Severity Classification of Surgical Procedures and Application of Health Monitoring Strategies in Animal Research Proposals: A Retrospective Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 273-289
Author(s):  
Kathrin Herrmann ◽  
Paul Flecknell
Keyword(s):  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Animal Experimentation ◽  
Animal Research ◽  
Animal Suffering ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Monitoring Strategies ◽  
Animal Use

Animal experimentation has been one of the most controversial areas of animal use, mainly due to the intentional harms inflicted upon the animals used. In an effort to reduce these harms, research on refinement has increased significantly over the past 20 years. However, the extent to which these efforts have helped to reduce the severity of the research procedures, and thus animal suffering, is uncertain. To provide an indication of the awareness and implementation of refinement methods, we reviewed the experimental techniques for 684 surgical interventions described in 506 animal research applications that had been sent to the German competent authorities for approval in 2010. In this paper, we describe and discuss the severity categorisation of the proposed surgeries and the planned health monitoring strategies. We found that the researchers frequently underestimated the levels of pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm that were to be inflicted on the animals. Furthermore, the planned health monitoring strategies were generally flawed. To ensure responsible treatment of animals and high-quality science, adequate training of research workers in recognising and alleviating animal suffering is essential.

The Application of Humane Endpoints and Humane Killing Methods in Animal Research Proposals: A Retrospective Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 317-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Herrmann ◽  
Paul Flecknell
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Late Stage ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Animal Research ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Animal Suffering ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Potential Benefits

Refinement refers to the use of methods that help to minimise animal suffering in the laboratory. Research in this area has increased significantly over the past two decades. However, the extent to which refinements are applied in practice is uncertain. To provide an indication of the implementation and awareness of refinements, we reviewed the experimental techniques for 684 surgical interventions described in 506 animal research applications sent to the German competent authorities for approval in 2010. In this paper, we describe and discuss the appropriateness of the proposed humane endpoints and killing methods. We found that, when the investigators included humane endpoints in their application, these were often lacking in detail and/or were to be implemented at a late stage of suffering. In addition, the choice of method to kill the animals could be improved in the majority of the applications. We provide recommendations for future improvements, based on the recent literature. To ensure scientific rigour, avoid needless animal suffering and enable an accurate harm–benefit analysis, animal researchers have to be knowledgeable about refinement methods and apply them effectively. To assess compliance and ensure that only those studies in which potential benefits outweigh the harms are carried out, reviews such as ours — as well as retrospective assessments of actual harms and benefits — should be conducted widely and regularly, and the findings should be published.

scholarly journals Volume 25, Issue 1 (March 2021) Physiol Pharmacol 2021, 25(1): 1-6 | Back to browse issues page 10.32598/ppj.25.1.10 XML Print Download citation: BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks Send citation to: Mendeley Zotero RefWorks Najafi H, Zarei R, Alimoradian A, Asafari M, Mohammadi M, Samadi F, et al . A review on humane endpoints in animal experimentation for biomedical research. Physiol Pharmacol. 2021; 25 (1) :1-6 URL: http://ppj.phypha.ir/article-1-1606-en.html A review on humane endpoints in animal experimentation for biomedical research

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Houshang Najafi ◽  
◽  
Reza Zarei ◽  
Abbas Alimoradian ◽  
Mohaddeseh Asafari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Animal Experimentation ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
Animal Suffering ◽  
Reference Manager ◽  
Animal Use

Introduction: The use of animals in experiments and their role in the development of medical sciences are undeniable. Humane endpoints terminate pain and distress in laboratory animals, which are experimented in painful procedures and an involuntary manner. This study was going to review studies published in this area to assist researchers in developing their approach. Methods: Articles used in this review study were obtained from relevant databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, OVID, SID, Magiran and Google scholar. Results: “Humane endpoints” or killing the animal humanely means the point at which an experimental animal’s pain and/or distress is terminated. This pain and distress are not necessarily accompanied by clinical symptoms and it can also be recognized by biochemical, physiological and molecular biomarkers testing. Conclusion: Regarding the extensive use of laboratory animals, the aim is not only to take care of animals but also to develop knowledge and prevent unintentional animal suffering and death. Increasing awareness of ethical issues regarding research animal use needs scientific information and designing experiments, which are terminated immediately after achieving main goals. Otherwise, it threatens the life of animal and leads to the animal suffering.

scholarly journals Toxicology and New Social Ethics for Animals

2003 ◽  
Vol 31 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 128-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard E. Rollin
Keyword(s):  
Social Ethics ◽  
Animal Research ◽  
Social Concern ◽  
Animal Suffering ◽  
The Past ◽  
Animal Pain ◽  
Pain And Suffering

The issue of animal treatment has emerged as a major social concern over the past three decades. This ramified in a new ethic for animal treatment that goes beyond concern about cruelty and attempts to eliminate animal pain and suffering, whatever its source. This is evidenced by laws governing animal research in many countries. Insofar as toxicology can entail significant and prolonged animal suffering, it is at loggerheads with this new ethic. Ways are suggested for the toxicological community to put itself in harmony with the ethic and thereby preserve its autonomy.

Advances in Refinement in Animal Experimentation over the past 25 Years

1995 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 812-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Morton
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Experimental Technique ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Animal Experimentation ◽  
Animal Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
And Training ◽  
Personal Viewpoint

This article describes, from a personal viewpoint, some of the major advances in refinement in animal experimentation over the past 25–35 years. It is written mainly from a UK perspective. Aspects of public perception and policy, education and training, and the competence of those involved in animal research, are commented upon. Recognition of adverse effects on animals is seen as the key to the refinement of animal experimentation. Elaboration on, and examples of, this theme are given by referring to refinements in animal husbandry and experimental technique. A brief look forward to the changes that may occur in the next 25 years is also included.

Second international scientific conference «Present fundamental problems of vegetation classification» (Yalta, 15–20 September 2019)

2019 ◽  
pp. 135-142
Author(s):  
K. V. Ivanova ◽  
A. M. Lapina ◽  
V. V. Neshataev
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
National Archive ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Vegetation Classification ◽  
Scientific Conference ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Time Dynamics ◽  
The Past ◽  
Research Organizations

The 2nd international scientific conference «Fundamental problems of vegetation classification» took place at the Nikitskiy Botanical Garden (Yalta, Republic of Crimea, Russia) on 15–20 September 2019. There were 56 participants from 33 cities and 43 research organizations in Russia. The conference was mostly focused on reviewing the success in classification of the vegetation done by Russian scientists in the past three years. The reports covered various topics such as classification, description of new syntaxonomical units, geobotanical mapping for different territories and types of vegetation, studies of space-time dynamics of plant communities. The final discussion on the last day covered problems yet to be solved: establishment of the Russian Prodromus and the National archive of vegetation, complications of higher education in the profile of geobotany, and the issue of the data leakage to foreign scientific journals. In conclusion, it was announced that the 3rd conference in Nikitskiy Botanical Garden will be held in 2022.

The Poetry and Music of Science

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom McLeish
Keyword(s):  
School Leaver ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Creative Processes ◽  
Arts And Sciences ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Arts ◽  
The Two Cultures ◽  
Personal Accounts ◽  
Poetry And Music

‘I could not see any place in science for my creativity or imagination’, was the explanation, of a bright school leaver to the author, of why she had abandoned all study of science. Yet as any scientist knows, the imagination is essential to the immense task of re-creating a shared model of nature from the scale of the cosmos, through biological complexity, to the smallest subatomic structures. Encounters like that one inspired this book, which takes a journey through the creative process in the arts as well as sciences. Visiting great creative people of the past, it also draws on personal accounts of scientists, artists, mathematicians, writers, and musicians today to explore the commonalities and differences in creation. Tom McLeish finds that the ‘Two Cultures’ division between the arts and the sciences is not after all, the best classification of creative processes, for all creation calls on the power of the imagination within the constraints of form. Instead, the three modes of visual, textual, and abstract imagination have woven the stories of the arts and sciences together, but using different tools. As well as panoramic assessments of creativity, calling on ideas from the ancient world, medieval thought, and twentieth-century philosophy and theology, The Poetry and Music of Science illustrates its emerging story by specific close-up explorations of musical (Schumann), literary (James, Woolf, Goethe) mathematical (Wiles), and scientific (Humboldt, Einstein) creation. The book concludes by asking how creativity contributes to what it means to be human.

Mapping Power

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
The Political ◽  
Government Reform ◽  
High Quality ◽  
The Past ◽  
Economic Forces ◽  
Political Economy Analysis

Electricity is critical to enabling India’s economic growth and providing a better future for its citizens. In spite of several decades of reform, the Indian electricity sector is unable to provide high-quality and affordable electricity for all, and grapples with the challenge of poor financial and operational performance. To understand why, Mapping Power provides the most comprehensive analysis of the political economy of electricity in India’s states. With chapters on fifteen states by scholars of state politics and electricity, this volume maps the political and economic forces that constrain and shape decisions in electricity distribute on. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it concludes that attempts to depoliticize the sector are misplaced and could worsen outcomes. Instead, it suggests that a historically grounded political economy analysis helps understand the past and devise reforms to simultaneously improve sectoral outcomes and generate political rewards. These arguments have implications for the challenges facing India’s electricity future, including providing electricity to all, implementing government reform schemes, and successfully managing the rise of renewable energy.

scholarly journals 344 The Ag Guide serves as a primary standard for animal scientists and AAALAC accreditation of Ag research programs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 71-72
Author(s):  
Janeen Salak-Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Primary Standard ◽  
Animal Research ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Professional Judgment ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Accreditation Program ◽  
Agricultural Animal ◽  
Animal Care

Abstract Institutions that engage in animal research and production must ensure that high standards of animal care and use meet expectations of society while being ethical stewards of the animals they use in research. In order to achieve engagement in best practices, the Ag Guide is the most appropriate standard for assessing agricultural animals used in research and teaching. The Ag Guide minimizes the potential to overuse performance standards while enhancing the ability to appropriately address specific performance-derived exceptions to situations for which they have been validated. The primary objectives of the standards established in the Ag Guide are well-aligned with the goals of the AAALAC International accreditation program. The Ag Guide provides scientifically-sound, performance-based approaches to animal care and housing, which meet the expectations of AAALAC’s accreditation program. AAALAC provides a third-party peer review of all facets of the animal care and use program that serves as an effective mechanism to ensure institutions meet the standards of the Ag Guide. The process is designed to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program to ensure high-quality scientific outcomes and a high level of animal welfare. AAALAC accreditation program for agricultural animal research program is built on the cornerstone of the Ag Guide standards and connects science and responsible animal care. AAALAC accreditation promotes a comprehensive, institutionally supported program with a commitment to continuous improvement, humane and ethical animal care resulting in high-quality animal welfare, and scientific validity. AAALAC takes the position that, in accredited programs, the housing and care for agricultural animals should meet the standards that prevail on a high-quality, well-managed farm and the Ag Guide serves as this foundation. Therefore, the use of the Ag Guide for agricultural animal programs ensures a review that is based on science, professional judgment, and the best interests of the animal.

scholarly journals ANCA Status or Clinical Phenotype — What Counts More?

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Windpessl ◽  
Erica L. Bettac ◽  
Philipp Gauckler ◽  
Jae Il Shin ◽  
Duvuru Geetha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis ◽  
Clinical Phenotype ◽  
Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody ◽  
Cardiovascular Death ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
The Past ◽  
Anca Associated Vasculitis

Abstract Purpose of Review There is ongoing debate concerning the classification of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. That is, whether classification should be based on the serotype (proteinase 3 (PR3)- or myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA) or on the clinical phenotype (granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) or microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)). To add clarity, this review focused on integration of the most recent literature. Recent Findings Large clinical trials have provided evidence that a serology-based risk assessment for relapses is more predictive than distinction based on the phenotype. Research conducted in the past decade indicated that a serology-based approach more closely resembles the genetic associations, the clinical presentation (i.e., lung involvement), biomarker biology, treatment response, and is also predicting comorbidities (such as cardiovascular death). Summary Our review highlights that a serology-based approach could replace a phenotype-based approach to classify ANCA-associated vasculitides. In future, clinical trials and observational studies will presumably focus on this distinction and, as such, translate into a “personalized medicine.”

scholarly journals Morphological Characteristics, Classifications and Difficulties in the Use of Diagnostic Criteria for Serrated Lesions of the Large Intestine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesar de Souza Bastos Junior ◽  
Vera Lucia Nunes Pannain ◽  
Adriana Caroli-Bottino
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Serrated Adenoma ◽  
The Past ◽  
The World ◽  
Serrated Lesions ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Introduction Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal neoplasm in the world, accounting for 15% of cancer-related deaths. This condition is related to different molecular pathways, among them the recently described serrated pathway, whose characteristic entities, serrated lesions, have undergone important changes in their names and diagnostic criteria in the past thirty years. The multiplicity of denominations and criteria over the last years may be responsible for the low interobserver concordance (IOC) described in the literature. Objectives The present study aims to describe the evolution in classification of serrated lesions, based on the last three publications of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the reproducibility of these criteria by pathologists, based on the evaluation of the IOC. Methods A search was conducted in the PubMed, ResearchGate and Portal Capes databases, with the following terms: sessile serrated lesion; serrated lesions; serrated adenoma; interobserver concordance; and reproducibility. Articles published since 1990 were researched. Results and Discussion The classification of serrated lesions in the past thirty years showed different denominations and diagnostic criteria. The reproducibility and IOC of these criteria in the literature, based on the kappa coefficient, varied in most studies, from very poor to moderate. Conclusions Interobserver concordance and the reproducibility of microscopic criteria may represent a limitation for the diagnosis and appropriate management of these lesions. It is necessary to investigate diagnostic tools to improve the performance of the pathologist's evaluation, for better concordance, and, consequently, adequate diagnosis and treatment.

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