"We Are All Noah: Tom Regan's Olive Branch to Religious Animal Ethics"

For the past thirty years, the late Tom Regan bucked the trend among secular animal rights philosophers and spoke patiently and persistently to the best angels of religious ethics in a stream of publications that enjoins religious scholars, clergy, and lay people alike to rediscover the resources within their traditions for articulating and living out an animal ethics that is more consistent with their professed values of love, mercy, and justice. My aim in this article is to showcase some of the wealth of insight offered in this important but under-utilized archive of Regan’s work to those of us, religious or otherwise, who wish to challenge audiences of faith to think and do better by animals

Against Inefficacy Objections: The Real Economic Impact of Individual Consumer Choices on Animal Agriculture

When consumers choose to abstain from purchasing meat, they face some uncertainty about whether their decisions will have an impact on the number of animals raised and killed. Consequentialists have argued that this uncertainty should not dissuade consumers from a vegetarian diet because the “expected” impact, or average impact, will be predictable. Recently, however, critics have argued that the expected marginal impact of a consumer change is likely to be much smaller or more radically unpredictable than previously thought. This objection to the consequentialist case for vegetarianism is known as the “causal inefficacy” (or “causal impotence”) objection. In this paper, we argue that the inefficacy objection fails. First, we summarize the contours of the objection and the standard “expected impact” response to it. Second, we examine and rebut two contemporary attempts (by Mark Budolfson and Ted Warfield) to defeat the expected impact reply through alleged demonstrations of the inefficacy of abstaining from meat consumption. Third, we argue that there are good reasons to believe that single individual consumers—not just individual consumers taken as an aggregate—really do make a positive difference when they choose to abstain from meat consumption. Our case rests on three economic observations: (i) animal producers operate in a highly competitive environment, (ii) complex supply chains efficiently communicate some information about product demand, and (iii) consumers of plant-based meat alternatives have positive consumption spillover effects on other consumers

"Food Ethics and Religion"

How does an engagement with religious traditions (broadly construed) illuminate and complicate the task of thinking through the ethics of eating? In this introduction, we survey some of the many food ethical issues that arise within various religious traditions and also consider some ethical positions that such traditions take on food. To say the least, we do not attempt to address all the ethical issues concerning food that arise in religious contexts, nor do we attempt to cover every tradition’s take on food. We look at just a few traditions and a few interesting writings on food ethics and religion: What do they say about the ethics of eating? Why do they say these things? Here we use the terms “food ethics” and “religion” ecumenically as big tents under which many importantly different sorts of things may be grouped. Among the wide range of food ethical issues we consider in this chapter, for example, are religious views about the ethics of keeping, hurting, and killing animals, killing plants, dominion over creation, wastefulness, purity, blessing, atonement, and the connection between food and character. We realize, moreover, that it might be a stretch to label some of the views engaged by selected readings in this chapter as “religious” on a stringent understanding of that term; Lisa Kemmerer’s “Indigenous Traditions,” for instance, addresses some views that are recognizably spiritual but perhaps not religious in a strict sense. We hope that our ecumenical usage of the term can bring these important traditions to bear on the discussion without reducing them to something they are not

The Clinical Utilization of Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators

The Clinical Utilization of Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators Troy Halteman, The Pennsylvania State University Abstract Inhaled Nitric Oxide (INO) and other inhaled pulmonary vasodilators, like Flolan, have demonstrated positive physiological responses in select patients; however, there are no clinical studies that have demonstrated any long term outcome benefits in mortality and morbidity. Because of this, their use is somewhat controversial. Still, INO and Flolan are commonly used as rescue therapy in various clinical situations. Currently, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) utilizes both drugs and has a titration protocol for Flolan, but not for INO. A retrospective analysis of 158 patients was performed in order to determine if the administration of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators at LVHN is warranted and being performed correctly. It was found that these drugs are being used for the correct clinical indications and that a majority of patients have positive physiological responses to these drugs (74.2% of those treated with Flolan and 52.9% of those treated with INO). The weaning protocol for Flolan was only carried out in 58% of the cases observed. Based on these findings it would be advantageous to LVHN and their patients for both financially and clinically to follow the Flolan weaning protocol more often and to implement a similar methodology for INO. Introduction While Nitric Oxide was originally described for its toxic effects back in the 18th century, it is now commonly used in the clinical arena for the treatment of refractory hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, and unstable hemodynamics. Although the only FDA approved clinical indication is for neonates with hypoxic respiratory failure, INO is currently being used for many off-label indications in adult patients1. INO has demonstrated selective pulmonary vasodilation and, therefore, can improve oxygenation by shunting blood flow from collapsed or injured alveoli to healthy alveoli. Although INO can be an effective treatment, it is also an expensive one which costs about $100/hr to run and costs many institutions over a million dollars a year2. Due to its high cost, some institutions are seeking the use of alternative pulmonary vasodilators such as inhaled prostacyclin. One such inhaled prostacyclin is Flolan. While positive physiologic responses are well documented for both Flolan and INO, their use remains controversial because there is no significant evidence that either improves patient outcomes3. Still, INO and Flolan are commonly administered as rescue therapy in order to stabilize critically ill patients until a more definitive treatment can be implemented and future direction of care can be discussed with the family. Nitric oxide causes selective pulmonary vasodilation by binding and activating soluble guanylyl cyclase, which then activates cyclic guanosine 3’ 5’ monophosphate dependent protein kinase (cGKI). Activated cGKI causes decreased intracellular calcium concentration and sensitivity reduction of myosin to calcium, which ultimately results in arteriolar smooth muscle relaxation4. Flolan, also known as Epoprostenol and PGI2, is a member of a group of physiologically active lipid compounds known as prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are derived from arachidonic acid and naturally mediate various responses to pathogens, including inflammation5. Specifically, Flolan causes direct vasodilation of pulmonary and systemic arterial vascular beds and inhibits platelet aggregation. Flolan works by binding prostacyclin receptors on platelets and endothelial cells. Once these receptors are activated they signal adenylyl cyclase to produce cAMP which goes on to inhibit platelet activation and activate protein kinase A (PKA). PKA inhibits myosin light-chain kinase which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and finally results in vasodialation6. In order to determine if LVHN is correctly administering inhaled pulmonary vasodilators as well as to observe if these therapies are effective, a retrospective analysis of 158 patients was performed. The purpose of this study is to decide if the use of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators is warranted and, if so, to make suggestions for future admiration of these therapies based on the evidence gathered. Methodology A retrospective chart analysis of 158 patients who received either Flolan (124 patients) or INO (34 patients) at Lehigh Valley Health Network was conducted. The clinical indication, clinical response, and total drug administration time was recorded. For the patients treated with Flolan it was noted if the prescribed titration protocol was followed. The clinical indication was recorded as one of the following: (1) hypoxia, (2) pulmonary hypertension, or (3) unstable hemodynamics. The clinical response was recorded as a positive response, neutral response, or unknown. A positive response was recorded if one or more of the following were observed during treatment: an overall increase of 2% in SpO2, a 20% increase in P/F ratio, an overall reduction of 10% in FiO2, a sustained 15% reduction in Mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (MPAP), or if hemodynamic support was reduced. A neutral response was recorded if none of the above changes were seen. An unknown response was recorded if the changes could not be determined to be due to treatment with either Flolan or INO. Once all of the information was recorded, the data was analyzed in order to determine the results of the study. Results All of the observed patients were treated for a clinically acceptable indication (hypoxia, pulmonary hypertension, or hemodynamic instability). Of the 124 patents treated with Flolan, 92 (74.2%) of patents had a positive response, 26 (21%) had a neutral response, and 6 (4.8%) had an unknown response. The clinical indications for patients treated with Flolan were as follows: 54 (43.5%) were treated for Hypoxia, 24 (19.4%) for hemodynamic instability, and 46 (37.1%) for pulmonary hypertension. The mean time patents were treated with Flolan was 82.5 hours, the median time was 41.5 hours, and the range was 0.75 hours to 663.2 hours. Because the average hours on Flolan were inflated due to outliers (data that fell greater than 2 standard deviations above the average) in the data, they were also calculated without them. The adjusted mean was 61.9 hours and the adjusted median was 39.6. The Flolan titration protocol was followed for 72 (58%) of the patients treated. Of the 34 patients treated with INO, 18 (52.9%) had a positive response, 15 (44.1%) had a neutral response, and 1 (2.9%) had an unknown response. The clinical indications for patients treated with INO were as follows: 27 patients (79.4%) were treated for hypoxia, 1 (2.9%) was treated for hemodynamic instability, and 6 (17.6%) were treated for pulmonary hypertension. The mean time that the patents were on INO was 37.5 hours, the median time was 25.8 hours, and the range was 2.3 hours to 162.9 hours. Pertinent data for both Flolan and INO is summarized in the table below. Flolan INO Positive Response 74.2% 52.9% Neutral Response 21% 44.1% Unknown Response 4.8% 2.9% Percent of time protocol followed 58% N/A Mean time on drug 82.5 hours Adjusted: 61.9 hours 37.5 hours Median time on drug 41.5 hours Adjusted: 39.6 hours 25.8 hours Range of hours 0.75 – 663.2 hours 2.3 – 162.9 hours Figure 1: Response rates, protocol, and time summaries for INO and Flolan. The “adjusted” times for Flolan are the mean and median times calculated without data that fell two standard deviations above the mean. Discussion The results provide some insight into how patients are currently being treated with inhaled pulmonary vasodilators and how they can better be treated in the future. According to the data, Flolan and INO are being used correctly and effectively at LVHN, although there is opportunity for improvement. Of the 158 patients observed, all were treated for one of the three approved indications and the majority of patients had a positive response to the treatment (74.2% for Flolan and 52.9% for INO). Remember that these drugs are rescue therapies and if administering them allows over 50% of patients to survive longer, their use should be warranted due to the risk/benefit profile. Consider this is in contrast with other therapies where a 50% positive response rate may not be warranted because the risk of the therapy greatly outweighs the potential benefit. While the positive response rate recorded warrants the use of these therapies, the protocol for Flolan was only followed about half of the time it was used (58%). This may be due to a lack of priority given to the protocol by the respiratory therapists, lack of education about the protocol, or direct orders by a physician to override the protocol. Regardless of the source, the titration protocol is an important aspect of the administration of Flolan and it should be followed. The protocol is in place to ensure that patients do not react adversely to a sudden discontinuation of the drug and to ensure that the lowest effective dose is administered (which minimizes costs and potential side effects). For example, a previous study has shown that the implementation of an INO protocol reduces the direct cost associated with its use without a significant change in patient outcomes2. Therefore, because the titration protocols benefit the patient and institution both clinically and financially, steps should be made to make certain the Flolan protocol is followed. Furthermore, a protocol for INO should be implemented. One final piece of information that can be gleaned from the results is that Flolan had a positive response rate about 20% higher than INO (74.2% for Flolan vs. 52.9% for INO); although, it is possible that the small sample size for INO may contribute to this observation. Still, Flolan is a much more affordable therapy than INO and long term use of INO has been associated with methemoglobinemia and increased bleeding risk2. With all these facts in mind, Flolan should be used to treat patients preferentially over INO. While there are situations where INO must be used, such as when a patient is on volumetric diffusive respiration (VDR), Flolan should be used when possible in order to better treat the patient and reduce the cost of care. Conclusion The objective of this study was to observe if inhaled pulmonary vasodilators were being administered correctly, to discover if the treatment was effective and, based on these results, to make observations and suggestions about their use. Grounded on the retrospective analysis of 158 patents at LVHN, the use of pulmonary vasodilators as a rescue therapy is warranted and they are being administered for the correct clinical indications. It should be noted, however, that the patients being analyzed were on a multitude of therapies aimed at improving the very same indications in question. For example, it proved difficult to assess whether a patient’s improvement in oxygenation was due to the initiation of Flolan, a change in the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) settings, a change in one of the many vasopressors, or quite possibly a synergistic effect of all therapies being utilized. Therefore, the results should be viewed with a healthy dose of skepticism while keeping in mind that there were patients who clearly showed a direct positive response to Flolan and INO. So, while the use of Flolan and INO is warranted according to this study, steps should be taken within LVHN to preferentially use Flolan over INO, follow the Flolan protocol more closely, and implement a titration protocol for INO. By doing this the institution may reduce costs, improve clinical outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators. References Walsh, Brian K., Retting, Jordan S. (2015). Implementation of an Inhaled Nitric Oxide Protocol: A Paradox or the Perfect Pair? Respiratory Care 60(5), 760-761. Print. Tzanetos, Todd R., et. al. (2015). Implementation of an Inhaled Nitric Oxide Protocol Decreases Direct Cost Associated With Its Use. Respiratory Care 60(5), 644-649. Print. Siobal, Mark S., Hess, Dean R. (2010). Are Inhaled Vasodilators Useful in Acute Lung Injury and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome? Respiratory Care 55(2), 144-154. Print. Griffiths, Mark J.D., and Timothy W. Evans. (2005). Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy in Adults. New England Journal of Medicine 353, 2683-695. Ricciotti, E., and FitzGerald, G. A. (2011). Prostaglandins and Inflammation. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 31(5), 986–1000. doi:10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.207449 Epoprostenol. DrugBank. N.p., 13 June 2005. Web. 07 July 2015. Author: Troy Halteman, The Pennsylvania State University Department: Respiratory Care Contributors: Kenneth Miller, MEd, RRT-ACCS Matthew Miles, DO Robert Leshko, RRT, CSS

Interview: Frank Dooley

Dr. Frank Dooley serves as the vice provost for teaching and learning, providing leadership for undergraduate education, academic planning, program evaluation, and general academic policy development and implementation. Dooley received numerous awards for teaching, research, and service, including the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2009. He was inducted into Purdue\u27s Teaching Academy in 2002 and into the University\u27s Book of Great Teachers in 2014

Development and Testing of Supplemental Materials for an Undergraduate Healthy Food Product Development Curriculum

ABSTRACT The goal of this research project was three-fold: (1) to follow up with students who had taken the Applied Interdisciplinary Product Development (AIPD) course two years prior to assess the long-term effect of the course on perceived self-confidence in product development skills, connectedness with the department, and preparedness to enter the industry; (2) to design, implement, and evaluate course materials educating undergraduate students about the subjects of herbs, spices, and sensory science; and (3) to evaluate the success of dissemination of a sophomore-level hybrid course on healthy food product development. A Subject Knowledge Assessment (SKA) was designed to measure students\u27 knowledge of food science, packaging science, nutrition, and product development. An Exit Questionnaire (EQ) aimed to measure students\u27 confidence in things such as their product development skills, preparedness to enter the industry, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Focus groups with the seniors were also conducted in order to understand more about their experience with the course. Surveys of university faculty were also administered to measure faculty perception of the senior students that had taken the AIPD course compared to those who had not with respect to leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. An Herbs, Spices, and Sensory Science (HSS) questionnaire was used to evaluate the sensory science knowledge gain, and herbs and spices knowledge gain as a result of the intervention. Upon comparing the seniors who had taken the AIPD course to those who had not, significant differences were found for five of the nine statements on the exit questionnaire pertaining to confidence in product development skills (P \u3c 0.05). The question about interdisciplinary teamwork was also significantly different between the students who took the AIPD course and those who did not (P \u3c 0.05). Students\u27 responses in the focus groups provided enriching data to support the results of the EQ and SKA. On the faculty survey, the means of all the student traits or abilities is greater than three on a five point scale, indicating that the AIPD students were generally rated slightly better than their peers in various academic traits and soft skills. Therefore it can be concluded that student seniors that had completed the AIPD course have maintained their advanced skill level over their peers in such areas as product development skills and soft skills, even two years after taking the course. With respect to the second project goal, results from the HSS questionnaire indicate that the average score for both knowledge categories of sensory science and herbs and spices were significantly different post-intervention, with p-values of 0.0042 and 0.0169, respectively. Overall, the supplemental lectures and activities designed for an undergraduate food product development course were successful in teaching students about herbs, spices, and sensory science. Students in this course had significant knowledge gains in these subjects, making these lectures valuable tools for use in later offerings of the course. With respect to the third project goal, it was anticipated that students who took the hybrid course, which was disseminated at a southern land grant university (LGU), would have no significant differences from students who took the existing AIPD course with respect to knowledge gains or increased confidence in food science, nutrition, packaging science, and product development. The results of the SKA showed there was not sufficient evidence to suggest that LGU students\u27 percent scores, overall or in the four subject categories, are different from the Clemson University students\u27 percent scores, using a significance level of 0.05. Additionally, no significant differences were found between the two groups for 13 of the 14 items on the Exit Questionnaire (P \u3e 0.05). Therefore it can be concluded that this course is a viable option for dissemination to other universities to successfully teach food product development to sophomore students

Interview: Rhonda Phillips

Dr. Rhonda Phillips is dean of the Honors College at Purdue University. She holds a doctorate in city and regional planning and an MS in economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She previously served as associate professor and director of the Center for Building Better Communities at the University of Florida and as associate dean for Barrett, The Honors College, at Arizona State University. As a community and economic development specialist, community investment and well-being comprise the focus of Phillips\u27s research and outreach activities

Sunflower Seeding Rate x Nitrogen Rate Trial Report

The 2010 growing season was warmer and slightly wetter than normal through the majority of the spring. The month of May was considerably drier than normal, though June’s rainfall exceeded 30-year averages. No effect was apparent on germination rates. Accumulated growing degree days (GDDs) for the sunflower season totaled 3,120 from the beginning of June through the middle of October, when the sunflowers were harvested, which was 264 higher than the 30 year averages (table 1). These data were recorded at weather stations in close proximity to the research site

BMR Corn Report

In 2010, the University of Vermont Extension Crops and Soils Team conducted an experiment to evaluate yield and quality of Brown Mid-Rib (BMR) corn varieties at Borderview Farm in Alburgh, VT. Two seed companies submitted varieties for evaluation

Winter Cereals as a Multipurpose Crop

In 2010, the University of Vermont Extension continued their research evaluating winter cereals as a multipurpose crop. Winter cereal grains including barley, wheat, and triticale are planted mid to late September in the Northeast. The crops can be harvested as pasture, stored feed, or grain and straw. This study was to evaluate if the winter cereals could be grazed and then harvested for forage or grain/straw. This would allow a farmer to harvest more than one type of feed from only one planting of cereals. Overall the goal of this project is to help organic dairy producers reduce their reliance on expensive concentrates through the production of a variety of high quality annual forages. Winter cereals begin to grow early in the spring when air temperatures are in the low 40s. The growth of cereal grains begins before cool season pasture. Hence these cereals may provide early season grazing opportunities and then still be able to provide later harvested stored feed or even grain/straw