2.International perspectives of psychiatric ethics.
The Philippine Journal of Psychiatry 2015;37(1):12-15
In this paper, the fundamental assumptions of ethics, values and individual moral agency were reviewed so as to arrive at a position that reconciles the tension between universal moral codes and the contextual influences of different psychiatric professional groups. The moral imperatives that merge from the Nuremburg 'Doctor's trial' and the subsequent allegations of abuses of power by psychiatrists under other authoritarian regimes necessitated the development of universal proclamations of ethical conduct. In light of this tension, the argument that a middle ground of negotiated morality according to basic Hippocratic notions and respect for life can become the foundation of binding moral absolutes in psychiatric ethics. It is neither credible nor possible to assert broader ethical maxims within the psychiatric profession, given the different contexts in which professional groups practice their craft. In conclusion, the empirical studies of the value systems of different psychiatric professions should be elaborated and that these be compared to identify the common ground that might form the basis of a global code of ethics for psychiatry.
Ethics ; Psychiatry
3.Neurobiological links between epilepsy and mood disorders
Neurology Asia 2011;16(Supplement 1):37-40
With increasing realization of the extent and consequences of depressive comorbidity in epilepsy,
much human and animal research has focussed on its explanation. Recent studies tackle all three
explanatory possibilities: that epilepsy leads to depression; that depression contributes to causation
of epilepsy; or that shared causal factors or processes lead to both epilepsy and depression. These are
not mutually exclusive; all three probably contribute. Animal models have provided many insights
into the interplay between epilepsy and depressive-like behaviours, both associations and mechanisms.
Notably, experimental stress potently affects epilepsy endpoints, as well as depressive-like behaviour,
having actions at multiple relevant biological levels. Current general (nonepilepsy) depression
modelling is biopsychosocial in nature, integrating insights from genetics, epidemiology, psychology
and neurobiology; and takes a lifespan developmental perspective, as the causation of depression is
a multistage process with origins in early life - as is the case for many epilepsies. These perspectives
need to be more fully adopted in the epilepsy/depression fi eld.
4.Overcoming the stigma of epilepsy
Neurology Asia 2010;15(Supplement 1):21-24
A prime diffi culty facing all people with epilepsy is dealing with the stigma which is associated with
it in almost all societies. Stigma arises from the perception of difference from the norm, particularly
powerful when that difference is not understood. This arises from the uniquely human need for
predictability, resulting from the ability to think abstractly, and thus to surmise the future. A failure
of expectation, or the uncertainty caused by an inability to predict, causes insecurity, or a “fear of the
unknown”, which we try to reduce by rejecting its perceived cause. Stigma can be attached to themselves
or their epilepsy by the person with epilepsy, as well as by others about them. Such discomfort is
accentuated by perceived inconsistency between the familiar and unfamiliar. Discrimination occurs as
a result of stigma, causing people with epilepsy to be preoccupied with epilepsy and expending much
psychological energy on disclosure anxiety, vigilance and a consequent uncertainty of identity. This
can result in lower self-esteem, self-fulfi lling prophecies, self-blame and self-rejection, and ultimately
dehumanisation. The most effective means of overcoming stigma is by contact between people with
epilepsy and those holding the stigma against them. Such contact must be on an equal status footing,
repeated and consistent, require interdependence, be socially approved and enjoyable, contradict the
stereotypes held, and be with individuals seen as representative of the out-group as a whole. Hence
familiarity, rather than breeding contempt, produces the predictability and consequent comfort and
acceptability of the normal.
6.Colon Cancer Chemoprevention With Ginseng and Other Botanicals.
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2001;16(Suppl):S81-S86
Colorectal cancer is becoming increasingly common in Asian countries and still remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Efforts to prevent colon cancer have targeted early detection through screening and chemoprevention. For the last ten years our laboratory has utilized an in vivo screening assay for the testing of potential cancer preventives for colon cancer. We have conducted investigations on over 150 compounds including many with botanical or herbal origins. As part of our program on natural products we have examined a number of herbal and botanical products in the aberrant crypt foci (ACF) assay including Korean red ginseng powder, green tea catechins, curcumin from the Indian culinary spice, tumeric, compounds from garlic and onion, resveratrol from red grapes, among others. In the ginseng experiments groups of 10 F344 rats were fed ginseng powder at a dose of 0.5 g/kg or 2 mg/kg for 5 weeks. During weeks 2 and 3 rats were injected with 10 mg/kg azoxymethane to induce ACF. Controls (n=10) did not receive azoxymethane (AOM). Rats were killed by CO2 overdose and ACF counted in the rat colon. In 8 week post-initiation experiments ginseng powder inhibited the progression of established ACF, indicating a cytostatic effect. This may be due to an anti-inflammatory effect. There is a body of literature that suggests that compounds in wine, tumeric, and tea inhibit cyclooxygenases, thus reducing prostaglandin-mediated effects on the colon. As colon tumors have been shown to highly express COX-2 protein, and given, that many NSAID drugs also suppress COX-1, it is tempting to speculate that herbal products that inhibit one or both forms of the COX enzyme will be effective agents for the prevention of cancer in man.
Animal
;
Anticarcinogenic Agents/*pharmacology
;
Colonic Neoplasms/pathology/*prevention & control
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Human
;
Korea
;
*Panax
;
Precancerous Conditions/pathology/*prevention & control
;
Rats
;
Rats, Inbred F344
7.Radiofrequency Bio-Effects Research in the Pan-Pacific Area: Current AFRL/HEDR and AOARD Efforts.
Michael MURPHY ; Terence LYONS
Korean Journal of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine 2000;10(2):148-153
No abstract available.
9.Suicide in China: current status and suggestions for future work.
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2004;25(4):277-279
Age Factors
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China
;
Female
;
Forecasting
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Research
;
trends
;
Research Design
;
Risk Factors
;
Rural Population
;
Suicide
;
prevention & control
;
statistics & numerical data