Shadow Pulse 9

Respect for Persons in Research  The principle of respect for persons is one of the three fundamental principles of research ethics, along with beneficence and justice. It is based on the belief that all individuals have the right to be treated with autonomy and respect, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or health status. The principle of respect for persons has two main components (Hicks, 2020) : Autonomy : This means that individuals should be able to make their own decisions about their participation in research, without coercion or undue influence. Researchers must provide potential research subjects with all the information they need to make an informed decision, including the risks and benefits of participating in the study. Protection of those with diminished autonomy: This means that researchers have a special obligation to protect individuals who are not able to make their own decisions about research participation, such as children and peopl...

How to combat feelings of inadequacy   Feelings of inadequacy are a common experience that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as unrealistic expectations, negative self-talk, and past experiences of failure. When we feel inadequate, it can be difficult to focus on our goals, take risks, and feel good about ourselves. Here are some tips on how to combat feelings of inadequacy: Identify the source of your feelings. What are the specific thoughts and beliefs that are making you feel inadequate? Once you know the source of your feelings, you can start to challenge them. Practice positive self-talk. Instead of focusing on your weaknesses, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Remind yourself that you are capable and worthy of success. Set realistic goals. When we set unrealistic goals, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Instead, set goals that are challenging but achievable. This will help you build confidence and feel more accomplished. Take risks....

The Hierarchy of Ends In his book Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle argues that every art, inquiry, action, and pursuit aims at some good. He defines the good as "that at which all things aim." Aristotle distinguishes between two types of ends: activities and products. Activities are what we do, while products are what we create. For example, the activity of playing the piano is an end in itself, while the product of playing the piano (e.g., a beautiful melody) is not. Aristotle also argues that the ends of different arts and sciences can be ranked in a hierarchy. The end of a master art is superior to the ends of the subordinate arts that fall under it. For example, the master art of medicine is health, while the subordinate arts of medicine (e.g., surgery, medication, and therapy) are all aimed at achieving health. Finally, Aristotle argues that the ends of actions are preferred to the products of actions. This is because the ends are what we aim for, while the products are the...

 What You Should Know About Xylazine What is Xylazine? Xylazine (also called “tranq” or “tranq dope”) is a non-opioid sedative or tranquilizer. Although not a controlled substance in the United States, xylazine is not approved for use in people  (What You Should Know about Xylazine | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center, 2023). How are people exposed to xylazine?  Illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl can be mixed with xylazine, either to enhance drug effects or increase street value by increasing their weight. People who use illegal drugs may not be aware of the presence of xylazine. DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 states, and the DEA laboratory system reported that approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA in 2022 contained xylazine . Xylazine is usually injected, although it can be swallowed or sniffed (What You Should Know about Xylazine | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center, 202...

 Frequently Asked Questions about Naloxone What is naloxone? Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications—when given in time. There are two forms of naloxone that anyone can use without medical training or authorization (Frequently Asked Questions about Naloxone, 2023):  Nasal spray – Prefilled devices that spray medication into the nose. Injectable – Medication (solution) given by injection into a muscle or under the skin. How much does naloxone cost and where can I get it? The cost varies depending on where you get the naloxone, how you get it, and what type you get. Check with your insurance provider to see if naloxone is covered under your plan. Community-based organizations and local health departments may offer naloxone at little to no cost. Naloxone is available in all 50 states and at pharmacies in most states without a prescription. Healthcare professionals can co-pr...

 Early Release of Selected Estimates Based on Data From the 2022 National Health Interview Survey  In this release, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Early Release Program provides estimates for 20 key health indicators based on data from the 2022 NHIS. These estimates are being published prior to final data editing and final weighting to provide access to the most recent information from NHIS (Schiller & Norris, n.d.). Percentages (and 95% confidence intervals) of selected key health indicators for adults aged 18 and over, by quarter and year (Schiller & Norris, n.d.): United States, 2022                           Disability Status:     9.1           Regularly had feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety:  12.5 Regularly had feelings of depression: 5.0 Counseled by a mental healt...

 History and Ethical Principles Research with human subjects has a long and often troubled history. Some of the most egregious examples of unethical research include (Hicks, 2020):  The Tuskegee Syphilis Study: In this study, which ran from 1932 to 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service withheld treatment from African American men with syphilis, even after penicillin became a widely available treatment. The men were not told the true nature of the study, and many of them died from syphilis or its complications.  The Nazi human experimentation program: During World War II, Nazi doctors and scientists conducted horrific experiments on concentration camp prisoners. These experiments included injecting prisoners with diseases, irradiating them, and performing surgery without anesthesia. Many of the prisoners died or were permanently injured as a result of these experiments.  The Willowbrook Study: This study, which ran from 1963 to 1974, involved intentionally infecting me...