RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: In this study, we added laboratory animal ethics education into both didactic sessions and practical sessions the general surgery laboratory course, with the didactic sessions focus on teaching the fundamental principles of laboratory animal ethics, while the practical sessions emphasize the application of these principles in laboratory classes and have assessed the changes in medical students' perception of laboratory animal ethics following medical students exposure to such education. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-nine third-year medical students from Wuhan University's Second Clinical College completed a laboratory animal ethics awareness questionnaire and a laboratory animal ethics written examination before and after laboratory animal ethics education. RESULTS: After receiving laboratory animal ethics education, the percentage of students who supported euthanasia for the execution of animals and humane treatment of laboratory animals were 95.2% and 98.8%, respectively, which did not differ from the 94.9% and 96.4% observed before the education. Moreover, there was a notable increase in the proportion of students who knew about regulations related to laboratory animals (from 39.9% to 57.1%), welfare issues (from 31.9% to 50.0%), and the 3R principle (from 30.4% to 58.9%) post-education, all statistically significant at P < 0.05. Test scores also showed improvement, with students scoring (93.02 ± 11.65) after education compared to (67.83 ± 8.08) before, a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: This research helps to provide information for the good practices of laboratory animal ethics education. After receiving laboratory animal ethics education, students are better able to treat laboratory animals in a correct animal ethical manner. Laboratory animal ethics education helps improve students' knowledge of laboratory animal ethics. Students' perception towards how the laboratory animal ethics course should be delivered may vary. Still, new courses or better organized courses on laboratory animal ethics education are required in order to provide students an in-depth understanding.
Asunto(s)
Estudiantes de Medicina , Humanos , Estudiantes de Medicina/psicología , Animales , Educación de Pregrado en Medicina , Masculino , Femenino , Curriculum , Animales de Laboratorio , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/ética , Bienestar del Animal/ética , Experimentación Animal/ética , China , Evaluación Educacional , Adulto Joven , ConcienciaciónRESUMEN
While laboratory animal research continues to be crucial for scientific and medical advancement, it still raises relevant ethical considerations. In order to foster public trust and support, all animal use must be relevant, responsible, competent and humane, and education and training of scientists in laboratory animal science (LAS) is vital to achieve these goals. However, education must be effective in generating meaningful learning and promoting a culture of competence, professionalism, accountability and transparency. With the ongoing technological and pedagogical revolution in education, LAS educators are adopting innovative educational practices, including e-learning modules, interactive simulations and virtual reality tools, to create and deliver inspirational educational experiences that are immersive, interactive, learner-centric and effective. Drawing from their expertise and experience, the authors of the articles included in this special edition bring forward new technologies and approaches, as well as novel perspectives to well-established concepts and methodologies, hopefully valuable contributions for better engagement and improved learning on LAS and the 3Rs.
Asunto(s)
Experimentación Animal , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio , Animales , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Animales de LaboratorioRESUMEN
Demonstrated competence in laboratory animal science (LAS) is a prerequisite in Directive 2010/63/EU to work with animals used in scientific procedures, as it is essential to increase animal welfare, improve the quality of science, promote the acceptability of animal research and meet the demands of free movement of personnel and scientific exchange. Although since 2010 there have been eight clear steps to achieving the required competence of personnel working with animals used in science, it is not uncommon to see documentation for individuals who have just completed an LAS course that contains only education and training elements (three steps), for which the status of competence in LAS is granted. Here, a simplified summary of how competence in LAS should be delivered in eight steps according to EU recommendations is presented.
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Experimentación Animal , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio , Animales , Unión Europea , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Bienestar del AnimalRESUMEN
Article 23(2) of EU Directive 2010/63 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes requires staff involved in the care and use of animals to be adequately educated and trained before carrying out procedures. Therefore, the 3Rs (refinement, reduction, and replacement) and knowledge of alternative methods should be part of the education and training itself. For this purpose, the digital learning concept "Virtual Reality (VR) in Biomedical Education" evolved, which successfully combines VR components with classical learning content. Procedures, such as anesthesia induction, substance application, and blood sampling in rats, as well as aspects of the laboratory environment were recorded in 360° videos. The generated VR teaching/learning modules (VR modules) were used to better prepare participants for hands-on training (refinement) or as a complete replacement for a live demonstration; thus, reducing the number of animals used for hands-on skills training (reduction). The current study evaluated users' experience of the VR modules. Despite little previous VR experience, participants strongly appreciated the VR modules and indicated that they believed VR has the potential to enhance delivery of procedures and demonstrations. Interestingly, participants with previous experience of laboratory animal science were more convinced about VR's potential to support the 3Rs principle, and endorsed its use for further educational purposes. In conclusion, VR appeared to be highly accepted as a learning/teaching method, indicating its great potential to further replace and reduce the use of animals in experimental animal courses.
Asunto(s)
Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio , Realidad Virtual , Animales , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educaciónRESUMEN
Animal experiments in biomedical research are debated in public, within the scientific community and among students. Despite increased efforts to reduce, refine and replace animal experiments, they remain integral components of the job of a biomedical scientist. In Germany, persons must have a university degree and adequate education and training to perform and direct animal experiments. Therefore, training courses such as FELASA (Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations) courses are provided. However, in our experience, students become aware of this very late in their studies when decisions about their future careers have already been made. We initiated this study to have a better understanding of when and how animal experiments should be discussed during university education. We evaluated the knowledge, self-evaluation and attitudes of biology and medical students of different semesters regarding animal experiments at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. An online survey was conducted to assess demographic information, knowledge about animal experiments, self-evaluation and attitudes towards animal experiments. Students of both fields showed limited knowledge of animal experiments. Biology students showed significantly better knowledge and self-evaluated their knowledge higher than medical students. The field of the study correlated with their knowledge and self-evaluation but did not predict participants' attitudes towards animal experiments. In conclusion, the current study showed that there is still room for improvement to raise awareness about laboratory animal science in the biomedical research field.
Asunto(s)
Experimentación Animal , Investigación Biomédica , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio , Estudiantes de Medicina , Animales , Humanos , Autoevaluación Diagnóstica , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educaciónRESUMEN
Laboratory animal medicine (LAM) is a corner stone of animal-based research and has been a veterinary specialty for over 60 y. Today 5 Colleges of LAM (American, European, Japanese, Korean, and Indian) that certify specialists (Diplomates) in LAM are members of the International Association of Colleges of LAM (IACLAM). Goals of IACLAM are to support the development of new Colleges of LAM, to harmonize expectations for the knowledge and skills of newly certified LAM Diplomate, and to harmonize the standards (best practices) for training and examination of candidates among the member Colleges. IACLAM recently conducted an in-depth review and comparison of oversight, training, credentialing, and examination standards in the 5 Colleges as part of an initiative to create a framework for harmonization and consistency for these activities across the 5 Colleges. The process has led to an agreement on recommendations for knowledge and skill requirements for a newly certified Diplomate, as described by each College in a detailed role delineation document (RDD). The RDD is based on task analyses of the work responsibilities of laboratory animal veterinary Diplomates. This agreement is an important step toward the goal of global harmonization of LAM Diplomate training. Further efforts are planned for areas such as training, research, publication, and examination. This paper describes the role and content of the RDD and lists the differences and similarities among the RDDs of 5 Colleges of LAM.
Asunto(s)
Certificación , Educación en Veterinaria , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio , Certificación/normas , Educación en Veterinaria/normas , Humanos , Internacionalidad , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Especialización , Medicina VeterinariaAsunto(s)
Infecciones por Coronavirus/epidemiología , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Pandemias , Neumonía Viral/epidemiología , Animales , COVID-19 , Infecciones por Coronavirus/prevención & control , Humanos , Pandemias/prevención & control , Neumonía Viral/prevención & control , Sociedades CientíficasRESUMEN
Blood flow through the cardiovascular system is governed by the same physical rules that govern the flow of water through domestic plumbing. Using this analogy in a teaching laboratory, a model of the cardiovascular system constructed of pumps and pipes was used to demonstrate the basic interactions of pressure, flow, and resistance in a regulated system, with student volunteers providing the operational actions and regulatory components. The model was used to validate predictions and explore solutions prompted by student discussion. This interactive teaching laboratory provides an engaging experiential exercise that demonstrates regulation of flow and pressure in an intact cardiovascular system with apposite changes in heart rate and resistance. In addition, the system provides strong clinical correlates and illustrates how that regulated system responds to challenges such as heart failure, inappropriate vasodilation, and hemorrhage. The results demonstrate that, with limited practice, the instructor can effectively guide the students to reliably reproduce physiologically appropriate results.
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Fenómenos Fisiológicos Cardiovasculares , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/métodos , Fisiología/educación , Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas/métodos , Facultades de Medicina Veterinaria , Sistema Cardiovascular , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Hemodinámica/fisiología , HumanosRESUMEN
This manuscript provides updated knowledge and some ideas and reflections about three areas which are currently of interest in the field of the animal laboratory science. These areas are the study of acute phase proteins (APPs) as biomarkers of inflammation, the use of saliva as a non-invasive sample for analyte measurements, and the development of education in the field of laboratory medicine. In the APPs, a seven-point plan for their interpretation in all veterinary species containing updated knowledge and future perspectives is described. Regarding the saliva, general concepts, examples of practical applications and the limitations and points to improve for the use of this fluid are explained. Finally, the recent evolution, current situation and possible ideas for future development of education in this field are commented. In addition to review the knowledge in these three specific areas, this report can help to provide a wide vision of the potential and future perspectives in veterinary laboratory science.
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Proteínas de Fase Aguda/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/sangre , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Saliva/química , Animales , Inflamación/metabolismoRESUMEN
THE FOUR EU FUNCTIONS AND BEYOND: FELASA accredits courses that fulfil the requirements of Functions A, B, C and D as defined by EU Directive, Article 23, as well as for designated veterinarians and specialists in laboratory animal science. MODULARITY AND MOBILITY: Cohesive courses for Functions and for very specific topics are accredited, but flexibility and mobility are possible: a researcher can start his/her training with one FELASA accredited course and complete other modules with another. A course organizer will deliver a FELASA certificate relating to the successfully completed modules. ACCREDITATION PROCESS: The process consists of two major steps: (1) a review of full course documentation provided by the applicant will lead, if successful, to FELASA accreditation. The course is posted on the FELASA website as 'FELASA accredited' and the course provider can deliver FELASA certificates upon successful completion of the course; (2) successful accreditation is followed by an on-site course audit. In the case of a negative outcome of the audit, FELASA accreditation is withdrawn, the course is deleted from the list of FELASA accredited courses and FELASA certificates cannot be issued. To ensure that quality is maintained, continuation of accreditation requires regular revalidation.
Asunto(s)
Acreditación/estadística & datos numéricos , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/normas , Bienestar del Animal , Animales , Europa (Continente) , Unión Europea , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/legislación & jurisprudenciaRESUMEN
Animal use in biomedical research is generally justified by its potential benefits to the health of humans, or other animals, or the environment. However, ethical acceptability also requires scientists to limit harm to animals in their research. Training in laboratory animal science (LAS) helps scientists to do this by promoting best practice and the 3Rs. This study evaluated scientists' awareness and application of the 3Rs, and their approach to other ethical issues in animal research. It was based on an online survey of participants in LAS courses held in eight venues in four European countries: Portugal (Porto, Braga), Germany (Munich, Heidelberg), Switzerland (Basel, Lausanne, Zurich), and Denmark (Copenhagen). The survey questions were designed to assess general attitudes to animal use in biomedical research, Replacement alternatives, Reduction and Refinement conflicts, and harm-benefit analysis. The survey was conducted twice: immediately before the course ('BC', N = 310) and as a follow-up six months after the course ('AC', N = 127). While courses do appear to raise awareness of the 3Rs, they had no measurable effect on the existing low level of belief that animal experimentation can be fully replaced by non-animal methods. Most researchers acknowledged ethical issues with their work and reported that they discussed these with their peers. The level of an animal's welfare, and especially the prevention of pain, was regarded as the most pressing ethical issue, and as more important than the number of animals used or the use of animals as such. Refinement was considered more feasible than Replacement, as well as more urgent, and was also favoured over Reduction. Respondents in the survey reversed the 'hierarchy' of the 3Rs proposed by their architects, Russell and Burch, prioritizing Refinement over Reduction, and Reduction over Replacement. This ordering may conflict with the expectations of the public and regulators.
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Experimentación Animal/ética , Actitud , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/ética , Investigadores/educación , Investigadores/psicología , Adulto , Bienestar del Animal/ética , Animales , Concienciación , Europa (Continente) , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Investigadores/ética , Pensamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Switzerland has implemented a mandatory training in laboratory animal science since 1999; however a comprehensive assessment of its effects has never been undertaken so far. The results from the analysis of participants in the Swiss Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) Category B compulsory courses in laboratory animal science run in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 showed that the participants fully appreciated all elements of the course. The use of live animals during the course was supported and explained by six arguments characterized with cognitive, emotional and forward-looking factors. A large majority considered that the 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement) principles were adequately applied during the course. Responses to an open question offered some ideas for improvements. This overall positive picture, however, revealed divergent answers from different subpopulations in our sample (for example, scientists with more hindsight, scientists trained in biology, or participants from Asian countries).
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Alternativas a las Pruebas en Animales/estadística & datos numéricos , Actitud , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Adulto , Experimentación Animal/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/organización & administración , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/estadística & datos numéricos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Suiza , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The increasing importance of zebrafish as a biomedical model organism is reflected by the steadily growing number of publications and laboratories working with this species. Regulatory recommendations for euthanasia as issued in Directive 2010/63/EU are, however, based on experience with fish species used for food production and do not take the small size and specific physiology of zebrafish into account. Consequently, the currently recommended methods of euthanasia in the Directive 2010/63/EU are either not applicable or may interfere with research goals. An international workshop was held in Karlsruhe, Germany, March 9, 2017, to discuss and propose alternative methods for euthanasia of zebrafish. The aim was to identify methods that adequately address the physiology of zebrafish and its use as a biomedical research model, follow the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) in animal experimentation and consider animal welfare during anesthesia and euthanasia. The results of the workshop are summarized here in the form of a white paper.
Asunto(s)
Bienestar del Animal , Eutanasia Animal , Pez Cebra/fisiología , Anestesia/veterinaria , Animales , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educaciónRESUMEN
Rigorous curricular review of post-graduate veterinary medical residency programs is in the best interest of program directors in light of the requirements and needs of specialty colleges, graduate school administrations, and other stakeholders including prospective students and employers. Although minimum standards for training are typically provided by specialty colleges, mechanisms for evaluation are left to the discretion of program directors. The paucity of information available describing best practices for curricular assessment of veterinary medical specialty training programs makes resources from other medical fields essential to informing the assessment process. Here we describe the development of a rubric used to evaluate courses in a 3-year American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM)-recognized residency training program culminating in a Master of Science degree. This rubric, based on examples from medical education and other fields of graduate study, provided transparent criteria for evaluation that were consistent with stakeholder needs and institutional initiatives. However, its use caused delays in the curricular review process as two significant obstacles to refinement were brought to light: variation in formal education in curriculum design and significant differences in teaching philosophies among faculty. The evaluation process was able to move forward after institutional resources were used to provide faculty development in curriculum design. The use of a customized rubric is recommended as a best practice for curricular refinement for residency programs because it results in transparency of the review process and can reveal obstacles to change that would otherwise remain unaddressed.
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Curriculum/tendencias , Educación en Veterinaria/organización & administración , Internado y Residencia , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Modelos Educacionales , Animales , Educación en Veterinaria/normas , Humanos , Innovación Organizacional , Pennsylvania , Desarrollo de Programa , Evaluación de Programas y Proyectos de SaludRESUMEN
As the zebrafish is rapidly becoming a species of choice in preclinical research, several efforts are being placed toward creating educational programs for K-12 students based on this promising model organism. However, as any other model organisms, the use of zebrafish in classroom settings requires additional experimental resources and poses ethical challenges related to animal use. To mitigate these factors, we have developed an application (app), simUfish, which implements a mathematical model of zebrafish behavior for generating multiple fish trajectories and animating their body undulations. simUfish is developed using a multiplatform game engine and is expected to promote the knowledge of zebrafish behavior to both K-12 students and the general public. Specifically, it demonstrates basic principles of fish individual and social behaviors, including environment interaction; fear response toward a predator; shoaling; and attraction toward a stimulus, which can be a food source or simply a finger placed on the touch screen. The effectiveness of the app as an accessible experimental tool for learning was tested in an outreach activity on middle school students from the New York City school system. The results from this activity show an immediate, tangible improvement of students' satisfaction and willingness to learn about key concepts on zebrafish behavior, accompanied by high level of interest in life sciences.
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Investigación Conductal/educación , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Modelos Animales , Programas Informáticos , Pez Cebra/fisiología , Adolescente , Animales , Conducta Animal , Niño , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , EstudiantesRESUMEN
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign maintains physically separated animal care facilities under centralized management by the Division of Animal Resources. As part of a land-grant institution, the animal care and use program operates several animal units in key locations for specific disciplines within the campus, all of which have the core mission to teach, conduct research, and engage in public service. Populations of research animals vary with the levels of research funding, the number of research investigators on staff, research direction, and animal availability. Accordingly, the requirement for animal care staffing in each unit may vary widely also. To best use the existing animal care staff and remain fiscally responsible, cross-training of staff was implemented to allow staff to travel from units with small animal populations to units with larger populations or short-term staffing shortages. Here we detail and describe the system we used to assess the needs for cross-training, identify the staff to train, and implement the training plan. We believe this information will assist other programs, particularly those with large or complex organization (for example, land-grant institutions) that experience similar fluctuations in animal use.