Control Groups on Trial: The Ethics of Testing Experimental Ebola Treatments

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl H. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Control Groups ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Ethical Argument ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Ideal Approach ◽  
Ethical Controversy ◽  
Community Trust ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
First Time ◽  
International Clinical Research

AbstractAlthough randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are generally considered the “gold standard” for testing experimental treatments, their use for Ebola has been subject to strong criticism by prominent ethicists and international aid organizations, and only one of the ongoing Ebola treatment trials has been designed in this manner. This is not the first time that RCTs in developing countries have provoked ethical controversy, but the objections to the Ebola clinical trials are fundamentally different from the concerns that have been raised in the past. After briefing reviewing the ongoing research on experimental Ebola treatments, this Article examines the current controversies in the context of previous debates over the ethics of international clinical research. It concludes that RCTs provide the most reliable method for developing effective Ebola treatments, and that their methodological rigor is itself a persuasive ethical argument in favor of using them. However, limited departures from the methodologically ideal approach may be necessary to accommodate the expectations of participants and to promote community trust.

Similar use of intonation structure in early implanted children and hearing children: The case of Italian

2021 ◽  
pp. 014272372098605
Author(s):  
Paola Zanchi ◽  
Laura Zampini ◽  
Luca Pancani ◽  
Roberta Berici ◽  
Mariapaola D’Imperio
Keyword(s):  
Chronological Age ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Generation Task ◽  
Story Generation ◽  
Italian Children ◽  
Children's Stories ◽  
Hearing Children ◽  
First Time

This work presents an analysis of the intonation competence in a group of Italian children with cochlear implant (CI). Early cochlear implantation plays a crucial role in language development for children who were born deaf in that it favours the acquisition of complex aspects of language, such as the intonation structure. A story-generation task, the Narrative Competence Task, was used to elicit children’s stories. Narrations produced by 8 early implanted children and by 16 children with typically hearing (TH) (8 one-to-one matched considering the chronological age, TH-CA, and 8 considering the hearing age, TH-HA) were analysed considering intonation features (pitch accent distribution, edge tones and inner breaks). Results show that children with CI produce intonation patterns that are similar to those of both TH-CA and TH-HA control groups. Few significant differences were found only between children with CI and children matched for TH-HA in the use of rising edge tones. These results are discussed in light of the role of cognitive development in using prosody and intonation and the importance of early CI implantation. This study shows for the first time that intonation use of early implanted children is not different from that of typically developing children with the same chronological age.

scholarly journals Thermodynamic Properties of Seawater, Ice and Humid Air: TEOS-10, Before and Beyond

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rainer Feistel
Keyword(s):  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
International System ◽  
Metrological Traceability ◽  
Humid Air ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Seawater Salinity ◽  
System Of Units ◽  
Atmospheric Relative Humidity ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
First Time

Abstract. In the terrestrial climate system, water is a key player in the form of its different ambient phases of ice, liquid and vapour, admixed with sea salt in the ocean and with dry air in the atmosphere. For proper balances of climatic energy and entropy fluxes in models and observation, a highly accurate, consistent and comprehensive thermodynamic standard framework is requisite in geophysics and climate research. The new “Thermodynamic Equation of Seawater – 2010” (TEOS-10) constitutes such a standard for properties of water in its various manifestations in the hydrological cycle. TEOS-10 has been recommended internationally in 2009 by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) to replace the previous 1980 seawater standard, EOS-80, and in 2011 by the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) “as the official description for the properties of seawater, of ice and of humid air”. This paper briefly reviews the development of TEOS-10, its novel axiomatic properties, new oceanographic tools it offers, and important tasks that still await solutions by ongoing research. Among the latter are new definitions and measurement standards for seawater salinity and pH, in order to establish their metrological traceability to the International System of Units (SI), for the first time after a century of widespread use. Of similar climatological relevance is the development and recommendation of a uniform standard definition of atmospheric relative humidity that is unambiguous and rigorously based on physical principles.

An update of Micromyinae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) taxonomy, with descriptions of a new genus and 13 new species from Northern Europe

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4750 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-369
Author(s):  
MATHIAS JASCHHOF ◽  
CATRIN JASCHHOF
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Valid Species ◽  
Northern Europe ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
The Republic ◽  
First Time

While about 100 new species of Micromyinae have been described from Sweden in the past ten years, ongoing research into the country’s fauna continues to unveil previously unknown taxa. This paper provides scientific descriptions of another 13 new species from various parts of Sweden, belonging to six different genera, including a new genus. The new taxa, all to be attributed to both authors, are named as follows: Antennardia suorkensis sp. nov., Aprionus mossbergi sp. nov., Apr. oljonsbynensis sp. nov., Ladopyris baltica gen. et sp. nov. (found also in Estonia), Monardia (M.) lapponica sp. nov., Monardia (Xylopriona) abbreviata sp. nov., Mon. (Xyl.) obscura sp. nov., Neurolyga simillima sp. nov., N. taigensis sp. nov. (found also in the Republic of Karelia, Russian Federation), Peromyia elongatula sp. nov., P. lindstroemi sp. nov. and P. sofielundensis sp. nov. Two new junior synonyms of Aprionus Kieffer, 1894 were identified: Azygotricha Plakidas, 2017 syn. nov. and Ampullomyia Plakidas, 2018 syn. nov., both introduced for Nearctic species. The generic rank of Antennardia Mamaev, previously treated as a subgenus of Monardia Kieffer, is restored. Aprionus internuntius Jaschhof, 2003, previously regarded as synonymous with A. stylifer Mamaev, 1998, is restituted as a valid species. Peromyia assimilis nom. nov. is established as the new substitute name for P. despecta Jaschhof, 2017, found to be a junior homonym of P. despecta Jaschhof, 2010. Micromyinae discovered in Sweden for the first time are Antennardia saxonica Jaschhof, Aprionus heothinos Jaschhof, Apr. internuntius, Monardia (M.) lignivora (Felt), Monardia (Trichopteromyia) relicta Jaschhof, Neurolyga venusta (Mamaev & Rozhnova), Peromyia abdita Jaschhof, and P. brandenburgensis Jaschhof. 

scholarly journals Farmer Perceptions of Pig Aggression Compared to Animal-Based Measures of Fight Outcome

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel S. E. Peden ◽  
Irene Camerlink ◽  
Laura A. Boyle ◽  
Faical Akaichi ◽  
Simon P. Turner
Keyword(s):  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Science Students ◽  
Animal Suffering ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Animal Science ◽  
Welfare Impact ◽  
Video Clips ◽  
Aggression Level ◽  
First Time ◽  
Frequent Exposure

Several animal welfare issues persist in practice despite extensive research which has been linked to the unwillingness of stakeholders to make changes. For example, most farmers do not perceive pig aggression to be a problem that requires action despite the fact that stress and injuries are common, and that several solutions exist. Frequent exposure to animal suffering could affect farmer responses to distressed animals. This study investigated for the first time whether this occurs, using pig aggression as a focus. Using video clips, 90 pig farmers judged the severity of aggression, level of pig exhaustion and the strength of their own emotional response. Their judgments were compared to objective measures of severity (pigs’ skin lesions and blood lactate), and against control groups with similar pig experience (10 pig veterinarians) and without experience (26 agricultural students; 24 animal science students). Famers did not show desensitization to aggression. However, all groups underestimated the outcome of aggression when they did not see the fight occurring as compared to witnessing a fight in progress. We suggest that farmers be provided with evidence of the economic and welfare impact of aggression as indicated by lesions and that they be advised to score lesions on affected animals.

scholarly journals New records of lichens and allied fungi from Vodlozersky National Park within Arkhangelsk Region (NW Russia)

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 87-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoria N. Tarasova ◽  
Tatiana N. Pystina ◽  
Vera I. Androsova ◽  
Angella V. Sonina ◽  
Andrei A. Valekzhanin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protected Area ◽  
National Park ◽  
New Records ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Arkhangelsk Region ◽  
Lichen Diversity ◽  
First Time

The paper presents the results of the ongoing research of lichen diversity in Arkhangelsk Region of Russia, in Vodlozersky National Park which is the largest protected area in the territory of NW Russia. In total, 155 species of lichens and allied fungi are recorded for the first time for the Arkhangelsk part of the Vodlozersky National Park, and 69 species – for the whole mainland area of Arkhangelsk Region.

Production of good-quality blastocyst embryos following IVF of ovine oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage using a cryoloop

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adel R. Moawad ◽  
Jie Zhu ◽  
Inchul Choi ◽  
Dasari Amarnath ◽  
Wenchao Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Germinal Vesicle ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Chromosome Configuration ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Chromatin Configuration ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time

The cryopreservation of immature oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage would create an easily accessible, non-seasonal source of female gametes for research and reproduction. The present study investigated the ability of ovine oocytes vitrified at the GV stage using a cryoloop to be subsequently matured, fertilised and cultured in vitro to blastocyst-stage embryos. Selected cumulus–oocyte complexes obtained from mature ewes at the time of death were randomly divided into vitrified, toxicity and control groups. Following vitrification and warming, viable oocytes were matured in vitro for 24 h. Matured oocytes were either evaluated for nuclear maturation, spindle and chromosome configuration or fertilised and cultured in vitro for 7 days. No significant differences were observed in the frequencies of IVM (oocytes at the MII stage), oocytes with normal spindle and chromatin configuration and fertilised oocytes among the three groups. Cleavage at 24 and 48 h post insemination was significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in vitrified oocytes. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of blastocyst development between vitrified and control groups (29.4% v. 45.1%, respectively). No significant differences were observed in total cell numbers, the number of apoptotic nuclei or the proportion of diploid embryos among the three groups. In conclusion, we report for the first time that ovine oocytes vitrified at the GV stage using a cryoloop have the ability to be matured, fertilised and subsequently developed in vitro to produce good-quality blastocyst embryos at frequencies comparable to those obtained using fresh oocytes.

Long-Term Traces of Tachistoscopic Word Perception

1967 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-35
Author(s):  
Lee E. Doerries ◽  
E. Rae Harcum
Keyword(s):  
Critical Word ◽  
Word Perception ◽  
Experimental Task ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Consolidation Effect ◽  
First Time ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Special Control

Threshold durations were determined by the Method of Limits for a series of 8-letter nonsense words. For experimental Os the threshold for a critical word was obtained a second time after threshold determinations for 0, 1, 2, 4, or 8 different filler-words had intervened. For control Os no word was repeated in the series. Instructions introduced a set against seeing any word again after its threshold had been obtained the first time. The second threshold for a critical word was lower than the first for all experimental conditions; this effect could not be attributed to practice. The greatest effect occurred when 2 filler-words intervened. The positive effect after 8 words had intervened indicates that the trace was still present after 7 min. Greater threshold decrements for special control groups, for whom the interpolated activity was unrelated to the experimental task, indicate a consolidation effect on the trace under those conditions.

scholarly journals Description of Lepiotaceous Fungal Species of the Genera Chlorophyllum, Clarkeinda, Macrolepiota, Pseudolepiota, and Xanthagaricus, from Laos and Thailand

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 666
Author(s):  
Phongeun Sysouphanthong ◽  
Naritsada Thongklang ◽  
Jian-Kui Liu ◽  
Else C. Vellinga
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Large Subunit ◽  
Fungal Species ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
First Time

In our ongoing research on lepiotaceous taxa (Agaricaceae s.l.) in Laos and northern Thailand, we focus here on Chlorophyllum, Clarkeinda, Macrolepiota, Pseudolepiota, and Xanthagaricus. Collections were obtained from various habitats, including agricultural habitats, grasslands, and rainforests. A total of 12 taxa were examined and investigated. Of these 12, two are new for science; viz. Xanthagaricus purpureosquamulosus with brownish-grey to violet-brown squamules on a pale-violet to violet background; it shares the pileus color with X. caeruleus and X. ianthinus, but differs in other characters; and Macrolepiota excelsa, rather similar to M. procera but related toM. detersa. Two species, Pseudolepiota zangmui and Xanthagaricus necopinatus are recorded for the first time in Thailand. Four species of Chlorophyllum and a total of four species of Macrolepiota were found, viz., C. demangei and C. hortense with white basidiospores, C. molybdites and C. globosum with green basidiospores, M. detersa, M. dolichaula, the new M. excelsa, and M. velosa. Another rather common striking species is Clarkeinda trachodes, with yellow-green basidiospores. Each species is described in detail, with color photographs and line drawings. Phylogenetic analyses based on internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) region, the large subunit nuclear ribosomal (nrLSU) DNA and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) genes provide evidence for the placement of the species covered.

scholarly journals Increasing Polychaete diversity as a consequence of increasing research effort in Greek waters: new records and exotic species

2005 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. SIMBOURA ◽  
A. ZENETOS
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Exotic Species ◽  
New Records ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Aegean Sea ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Increasing Trend ◽  
Lessepsian Migrants ◽  
First Time

The increasing diversity of the Greek Polychaete fauna over the last seven decades, as illustrated graphically, shows an increasing trend which is proportionately related to the research effort exerted. Ongoing research activities mainly in the depths of the N. Aegean Sea, as a result of which 13 new records have been added to the Greek Polychaete fauna, confirming the above statement. The new species records are presented along with their geographical distribution and habitat. According to the latest checklist of the Greek Polychaeta, 753 species of Polychaetes have been recorded in Greek waters. Finally, it should be noted that 6 Lessepsian migrants and 16 species have been recorded in the Mediterranean for the first time. Their distribution within Greece and worldwide is given and their presence in Greek waters is discussed.

scholarly journals Updated knowledge on Italian Dermaptera with the report of a new alien species: Forficula smyrnensis Audinet-Serville, 1838

2021 ◽  
pp. 261-270
Author(s):  
Paolo Fontana ◽  
Federico Marangoni ◽  
Petr Kočárek ◽  
Paola Tirello ◽  
Giacomo Giovagnoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Alien Species ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Species Number ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
First Time ◽  
Great Complexity

The Dermaptera species number reported for the Italian fauna (27 species) is the most conspicuous among the European Union. The knowledge on Italian Dermaptera is among the most accurate in Europe, above all thanks to the large number of well-known entomologists who, over two centuries, have dedicated themselves to it in depth. Half of the species of Dermaptera known for Italy have indeed been described by Italian entomologists. Four species are alien and some of which have long been acclimatized in Italy. Among these, Forficula smyrnensis Audinet- Serville, 1838, is reported here for the first time from Italy, found in the Marche, Veneto and Emilia Romagna Regions in 2011, 2018 and 2020 respectively. The last record could suggest an acclimatization of this species in Italy. The knowledge of Italian Dermaptera was already very wide and accurate in 1994 when the 36th issue of the Checklist of the Italian fauna was published and even more so after the revision of 2005. The recent revision of the genus Chelidurella Verhoeff, 1902 on a molecular basis has substantially confirmed the great complexity for this genus in Italy and the ongoing research on the genus Chelidura Latreille, 1825 in the central-western Alps could unveil a similar complexity.

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