Propylene Glycol as a Pharmaceutical Excipient in Pediatrics

Propylene Glycol as a Pharmaceutical Excipient in Pediatrics Disha Patel The Utilization of Propylene Glycol as a Pharmaceutical Excipient in the Pediatric Field Abstract As a widely used excipient in pediatric formulations, propylene glycol functions as a solvent, emulsifier, humectant, and hygroscopic agent. It is a clear, colorless liquid whose properties enable it to have pharmacodynamic applications. Oftentimes, propylene glycol is combined with other mediations to enhance its penetration. For instance, a combination of 20% propylene glycol and 5% lactic acid in a semiocculusive cream base is used as a highly effective and well-tolerated keratolytic in patients with lamellar ichthyosis and possibly could be in various other hyperkeratotic diseases. Unfortunately, though to a lesser degree, this excipient is associated with toxic effects such as hyperosmolality, hemolysis, and lactic acidosis. Also, in concentrations greater than 10%, propylene glycol may act as an irritant in some patients (Health Effects 2). From a pharmacokinetic viewpoint, there is a potential of renal toxicity associated with propylene glycol and lorazepam. The high concentra tion of propylene glycol contained in certain intravenous drug products, such as phenytoin, diazepam, digoxin, and etomidate, may induce thrombophlebitis. Here, the patients increased serum creatinine concentrations are likely to have resulted from exposure to propylene glycol due to lorazepam infusion. Serum osmolality and osmol gap may be useful markers for propylene glycol toxicity. Much like the above mentioned applications, through its chemical composition, propylene glycol has the ability to exert a beneficial effect on pediatric formulations (Webbook 5). Introduction Propylene glycol, which is also known Propane-1,2-diol, is a colorless, viscous, organic liquid with a slightly sweet taste. This excipient is utilized in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations. Examples of pharmaceutical applications include therapeutic drugs such as vaccines, cough syrups, local anesthetics, antiseptics, vitamins, and hormones. It is produced through the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. Propylene glycol is industrially made from propylene oxide. It is made from either a catalytic or a non-catalytic method which exposes the propylene into extremes of temperature and a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali to yield propylene glycol for industrial purposes (Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol 1). It is concluded that, with extensive research, this excipient is categorized as safe in the body. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry, in the body, under conditions of normal low exposure, propylene glycol is quickly metabolized and excreted. Its metabolic pathway is comparable to that of sugar: propylene glycol is quickly converted into lactic acid, similar to what happens with the energy in the muscles when exercising. Afterwards, the lactic acid is excreted via urine (Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews 2). Surprisingly, from a toxicological point of view, alcohol is more toxic than propylene glycol. Propylene glycol has been used safely for more than 50 years in a large variety of applications. As a result, it is effectively used in prescription medications such amoxicillin (500 mg), clindamycin hydrochloride (150 mg 300 mg), gabapentin (300 mg), lyrica (50 g 75 mg), and omeprazole (20 mg) (Result Filters 4). Through statistical data, it is overwhelmingly evident that there is a continually growing market for propylene glycol. According to the IHS website, United States (19%), Western Europe (39%), Japan (17%), and China (80%) had the largest consumption (Inactive Ingredients in Pharmaceutical Products 5). Since it has been proven safe with a relative low toxicity level, it is projected that the consumption of propylene glycol will rise (IHS Home Page 4). The Effects of Propylene Glycol in Pediatrics Pharmaceutical medications are composed of two very essential ingredients: active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients. The purpose of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a drug is to elicit a specific therapeutic effect on the patient. Specifically, when the drug is consumed, it will exert a necessary effect on the body in order to produce an ideal outcome: the therapeutic response (TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR PROPYLENE GLYCOL 3). The component of the drug is the excipient, which is an inactive ingredient utilized for possible multifunctional usage. For instance, an excipient can be binders, coatings, diluents, disintegrants, fillers, flavors, colors, lubricants, glidants, sorbents, preservatives, sweeteners, and solubilizing agents. Oftentimes, they do acquire some extent of therapeutic acclivity, though less than the API. Similar to many other drugs, propylene glycol functions both, as an API and excipient-an indication that multiple functions can have multiple benef its (AccessMedicine [41168448] 2). Additionally, medications are tailored to a specific age group to maximize the therapeutic effect for the patient. Therefore, criteria for an ideal drug for the pediatric population will undoubtedly differ from the criteria for the geriatric population. Routes of administration suitable for pediatrics include oral, topical, rectal, inhalation, injectable and drop (eye, ear, and nose). Propylene glycol enters the body as an alcohol and metabolizes in the bodys enzyme pathways. These pathways do not mature in humans until 12 to 30 months of age. Proper judgment when administering a propylene glycol-based formulation to neonates is crucial in order to prevent potential complications (PubChem 1). In comparison to adults, new born babies have a propylene glycol half-life of 16.9 hours rather than a significantly lower 5 hour half-life for adults. In one study, the use a multivitamins whose contents included propylene glycol resulted in serum osmolality in low-birth-weight premature babies. However, in another research activity, phenobarbital injections containing propylene glycol were deemed to have an inconsequential effect on the osmolar gap (AccessMedicine [40400741] 4). A higher amount of propylene glycol delivered per dose, such as 3 grams, is known to cause more seizures in infants, in comparison to those receiving lesser amounts per dose, such as 300 mg. In a population of 262 patients treated for burns, roughly 3 percent were the result of topical propylene glycol which resulted in hyperosmolality (Potential Safety Concerns with the Large Amount of Propylene Glycol 2). Since propylene glycol is a liquid excipient, it affects the gastrointestinal tract. However, studies of people and animals show that if you have repeated eye, skin, nasal, or oral exposures to propylene glycol for a short time, you may develop some irritation. Furthermore, extensive studies performed have concluded that there are no severe risks of propylene glycol in infants. Thus, it is assumed to be safe if consumed in moderation. The oral liquid formulation also illustrates a high compliance rate amongst infants. Simple considerations such as route of administration and effective concentrations can help achieve a therapeutic response (AccessMedicine [40400741] 6). The chemical composition of propylene glycol is relatively simple: alcohol groups with a hydrocarbon backbone. To an extent, this simplistic structure plays a broad role in various applications ranging from industrial to pharmaceutical uses. Generally, neonates can be exposed to propylene glycol orally or topically. Absorption through oral intake is significantly more effective than on the skin. Once propylene glycol reaches the site of action, it is rapidly metabolized and subsequently excreted (A-Z Index 9). In the blood stream, the half-life of the excipient is approximately 2-4 hours in adults. However, in neonates, it is drastically longer (17 hours). Pertaining to its mechanism of action, it is further metabolized to lactate which is further metabolized to pyruvate, carbon dioxide, and water. Through utilization of the gluconeogenic pathway, glucose is formed. Even though the safety the propylene is apparent, extremely large exposures to propylene glycol have the potential to r esult in lactic acidosis and hyperosmotic changes in the blood (Health Effects 4). Extensive research has provided sufficient evidence on the safety and quality of this excipient. To begin, numerous sources indicate that propylene glycol has a dramatically low degree of toxicity. It is associated with moderately low concern for acute toxicity by ingestion, skin contact, and inhalation. There have been reports of altered nervous system function because of high oral exposure to propylene. Normal metabolism of this excipient can be negatively affected through blood pH and osmotic changes. Furthermore, animal studies also confirm the relative low risk of propylene glycol (Webbook 2). For example, a longitudinal study performed on rodents with extremely high exposures to the excipient presented no indication of adverse effects. Consequently, a similar study performed on cats illustrated hematological changes. High aerosol concentrations inhaled by rats caused minor nasal and ocular signs that may have been due to mild irritation or drying effects of propylene glycol on mucous membranes. On a positive note, there is no correlation to cancer from the use of propylene glycol (AccessMedicine [45774923] 1). Pharmacological Profile of Propylene Glycol Propylene glycol, with a formula C3H8O2, is readily miscible with water, acetone, and chloroform. In reference to its structure, it contains an asymmetrical carbon atom, so it has two enantiomers. Since the commercial product is a racemic mixture, pure optical enantiomers can be achieved by the hydration of optically pure propylene oxide. Upon the mixture of propylene glycol and water, the freezing point of water is drastically depressed. Because of this, it is used as a de-icing fluid for vehicles. With the exception of ethylene glycol, glycols are generally known to be non-corrosive and have low volatility and toxicity. Even with the strict criteria established for pediatrics, propylene glycol satisfies the requirements for safe administration to pediatric patients (A-Z Index 5). Furthermore, it is derived from propylene oxide and its production methods include either catalytic- proceeds at 150  °C to 180  °C in the presence of ion exchange resin or a small amount of sulfuric acid or alkali, or non-catalytic- high-temperature process at 200  °C to 220  °C (IHS Home Page 3). Even though this paper focuses mainly on propylene glycol’s purpose as an excipient in pediatric formulations, it has an overwhelmingly degree of other applications. A certain amount (45%) is used as chemical feedback for the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins. Chemically speaking, propylene glycol reacts with a mixture of unsaturated maleic anhydride and isophthalic acid to give a copolymer. Continuing further crosslinking, thermoset plastics are produced from the unsaturated polymers. Similarly, propylene glycol also reacts with propylene oxide to produce oligomers as well as polymers that are utilized to form polyurethanes (Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol 2). As proven be multiple research articles, this excipient is proven safe. The extent of safety is measured by plasma concentration: â€Å"Serious toxicity generally occurs only at plasma concentrations over 1 g/L, which requires extremely high intake over a relatively short period of time.† However, there is always an uncertainty and accidental occurrences. For instance, rare cases of propylene glycol poison were largely related to either inappropriate intravenous administration or accidental ingestion of enormously large quantities by children (Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet 9). Conclusion As proven through this research paper, propylene glycol is an effective ingredient for pediatric use. Since there was no established linkage between cancer and its use, it is popular for multiple uses. Several considerations should be utilized in formulating pediatric medications-specifically, the ingredients in the formulation. With its multiple uses, propylene glycol is well-suited for children for its safety and effectiveness. Like all ingredients, propylene glycol may produce adverse effects in the patient, but drastically less harmful than others. Since an enormous quantity must be consumed before toxicity level is reached, it is well suited for children. With viscous properties, upon consumption, it has the potential to elicit a faster therapeutic effect on the patient. Therefore, it is both potent and efficacious. In all, this ingredient proves to be a significant element to the overall formulation of a medication, regardless of the age group targeted (Webbook 5). Bibliography A-Z Index. ATSDR. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=1120tid=240>. Database of Select Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Reviews. AccessData. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fcn/fcnDetailNavigation.cfm?rpt=scogsListingid=262>. Frequently Asked Questions about Propylene Glycol. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.propylene-glycol.com/uploads/PropyleneGlycolAdvocacybrochure.pdf>. Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet. New Jersey Department of Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/3595.pdf>. Health Effects. ATSDR. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp189-c2.pdf>. InactiveIngredients in Pharmaceutical Products: Update (Subject Review). Peditrics. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/99/2/268.full#sec-11>. Potential Safety Concerns with the Large Amount of Propylene Glycol. Natap. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.natap.org/2000/may/potential_safety051500.htm>. Propylene Glycol. PubChem. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=1030>. Propylene Glycol. Webbook. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C57556Mask=8>. Propylene Glycols. IHS Home Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.ihs.com/products/chemical/planning/ceh/propylene-glycols.aspx>. Result Filters. National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14524641>. St. Johns University Academics Schools Libraries. AccessMedicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=348sectionid=40381672jumpsectionID=40400741>. St. Johns University Academics Schools Libraries. AccessMedicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=388sectionid=45764289jumpsectionID=45774923>. St. Johns University Academics Schools Libraries. AccessMedicine. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.jerome.stjohns.edu/content.aspx?bookid=392sectionid=41138958jumpsectionID=41168448>. TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR PROPYLENE GLYCOL. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Apr. 2014. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp189.pdf>.

Confucius Essay -- Confucius Philosophy

As Confucius' philosophy still remains in the heart of many Chinese people, his images of the greatest professional teacher of all time, the greatest philosopher in Chinese history and his influence toward the future and the past 2000 years of Chinese civilization has made his thought the essence of the Chinese culture. He always said the importance of teaching could change the future of the civilization. And he also encouraged his students to explore the various things to learn, but be very selective and careful. The purpose of Confucius' teaching was practical and designed to help each person improve his character and conduct, and perhaps become prepared for an official position in the court. According to one passage in the Analects, Confucius taught four things: culture, conduct, loyalty, and truthfulness.1 Culture consisted of literature and music. Confucius suggested the value of each: "Let a man be stimulated by poetry, established in character by the rules of propriety, and perfected by music. â€Å" These pursuits were means by which one may achieve the higher ideal of following the Way.†2 The gentleman extensively studies literature and restrains himself with the rules of propriety. Thus he will not violate the Way. "3 And also " Set your heart upon the Way. Support yourself by its virtue. Rely on goodness. Find recreation in the arts."4 Confucius put the moral duties before the arts as the essential activities of the gentleman. "A young man's duty is to behave well to his parents at home and to in love to all, and to cultivate the friendship of the good. If, when all that is done, he has any energy to spare, then let him study the cultural arts."5 Confucius taught many topics around these subjects, but the most importance of these is the propriety, ritual and the Way of being a Gentleman. From these to achieve the Jen. Confucius had one overwhelming message: if we are to achieve a state of orderliness and peace, we need to return to traditional values of virtue. These values are based entirely on one concept: Jen, which is best, translated as "humaneness." This humaneness is a relatively strange concept to Western people, because it is not primarily a practicable virtue. The rules of propriety offered a code of accepted behaviour that demonstrated to themselves and others tha... ...ragement of personality development will never be forget. As the Chinese people and the world stepping into the next millennium, Confucius will be in the minds of many people, as they think of the greatest teacher in Chinese history. Bibliography Notes 1. Analects 7.24 Cf. A. Waley, The Analects of Confucius (London, 1938) 2. 2. Analects 8.8 3. Analects 6.25 4. 4. Analects 7.6 5. 5. Analects 1.6 6. 6. Analects 1.12 7. 7. Analects 8.2 8. 8. Analects 3.4 9. Analects 6.16 10. Analects 3.18 11. Analects 13.5 12. Analects 13.13 13. Analects 15.32 14. Analects 8.13 15. Analects 12.19 16. Analects 14.8 17. Analects 1.5 18. Analects 17.23 19. Analects 2.15 20. Analects 9.24 21. Analects 16.4 22. Analects 16.5 23. Analects 3.3 Confucius, Raymond Dawson (Oxford University Press, 1981) 24. Analects 12.1 Confucius, Raymond Dawson (Oxford University Press, 1981) 25. Analects 17.9 26. Analects 3.23 27. Lin Yutang, Wisdom of Confucius, p.81-82 28. 28. Ibid. p.82 29. 29. Ibid. p.83 30. 30. Ibid. p.67-68 31. Hsu, Cho-Yun, Ancient China in Transition p.161,163 32. 32. Analects 12.4 33. 33. Analects 16.7 34. 34. Analects 16.10

African Americans : the Role of Race Essay

Abstract The Following Essay defines and integrates the role race plays on the African American culture in their family values and politics in comparison to the Anglo American Culture. The United States has become increasingly diverse in the last century. While African American families share many features with other U. S. families, the African American family has some distinctive features relating to the timing and approaches to marriage and family formation, gender roles, parenting styles, and strategies for coping with adversity. African cultures, slavery, slave rebellions, and the civil rights movements(circa 1800s-160s)have shaped African American religious, familial, political and economic behaviors. The imprint of Africa is evident in myriad ways, in politics, economics, language, music, hairstyles, fashion, dance, religion and worldview, and food preparation methods. In the United States, the very legislation that was designed to strip slaves of culture and deny them education served in many ways to strengthen it. In turn, African American culture has had a pervasive, transformative impact on myriad elements of mainstream American culture, among them language, music, dance, religion, cuisine, and agriculture. This process of mutual creative exchange is called creolization. Over time, the culture of African slaves and their descendants has been ubiquitous in its impact on not only the dominant American culture, but on world culture as well. The Role of Race According to the U. S. Census Bureau 13. 6 percent, 42 million, of the total U. S population was made of people who identified themselves as black. This is a 15. 4% increase from 2000 to 2010 (Rastogi, Johnson, Hoeffel & Drewery, 2011). Is it becoming increasingly difficult to describe the American black population, though the majority of American blacks trace their heritage to slavery, an increasing minority are voluntary immigrants or their descendants. More Africans have entered the United States since 1990 as voluntary immigrants than entered as slaves before slave trafficking was outlawed in the early nineteenth century ( Marger 2012 p. 178). Never before and in no other country have as many varied ethnic groups congregated and combined as they have in the United States. With such reputation, here is exactly where the famous term â€Å"melting pot† arises. This conception has traditionally been perceived as the best expression to describe the multi-ethnicity of America. Its basic idea presents the whole nation as one large pot. Anyone who enters the United States is automatically thrown into this â€Å"pot† where, for the following years, a process of assimilation into the American belief systems is taken place. Assimilation is all the cultural aspects that one brings into are blended together, or melted, to form a new culture. The outcome of this massive procedure is the â€Å"melted† version of a culture, which is described as characteristically â€Å"American. † It is notable that in this assimilation, the identities of each original culture are extinguished to bring out a complete new mixture Slavery Part of the control mechanism of slavery was to strip African Americans of identity, language, and culture of their homeland. This was done by undermining and replacing family structures with temporary ones built around identity as slaves. This undermining was not however entirely successful as many slaves organized themselves into family structures very similar to nuclear families. Family Formation Within African American families, the formation of a household often begins not with marriage, but with birth of a child. 56% of African American children are born into families where the mother is not married to the biological father. Single women head 54% of African American households. African American women are taught to be strong and independent, to prepare for careers rather than rely on marriage for economic security. Marriage According to the 2010 census only 40% of black households were married couples. While 40% of African American men and 35% of African American women over 18 had ever been married. Experts attribute this decrease to factors including a shortage of marriageable African American men and to structural, social, and economic factors. Black males have a 32 percent chance of serving time in prison, as compared to 6 percent of white males. Nearly one in three African American men in their twenties is in prison, on parole, or on probation. Blacks account for 28% of arrests even though they represent only 13% of the nations population. These realities decrease an African American woman’s chances of finding a marriageable mate. Conflict Theory suggests that Higher arrest rate is not surprising for a group that is disproportionately poor and therefore much less able to afford private attorneys, who might prevent formal arrests from taking place Parenting and Discipline African American families tend to be more strict, to hold demanding behavioral standards, and to use physical discipline. This is however, balanced within a context of strong support and affection. Physical punishment among African American families usually doesn’t result in the same negative outcomes as it does for white children. Income and wealth In 2005 Median income of Black families was $37,500 compared with $64,663 for White non-Hispanic households. Black income today resembles that of Whites more than 10 years ago. African American unemployment is 11. 2 percent, which is more than double that of whites. Factors explaining official unemployment rate of young African American males * Many live in depressed economy of central cities * Immigrants and illegal aliens present increased competition * White middle-class women entered the labor force * Illegal activities at which youth find they can make more money have become more prevalent One in four African Americans are poor, compared to one in twelve whites Politics President Kennedy, in a 1961 executive order, was the first president to call for affirmative action by prohibiting discrimination against minorities by contractors who receive federal funds. The order also told them to hire and promote minorities. Supporters of affirmative action sought not just equality of opportunity but equality of results. The fact that millions of Americans, both black and white, hoped that retired General Colin Powell, an African American, would run for president in 1996 was a milestone. The color of a person’s skin was no longer a barrier to seeking the nation’s highest office. By 2004, there were 39 African Americans in the House of Representatives and more than 9,101 others in elective offices throughout the nation. Three African Americans served in the cabinet, and another sat on the Supreme Court. * Four hundred forty-five African Americans were mayors of major cities. * A federal holiday is now observed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. * Retired General Colin Powell held the highest military post * On January 20, 2009 Barrack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the Unites States. His inauguration was attended by an estimated 1. 8 million people on the Washington National Mall, the Capital grounds, and the parade route. Hundreds of millions in the country and around the world watched the historical event on television. Stressing unity, responsibility, change, and action. Obama declared,† Starting today we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again, the work of remaking America. † Slavery Part of the control mechanism of slavery was to strip African Americans of identity, language, and culture of their homeland. This was done by undermining and replacing family structures with temporary ones built around identity as slaves. This undermining was not however entirely successful as many slaves organized themselves into family structures very similar to nuclear families. n). Baltimore, Maryland Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: African American Families. (2001). Retrieved on July 11, 2005 from p2001. health. org/cit04/res7. htm Webb, Nancy Boyd. (2001). Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships. New York: Columbia University Press. Woods, L. & Jagers, R. (2003). Are Cultural Values Predictors of Moral Reasoning in African American Adolescents? Journal of Black Psychology, 29, 102-118. Marger, M. N. (2012). Race and ethnic relations: American and global perspectives, ninth edition. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Rastogi, S. , Johnson, T. D. , Hoeffel, E. M. , & Drewery, J. (2011, September). Retrieved from http://www. census. gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-06. pdf Live text Upload * Courses Main Page > * SOC 240 HY 20 – CLTR SSCI > * SOC 240 HY 20 – CLTR SSCI Assignments.

Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe - 1710 Words

â€Å"The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart† (Achebe 146). This quote, spoken by Okonkwo in Chinua Achebe s novel Things Fall Apart, is the most significant quote in the novel itself. This story was set in the 1890s. During this time, missionaries and colonial government intruded the Igbo society. In a traditional African village, lived a well-recognized man, Okonkwo. Okonkwo was ambitious, powerful, strong, short tempered, and depended on physical strength and African morals. He also believed†¦show more content†¦Okonkwo returns to a villager he can no longer call his anymore. He finds that the missionaries had dictated what his friends and others should believe in, agree or disagree with and he is intending to retract hi s morals and beliefs. In the process, Okonkwo is destroyed. His unwillingness to change from the strong, masculine man to a understanding and gentle man, led Okonkwo setting himself apart from the community and him fighting alone against the missionaries. In Chinua Achebe s novel Things Fall Apart, the author develops the theme of survival of the fittest does not always result in a civil community, in order to emphasize that the beliefs of cultural and religious traditions are important to developing a civilized African community. One example of the survival of the fittest not resulting in a civil community is during the week of peace. This sacred week is a time for calmness. Okonkwo, who values respect and strength largely, disregards this sacred week by beating his wife because she had not eaten dinner with the rest of his wives and children. Achebe represents this betrayal of tradition by stating, â€Å"His first two wives ran out in great alarm pleading with him that it was the sacred week. But Okonkwo was not the man to stop beating somebody half-way through, not even for fear of a goddess. Okonkwo’s neighbors heard his wife crying and sent their voices over the compound walls to ask what was the matter. Some of them came over to see for