Case Analysis Business Ethics in the Work Place Essay Example

Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place Paper CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT: CHAPTER ONE By David F. Dudley Week #1 January 16, 2009 CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT: CHAPTER ONE Introduction This document presents my opinions about the cases presented in (Boatright, R. , John (2003). Ethics and the Conduct of Business. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ) and articles from (Ambrose, John (2009, January 16). My Own Opinion, The Washington Case#1. 1: Johnson Johnson: The Tylenol Crisis This case study was a powerful example to illustrate the presence of ethics within the business environment today and the impacts they can have on not just shareholder’s arnings, but on the public as a whole. First, we were presented with a shocking situation. Seven people had died in January of 1982 from taking cyanide-laced capsules of Extra-Strength Tylenol. The news made national headlines, and the CEO of Johnson Johnson, James Burke had to make some swift decisions about how the company was going to handle this problem. What added insult to injury, was that Extra-Strength Tylenol provided Johnson Johnson with a large piece of the company’s total profits which amounted to seventeen percent. The company was now in risk of loosing this ncome at the hands of someone sabotaging their product line and the public was in danger if they consumed it. The company had to find out what the cause was and how to stop it. Had James Burke not acted swiftly, more people were at risk of being harmed and Johnson Johnson could be looking at disastrous failure. By adhering to the Company Credo and pulling the product, he determined that the brand name could be saved if Johnson Johnson restored public confidence by doing what was in the best interest for the public. This was the ethical decision that saved lives and the company. Case #1. 2. The Sa les Rep We will write a custom essay sample on Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The case study titled â€Å"The Sales Rep† presents us with an interesting dilemma that forces one to think about how they would act if confronted with a personal choice on whether or not they should fully disclose to a potential client factors that could cost them money or the business-person a sale. Tell the truth or lie? This is the question that can be found when getting down to the crux of this situation. Sometimes, withholding the truth is as bad as telling an untruth. On one hand, the sales representative has a chance to close a multimillion-dollar deal for an office system to be installed. However, they are not sure hat the subsequent deliveries can be made on time due to issues stemming from the manufacturer. Since delays in delivering and installing the system could be costly to the client, the sales representative could potentially loose the sale if he divulges this information to the client pending their reaction to the news. On the other hand, there is a chance that the client will never learn of the delay or that they are loosing money because of it. This would mean that the sales representative would keep the sale and the profit that would stem from its existence. It is here where the sales representative can build heir economic character by making the right decision based on ethics as opposed to compounding the difficulty of their decision making by adding deception through disinformation. By seeing past the immediate economic reward they would receive from landing the contract had they not said anything, they should see the possible business opportunities that could open up for them in the future with the client had they decided to share with them the information concerning the delay in process of delivery and installation. This could prove to be not just honorable, but the right thing to do as well. Case #1. 3. The Ethics of Hardball There are two examples that have been illustrated by the third case study in chapter one that deals with hardball ethics. The first one depicts a gruesome exchange of dealings between two toy companies, Toys R Us and Child World. Child World announced a marketing promotion that sold products close to cost, such as diapers, baby food, and infant formula. These were items placed on their shelves for sale to the public with the addition of coupons to create even more incentive to move their products. When Toys R Us learned of the sale and not only purchased over one million dollars of this erchandise from Child World, but redeemed over three hundred sixty-five thousand dollars worth of coupons, Child World was outraged. What had originally been a ploy to detract business from their competitors was in fact a costly mistake since Toys R Us could turn around and sell the purchased merchandise for a profit. Now, I believe in playing fair. However, when Child World bro ught Toys R Us to court over this action and lost, I believe that the courts had acted favorably not only to the law, but within the guidelines of ethical practice. Child World had made a mistake through poor planning and foresight. Toys R Us acted on the opportunity to save money and did so within the confines of the law. Also, if Child World did not want competitors to take advantage of their promotions, they should have designed them more carefully. This example is in extreme contrast to the one where Home Depot countered the actions of individual price gougers in the wake of a terrible South Florida Hurricane named Andrew. Instead of hiking up prices with a sudden increase in demand for building materials, Home Depot lowered their prices. They even went as far as negotiating with suppliers to roll back prices to pre-hurricane levels. This was an honorable act in the eyes of the victims. Case #1. 4. A Sticky Situation Wow! This case study created some pretty serious food for thought. I would consider this case to be full of complexities that have many factors to consider. Being that the acting sales representative, Kent Green, is wavering on job security and unemployment that would not only effect him, but his two children and wife too, I would have to say that the situation must be looked at carefully before an outcome is determined. What is compounding the difficulty of the decision making process is that the label company idding for the job is relying upon the sale of these six-color labels probably due to economic reasons. So, the pressure is on for Kent. He must choose between the ethical choice and the non-ethical choice of selling the labels to Jack. However, since we are looking for the ethical answer, we must accept the solution that is ethical and not immediately gratifying. It ties into the issue of hon esty that we discussed in the second case study of this chapter. Tell the truth or lie? It is that plain when getting down to the root concerns here with this scenario. Even if Kent’s job is on the line and his company eeds the job, if he is to act ethically, he must choose to inform Jack of the truth since Jack’s decision is based on whether or not Dura-Stick is producing the labels under Tim Davis. If the job is being outsourced and the labels are being produced by another technician who is not Tim Davis, then Jack has the right to know. Kent also has the obligation to inform Jack of this. However, there is always a chance that Jack will not find out, and the outsourcing will go unnoticed. But, what if it doesn’t? I believe that if it were discovered that Dura-Stick was figured out then their reputation as a trustworthy ompany who produces a quality product would be in jeopardy. Dura-Stick’s reputation would not only be harmed, but they run the risk of loosing future business with that company and others. Case 1. 5. A rgus Incorporated: A Leasing Triangle Susan has an obligation to notify her superiors of Mr. Hayes’ lease payments that are owed to him. Even though Argus Incorporated has terminated the lease, they still owe him money. It is the right and ethical thing to do. If they in fact owe money for a lease agreement that they were originally a partner in, then they should do the right thing and The cases discussed above lead us to the following conclusions: 1. Honesty is always the best policy. 2. When confronted with a dilemma, weigh out the pros and cons. If there are more pros than cons, that does not necessarily arrive you at the correct answer. It just makes you better informed. 3. Do the right thing. Sometimes cutting profits now will create more profits later. 4. Karma is present and scientifically proven. With every action, there is a separate but equal reaction. So, make sure you take positive action. 5. Deception is just another form of lying. Case Analysis Business Ethics in the Work Place Essay Example Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place Paper CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT: CHAPTER ONE By David F. Dudley Week #1 January 16, 2009 CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT: CHAPTER ONE Introduction This document presents my opinions about the cases presented in (Boatright, R. , John (2003). Ethics and the Conduct of Business. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. ) and articles from (Ambrose, John (2009, January 16). My Own Opinion, The Washington Case#1. 1: Johnson Johnson: The Tylenol Crisis This case study was a powerful example to illustrate the presence of ethics within the business environment today and the impacts they can have on not just shareholder’s arnings, but on the public as a whole. First, we were presented with a shocking situation. Seven people had died in January of 1982 from taking cyanide-laced capsules of Extra-Strength Tylenol. The news made national headlines, and the CEO of Johnson Johnson, James Burke had to make some swift decisions about how the company was going to handle this problem. What added insult to injury, was that Extra-Strength Tylenol provided Johnson Johnson with a large piece of the company’s total profits which amounted to seventeen percent. The company was now in risk of loosing this ncome at the hands of someone sabotaging their product line and the public was in danger if they consumed it. The company had to find out what the cause was and how to stop it. Had James Burke not acted swiftly, more people were at risk of being harmed and Johnson Johnson could be looking at disastrous failure. By adhering to the Company Credo and pulling the product, he determined that the brand name could be saved if Johnson Johnson restored public confidence by doing what was in the best interest for the public. This was the ethical decision that saved lives and the company. Case #1. 2. The Sa les Rep We will write a custom essay sample on Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Case Analysis: Business Ethics in the Work Place specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The case study titled â€Å"The Sales Rep† presents us with an interesting dilemma that forces one to think about how they would act if confronted with a personal choice on whether or not they should fully disclose to a potential client factors that could cost them money or the business-person a sale. Tell the truth or lie? This is the question that can be found when getting down to the crux of this situation. Sometimes, withholding the truth is as bad as telling an untruth. On one hand, the sales representative has a chance to close a multimillion-dollar deal for an office system to be installed. However, they are not sure hat the subsequent deliveries can be made on time due to issues stemming from the manufacturer. Since delays in delivering and installing the system could be costly to the client, the sales representative could potentially loose the sale if he divulges this information to the client pending their reaction to the news. On the other hand, there is a chance that the client will never learn of the delay or that they are loosing money because of it. This would mean that the sales representative would keep the sale and the profit that would stem from its existence. It is here where the sales representative can build heir economic character by making the right decision based on ethics as opposed to compounding the difficulty of their decision making by adding deception through disinformation. By seeing past the immediate economic reward they would receive from landing the contract had they not said anything, they should see the possible business opportunities that could open up for them in the future with the client had they decided to share with them the information concerning the delay in process of delivery and installation. This could prove to be not just honorable, but the right thing to do as well. Case #1. 3. The Ethics of Hardball There are two examples that have been illustrated by the third case study in chapter one that deals with hardball ethics. The first one depicts a gruesome exchange of dealings between two toy companies, Toys R Us and Child World. Child World announced a marketing promotion that sold products close to cost, such as diapers, baby food, and infant formula. These were items placed on their shelves for sale to the public with the addition of coupons to create even more incentive to move their products. When Toys R Us learned of the sale and not only purchased over one million dollars of this erchandise from Child World, but redeemed over three hundred sixty-five thousand dollars worth of coupons, Child World was outraged. What had originally been a ploy to detract business from their competitors was in fact a costly mistake since Toys R Us could turn around and sell the purchased merchandise for a profit. Now, I believe in playing fair. However, when Child World bro ught Toys R Us to court over this action and lost, I believe that the courts had acted favorably not only to the law, but within the guidelines of ethical practice. Child World had made a mistake through poor planning and foresight. Toys R Us acted on the opportunity to save money and did so within the confines of the law. Also, if Child World did not want competitors to take advantage of their promotions, they should have designed them more carefully. This example is in extreme contrast to the one where Home Depot countered the actions of individual price gougers in the wake of a terrible South Florida Hurricane named Andrew. Instead of hiking up prices with a sudden increase in demand for building materials, Home Depot lowered their prices. They even went as far as negotiating with suppliers to roll back prices to pre-hurricane levels. This was an honorable act in the eyes of the victims. Case #1. 4. A Sticky Situation Wow! This case study created some pretty serious food for thought. I would consider this case to be full of complexities that have many factors to consider. Being that the acting sales representative, Kent Green, is wavering on job security and unemployment that would not only effect him, but his two children and wife too, I would have to say that the situation must be looked at carefully before an outcome is determined. What is compounding the difficulty of the decision making process is that the label company idding for the job is relying upon the sale of these six-color labels probably due to economic reasons. So, the pressure is on for Kent. He must choose between the ethical choice and the non-ethical choice of selling the labels to Jack. However, since we are looking for the ethical answer, we must accept the solution that is ethical and not immediately gratifying. It ties into the issue of hon esty that we discussed in the second case study of this chapter. Tell the truth or lie? It is that plain when getting down to the root concerns here with this scenario. Even if Kent’s job is on the line and his company eeds the job, if he is to act ethically, he must choose to inform Jack of the truth since Jack’s decision is based on whether or not Dura-Stick is producing the labels under Tim Davis. If the job is being outsourced and the labels are being produced by another technician who is not Tim Davis, then Jack has the right to know. Kent also has the obligation to inform Jack of this. However, there is always a chance that Jack will not find out, and the outsourcing will go unnoticed. But, what if it doesn’t? I believe that if it were discovered that Dura-Stick was figured out then their reputation as a trustworthy ompany who produces a quality product would be in jeopardy. Dura-Stick’s reputation would not only be harmed, but they run the risk of loosing future business with that company and others. Case 1. 5. A rgus Incorporated: A Leasing Triangle Susan has an obligation to notify her superiors of Mr. Hayes’ lease payments that are owed to him. Even though Argus Incorporated has terminated the lease, they still owe him money. It is the right and ethical thing to do. If they in fact owe money for a lease agreement that they were originally a partner in, then they should do the right thing and The cases discussed above lead us to the following conclusions: 1. Honesty is always the best policy. 2. When confronted with a dilemma, weigh out the pros and cons. If there are more pros than cons, that does not necessarily arrive you at the correct answer. It just makes you better informed. 3. Do the right thing. Sometimes cutting profits now will create more profits later. 4. Karma is present and scientifically proven. With every action, there is a separate but equal reaction. So, make sure you take positive action. 5. Deception is just another form of lying.

rainbows essays

rainbows essays A rainbow is one of our atmospheres most exquisite and marvelous creations; "one of the most spectacular light shows observed on earth" (Ahrens, 1998). When a person views a rainbow, they are getting a personal light show that no other person can see as they do. Humphreys points out that: "Since the rainbow is a special distribution of colors (produced in a particular way) with reference to a definite point - the eye of the observer - and as no single distribution can be the same for two separate points, it follows that two observers do not, and cannot, see the same rainbow." (Humphreys, 1929). Of course, a camera lens will record an image of a rainbow which can then be seen my many people (Lynds, 1995). A rainbow is essentially made up of seven brilliant colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet; moreover, it is comprised of many coloration that the eyes cannot see. No painter can manufacture the colors of the rainbow, for they create color by mixing, but no mixing will give red, green, or purple. These are the colors of the rainbow, though between the red and the green an orange color is often seen (Aristotle, 350 BC). To understand how the awesome production of a rainbow occurs is a feat of physics and mathematics. The two most important ingredients are light and drops of water. The manner and position in which the light and water droplets transverse, and the reactions between the two, are complex formulas of nature. Additionally, certain circumstances make it possible for a rainbow to occur. You cannot have a rainbow without some source of light. It is possible to create an artificial rainbow utilizing artificial light, but for this paper, I will only use instances and circumstances of naturally occurring light which produce naturally occurring rainbows. The sun is natures primary source of rainbow creating light; however, occasionally, the light of the moon can produce a rainbow....

Sustainable Solutions Paper (Answering Questions) Essay

Sustainable Solutions Paper (Answering Questions) - Essay Example This indicates a challenge that the company faces in its supply chain business. This paper represents an analysis of the company using traditional strategic thinking tools. Stakeholder Identification and Value Analysis Stakeholders refer to organization, persons, or groups of persons who may be affected by a company’s decision. Customers are the main stakeholders of the company. This is because the company has a responsibility of meeting their perfume and fragrance requirements. Thus, any decision made by the company concerning the nature of the product is likely to affect the customers. The customers define the corporate-level strategy of the company. This is because customer’s satisfaction indicates `Albani’s main business. Business-level strategy is the other significant enterprise level strategy. The strategy defines the company’s competitiveness and sustainability in the perfume industry. The company’s employees have contributed to the companyà ¢â‚¬â„¢s sustainability through the creation of high quality products. The company’s lenders and promoters have also contributed to the company’s growth and sustainability by ensuring that the company has sufficient capital. Albani promoters and lenders fulfil the functional-level strategy of the business. Finally, the company has a social responsibility that is beyond making of profits. These responsibilities define the role of the organization and the basic perception of the public towards the organization. The society, which is a bigger set that contains the company’s customers represent Albani’s public image. Culture: Organizational culture refers to â€Å"a collection of values and norms within an organization which are shared by all stakeholders and they determine or control how people interact (Macmillan, 2007). According to the article, Albani’s organizational culture can be classified as â€Å"bet your company culture.† The company ’s decisions have a major impact on its customers. Thus, big decisions are taken after considering the views of all the stakeholders. For instance changing the brand name of a particular perfume will require the approval of the customers and other relevant stakeholders. Such decisions require market research that might take a long time to materialize. Integrated Concepts from Readings According to the previous documents, the success of a company depends on various factors. Each of these factors has a role to play in determining the overall nature of the company’s external or internal environment. The enterprise level strategies define the role of the business and its perception according to the society. Thus, enterprise strategies are concerned with the corporate social responsibility of the business. The company’s culture and enterprise strategies are congruent despite not been closely related. This indicates that a company might have mission statement that is not aligned to its enterprise strategies. However, the company’s vision should be congruent to its enterprise strategies. Otherwise, its vision will not be significant to its operations. General Force Analysis General forces are factors that affect all business operating in a certain industry. This indicates that the general forces define the overall business environment. General forces relate to the society and the country’

Government Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Government Control - Essay Example The various laws and acts issued by the government to control the content of television and Internet for safeguarding the interest of children viewing have also been analyzed. The Internet today is one of the fastest and cheapest modes of transmitting information. It was initially build up as an international network. The main purpose was to establish a mode of networking among scientist and university professors worldwide. The US first amendment and information management; in the context of electronic data interchange is a popular ground for debating the government control on the Internet. (Davenport, p 59) There are however, certain risks involved with the use of Internet. Hacking is one of the predominant cyber crimes that involve breaching the electronic defenses to access restricted information. Children are the most likely victims to the risks involved with the Internet. Exposure to websites with adult content is one of the chief concerns. The presence of certain sites that may influence activities like writing threat letters or mails is another cause for concern for parents. The measures employed by the government to control such things are one of the topics of discussion undertaken. Television is yet another section of the information systems management that involves vulnerabilities. ... Government control on Internet usage: The US constitution does not provide for any legal protection of personal information. The restrictions that can be applied are limited and do not extend beyond the protection of information from plausible government infringement. The First amendment constitutes for protection of press and speech, overriding on protection of privacy. (Congressional Research Service, 2001) It has been reported that federal government is finding the fight against cyber crime to be more challenging than anticipated. Former executive director of National Cyber Security Division at DHS, Jerry Dixon had observed that more trained personnel at the local and state level is required to address the rising number of cyber crimes. Federal agencies are referred to regarding the computer security cases, since many of the cases are beyond state and even country boundaries. A bill in the US senate is one of the many steps undertaken by the government to guard the loopholes that is often exploited by criminals for their activities. (Search Security, 2003- 2008) The Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act, 2008 makes it easier for prosecuting hackers and others convicted of cyber felony. The law offers the flexibility to federal courts to prosecute the accused, if the latter and the victim live in the same state. The new law also broadens the definition of cyber extortion. (The Washington Post, 1996 - 2008) The CRS reports on Internet security measures undertaken by the government involve the passing of the USA Patriot Act. The Act serves to enhance the Internet monitoring process of various law enforcement

Language Seminar Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

Language Seminar - Essay Example We met as partners and decided from the list of skills which one we should focus on and the relevant test samples that we should choose. After negotiation, we agreed to focus on grammar and thus selected grammar parts of three test samples. Before embarking on the task, we did extensive literature review from textbooks and lecture notes which were to guide us inappropriately responding to the task.After this preparation, we answered then critiqued the sample tests based on six qualities of usefulness: practicality, impact, validity, reliability, interactiveness, and authenticity. The arguments were backed by relevant literature earlier identified. This critique guided us in coming up with a performance-based test that aimed at improving on the sample tests. The strengths of the performance-based test over the sample tests were given.We presented each test separately with its critique which made it simple to follow the presentation. Even though taken at the end of the presentation, qu estions were encouraged from the students with both of us responding to them to the best of our knowledge. The summarising table at the end of the presentation was an advantage in the presentation.More so, we had practiced prior to the final presentation which helped us time ourselves appropriately.Instead of each one working on a different part then combine at the end, we did the whole task together, engaging in arguments that led us to present the best-agreed responses.

Fragile X Syndrome Case Study Health And Social Care Essay

Fragile X Syndrome Case Study Health And Social Care Essay From seven years old, Michaels speech was still rather incoherent, he spoke very quickly and under his breath and didnt make much eye contact. Only up until the last couple of years his speech has improved and is much clearer, although he still tends to perseverate and get stuck on a subject and repeat the same thing over and over. Michael has a sister 2 years older and in 1992 they were both referred to the genetics clinic in the Royal Childrens Hospital by our pediatrician as they both presented with significant developmental delays and the doctor suspected some genetic condition may be at the root of the problem. Tests were performed, even an X-ray on Michaels head as they noted he had rather dysmorphic features, but nothing proved positive and there was no known reason for their problems. ______________________________________________________________________________The patient presented in the above case study is a classic case of Fragile X-Syndrome, the most frequent cause of inherited mental retardation. Patients presenting with this syndrome are affected in various facets of functioning, including intellect, emotion, behavior, and physical characteristics. The cause of the syndrome involves the expansion of a single trinucleotide gene sequence on the X chromosome. Other disorders that are placed in this category include Huntingtons Disease, Kennedy Disease, Dentatorubralpallidoluysian atrophy, and Friedrichs ataxia. This consequently results in the failure to express a protein that is required for normal neural development, and coded by the FMR1 gene. Because it is an X-linked disorder, cases are seen in all carrier males and in 35% of carrier females. Because of the subtle nature of signs of the syndrome and difficulty in diagnosis, all children with mental retard ation should be tested for Fragile X syndrome and family members are advised to undergo genetic counseling in order to decrease the recurrence of Fragile X in the family. Etiology The abnormality of the chromosome presented in Fragile X syndrome is found on the Xq27.3 site and commonly used as a diagnostic marker for the syndrome [1]. In most cases, the expansion of the single trinucleotide gene sequence includes 50 to 200 CGG repeats at the site and these repeats are passed down from generation to generation [1]. In comparison, the number Mathew 2 of repeats in a normal individual is between 6 and 50. Due to the increasing expansion of the trinucleotide gene sequence, there is methylation of the DNA which in turn silences the FMR1 protein [3]. FMRP plays important roles in learning and memory, and also appears to be involved in development of axons, formation of synapses, and the wiring and development of neural circuits. Diagnosis Because there is no clinical diagnostic criteria, scoring systems have been developed to select individuals for Fragile X Syndrome [4]. It can also be diagnosed using molecular genetics testing of the FMR1 gene. One method of diagnosis is based on chromosomal study to present the chromosome under special folic acid deficient culture conditions [3]. There are two different types of molecular DNA tests. The screening tests are polymerase chain reaction based. Additionally, they need to be confirmed using Southern blot hybridization [5]. It is important to diagnose affected patients as early as possible to provide early intervention and supportive care (i.e., specific developmental therapy and an individualized education plan) and to inform parents for further family planning [4]. One half of families in a 2002 survey reported having an additional child with fragile X syndrome before the older affected child was diagnosed [4]. Family history collection should include questions about other family members, with particular attention to developmental delay, mental retardation, and psychiatric disorders [4]. In addition, a family history of women with premature ovarian failure and men with FXTAS should be ascertained. A positive family history in a proband with developmental delay should prompt consideration of genetic testing of the FMR1 gene [4]. The American College of Medical Genetics recommends testing, regardless of family history, for all males and females with mental retardation of unknown etiology [4]. Therapy/Treatment Treatment is supportive, requiring a multidisciplinary team and including anxiety-reducing measures, behavior modification, and medications to manage associated psychiatric disorders. Individual education plans are necessary for school-age children [2]. Although several Mathew 3 medications have been proposed to treat fragile X syndrome, none of them are supported by ]good evidence [2]. While there is no current cure for the syndrome, there is hope that further understanding of its underlying causes would lead to new therapies. Currently, the syndrome can be treated through behavioral therapy, special education, and when necessary, treatment of physical abnormalities [2]. Persons with the fragile X syndrome in their family histories are advised to seek genetic counseling, to assess the likelihood of having children who are affected, and how severe any impairments may be in affected descendants [2]. The Fragile X syndrome been the subject of numerous studies, and recent investigations have addressed the question of whether this disorder is amenable to either prenatal diagnosis or to treatment with folic acid [3]. In a previous study, the effect of oral folic acid therapy (10 mg/day) in a blind study of 14-year-old monozygous twins with the fragile X syndrome was examined [3]. They reported on eight patients with psychotic-like symptoms. Seven were improved by therapy with I M 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (folinic acid) at doses of 0.5 mg/kg body weight for a period of a few weeks [3]. Three patients had an almost total recovery from psychotic-like symptoms [3]. One 14-year-old boy who was severely hypotonic and disinterested in his environment became responsive and able to sit and crawl after 2 months of therapy with folic acid in doses of 1 mg/kg day [3]. Harpey also reported some success with therapy with intramuscular folinic acid and hydroxocobalamin by mouth [3]. In a recent re port, a male fetus was diagnosed as having fragile X and the mother was started on a regime of folic acid 2 mg/day [3]. After delivery, the baby was treated with 1 mg/day of folic acid. On evaluation at 6 weeks of age, the baby was described as having a dolicocephalic head, long ears, a flattened malar area, enlarged testes, and a high frequency of fragile X chromosomes (20/60 cells). Two studies attempted controlled trials of folate in the fragile X syndrome, and one of these has been reported in some detail [3]. Brown conducted a double-blind crossover study in which two brothers with the fragile X syndrome were treated with either intravenous folic acid (1.6 mg/kg daily as a single dose) or saline placebo for 8 days [3]. Following the controlled trial, the brothers were maintained on 10 mg/day of oral folic acid for 3 weeks. Over 6 weeks, the dose was increased to 500 mg/day for the younger brother and 1,000 mg/day for the older brother, and then both Mathew 4 brothers were maintained on 1,000 mg/day from 1 month to 5 months after the onset of the study [3]. Because this disorder is a very common cause of familial mental retardation, and because of the in vitro effect of folate in decreasing expression of the fragile site, one may be tempted to attempt folate therapy in these patients. However, two studies to date have failed to demonstrate any abnormality of folate metabolism in cultured cells from patients with the fragile X syndrome [5]. Therefore, we urge continued caution in the expectation of beneficial results and advise against routine use of folate therapy in patients with established mental retardation and the fragile X syndrome [5]. Because there is no cure for Fragile X syndrome, the hope is that future investigations into the underlying causes that will further lead to new therapies.

Benedict Arnold :: American History

Benedict Arnold No other American is remembered quite the same as Benedict Arnold. He was a brave soldier, a patriot- and a traitor. Benedict was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. When he was 14 years old, Benedict ran away from home to fight in the French and Indian War, but he was brought back by his mother, who apparently was driven insane later in her life. If I had a son like Benedict, I might have gone insane too! After his mother insisted that he return home, he ran away for a second time. After he was finished playing boy hero for awhile, he learned the apothecary (pharmacy) trade and then in 1762, he opened a book and drug store in New Haven. Benedict was also involved with trade in the West Indies. By 1774, he was one of the wealthiest citizens in New Haven. It's a good thing that he had money, because he was one of those people who like to ride around in their Mercedes and wear expensive clothes, even if he couldn't afford them. Benedict then got hooked up with the sheriff's daughter Margaret Mansfield, and they hit it off. They decided to get married in 1774. But this marriage was short lived because the next year Margaret caught a disease and died. When the Revolutionary War began that year Arnold was already an experienced soldier. He had helped Ethan Allen capture Fort Ticonderoga. Then Benedict came up with a great idea to capture Quebec. This idea failed, but Benedict had already proven his bravery. He was then commissioned as a colonel in the patriot forces. He was one of General George Washington's most trusted officers. Benedict led his troops to the siege of Boston and Valcour Island and proved once again to be a bold and skilled officer. At the battle of Valcour Island he was wounded severely in his leg. His bravery won him the respect of many people. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Arnold felt that his services were not properly rewarded. In 1777, Congress promoted five officers, who were junior to Benedict, to major general. Only a personal plea from General George Washington kept him from resigning. He did receive a delayed promotion to major general, but he was still angered that he was not promoted to a rank above the junior officers promoted earlier. Then to top things off, a fellow Benedict Arnold :: American History Benedict Arnold No other American is remembered quite the same as Benedict Arnold. He was a brave soldier, a patriot- and a traitor. Benedict was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. When he was 14 years old, Benedict ran away from home to fight in the French and Indian War, but he was brought back by his mother, who apparently was driven insane later in her life. If I had a son like Benedict, I might have gone insane too! After his mother insisted that he return home, he ran away for a second time. After he was finished playing boy hero for awhile, he learned the apothecary (pharmacy) trade and then in 1762, he opened a book and drug store in New Haven. Benedict was also involved with trade in the West Indies. By 1774, he was one of the wealthiest citizens in New Haven. It's a good thing that he had money, because he was one of those people who like to ride around in their Mercedes and wear expensive clothes, even if he couldn't afford them. Benedict then got hooked up with the sheriff's daughter Margaret Mansfield, and they hit it off. They decided to get married in 1774. But this marriage was short lived because the next year Margaret caught a disease and died. When the Revolutionary War began that year Arnold was already an experienced soldier. He had helped Ethan Allen capture Fort Ticonderoga. Then Benedict came up with a great idea to capture Quebec. This idea failed, but Benedict had already proven his bravery. He was then commissioned as a colonel in the patriot forces. He was one of General George Washington's most trusted officers. Benedict led his troops to the siege of Boston and Valcour Island and proved once again to be a bold and skilled officer. At the battle of Valcour Island he was wounded severely in his leg. His bravery won him the respect of many people. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Arnold felt that his services were not properly rewarded. In 1777, Congress promoted five officers, who were junior to Benedict, to major general. Only a personal plea from General George Washington kept him from resigning. He did receive a delayed promotion to major general, but he was still angered that he was not promoted to a rank above the junior officers promoted earlier. Then to top things off, a fellow