The Human Genome project and its revolutionary insight to the genetic blue print of the human body

Abstract Human genome is a contemporary scientific revolution that seeks to find the cure for serious human diseases. For many years, incurable diseases have killed many people, but the new discoveries in the cure for these diseases have given hope to those who are suffering from incurable diseases.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Human Genome project and its revolutionary insight to the genetic blue print of the human body specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Human Genome sciences mainly seek to find new therapeutic ways of treating those deadly diseases that prove to be fatal and improve the chances of survival for many hopeless patients. This scientific project usually involves the application of DNA sequence to develop certain types of protein combined with anti-body drug. Since its discovery in 1992, human genome project has gained success within the field of biopharmaceutical industry by discovering various treatment drugs for cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis and other incurable diseases. Already, the clinical trials have proven to be successful and this industry is growing daily in spite of the serious implications that accompanies it. The genome research has provided many social and economic benefits to the society today. The Human Genome project and its revolutionary insight to the genetic blue print of the human body The human genome project is a scientific application of biotechnology to develop pharmaceuticals by identifying the problematic proteins in the body. Some of these proteins may have defects; some may be in excess or may also be totally absent from the body. Therefore, the technology is used to engineer the protein or similar molecules to repair the problems in the body (Gad, 2007 Cantor Smith, 1999). Although, the human genome project promises a revolutionary insight to the genetic blue print of the human beings, its application has raised some se rious social, ethical, and economic implications. This paper will consider the social, ethical, and economic implications that have emerged from the application of this project. The paper also seeks to discuss its relationship to the broader context of genetic engineering and its applications by examining the application of frank stein metaphor and its potentiality for genetic engineering. Genome is a general term that includes the entire DNA organism and the genes that store and transmit all the proteins that are used therein. It is the proteins stored therein that decide the general component and behavior of the organism and its ability to fight against viral infection (Barnes Dupre, 2008). For many years, scientists have attempted to find the therapeutic solution to the incurable diseases that continue to kill many people around the world. However, in 1992, a breakthrough was found in human genome project (Barnes Dupre, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Toriello (2003) explains that it is the decoding of the mollecular arrangement in the chromosomes, part of the reproductive cells, which is mostly found in human body. Scientists and doctors believe that human genome is the genetic blue print that forms the core elements of the physical and behavioral traits of every human individual. These traits are passed through inheritance to their offspring (Toriello, 2003). One of the main goals of human genome project is to undertake research into the genetic makeup of non-human species, especially laboratory mouse, fruit fly and many others (Cantor Smith, 1999). The DNA variations of human beings is what is being used by scientists to diagnose, treat and somewhat prevent various diseases and disorders that affects human beings. Scientists also use DNA to determine individual’s biological make up, natural abilities and how to solve challenges that face hum an reproduction, food production, environmental effects, health care and social welfare (Murray, 1996). However, Human genome project does not operate in isolation, but involves other scientific disciplines like genetic engineering, molecular biology, eugenics, biochemistry, and bio-pharmacology (Cantor Smith, 1999). Cooper states that the aim of the human genome project is to identify and learn the sequences of the thousands of genes or DNA that mostly determine the characteristics and development of phenotype (Cooper, 1994). Scientists have discovered that the solution lies with the scaling and purification of antibodies. Therefore, in conjunction with biopharmaceutical companies, they employed the use of commercial proteins for treating human diseases (Gottschalk, 2009).The antibodies are commercially produced in large scale in the laboratories by involving cultured cells from mammal tissues, which are then grown in a safe environment to produce human drugs. The process of purif ying these antibodies to produce proteins from mammals like mice have not just faced many challenges, but also raised many questions as well as raising many serious implications. Today, these therapeutic antibodies are widely available in the clinical markets around the world (Gottschalk, 2009). Although, genetics has become an important part of medical practice and treatment, its implementation has not only made an impact on health care, but also raised many ethical implications (Murray, 1996). Murray also argued that it has reinvented the new meaning of the relationship between patients and physicians thus, revolutionizing the ‘social institutions, legal provisions and economic arrangements’ of this relationship ( Murray 1996:17). Some of the ethical implications of genetic research touches on informed consent , privacy and confidentiality. It is imperative that all the research subjects or participants have been informed and their consent obtained before any research has been done on them. The subjects also need to be fully prepared before and have been educated on the risks and benefits of research process.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Human Genome project and its revolutionary insight to the genetic blue print of the human body specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Generally, there are possibilities of psychosocial risks that may arise such as stigma, guilt, identity crisis and false results that may adversely affect the patient. It is important that all the participants are reassured and their confidential information and identity maintained. Having an access to and disclosure of genetic information are other factors that must be addressed appropriately. Additionally, the researchers also need to give or lay down clear procedures on how to collect the genetic samples and how to conduct the research (Boon, 2002). Furthermore, the process and procedure for collecting and storing the research samples such as blood, tissue, saliva and other kinds of body fluids for future must be properly done. To obtain such information, one needs to follow the proper channel. Such a research may affect children most compared to adults. Children who take part in such a research may face possible long-term consequences like social stigma and or even institutional discrimination (Boon, 2002). Genetic research raises the question determining the sexual orientation. Lone (1999) argues that the use of genetic research to determine the sexual behaviors and orientation may have serious controversies and consequences in the family. For instance, the information may be used to harm the unborn children who may have homosexual orientation and those who are born may be forced to seek medical treatment or discriminated against. Moreover, it may lead couples to choose the sex of the child they want to have leading to abortions. Unfortunately, genetic research and information can be used negatively, to discriminate people who are perceived to have some form of mental disorders, unintelligent or with physical defects or those of different races leading to what are referred to as Eugenics or racial purity (Barnes Dupre, 2008). In fact, some writers even argue that genome project is a result of Eugenic sequence, which was performed to control the human populations. Eugenics is a scientific study for depopulation of human species by controlling the reproduction of people perceived to have defects or presumed to suffer from undesirable inheritable characters. This may include people suffering from mental or physical disorders or disabilities (Smoller et al, 2008). This may have serious social and political implications if used in Nazi style to control the population (Lioyd, 2008, p. 57). In a way, it may result to another holocaust or ethnic cleansing.Advertising Looking for essay on biology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Genetic Engineering includes factors such as gene cloning, gene therapy, gene manipulation, gene modification, and recombinant DNA technology. The genetic research has also been used to study the brain stem cells thus leading to revolutionary treatment of mental diseases and psychotic disorders. However, the manner in which this research is conducted on animals and then tested on human beings is believed to have led the patients to drug abuse. Scientists therefore apply medical technology to identify the gene variations and separate the chromosomes connected to different or same species. The moral objection of this practice raises the question of manipulation of human genome, seen by the religious circles as playing God. The debate over genetic engineering has heated up since 1980s touching on the theories of evolution, sexuality, gender and philosophy of biology (Lioyd, 2008). However, the emergence and development of genetic engineering in the modern age mirrors the horrors of Fra nkenstein myth and fictions on embryonic research. According to Mulkay (1996, 157), the genetic research is a realization of â€Å"Frankenstein dream of systematic, science based control over the control over the creation of human beings†, being practiced today in fertility clinics. Although, Frankenstein was dubbed as a mad scientist, his predictions about human manipulations through human genome project are fulfilled. From business perspectives, genome research and genetic treatment has attracted huge financial incentives. Many people are now turning focus on this therapy to solve their diseases. It is continuing to promise big financial pay offs, from genetically produced products continuing to change the lives of many people around the world. There have been massive development and expansion of biotechnological research and production with great financial rewards. This technology does not only deal with therapeutic advancement but also with agricultural production (Sulsto n Ferry, 2002). Genetic engineering has revolutionized and improved human survival who are somewhat threatened by drought, famine and other environmental disasters. This method is being used for sustainable agriculture in famine prone countries for commercial purposes in large scale. Genetic engineering has also improved human lives, especially life expectancy by treating the diseases that were considered incurable. Economically, it has provided millions with job opportunities in research institutions, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. Conclusion This paper has examined the social, ethical, and economic implications of human genome project for the society and its potential for applications of the genetic research. It has looked at the arguments surrounding the genetic engineering and its applications to human beings. Largely, it has established that evolution of genetic engineering and its application in human life in areas such as IVY and embryonic treatment, which are largel y popular, were predicted in Frankstein horror movies. For many years, scientists and Doctors tried in vain the cure and therapeutic solution for incurable diseases and disorders including HIV /AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. However, the breakthrough has only come through the genetic research of which genome project plays a big part. Although, this genome research is hugely popular, its application and implementation has raised serious socio-economic, political, legal, and ethical implications. Some of the problems associated with this practice, includes eugenics that is the method of controlling human population, which somehow, has led to ethnic cleansing like the Nazi style. The other problems include the prediction of child sexual orientation and other disorders or defects before. This may lead to termination or discrimination of children who are considered undesirable or undeserving. Nevertheless, genetic research has become a multibillion-dollar income, with many people turning to it for treatment and food production. Both the pharmaceutical companies and bio technological research centers are making huge money out of this project. Genetic research has also improved human lives and survival through genetically modified food, IVF treatment giving hope to infertile men and women who could not have babies. More importantly, it has offered much the chance to survive some of the incurable diseases and given a longer life expectancy. Above all, it has given many, the hope of employment opportunities. There are many people who are now employed in genome research institutions, clinics and pharmaceutical industries. Bibliography Barnes, B., Dupre, J., 2008. Genomes and what to make of them. Chicago: University of Chicago press. Boon, K. A., 2002. The human genome project: what does decoding DNA mean for us?  Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers. Cantor, C. R., Smith, C. L., 1999. Genomics: the science and technology behind the  human genome project. New York : John Wiley. Cooper, N. G., 1994. The human genome project: deciphering the blueprint of heredity. Mill Valley, Calif: Univ. Science Books. Gad, S. C., 2007. Handbook of pharmaceutical biotechnology. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley. Gottschalk, U., 2009. Process scale purification of antibodies. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley Sons. Lioyd, E.A., 2008. Science, Politics, and Evolution. Leiden: Cambridge University Press. Lone, D.L., 1999. â€Å"Whose genes are they? The Human Genome Diversity Project†. J  Health Soc Policy 10 (4): 51–66. Mulkay, M., 1996. â€Å"Frankestein and the Debate over embryo research†. In Science,  Technology Human Values 21(2): 157-176. Murray, T. H., 1996. The human genome project and the future of health care. Bloomington: Indiana Univ. Press. Smoller, J. W., Sheidley, B. R., Tsuang, M. T., 2008. Psychiatric genetics:  applications in clinical practice. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Pub. Sulston, J., Ferry, G., 2002. The common thread a story of science, politics, ethics,  and the human genome. Washington, D.C: Joseph Henry Press. Toriello, J., 2003. The Human Genome Project. New York: Rosen Pub. Group. This essay on The Human Genome project and its revolutionary insight to the genetic blue print of the human body was written and submitted by user Emmitt G. 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.

Profile of Manson Follower Leslie Van Houten

Profile of Manson Follower Leslie Van Houten At age 19, self-proclaimed Manson family member, Leslie Van Houten, took part in the 1969 brutal murders of Leon and Rosemary LaBianca. She was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to death. Because of an error in her first trial she was granted a second which deadlocked. After spending six months free on bond, she returned to the courtroom a third time and was convicted and sentenced to life. Leslie Van Houten - Before Manson Leslie was an attractive, popular teenager and sexually active by the age of 14. By age 15 she was pregnant and had an abortion, however, even with her sketchy behavior she was popular among her peers and was twice voted as homecoming queen at her high school. This acceptance did not seem to sway her bad choices. By the time she left high school she was involved in hallucinogenic drugs and was drifting toward a hippy type lifestyle. A Self-Proclaimed Nun After graduating from high school, Leslie moved in with her father and attended a business college. When she was not busy studying to become a legal secretary, she was busy being a nun in a yogic spiritual sect, The Self-Realization Fellowship. The community failed to keep her focus for long and at the age of 18 she decided to visit a friend living in San Francisco. Joining the Manson Family Van Houten liked the San Francisco streets where drugs flowed as free as the music and a free-love attitude was a popular life style. She met Bobby Beausoleil, his wife Gail and Catherine Share, and began traveling around California with them. In September 1968, they took her to meet Charlie Manson and the family at Spahns Movie Ranch, a 500-acre ranch, located in the Santa Susana Mountains. Three weeks later she moved to the ranch and became one of Mansons devout followers. Manson Gives Van Houten to Tex Watson: Later described by a psychiatrist as a spoiled little princess, Van Houten was accepted by the family members, but Manson seemed disinterested in her and her pretty face. He never gave her a special family name and immediately after her arrival he assigned her to be Tex Watsons girl. The lack of attention from Manson made Leslie try harder to get into his good graces. When the opportunity to prove her commitment to Manson arrived on August 10, 1969, she accepted. With her family idol, Patricia Krenwinkel, and boyfriend, Tex Watson, by her side, Van Houten entered the home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianco. She was aware that on the previous night family members had butchered Sharon Tate and four others. She listened the night before to the stories Krenwinkel told about the thrill she received as she stabbed the bound, pregnant Sharon Tate. Now it was Van Houtens chance to make Manson see her true commitment to him by performing equally horrific acts. The LaBianca Murders Inside the LaBianca home, Van Houten and Krenwinkel tied an electrical cord around the neck of 38-year-old Rosemary LaBianca. Rosemary, laying in the bedroom, could hear her husband, Leon, being murdered in the other room. When she began to panic, the two women put a pillow case over her head and Van Houten held her down as Tex and Krenwinkel took turns stabbing her. After the murder, Van Houten cleaned up traces of fingerprints, ate, changed clothes and hitched hiked to Spahns Ranch. Van Houten Implicates Charlie and the Family in Murder: The police raided Spahns Ranch on August 16, 1969, and Barker Ranch on October, 10 and Van Houten and many of the Manson family members were arrested. During interrogation, Van Houten told police about Susan Atkins and Patricia Krenwinkles involvement in the Tate murder. She also told authorities of Atkins involvement in the murder of music teacher, Gary Hinman, after a botched drug deal. Giggles and Chants Van Houten was eventually tried for her involvement in the murder of Rosemary LaBianco. She, Krenwinkel and Atkins made several attempts to disrupt court proceedings by chanting, yelling at the prosecutors and giggling during descriptive testimony about the Tate and LaBianco murders. Under Charlie Mansons directions, Van Houten repeatedly fired the public defenders who tried to separate her trial from those being tried for the Tate murders since she had not participated in the crimes. The Murder of Ronald Hughes: Toward the end of the trial, Van Houtens hippie lawyer Ronald Hughes, refused to allow Manson to manipulate his client by allowing her to implicate herself further in the murders to protect Manson. Soon after he made his objections known to the court, he vanished. Months later his body was found wedged between rocks in Ventura County. Later, some of the Manson Family admitted that family members were responsible for his murder, although no one has ever been arrested. Sentenced to Die The jury found Leslie Van Houten guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder and she was sentenced to death. California outlawed the death penalty in 1972 and her sentence was commuted a life imprisonment. Van Houten was granted a second trial after it was determined that the judge in her previous case failed to call a mistrial after Hughes disappearance. The second trial began in January 1977 and ended in a deadlock nine months later and for six months Van Houten was out on bail. The Van Houten who appeared in the original murder trial and the one who appeared in the retrial was a different person. She had cut off all ties to Manson and publicly denounced him and his beliefs and accepted the reality of her crimes. Back to Jail for Good In March 1978 she returned to the courtroom for her third trial and this time she was found guilty and sentenced again to life imprisonment. Leslie Van Houtens Prison Days While in prison, Van Houten has been married and divorced, received a B.A. in English Literature, and is active in recovery groups in which she shared her experience, strength, and hope. She has been denied parole 14 times, but has said she will keep trying. As to her involvement in the horrific acts committed on that August evening in 1969 she chalks it up to LSD, mind control methods used by Charles Manson, and brain washing. Currently, she is at the California Institute for Women in Frontera, California. Source:Desert Shadows by Bob MurphyHelter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt GentryThe Trial of Charles Manson by Bradley Steffens

Law Related to hospitality American Disablity Act Essay

Law Related to hospitality American Disablity Act - Essay Example The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) keenly describes the term disability, states those safeguarded by such laws and clearly prohibits discrimination based on disability in areas we shall discuss. ADA describes individuals with disability as those who have physical or mental deficiency that limit there performance in life (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). Alternatively it is described as anyone who has some history on such impairment or that perceived by members of the society to have such an impairment (A Guide to Disability Rights Law). ADA Title I addresses employment of persons with disabilities. Employers are supposed to extend equal opportunities to qualified candidates regardless of the physical or mental state. Employers with more than fifteen employees have to observe this law while recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, paying and while extending any other benefits and privileges in the course of employment (Goren). Events of violation of such rights sh ould be filed with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity commission (EEOC) that issues a â€Å"right-to –sue† letter. ADA Title II addresses the benefits entitled to persons with disabilities from the State and Local governments (Goren). Benefits such as those derived from the programs, activities and services of these offices should be available to the less-abled persons. These people should not be discriminated, and special programs should be empowered to lead a self-reliant life in the society. Violations should be reported to the department of Justice with a period that does not exceed 180 days. ADA Title II also addresses public transport of individuals with disabilities. They should not be discriminated, and the public service automobiles should be designed in a manner that cater for such people while Para-transit for sake of such people is highly encouraged. ADA Title III covers public accommodation where such services should be extended in a

The Transformation Change in British Airways Case Study

The Transformation Change in British Airways - Case Study Example Divisional al differences were very evident taking into consideration that there were two chairmen, different set of executives, and detached marketing strategies.  Divisional differences were very evident taking into consideration that there were two chairmen, different set of executives, and detached marketing strategies.   2. These were the issues faced by BA in order to survive and to be a competitive player in the airline industry.   In terms of the change order, it can be inferred that the second-order change was implemented as evidenced by their significant reengineering of business focus and strategic direction. Previously, BA was very product-oriented and their main concern was â€Å"flying the British flag†. Their initiative was more on engineering,  and increasing plane routes in Europe. They forgot the critical importance of customers in the equation hence customer dissatisfaction became synonymous with the name BA. In contrast, the new direction taken by L ord John King and Mr. Collin Marshall gave more emphasis on the human aspect of business embodied in the universal term called customer service and satisfaction. These efforts fundamentally altered the way of thinking and doing business in BA.   3. Culture and people played the major levers used to effect the new direction. On the side, systems lever was also re-engineered to put more emphasis on service marketing and reward systems. The important first step was to break the previous product-oriented culture and to infuse the value of customer service as the new way of doing business. Several programs were implemented and very notable was PPF or Putting People First wherein employees were trained to gauge customer service in different perspectives and different settings. This helped employees to be emphatic in implementing the customer service efforts initiated by BA. As an offshoot of this program, several agenda like MPF (Managing People First), A Day in the Life, Brainwaves, To Be the Best, and Awards for Excellence were introduced with the objective of enforcing the significance of customer satisfaction and rewarding those who implement the programs religiously.

Living Through the Pain of Ankylosing Spondylitis Essay Example for Free

Living Through the Pain of Ankylosing Spondylitis Essay As I sit next to my sister, Natalie, she seems saddened as she tells the story that started her difficult journey of dealing with a lifelong disease. As she describes it, â€Å"At the young age of 13, when my girlfriends were thinking about an upcoming 1950s-genre sock hop, I found myself in a Milwaukee back brace to treat a curvature of my spine called scoliosis. The brace keeps the spine virtually immobile. It held my head in alignment with metal bars, clear down to a plastic mold over my hips. I wore the brace for two years and the kids in my school would ask if I had been in a car wreck. I later started high school in new Nike tennis shoes and the awkward metal brace. When I was a sophomore, I developed a severe bowel inflammation episode which the doctor thought was bacterial dysentery. It was awful, and little did I know that this was the start of a series of problems that are all part of a chronic disease. About two weeks later, I developed painful swelling in my right knee. It was severe enough to require removal of an unusually large amount of synovial fluid. A few days after the right knee seemed to heal, the left knee swelled up. The same pattern continued for the next several years and the doctors said it was just arthritis. I then developed an eye infection called iritis in my right eye. It was so severe that it needed daily cortisone injections for 10 days, eye drops and resting in complete darkness. For the next four years, I experienced severe hip (sacroiliac (SI)) pain that made walking difficult. A pelvic X-ray was taken, which showed fusion in one of the SI joints. I was tested and found positive for the HLAB27 gene. The rheumatologist changed the diagnosis from arthritis to a definitive Ankylosing Spondylitis which is a debilitating, painful disease, without a cure, that would continue to worsen throughout my life and would most likely end with me crippled and in a wheelchair† (Rasmussen, 2010) Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a ruthless, genetic disease that makes life very painful and difficult for those affected by it. AS affects as many as 2. 4 million people in the US today, which is more than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. Scientists are currently attempting to find out what this disease is, how it is contracted, and what can be done to help those who have AS manage their pain, avoid further bodily damage and hopefully find a cure. Pathophysiology: Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when the body’s natural immune system, that is supposed to fight against germs or foreign cells that enter your body, mistake its own healthy cells as being invaders and attack them. This can affect any part of the body or many parts of the body at the same time. In the case of Ankylosing Spondylitis, the immune system attacks its own cells causing arthritis of the spine, sacroiliac (hip) joints and can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, and heart valves. It varies from intermittent episodes of back pain that occur throughout life to a severe chronic disease that attacks the spine, peripheral joints and other body organs, resulting in severe joint and back stiffness, loss of motion and deformity as life progresses. Signs and symptoms The beginning physical signs of AS usually start to appear in late adolescence or early adulthood (ages 17-35), but the symptoms can occur in younger children or much later in life as well. The first symptoms of AS can include frequent pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks, and symptoms come on gradually over the course of a few weeks or months. At first, discomfort may only be felt on one side, or alternate sides. The pain is usually dull and diffuse, rather than localized. This pain and stiffness is usually worse in the mornings and during the night, but may be improved by a warm shower or light exercise. Also, in the early stages of AS, there may be mild fever, loss of appetite and general discomfort. Many people with AS also experience bowel inflammation and iritis or uveitis (inflammation of the eyes). About one third of people with AS will experience inflammation of the eye at least once. Signs of iritis or uevitis are: Eye(s) becoming painful, watery, red and individuals may experience blurred vision and sensitivity to bright light (Van der Linden S, 2009). Varying levels of fatigue may also result from the inflammation caused by AS. The body must use extra energy to deal with the inflammation, thus causing fatigue. Mild to moderate anemia, may result from the inflammation, which can contribute to an overall feeling of tiredness. In a minority of individuals, the pain does not start in the lower back, but in a peripheral joint such as the hip, ankle, elbow, knee, heel or shoulder. This pain is commonly caused by enthesitis, which is the inflammation of the site where a ligament or tendon attaches to bone. Inflammation and pain in peripheral joints is more common in juveniles with AS. This can be confusing since, without the immediate presence of back pain, AS may look like some other form of arthritis. AS is more common in young men than in women. Typically, 1 in 200 men have AS, whereas 1 in 500 women have the disease. The symptoms or pattern of the disease are different in women. Quoting Dr. Elaine Adams, Women often present in a little more atypical fashion so its even harder to make the diagnoses in women. For example, some women with AS have stated that their symptoms started in the neck rather than in the lower back† (Adams, 2010). The pain normally becomes persistent (chronic), is felt on both sides, and lasts for at least three months. Over the course of months or years, the stiffness and pain can spread up the spine and into the neck. Pain and tenderness spreading to the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs and heels is possible as well. Advanced AS sufferers eventually experience lack of spinal mobility due to spinal fusion. Spinal fusion occurs when damage to the joint and surrounding bone causes calcium to build up which acts like a cement to keep the bones from grinding together. Fusion eliminates the pain caused by the bones grinding together, but creates the complication of limited flexibility or immobility. Diagnosis There is no direct test to diagnose AS. A clinical examination and X-ray[-0] studies of the spine, are the major diagnostic tools. A drawback of X-ray diagnosis is that signs and symptoms of AS have usually been established as long as 8–10 years prior for changes to be seen on a plain film X-ray, which means a delay of as long as 10 years before adequate therapies and treatments can be introduced. Options for earlier diagnosis are tomography[-1] and magnetic resonance imaging[-2] (MRI) of the sacroiliac joints, but the reliability of these tests is still unclear. Also, MRI can be cost prohibitive (Thomas E, 1998, pp. 343-7). A physical examination by a doctor or rheumatologist is necessary in properly diagnosing AS. The examination would entail looking for sites of inflammation, and checking for pain and tenderness along the back, pelvic bones, sacroiliac joints, chest and heels. Other symptoms and indicators are also taken into account, including a history of iritis or uveitis (inflammation of the eye), a history of gastrointestinal infections (for example, the presence of Crohns Disease or ulcerative colitis), a family history of AS, as well as fatigue due to the presence of inflammation. The Schobers test[-3] is a useful clinical measure of flexion of the lumbar spine performed during examination. Ankylosing Spondylitis is considered a genetic disease and studies have linked AS with a genetic marker called HLA-B27. However, testing positive for this marker is not a guarantee that a person will contract the disease. Approximately 90% of AS patients carry the HLA-B27 marker but 10% who exhibit AS disease characteristics do not. The association between AS and HLA-B27 varies in different ethnic and racial groups. 95% of people in the Caucasian population who have AS test HLA-B27 positive. However, only 50% of African American patients with AS possess HLA-B27 marker. Therefore, 5% of Caucasians and 50% of African Americans who have AS do not carry the HLA-B27 marker. In 2007, a collaborative effort by an international team of researchers in the U. K. , Australia and the United States led to the discovery of two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R[-4], that also contribute to the cause of AS. The findings were published in the November 2007 edition of Nature Genetics, a journal that emphasizes research on the genetic basis for common and complex diseases (Brionez TF, 2008, pp. 348-91). Together with HLA-B27, these two genes account for roughly 70% of the overall incidence of the disease. Treatment with Medications There are many medications available to treat AS and its symptoms. Depending on the stage of the disease and its rate of progression, different medications are recommended. People respond to medications with varying levels of effectiveness, thus it may take time to find the most effective medication for treating someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs are the most commonly used class of medication used in treating the inflammation and swelling associated with AS and thus reduce pain and stiffness. For example, Ibuprofen is a generic NSAID and is found in over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil and Motrin. They commonly come in tablet form and are taken orally. Sometimes high doses of NSAIDs are needed to maintain relief from the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis. This can pose a problem in that NSAIDs can cause significant side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, intestines, etc. ). NSAIDs can cause reduction in the protective mucus in the stomach, which can cause stomach irritation. In time, this can lead to heartburn, gastritis as well as ulcers and even bleeding. People can take other medications, such as antacids, to neutralize or prevent the production of excess stomach acid or take drugs to help coat and protect the stomach and help restore the lost mucus. According to Spondylitis Association of America, there is a different class of NSAIDs known as COX-2 inhibitors (or COXIBs) have helped some patients reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications associated with traditional NSAID therapy. An example of a COXIB is Celebrex (Celecoxib), which is still being used to treat spondyloarthritis. Others, such as Vioxx, were pulled from the market because of potential cardiac side effects (SAA Medication Treatments, 2009). Although NSAIDs are commonly the first line of medications used to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis, sometimes they arent enough to control the symptoms. NSAIDs may only be partially effective or the side effects too severe to continue their use. In this case, a doctor may prescribe one of the following medications: Sulfasalazine Sulfasalazine is one type of medication that can be helpful to some people with this severe disease. It is known to effectively control not only pain and joint swelling from arthritis of the small joints, but also the intestinal lesions in inflammatory bowel disease. It comes in tablet form and is taken orally. Side effects are relatively infrequent, but can include headaches, abdominal bloating, nausea and oral ulcers. Rarely, someone being prescribed this medication can develop bone marrow suppression, which is why it is important to regularly monitor blood counts. Methotrexate Originally developed to treat cancer, this chemotherapy drug is widely used and often very effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. When prescribed for treating Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is given in much smaller doses. Methotrexate can either be taken via a self-injectable shot, or orally in tablet form. When taking methotrexate, it is also necessary to take the vitamin folic acid in order to help suppress possible side effects. Oral ulcers and nausea are the most common side effects, but can be minimized by taking folic acid. Because of other potential serious side effects, the frequent monitoring of blood counts and liver tests are required. Methotrexate lowers the ability for patients to fight infection. Therefore, patients taking it should avoid contact with those who are ill. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids such as prednisone can be effective in relieving the inflammation of AS, but the side effects of long-term use can be very severe. Corticosteroid injections into the inflamed joints can provide temporary relief of the pain caused by arthritis or bursitis. In instances of Achilles tendonitis, such injections are rarely, if ever used because of the risk of rupturing the Achilles tendon. Also, the usefulness of corticosteroid injections to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is not clear. Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha inhibitors AS patients produce too much of an inflammatory substance called Tumor-Necrosis-Factor alpha (TNF-a). TNF-a blockers are biologic medications that have shown great promise in treating AS by binding the excess TNF-a, thus reducing inflammation. TNF-a blockers slow the progress of AS in the majority of clinical cases, helping many patients receive a significant reduction, though not elimination, of their inflammation and pain. They have been shown to be highly effective in treating the arthritis of the joints and the spinal arthritis associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Examples of TNF? [-5] blockers are: Enbrel (etanercept[-6]), Remicade (infliximab[-7]), Humira (adalimumab[-8]) and Simponi (Golimumab). Besides the often high cost of over $600 per injection, the most serious known side effect of the TNF blockers is the fact that these drugs increase the risk of infections, especially tuberculosis. Thus, a TB test is usually required before starting any of the TNF therapies. Patients taking the TNF medications are advised to limit their exposure to others who are or may be carrying a virus (such as a cold or flu) or who may have a bacterial or fungal infection. A very rare possible complication is increased frequency of cancer, especially of the blood, such as leukemia or of the lymphatic system as in lymphoma. (SAA Medication Treatments, 2009).

Public Relations and Democratic Communication Essays -- Democratic Com

Consider the arguments for and against the view that Public Relations enhance democratic communication. While democratic communication influenced by many different factors, especially in capitalist society, the elites represents as dominant groups that have more opportunities to express their voice. Among to the rest, Public Relations play an important role in the communication between public and different organizations. The core of this essay is based on the debate of whether Public Relations enhance democratic communication. This paper will mainly divide into three sections. Firstly, the discussion on the main question will focus on if the public relations have beneficially effects on democratic communication; secondly, the discussion will be the neutrality opinion about the relationship between public relations and democracy communication; thirdly, the reasons why the theorists considering the public relations reinforce the democratic communication will be listed. The primary hypothesis of this debate is Public Relations have beneficial effects on democratic communication. Public Relations mainly target on public, which through spinning and lobby group work to promote the image of political groups, corporate and other organizations, and then release the stress relationship between public and groups. In the beginning of twentieth century, the emergence of public relations was for getting on well with the speed of commercial development, as what Stanley Kelley describe, this group is ‘a class of professional propagandists’ (Stanley Kelley: 1956, p.16). However, in nowadays, this group of people actively can be found among political groups, advertising purposes and marketing issues etc. The members within professional ... ...002) Public relations democracy: public relations, politics and the mass media in Britain Manchester University Press pp47 Miller, D & Dinan, W (2007) ‘Public Relations and the Subversion of Democracy’ cited in Miller, D & Dinan, W (eds.) Thinker, Faker, Spinner, Spy: Corporate PR and the Assault on Democracy, London: Pluto Press Moloney, K (2006a) Rethinking Public Relations, 2nd edition, London: Routledge Kavanagh (1995) cited in Davis, Aeron (2002) Public relations democracy: public relations, politics and the mass media in Britain Manchester University Press Neill (1998) appeared in Davis, Aeron (2002) Public relations democracy: public relations, politics and the mass media in Britain Manchester University Press Miller, D & Dinan, W (2000) ‘The rise of the PR Industry in Britain, 1979-1998’ European Journal of Communication, 15(1): 5-35 pp. 13

Classic Airlines and Marketing

Classic Airlines and Marketing MKT/571 – Marketing September 17, 2012 Classic Airlines and Marketing Classic Airlines, the fifth largest airline carrier, currently serves 240 cities with more than 2,300 daily flights. However, Classic Airlines has experienced over the past three years a decline in their frequent flier program Classic Rewards along with customer confidence declining as well and stock prices has decreased by 10% according to University of Phoenix, 2012. Marketing is assigned the task of revamping the customer loyalty program and increasing membership while operating under a 15% reduction in expenses across the company.The challenges that the marketing management is faced with include a downward turn of morale among the employees; retaining and recruiting of new members for Classic Rewards, and the lack of support from upper management. Marketing management is the process of â€Å"creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and for managing custom er relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders† (Kotler & Keller, 2006, p. 6). Identifying Marketing ChallengesThe marketing management team has identified that the majority (60%) of its Reward membership are at the basic tier, 25% are on the Silver Rewards level, and only 15% are Gold Rewards members. Of these members 80% are business travelers with the remaining 20% leisure travelers. With this information, marketing instituted surveys to determine what the needs of the members are. The replies from the business traveler ranged from the dislike for connections and delays, the desire for quality service, and the idea that the frequent flier points are the result of the airline’s investment in the customer.Whereas, the leisure traveler is more interested in lower air fare and is more willing to have more connections if it will save the traveler money. Strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of Classic Airlines top thre e competitors—British Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and United Airlines—were completed by John Hartman, Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Based on the SWOT analysis, all three competitors have a strong and successful loyalty program. A common weakness between the three companies is the union at each airline.An opportunity recognized by the three companies is the customers’ needs are constantly changing and the airline industry is rebounding. Fuel and equipment along with competition are considered weaknesses by the three organizations. Gathering input from the Classic Rewards members was the responsibility of Renee Epson, Senior Vice President of Customer Service. Interviews of 500 Gold and Platinum Classic Rewards members revealed that advertising campaigns are failing in conveying an accurate and meaningful picture of the airline.In regard to the Classic reward program only 30% were either satisfied or very satisfied with the program and upgrades avail able. When asked if the members flew on other airlines, all categories excluding those who fly seven to 12 times a year responded that they flew other airlines more often than Classic Airlines. Only 8% have been Classic Rewards members for more than five years with the majority been members for one to three years. Strategic Planning The marketing management team has been performing strategic planning to implement a value chain.A value chain states Kotler and Keller, (2006), â€Å"identifies nine strategically relevant activities that create value and cost in a specific business† (p. 38). The team has identified opportunities, weaknesses, strengths, and threats for Classic Airlines’ competitors and through surveys and interviews for Classic Airlines. The identification of the concerns of the Rewards program members enables the marketing team to address these concerns and implement recommendations for improving the Classic Rewards program.This is part of the new offering realization program that enables Classic Airlines to develop and implement new high-quality products while remaining within the budget. Another part of the value chain is the identification of new markets to attract new customers. Classic Airlines needs to rebuild its customer relationship management process this in turn will improve relationships and understanding with both internal and external customers. ConclusionClassic Airlines marketing management is working on improving the organization’s rewards program while remaining within the budget that has a 15% decrease with the result of increasing the profits. A major challenge for the marketing management team is the lack of support from upper management. However, the team has begun the strategic planning of implementing a value chain method. The use of a SWOT analysis, surveys, and interviews of current customers has provided the team with an insight of the issues that must be addressed.Marketing is a process of deliverin g value to its customers while managing customers’ relationships and producing revenue and profit for the company and its stakeholders. References Kotler, P. , & Keller, K. (2006). Marketing Management (12th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall. University of Phoenix. (2012). Scenario: Classic Airlines. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, MKT571-Marketing website