IIJFMT 3(4) 2005
Journal Scan
ABSTACT
Implant ethics is defined here as the study of ethical aspects of the lasting introduction of technological devices into the human body. Whereas technological implants relieve us of some of the ethical problems connected with transplantation, other difficulties arise that are in need o careful analysis. A systematic approach to implant ethics is proposed. The major specific problems are identified as those concerning end of life issues (turning off devices), enhancement of human capabilities beyond normal levels, mental changes and personal identity and cultural effects.
HIV Testing and Informed ConsentAbstract
In this paper, Ethics of HIV testing in general practice without informed consent, Fraser argues that pretest counselling and informed consent are pillars of ethical conduct of HIV testing. In my response I want to look critically at these contentions. While I will agree with Fraser that it is always necessary to get informed consent from a patient for HIV test I will argue that an emphasis on pretest counselling as a prerequisite for testing can actually undermine a patient’s autonomy, the very principle that informed consent seeks to promote.
Risk factors and Protective Factors in relation to subjective health among Adult Female victims of Child Sexual abuse
Jonzon E, Lindlad F
Child Abuse Neglect 2006;30: 127-43.
Abstract
Objective- To investigate the relationship between risk and protective factors and health outcome in a sample of adult females ho had been victims of child sexual abuse.
Method- Both person and variable oriented analyses were applied to questionnaire data from a non-clinical group of women (n= 152) reporting sexual abuse during childhood.
Results- Six groups with different patterns of risk and protective factors were found by cluster analysis. Two groups (Good Coping and Support Compensation) had significantly better health than expected in spite of severe abuse. Self-esteem and social support were strong predictors of health in the regression models.
Conclusion- the relationship between risk and protective factors and health may be different in different groups of victims of child sexual abuse. Self-esteem was closely related to health outcome displaying the importance of this concept in clinical practice. Availability of resources seems to be more important for health outcomes than the amount of risk factors.
Comparison of Ethanol Concentrations in right cardiac blood and peripheral blood in a series of 30 cases
Pelister-Alicot AL, Coste N, Bartoli C, Piercecchi-Marti MD, Sanvoisin A, Gouvernet J, Leonetti G.
Forensic Sci International 2006; 156; 35-9.
ABSTACT
The aim of this study was to compare ethanol concentrations in right cardiac blood, left cardiac blood and peripheral blood. Samples were taken from a series of 30 medicolegal autopsies. Ethanol was measured by head space GC-FID. In each case, the degree of putrefaction, chest or abdominal injury, and/ or regurgitation of gastric contents into the airways were noted. Our results show that there exists in certain cases a marked increase in ethanol conc. in left cardiac blood compared with rt. cardiac blood and peripheral blood. In these cases, we observed (i) a high conc. of ethanol in the gastric contents and (ii) regurgitation of gastric contents into the airway. The author discuss the post-mortem redistribution mechanisms which could explain these results and stresses the value of sampling right cardiac blood at autopsy.