scholarly journals Why we should not extend the 14-day rule

2021 ◽  
pp. medethics-2021-107317
Author(s):  
Bruce Philip Blackshaw ◽  
Daniel Rodger

The 14-day rule restricts the culturing of human embryos in vitro for the purposes of scientific research for no longer than 14 days. Since researchers recently developed the capability to exceed the 14-day limit, pressure to modify the rule has started to build. Sophia McCully argues that the limit should be extended to 28 days, listing numerous potential benefits of doing so. We contend that McCully has not engaged with the main reasons why the Warnock Committee set such a limit, and these still remain valid. As a result, her case for an extension of the 14-day rule is not persuasive.

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Habib Mohamad Ali Ahmad ◽  
Marc Fakhoury ◽  
Nada Lawand

: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of neurons leading to cognitive and memory decay. The main signs of AD include the irregular extracellular accumulation of amyloidbeta (Aβ) protein in the brain and the hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein inside neurons. Changes in Aβ expression or aggregation are considered key factors in the pathophysiology of sporadic and early-onset AD and correlate with the cognitive decline seen in patients with AD. Despite decades of research, current approaches in the treatment of AD are only symptomatic in nature and are not effective in slowing or reversing the course of the disease. Encouragingly, recent evidence revealed that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) can delay the development of AD and improve memory. This review paper discusses findings from in vitro and in vivo studies that investigate the link between EMF and AD at the cellular and behavioural level, and highlights the potential benefits of EMF as an innovative approach for the treatment of AD.


2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (3) ◽  
pp. e315
Author(s):  
Deirdre M. Logsdon ◽  
Rachel C. West ◽  
Rebecca Kile ◽  
Courtney K. Grimm ◽  
Mandy G. Katz-Jaffe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 239784732110222
Author(s):  
David Thorne ◽  
Roman Wieczorek ◽  
Toshiro Fukushima ◽  
Han-Jae Shin ◽  
Robert Leverette ◽  
...  

During a Cooperation Centre for Scientific Research Relative to Tobacco (CORESTA) meeting, the in vitro toxicity testing Sub-Group (IVT SG) met to discuss the evolving field of aerosol exposure research. Given the diversity of exposure parameters and biological endpoints being used, it was considered a high priority to investigate and contextualise the responses obtained. This is particularly driven by the inability to compare between studies on different exposure systems due to user preferences and protocol differences. Twelve global tobacco and contract research companies met to discuss this topic and formulate an aligned approach on how this diverging field of research could be appropriately compared. Something that is becoming increasingly important, especially in the light of more focused regulatory scrutiny. A detailed and comprehensive survey was conducted on over 40 parameters ranging from aerosol generation, dilution and data analysis across eight geographically independent laboratories. The survey results emphasise the diversity of in vitro exposure parameters and methodologies employed across the IVT SG and highlighted pockets of harmonisation. For example, many of the biological protocol parameters are consistent across the Sub-Group. However, variables such as cell type and exposure time remain largely inconsistent. The next steps for this work will be to map parameters and system data against biological findings and investigate whether the observed inconsistencies translate into increased biological variability. The results from the survey provide improved awareness of parameters and nuances, that may be of substantial benefit to scientists in intersecting fields and in the development of harmonised approaches.


Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 850
Author(s):  
Kristine Guran ◽  
Roxana Buzatu ◽  
Iulia Pinzaru ◽  
Madalina Boruga ◽  
Iasmina Marcovici ◽  
...  

Melissa officinalis is a medicinal herb with an extensive pharmacological profile that has been proven to have beneficial effects in oral and gastrointestinal disorders. However, the effects of this plant in oral, pharyngeal, and colorectal malignancies, types of cancer with an increased incidence in recent years, are less investigated. The present study aims to evaluate the pharmacological profile of a Melissa officinalis total extract for potential benefits in oral, pharynx and colorectal carcinoma. The LC-MS profile of MO total extract (MOte) indicated a rich content in polyphenols, data that support the potent antioxidant capacity exhibited and the antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, MOte triggered a dose-dependent and selective decrease in the viability of tumor cells (tongue and pharynx squamous cell carcinomas, and colorectal adenocarcinoma), with the most significant effect being recorded at 100 µg/mL. At the same concentration, MOte exhibited an antiangiogenic effect by inhibiting the process of angiogenesis in ovo. Overall, our findings support the potential benefits of Melissa officinalis leaf total extract as a valuable candidate for the prophylaxis of oral, pharyngeal and colorectal neoplasms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 399-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Osmanov ◽  
Zara Farooq ◽  
Malcolm D Richardson ◽  
David W Denning

ABSTRACT Miramistin is a topical antiseptic with broad antimicrobial action, including activity against biofilms and a clinical profile showing good tolerability. Miramistin was developed within a framework of the Soviet Union Cold War Space Program. It is available for clinical use in several prior Soviet bloc countries, but barely known outside of these countries and there is almost no mention of miramistin in the English literature. However, considering emerging antimicrobial resistance, the significant potential of miramistin justifies its re-evaluation for use in other geographical areas and conditions. The review consists of two parts: (i) a review of the existing literature on miramistin in English, Russian and Ukrainian languages; (ii) a summary of most commonly used antiseptics as comparators of miramistin. The oral LD50 was 1200 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 100 g/L in rats, mice and fish, respectively. Based on the results of the review, we suggest possible applications of miramistin and potential benefits over currently used agents. Miramistin offers a novel, low toxicity antiseptic with many potential clinical uses that need better study which could address some of the negative impact of antimicrobial, antiseptic and disinfectant resistance.


Parasitology ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. W. Alphey

Two behaviour patterns which could bring about clumping in N. brasiliensis, sexual attraction and thigmokinesis, were investigated. A T-tube choice-chamber to facilitate an in vitro study of sexual attraction is described. A method for studying aggregation is also outlined. Male N. brasiliensis were shown to be attracted to female worms, positive sexual attraction. Both sexes were shown to exhibit strong thigmokinetic responses, and possible functions of such behaviour are discussed.I am grateful to Professors J. Brough and D. Bellamy for providing the facilities during the course of this study. I should also like to thank Dr E.. A. Hammond for his supervision, help and criticism throughout the project. This work was carried out during the tenure of a Scientific Research Council Studentship.


2002 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. S181
Author(s):  
H Asakura ◽  
K.P Katayama ◽  
E.F Stehlik ◽  
J.C Stehlik ◽  
K Winchester-Peden

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