Researchers views about perceived harms and benefits of gene editing: A study from the MENA region

Ethical Aspects of Human Genome Research in Sports-A Narrative Review

Human genome research in sports raises complex ethical considerations regarding the intersection of genetics and athletic performance. Pursuing genetic enhancements must uphold fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. This narrative review explores the ethical dimensions of human genome research in sports, its potential implications on athletes, and the integrity of sports. As a narrative review, this study synthesizes the existing literature and expert insights to examine the ethical aspects of human genome research in sports. This study extensively examined the current literature on genetics, sports performance, ethical concerns, human rights, and legal regulations within the European context. The literature was searched using the SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. Exploring human genome research in sports reveals significant ethical implications, including potential genetic discrimination, impacts on human rights, and creating a genetic underclass of athletes. There are also definite benefits surrounding genetic testing. In conclusion, this review contends that integrating ethical considerations into developing and applying genetic technologies in sports is crucial to upholding fundamental principles of fairness, equality, and respect for human dignity. It stresses the importance of open and inclusive dialogue about the potential consequences of genetic advancements on athletic performance, future generations, and the integrity of sports.

The role of zygotic genome activation in genetic-related reproductive medicine: Technological perspective, religious and bioethical concerns, challenges and benefits

Zygotic Genome Activation (ZGA) is a crucial developmental milestone in early embryogenesis, marking the transition from maternal to embryonic control of development. This process, which varies in timing across species, involves the activation of the embryonic genome, paving the way for subsequent cell differentiation and organismal development. Recent advances in genomics and reproductive medicine have highlighted the potential of ZGA in the realm of genetic screening, providing a window into the genetic integrity of the developing embryo at its earliest stages. The intersection of ZGA and genetic screening primarily emerges in the context of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS). These techniques, often employed during assisted reproductive technologies, aim to detect potential genetic abnormalities or chromosomal imbalances before embryo implantation. Given that ZGA represents the onset of embryonic gene expression, understanding its intricacies can significantly enhance the accuracy and predictive power of these screening processes. With the advent of next-generation sequencing and other high-throughput genomic techniques, detailed mapping of the transcriptomic changes during ZGA has become feasible. Such advancements have deepened our insights into the dynamics of early embryonic development and the onset of genetic disorders. As our knowledge in this realm expands, it promises to revolutionize our capabilities in detecting, understanding, and potentially rectifying genetic anomalies at the earliest stages of human life, thereby optimizing reproductive outcomes.

The attitude of fully vaccinated individuals towards COVID-19 vaccine booster dose: a transverse study from Jordan

Objectives

COVID-19 vaccines are efficient against serious infections, and those initiated by the various variants. Many high- and middle-income countries have decided to offer third-dose boosters to ensure their populations remain protected against novel COVID-19 variants before additional waves of COVID-19. This study aims to assess individuals’ attitudes towards COVID-19 booster vaccination dose and to determine predictors of this attitude.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional descriptive design. The inclusion criteria for participants were Jordanian adults who had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A quota sampling strategy based on the participant’s, age and gender was used to ensure that the sample was broadly representative of the general population in Jordan. The instrument was distributed across popular social networking sites such as Facebook and WhatsApp. The study was conducted in October 2021.

Key findings

The response rate of this study was 63.5% (n = 952). The mean score of attitudes towards a booster dose of COVID-19 was 47.1 ± 8.2, indicating that about half of the sample was supportive to the booster dose. There were differences in the acceptability of a booster dose for COVID-19 according to the demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. Individuals with high income (B = 0.210, P = 0.000), high educational level (B = −0.076, P = 0.026), those who have suffered vaccine side effects (B = −0.081, P = 0.013) and follow the news about COVID-19 (B = 0.076, P = 0.043) were more likely to accept the booster dose than the other groups.

Conclusions

Participants had mixed attitudes towards the booster dose with about half of the participants willing to take the booster. Some factors associated with such attitude were identified. The findings are useful in developing and implementing effective vaccination strategies that target people who are not ready to take a booster dose.

Ethical Perspectives of Therapeutic Human Genome Editing From Multiple and Diverse Viewpoints: A Scoping Review

Human genome editing has been increasingly explored to determine if it can be used to eradicate genetic diseases like sickle cell disease, but it has also been surrounded by a wide variety of ethical dilemmas. The purpose of this review was to conduct a scoping review of the ethics of therapeutic human genome editing in terms of philosophy, theology, public perspectives, and research ethics. A systemized search of PubMed, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science was conducted. The initial search resulted in 4,445 articles, and after removing 1,750 duplicates and screening the remaining 2,695 articles, 27 final articles were selected for the final analysis. From a philosophical and theological standpoint, therapeutic human genome editing was generally ethically acceptable. Worldwide public perspectives were also in agreement except for the Oceanic region, which disagreed mainly due to the possible effects on future generations. Lastly, human research ethics revealed that women were not always included in informed consent, and that child autonomy needs to be preserved. Further research is needed to determine adverse effects on the mother, fetus, and future generations.