areas. In most jobs that people decide to go after once they arrive there isn’t very many options of higher education, as well as higher pay. A trauma nurse has significant opportunities to advance into management and similar roles. If they prefer the fast-paced life on the floor of the ER, they can advance by taking on more responsibilities or transferring to a busier facility. If they find that the environment of the ER is not for them, they can take your experience and use it in other branches of nursing. . The skills one can gain working in the trauma field will help them in many nursing careers (Career). Within these higher ranked jobs, comes a substantial increase in ones salary. The only downfall is that to make this amount of money, two years of additional school will be required. In conclusion I chose to do my research paper on Nursing in the ED (Emergency Department) because it has been the most intriguing field of study that I have come across. Over the years my job choices have differentiated but Nursing has been the one for me. Nursing is a field I would love to go into so I can be of service to those in need of any medical care, to always have a stable job to rely on, and further more to be able to excel in the field of medicine. I have realized on my job shadowing experience that this is the field of study that I will more than likely go into. Although the money is good, and it opens many doors in the medical field if one does not have the right motives for choosing this it will be all for nothing.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Table clinic paper on Oral piercings Essay Example

Table clinic paper on Oral piercings Paper Abstract Oral piercing is defined as penetration of jewelry into soft oral tissues including the lips, cheeks, tongue, and uvula. The broad acceptance of oral piercings among young people has raised the concern of dental and medical professionals due to the accompanying complications and risks to both oral and general health of the patient. The wounds created during the process of piercing increases the risk of oral infection by allowing a large number of bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Additional bacteria can also be introduced into the wound through the handling of the jewelry. During the healing process a patient should be advised by their dentist or hygienist to maintain meticulous oral health care in order to prevent infections and other serious complications. ORAL PIERCINGS 3 Infections Due to Oral Piercings According to the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology â€Å"Infection is the most common complication that occurs in up to 20% of all body piercings† (Holbrook, Minocha, and Laumann, 2012, p. 2). Individuals are getting oral piercings for many different reasons, but they may not take into account the long-term effects and /or potential risk of infection to their oral cavity and overall health. Oral piercings are defined as penetration of jewelry into openings of soft oral tissues including the lips, cheeks, tongue, and uvula. According to Dr. Balzac in his article on oral piercings, â€Å"there are two types of tongue piercings dorsoventral and dorsolateral. † The dorsoventral is more common and the safer of the two types of tongue piercings. It involves inserting the jewelry from the top to the bottom of the tongue whereas, the dorsolateral piercing is made through the width of the tongue. Most piercers will not perform the dorsolateral piercing because of the heavily vascularized blood vessels which create a higher  risk of trauma. We will write a custom essay sample on Table clinic paper on Oral piercings specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Table clinic paper on Oral piercings specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Table clinic paper on Oral piercings specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer As for lip piercings, they can be placed anywhere on the lips, including the vermillion border which is where the lip tissue meets the skin. The most common site for lip piercings is the side of the lower lip near the corners of the mouth where the lips meet. There are other oral piercings such as; cheek piercings (known as dimples), and those in the frenum, (known as web piercings) (Balzac, n. d. ). These piercings are alternate forms and less common than the tongue and lip piercings. The uvula (appendix A) piercing is the least common due to the difficulty of performing the piercing. These piercings cause substantial  risk to the health of an individual. ORAL PIERCINGS 4 There are multiple reasons why individuals are getting oral piercings. In the Journal of Investigative Clinical Dentistry, it states that â€Å"Dental health-care professionals need to be aware of the procedures and risks involved with oral piercings and the social and psychological reasons that lead people to engage in this practice, regardless of the risks† (Singh, and Tuli, 2012, p. 95). One of the reasons individuals get oral piercings is because they are associated with fashion trends. Some people may think that it is â€Å"cute† to get their lip pierced showing off a fashion statement. Another reason is to signify self-expression. This is seen mostly in the teenage populations for the need to be seen or the need to stand out. Certain groups such as gothic might have specific piercings that play a part of the group’s identity. Gothic people tend to wear dark clothing, makeup, and have an abundance of oral piercings. Oral piercings tend to help certain individuals seek something different from normal, or an expression of art. Lastly, people may get oral piercings because of the perception of being daring or a risk taker. Oral piercings can portray the act of breaking the rules or rebelling. This may be a way for the individual to stand out or seek attention, like they are â€Å"trouble† makers. The broad acceptance of oral piercing among young people has raised the concern of dental and medical professionals due to the accompanying complications and risks to their oral and general health. In 1998, the American Dental Association (ADA) issued a statement opposing the practices of intraoral and perioral piercing because of the risk of potential complications associated (2014). Although there are risks of potential complications with oral piercings, infection can occur instantaneously and progress to severe health problems. According to the article Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings and Your Health, â€Å"There is a risk of oral infection associated with oral piercings due to the wound created, the vast amount of ORAL PIERCINGS 5 bacteria in the mouth, and the introduction of bacteria from handling the jewelry (Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings and Your Health, 2011). The tongue is covered with bacteria, and when pierced, that bacteria can get in the bloodstream and underlying tissues. This process can cause serious infections (Appendix A). Unfortunately, tongue jewelry wearers may not be aware of a problem since the symptoms of infection, such as swelling, are similar to the  aftereffects of piercings. Constantly playing with and manipulating jewelry once its been placed in the mouth increases the chances of getting an infection. In the article Microbiological Findings at Tongue Piercing sites–Implications to Oral Health, signs of acute infection would include bleeding, inflammation, erythema, and heat. The symptoms of pain and inflammation from the initial trauma of the piercing can affect speech, chewing, breathing, and swallowing (Ziebolz, Proff, Hornecker, and Mausberg, 2012, p. 258). Acute infections of the oral cavity occurring over a long period of time result in a chronic  infections. The International Journal of Dental Hygiene states that â€Å"because of the vast variety of microorganisms in the oral cavity, it is not unlikely that infections and inflammation may occur at the perforation site. Therefore, it seems possible that the pierced site provides a permanent route of entry for microorganisms and may cause a localized or even a systemic infection anytime† (Ziebolz, Proff, Hornecker, and Mausberg, 2012, p. 258). It is important for the dental professional to be well educated on the complications and risks that can occur with oral piercings. Oral piercings can cause some unfortunate diseases, one of them being endocarditis. Endocarditis, also known as infective endocarditis, is an infection caused by the introduction of oral bacteria into the bloodstream where it travels to the heart (Friedman, 2014). Endocarditis causes inflammation of the heart and weakens the heart valves. In a study ORAL PIERCINGS 6 published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, it was noted that between 1960 and 1999, there were only 36 reported cases of endocarditis in people with normal hearts (Ramadan, et al. , 2000 Oct). Those with pre-existing heart problems are more at risk for endocarditis  because of the increased risk for infection. Common symptoms of endocarditis include fever, chills, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a full feeling in the upper part of the stomach. More severe symptoms include enlarged spleen, swollen feet, legs, blood in urine, swollen stomach, and shortness of breath (Friedman, 2014). Signs and symptoms vary from person to person depending on the specific bacteria, fungus, or microorganism that they have been infected with. When diagnosing endocarditis a blood test should be performed to confirm what microorganism is responsible as well as an echocardiogram to see if the heart has been  damaged. Endocarditis caused by bacteria is treated by antibiotics until the infection is gone; this on average takes six weeks. Damage to the heart would require surgery to remove damaged heart valves and replace them with artificial heart valves. Patients with artificial heart valves are usually prescribed antibiotics to be taken 1 hour prior to the dental treatment to prevent spread of bacteria to the heart preventing potential infection. This antibiotic premedication should be determined by the individual’s physician (Friedman, 2014). Another infection that can be caused by oral piercings is Ludwig’sAngina. Ludwig’s  Angina is a severe infection of the floor of the mouth and mandible caused by bacteria (Appendix A). The diagnosis is usually based on clinical observation where the head, tongue and neck will appear red and swollen. If these visual signs aren’t present, then there are other ways of diagnosis which include a CT scan or an MRI. Symptoms include swelling of the ORAL PIERCINGS 7 tongue, neck pain, and breathing problems. â€Å"Ludwig’s angina can lead to more serious complications including, airway blockage or sepsis, a severe inflammatory responds to bacteria† (Pietrangelo, 2012). Symptoms may vary from person to person. It’s crucial to  recognize and get treatment for this condition before serious complications occur. For severe inflammation, the first line of treatment in a patient with Ludwig’s Angina would be to clear the airway. This can be done by inserting a breathing tube through the mouth or nose into the lungs or by performing a tracheotomy. Surgery is sometimes performed to drain excess fluids that are responsible for the severe swelling of the oral cavity. The most common cure for this condition is antibiotics to fight off the infection (Pietrangelo, 2012). When prescribed an antibiotic, it is essential to take the entire dose as prescribed to  prevent bacterial resistance. Although infection can be a severe complication that can develop, there are other harmful effects that can occur with oral piercings. People with tongue piercings may develop mouth ulcers from constant irritation. These ulcers can result in oral cancer if the area is constantly irritated over a long period of time. There is a need for more cell reproduction to replenish the cell population due to the damaged cells in the area of irritation. According to WebMD, with an increased cell production there is an increased chance of cell mutation or cancer cells (Friedman, 2014). If  the lesion is caught early, then it is more likely to be benign or non-cancerous and treated by surgical excision. On the other hand, if the lesion has not been detected for a long period of time, it has a higher chance of being malignant or cancerous. A malignant lesion can sometimes be treated and removed with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. This may ORAL PIERCINGS 8 or may not be life threatening, depending on how far the cancer has metastasized and how soon the cancerous lesion was detected and treated. â€Å"Oral piercings are a potential risk factor for the transmission of diseases like herpes B  and C, HIV, and the herpes simplex virus† (Academy of General Dentistry, 2010). These diseases can be transmitted via poorly sterilized instruments, the contamination of jewelry, and virus entering the piercing site. The transmission of disease is extremely rare via the oral piercing, but has been known to happen. â€Å"Although any piercing is prone to infection or disease transmission, a recent study in the Journal of Adolescent Health (January 2011) found that stainless steel jewelry can accumulate more microorganisms than jewelry made from plastics such as Teflon (or polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE)† (Academy of General Dentistry,  2010). This study shows that there is a higher risk of infection and disease transmission when wearing metal jewelry. Pulpal sensitivity can occur from the contact between the galvanic currents in the stainless steel jewelry and other intraoral metals (Balzac, n. d. ). Other risks and complications can occur with oral piercings such as nerve damage, but is rare when compared to injury to teeth and gingival recession. The penetration of the needle through the tissue can more often cause temporary but sometimes permeant nerve damage. The loss of taste and feeling can be part of this temporary or permanent nerve damage. Injury to teeth can happen when teeth and jewelry come into contact with force (Appendix A). This can cause gingival recession, cracked, or chipped teeth. Stated by WebMD, â€Å"Forty- seven percent of people who have worn tongue jewelry for four or more years have chipped teeth† (Friedman, 2014). Gingival recession can cause hypersensitivity because of the exposed roots (Appendix A). The dentin, underlying the thin layer of cementum, can be ORAL PIERCINGS 9 exposed if there is recession and an individual is brushing too hard wearing away the cementum. The dentin contains thousands of tiny tubules that lead to the center of the tooth,  which is where the nerve is located. This allows for stimuli to affect the nerve more readily, which creates sensitivity with hot, cold, or sweet foods. Not only can recession cause tooth sensitivity, but can progress in its more severe form to cause tooth mobility or tooth loss. Cracked or chipped teeth then could result in trauma to the gingiva such as a laceration. This lacerated tissue could proceed to infection or ulcers from repeated irritation and trauma that could develop into oral cancer. Individuals are getting oral piercings for many different reasons, but they may not take  into account the long-term effects and /or potential risk of infection to their oral cavity and overall health. During the healing process, which is four to six weeks for tongue piercings and between one and two months for lip piercings, the individual should be advised by their dentists or hygienist to stay on top of their oral health care to avoid infections and other serious complications. If an individual were to decide to proceed with oral piercings, there are essential steps to follow to maintain the piercing and keep it clean. According to Dr. Balzac in his article Oral Piercings, â€Å"to help protect your teeth it is recommended that the  jewelry should be removed before each meal, as well as before bedtime and after the piercing has fully healed† (n. d. ). Some piercing parlors sell plugs that can be placed in the hole when the jewelry is removed. After the tongue has healed following the piercing, remove the jewelry each night and brush it using the same brushing technique that teeth would be brushed. â€Å"Avoid things such as, alcohol, smoking or tobacco use, spicy foods, and hard and sticky foods† (Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings and Your Health, 2011). Use an antiseptic mouthwash after every meal to decrease the number of bacteria in the oral cavity. Dr. Balzac ORAL PIERCINGS 10 suggests â€Å"removing the jewelry before any strenuous activity to avoid traumatic injury to the teeth from metal studs, which can lead to tooth fracture and chipping (n. d. ). So, if an individual were to insist on getting an oral piercing, as long as their mouth stays free of infection and their oral piercings do not interfere with normal function, there shouldn’t be any issue with having an oral piercing. The most important recommendation though, would be to see the dentist and/or hygienist regularly so they can evaluate the health of the oral cavity and the piercing. Resources Academy of General Dentistry. (2010). Piercing Warning. In Englewood Dental. Retrieved September 9, 2014, from http://englewooddental. com/piercing-warning. htm ORAL PIERCINGS 11 Academy of General Dentistry. (2010, March). Tongue piercing. In Delta Dental. Retrieved September 8, 2014, from http://www. deltadentalins. com/oral_health/tongue_piercing. html American Dental Association. (2014). Oral Piercings. In Mouth Healthy. Retrieved September 9, 2014, from http://www. mouthhealthy. org/en/az-topics/o/oral-piercings Balzac, F. (n. d. ). Oral Piercing. In Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Retrieved September 9,  2014, from http://www. yourdentistryguide. com/piercing/ Friedman, M. (2014, May 22). Dental Health and Oral Piercing. In WebMD. Retrieved September 9, 2014, from http://www. webmd. com/oral-health/guide/oral-piercing? page=2 Holbrook, J. , Minocha, J. , Laumann, A. (2012). Body Piercing. American journal of clinical dermatology,13(1), 1-17. Mouth Jewelry, Oral Piercings and Your Health. (2011, December 12). In The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Retrieved September 9, 2014, from http://my. clevelandclinic. org/health Pietrangelo, A. (2012, September 11). Ludwigs Angina. In Healthline. Retrieved September  9, 2014, from http://www. healthline. com/health/ludwigs-angina#Overview1 Ramadan, F. B. Beanlands, D. S. , Burwash, I. G. (2000). Isolated pulmonic valve endocarditis in healthy hearts: a case report and review of the literature. The Canadian journal of cardiology, 16(10), 1282-1288. ORAL PIERCINGS 12 Singh, A. , Tuli, A. (2012). Oral piercings and their dental implications: a mini review. Journal Of Investigative Clinical Dentistry, 3(2), 95-97. doi:10. 1111/j. 2041- 1626. 2011. 00108. x The piercing truth about tongue splitting and oral jewelry. (2012). Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), 143(7), 814. Ziebolz, D. , Hornecker, E. , Mausberg, R. F. (2009). Microbiological findings at tongue piercing sites–implications to oral health. International journal of dental hygiene, 7(4), 256-262. Appendix A ORAL PIERCINGS 13 Uvula piercing Infection associated with an oral piercing ORAL PIERCINGS 14 Tongue piercing in an 18-year-old male without oral hygiene. There is visible plaque and calculus deposition around the bar of the tongue. Individual with Ludwig’s Angina Picture of chipped #25 and #8 from an oral piercing and associated trauma ORAL PIERCINGS 15 Gingival recession lingual #24 and #25 from an oral piercing.