To replicate or not to replicate?: exploring reproducibility in economics through the lens of a model and a pilot study

The sciences are in an era of an alleged ‘credibility crisis’. In this study, we discuss the reproducibility of empirical results, focusing on economics research. By combining theory and empirical evidence, we discuss the import of replication studies, and whether they improve our confidence in novel findings. The theory sheds light on the importance of replications, even when replications are subject to bias. We then present a pilot meta-study of replication in experimental economics, a subfield serving as a positive benchmark for investigating the credibility of economics. Our meta-study highlights certain difficulties when applying meta-research to systematise the economics literature

Relevance of Stress and Female Sex Hormones for Emotion and Cognition

There are clear sex differences in incidence and onset of stress-related and other psychiatric disorders in humans. Yet, rodent models for psychiatric disorders are predominantly based on male animals. The strongest argument for not using female rodents is their estrous cycle and the fluctuating sex hormones per phase which multiplies the number of animals to be tested. Here, we will discuss studies focused on sex differences in emotionality and cognitive abilities in experimental conditions with and without stress. First, female sex hormones such as estrogens and progesterone affect emotions and cognition, contributing to sex differences in behavior. Second, females respond differently to stress than males which might be related to the phase of the estrous cycle. For example, female rats and mice express less anxiety than males in a novel environment. Proestrus females are less anxious than females in the other estrous phases. Third, males perform in spatial tasks superior to females. However, while stress impairs spatial memory in males, females improve their spatial abilities, depending on the task and kind of stressor. We conclude that the differences in emotion, cognition and responses to stress between males and females over the different phases of the estrous cycle should be used in animal models for stress-related psychiatric disorders

Comparing consistency of clear corneal incisions using a traditional diamond keratome and a newly designed diamond keratome

Russell J Swan, Julia M Byrd, Daniel I Bettis, Randall J Olson Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA Purpose: To compare the consistency of incision architecture utilizing a traditional diamond keratome and a newly designed diamond keratome.Methods: We used a traditional diamond keratome and newly designed diamond keratome to create clear corneal incisions in human cadaveric donor eyes. Three surgeons with varying levels of experience made 30 incisions with each keratome; and the wound architecture was measured including incision lengths, epithelial and endothelial widths, and the central epithelial incision’s deviation from a straight line entrance. Results: The mean absolute difference in right and left incision lengths (traditional: 0.182±0.158 mm and new 0.088±0.077 mm [P<0.003]), mean absolute difference in epithelial and endothelial incision width (traditional: 0.181±0.144 mm and new 0.080±0.092 mm [P<0.002]), endothelial incision central deviation from a straight line (traditional: 0.128±0.242 mm and new -0.046±0.124 mm [P<0.001]) were all significantly more consistent with the newly designed diamond keratome than with the traditional diamond keratome. Conclusion: The newly designed diamond keratome creates a more consistent clear corneal incision than a traditional diamond keratome across a variety of surgical skill levels and does not require advanced levels of training to achieve this consistency. Keywords: postoperative endophthalmitis, keratome, corneal incisio

Strategic considerations on developing a CHIKV vaccine and ensuring equitable access for countries in need

Abstract Chikungunya is an arboviral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) afflicting tropical and sub-tropical countries worldwide. It has been identified as a priority pathogen by the Coalition for Epidemics Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and as an emerging infectious disease (EID) necessitating further action as soon as possible by the World Health Organization (WHO). Recent studies suggest that disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CHIKV infection are as high as 106,089 DALYs lost globally. Significant progress has been made in the development of several vaccines, aimed at preventing CHIKV infections. This perspective article summarizes CEPI’s efforts and strategic considerations for developing a CHIKV vaccine and ensuring equitable access for CHIKV endemic countries