Ethical Controversies Research Articles

Application of hydrogel-loaded dental stem cells in the field of tissue regeneration.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highly favored in clinical trials due to their unique characteristics, which have isolated from various human tissues. Derived from dental tissues, dental stem cells (DSCs) are particularly notable for their applications in tissue repair and regenerative medicine, attributed to their readily available sources, absence of ethical controversies, and minimal immunogenicity. Hydrogel-loaded stem cell therapy is widespread across a variety of injuries and diseases, and has good repair capabilities for both soft and hard tissues. This review comprehensively summarizes the regenerative and differentiation potential of various DSCs encapsulated in hydrogels across different tissues. In addition, the existing problems and future direction are also addressed. The application of hydrogel-DSCs composite has gained substantial progress in the field of tissue regeneration and need in-depth study in the future.

Olig2+ single-colony-derived cranial bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells achieve improved regeneration in a cuprizone-induced demyelination mouse model.

Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. Brain injury and neurodegenerative disease often lead to oligodendrocyte death and subsequent demyelination-related pathological changes, resulting in neurological defects and cognitive impairment (Spaas et al., 2021; Zhang J et al., 2022). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. The pathology of MS is characterized by the loss of myelin, oligodendrocytes, and axons in the brain, brain stem, and spinal cord, as well as by white matter lesions (Lassmann et al., 2007). Unfortunately, no definitive cure for MS has been developed. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in the relapsing-remitting phase of MS because they reduce the frequency of relapses and the formation of inflammatory lesions; however, they do not alter the course of progressive MS and are insufficient to cure chronic neurological dysfunction (Xiao et al., 2015; Zhang et al., 2021). The treatment outcome is even worse for MS patients with primary and secondary progressions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells that can self-renew and exhibit multilineage differentiation. MSCs are easy to expand in vitro and exhibit low immunogenicity, no tumorigenic risks, and ethical controversies, making them a promising candidate for regenerative medicine (Zhang L et al., 2022; Xu et al., 2023). Many studies have confirmed the neural differentiation potential of MSCs under certain conditions, making them a prime candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases (Jang et al., 2010; Yan et al., 2013). The present study investigated the effects of cranial bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (cBMMSCs) and oligodendrocyte-specific protein 2-positive (Olig2+) single-colony-derived cBMMSC (sc-cBMMSC), isolated in our previous work (Yang et al., 2022), in a central nervous system demyelination mouse model.

Embodiments of conservation: conflictual agencies in and out of the museum

ABSTRACT This paper examines the ways in which conservation may shape, influence, or even manipulate the authenticity and materiality of cultural heritage, cultural identity, and value. In this regard, the application of the term “embodiment” encompasses the choice of conservation strategies and the values and goals attached to them. I argue that embodiments may carry and refer to historical, political, economic, and ethical contexts and controversies. Therefore, two case studies will be discussed: These are the conservation approach and program for the Shōsō-in, the eighth-century treasure house of the Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, and the 2022 introduction of crypto-conservation by the Saar Historical Museum in Saarbrücken, Germany. The paper particularly highlights embodiments that perform the preservation of cultural heritage beyond Western practices. To this end, it also introduces the African artist initiatives Looty and Milele Museum, both of which expand the perspective towards conservation and restitution.

The Legacy of James Marion Sims: History Revisited.

The title "Father of Modern Gynecology" is often attributed to Dr James Marion Sims, a pioneering American physician whose contributions to gynecology have profoundly influenced modern medical practice. Born in 1813, Sims developed several innovative surgical techniques and instruments that revolutionized the treatment of gynecological conditions. Among his most notable contributions is the Sims speculum, which remains a fundamental tool in gynecological examinations today. Sims is also credited with pioneering surgical techniques for repairing VVFs, previously deemed untreatable. His work, primarily conducted in the mid-19th century, laid the foundation for modern gynecological surgery and significantly advanced women's healthcare.However, Sims' legacy is also marked by ethical controversy. His early research involved experimental surgeries on enslaved African-American women, conducted without the use of anesthesia. These practices have sparked critical discussions regarding medical ethics, informed consent, and the historical exploitation of marginalized groups under the guise of scientific progress. This review article explores the dual facets of James Marion Sims' legacy, acknowledging his crucial role in shaping modern gynecology while critically examining the ethical implications of his methods. Such a discussion is vital for understanding the evolution of medical practices and the ongoing need for stringent ethical standards in clinical research and patient care.

Edward Jenner's Discovery of Vaccination: Impact and Legacy.

Edward Jenner's pioneering work in the late 18th century, particularly his development of the smallpox vaccine, marked a transformative moment in medical history. This review meticulously examines Jenner's groundbreaking discovery and its profound impact on modern immunology and public health. By analyzing a comprehensive range of peer-reviewed studies and historical accounts, this review provides an in-depth exploration of Jenner's experimental methodology, the scientific and ethical controversies that surrounded his work, and the subsequent adoption of vaccination practices. Jenner's rigorous approach to scientific inquiry, the broader implications of his work on public health strategies, and its enduring relevance in addressing contemporary health challenges are also highlighted. This comprehensive analysis underscores Jenner's legacy as a cornerstone of modern medicine and public health.

Bioethics in Sport

Whether recreational or professional, sport is an integral part of human life, so its daily impact on society is undeniable. It is, therefore, important to recognise the role of moral values and ethics in sport, which can help to ensure fairness and preserve the integrity of professional sports. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of implementing these values in professional sport, as it is crucial to enable physical performance without compromising the very essence of sport. However, using prohibited substances and methods in professional sports today has become an increasingly worrying ethical issue, particularly in sports medicine. The primary aim of sports science, especially sports physiology, is to help athletes improve their performance and prevent and overcome injuries, while the primary goal of sports management and some athletes is often to win, which can lead to unethical means to achieve this goal. This behaviour raises many ethical doubts and highlights the need for a framework to address these contemporary challenges increasingly facing professional sport today. Bioethics can effectively address these challenges by examining medical and scientific advances’ ethical, social, moral, and legal implications. By considering the values, principles, and norms underlying medical and scientific practices, bioethics in the context of sport can provide guidance and recommendations for bioethical decision-making concerning (bio)ethical doubts or controversies that may arise, such as the use of performance-enhancing drugs, non-therapeutic use of gene therapy and ethical considerations related to using new technologies. This paper, therefore, aims to emphasise the importance of bioethics as a bridging science in sport in the context of the (bio)ethical challenges that increasingly characterise the professional practice of sport today.

Public Order, Human Dignity, and the Child’s Best Interests: The Legal Dilemma of Surrogacy in Mo Yan’s Frog

This study examines the legal dilemma of surrogacy in the novel Frog by the Nobel prize winner Mo Yan, which was written in the context of China’s past one-child policy. This study offers a tri-tier exploration of how surrogacy led to conflicts and tensions in Frog: first, it traces how the intended parents’ demand for surrogacy developed under the one-child policy in China while clarifying the application of “the principle of public order”; second, it explores the predicament of the surrogate mother Chen Mei regarding the violation of her rights and dignity, and delves into the interpretation of “the principle of human dignity”; third, it focuses on the custody dispute between the surrogate mother and the intended parents to explore the controversies over the concept of parentage in surrogacy and consider the principle of “best interest of the child.” This study concludes that despite all the legal and ethical controversies, the spirit of law demands a response to the growing practice of surrogacy and an extension of our exploration of legal principles.

1114 Evaluation of the Ethical Controversies in Separation Surgery of Conjoined Twins: A Critical Review of the Literature

Abstract Aim To further examine the ethical concerns involved in separation surgery of conjoined twins, through analysing the relevant discussions in the published literature. Method A critical review on the ethical issues surrounding separation surgery of conjoined twins was conducted. A literature search on PubMed and Embase was carried out using three terms - ‘ethics’, ‘conjoined twins’ and ‘separation’. Relevant papers published in the past ten years (2013-2023) were included based on the PRISMA standard. Results Seven papers were included in this review. Most papers approached the ethical issues in separation surgery of conjoined twins from the four pillars of ethics. There are contradicting arguments with regards to beneficence and non-maleficence, depending on the perspective of the twins taken. All papers looked into autonomy and some into consent, specifically regarding decision-making. Most papers agree that the parents should be making the decision due to the patients lacking capacity. However, some argue that the patients should be making their own decisions where there is no urgency. Equality has been explored around the distribution of shared organs and survival opportunities. Other ethical principles, including the act-omission and double effect doctrines which support separation, have also been discussed. Conclusions There does not seem to be a definite answer to whether separation surgery is justified. Every case’s unique situation should be scrutinised differently, with guidance from the four pillars of ethics, and involvement of the families and ethical committees. Decisions should not be based on ethical considerations alone, but to take into account other factors.

1114 Evaluation of the Ethical Controversies in Separation Surgery of Conjoined Twins: A Critical Review of the Literature

Abstract Aim To further examine the ethical concerns involved in separation surgery of conjoined twins, through analysing the relevant discussions in the published literature. Method A critical review on the ethical issues surrounding separation surgery of conjoined twins was conducted. A literature search on PubMed and Embase was carried out using three terms - ‘ethics’, ‘conjoined twins’ and ‘separation’. Relevant papers published in the past ten years (2013-2023) were included based on the PRISMA standard. Results Seven papers were included in this review. Most papers approached the ethical issues in separation surgery of conjoined twins from the four pillars of ethics. There are contradicting arguments with regards to beneficence and non-maleficence, depending on the perspective of the twins taken. All papers looked into autonomy and some into consent, specifically regarding decision-making. Most papers agree that the parents should be making the decision due to the patients lacking capacity. However, some argue that the patients should be making their own decisions where there is no urgency. Equality has been explored around the distribution of shared organs and survival opportunities. Other ethical principles, including the act-omission and double effect doctrines which support separation, have also been discussed. Conclusions There does not seem to be a definite answer to whether separation surgery is justified. Every case’s unique situation should be scrutinised differently, with guidance from the four pillars of ethics, and involvement of the families and ethical committees. Decisions should not be based on ethical considerations alone, but to take into account other factors.

Development and Validation of the Attitude Towards Surrogacy Scale in a Turkiye Sample

Bacground: Surrogacy is one of the options a lot of ethical, legal and psychological controversy. Surveying attitudes toward surrogacy plays an important role in building awareness of this phenomenon in the society. In this study authors aimed to develop and validate a scale to assess the attitudes towards surrogacy. Methods: In this study cross-sectional design was implemented. Development process of the Attitude towards Surrogacy Scale (ATSS) included items development based on literature reviews, other existing questionnaires, confrmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability analysis using internal consistence coefcients. A total of 272 people residing in Büyükçekmece and Beylikdüzü districts of Istanbul were included in the study. Firstly, conceptual structure and item pool were created for the draft scale created by the researchers. Then, the question pool was submitted to expert opinion. After the expert opinion, a pilot study was applied to the statements in the draft scale. After the test-retest reliability was performed, the data collection phase started. Participants who agreed to participate in the study were reached both face-to-face and online. Convenience sampling method was used to reach the participants. Results: IBM SPSS and IBM AMOS package programmes were used to analyse the data obtained within the scope of the study. In the data analysis, firstly, item analysis was performed for internal consistency reliability. After this stage, structural validity analysis was used. As a result of the analysis, a measurement tool consisting of 4 dimensions and 24 statements expressed as “positive impact, negative impact, legal impact and economic impact” was developed. It has been statistically determined that this measurement tool is valid and reliable. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the scale developed for the perception of surrogacy has validity and reliability. Therefore, the “scale developed for the perception of surrogacy” can be used to measure the perception of surrogacy of people in our country.

A Short Study on the Metaphorical Identity of Clones in Never Let Me Go: A Case Study of Chapter 5

Cloning has a huge ethical controversy in the real society. That is also the big concern of the novel Never Let Me Go (2005) by Japanese British writer Kazuo Ishiguro (1954— ). On the surface of the novel, by showing the tragic fate of cloned human beings under the oppression of human society, it reflects the values of human beings thinking about whether to carry out cloning technology. Behind it, Ishiguro expresses his concerns about humanity through the consciousness and life of a cloned human, as well as the inner emotions of a normal human, including one’s social and cultural identity. Taking chapter 5 as a case, this study discusses the metaphorical identity of clones. The study confirms that by describing the injustice suffered by clones Ishiguro portrays them as a special group that is difficult to survive in real life with a real human identity, and points out that such struggles and battles are too numerous to enumerate, and the more you can see the helplessness and sadness living at the bottom.

A Comprehensive Review of Organ-on-a-Chip Technology and Its Applications.

Organ-on-a-chip (OOC) is an emerging technology that simulates an artificial organ within a microfluidic cell culture chip. Current cell biology research focuses on in vitro cell cultures due to various limitations of in vivo testing. Unfortunately, in-vitro cell culturing fails to provide an accurate microenvironment, and in vivo cell culturing is expensive and has historically been a source of ethical controversy. OOC aims to overcome these shortcomings and provide the best of both in vivo and in vitro cell culture research. The critical component of the OOC design is utilizing microfluidics to ensure a stable concentration gradient, dynamic mechanical stress modeling, and accurate reconstruction of a cellular microenvironment. OOC also has the advantage of complete observation and control of the system, which is impossible to recreate in in-vivo research. Multiple throughputs, channels, membranes, and chambers are constructed in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) array to simulate various organs on a chip. Various experiments can be performed utilizing OOC technology, including drug delivery research and toxicology. Current technological expansions involve multiple organ microenvironments on a single chip, allowing for studying inter-tissue interactions. Other developments in the OOC technology include finding a more suitable material as a replacement for PDMS and minimizing artefactual error and non-translatable differences.

Observing heroic behavior and its influencing factors in immersive virtual environments

Studying heroism in controlled settings presents challenges and ethical controversies due to its association with physical risk. Leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology, we conducted a three-study series with 397 participants from China to investigate heroic actions. Participants unexpectedly witnessed a criminal event in a simulated scenario, allowing observation of their tendency to physically intercept a thief. We examined situational factors (voluntariness, authority, and risk) and personal variables [gender, impulsivity, empathy, and social value orientation (SVO)] that may influence heroism. Also, the potential association between heroism and social conformity was explored. In terms of situational variables, voluntariness modulated participants' tendency to intercept the escaping thief, while perceived risk demonstrated its impact by interacting with gender. That is, in study 3 where the perceived risk was expected to be higher (as supported by an online study 5), males exhibited a greater inclination toward heroic behavior compared to females. Regarding other personal variables, the tendency to engage in heroic behavior decreased as empathy levels rose among males, whereas the opposite trend was observed for females. SVO influenced heroic behavior but without a gender interaction. Finally, an inverse relationship between heroism and social conformity was observed. The robustness of these findings was partly supported by the Chinese sample (but not the international sample) of an online study 4 that provided written descriptions of VR scenarios, indicating cultural variations. These results advance insights into motivational factors influencing heroism in the context of restoring order and highlight the power of VR technology in examining social psychological hypotheses beyond ethical constraints.

Youth Perspectives on Collaborative Consumption: A Study on the Attitudes and Behaviors of the Romanian Generation Z

With the emergence of the sharing economy, a significant change in consumer behavior can be observed worldwide, which has a considerable impact on various industries. The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way people experience transport services, with ridesharing being a catalyst for change. In Romania, the debut of Uber in 2015 sparked controversy and led to legal regulations that were adapted to local specificities, highlighting the adaptability of ridesharing platforms to different legal frameworks. In the context of this development, the views and perceptions of Generation Z will be crucial in determining the direction in which this conflict between disruptive models and traditional players in the transport sector develops. The article deals with business models based on collaborative consumption, with a focus on ridesharing, and examines the attitudes, perceptions, and behavior of Romanian youths (aged 18–26) towards these models. The aim of the study is to determine the opinion of young Romanians on collaborative consumption in transport services—ridesharing (Uber case)—and their attitude towards the ethical controversies related to Uber’s business model. A quantitative research approach was chosen, and an exploratory study was conducted using a questionnaire, with the non-probabilistic sample consisting of relevant observation units aged 18–26 years. The results show that almost 90% of the young Romanians surveyed use Uber and are satisfied with the quality, convenience, and speed of the service. Despite the positive attitude, there is a paradoxical tendency among respondents to regulate ridesharing services in a similar way to traditional taxis. Ethical considerations show that respondents tend to neutralize perceptions and justify the emergence of new models as normal and beneficial for competition and consumers.

Ethical issues when conducting health research with military personnel: a scoping review protocol.

The objective of this scoping review is to understand the scope and nature of evidence in relation to the ethical issues that arise when conducting health research with military personnel. Ethical obligations in human research have been debated for centuries. Historically, research conducted with military personnel has led to ethical controversies regarding autonomy, harm, and informed consent. In particular, the power dynamics, hierarchical nature, and culture that are inherent in military structures may compromise the voluntary nature of research participation. This scoping review will include all sources of evidence that identify ethical issues, such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice, within health research with military personnel, including reservists. This review will exclude sources of evidence on health research conducted during combat or on new technologies for fighting in wars. This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A 3-step search strategy will be used to obtain both published and unpublished sources of evidence. Two independent reviewers will screen sources of evidence against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. No limits on language will be applied; we will use Google Translate to translate sources of evidence in languages other than English. Sources of evidence published since 1964 will be included. Data will be extracted using a purpose-designed spreadsheet and the results will be summarized descriptively and presented in tabular format. Open Science Framework https://osf.io/db85p.

Study of Smart Cities Based on Human Capital (Case of Russian Research-Driven Towns as Proto-Smart Cities)

Existent philosophical literature has been largely focusing on the ethical aspects and controversies of developing and using smart technologies such as AI and big data, whereas human capital and infrastructural environment as pre-existing factors have been covered by AI Ethics in a lesser extent. Most of the current research focuses on technical infrastructural aspects in the implementation of complex «smart projects», while insufficient attention is paid to the role of social capital. In order to widen the focus and to include human capital and infrastructural developments coming along with the increasing role of AI, the paper takes a novel look at philosophical underpinnings of smart cities and discusses the concept of the Russian Naukograd (literally from Russian – City of Science, or Researchers’ city, meaning a city which is developing as a community of scientists and academics) as a historical approach for smart city concept implementation. The authors apply theoretical methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis) as well as the case study approach to the Russian (Soviet) experience in forming research-driven cities in order to highlight the value of high scientific, industrial and educational capital («smart nation») as a fundamental factor for the stable long-term development of modern cities. The findings suggest that some concepts of the Russian Naukograd for example the focus on research and education are valuable and that investment in social capital (i. e., people) should stand on the same footing as investment in technology developing a smart city. In this approach the prefix «smart» may stand for «smart citizens/nations» as a pivotal framework at the initial stages of smart cities development.

The Dual Nature of Diana Arbus's Photographic Art

Diana Arbus is a photographer to be criticized for unethical practices, yet her unique photographic style has left a lasting imprint on civilization. She's good at capturing marginalized societal groups, confronting the harsh realities and ugliness. Her work influenced people's contemplation of photographic art, while simultaneously subjecting her to significant ethical controversies. Arbus's photographs evoke feelings of terror and discomfort, but at the same time, she shed light on the people and experiences hidden in the shadows, revealing the greatness and sacredness of suffering and its essence. This gave rise to an aesthetic of alienation that contradicts traditional aesthetics. In Arbus's photographic works, there is a juxtaposition and fusion of oppositions between art and morality. Traditional aesthetics pursue happiness, harmony, and beauty, whereas Arbus's photographs present pain, distortion, and ugliness. Consequently, some argue that Arbus violates the moral principles of beauty. However, on the other hand, Arbus's works also bring visibility, attention, and understanding to marginalized groups, achieving a fusion of art and morality in a divergent way.

“Not Up For Debate” in advance

Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl is a debate-style activity that aims to help students cultivate skills of moral deliberation. While a fair amount has been written about the pedagogical benefits of Ethics Bowl, relatively little attention has been given to potential ethical criticisms of the activity. In this paper I present some reflections on an ethical challenge to Ethics Bowl, namely that applying the characteristic approach of Ethics Bowl to some issues of contemporary ethical controversy can be immoral. The concern is that treating certain topics as “open to debate” conveys disrespect for certain individuals, and risks normalizing harmful viewpoints. I argue that we should take this challenge seriously; indeed, the guiding values behind Ethics Bowl require that we do so. I conclude that conducting Ethical Bowl in an ethical manner requires caution and skill.

Buddhist Community Empowerment in Health

Empowering Buddhist communities in the health sector includes a series of concepts, views, and practices that integrate Buddhist religious values with health aspects. The concept of health empowerment, as the main foundation, provides a philosophical basis for efforts to improve the welfare of Buddhist communities. Furthermore, the Buddhist concept of health introduces a holistic view that includes physical, mental, and spiritual aspects as interrelated elements in achieving optimal health. The Buddhist approach to health emphasizes the principles of morality, awareness, and wisdom in maintaining a balanced life. Health science according to Buddhism provides an in-depth knowledge base regarding the relationship between mind and body, as well as ways to maintain overall health. Empowering herbal plants for health is one of the real implementations through exploring the potential of plants as a source of natural medicine. Mental health aspects from a Buddhist perspective are the main focus of community empowerment efforts. By adopting meditation practices and understanding the concept of dukkha (dissatisfaction), Buddhist communities can manage stress and improve their mental well-being. Apart from that, the development of health sciences also raises ethical controversies that need to be accommodated through a Buddhist perspective, integrating advances in science with the moral values believed in by the Buddhist community. Strengthening public health from a Buddhist perspective encourages active community participation in maintaining and improving collective health. By understanding and applying Buddhist teachings, people can form a proactive mindset towards health, build solidarity, and realize shared prosperity. Empowering the Buddhist community in the health sector is a vehicle for implementing religious values in improving the overall quality of life.

Caught in a Dilemma: The Impacts of Dual Organizational Identification on Host Country Nationals in the Face of Ethical Controversies

Caught in a Dilemma: The Impacts of Dual Organizational Identification on Host Country Nationals in the Face of Ethical Controversies