Steroids Essays

Steroids Essays Steroids Essay Steroids Essay Introduction Background Steroids, more specifically glucocorticoids, for illustration hydrocortisone ( the construction of which is shown below in 1 ) are on a regular basis used in clinical pattern due to their anti inflammatory belongingss e.g. injected into inflamed articulations or sinews. ( 1 ) They achieve this inflammatory action by the suppression of the enzyme phospholipase A2. This enzyme converts cell membrane phospholipids into arachidonic acid – a cardinal molecule in the creative activity of all eicosanoids. ( 1 ) Eicosanoid is a general term for a group of molecules embracing prostaglandins, thromboxanes, prostacyclin, lipoxins, leukotrienes and derived functions. ( 1 ) Prostaglandins were discovered by a Swedish adult male named Ulf von Euler. He isolated them from a sample of seeds and so assumed they were synthesised by the prostate secretory organ, hence their name. ( 2 ) They have since been found, along with leukotrienes to be built-in to the inflammatory response and in the causing of hurting, while lipoxins signal the terminal of an inflammatory period. ( 3 ) Thromboxane is a lipid that promotes the collection of thrombocytes from which it is produced ; it is besides a powerful hypertensive agent that increases blood force per unit area by vasoconstriction, prostacyclin holding an counter consequence. ( 3 ) As steroids inhibit the production of all these molecules, they have a really broad scope of effects in the organic structure. They prevent vasocodilation, diminish the inflow and activity of leukocytes and mononucleate cells, suppress the procedure of angiogenesis, prevent extra fibrosis, decrease clonal enlargement of T and B cells and diminish the action of cytokine releasing T cells. ( 3 ) Non steroidal anti inflammatories ( NSAIDs ) for illustration acetylsalicylic acid ( the construction of which is shown below in 2 ) work to battle redness in a more specific mode than steroids. They inhibit the enzymes cyclooxygenase 1 and cyclooxygenase 2 therefore forestalling the oxidization of arachidonic acid to PGH2 which is an intermediary in the production of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and prostacyclin. ( 1 ) This allows the production of other eicosanoids ( e.g. leukotrienes and derived functions ) to go on uninhibited. This gives the drug a more targeted consequence. These drugs are known to hold anti pyretic, anti inflammatory and analgetic effects. ( 3 ) Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors ( for illustration Celebrex shown in 3 below ) are, once more, a much more targeted drug – merely suppressing the Cox 2 enzyme. ( 1 ) This has been shown to be good as the prostaglandins that are secreted into the gastro enteric piece of land ( GIT ) to protect against the potentially harmful low pH tend to be catalysed by the Cox 1 enzyme, i.e. the usage of traditional NSAIDs can take to ulceration in the GIT. ( 3 ) It has been suggested that all Cox enzyme suppressing drugs – but particularly cox-2 inhibitors increase the likeliness of thrombi forming, seting patients on these drugs at a higher hazard of holding myocardial infarctions, shots etc. ( 3 ) This is due to their suppression of prostacyclin, a lipoid that prevents curdling of blood. ( 1 ) An overview of the concatenation of reactions involved in the formation of eicosanoids and the action of steroids, NSAIDs and cox-2 inhibitors is shown below in 4. Connective tissue is a reasonably obscure term, split into three sub classs, connective tissue proper, unstable connective tissues and supportive tissues. ( 4 ) Connective tissue proper is so farther divided into loose and heavy conjunction tissues, depending on the figure of cells present and the comparative proportions of fibers and land substance. ( 4 ) All connective tissue proper contains fibroblasts, which secrete a substance called hyaluronan and assorted other proteins. Fibrocytes, Macrophages, Adipocytes, Mesenchymal cells, Melanocytes, Mast cells, Lymphocytes and Microphages are besides present in some but non all connective tissue proper. Forming a kind of web around the different cell types are fibers of which there are three types – collagen, reticulate and elastic. All three are created by the fibroblast cells from the proteins they secrete and maintained by fibrocytes. Collagen is a consecutive unbranching fiber that has unbelievable tensile strength that makes up about all of the composing of sinews and ligaments and is besides present in tegument. ( 4 ) Reticulate fibers are besides made of collagen but alternatively organize a heavy web like construction that is really strong and flexible. Elastic fibers are wholly different to the other two fibers, as they are made up of elastin. These fibers have the ability to stretch and return to their original size. An illustration of elastic fibers in the organic structure is the connexions between vertebrae. ( 4 ) Supporting all these constituent parts and filling in the spreads of connective tissue is ground substance. Ground substance is a clear, colorless extremely syrupy substance. This is good as it hinders the patterned advance of bacteriums and other pathogens through it and into the organic structure and besides aids phagocytosis. Purposes I intend to sketch the pros and cons of the clinical usage of steroids, not steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and Cox 2 inhibitors as anti inflammatories and anodynes when connective tissue injury is evident. aims To accomplish this I will turn up relevant research documents, critically measure their findings and explicate my ain decision sing their positive and negative effects in the organic structure, more specifically their effects on connective tissue fix and if their usage is good overall. Method Search I performed an electronic hunt of the MEDLINE ( 1950 to January Week 4 2009 ) database utilizing the OVID hunt engine. I limited the consequences to full text, English linguistic communication documents and used the cardinal words steroids, not steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors, cox-2 inhibitors and lesion healing. These single hunts brought up an unwieldy figure of hits so I so combined each drug type with lesion healing. This narrowed the figure of documents down significantly, but was still unwieldy and on upon reappraisal of the documents, a batch of them were unrelated and referred to the effects of the drug on many different tissues. I wanted my reappraisal to be more specific, so I introduced another hunt parametric quantity – collagen. An illustration of the concluding hunt is shown below ( 5 ) , taken from OVID. I so searched utilizing the same keywords as before in Google Scholar. This hunt uncovered yet more relevant stuff that the OVID hunt engine had missed. Using the documents I had found in the aforesaid hunts, I analysed the mentions they had used to bring out any farther documents I could utilize that I may hold overlooked earlier. In add-on, a relevant degree of background cognition of the pharmacological medicine of the drugs involved and their physiological effects was acquired from text editions and internet resources. Consequences The consequences brought up by my assorted hunt techniques were chiefly drug tests in rats and mice. There were besides many existing reappraisal articles related to what I intended to research. Discussion Steroids As discussed earlier, steroids have a broad scope of effects in the organic structure, due to them suppressing the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of arachidonic acid, a substance from which all eicosanoids are created. Glucocorticoids affect the healing procedure well, and if injected after hurt, dramatically lower the figure of inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, the formation of land substance and sum of new collagen. ( 5 ) It was presumed that this was because of the steroid s repressive consequence on the inflammatory response, without which mending can non happen. It has now been suggested by a survey ( 5 ) that it is besides caused by the steroid s ability to stamp down the look of TGF B ( transforming growing factor ) and IGF ( insulin like growing factor ) cytokines. The survey was performed on rats. TGF B and IGF are cytokines that are released when macrophages take portion in phagocytosis at the site of a lesion. ( 6 ) # They work by conveying about the proliferation of fibroblasts, which as discussed earlier, are built-in in the production of collagen. The graphs below ( figures 6 and 7 ) show that there was a statistically important lessening in both TGF B and IGF when the rats were admini stered with steroids. Besides determined from this survey was that there was decreased collagen synthesis caused by a lessening in steady province cellular type I procollagen messenger RNAs . Overall, this survey indicates that the decrease of TGF B and IGF in lesions as a consequence of steroid intervention causes collagen deposition to endure. This would later do the healed lesion to be weaker and have a lower breakage strength. Clinically, these consequences are really of import, as glucocorticoids are normally used in postoperative patients, which puts them at a high hazard of impaired healing and infection. ( 6 ) Timing, dosage and length of intervention besides play a cardinal function in the suppression of proper lesion fix, with patients holding more post operative jobs with lesions if they receive glucocorticoid intervention preoperatively. ( 6 ) There is a correlativity between higher doses and more hurtful wound fix effects, while patients on a long class experience well slower lesion healing. ( 6 ) Despite these obvious negative effects of steroids, they are still widely used to handle many conditions for illustration in lower doses to handle adrenal lacks and at higher doses to battle assorted inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases. ( 7 ) Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs Relatively small work has been done on researching the effects of NSAIDs on lesion healing, but there are many theories as to how it could interfere with this procedure. A survey was conducted in 1996 ( 8 ) that investigated the consequence of a specific drug, ketorolac tromethamine, on the healing of lesions in male rats. This was achieved by mensurating the breakage strength ( 8 ) , collagen content ( 9 ) and tensile strength ( 10 ) of the freshly formed tissue. It was found in this survey that the breakage strength and collagen denseness of the trial subjects was much lower than that found in the controls ; nevertheless the tensile strength was non found to be lowered significantly. The lessening in interrupting strength is likely a direct consequence of the lowered collagen content ( 8 ) as collagen gives tissue snap and the ability to stretch to defy forces without interrupting. ( 4 ) As can be seen in the graphs, it is clear that this peculiar NSAID has a definite impact on the manner in which the tissue has repaired. It is possible that NSAIDs have a direct impact on the production of prostaglandin-E ( 8 ) , a eicosanoid involved in the production of colleganase, which maps in the dislocation and formation of new collagen fibers. ( 1 ) Another survey ( 9 ) has shown a lessening in hydroxyproline in the healed lesion tissue treated with a different NSAID, isobutylphenyl propionic acid. This is a important determination as it is a constituent in collagen that is indispensable to the formation of its third construction. ( 10 ) Another consequence that is likely to be related to connective tissue fix is the lowered production of glucosaminoglycan, a substance fo und in connective tissues for illustration sinews. ( 8 ) Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors As discussed earlier, cox-2 inhibitors are in consequence a more targeted version of traditional NSAIDs, for this ground, it would be a just premise that the scope of side effects is more limited. The consequences from trials from surveies refering cox-2 inhibitors show far fewer side effects and are about wholly barren of the jobs with wound fix associated with the other two drug types ( 11-13 ) . Some of the consequences are really interesting and present contradictions to informations from the surveies concerned with traditional NSAIDs ( 8 ) # . An illustration of this is shown in a survey performed to contrast the effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors ( 11 ) . The information shows that upon disposal of Celebrex, a cox-2 inhibitor, the concentration of prostaglandin E decreases significantly ( shown below in 11 ) As discussed before, this lessening in prostaglandin E would theoretically ensue in a lessening in the collagen production at the site of the lesion. Despite this, information from the survey states that the overall healing procedure was unhampered compared to the control. It is stated that this could be attributed to the unchanged production of hydroxyproline ( shown below in 12 ) . In a different survey ( 13 ) negative effects on the healing of epithelial tissue were predicted. It states that although the drugs have negligible effects on lesion fix as a whole procedure, there is cause for concern as epithelial tissue is a peculiarly strong inducer of the Cox 2 enzyme. Despite this statement, the survey goes onto to confute this hypothesis, happening small to no difference compared to the controls ( 13 ) . Conversely, a similar survey performed in 2002 showed a slower rate of lesion healing ( although the healed lesion showed about indistinguishable features to the controls ) ( 12 ) . This trial was performed on mice. The consequences are highlighted in the graph below ( 13 ) . The dark saloon represents the cox-2 inhibitor treated mice, the white saloon traditional NSAID treated mice and the dark saloon is the controls ( i.e. untreated mice. ) If the surveies discussed here are all taken into history, it would look that cox-2 inhibitors have really small consequence on the healing procedure, simply decelerating it. Decision Remarks Steroids are really powerful drugs, and have a broad scope of perchance negative effects on a patient. The information from this reappraisal would propose that steroids are unsuitable for usage in patients with connective tissue injury, due to their impact on the healing procedure. NSAIDs are widely used in pattern for their analgetic belongingss and in higher doses to cut down redness. The information gathered to organize this reappraisal suggests that although there are negative effects on lesion healing, the usage of the drugs in a controlled environment ( i.e. as prescribed by a physician ) is warranted. A major concern would be that they are readily available over the counter , for illustration ibuprofen . As a consequence of this patients may non experience it necessary to unwrap this information to their physician, as they may non see it as of import due to the effects on lesion mending non being widely known. ( 8 ) # COX-2 inhibitors seem to hold negligible effects on lesion fix, yet exhibit about indistinguishable effects on the organic structure as a traditional NSAIDs, upon which they are based ( i.e. analgesia and decrease of redness ) . There is besides cogent evidence of the lessened hazard of developing stomachic ulcers, a complication associated with traditional NSAIDs. As identified in the debut nevertheless, cox-2 inhibitors put the patient at a much higher hazard of enduring a shot or myocardial infarction. There are obvious benefits and hazards in the usage of all the drugs discussed, and no grounds has been presented back uping the thought that the drugs are insecure if used in the right state of affairs. i.e. a patient with a predisposed hazard of myocardial infarction would non be given a cox-2 inhibitor, and a patient with a history of developing peptic ulcers would non be prescribed a traditional NSAID. In decision, after taking into history all the information gathered, despite their evident side effects, all the drugs discussed clearly have their topographic point in clinical pattern, if used carefully and the side effects are thought through with relation to the patient s status. Restrictions I believe a major restriction of this survey is the deficiency of clinical tests in worlds. I was unable to happen any research performed on worlds or human tissue, the bulk being on rats and mice. While this gives an estimate of how these drug types would interact in a human, it is executable that if the tests were performed in a existent human trial topic, the consequences would be wholly different. For this ground, it is possibly non advisable to give the consequences of this reappraisal much weight, until it is proven in worlds. Further Areas of Study Further survey would include the testing of the drugs in worlds. The proving for collagen content would affect taking a little biopsy of the lesion, but to find the mechanical features ( i.e. interrupting strength and tensile strength ) the lesion and environing tissue would hold to be removed and ripped apart. This is evidently ethically debatable, so a more realistic attack would to turn tissue civilizations and execute trials on these. This could supply another possible usage of root cells in research. 1. Ganong WF. Review of Medical Physiology. 22nd erectile dysfunction: Lange ; 2005. 2. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/555prostagland.html. [ cited 11th February 2009 ] . 3. Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM, Flowers RJ. Pharmacology. 6th erectile dysfunction: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier ; 2008. 4. Martini FH, Nath JL. Fundamentalss of Anatomy and Physiology. 8th erectile dysfunction: Pearson ; 2009. 5. Wicke C, Halliday B, Allen D, Roche NS, Scheuenstuhl H, Spencer MM, et Al. Effectss of steroids and retinoids on lesion healing. Arch Surg. [ Comparative Study ] . 2000 Nov ; 135 ( 11 ) :1265-70. 6. Anstead GM. Steroids, retinoids, and wound mending. Adv Wound Care. [ Review ] . 1998 Oct ; 11 ( 6 ) :277-85. 7. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do? topicKey=~fpyFyamA5oQZAd. [ cited 2009 13th February ] . 8. Haws MJ, Kucan JO, Roth AC, Suchy H, Brown RE. The effects of chronic Torodal tromethamine ( ketorolac tromethamine ) on lesion healing. Annalss of plastic surgery1996 Aug ; 37 ( 2 ) :147-51. 9. Velasco M, Guaitero E. A comparative survey of some anti-inflammatory drugs in lesion healing of the rat. Experientia. [ Comparative Study ] . 1973 Oct 15 ; 29 ( 10 ) :1250-1. 10. Bansal M, Ananthanarayanan VS. The function of hydroxyproline in collagen folding: conformational energy computations on oligopeptides incorporating proline and hydroxyproline. Biopolymers. [ Research Support, Non-U.S. Govt ] . 1988 Feb ; 27 ( 2 ) :299-312. 11. Muscara MN, McKnight W, Asfaha S, Wallace JL. Wound collagen deposition in rats: effects of an NO-NSAID and a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Br J Pharmacol. [ Research Support, Non-U.S. Govt ] . 2000 Feb ; 129 ( 4 ) :681-6. 12. Futagami A, Ishizaki M, Fukuda Y, Kawana S, Yamanaka N, Futagami A, et Al. Wound mending involves initiation of cyclooxygenase-2 look in rat tegument. Lab Invest2002 Nov ; 82 ( 11 ) :1503-13. 3. Muller-Decker K, Hirschner W, Marks F, Furstenberger G, Muller-Decker K, Hirschner W, et Al. The effects of Cox isozyme suppression on incisional lesion healing in mouse tegument. J Invest Dermatol. [ Research Support, Non-U.S. Govt ] . 2002 Nov ; 119 ( 5 ) :1189-95. Steroids Essays Steroids Essay Steroids Essay There is a huge national concern over the misuse and abuse of anabolic steroids for enhancement of muscular stature and performance among competitive athletes.   Latest estimates have shown that approximately 5% of all high school students have used anabolic steroids, with almost half of the high students believing that these drugs are not harmful to their health.   Drug enforcement legislations have included anabolic steroids in its list of traffic-controlled substances (21 USC Sec. 801 1/22/02; Schedule III).   However, the bigger picture of the medical and research benefits of anabolic drugs have been overlooked due to the sensationalize media coverage of these drugs.   Current scientific researches are still inconclusive on whether anabolic steroids are extremely unsafe for administration, opposite to what has been actively claimed by anti-drug officials and government authorities.The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 (ASCA) was established to r egulate the distribution of anabolic steroids in the United States.   The Drug Enforcement Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice has been mandated to implement measures to protect the people from these dangerous drugs.   A four-part definition of anabolic steroids serves as a blueprint to identify any analogues of the chemical substance that may be uncontrollably dispensed to athletes and other youths.   The definition included substances that are chemically and pharmacologically similar to testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, as well as a very close likeness in its enhancement for muscle growth.   The Act classified anabolic steroids in the same category as barbiturates and LSD precursors and claim that these substances result in dangerous effects to the human body.   The Act declares that any individual caught in the possession of these anabolic steroids will be arrested and prosecuted.   The list of anabolic steroids in the Act is continuously being update d, as new versions of these drugs are progressively being created through the years.Anabolic androgenic steroids are testosterone derivatives that are mainly used for muscle and performance enhancement.   These drugs are frequently used by competitive athletes in order to achieve an edge or better control of their physical strength and performance during professional sports games.   Retrospective surveys indicated that anabolic steroids have been used since the 1960s to date (Duchaine, 1983), with current national user rates ranging from 3% to 9% among high school students alone.   The exact effect of anabolic steroids in the developing human body has not been fully studied, and the increase in number of reports of teenage athletes committing suicide has called the attention of the legislation to assess and review drug enforcement laws covering this specific drug.It has been reported that the prolonged use of anabolic steroids have may cause a number of adverse effects to the human body, including liver damage, gynecomastia, atherogenesis, psychiatric disorders such as aggression and violence, and even death (Balbigian, 2001; Brower, 2002; Glazer, 1991; Pope and Katz, 1990; Malone et al. 1995).   Investigations on the nationwide use of anabolic steroids have prompted Congress to establish the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, which mainly indicates that the non-medical employment of anabolic steroids is punishable by law.   Any violations will be penalized by at least 15 days to 5 years imprisonment and/or $1,000 to $1,000,000 fine, depending on the extent of the violation.   So far, the general public has supported the Anabolic Steroid Control Act, mostly due to the massive and militant media coverage of the topic.The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 classified anabolic steroids as any drug or substance related to testosterone and used for muscle growth increase.   They are Schedule III of controlled substances.   The Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2004 amendment added hormone precursors such as androstenedione and androstenediol as controlled substances without a prescription.   Most anabolic steroids used in the United States come through the black market from other countries.   Even though sources may state the steroids are made by pharmacists and physicians, no one actually knows who produced them or how they were produced.  Ã‚   Some were produced in non-sterile environments while others may be for the use of animals but sold for human use.   Production of steroids sold illegally may have substitutions or other problems which can cause the contents to be dangerous even lethal.   Many sold via the internet are fake steroids which have contained cooking oil or toxic substances that produced methanol and/or blood poisoning.   Incorrect packaged doses and tampering of the product can also be suspected.   Since some users use more than one steroid at a time, dangers of consuming bad substances is increased.   You dont know how some of those ingredients will react together.Some research indicates anabolic steroid use may lead users to other illegal and/or legal drugs to counteract some of the side effects, especially for insomnia.   There is a limited amount of research and studies in this area.   A list of possible physical and psychological side-effects of anabolic steroid use has been reported.   These include coronary heart disease, which specifically increases the thickness and enlargement of the left ventricle.   Another side-effect is the decreased size of the user’s testicles, as well as the experience of immunodeficiencies.   The athlete who has taken anabolic steroids will also feel invincible and will actually show an aggressive behavior.   It has been reported the Hitler historically used anabolic steroids during World War II in order to increase his aggressiveness towards his troops.   In terms of damage to human health, anabolic steroids d estroy the liver as well as transform connective tissues to a condition that these are easily injured or torn.Adolescents taking anabolic steroids have been reported to show stunted growth and suffer from blood clots and insomnia or unusual sleep patterns.   In terms of the effects of anabolic steroid on an individual’s blood chemistry, there are reported that a user will experience an elevated LDL cholesterol level as well as a lowering of HDL cholesterol level.   Interestingly, adults taking anabolic steroids experience moderate to severe acne because anabolic steroids influence changes in his endocrine system.   An anabolic steroid user also faces the chance of acquiring prostate cancer at an earlier age.   Certain male anabolic steroid users observe that their breasts start developing and some users experience temporary to permanent infertility.   Other users have stimulated appetites, psychoses and mood swings.   Increasing the dosage and combining steroids a lso increases risks of possible side effects.   Some side effects can be reversed after stoppage of steroid use and other effects cannot be reversed.   It should be noted that the results of side effects may take months or years before they are apparent even after the individual has stopped using them.   Recent evidence indicates withdrawal symptoms occur in long-term users who stop using anabolic steroids.However, the actual negative effects of the use of anabolic steroidal drugs have not been comprehensively investigated to date, and that the reports that have been disclosed in the media have been isolated cases picked out from millions of cases of teenage users around the United States.   Scientifically, the adverse effects from the prolonged use of anabolic steroids remain inconclusive to date, and in actuality, anabolic steroid use has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of medical disorders.   In one report, it has lately been determined that the effect of an anabolic steroid to the treatment of weight loss in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is equivalently effective and safe as compared to the commonly administered recombinant growth hormone that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (Storer et al. 2005).   In another scenario, the administration of an anabolic steroid has been beneficial in prostate cancer patients by preventing further migration of prostate cancer cells to other parts of the body (Guerini et al. 2005).   The anabolic steroid oxandrolone has been successfully used in the treatment of muscle loss in patients diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and may be a potential powerful candidate for general treatment of such types of patients (Balagopal et al. 2006).Scientific research shows that anabolic steroids provide more beneficial effects than what has been claimed by legislation as serious, adverse effects to the human body.   More so, the negative reports that have asso ciated with the use of anabolic steroids have not been investigated scientifically and have only achieved much attention through the help of media and press coverage.   Therefore, it is imperative that the legislative bodies review the restrictions associated with the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 and fully determine the actual effects of anabolic steroid intake.   It is regretful to know that there are other drugs and activities that are much more deleterious or harmful to people but are not actively controlled by the Senate, including smoking, cosmetic surgery and over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which has caused even more cases of deaths and hospitalizations that anabolic steroids.Based on the above information on the current status, knowledge and use of anabolic steroids, several advocacy groups have proposed that anabolic steroids be legalized for use in the United States.   In turn, these groups emphasize the need for further scientific resear ch to determine the mechanisms of action of each type of anabolic drug to gain a better understanding of its indications and contraindications.   There should be a comprehensive survey on the frequency of use of anabolic steroids across the human population, with stratified categories of users such as teenage athletes, geriatric patients, cancer patients, and so on.   Any cases that report any adverse effect from use of anabolic steroids should be properly documented and analyzed.   Should there be sufficient reason that anabolic steroids be stopped from circulation in the community, these advocacy groups are willing to review these effects once significant information has been gathered from reliable reports.;

Causes of World War II in the Pacific

Causes of World War II in the Pacific World War II in the Pacific was caused by a number of issues stemming from Japanese expansionism to problems relating to the end of World War I. Japan After World War I A valuable ally during World War I, the European powers and the U.S. recognized Japan as a colonial power after the war. In Japan, this led to the rise of ultra-right wing and nationalist leaders, such as Fumimaro Konoe and Sadao Araki, who advocated uniting Asia under the rule of the emperor. Known as hakkà ´ ichiu, this philosophy gained ground during the 1920s and 1930s as Japan needed increasingly more natural resources to support its industrial growth. With the onset of the Great Depression, Japan moved towards a fascist system with the army exerting growing influence over the emperor and government. To keep the economy growing, an emphasis was placed on arms and weapons production, with much of the raw materials coming from the U.S. Rather than continue this dependence on foreign materials, the Japanese decided to seek out resource-rich colonies to supplement their existing possessions in Korea and Formosa. To accomplish this goal, the leaders in Tokyo looked west to China, which was in the midst of a civil war between Chiang Kai-sheks Kuomintang (Nationalist) government, Mao Zedongs Communists, and local warlords. Invasion of Manchuria For several years, Japan had been meddling in Chinese affairs, and the province of Manchuria in northeast China was seen as ideal for Japanese expansion. On Sept. 18, 1931, the Japanese staged an incident along the Japanese-owned South Manchuria Railway near Mukden (Shenyang). After blowing up a section of track, the Japanese blamed the attack on the local Chinese garrison. Using the Mukden Bridge Incident as a pretext, Japanese troops flooded into Manchuria. The Nationalist Chinese forces in the region, following the governments policy of nonresistance, refused to fight, allowing the Japanese to occupy much of the province. Unable to divert forces from battling the Communists and warlords, Chiang Kai-shek sought aid from the international community and the League of Nations. On Oct. 24, the League of Nations passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of Japanese troops by Nov. 16. This resolution was rejected by Tokyo and Japanese troops continued operations to secure Manchuria. In January, the U.S. stated that it would not recognize any government formed as a result of Japanese aggression. Two months later, the Japanese created the puppet state of Manchukuo with the last Chinese emperor  Puyi as its leader. Like the U.S., the League of Nations refused to recognize the new state, prompting Japan to leave the organization in 1933. Later that year, the Japanese seized the neighboring province of Jehol. Political Turmoil While Japanese forces were successfully occupying Manchuria, there was political unrest in Tokyo. After a failed attempt to capture Shanghai in January, Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated on May 15, 1932  by radical elements of the Imperial Japanese Navy who were angered by his support of the London Naval Treaty and his attempts to curb the militarys power. Tsuyoshis death marked the end of civilian political control of the government until after World War II. Control of the government was given to Admiral SaitÃ…  Makoto. Over the next four years, several assassinations and coups were attempted as the military sought to gain complete control of the government. On Nov. 25, 1936, Japan joined with Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy in signing the Anti-Comintern Pact which was directed against global communism. In June 1937, Fumimaro Konoe became prime minister and, despite his political leanings, sought to curb the militarys power. The Second Sino-Japanese War Begins Fighting between the Chinese and Japanese resumed on a large scale on July 7, 1937, following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, just south of Beijing. Pressured by the military, Konoe permitted troop strength in China to grow and by the end of the year Japanese forces had occupied Shanghai, Nanking, and southern Shanxi province. After seizing the capital of Nanking, the Japanese brutally sacked the city in late 1937 and early 1938. Pillaging the city and killing nearly 300,000, the event became known as the Rape of Nanking. To combat the Japanese invasion, the Kuomintang and Chinese Communist Party united in an uneasy alliance against the common foe. Unable to effectively confront the Japanese directly in battle, the Chinese traded land for time as they built up their forces and shifted industry from threatened coastal areas to the interior. Enacting a scorched earth policy, the Chinese were able to slow the Japanese advance by mid-1938. By 1940, the war had become a stalemate with the Japanese controlling the coastal cities and railroads and the Chinese occupying the interior and countryside. On Sept. 22, 1940, taking advantage of Frances defeat that summer, Japanese troops occupied French Indochina. Five days later, the Japanese signed the Tripartite Pact effectively forming an alliance with Germany and Italy Conflict With the Soviet Union While operations were ongoing in China, Japan became embroiled in border war with the Soviet Union in 1938. Beginning with the Battle of Lake Khasan (July 29 to Aug. 11, 1938), the conflict was a result of a dispute over the border of Manchu China and Russia. Also known as the Changkufeng Incident, the battle resulted in a Soviet victory and expulsion of the Japanese from their territory. The two clashed again in the larger Battle of Khalkhin Gol (May 11 to Sept. 16, 1939) the following year. Led by General Georgy Zhukov, Soviet forces decisively defeated the Japanese, killing over 8,000. As a result of these defeats, the Japanese agreed to the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact in April 1941. Foreign Reactions to the Second Sino-Japanese War Prior to the outbreak of World War II, China was heavily supported by Germany (until 1938) and the Soviet Union. The latter readily provided aircraft, military supplies, and advisors, seeing China as a buffer against Japan. The U.S., Britain, and France limited their support to war contracts prior to the beginning of the larger conflict. Public opinion, while initially on the side of the Japanese, began to shift following reports of atrocities like the Rape of Nanking. It was further swayed by incidents such as the Japanese sinking of the gunboat U.S.S.  Panay  on Dec. 12, 1937, and increasing fears about Japans policy of expansionism. U.S. support increased in mid-1941, with the clandestine formation of the 1st American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers. Equipped with U.S. aircraft and American pilots, the 1st AVG, under Colonel Claire Chennault, effectively defended the skies over China and Southeast Asia from late-1941 to mid-1942, downing 300 Japanese aircraft with a loss of only 12 of their own. In addition to military support, the U.S., Britain, and the Netherlands East Indies initiated oil and steel embargoes against Japan in August 1941. Moving Towards War With the U.S. The American oil embargo caused a crisis in Japan. Reliant on the U.S. for 80 percent of its oil, the Japanese were forced to decide between withdrawing from China, negotiating an end to the conflict, or going to war to obtain the needed resources elsewhere. In an attempt to resolve the situation, Konoe asked U.S.  President Franklin Roosevelt  for a summit meeting to discuss the issues. Roosevelt replied that Japan needed to leave China before such a meeting could be held. While Konoe was seeking a diplomatic solution, the military was looking south to the Netherlands East Indies and their rich sources of oil and rubber. Believing that an attack in this region would cause the U.S. to declare war, they began planning for such an eventuality. On Oct. 16, 1941, after unsuccessfully arguing for more time to negotiate, Konoe resigned as prime minister and was replaced by the pro-military General Hideki Tojo. While Konoe had been working for peace, the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) had developed its war plans. These called for a preemptive strike against the U.S. Pacific Fleet at  Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as well as simultaneous strikes against the Philippines, Netherlands East Indies, and the British colonies in the region. The goal of this plan was to eliminate the American threat, allowing Japanese forces to secure the Dutch and British colonies. The IJNs chief of staff, Admiral Osami Nagano, presented the attack plan to Emperor Hirohito on Nov. 3. Two days later, the emperor approved it, ordering the attack to occur in early December if no diplomatic breakthroughs were achieved. Attack on Pearl Harbor On Nov. 26, 1941, the Japanese attack force, consisting of six aircraft carriers, sailed with Admiral Chuichi Nagumo in command. After being notified that diplomatic efforts had failed, Nagumo proceeded with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Arriving approximately 200 miles north of Oahu on Dec. 7, Nagumo began launching his 350 aircraft. To support the air attack, the IJN had also dispatched five midget submarines to Pearl Harbor. One of these was spotted by the minesweeper U.S.S.  Condor  at 3:42 a.m. outside of Pearl Harbor. Alerted by  Condor, the destroyer U.S.S.  Ward  moved to intercept and sank it around 6:37 a.m. As Nagumos aircraft approached, they were detected by the new radar station at Opana Point. This signal was misinterpreted as a flight of  B-17 bombers  arriving from the U.S. At 7:48 a.m., the Japanese aircraft descended on Pearl Harbor. Using specially modified torpedoes and armor piercing bombs, they  caught the U.S. fleet by complete surprise. Attacking in two waves, the Japanese managed to sink four battleships and badly damaged four more. In addition, they damaged three cruisers, sank two destroyers, and destroyed 188 aircraft. Total American casualties were 2,368 killed and 1,174 wounded. The Japanese lost 64 dead, as well as 29 aircraft and all five midget submarines. In response, the U.S. declared war on Japan on Dec. 8, after  President Roosevelt  referred to the attack as a date which will live in infamy. Japanese Advances Coinciding with the attack on Pearl Harbor were Japanese moves against the Philippines, British Malaya, the Bismarcks, Java, and Sumatra. In the Philippines, Japanese aircraft attacked U.S. and Philippine positions on Dec. 8, and troops began landing on Luzon two days later. Swiftly pushing back  General Douglas MacArthurs Philippine and American forces, the Japanese had captured much of the island by Dec. 23. That same day, far to the east, the Japanese overcame fierce resistance from U.S. Marines to  capture Wake Island. Also on Dec. 8, Japanese troops moved into Malaya and Burma from their bases in French Indochina. To aid British troops fighting on the Malay Peninsula, the Royal Navy dispatched the battleships H.M.S.  Prince of Wales  and  Repulse  to the east coast. On Dec. 10,  both ships were sunk by Japanese air attacks  leaving the coast exposed. Farther north, British and Canadian forces were resisting Japanese  assaults on Hong Kong. Beginning on Dec. 8, the Japanese launched a series of attacks that forced the defenders back. Outnumbered three to one, the British surrendered the colony on Dec. 25.

Aristotle rhetoric Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Aristotle rhetoric - Research Paper Example An overall belief of Aristotle in respect to rhetoric is that it can help in the defense of justice and truth, produce persuasion towards the individuals with limited intellectual audience with less demonstrative intellectual comprehension (Gross & Walzer, 2000). The last effect of its application is that it will ensure that all the sides are considered. In practice, there are three factors that contribute to the rhetoric and these include the individual character, the emotional induction in the audience by the speaker and the convincing power in the arguments presented. Political process is a critical aspect of the society that uses this concept to achieve its goals. In the view of Aristotle, the personal character presents a notion of credibility or otherwise to the public. The different genres of rhetoric include; Forensic rhetoric which is mainly aimed at persuading an audience that a particular action which was taken in the past was just. Deliberative rhetoric is primarily aimed at making the audience believe that a future action that is about to be taken will be beneficial (Kennedy, 2011). The Epideictic rhetoric on the hand mainly aims at making people see that a particular subject or person is noble In regard to the ethical concerns and social responsibility related to justice in rhetoric, politicians seek to establish the harmfulness of a particular course of action or propose its expediency. In other words, he will urge the public to take his side of thought on a given agenda. However, the challenge is that, in legal cases, the accuser may be denied an otherwise outright justice due to the ability of the accused to manipulate thought of the hearing committee. This the same case with politicians who may manipulate their way to elective posts on mere lies provided they convince the public. Like parties in a law-case, there is a need to establish justice or otherwise in any given action. Whichever the side the

Philosophy, What Represents a Personality Essay

Philosophy, What Represents a Personality - Essay Example Every individual in the society is influenced by a particular behaviour, which is learned by adapting the conditions of external environment, escorted by the unique characteristics combined to form a personality; it depends upon the quality of characteristics to form personality, however it entirely depends upon the way of thinking of an individual as to how he perceives such attributes. Like for example intelligence could be taken in the positive sense as well as in the negative sense. When a person utilizes his "intelligence" capability in the positive manner, his visions are likely to be broader in accepting the different forms of knowledge. Similarly when a person is characterized by certain motivational and positive approach, while utilizing his creative skills, he starts thinking of perceiving knowledge and while thinking in a forward direction he would consciously or unconsciously search for the logic behind that approach. Another example is of a student who has attained a "bad" grade, is scolded by his teacher. If, approached in a positive way, he would work hard to achieve a better grade the next time. In this manner he is ready to accept any advice and considers it useful, and as long he remains positive and work hard, he search for the logic behind that advice given to him by his teacher. The negative attributes are identified by the impedance towards a positive approach or we can say as a lack of "can do" attitude. When the positive qualities of a person are superseded by the negative influence of personality, then the negative attributes cause him harm by blocking the ways of knowledge. In the above example if the student, instead of realizing his mistake and working hard, does not bother about the teacher's comments and continue with a careless attitude that would be considered as a negative element of his personality. Further more, if he were followed by arrogance, then for sure he would go on with his "uncaring" approach, which would ultimately hinder in the way of "acceptance of knowledge", cause him harm and he would be in a loss. Personal Epistemology Epistemology is concerned with the origin, nature, limits and methods of human knowledge. It is obvious that a person who is influenced by positive characteristics searches for knowledge. His mind actually searches logic behind knowledge and justified reasoning behind logic. So we can say it serves as a chain ware comprising of knowledge, logic and reasoning. Reasoning because a sensible positive approached person's mind does not accept things if they are not justified to the extent of satisfying the mind. Here comes the perception, which is built when his mind is satisfied by the justifiable reasoning. Now the question arises, if a positive minded person searches for reasoning to find logic, which later becomes his perception, then what about the justifications of a negative minded person Here come two cases. Either the negative approached person does not seek for logic because his mind does not feel in need of justifications. We can say in this sense he is lack of common sense, hi s mind is devoid of creativity to seek the truth or logic. That implies that such a person is devoid of intelligence required for justifications. Or, in the other case, if he seeks for logic, it would be in his own interest, supporting his views, his decisions and ultimately encourage his own perceptions. So,

Origins of Cold War Essay Example for Free

Origins of Cold War Essay The Cold War was one of the most important historical events in the world, which had created a great impact that is still felt within the international community. The United States and the Soviet Union became the two most influential and powerful forces during this era. The relationship between the two former allies was anchored on political, ideological and economic interests, which at the end of the Second World War came as threats wherein developed bitterness and rivalry for power over the years (Hoesel, 1992). The Cold War which has been referred to as the period of â€Å"elusive peace† dictated that the United States of America as the world’s leading hegemonic power, with the defeat and disintegration of the Soviet Union at the end of the war. The Cold War indeed has been a conflict involving former allies, United States of America and the Soviet Union due to the difference in political ideologies held by the two superpowers (Nosotro, n.d).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The difference in political ideologies caused the development of animosity and hostility between United States and the Soviet bloc. The United States having been supportive of capitalism clashed with the communist Soviet Union (Nosotro, n.d). Although there had been no direct confrontation between the two world superpowers, indirect confrontations among the United States and Soviet allies were enough to assess the impact of the Cold War. Economic, political and military affairs of the two states and their allies underwent massive policy changes in order to keep abreast with the happenings during the Cold War. The â€Å"arms race† was one of the most important indirect military offensives that took place between United States and Soviet Union, both states trying to produce more sophisticated weapons ahead of the other. This in turn created a great impact on the two states’ economic and social services sectors (Kishlansky, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As such, the political allies of both United States and Soviet Union were also affected as both governments of the two states worked towards spreading influences in less developed countries. The series of decolonization became rampant and emphasized in regions such as Asia, Latin America, Africa and Middle East. And as such, the conflicts brought by the Cold War were instantly shifted and transmitted within these areas (â€Å"The Elusive Peace The Cold War,† 1992). References Hoesel, F.V. (1992). The Soviet Union and the United States. Soviet Archives Exhibit. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/soviet.exhibit/intro2.htmls Kishlansky, M. (2005) Civilization in the West, Volume C (since 1789), 7th edition. Nosotro, R. (n.d). The cold war. Hyperhistory. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/big/w30coldwar.htm The elusive peace the cold war. (1992). History World International. Retrieved August 9, 2008, from http://history-world.org/coldwar.htm

Free Great Gatsby Essays: Reflection of an Era :: Great Gatsby Essays

The Great Gatsby - Reflection of an Era During the 1920's America was a country of great ambition, despair and disappointment. The novel The Great Gatsby is a reflection of this decade, it illustrates the burning passion one man has toward his "American Dream" and the different aspects of the dream. Fitzgerald's work is a reflection of America during his lifetime. The Great Gatsby shows the ambition of one man's reach for his "American Dream," the disappointment of losing this dream and the despair of his loss. In the 1920's the spirit and ambition of the American people soared.   Unlike their European counterparts who were trapped in the social class to which they were born, the American people knew that if they worked hard then they could rise to a higher social class. The flappers and the women's liberation movement were just two examples of how Americans expressed their newly discovered social freedom.   It seemed that nothing was impossible to achieve. James Gatz, shared the spirit and ambition on the American people and fought long and hard to earn his place in the world. He had dreamed of transforming himself from the poor, young man that he was into the wealthy celebrity that he would soon become. Gatsby, as a child, had a daily schedule that he followed. He knew from childhood that he had to work for his fame. "Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or something" (175). Gatsby's ambition lay not only in his future, but as he grew older it would be found in his love. He had an obsession with Daisy Buchanan and tried everything in his power to bring things back to they way they used to be when they first met. He thought he could relive the past. He threw lavish parties to get her attention. He did everything in his power to be near her. " ‘Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay' " (79) He earned his wealth so that they could finally be together. Like Gatsby, the American people of the 1920's followed their hearts, and their ambition. Through World War One, American men fought to save their country and woman fought to win the right to vote. Even in fashion women were liberated, as the hemline on an average skirt was raised.

Deception Point Page 73

Corky leaned forward to look at her. â€Å"Please don't tell me your new theory is that NASA took a fossilized rock up in the space shuttle and sent it hurtling toward earth hoping nobody would notice the fireball, the massive crater, or the explosion?† Rachel had not thought of that, although it was an interesting premise. Not feasible, but interesting all the same. Her thoughts were actually closer to home. All natural atmospheric elements. Clean burn. Striations from racing through the air. A faint light had gone off in a distant corner of her mind. â€Å"The ratios of the atmospheric elements you saw,† she said. â€Å"Were they exactly the same ratios you see on every other meteorite with a fusion crust?† Corky seemed to hedge slightly at the question. â€Å"Why do you ask?† Rachel saw him hesitate and felt her pulse quicken. â€Å"The ratios were off, weren't they?† â€Å"There is a scientific explanation.† Rachel's heart was suddenly pounding. â€Å"Did you by any chance see an unusually high content of one element in particular?† Tolland and Corky exchanged startled looks. â€Å"Yes,† Corky said, â€Å"but-â€Å" â€Å"Was it ionized hydrogen?† The astrophysicist's eyes turned to saucers. â€Å"How could you possibly know that!† Tolland also looked utterly amazed. Rachel stared at them both. â€Å"Why didn't anyone mention this to me?† â€Å"Because there's a perfectly sound scientific explanation!† Corky declared. â€Å"I'm all ears,† Rachel said. â€Å"There was surplus ionized hydrogen,† Corky said, â€Å"because the meteorite passed through the atmosphere near the North Pole, where the earth's magnetic field causes an abnormally high concentration of hydrogen ions.† Rachel frowned. â€Å"Unfortunately, I have another explanation.† 87 The fourth floor of NASA headquarters was less impressive than the lobby-long sterile corridors with office doors equally spaced along the walls. The corridor was deserted. Laminated signs pointed in all directions. LANDSAT 7 TERRA ACRIMSAT JASON 1 AQUA PODS Gabrielle followed the signs for PODS. Winding her way down a series of long corridors and intersections, she came to a set of heavy steel doors. The stencil read: Polar Orbiting Density Scanner (PODS) Section Manager, Chris Harper The doors were locked, secured both by key card and a PIN pad access. Gabrielle put her ear to the cold metal door. For a moment, she thought she heard talking. Arguing. Maybe not. She wondered if she should just bang on the door until someone inside let her in. Unfortunately, her plan for dealing with Chris Harper required a bit more subtlety than banging on doors. She looked around for another entrance but saw none. A custodial alcove stood adjacent to the door, and Gabrielle stepped in, searching the dimly lit niche for a janitor's key ring or key card. Nothing. Just brooms and mops. Returning to the door, she put her ear to the metal again. This time she definitely heard voices. Getting louder. And footsteps. The latch engaged from inside. Gabrielle had no time to hide as the metal door burst open. She jumped to the side, plastering herself against the wall behind the door as a group of people hurried through, talking loudly. They sounded angry. â€Å"What the hell is Harper's problem? I thought he'd be on cloud nine!† â€Å"On a night like tonight,† another said as the group passed by, â€Å"he wants to be alone? He should be celebrating!† As the group moved away from Gabrielle, the heavy door started swinging closed on pneumatic hinges, revealing her location. She remained rigid as the men continued down the hall. Waiting as long as she possibly could, until the door was only inches from closing, Gabrielle lunged forward and caught the door handle with just inches to spare. She stood motionless as the men turned the corner down the hall, too engaged in their conversation to look back. Heart pounding, Gabrielle pulled open the door and stepped into the dimly lit area beyond. She quietly closed the door. The space was a wide open work area that reminded her of a college physics laboratory: computers, work islands, electronic gear. As her eyes became accustomed to the darkness, Gabrielle could see blueprints and sheets of calculations scattered around. The entire area was dark except for an office on the far side of the lab, where a light shone under the door. Gabrielle walked over quietly. The door was closed, but through the window she could see a man sitting at a computer. She recognized the man from the NASA press conference. The nameplate on the door read: Chris Harper Section Manager, PODS Having come this far, Gabrielle suddenly felt apprehensive, wondering if she could actually pull this off. She reminded herself how certain Sexton was that Chris Harper had lied. I would bet my campaign on it, Sexton had said. Apparently there were others who felt the same, others who were waiting for Gabrielle to uncover the truth so they could close in on NASA, attempting to gain even a tiny foothold after tonight's devastating developments. After the way Tench and the Herney administration had played Gabrielle this afternoon, she was eager to help. Gabrielle raised her hand to knock on the door but paused, Yolanda's voice running through her mind. If Chris Harper lied to the world about PODS, what makes you think he'll tell YOU the truth? Fear, Gabrielle told herself, having almost fallen victim to it herself today. She had a plan. It involved a tactic she'd seen the senator use on occasion to scare information out of political opponents. Gabrielle had absorbed a lot under Sexton's tutelage, and not all of it attractive or ethical. But tonight she needed every advantage. If she could persuade Chris Harper to admit he had lied-for whatever reason-Gabrielle would open a small door of opportunity for the senator's campaign. Beyond that, Sexton was a man who, if given an inch to maneuver, could wriggle his way out of almost any jam. Gabrielle's plan for dealing with Harper was something Sexton called â€Å"overshooting†-an interrogation technique invented by the early Roman authorities to coax confessions from criminals they suspected were lying. The method was deceptively simple: Assert the information you want confessed. Then allege something far worse. The object was to give the opponent a chance to choose the lesser of two evils-in this case, the truth. The trick was exuding confidence, something Gabrielle was not feeling at the moment. Taking a deep breath, Gabrielle ran through the script in her mind, and then knocked firmly on the office door. â€Å"I told you I'm busy!† Harper called out, his English accent familiar. She knocked again. Louder. â€Å"I told you I'm not interested in coming down!† This time she banged on the door with her fist. Chris Harper came over and yanked open the door. â€Å"Bloody hell, do you-† He stopped short, clearly surprised to see Gabrielle. â€Å"Dr. Harper,† she said, infusing her voice with intensity. â€Å"How did you get up here?† Gabrielle's face was stern. â€Å"Do you know who I am?† â€Å"Of course. Your boss has been slamming my project for months. How did you get in?† â€Å"Senator Sexton sent me.† Harper's eyes scanned the lab behind Gabrielle. â€Å"Where is your staff escort?† â€Å"That's not your concern. The senator has influential connections.† â€Å"In this building?† Harper looked dubious. â€Å"You've been dishonest, Dr. Harper. And I'm afraid the senator has called a special senatorial justice board to look into your lies.† A pall crossed Harper's face. â€Å"What are you talking about?†

Burroughs Wellcome Company Essay

In 1982, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) labeled the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and began to warn the public of the disease. In 1983 and 1984, the virus that causes AIDS was isolated and in 1988 it was named the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Burroughs Wellcome Company is a subsidiary of Wellcome PLC. Wellcome PLC is a pharmaceutical firm that employs 20,000 people in 18 countries. Wellcome PLC produces both ethical and over the counter medication. Zovirax, which treats herpes infections, accounted for $492 million in sales in 1989 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Retrovir, an AIDS treatment, was the second largest seller with $225 million in sales (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Wellcome PLC also produces over-the-counter Actifed and Sudafed with $253 million in sales in 1989 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). In 1981, there were 305 reported cases of AIDS, and by 1989 there were 35,198 reported cases of AIDS with numbers expected to continue to rise, although at a much slower rate (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). The majority of victims, almost 90%, were gay men or intravenous drug users, and almost one half of reported cases were in major metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York. Not enough was known about the disease in the early 80’s to create a reliable way to predict its’ rate of growth. Economically, treating AIDS patients was proving to be very expensive, averaging between $70,000 and $141,000 per patient according to a 1987 study by the RAND Corporation (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Treating some forms of cancer averaged less than half of that cost. Since the income level of many AIDS patients was low, Medicaid covered treatment costs for approximately 40% of the patients, resulting in an Burroughs Wellcome Company,   estimated annual cost to the Medicaid system of between $700 and $750 million in 1988 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013).  Several pharmaceutical companies, including Burroughs Wellcome, were in the  race to produce an effective drug to combat HIV and AIDS. Burroughs Wellcome began research in 1984, developed Retrovir and began clinical trials on humans in 1985 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). The FDA cleared Burroughs to market Retrovir in 1987, as the first and only authorized treatment for AIDS. Bristol Myers developed a drug called DDI, which appeared to slow the progress of the AIDS virus and lessen the damage it causes (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Hoffman-LaRoche developed a similar drug called DDC that began clinical trials in 1989 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). As soon as Burroughs Wellcome was given the authority to market Retrovir in March of 1987, public protests began regarding the perceived high price of the drug. Wholesale price for Retrovir was set at $188 for one hundred 100-mg capsules. The recommended dosage was twelve 100-milligram capsules per day. The average annual treatment for an AIDS patients on Retrovir averaged approximately $8,528-$9,745 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). The public, media, and advocacy groups compared the price of Retrovir to the cancer drug Interferon. The annual cost to a patient taking Interferon was only $5,000. In December of 1987, due to increased pressure, Burroughs Wellcome, reduced the price of Retrovir by 20%, and again by 20% in September of 1989 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). The first price reduction was due to a cost savings in the production of synthetically manufactured thymidine while the second was due to an increase in potential patients. By 1989 sales had increased from $24.8 million in 1987 to $2 25.1 million (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). As postulated by industry analysts, the direct cost of research and development (R&D) for Retrovir was estimated at $50 million. Burroughs Wellcome spent an additional $30-50 million in indirect costs to establish a new plant and equipment to produce Retrovir (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). They also donated $10 million worth of Retrovir to 4,500 AIDS patients. Pharmaceutical R&D of a new drug in the US averages around $125 million, so with direct and indirect cost to develop Retrovir was on the low side. Prior to Retrovir, Burroughs Wellcome had spent a reported $726 million for R&D in  the previous five years without producing a single commercial winner (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Retrovir was designated as an â€Å"orphan drug† in 1985 under the Orphan Drug Act of 1983. This enabled Burroughs Wellcome to gain marketing exclusivity for a sevenyear period after its initial introduction. When Burroughs Wellcome was faced with the task of pricing Retrovir they had to account for many factors. They had to consider the demand for Retrovir. Since they were developing a drug for a fairly new disease, with relatively few patients, they had no way to predict what the demand would be in the next five years. They had to recoup their cost with the known numbers of AIDS in 1987, which were still fairly low. Burroughs Wellcome had to take into account both the direct and indirect cost spent on the R&D of Retrovir that totaled approximately $100 million. With an unknown market and $100 million to recoup they had to price Retrovir fairly high at the beginning. Looming competition was another important aspect for Burroughs Wellcome. They knew other pharmaceutical compan ies were researching drugs to treat AIDS and analysts believed there would be one or more of these drugs on the market by 1991 (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Burroughs Wellcome still had an ethical obligation to maintain fair pricing while trying to recoup their cost, as well as having an existing obligation to its employees, shareholders, and stakeholders. Most importantly however, is their responsibility to patients that rely on Burroughs Wellcome’s products for their health and well-being With an increasing number of AIDS cases, Burroughs Wellcome had a social and financial responsibility to make the drug Retrovir accessible to those who needed it, while remaining financially viable. It would be socially irresponsible to exploit people with an illness for mass profit gains. Like most other industries, the health care industry is competitive and no business is immune to failure. Because of this, Burroughs Wellcome must remain profitable in order to protect its employees and shareholders as well as to ensure that the company  can continue its research while providing the medical community with effective medicine. As previously mentioned, Burroughs had dropped the price of Retrovir twice: first on December 15, 1987 when a price drop of 20% was justified by synthetically produced thymidine and a second 20% cut due to a further expansion of HIV from 600,000 to one million estimated potential patients, at which point Burroughs’ gross profit margin (70.6%) and return on sales (20%) were comparable to other competitors in the industry (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). When pressured by outside entities about further reducing the price, Sir Alfred Shepard of the Board of Directors said, † There is no plan for another price cut† (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). As a result of this balance between sustainability, profitability, and social responsibility, it was important that Burroughs Wellcome maintained its margins and success, but continued to remain sensitive to price concerns. Furthermore, it would benefit both Burroughs and patients in need of the drug, if  insurance companies provided ade quate coverage on the drug Retrovir, as private insurance companies only covered $250 million annually compared to the $750 million covered by Medicaid (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). In January of 1990, congressional lobbyists began campaigning to reduce excessive profits in the drug industry. This set off a new round of pressure from the U.S. Congress, the media, and AIDS advocacy groups to again reduce the price of Retrovir. In 1987 sales of Retrovir were $24.8 million and net profit before tax was $8 million. Considering the $100 million dollar investment for the development, as well as new plant and equipment, the Return on Investment (ROI) was only 8%; meaning they only recovered about 8% of their initial investment for Retrovir. By fiscal year 1988 the ROI for Retrovir had increased to 52% but the initial investment had still not been recovered. In the five years prior to the sale of Retrovir, Burroughs Wellcome as a whole spent $726 million in R&D with no significant new drug.  The ROI for Retrovir was still less than the company as a whole when considering the investment in R&D. See figure 1 Figure 1 According to Industry analysts it was estimated that the cost of Retrovir was between 30 and 50 cents per capsule (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Using 40 cents for estimates, it can be determined that in 1987 when the drug first became available for sale the return on sales (ROS) was 28%. Realistically, the cost was probably more towards  the 50 cent per capsule higher end, as producing the AZT required a biological chemical harvested from herring sperm and took months and over 20 chemical reactions to produce (Kerin & Peterson, 2013). Using the high-end estimate the ROS in 1989 was only 23.3%. This is very close to the 23.5% ROS industry average. By 1989 the price of Retrovir had been reduced by 20% twice. Burroughs Wellcome stated the first price reduction in December of 1987 was due to a synthetically manufactured Thymidine becoming available. At this time, ROS was 23.0% using the 40 cent COGS estimate. Due to public pressure for an affordable AIDS treatment Burroughs Wellcome reduced its price again by 20% in September of 1989. At the 40 cent estimated cost this reduced the ROS to16.4%. Even using the low 30 cent estimate the ROA was only 24% which was is still very comparable to the 23.5% industry average. Burroughs Wellcome overall company ROS in 1989, while they were selling Retrovir at the $1.20 price per 100mg, was only 20%, which is over 3% lower than the industry average. Continued pressure to reduce the price again is not warranted. The figures show that to reduce the price another 20% would show at best a low 18% ROS and a possible negative ROS. Comparing Burroughs Wellcome to 1989 industry average shows all their current  ratios are well within what is normal for the industry. They are not the highest or the lowest of Return on Sales, Return on Assets, or Return on Equity. Burroughs Wellcome has two choices at this point. Do not reduce the price or reduce the price. The advantage of not reducing the price is the ability to maintain their current ratios that will allow them to continue their R&D for new drugs. The disadvantage of not reducing price is dealing with the public, media, Congress, and advocacy groups that may continue to increase pressure on Burroughs Wellcome and create further negative publicity. The advantages of reducing the price would be the reduced pressure from the groups mentioned before and the claim of being ethically responsible. The disadvantage of reducing the price would be losing the current ratios. They take the chance to lose profit margin therefore lose some ability to develop new drugs. Although there is public unrest in regards to the price of Retrovir we do not recommend Burroughs Wellcome reduce the price further. Reducing the price of Retrovir without another new drug would further reduce their current ratios, which are all within industry averages. Drug companies need profits as incentive to continue their  research. Especially when there is the very real possibility of going several years without the discovery and approval of a new drug. Although, on the surface, it seems very unfair for a patient to have to spend close to $10,000 per year for treatment, it would be far worse if they didn’t have the treatment as an option at all. Drug companies such as Burroughs Wellcome would avoid trying to develop â€Å"orphan drugs† if they had no chance of recovering cost. This is why government offers subsidies, tax benefits, and grants extending patents for drugs that qualify. In 1989 there were only 35,189 reported cases of AIDS in America and due to prevention awareness and HIV treatments, AID’s numbers were leveling off. Drug companies are taking a  huge risk investing millions of dollars in cures and treatments for rare diseases. In part, the cost for â€Å"orphan drugs† is so high because so few people are consumers of them. While it would be socially conscious for Burroughs Wellcome to drop the price further, they have to remain a viable company. Profits will ensure the financial future of the company as well as all the shareholders and stakeholders of the company. Maintaining the ROI percentages will allow Burroughs to remain viable and competitive allowing them to continue to develop new drugs that may provide further benefit. If they were to drop their prices it would be benefit public relations as they put the needs of the consumers before profits, however in such a competitive environment this could prove to be to a liability in the pharmaceutical industry, therefore, it is advisable that they do not drop their price by another 20%. References Kerin, R.A & Peterson, R.A. (2003) Strategic Marketing Problems: Cases and Comments England: Pearson Education Limited

Sticky Price Hikes Help Beer Profits Essay Example

Sticky Price Hikes Help Beer Profits Essay Example Sticky Price Hikes Help Beer Profits Essay Sticky Price Hikes Help Beer Profits Essay Sticky Price Hikes Help Beer Profits 1. â€Å"The oligopolistic nature of the market worked,† commented one manager. What does this statement mean? This statement mean that since the sellers are so few, what one Beer seller does in the market can impact the its competitors and the industry. This means that since the industry is dominated by a few firms, then the firms that are competing in the market have to take into account competitors’ moves about pricing, advertising and output. 2. How did the beer industry become oligopolistic? What longer-term processes appear to be at work? Can one apply the industry life cycle to the beer industry? The beer industry has become Oligopolistic because out of the competition there are only few major brewers that have dominated the market. Some of the factors that helped that this industry became oligopolistic include: economics of scale, takeovers, mergers, technology advancements, barriers of entry. Since in the Beer industry few large firms produce large quantities of homogeneous or differentiated products these are the firms that dominate the market. The industry became oligopolistic forcing hundreds of brewers to close/merge because in this industry economics of scale appear to be extremely important; large firms would be more efficient at productions than small ones. The capital requirements in this industry are high. Additionally, barriers of entry to this industry are high (control over raw material, patents). Moreover, there is a tremendous brand loyalty in this market. Some of the processes that appear to be at work are reaping the benefits of cost reductions from merging. One cannot apply the industry life cycle to the beer industry (basic necessity) because this is a product that may never enter a decline phase. Obsolescence is very unlikely in this industry. 3. What does this article tell us about the nature of 5 forces in the US beer industry? Have these forces become more benevolent or instead more challenging from the standpoint of industry incumbents? The five forces tell us that: Barriers of entry: The barriers of entry into this industry are high. Control over raw material and patents exist. Additionally the market is well known by consumers and it is unlikely that they will change their preferences. The buyers have high power, even though there are few players in the beer industry, once consumers chooses and like a beer then it is very likely that the consumers are going to be Brand Loyal. Competition: competition is high; the few players are always looking to take away consumers from its competitors to become bigger. Substitutes: Drinking products other than beer such other alcoholic drinks. Suppliers: The suppliers of beer ingredients already have strong relationships with big Beer companies. Incumbents probably wont get good deals and suppliers probably will not want to have small accounts. After the 5 forces analysis, I have concluded that the market is more challenging from the standpoint of industry incumbents. 4. How does the international reach of Anheuser-Bush InBev help the company? Is international diversification a major or minor benefit in the current environment. International reach of Anheuser-Bush has a major benefit since the company and its products become known internationally. In the article it was mentioned that Brazil is the second largest market after U. S and that earnings per share are expected to grow from 89 cents versus 72 cents last year. This is definitely a plus for the company.

All Truth About Worlds Most Powerful Universities

All Truth About Worlds Most Powerful Universities All Truth About Worlds Most Powerful Universities Every person who wants to be successful understands that one of the main preconditions is a good education. It might not always be necessary, because self-education in the era of Internet is of a huge importance, but it surely plays a significant role in everyone’s life. That’s why in the high school we plan to enter one of the most prestigious universities. We dream about studying in Ivy League schools or other elite colleges and order application essays from research paper writing services to get a better chance to enter. We have gathered some interesting information about most powerful universities of the world. Number 1 college in the world since 2003 is Harvard. It is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. They are the best in Social Science, Biology, History, Mathematics and History. However, their acceptance rate is only 6%, so you have to work hard in order to study in Harvard. But it’s definitely worth it. They have the biggest number of Nobel winners (151), fortune 500 CEO’s (25) and degrees (31). Among their alumni there are Barack Obama, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Lloyd Blankfein. The world’s â„â€"1 school in the annual QS world university rankings list 2013 is Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It is the best place to study Engineering, Physical Science, Economics, Biology or Linguistics. Their acceptance rate is 8.2% and undergraduate fees are $43,720. Only the best students study at this college, that’s why their total enrollment is not huge – 11,331. And we can never forget about the oldest university in the English-speaking world – University of Oxford. They accept 17.2% of all the applicants and you can study Politics, Economics, Science, Mathematics, Literature and Philosophy. Among their graduates there are David Cameron, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, J.R.R. Tolkien and 58 Nobel winners. University of Cambridge is the 3rd oldest university in the world and â„â€"3 in university rankings list 2013. With a total enrollment of 19.938 their acceptance rate is 21% and undergraduate tuition and fees are  £9000. They offer following programs: Mathematics, Science, Humanities Science, Computer Science and Biology. Among their most influential alumni – Isaac Newton, John Milton, Charles Darwin, Francis Bacon, Henry Cavendish and Salman Rushdie. Another university that made a huge contribution to science is University of California. It is also a founder of American Universities Association. 69 of their alumni are Nobel winners and their majors are Science, Literature/Art, Chemistry, Engineering, and Economics. If you want to study ecosystems and ionosphere you should definitely choose the best university in these fields – Stanford University. It is also affiliated with the Hoover Institution. That’s where Larry Page met Sergey Brin and then founded Google, William Hewlett became friends and partners with David Packard, and thanks to the fact that Mike Krieger studied with Kevin Systrom in Stanford University we have Instagram. Another one of the Ivy League schools situated in New Haven, Connecticut, is Yale University. It has a huge influence on American politics. It also offers programs in Arts/Humanities, Science/Medicine, Natural Sciences, Engineering/Technology, Social Science Management. One of the youngest elite universities is the University of Chicago. It’s in the top 10 of the world’s schools since 2004. Since 1890 89 Nobel winners graduated from this university and you have definitely heard about their famous alumni – Kurt Vonnegut Jr., John Ashcroft, Jesse Jackson and John Paul Stevens. The exclusive Ivy League Research institution is Princeton University. It is the 4th oldest and one of the richest schools in the world. Their acceptance rate is only 7.4% with a total enrollment of 8,138. Here you can study Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Science, like 37 Nobel winners did in their times. But not all of the world’s most powerful universities are situated in the USA and UK. Another great university is ETH Zà ¼rich, Switzerland. It’s the 8th world’s best technology school and the top university in Continental Europe. If you want to study Mathematics, Engineering/Technology or Science and want to study in Europe you should definitely enter this university like Albert Einstein did. As you can see these universities are definitely the most influential ones and play a huge role in science and politics development. For more details and useful data check out the infographic given below.

Business Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Business Psychology - Essay Example The article authored by McHugh creatively likens absenteeism to a virus, expressing that while it is not possible to treat it completely, it may be effectively prevented or its effects curbed by striving to maintain and build a healthy system. When this is undertaken, Hugh purports that the effects of the virus are eliminated and it enters into a state of dormancy until such time when conditions again make it conducive for those effects to reappear. When applied to the organizational context, this implies that the root causes of absenteeism as an ‘infection’ ought to diagnosed to come up with more novel and effective solutions for curing the absence ‘bug’. This briefing article concisely presents the content of this article, especially focusing on its implications for the organizations directly involved in the study. The theoretical background of the study is derived mainly from theories on organizational health. Like absenteeism, it has been a favorite topic in management empirical research. To achieve and maintain organizational health, commendable management practices must be exercised, and the principal role of employees in carrying this out cannot be overemphasized. The importance of these management practices may be concretely seen in the outcomes that they bring forth including integrated job design, employee engagement, and a proactive approach to employee welfare. At the center of all these is the firm belief that people are the main assets of the corporation.