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Nov-Klaiman T, Bowman-Smart H, Horn R. Negotiating severity behind the scenes: prenatal testing in Germany. Eur J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s41431-024-01612-z. [PMID: 38678162 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01612-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Foetal-related severity is a key concept in policy and legislation relating to access to both reproductive technologies and selective abortions in many countries around the world, but not in Germany. This study sheds light on how 'severity' in the context of prenatal testing is understood and negotiated within the particular socio-cultural and legal context of Germany, where 'severity' relating to foetal clinical findings neither counts as a justification to implement population prenatal screening programs, nor as a legal ground to terminate pregnancy. This study explores the views of women who undergo prenatal testing, as well as of professionals who encounter them, through semi-structured interviews. It showcases how they frame severity and questions whether the existing legal and regulatory framework relating to prenatal testing and termination of pregnancy addresses their concerns and needs regarding reproductive decision-making. The interviews (n = 27) reveal that despite it being legally outside the explicit reasons for testing and termination of pregnancy, both women and professionals negotiate severity behind the scenes. Their interpretation of severity is highly context-dependent and relies on clinical, social and familial facets. Their perceptions of severity guide them in their handling of and decision-making around pregnancy management. Acknowledging the personal nature of severity assessment and providing professional or legal guidance which explicitly mentions foetal anomaly as a legitimate factor in pregnancy management could provide healthcare professionals and patients with the room needed to manage the pregnancy favourably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Nov-Klaiman
- Institute of Ethics and History of Health in Society, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Hilary Bowman-Smart
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ruth Horn
- Institute of Ethics and History of Health in Society, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Bowman-Smart H, Perrot A, Horn R. Supporting patient decision-making in non-invasive prenatal testing: a comparative study of professional values and practices in England and France. BMC Med Ethics 2024; 25:34. [PMID: 38515078 PMCID: PMC10956335 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-024-01032-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which can screen for aneuploidies such as trisomy 21, is being implemented in several public healthcare systems across Europe. Comprehensive communication and information have been highlighted in the literature as important elements in supporting women's reproductive decision-making and addressing relevant ethical concerns such as routinisation. Countries such as England and France are adopting broadly similar implementation models, offering NIPT for pregnancies with high aneuploidy probability. However, we do not have a deeper understanding of how professionals' counselling values and practices may differ between these contexts. METHODS In this paper, we explore how professionals in England and France support patient decision-making in the provision of NIPT and critically compare professional practices and values. We draw on data from semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals. RESULTS Both English and French professionals emphasised values relating to patient choice and consent. However, understandings and application of these values into the practice of NIPT provision differed. English interviewees placed a stronger emphasis on interpreting and describing the process of counselling patients and clinical care through a "principle" lens. Their focus was on non-directiveness, standardisation, and the healthcare professional as "decision-facilitator" for patients. French interviewees described their approach through a "procedural" lens. Their focus was on formal consent, information, and the healthcare professional as "information-giver". Both English and French professionals indicated that insufficient resources were a key barrier in effectively translating their values into practice. CONCLUSION Our findings illustrate that supporting patient choice in the provision of NIPT may be held as an important value in common on a surface level, but can be understood and translated into practice in different ways. Our findings can guide further research and beneficially inform practice and policy around NIPT provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Bowman-Smart
- Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Monash Bioethics Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Ruth Horn
- Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Institute of Ethics and History of Health in Society, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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3
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Kieslich K, Fiske A, Gaille M, Galasso I, Geiger S, Hangel N, Horn R, Lanzing M, Libert S, Lievevrouw E, Lucivero F, Marelli L, Prainsack B, Schönweitz F, Sharon T, Spahl W, Van Hoyweghen I, Zimmermann BM. Solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from a nine-country interview study in Europe. Med Humanit 2023; 49:511-520. [PMID: 37277183 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2022-012536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Calls for solidarity have been an ubiquitous feature in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we know little about how people have thought of and practised solidarity in their everyday lives since the beginning of the pandemic. What role does solidarity play in people's lives, how does it relate to COVID-19 public health measures and how has it changed in different phases of the pandemic? Situated within the medical humanities at the intersection of philosophy, bioethics, social sciences and policy studies, this article explores how the practice-based understanding of solidarity formulated by Prainsack and Buyx helps shed light on these questions. Drawing on 643 qualitative interviews carried out in two phases (April-May 2020 and October 2020) in nine European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, German-speaking Switzerland and the UK), the data show that interpersonal acts of solidarity are important, but that they are not sustainable without consistent support at the institutional level. As the pandemic progressed, respondents expressed a longing for more institutionalised forms of solidarity. We argue that the medical humanities have much to gain from directing their attention to individual health issues, and to collective experiences of health or illness. The analysis of experiences through a collective lens such as solidarity offers unique insights to understandings of the individual and the collective. We propose three essential advances for research in the medical humanities that can help uncover collective experiences of disease and health crises: (1) an empirical and practice-oriented approach alongside more normative approaches; (2) the confidence to make recommendations for practice and policymaking and (3) the pursuit of cross-national and multidisciplinary research collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kieslich
- Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity, Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amelia Fiske
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marie Gaille
- Institut des sciences humaines et sociales, CNRS, Paris, France
- SPHERE (Sciences, Philosophie, Histoire), CNRS/Université de Paris/Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Galasso
- College of Business, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susi Geiger
- College of Business, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nora Hangel
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Leibniz Center for Science and Society, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ruth Horn
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute for Ethics and History of Health in Society, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Marjolein Lanzing
- Faculty of Humanities, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sébastien Libert
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Elisa Lievevrouw
- Life Sciences & Society Lab, Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Federica Lucivero
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luca Marelli
- Life Sciences & Society Lab, Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Prainsack
- Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity, Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Schönweitz
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamar Sharon
- Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies and Interdisciplinary Hub for Digitalisation and Society, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wanda Spahl
- Centre for the Study of Contemporary Solidarity, Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ine Van Hoyweghen
- Life Sciences & Society Lab, Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bettina M Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Perrot A, Clarke A, Vassy C, Horn R. Women's preferences for NIPT as a first-line test in England and France: Challenges for genetic counseling practices. J Genet Couns 2023. [PMID: 37975159 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is provided in the private and public sectors worldwide as a first- or second-tier test. In England and France, NIPT is fully funded and offered as a contingent strategy with different probability cut-offs (1:150 and 1:1000). These different approaches to define the target population for NIPT have implications for how women experience their antenatal care. The paper explores and compares the perceptions and difficulties of women in England and France who took NIPT as a second-tier screening test. It is based on a semi-structured qualitative interview study with 17 women in England and France conducted between September 2021 and May 2022. The interviews were cross-analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings show that most women express a preference for the offer of NIPT as a first-line screening test. Some issues with the contingent model, related to the access to information and termination of pregnancy (TOP), the disparities of NIPT uptake, and risks of generating anxiety with combined first-trimester screening (cFTS), could be addressed by a universal strategy for T21, T13, and T18. Nevertheless, this strategy could present some challenges for genetic counseling due to: women's understanding and expectations of NIPT; adequate information and counseling about the scope and limits of NIPT; concerns about the routinization of NIPT in the first-line offer; limitations and uncertainties associated with the provision of expanded NIPT in France; the remaining importance of other screening tests; and associated costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angus Clarke
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Carine Vassy
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research on Social Issues, University of Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Ruth Horn
- Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ethics in Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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5
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Perrot A, Horn R. Preserving women's reproductive autonomy while promoting the rights of people with disabilities?: the case of Heidi Crowter and Maire Lea-Wilson in the light of NIPT debates in England, France and Germany. J Med Ethics 2023; 49:471-473. [PMID: 35347082 PMCID: PMC10359504 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
On July 2021, the UK High Court of Justice heard the Case CO/2066/2020 on the application of Heidi Crowter who lives with Down's syndrome, and Máire Lea-Wilson whose son Aidan has Down's syndrome. Crowter and Lea-Wilson, with the support of the disability rights campaign, 'Don't Screen Us Out', have been taking legal action against the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (the UK Government) for a review of the 1967 Abortion Act: the removal of section 1(1)(d) making termination of pregnancy lawful for 'severe' fetal indications detected after 24 weeks' gestation. On 23 September 2021, the High Court dismissed the claim. This action came at a time when non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) was introduced into the NHS England Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme for the trisomies 21, 13 and 18. The implementation of NIPT has been heavily criticised, in particular by 'Don't Screen Us Out' campaigners, for increasing fetal selection and discrimination of people living with disabilities. The case of Crowter and Lea-Wilson echoes debates in other European countries such as in France and Germany, where the introduction of NIPT in the public healthcare system has provoked equally vehement public reactions and discussions. The comparison between these three countries allows contextualising the public discourses around NIPT and the ground for termination of pregnancy in relation to different socio-cultural and political contexts. We examine how each country, and particularly England, deals with the conflict between the principles of promoting the rights of people living with disabilities and preserving women's reproductive autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Perrot
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Ethox Centre, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ruth Horn
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, Ethox Centre, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ethics of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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6
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Raz A, Minari J, Takashima K, Gaydarska H, Hashiloni-Dolev Y, Horn R. Old and new challenges regarding comparable and viable data sharing in population-scale genomic research. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:617-618. [PMID: 36997678 PMCID: PMC10250369 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01355-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Raz
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel.
| | - Jusaku Minari
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kayo Takashima
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hristina Gaydarska
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yael Hashiloni-Dolev
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ethics of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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7
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Horn R, Merchant J, Bale M, Chneiweiss H, Hallowell N, Kerasidou A, Lucassen A, Montgomery J, Parker M, Patch C, Winkler E. Managing expectations, rights, and duties in large-scale genomics initiatives: a European comparison. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:142-147. [PMID: 36471117 PMCID: PMC9734861 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01247-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Ethics of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| | - Jennifer Merchant
- CNRS Law & Humanities/CERSA UMR-7109, University Paris-Panthéon-Assas, Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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8
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Bharathidasan K, Oti-Nimoh J, Pawar D, Butler W, Horn R, Nugent K. Refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura following a near-drowning experience in a 19-year-old patient. Am J Med Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9629(23)00215-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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9
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Boardman F, Horn R. Not putting the cart before the horse: the complex social and ethical terrain of prenatal exome sequencing. Eur J Hum Genet 2023; 31:134-135. [PMID: 36336716 PMCID: PMC9905600 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01225-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Ethics in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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10
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Bowman-Smart H, Wiesemann C, Horn R. Non-invasive prenatal testing in Germany: a unique ethical and policy landscape. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 31:562-567. [PMID: 36509835 PMCID: PMC10172332 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been available commercially in Europe since approximately 2012. Currently, many countries are in the process of integrating NIPT into their publicly funded healthcare systems to screen for chromosomal aneuploidies such as trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), with a variety of implementation models. In 2019, the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), which plays a significant role in overseeing healthcare decisions in Germany, recommended that NIPT be reimbursed through public insurance. Following this recommendation, NIPT will be offered on a case-by-case basis, when a pregnant woman, after being counselled, makes an informed decision that the test is necessary in her personal situation. This model differs significantly from many other European countries, where NIPT is being implemented either as a first-tier screening offer available for all pregnancies, or a contingent screen for those with a high probability of foetal aneuploidy (with varying probability cut-offs). In this paper we examine how this unique approach to implementing NIPT in Germany is produced by an ethical and policy landscape resulting from a distinctive cultural and historical context with a significant influence on healthcare decision-making. Due in part to the specific legal and regulatory environment, as well as strong objections from various stakeholders, Germany did not implement NIPT as a first-tier screen. However, as Germany does not currently publicly fund as standard other forms of prenatal aneuploidy screening (such as combined first trimester screening), neither can it be implemented as a screen contingent on specific probability cut-offs. We discuss how German policy reflects the echoes of the past shaping approaches to new biotechnologies, and the implications of this unique model for implementing NIPT in a public healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Bowman-Smart
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Monash Bioethics Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Biomedical Ethics Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudia Wiesemann
- Department for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Göttingen University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ruth Horn
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Ethics in Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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11
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Zimmermann BM, Wagenaar H, Kieslich K, Prainsack B, Meyers G, Buyx A, El-Sayed S, Fiske A, Galasso I, Geiger S, Hangel N, Horn R, Johnson S, Kuiper JML, Lucivero F, McLennan S, Paul KT, Pot M, Radhuber I, Samuel G, Sharon T, Siffels L, Van Hoyweghen I, Awad S, Bourgeron T, Eichinger J, Gaille M, Haddad C, Hayes S, Hoffman A, Jasser M, Kenens J, Lanzing M, Libert S, Lievevrouw E, Marelli L, Ongolly F, Phillips A, Pinel C, Riesinger K, Roberts S, Saxinger G, Schlogl L, Schönweitz F, Sierawska A, Spahl W, Stendahl E, Vanstreels S, Vidolov S, Weiss E. Democratic research: Setting up a research commons for a qualitative, comparative, longitudinal interview study during the COVID-19 pandemic. SSM Qual Res Health 2022; 2:100158. [PMID: 36092769 PMCID: PMC9448682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
The sudden and dramatic advent of the COVID-19 pandemic led to urgent demands for timely, relevant, yet rigorous research. This paper discusses the origin, design, and execution of the SolPan research commons, a large-scale, international, comparative, qualitative research project that sought to respond to the need for knowledge among researchers and policymakers in times of crisis. The form of organization as a research commons is characterized by an underlying solidaristic attitude of its members and its intrinsic organizational features in which research data and knowledge in the study is shared and jointly owned. As such, the project is peer-governed, rooted in (idealist) social values of academia, and aims at providing tools and benefits for its members. In this paper, we discuss challenges and solutions for qualitative studies that seek to operate as research commons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina M Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hendrik Wagenaar
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Josefstädter Straße 39, 1080, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Kieslich
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Prainsack
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gert Meyers
- Tilburg Institute for Law Technology and Society, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Seliem El-Sayed
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Amelia Fiske
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ilaria Galasso
- ERC MISFIRES, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Susi Geiger
- University College Dublin Business School, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Nora Hangel
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ruth Horn
- Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephanie Johnson
- Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK
| | - Janneke M L Kuiper
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Federica Lucivero
- Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, OX3 7LF, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart McLennan
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina T Paul
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjam Pot
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Radhuber
- Research Network Latin America - Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010, Wien, Austria
| | - Gabrielle Samuel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London, Bush House North East Wing, 30 Aldwych, WC2B 4BG, London, UK
| | - Tamar Sharon
- iHub Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, Radboud University, Erasmusplein 1, 6525, HT Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lotje Siffels
- iHub Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, Radboud University, Erasmusplein 1, 6525, HT Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ine Van Hoyweghen
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sula Awad
- ERC MISFIRES, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Théo Bourgeron
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chrystal MacMillan Building, 15a George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD, UK
| | - Johanna Eichinger
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marie Gaille
- Laboratoire Sphere, Paris Diderot University, 5 Rue Thomas Mann, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Christian Haddad
- Austrian Institute for International Affairs, Währinger Straße 3/12, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Hayes
- Vienna School of International Studies, Diplomatische Akademie Wien, Favoritenstraße 15A, 1040, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrew Hoffman
- iHub Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, Radboud University, Erasmusplein 1, 6525, HT Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marie Jasser
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joke Kenens
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marjolein Lanzing
- iHub Department of Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, Radboud University, Erasmusplein 1, 6525, HT Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sébastien Libert
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, Bloomsbury, London, UK
| | - Elisa Lievevrouw
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luca Marelli
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan
| | - Fernandos Ongolly
- ERC MISFIRES, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Amicia Phillips
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Clémence Pinel
- Department of Public Health Øster Farimagsgade 5, P.O. Box 2099, DK-1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina Riesinger
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephen Roberts
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Gertrude Saxinger
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Schlogl
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Schönweitz
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Sierawska
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Wanda Spahl
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Emma Stendahl
- Jönköping International Business School, Jönköping University, Gjuterigatan 5, 553 18 Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Siemen Vanstreels
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Parkstraat 45, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simeon Vidolov
- ERC MISFIRES, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Elias Weiss
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Universitätsstraße 7, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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12
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Perrot A, Horn R. Health professionals and scientists' views on genome-wide NIPT in the French public health system: Critical analysis of the ethical issues raised by prenatal genomics. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277010. [PMID: 36318580 PMCID: PMC9624390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In France, since January 2020, laboratories have started to make available genome-wide Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (GW-NIPT) beyond the three common trisomies (T21, T13 and T18) at the same cost as standard NIPT. With the possible margins for interpretation of the legal framework and in the absence of clear and updated guidelines, health professionals are left with questions about which type of screening offer may be clinically responsible, morally appropriate, and, at the same time, respectful of women’s values and ability to make autonomous choices. The aim of this study is to provide an analysis and understanding of the challenging dimensions of clinical practices in the context of evolving scientific knowledge and techniques in prenatal genomics. In this article, we develop a critical analysis of the arguments and concerns that emerge around the offer of expanded NIPT and are discussed by health professionals and scientists. To achieve this, we conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 17 health professionals and scientists from September 2021 to February 2022 and a comprehensive literature review (regulatory, scientific, medical, institutional sources). The results of our empirical research highlight the importance of addressing ethical issues related to the differing quality of counselling, the complexity of achieving informed consent, and the avoidance of harm to pregnant women in the feedback of findings beyond T21, T18 and T13. If there is an increase in the provision of GW-NIPT within the French public health system, it will be essential to promote medical practices that respect reproductive choices of women, support their autonomous decision and their understanding of the limitations and uncertainties associated with GW screening. Further research is required to provide an insight into women’s perceptions in order to refine our analysis from the patients’ perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Perrot
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Ruth Horn
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Ethik der Medizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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13
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Wollak B, Doronkin D, Espinoza D, Sheppard T, Korup O, Schmidt M, Alizadefanaloo S, Rosowski F, Schroer C, Grunwaldt JD, Horn R. Exploring catalyst dynamics in a fixed bed reactor by correlative operando spatially-resolved structure-activity profiling. J Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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14
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Lewis C, Buchanan J, Clarke A, Clement E, Friedrich B, Hastings-Ward J, Hill M, Horn R, Lucassen AM, Patch C, Pickard A, Roberts L, Sanderson SC, Wynn SL, Vindrola-Padros C, Lakhanpaul M. Mixed-methods evaluation of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service for paediatric rare diseases: study protocol. NIHR Open Res 2021; 1:23. [PMID: 35098132 PMCID: PMC7612282 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13236.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background A new nationally commissioned NHS England Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) was recently established to deliver genomic testing with equity of access for patients affected by rare diseases and cancer. The overarching aim of this research is to evaluate the implementation of the GMS during its early years, identify barriers and enablers to successful implementation, and provide recommendations for practice. The focus will be on the use of genomic testing for paediatric rare diseases. Methods This will be a four-year mixed-methods research programme using clinic observations, interviews and surveys. Study 1 consists of qualitative interviews with designers/implementers of the GMS in Year 1 of the research programme, along with documentary analysis to understand the intended outcomes for the Service. These will be revisited in Year 4 to compare intended outcomes with what happened in practice, and to identify barriers and facilitators that were encountered along the way. Study 2 consists of clinic observations (pre-test counselling and results disclosure) to examine the interaction between health professionals and parents, along with follow-up interviews with both after each observation. Study 3 consists of a longitudinal survey with parents at two timepoints (time of testing and 12 months post-results) along with follow-up interviews, to examine parent-reported experiences and outcomes. Study 4 consists of qualitative interviews and a cross-sectional survey with medical specialists to identify preparedness, facilitators and challenges to mainstreaming genomic testing. The use of theory-based and pre-specified constructs will help generalise the findings and enable integration across the various sub-studies. Dissemination We will disseminate our results to policymakers as findings emerge, so any suggested changes to service provision can be considered in a timely manner. A workshop with key stakeholders will be held in Year 4 to develop and agree a set of recommendations for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Lewis
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- London North Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James Buchanan
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford,, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Angus Clarke
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Emma Clement
- Clinical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Bettina Friedrich
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Melissa Hill
- London North Genomic Laboratory Hub, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre and the Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anneke M. Lucassen
- Clinical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Chris Patch
- Genomics England, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Counselling, Society and Ethics Research, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sarah L. Wynn
- Unique – the Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, Oxted, UK
| | - Cecilia Vindrola-Padros
- Department of Targeted Intervention and Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal Lab (RREAL),, University College London, London, UK
| | - Monica Lakhanpaul
- Population, Policy and Practice, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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15
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Lucivero F, Marelli L, Hangel N, Zimmermann BM, Prainsack B, Galasso I, Horn R, Kieslich K, Lanzing M, Lievevrouw E, Ongolly F, Samuel G, Sharon T, Siffels L, Stendahl E, Van Hoyweghen I. Normative positions towards COVID-19 contact-tracing apps: findings from a large-scale qualitative study in nine European countries. Crit Public Health 2021; 32:5-18. [PMID: 37377839 PMCID: PMC10292825 DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2021.1925634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mobile applications for digital contact tracing have been developed and introduced around the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed as a tool to support 'traditional' forms of contact-tracing carried out to monitor contagion, these apps have triggered an intense debate with respect to their legal and ethical permissibility, social desirability and general feasibility. Based on a large-scale study including qualitative data from 349 interviews conducted in nine European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, German-speaking Switzerland, the United Kingdom), this paper shows that the binary framing often found in surveys and polls, which contrasts privacy concerns with the usefulness of these interventions for public health, does not capture the depth, breadth, and nuances of people's positions towards COVID-19 contact-tracing apps. The paper provides a detailed account of how people arrive at certain normative positions by analysing the argumentative patterns, tropes and (moral) repertoires underpinning people's perspectives on digital contact-tracing. Specifically, we identified a spectrum comprising five normative positions towards the use of COVID-19 contact-tracing apps: opposition, scepticism of feasibility, pondered deliberation, resignation, and support. We describe these stances and analyse the diversity of assumptions and values that underlie the normative orientations of our interviewees. We conclude by arguing that policy attempts to develop and implement these and other digital responses to the pandemic should move beyond the reiteration of binary framings, and instead cater to the variety of values, concerns and expectations that citizens voice in discussions about these types of public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lucivero
- Ethox and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Luca Marelli
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nora Hangel
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munchen, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Prainsack
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Veinna, Austria
| | - Ilaria Galasso
- College of Business, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ruth Horn
- Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Marjolein Lanzing
- Department of Philosophy, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Gabrielle Samuel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London andClinical Ethics and Law, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Tamar Sharon
- Hub and Department of Ethics and Political Philosophy, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lotje Siffels
- Philosophical Ethics and Political Philosophy, Radboud Universiteit, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Emma Stendahl
- College of Business, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Gaille M, Horn R. The ethics of genomic medicine: redefining values and norms in the UK and France. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:780-788. [PMID: 33456054 PMCID: PMC8110530 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper presents a joint position of the UK-France Genomics and Ethics Network (UK-FR GENE), which has been set up to reflect on the ethical and social issues arising from the integration of genomics into routine clinical care in the UK and France. In 2018, the two countries announced enhanced cooperation between their national strategies, Genomics England and Plan France Médecine Génomique 2025, which offers a unique opportunity to study the impact of genomic medicine and relevant policies in different national contexts. The paper provides first insights into the two national strategies and the norms, values and principles at stake in each country. It discusses the impact of genomic medicine on established relationships and existing regulations, and examines its effects on solidarity and trust in public healthcare systems. Finally, it uses the social contract as an analytical lens to explore and redefine the balance between individual rights and collective duties in the context of genomic medicine. This paper leads to three key observations: (1) despite each country's strategy being at a different stage of implementation, the two countries face similar ethical issues; (2) each country tries to solve these issues by (re-)defining individual rights and collective duties in its own way; (3) the social contract presents a useful tool to analyse the ways the UK and France address the ethical challenges raised by genomics. This overview lays the groundwork for future in-depth comparison, and drive collaborative research, between the UK and France.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, England, UK.
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17
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Ye Z, Hu W, Wu B, Zhang Y, Lei C, Williams I, Shouval DS, Kanegane H, Kim KM, de Ridder L, Shah N, Ling G, Yerushalmi B, Kotlarz D, Snapper S, Horn R, Klein C, Muise AM, Huang Y, Uhlig HH. Predictive Prenatal Diagnosis for Infantile-onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease Because of Interleukin-10 Signalling Defects. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2021; 72:276-281. [PMID: 32925557 PMCID: PMC8191811 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advances in genetic technologies provide opportunities for patient care and ethical challenges. Clinical care of patients with rare Mendelian disorders is often at the forefront of those developments. Whereas in classical polygenic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the predictive value of genetic variants is very low, predictive prenatal genetic diagnosis can inform families at high risk of severe genetic disorders. Patients with IL-10 signalling defects because of pathogenic variants in IL10RA, Il10RB, and IL10 develop severe infantile onset inflammatory bowel disease that is completely penetrant and has a high morbidity and substantial mortality despite treatment. METHODS We performed a survey among tertiary specialist paediatric centers of 10 countries on the utilization of predictive prenatal genetic diagnosis in IL-10 signalling defects. We retrospectively report prenatal genetics in a series of 8 families. RESULTS International variation in legislation, guidelines, expert opinion, as well as cultural and religious background of families and clinicians results in variable utilization of preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing for IL-10 signalling defects. Eleven referrals for prenatal diagnosis for IL-10 signalling defects were identified across 4 countries. We report on 8 families who underwent prenatal preimplantation monogenic testing after in vitro fertilization (n = 2) and/or by amniocentesis/chorion villus sampling (n = 6). A genetic diagnosis was established in 1 foetus and excluded in 7 foetuses (all IL10RA variants). CONCLUSIONS Prenatal genetic testing for IL10R-defects is feasible, yet the legal and ethical considerations are complex and controversial. In some countries, predictive genetics for IL-10-related signalling defects is entering clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- Key Lab of Birth Defects, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueping Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Lei
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Isabelle Williams
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dror S. Shouval
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramag Gan, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hirokazu Kanegane
- Department of Child Health and Development, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyung Mo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center Children’s Hospital 88, Olympic-Ro 43 Gil, Songpa-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Lissy de Ridder
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Erasmus University Medical Center Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neil Shah
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Galina Ling
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Baruch Yerushalmi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Kotlarz
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Scott Snapper
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ruth Horn
- Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities and the Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Christoph Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Aleixo M. Muise
- SickKids Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre and Cell Biology Program, Research Institute
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Holm H. Uhlig
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research Center, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In the UK, the solidaristic character of the NHS makes it one of the most trusted public institutions. In recent years, the introduction of data-driven technologies in healthcare has opened up the space for collaborations with private digital companies seeking access to patient data. However, these collaborations appear to challenge the public's trust in the. MAIN TEXT In this paper we explore how the opening of the healthcare sector to private digital companies challenges the existing social contract and the NHS's solidaristic character, and impacts on public trust. We start by critically discussing different examples of partnerships between the NHS and private companies that collect and use data. We then analyse the relationship between trust and solidarity, and investigate how this relationship changes in the context of digital companies entering the healthcare system. Finally, we show ways for the NHS to maintain public trust by putting in place a solidarity grounded partnership model with companies seeking to access patient data. Such a model would need to serve collective interests through, for example, securing preferential access to goods and services, providing health benefits, and monitoring data access. CONCLUSION A solidarity grounded partnership model will help establish a social contract or licence that responds to the public's expectations and to principles of a solidaristic healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
| | - Angeliki Kerasidou
- The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK
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19
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Horn R. The right to a self-determined death as expression of the right to freedom of personal development: The German Constitutional Court takes a clear stand on assisted suicide. J Med Ethics 2020; 46:416-417. [PMID: 32220872 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
On 26 February 2020, the German Constitutional Court rejected a law from 2015 that prohibited any form of 'business-like' assisted suicide as unconstitutional. The landmark ruling of the highest federal court emphasised the high priority given to the rights of autonomy and free personal development, both of which constitute the principle of human dignity, the first principle of the German constitution. The ruling echoes particularities of post-war Germany's end-of-life debate focusing on patient self-determination while rejecting any discussion of active assistance to die through a lethal injection administered by a doctor. This brief report discusses the ruling in the light of the broader sociopolitical and historical context of the German end-of-life debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford University, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
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20
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Pfeifer U, Horn R. Can there be wrongful life at the end of life? German courts revisit an old problem in a new context. J Med Ethics 2020; 46:348-350. [PMID: 32060209 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses a recent ruling by the German Federal Court concerning medical professional liability due to potentially unlawful clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) at the end of life. This case raises important ethical and legal questions regarding a third person's right to judge the value of another person's life and the concept of 'wrongful life'. In our brief report, we discuss the concepts of the 'value of life' and wrongful life, which were evoked by the court, and how these concepts apply to the present case. We examine whether and to what extent value-of-life judgements can be avoided in medical decision-making. The wrongful-life concept is crucial to the understanding of this case. It deals with the question whether life, even when suffering is involved, could ever be worse than death. The effects of this ruling on medical and legal practice in Germany are to be seen. It seems likely that it will discourage claims for compensation following life-sustaining treatment (LST). However, it is unclear to what extent physicians' decisions will be affected, especially those concerning withdrawal of CANH. We conclude that there is a risk that LST may come to be seen as the 'safe' option for the physician, and hence, as always appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pfeifer
- Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, NDPH, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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21
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Horn R. [France and Great-Britain at the age of genomic medicine: new ethical challenges in reproductive medicine]. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:163-168. [PMID: 30774085 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The announcement of the French Plan 'France Médecine Génomique 2015' demonstrates the will of the public authorities to make genomic medicine one of the flagships of public health and scientific research. It is against this backdrop that France announced its cooperation with Great Britain, one of the global leaders in genomics. The cooperation at an international level requires a common normative framework that addresses the new ethical challenges presented by genomic medicine. In order for such a framework to be adapted to different national contexts, it is important to identify and analyse the emerging ethical questions in general as well as within their specific national contexts. This article discusses the international implications of genomic medicine, and more precisely, the rise of international competitiveness in France. In a next step, the article explores the ethical implications of genomic medicine by taking the prenatal context as a case study. Finally, the article reflects on the way national contexts impact on the emerging ethical questions in France, as compared to Great Britain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, Royaume-Uni
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22
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Stokes SM, Belknap JK, Engiles JB, Stefanovski D, Bertin FR, Medina-Torres CE, Horn R, van Eps AW. Continuous digital hypothermia prevents lamellar failure in the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp model of equine laminitis. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:658-664. [PMID: 30636340 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuous digital hypothermia can prevent the development and progression of laminitis associated with sepsis but its effects on laminitis due to hyperinsulinaemia are unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of continuous digital hypothermia on laminitis development in the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp model. STUDY DESIGN Randomised, controlled (within subject), blinded, experiment. METHODS Eight clinically normal Standardbred horses underwent laminitis induction using the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp model (EHC). At initiation of the EHC, one forelimb was continuously cooled (ICE), with the other maintained at ambient temperature (AMB). Dorsal lamellar sections (proximal, middle, distal) were harvested 48 h after initiation of the EHC and were analysed using histological scoring (0-3) and histomorphometry. Cellular proliferation was quantified by counting epidermal cell nuclei staining positive with an immunohistochemical proliferation marker (TPX2). RESULTS Severe elongation and disruption of SEL with dermo-epidermal separation (score of 3) was observed in all AMB feet at one or more section locations, but was not observed in any ICE sections. Overall 92% of the AMB sections received the most severe histological score (grade 3) and 8% were grade 2, whereas ICE sections were classified as either grade 1 (50%) or grade 2 (50%). Relative to AMB feet, ICE sections were 98% less likely to exhibit grades 2 or 3 (OR: 0.02, 95% CI 0.001, 0.365; P<0.01). Histomorphometry measurements of total and nonkeratinised primary epidermal lamellar length were significantly increased (P<0.01) in AMB limbs compared with ICE. TPX2 positive cell counts were significantly increased (P<0.01) in AMB limbs compared with ICE. MAIN LIMITATIONS Continuous digital hypothermia was initiated before recognition of laminitis and therefore the clinical applicability requires further investigation. CONCLUSIONS Continuous digital hypothermia reduced the severity of laminitis in the EHC model and prevented histological lesions compatible with lamellar structural failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Stokes
- Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - J K Belknap
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - J B Engiles
- New Bolton Center, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.,New Bolton Center, Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - D Stefanovski
- New Bolton Center, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - F R Bertin
- Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - C E Medina-Torres
- Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - R Horn
- Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - A W van Eps
- Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, the University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.,New Bolton Center, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA
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Horn R, Bamford NJ, Afonso T, Sutherland M, Buckerfield J, Tan RHH, Secombe CJ, Stewart AJ, Bertin FR. Factors associated with survival, laminitis and insulin dysregulation in horses diagnosed with equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:440-445. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R. Horn
- School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
| | - N. J. Bamford
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences The University of Melbourne Werribee Victoria Australia
| | - T. Afonso
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences The University of Adelaide Roseworthy South Australia Australia
| | - M. Sutherland
- Gisborne Veterinary Clinic Gisborne Victoria Australia
| | | | - R. H. H. Tan
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences James Cook University Townsville Queensland Australia
- Samford Valley Veterinary Hospital Samford Queensland Australia
| | - C. J. Secombe
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences Murdoch University Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - A. J. Stewart
- School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
| | - F. R. Bertin
- School of Veterinary Science The University of Queensland Gatton Queensland Australia
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Horn R, Parker M. Health professionals' and researchers' perspectives on prenatal whole genome and exome sequencing: 'We can't shut the door now, the genie's out, we need to refine it'. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204158. [PMID: 30240445 PMCID: PMC6150486 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Prenatal Assessment of Genome and Exomes (PAGE) project is a UK-wide study aiming to gain a better understanding of genetic variants causing developmental problems during pregnancy. A further aim of the study is to provide an evidence-base for the introduction of prenatal whole genome and exome sequencing (PWGES) into prenatal diagnostics provided by the NHS, which is expected in 2018. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative interview study undertaken with 20 health professionals and researchers involved in the PAGE project, and explores their implications for understandings of 'good practice' in the uses of prenatal genomics clinically. A number of critical issues are identified that will need to be addressed in the development of a model of good ethical practice for prenatal genomics: consent, management of expectations, return of results, and professional duties in the context of PWGES. The analysis presented identifies and illustrates a great deal of complexity and qualitative richness in these issues as they arise in the day-to-day work of genomics professionals. Inclusive, critical discussion of these findings, together with the findings from other empirical studies, normative analysis and scientific discoveries resulting from PAGE, will be required to inform the development of appropriate guidelines of good ethical practice that address the needs and concerns to be encountered in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- Department of Population Health, The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Trust Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Parker
- Department of Population Health, The Ethox Centre and Wellcome Trust Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Horn R. The 'French exception': the right to continuous deep sedation at the end of life. J Med Ethics 2018; 44:204-205. [PMID: 29056584 PMCID: PMC5869460 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2017-104484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, a law came into force in France granting terminally ill patients the right to continuous deep sedation (CDS) until death. This right was proposed as an alternative to euthanasia and presented as the 'French response' to problems at the end of life. The law draws a distinction between CDS and euthanasia and other forms of sympton control at the end of life. France is the first country in the world to legislate on CDS . This short report describes the particular context and underlying social values that led to this piece of legislation, and explores its meaning in the wider French context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- Oxford Big Data Institute, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, Oxford, UK
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Horn R, Rieker O, Klemm E, Menzel C, Möller HJ, Biersack HJ, Grünwald F. HMPAO-SPECT bei Demenz vom Alzheimer-Typ und Major Depression mit mnestischen Störungen. Nuklearmedizin 2018. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1629660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungZiel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, zu prüfen, ob die HMPAO-SPECT zur Differenzierung zwischen der Demenz vom Alzheimer-Typ (DAT) und der Major Depression (MD) beitragen kann. Es wurden ECT-Befunde von 77 Patienten mit Gedächtnisstörungen beurteilt, davon hatten 48 eine DAT und 29 eine MD. Zunächst wurden die Defekte in der SPECT einer Hirn-Region zugeordnet und der Grad der Ausprägung (-1/-2/-3) bewertet. Anschließend wurden die einzelnen Befunde in eine von 7 Befundkategorien eingeordnet. In einigen dieser 7 Gruppen ergaben sich deutliche Häufungen der Fälle mit DAT bzw. MD. 35% aller DAT-Patienten wiesen bilaterale Defekte mit deutlicher (>-1) parietaler/parietotemporaler Minderperfusion auf, dagegen zeigte kein Patient mit MD dieses Muster. Unilaterale Defekte wiesen 62% der MD-, aber nur 31% der DAT-Patienten auf. Die Untersuchung zeigt, daß nur 35% der Patienten mit DAT das bislang als »pathognomonisch« bezeichnete Befundmuster aufwiesen. Dieses Perfusionsmuster kann aber - wenn es vorliegt - als sicheres Kriterium zur Abgrenzung gegen eine MD gewertet werden. Darüber hinaus lassen sich keine eindeutigen (»krankheitstypischen«) Perfusionsmuster erkennen, wenngleich unilaterale Defekte mehr auf eine MD hindeuten.
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Horn R, Parker M. Opening Pandora's box?: ethical issues in prenatal whole genome and exome sequencing. Prenat Diagn 2017; 38:20-25. [PMID: 28695688 PMCID: PMC5836985 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The development of genomic approaches to prenatal testing such as whole genome and exome sequencing offers the potential for a better understanding of prenatal structural anomalies in the fetus and ultimately for improved patient care and more informed reproductive decision making. In addition to the scientific and clinical challenges of achieving this, the introduction of new reproductive technologies also presents a number of ethical problems. The successful and appropriate development and introduction of prenatal genomics into clinical practice require these problems to be identified, understood and carefully analysed in the development of models of good ethical practice. METHOD We conducted a critical review of the existing literature on ethical issues in prenatal genomics. RESULTS We identified and discussed five areas of particular concern: valid consent, management and feed-back of information, responsibilities of health professionals, priority setting and resources and duties towards the future child. CONCLUSION There is a need for further discussion of the issues we have outlined here, and we hope that this brief summary of ethical arguments in the literature encourages researchers, clinicians, patients and scientists to engage in further discussion of these and other important issues raised by prenatal genomics. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Rogger M, Agnoletti M, Alaoui A, Bathurst JC, Bodner G, Borga M, Chaplot V, Gallart F, Glatzel G, Hall J, Holden J, Holko L, Horn R, Kiss A, Kohnová S, Leitinger G, Lennartz B, Parajka J, Perdigão R, Peth S, Plavcová L, Quinton JN, Robinson M, Salinas JL, Santoro A, Szolgay J, Tron S, van den Akker JJH, Viglione A, Blöschl G. Land use change impacts on floods at the catchment scale: Challenges and opportunities for future research. Water Resour Res 2017; 53:5209-5219. [PMID: 28919651 PMCID: PMC5575485 DOI: 10.1002/2017wr020723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Research gaps in understanding flood changes at the catchment scale caused by changes in forest management, agricultural practices, artificial drainage, and terracing are identified. Potential strategies in addressing these gaps are proposed, such as complex systems approaches to link processes across time scales, long-term experiments on physical-chemical-biological process interactions, and a focus on connectivity and patterns across spatial scales. It is suggested that these strategies will stimulate new research that coherently addresses the issues across hydrology, soil and agricultural sciences, forest engineering, forest ecology, and geomorphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Rogger
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - M. Agnoletti
- Laboratory for Landscape and Cultural Heritage (CultLab), Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems (GESAAF)University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | | | - J. C. Bathurst
- School of Civil Engineering and GeosciencesNewcastle UniversityNewcastle upon TyneUK
| | - G. Bodner
- Division of Agronomy, Department of Crop SciencesUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesTullnAustria
| | - M. Borga
- Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and ForestryUniversity of PadovaPaduaItaly
| | - V. Chaplot
- Laboratoire d'Océanographie et du Climat (LOCEAN, UMR 7159 CNRS/IRD/UPMC/MNHN)ParisFrance
| | | | - G. Glatzel
- Professor Emeritus, Institute of Forest EcologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesViennaAustria
| | - J. Hall
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - J. Holden
- water@leeds, School of GeographyUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - L. Holko
- Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of SciencesBratislavaSlovakia
| | - R. Horn
- Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian Albrechts Universität zu KielKielGermany
| | - A. Kiss
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - S. Kohnová
- Department of Land and Water Resources Management, Faculty of Civil EngineeringSlovak University of Technology in BratislavaBratislavaSlovakia
| | - G. Leitinger
- Institute of Ecology, University of InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - B. Lennartz
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental SciencesRostock UniversityRostockGermany
| | - J. Parajka
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - R. Perdigão
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - S. Peth
- Department of Soil ScienceUniversity of KasselKasselGermany
| | - L. Plavcová
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of Hradec KrálovéHradec KrálovéCzech Republic
| | - J. N. Quinton
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - M. Robinson
- Centre for Ecology and HydrologyWallingfordUK
| | - J. L. Salinas
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - A. Santoro
- Laboratory for Landscape and Cultural Heritage (CultLab), Department of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Systems (GESAAF)University of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - J. Szolgay
- Department of Land and Water Resources Management, Faculty of Civil EngineeringSlovak University of Technology in BratislavaBratislavaSlovakia
| | - S. Tron
- Computational Science Center, University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - J. J. H. van den Akker
- Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen University and ResearchWageningenNetherlands
| | - A. Viglione
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
| | - G. Blöschl
- Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources ManagementVienna University of TechnologyViennaAustria
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Abstract
This article traces the way autonomy has become a recognised value in health care in France. In a country that based its social fundamentals on the very idea of solidarity for many years, autonomy has long been considered a foreign 'Anglo-American principle'. Taking the example of the end-of-life debate, the article shows, however, how the use of the French term 'accompagnement' allowed autonomy to be redefined and to be associated with the concept of solidarity. Exploring the arguments used over the past 25 years in professional guidelines, parliamentary reports, ethics committee reports, and legal texts, the authors describe the shift that took place in public and legal discourses on end-of-life care. The analysis demonstrates how the scope of autonomy has been limited by other social values, such as the protection of the dying person, in order to become an accepted social value in its own right. The example of the French end-of-life debate shows that depending on how the concept of autonomy is adapted and applied in a specific context, it can be compatible with the idea of solidarity. Such compatibility has been challenged previously in the international bioethics debate. By demonstrating the possibility of combining autonomy and solidarity, this article makes an important contribution to the international bioethics debate and to the dialogue between countries that are often perceived as significantly different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gaille
- Laboratoire SPHERE (UMR 7219), University of Paris Diderot—CNRS, bâtiment Condorcet, case 7093, 5 rue Thomas Mann, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF UK
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Gaille M, Horn R. Solidarity and autonomy: two conflicting values in English and French health care and bioethics debates? Theor Med Bioeth 2016; 37:441-446. [PMID: 27921208 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-016-9391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Gaille
- Laboratoire SPHERE (UMR 7219), CNRS, University of Paris Diderot, bâtiment Condorcet, case 7093, 5 rue Thomas Mann, 75205, Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
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Horn R, Wingen LU, Snape JW, Dolan L. Mapping of quantitative trait loci for root hair length in wheat identifies loci that co-locate with loci for yield components. J Exp Bot 2016; 67:4535-43. [PMID: 27315832 PMCID: PMC4973729 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erw228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Root hairs are fast growing, ephemeral tubular extensions of the root epidermis. They arise in the unsuberized maturation zone of the root, effectively increasing the root surface area in the region over which nutrient and water uptake occur. Variation in root hair length (RHL) between varieties has been shown to be genetically determined, and could, therefore, have consequences for nutrient capture and yield potential in crops. We describe the development of a medium-to-high throughput screening method for assessing RHL in wheat at the seedling stage. This method was used to screen a number of wheat mapping population parental lines for variation in RHL. Parents of two populations derived from inter-varietal crosses differed for RHL: Spark vs Rialto and Charger vs Badger. We identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for RHL in the populations derived from these crosses. In Spark × Rialto, QTLs on chromosomes 1A, 2A and 6A were associated with variation in RHL, whilst in Charger × Badger, a QTL for RHL was identified on 2BL. The QTLs on 2A and 6A co-localized with previously described QTLs for yield components. Longer root hairs may confer an advantage by exploiting limiting mineral and water resources. This first QTL analysis of root hair length in wheat identifies loci that could usefully be further investigated for their role in tolerance to limiting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Horn
- Department of Crop Genetics, The John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - L U Wingen
- Department of Crop Genetics, The John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - J W Snape
- Department of Crop Genetics, The John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - L Dolan
- Department of Crop Genetics, The John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RB, UK
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Kerasidou A, Horn R. Making space for empathy: supporting doctors in the emotional labour of clinical care. BMC Med Ethics 2016; 17:8. [PMID: 26818248 PMCID: PMC4728886 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-016-0091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The academic and medical literature highlights the positive effects of empathy for patient care. Yet, very little attention has been given to the impact of the requirement for empathy on the physicians themselves and on their emotional wellbeing. Discussion The medical profession requires doctors to be both clinically competent and empathetic towards the patients. In practice, accommodating both requirements can be difficult for physicians. The image of the technically skilful, rational, and emotionally detached doctor dominates the profession, and inhibits physicians from engaging emotionally with their patients and their own feelings, which forms the basis for empathy. This inhibition has a negative impact not only on the patients but also on the physicians. The expression of emotions in medical practice is perceived as unprofessional and many doctors learn to supress and ignore their feelings. When facing stressful situations, these physicians are more likely to suffer from depression and burnout than those who engage with and reflect on their feelings. Physicians should be supported in their emotional work, which will help them develop empathy. Methods could include questionnaires that aid self-reflection, and discussion groups with peers and supervisors on emotional experiences. Yet, in order for these methods to work, the negative image associated with the expression of emotions should be questioned. Also, the work conditions of physicians should improve to allow them to make use of these tools. Summary Empathy should not only be expected from doctors but should be actively promoted, assisted and cultivated in the medical profession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Kerasidou
- Researcher in Global Health Ethics, The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK. .,The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK.
| | - Ruth Horn
- Ethics and Society Wellcome Trust Fellow & Reseacher in Ethics, The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Horn R. O-36 Between patient autonomy and physicians’ responsibility to save life: The implementation of advance decisions in England, France, and Germany. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000978.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although tuberculosis (TB) is the most common cause of mortality from infectious diseases worldwide, genitourinary TB in North America is rare. We review 3 cases of genitourinary TB diagnosed within the last 5 years. CASES The first case is that of a 76-year-old African-Canadian woman who was referred for percutaneous nephrolithotomy of right lower pole renal stones. Although renal TB was suspected, her initial urinary TB culture was negative. On follow-up imaging, she developed bilateral ureteral thickening and ureteroscopic biopsy confirmed necrotizing granulomata. Repeat urine cultures were positive for M. tuberculosis. The second case is a 73-year-old Italian-Canadian woman who was referred for ureteroscopic biopsy of left thickened ureter to rule out urothelial carcinoma. Initial urine TB cultures were negative, despite biopsies confirming granulomatous inflammation. She was closely followed with urine cytologies and TB cultures. Repeat urine culture was positive for M. tuberculosis. Both patients were treated with a course of anti-tuberculous agents and indwelling ureteral stents to relieve ureteral obstruction. The third case is a 70-year-old Cree woman who was referred for percutaneous nephrolithotomy of a left "staghorn stone" in an atrophic left kidney. Thirty years earlier she had been treated for pulmonary TB in addition to ileocystoplasty for a "thimble" bladder. A computed tomography scan showed autonephrectomized left kidney. Her urine TB cultures were negative. She was placed on prophylactic antibiotics for her recurrent bacterial urinary tract infections. CONCLUSION Genitourinary TB may present in various subtle ways, and the astute clinician must have a high index of suspicion for this disease in patients with atypical clinical and radiologic findings. In addition, TB urine cultures should be repeated when there is high index of suspicion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Sourial
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
| | - Fadi Brimo
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
| | - Ruth Horn
- Department of Microbiology, McGill University, and Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
| | - Sero Andonian
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC
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Horn R. "I don't need my patients' opinion to withdraw treatment": patient preferences at the end-of-life and physician attitudes towards advance directives in England and France. Med Health Care Philos 2014; 17:425-35. [PMID: 24687368 PMCID: PMC4078234 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-014-9558-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a qualitative interview study exploring English and French physicians' moral perspectives and attitudes towards end-of-life decisions when patients lack capacity to make decisions for themselves. The paper aims to examine the importance physicians from different contexts accord to patient preferences and to explore the (potential) role of advance directives (ADs) in each context. The interviews focus on (1) problems that emerge when deciding to withdraw/-hold life-sustaining treatment from both conscious and unconscious patients; (2) decision-making procedures and the participation of proxies/relatives; (3) previous experience with ADs and views on their usefulness; and (4) perspectives on ways in which the decision-making processes in question might be improved. The analysis reveals differences in the way patient preferences are taken into consideration and shows how these differences influence the reasons physicians in each country invoke to justify their reluctance to adhering to ADs. Identifying cultural differences that complicate efforts to develop the practical implementation of ADs can help to inform national policies governing ADs and to better adapt them to practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- The Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Rosemary Rue Building, Oxford, OX3 7LF, UK,
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Stemmler M, Petermann F, Daseking M, Siebert J, Schott H, Lehfeld H, Horn R. [The assessment and course of development of cognitive abilities in the elderly]. Gesundheitswesen 2013; 75:761-7. [PMID: 24163218 DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1357164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of the appropriate level of development in children belongs to the standard duties of physicians in the public health system. Due to a steady increase of dementia in Germany the assessment of cognitive abilities of the elderly is becoming more and more the focus of future activities. Such an assessment of cognitive functioning reveals whether the respective person is aging normally or whether the impaired cognitive functioning is probably based on a pathological process. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to present cognitive changes in the aged and 2 psychometric tests for the assessment of cognitive functioning: the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) and the Short Cognitive Performance Test (SKT), a test for the assessment of memory impairments and impairment of attention. In addition, similarities and dissimilarities are presented. METHODS As part of a multi-centre study in German-speaking countries the data of 504 cognitively healthy persons between the age of 60 and 90 were tested with the WAIS-IV and the SKT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results revealed a significant cognitive decline in the fluid and crystal intelligence depending on age. Only 2 subtests of the WAIS-IV (General Information and Block Design) showed no significant variation due to age. The SKT scores of memory and attention correlated significantly with almost all subtests of the WAIS-IV. The highest correlations were between the SKT attention score and the WAIS-IV subtests for processing speed, perceptual reasoning and working memory. The decline in cognitive abilities is mainly due to reduced capacities in speed of information processing and working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Stemmler
- Institut für Psychologie der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
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Broadhead AT, Horn R, Lerner DN. Captured streams and springs in combined sewers: a review of the evidence, consequences and opportunities. Water Res 2013; 47:4752-4766. [PMID: 23810838 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Captured streams and springs may be flowing in combined sewers, increasing clean baseflow in pipes and wastewater treatment works (WwTWs), reducing pipe capacity and increasing treatment costs. The UK water industry is aware of this in principle, but there has been no explicit discussion of this in the published literature, nor have there been any known attempts to manage it. Instead, the current focus is on the similar intrusion of groundwater infiltration through pipe cracks and joints. We have conducted a thorough review of literature and international case studies to investigate stream and spring capture, finding several examples with convincing evidence that this occurs. We identify three modes of entry: capture by conversion, capture by interception, and direct spring capture. Methods to identify and quantify capture are limited, but the experience in Zurich suggests that it contributed 7-16% of the baseflow reaching WwTWs. There are negative impacts for the water industry in capital and operational expenditure, as well as environmental and social impacts of loss of urban streams. For a typical WwTW (Esholt, Bradford) with 16% of baseflow from captured streams and springs, we conservatively estimate annual costs of £ 2 million to £ 7 million. A detailed case study from Zurich is considered that has successfully separated captured baseflow into daylighted streams through the urban area, with multiple economic, environmental and social benefits. We conclude that there is a strong case for the UK water industry to consider captured streams and springs, quantify them, and assess the merits of managing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Broadhead
- Catchment Science Centre, Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK.
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Bernal-Mañas CM, Cortes S, Morales E, Horn R, Seco-Rovira V, Beltran-Frutos E, Ferrer C, Canteras M, Pastor LM. Influence of histological degree of seminiferous tubular degeneration and stage of seminiferous cycle on the proliferation of spermatogonia in aged Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Andrologia 2013; 46:672-9. [PMID: 23869747 DOI: 10.1111/and.12134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The ageing testis is associated with germ loss in the seminiferous epithelium and a decrease in spermatogonia proliferation. In this work, we study whether the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and/or the degree of histological tubular degeneration resulting from ageing is related with this decrease in spermatogonia proliferation. Eleven hamsters were used, five aged 6 months and six aged 24 months. In both groups, the proliferative activity was studied by BrdU immunostaining. The number of BrdU-positive and BrdU-negative cells was measured, providing the overall proliferation index in adult and aged testes. The mean number of BrdU-positive cells was also determined for each degree of histological degeneration of seminiferous epithelium, and a spermatogonia proliferation index was obtained for each stage of the seminiferous cycle. Ageing caused an overall decrease in the BrdU-positive cell percentage and a decrease in the number of BrdU-positive cells in the tubular sections with hypospermatogenesis, the sloughing of germ cells and maturation arrest, these changes being similar in both young and old animals. The spermatogonia proliferation index was only seen to be significantly lower in ageing hamster in stages VII-VIII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. In conclusion, the overall decrease in proliferation observed in aged seminiferous epithelium is correlated with an increase in the number of degenerated sections of the seminiferous tubules, and this decrease is a phenomenon which occurs in specific stages of the seminiferous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Bernal-Mañas
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Aging Institute, IMIB, School of Medicine, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Abstract
The objective of this paper is to understand from a sociological perspective how the moral question of euthanasia, framed as the "right to die", emerges and is dealt with in society. It takes France and Germany as case studies, two countries in which euthanasia is prohibited and which have similar legislation on the issue. I presuppose that, and explore how, each society has its own specificities in terms of practical, social and political norms that affect the ways in which they deal with these issues. The paper thus seeks to understand how requests for the "right to die" emerge in each society, through both the debate (analysis of daily newspapers, medical and philosophical literature, legal texts) and the practices (ethnographic work in three French and two German hospitals) that elucidate the phenomenon. It does so, however, without attempting to solve the moral question of euthanasia. In spite of the differences observed between these two countries, the central issue at stake in their respective debates is the question of the individual's autonomy to choose the conditions in which he or she wishes to die; these conditions depend, amongst others, on the doctor-patient relationship, the organisation of end-of-life care in hospital settings, and more generally, on the way autonomy is defined and handled in the public debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol, BS8 2PS, UK.
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Horn R, Chudobova I, Hänsel U, Herwartz D, Koskull-Döring PV, Schillberg S. Simultaneous Treatment with Tebuconazole and Abscisic Acid Induces Drought and Salinity Stress Tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana by Maintaining Key Plastid Protein Levels. J Proteome Res 2013; 12:1266-81. [DOI: 10.1021/pr300931u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Horn
- Department Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Aachen,
Germany
| | - Ivana Chudobova
- Department Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Aachen,
Germany
| | | | - Denise Herwartz
- Department Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Aachen,
Germany
| | | | - Stefan Schillberg
- Department Plant Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Aachen,
Germany
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Baumgarten W, Fleige H, Peth S, Horn R. (Bio-)remediation of VCHC contaminants in a Technosol under unsaturated conditions. Biodegradation 2012; 24:455-69. [PMID: 23160773 DOI: 10.1007/s10532-012-9601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The remediation of dense non-aqueous phase liquids has always been a concern of both public and scientific interest groups. In this research work a modified physical concept of (bio)remediation of a volatile chlorinated hydrocarbon (VCHC) contamination was elaborated under laboratory conditions and modeled with HYDRUS-2D. In field dechlorination is influenced by both physicochemical and hydraulic properties of the substrate, e.g. texture, pore size distribution, pore liquid characteristics, e.g. viscosity, pH, surface tension, and dependent on the degree of saturation of the vadose zone. Undisturbed soil cores (100 cm³) were sampled from a Spolic Technosol. Considering hydraulic properties and functions, unsaturated percolation was performed with vertically and horizontally structured samples. VCHC concentrations were calculated prior, during, and after each percolation cycle. According to laboratory findings, microemulsion showed the most efficient results with regard to flow behavior in the unsaturated porous media and its accessibility for bacteria as nutrient. The efficiency of VCHC remediation could be increased by the application of a modified pump-and-treat system: the injection of bacteria Dehalococcoides ethanogenes with microemulsion, and extraction at a constant matric potential level of -6 kPa. Achieved data was used for HYDRUS-2D simulations, modeling in situ conditions, demonstrating the practical relevance (field scale) of performed unsaturated percolation (core scale), and in order to exclude capillary barrier effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Baumgarten
- Institute for Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Christian-Albrechts-University zu Kiel, Hermann-Rodewald-Strasse 2, Kiel, Germany.
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Fulda S, Mikkat S, Stegmann H, Horn R. Physiology and proteomics of drought stress acclimation in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2011; 13:632-642. [PMID: 21668604 DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2010.00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
An easy and manageable in vitro screening system for drought tolerance of sunflower seedlings based on MS media supplemented with polyethylene glycol 6000 was evaluated. Morphological and physiological parameters were compared between control (-0.05 MPa) and drought-stressed (-0.6 MPa) seedlings of Helianthus annuus L. cv. Peredovick. There was a significant growth deficit in drought-stressed plants compared to control plants in terms of hypocotyl length, and shoot and root fresh mass. Shoot growth was more restricted than root growth, resulting in an increased root/shoot ratio of drought-stressed plants. Accumulation of osmolytes such as inositol (65-fold), glucose (58-fold), proline (55-fold), fructose (11-fold) and sucrose (eightfold), in leaves of drought-stressed plants could be demonstrated by gas-liquid chromatography. Soluble protein patterns of leaves were analysed with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A set of 46 protein spots allowed identification of 19 marker proteins. Quantitative changes in protein expression of drought-stressed versus control plants were detected. In leaves of drought-stressed sunflower seedlings six proteins were significantly up-regulated more than twofold: a putative caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (4.5-fold), a fructokinase 3 (3.3-fold), a vegetative storage protein (2.5-fold), a glycine-rich RNA binding protein (2.2-fold), a CuZn-superoxide dismutase (2.1-fold) and an unknown low molecular weight protein (2.3-fold). These proteins represent general stress proteins induced under drought conditions or proteins contributing to basic carbon metabolism. The up-regulated proteins are interesting candidates for further physiological and molecular investigations regarding drought tolerance in sunflower.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fulda
- Institut für Biowissenschaften, Pflanzengenetik, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, Rostock, Germany
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Abstract
An easy and manageable in vitro screening system for drought tolerance of sunflower seedlings based on MS media supplemented with polyethylene glycol 6000 was evaluated. Morphological and physiological parameters were compared between control (-0.05 MPa) and drought-stressed (-0.6 MPa) seedlings of Helianthus annuus L. cv. Peredovick. There was a significant growth deficit in drought-stressed plants compared to control plants in terms of hypocotyl length, and shoot and root fresh mass. Shoot growth was more restricted than root growth, resulting in an increased root/shoot ratio of drought-stressed plants. Accumulation of osmolytes such as inositol (65-fold), glucose (58-fold), proline (55-fold), fructose (11-fold) and sucrose (eightfold), in leaves of drought-stressed plants could be demonstrated by gas-liquid chromatography. Soluble protein patterns of leaves were analysed with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A set of 46 protein spots allowed identification of 19 marker proteins. Quantitative changes in protein expression of drought-stressed versus control plants were detected. In leaves of drought-stressed sunflower seedlings six proteins were significantly up-regulated more than twofold: a putative caffeoyl-CoA 3-O-methyltransferase (4.5-fold), a fructokinase 3 (3.3-fold), a vegetative storage protein (2.5-fold), a glycine-rich RNA binding protein (2.2-fold), a CuZn-superoxide dismutase (2.1-fold) and an unknown low molecular weight protein (2.3-fold). These proteins represent general stress proteins induced under drought conditions or proteins contributing to basic carbon metabolism. The up-regulated proteins are interesting candidates for further physiological and molecular investigations regarding drought tolerance in sunflower.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fulda
- Institut für Biowissenschaften, Pflanzengenetik, Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, Rostock, Germany
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Nogare DD, Degenstein N, Horn R, Canu P, Schmidt L. Modeling spatially resolved data of methane catalytic partial oxidation on Rh foam catalyst at different inlet compositions and flowrates. J Catal 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2010.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Abstract
The estimation of the number of channels in a patch was assumed to be equivalent to the estimation of the binomial parameter n. Seven estimators were evaluated, using data sets simulated for a range of parameters appropriate for single channel recording experiments. No single estimator was best for all parameters; a combination of estimators is a possible option to avoid the biases of individual estimators. All estimators were highly accurate in estimating n in the case that n = 1. For n </= 4 the simplest estimator, the maximum number of simultaneously open channels, was the best, For larger values of n the best estimators were Bayesian.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Horn
- Neurosciences Department, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Nutley, New Jersey 07110 USA
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Horn R, Korup O, Geske M, Zavyalova U, Oprea I, Schlögl R. Reactor for in situ measurements of spatially resolved kinetic data in heterogeneous catalysis. Rev Sci Instrum 2010; 81:064102. [PMID: 20590252 DOI: 10.1063/1.3428727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The present work describes a reactor that allows in situ measurements of spatially resolved kinetic data in heterogeneous catalysis. The reactor design allows measurements up to temperatures of 1300 degrees C and 45 bar pressure, i.e., conditions of industrial relevance. The reactor involves reactants flowing through a solid catalyst bed containing a sampling capillary with a side sampling orifice through which a small fraction of the reacting fluid (gas or liquid) is transferred into an analytical device (e.g., mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, high pressure liquid chromatograph) for quantitative analysis. The sampling capillary can be moved with microm resolution in or against flow direction to measure species profiles through the catalyst bed. Rotation of the sampling capillary allows averaging over several scan lines. The position of the sampling orifice is such that the capillary channel through the catalyst bed remains always occupied by the capillary preventing flow disturbance and fluid bypassing. The second function of the sampling capillary is to provide a well which can accommodate temperature probes such as a thermocouple or a pyrometer fiber. If a thermocouple is inserted in the sampling capillary and aligned with the sampling orifice fluid temperature profiles can be measured. A pyrometer fiber can be used to measure the temperature profile of the solid catalyst bed. Spatial profile measurements are demonstrated for methane oxidation on Pt and methane oxidative coupling on Li/MgO, both catalysts supported on reticulated alpha-Al(2)O(3) foam supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Horn
- Department of Inorganic Chemistry, Fritz Haber Institute of the MPG, Faradayweg 4-6, Berlin 14195, Germany
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Horn R. Le débat sur l'euthanasie et ses répercussions sur les pratiques médicales en fin de vie. Un regard comparatif : France ? Allemagne. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.3917/pos.414.0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Macke C, Prenzler NK, Horn R, Brabant G, Nave H. Ghrelin treatment increases receptor-bound leptin in healthy and endotoxemic obese Lewis rats. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2009; 117:473-9. [PMID: 19876793 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1220769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Obese patients with sepsis have higher morbidity and mortality rates than normal weight subjects. One crucial factor is the disease-associated disturbed energy balance. Ghrelin is an orexigenic peptide, mainly produced in the stomach. Leptin is an adipose-tissue derived peptide, circulating as free (fl) and receptor-bound protein (bl) acting antagonistically to ghrelin's effects on food intake. In the present study we tested the weight dependent influence of an intravenous (i.v.) ghrelin injection on leptin levels as well as hepatic protein expression in healthy and endotoxemic rats. Male Lewis rats were randomly divided into four diet-induced obese and four normal weight groups. Application of either ghrelin or NaCl was followed by a bolus injection of LPS or NaCl. Blood was collected at five time points (up to 24 h) to measure fl and bl by radioimmunoassay. Furthermore, hepatic leptin, leptin receptor and ghrelin expression were investigated immunohistochemically. Results revealed a late shift from high elevated fl to significantly enhanced levels of bl in ghrelin treated obese animals. Both fl and bl levels remained unaffected in lean rats. The findings suggest that an increased body weight of the treated animals is associated with altered hormone levels after therapeutic interventions with ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Macke
- Institute for Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
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Buchenauer T, Behrendt P, Bode FJ, Horn R, Brabant G, Stephan M, Nave H. Diet-induced obesity alters behavior as well as serum levels of corticosterone in F344 rats. Physiol Behav 2009; 98:563-9. [PMID: 19751751 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2009] [Revised: 08/28/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is an increasing socio-economic health problem. Diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents are widely used as a model of obesity in humans. However, there is no comprehensive data about the behavioral phenotype of DIO rodents. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine whether a high-fat-diet changes behavioral patterns of DIO Fischer 344 (F344) rats in comparison with lean littermates. The behavioral tests (homecage, holeboard, social interaction, and hotplate) were performed in 28 normal-weight and 28 male DIO F344 rats (mean age: 16 weeks) and revealed a significantly higher level of anxiety- and aggression-related parameters in obese rats, whereas their pain threshold was significantly lower. Fitting to a different behavioral response, basal corticosterone levels (measured by RIA) of obese animals were significantly elevated (16.0ng/ml vs. 12.5ng/ml; p<0.01). We conclude that obese rats differ in various aspects from their lean littermates. The altered behavioral characteristics displayed by DIO F344 rats have to be considered in further experiments involving DIO rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Buchenauer
- Institute for Functional and Applied Anatomy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Hoang-Vu C, Dralle H, Scheumann G, Maenhaut C, Horn R, von zur Mühlen A, Brabant G. Gene expression of differentiation- and dedifferentiation markers in normal and malignant human thyroid tissues. Exp Clin Endocrinol 2009; 100:51-6. [PMID: 1281780 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1211176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Steady state mRNA transcript levels of thyroid differentiation markers such as TSH receptor (TSHR), thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) as well as a potential marker of dedifferentiation, c-myc, marker were investigated in patients with thyroid tumors and in normal controls using Northern blot analysis. Blots were normalized by acridine orange staining whereas analysis of beta-actin mRNA levels revealed highly variable levels already in normal tissue suggesting regulation of this "constitutively" expressed gene. Determination of c-myc mRNA revealed increased steady state mRNA levels in anaplastic carcinomas (ATC) as compared to normal tissues. However, in some patients c-myc transcript levels were lower in the tumor than in the adjacent normal tissue reducing the significance of c-myc as a marker of dedifferentiation. High levels of TSH mRNA were found in control thyroids, whereas in ATC no normal TSHR mRNA was detected. In PTC and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) the transcripts varied from increased to markedly reduced levels. In one patient with FTC 2 independent preparations of the tumor revealed different results, undetectable and clearly detectable TSHR mRNA levels. Xenotransplantation of this tissue on nude rats showed a variable expression pattern in the individual xenotransplantations suggesting heterogeneity of the tumor tissue. Tg and TPO mRNA were strongly expressed in normal tissues and completely lost in all ATC. In differentiated thyroid tumors the transcript levels of Tg and TPO varied from normal to complete loss of expression of either Tg or TPO, or both.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hoang-Vu
- Department of Clinical Endocrinology, Medical School of Hannover, Germany
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