Opium and Afghanistan

The Afghan opium economy presents a clear and present danger to international security as it enhances the chances of failed states emerging, of stable regions destabilising, and of human poverty, addiction, and disease proliferating. The root cause of the Afghan opium economy is the great number of domestic farmers who cultivate the crop. Thus, the factors that compel rural farmers to cultivate opium cause the manifestation of the opium economy in Afghanistan, and the subsequent insecurity that afflicts the international community. In this article, the root causes and security implications of the Afghan opium economy are analysed, and several policy options and recommendations are presented and evaluated. The illegal opium economy in Afghanistan is not a recent phenomenon. To date, there has been a reliance on traditional approaches to combat the drug problem in the country. This must stop. There are no quick and easy solutions. Instead, there are only long and multi-layered solutions, which need commitment, support, and open-mindedness. The world community must understand this, and act upon it. Otherwise, the opium economy will continue to dominate in Afghanistan, and insecurity will continue to plague much of the international community

The diagnosis of peptic ulcer in general practice: an analysis of 183 cases of gastro-intestinal ulceration with particular reference to the Gregersen Benzidine Slide Test

1. For many years I have been using the Gregersen Benzidine Slide Test as an aid to the diagnosis of alimentary neoplasm and peptic ulcer2. An account of its history and evolution is given, with a review of the published opinion of the various well-known workers concerning its reliability as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of gastro-intestinal disease.3. The technique of the test and the preparation of the patient¡ are described.4. It has generally been found that the great majority of cases of active peptic ulcer and alimentary neoplasm excrete occult blood in the faeces and give a positive result with the Gregersen Slide Test.5. 183 case histories are given. These include 132 cases of duodenal ulcer; 24.cases of gastric ulcer; 13 cases of neoplasm; 8 cases of diverticulitis and 8 other miscellaneous conditions.6. In the majority of these cases the Gregersen Slide Test or an X -ray investigation, or both, were performed.7. A statistical analysis has been made of these cases, with special reference to the reliability of the Gregersen Slide Test in comparison with X-ray examination and clinical signs and symptoms.8. The Gregersen Slide Test is found to be positive in about 88 per cent. of cases, and also gives a positive result in about 18 per cent. of cases clinically confirmed, for which the X -ray findings were negative.9. The yearly incidence of peptic ulcers, perforated and non - perforated, in the present series of cases is compared with already published findings.10. These show that there is some indication of a rise in the incidence of perforated and non- perforated ulcers during the war period.11. The association of certain other pathological conditions is noted, and their significance in the etiology of peptic ulcer is discussed.12. Emphasis is laid on the ease and rapidity with which the Gregersen Slide Test can be performed in general practice.13. The opinion is expressed that in cases with symptoms of persisting alimentary dÇsfunction its application is as important as are the tests for sugar and albumin in suspected cases of diabetes and nephritis

A Brief History of Biophysics at The Ohio State University

Prepared for the Centennial of The Ohio State University

Introduction to a Biological Systems Science

Biological systems analysis and biodynamic modelling of physiological and biological interrelationships in human body and mammal

Effects of atomoxetine on growth in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder following up to five years of treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects on growth of long-term pharmacological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we present findings from an ongoing 5-year study of the efficacy and safety of treatment with atomoxetine. METHODS: North American patients, 6-17 years old at study entry (N = 1,312) and with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,4th edition (DSM-IV) ADHD, were studied under open-label atomoxetine treatment. Sixty-one were studied up to 5 years. RESULTS: After 1 month\u27s treatment, patients weighed less than expected from their starting percentiles relative to population norms, with a maximum shortfall at 15 months and a return to expected weight by 36 months. Patients were slightly shorter than expected after 12 months, reaching a maximum shortfall at 18 months and returning to expected height by 24 months. Patients in the top quartile for body mass index (BMI) or weight at baseline, and those in the third quartile for height, showed 5-year decreases from expected values. Those below median height at baseline showed increases relative to expected values. CONCLUSIONS: These interim results indicate that continuous atomoxetine treatment for up to 5 years has little or no long-term effect on juvenile growth and final stature for most patients, although persistent decreases from expected may occur in some patients who are larger than average before treatment