Misplaced Paternalism and other Mistakes in the Debate over Kidney Sales

Erik Malmqvist defends the prohibition on kidney sales as a justifiable measure to protect individuals from harms they have not autonomously chosen. This appeal to ‘group soft paternalism’ requires that three conditions be met. It must be shown that some vendors will be harmed, that some will be subject to undue pressure to vend, and that we cannot feasibly distinguish between the autonomous and the non‐autonomous. I argue that Malmqvist fails to demonstrate that any of these conditions are likely to obtain. His argument involves two common errors. First, he, like many, proceeds on a mistaken understanding of how to assess harm. What matters is not the balance of costs and benefits of vending, but a comparison of potential vendors’ welfare across two possible courses of action. Second, Malmqvist's concerns about third‐party pressure are predicated on an empirically unrealistic understanding of the operation of a regulated market. A widely underappreciated fact is that kidney sales will be relatively rare, and most who try to vend will be unable to. Because pressure on another to vend will not result in the desired outcome, few will exert it.     

Covert moral bioenhancement,public health,and autonomy

In a recent article in this journal, Parker Crutchfield argues that if moral bioenhancement ought to be compulsory, as some authors claim, then it ought to be covert, i.e., performed without the knowledge of the population that is being morally enhanced. Crutchfield argues that since the aim of compulsory moral bioenhancement is to prevent ultimate harm to the population, compulsory moral bioenhancement is best categorized as a public health issue, and should therefore be governed by the norms and values that apply in public health settings. In this article, I argue for two related claims. First, I question the extent to which compulsory moral enhancement should be considered a public health issue that ought to be governed by the norms and values that apply in public health settings. Second, I argue that Crutchfield's argument that covert moral bioenhancement would better respect people's autonomy than an overt program overlooks two important autonomy‐based reasons that, in fact, favor an overt moral enhancement program over a covert one.     

Qualitative and quantitative interpretations of the least restrictive means

Within healthcare ethics and public health ethics, it has been the custom that medical and public health interventions should adhere to the principle of the least restrictive means. This principle holds that public health measures should interfere with the autonomous freedom of individuals to the least possible or necessary extent. This paper contributes to the discussion on how best to conceptualize what counts as the least restrictive means. I argue that we should adopt a novel, qualitative interpretation of what counts as the least restrictive means. Based on the multidimensional framework of the capability approach, the qualitative interpretation holds that the least restrictive means should be measured in terms of whether it restricts certain normatively valuable freedoms. I contrast this interpretation with quantitative interpretations that measure how much, or the extent to which, a public health measure interferes with the freedom of individuals.     

Performance of the tobacco aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Oriental and Virginia tobacco varieties

Abstract 1 The life parameters of one red and one green clone of Myzus persicae reared on 11 Oriental tobacco type varieties (KP7, K63, KZ10/z, MA13/b, BX2/a, N34/4, KP14/a, Kolindros, S79, TA21 and BX81) and on five Virginia ones (VE9, VE3, SPG28‐VE2, Kleio‐KN1 and Niki‐NK3) at 20 °C and LD 16 : 8 h were examined. 2 In general, the clones, performed better on Oriental than on Virginia type varieties. The varieties TA21 and Kolindros could be considered as the most resistant among the Oriental ones. Aphids on Virginia varieties showed longer developmental time (9.1–9.6 days), a lower intrinsic rate of increase (0.2347–0.2647) and higher nymphal mortality (27.9–52.5%) than on Oriental varieties. The corresponding values in the latter were 7.3–9.0 days, 0.2784–0.3302 and 10.0–47.9%. 3 The leaves of Virginia type varieties (188–471 hairs/cm²) and one Oriental (K63) 273 hairs/cm² were more hairy than the other Oriental type varieties (61–150 hairs/cm²). The Virginia type varieties showed also a lower level of reducing sugars (3.5–7.2%) than the Oriental ones (7.0–9.8%). Trichome density and level of reducing sugars were significantly negatively correlated with developmental time and intrinsic rate of increase. 4 An interclonal variation in performance, possibly related to the colour of aphids, was observed. The red clone performed better than the green one. The same trend was observed when the results of the previous clones on the variety KP14/a were analysed with the data obtained on the same variety from two other clones (one red and one green).     

南美斑潜蝇在昭阳区烤烟上的发生及防治

南美斑潜蝇Liriomyza huidobrensis每年4～8月在云南省昭通市昭阳区的烤烟生育期间发生5～6代,世代重叠,4月上旬为始发期,5月中旬至6月上旬为发生高峰期。完成1代的历期为18～34d;该虫对各种烟乡(镇)的危害属轻度发生,年发生面积1500～3000hm^2,集中危害烟株下部的1～4个叶位叶片。同时提出了南美斑潜蝇的综合防治技术。     

烟草害虫天敌及其自然控制作用

介绍了云南省烟草主要害虫天敌资源和天敌昆虫的自然控制作用。在云南省烟田内 ,控制烟草害虫发生的生物因子大致可归纳为寄生性和捕食性两大类。充分发挥自然因素的生态调控作用 ,对保护利用天敌、维护烟田生态平衡、提高害虫综合治理效果、保护生态环境都有重要意义     

Evaluation of the enantiomeric composition of amino acids in tobacco

Despite the fact that several studies have reported the concentrations of various free amino acids in tobacco, their enantiomeric composition is unknown. Both the absolute and enantiomeric compositions of proline, alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, valine, methionine, leucine,and phenylalanine were determined for three strains of tobacco leaf, three types of smokeless tobacco, and six different blended filtered and nonfiltered reference cigarettes. Some of the highest levels of D ‐amino acids ever found in agricultural products were observed. Possible mechanisms for the production of these D ‐amino acids are considered. The relevance of D ‐amino acids in tobacco is discussed. Chirality 11:669–673, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The medical decision-making process and the family: the case of breast cancer patients and their husbands

Objectives:  The objectives of the study were (1) to assess similarities and differences between breast cancer patients and their husbands in terms of doctor-patient/spouse relationships and shared decision making; and (2) to investigate the association between breast cancer patients and husbands in terms of preference of type of doctor, doctor-patient relationship, and shared decision making regarding medical treatment.
Method:  Fifty-seven women with breast cancer, and their husbands, completed questionnaires measuring doctor-patient/spouse relationships (paternalism, autonomy), and decision making regarding medical treatment.
Results:  Patients believe they have a key role in the medical decision-making process (93%) and that the participation of their husbands, and their agreement with the decision, is important (84% and 89%, respectively). Both breast cancer patients and their husbands prefer a shared decision-making process to paternalistic or autonomy-based approaches.
Conclusion:  In contrast to legal and bioethical approaches, which focus on the patient as the primary decision maker, this study reflects a practical recognition of the role of the breast cancer patient's husband in the decision-making process. It also reflects a relational rather than an individualistic perception of patient autonomy.     

烟草在PVYN病毒与烟蚜作用下对高CO2浓度的响应

以CO2浓度为主处理因子,研究了加倍CO2浓度和对照大气CO2浓度条件下,烟蚜、马铃薯Y病毒N株(PVYN)以及二者共同作用下烟草各指标的响应。结果表明,在当前CO2浓度条件下,PVYN、烟蚜及两者联合作用对烟草生物量影响不显著;而在未来高CO2浓度条件下,PVYN、烟蚜及两者联合作用对烟草生物量影响很大。CO2浓度升高后,PVYN和蚜虫二者联合作用显著降低烟草产量,危害加重,高CO2的肥料作用被极大地削弱。在有烟蚜、PVYN以及两者共同作用时烟草的化学物质及主要的次生代谢物烟碱的含量对CO2浓度升高的响应也发生一定的变化,表现在:高CO2浓度条件下,蚜虫、蚜虫与PVYN共同作用显著增加了烟草的含氮量;显著减少了烟叶含糖量;PVYN及其与蚜虫共同作用显著升高叶片可溶性蛋白含量;当高CO2浓度下,各处理的烟草烟碱含量均显著下降,而且PVYN感染的烟叶烟碱含量无论在哪一种CO2浓度条件下,都比无毒无虫的对照烟叶烟碱含量升高。结果显示,烟蚜和马铃薯Y病毒N株(PVYN)对烟草的产量、营养物质及防御物质都有影响;CO2浓度升高对烟草的生长有促进作用,增加了烟草的产量,但蚜虫的危害和PVYN感染使烟草产量下降,在高CO2浓度条件下,烟蚜和PVYN共同作用相对于目前CO2浓度对烟草产量的危害加重。     

Autonomy,Natality and Freedom: A Liberal Re‐examination of Habermas in the Enhancement Debate

Jurgen Habermas has argued that carrying out pre‐natal germline enhancements would be inimical to the future child's autonomy. In this article, I suggest that many of the objections that have been made against Habermas' arguments by liberals in the enhancement debate misconstrue his claims. To explain why, I begin by explaining how Habermas' view of personal autonomy confers particular importance to the agent's embodiment and social environment. In view of this, I explain that it is possible to draw two arguments against germline enhancements from Habermas' thought. I call these arguments ‘the argument from negative freedom’ and ‘the argument from natality’. Although I argue that many of the common liberal objections to Habermas are not applicable when his arguments are properly understood, I go on to suggest ways in which supporters of enhancement might appropriately respond to Habermas' arguments.     

Knowledge,attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to blood cholinesterase level among tobacco farmers in Northern Thailand

Abstract

Tobacco is one of the crops using a lot of pesticides, especially organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to blood cholinesterase levels related to pesticide use among tobacco farmers. A questionnaire and a reactive-paper finger blood test were completed by 44 tobacco farmers. The results showed that most of the participants were females (75.0%) between 51 and 60 years old (54.5%). Almost 95.5% of respondents acknowledged that they should wear a mask while spraying and most of them read pesticide labels before use (93.2%). Most of the tobacco farmers had moderate level of knowledge and attitudes, 63.6% and 70.5%, respectively and good practice (84.1%). The prevalence of risky levels of blood cholinesterase among tobacco farmers in the study area was high. The study found a strongly significant association between level of knowledge and blood cholinesterase level (P < 0.001). Policy implementation and risk communication will be introduced to the community in order to develop a safety program. Government authorities should be provided with the appropriate recommendations regarding pesticide exposure of tobacco farmers in this area.     

Academic Freedom,Public Reactions,and Anonymity

Academic freedom can be defined as immunity against adverse reactions from the general public, designed to keep scholars unintimidated and productive even after they have published controversial ideas. Francesca Minerva claims that this notion of strict instrumental academic freedom is supported by Ronald Dworkin, and that anonymity would effectively defend the sphere of immunity implied by it. Against this, I argue that the idea defended by Minerva finds no support in the work by Dworkin referred to; that anonymity would not in most cases effectively protect the kind of immunity sought after; and that in some cases it would not even be desirable to protect scholars from public reactions to their controversial claims.     

贵州烟贮害虫发生危害的初步调查与防治

介绍了贵阳烟贮主要害虫烟草粉螟EphesiaelutellaH櫣ｂｎｅｒ、烟草甲虫ＬａｓｉｏｄｅｒｍａｓｅｒｒｉｃｏｒｎｅFabricius的发生危害与防治 ,并对其影响发生的因素进行了初析。     

烟草对烟粉虱的抗性与烟草化学成分的相关性

为探明烟草对烟粉虱Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius)的抗性机制,分别测定了不同烟草品种的叶绿素相对含量、鲜烟叶及烤后烟叶的化学成分含量,并分析了烟草抗虫性与烟草化学成分的关系.结果表明,中部叶片叶绿素含量与烟粉虱数量呈负相关,相关系数达到了显著水平;鲜烟叶化学成分钾氯比、糖碱比、氮碱比、还原糖、烟碱、蛋...     

Structure of the RNA in tobacco mosaic virus

A model of the RNA of tobacco mosaic virus has been built using computer model-building techniques. The model has good stereochemistry, and fits the electron density map of the virus obtained by fiber diffraction methods considerably better than did earlier models. The three sugar rings in the asymmetric unit all have the A (3′-endo) conformation, One of the bases is in the syn conformation, a conformation observed only rarely in nucleic acid structures.     

Evaluation of garlic intercropping for enhancing the biological control of Ralstonia solanacearum in flue-cured tobacco fields

Tobacco bacterial wilt, Ralstonia solanacearum, is an important disease affecting the root and stem. The disease causes extensive damage to flue-cured tobacco all over the word. Field trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 at Longyan, Fujian Province, China, to evaluate garlic intercropping for enhancing the biological control of R. solanacearum in flue-cured tobacco fields. The results of the study demonstrate that tobacco bacterial wilt was clearly inhibited by intercropping garlic in 2008 and 2009. The appearance of the disease in intercropped fields was delayed for about 15 days. The total number of R. solanacearum in root system soils was significantly lower in intercropped fields than in monocultured fields in 2008. These numbers were between 138×10⁴ and 161×10⁴ cfu g^–1 dry soil in intercropped fields. The corresponding values in monocultured fields were 357×10⁴ cfu g^–1 dry soil. The monetary value of tobacco leaves was obviously higher in intercropped fields than in monocultured ones. The per cent increase in monetary values in the intercropped fields was between 14 and 34%. Consequently, intercropping tobacco with garlic might be very useful for enhancing biological control of R. solanacearum in flue-cured tobacco fields.     

云南省烟植地青枯菌RS-22的分离及其拮抗菌的筛选和鉴定

【背景】由青枯劳尔氏菌(Ralstonia solanacearum)引起的烟草青枯病是一种重要土传病害,在我国南方烟区普遍发生。生物防控是针对烟草青枯病的一种有效防治措施,但是相关的研究报道还较少。【目的】分离云南省烟植地的青枯病原菌,筛选其拮抗菌并对其抑菌效果进行鉴定。【方法】采用平板稀释法从云南感病烟草中分离获得青枯菌,采用平板对峙法筛选青枯菌拮抗菌,筛选得到的拮抗菌通过16SrRNA基因测序比对确定菌种类型,并在实验室和大田鉴定其对青枯病的防治效果。【结果】从感病烟草茎中分离出一株强致病性青枯菌小种RS-22,该菌能侵染烟草和番茄并最终使植物死亡;筛选出12株RS-22拮抗菌,其中拮抗作用最强的是Y4;Y4被鉴定为一株解淀粉芽孢杆菌(Bacillus amyloliquefaciens),其菌体和分泌物都能抑制RS-22生长;Y4根部灌根处理能显著提高烟草和番茄对青枯菌RS-22的抗性,Y4处理能使感病烟草部分恢复正常,在云南文山州烟草种植大田施加Y4菌剂和菌剂有机肥混合物也能显著降低烟草青枯病的感病率。【结论】青枯菌RS-22具有广谱的致病性,筛选的拮抗菌Y4能显著抑制青枯菌生长,而且对青枯菌侵染植物有很好的防治效果。研究结果为进一步研究烟草青枯病的生物防控提供了新的理论依据。     

Responsibility and the limits of patient choice

Patients are generally assumed to have the right to choices about treatment, including the right to refuse treatment, which is constrained by considerations of cost-effectiveness. Independently, many people support the idea that patients who are responsible for their ill health should incur penalties that non-responsible patients do not face. Surprisingly, these two areas have not received much joint attention. This paper considers whether restricting the scope of responsibility to pre-treatment decisions can be justified, or whether a demand to hold people responsible for 'usual suspect' choices such as smoking or failure to exercise commits us to also holding people responsible for their treatment choices. I argue that there is no good reason to support this restriction: those who advocate responsibility for (some) pre-treatment choices should also advocate responsibility for (some) treatment choices. However, I also note that, as with pre-treatment choices, patients may sometimes have reason to choose in ways that do not optimize their health. As such, I also consider a process, based on the idea of public reasons, for deciding which treatment choices patients cannot legitimately be held responsible for, along with a method for considering proposed changes to this category.     

Academic Freedom and the Professional Responsibilities of Applied Ethicists: A comment on Minerva

Academic freedom is an important good, but it comes with several responsibilities. In this commentary we seek to do two things. First, we argue against Francesca Minerva's view of academic freedom as presented in her article ‘New threats to academic freedom’ on a number of grounds. We reject the nature of the absolutist moral claim to free speech for academics implicit in the article; we reject the elitist role for academics as truth‐seekers explicit in her view; and we reject a possible more moderate re‐construction of her view based on the harm/offence distinction. Second, we identify some of the responsibilities of applied ethicists, and illustrate how they recommend against allowing for anonymous publication of research. Such a proposal points to the wider perils of a public discourse which eschews the calm and careful discussion of ideas.     

烟蒜轮作与套作对烤烟产量及根际土壤磷组分的影响

通过大田小区试验,研究烟蒜轮作、套作对烤烟产量和土壤不同形态磷的影响.结果表明： 烟蒜轮作、套作下烤烟产量和上中等烟比例较烤烟单作显著提高,下部叶成熟期根际土壤有效磷含量分别是烤烟单作的1.3和1.7倍.不同种植方式根际和非根际土壤无机磷组分含量均以O-P和Fe-P含量最高,Ca₂-P和Al-P次之,Ca₈-P和Ca₁₀ -P含量最低.与烤烟单作和烟蒜套作处理相比,烟蒜轮作在上部叶成熟期根际土壤Ca₂-P含量最低,Ca₈-P在下部叶成熟期含量最低,Ca₁₀-P含量在中部叶成熟期最低.烟蒜轮作和套作在下部叶成熟期和中部叶成熟期根际土壤Al-P含量分别是烤烟单作的1.6和1.9倍、1.2和1.9倍.烟蒜轮作和套作根际土壤O-P含量均显著低于烤烟单作.烟蒜轮作较烟蒜套作更能活化土壤中难溶的O-P、Ca₁₀-P和高稳性有机磷,提高烤烟产量和中上等烟比例.