Regulatory Consideration for Animal Study of Medical Device / 中国医疗器械杂志

Animal study plays a key role to evaluate the safety and effectivity of medical devices. This study aims to share evaluated consideration on the role, general principles, necessity, study design and quality management system of animal study, in order to improve the quality of animal study and reduce unnecessary study.

New practice for high quality development of Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection in the new era / 中国辐射卫生

Scientific journals are an important platform for academic exchange and dissemination, as well as for promoting technological innovation. This article is based on the publishing practice of the Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection in recent years, especially after being successfully selected in the Excellent Action Plan of Chinese Science and Technology Journals. It aims to gather high-quality manuscript sources and strictly control academic quality; Pay attention to academic hotspots and strengthen content construction; Based on the characteristics of publishing, create high-quality works; To fulfill our original mission, shoulder social responsibility, strengthen academic leadership, enhance brand value, and explore how to improve the quality and dissemination of academic journal content and influence, in order to better showcase and promote China's achievements in radiation medicine and protection.

Ethical considerations in animal research: the principle of 3r's

In the last century, progress in the knowledge of human diseases, their diagnosis and treatment have grown exponentially, due in large part to the introduction and use of laboratory animals. Along with this important progress, the need to provide training and guidance to the scientific community in all aspects related to the proper use of experimental animals has been indispensable. Animal research committees play a primary role in evaluating experimental research protocols, from their feasibility to the rational use of animals, but above all in seeking animal welfare. The Institutional Committee for the Care and Use of Animals (IACUC) has endeavored to share several relevant aspects in conducting research with laboratory animals. Here, we present and discuss the topics that we consider of utmost importance to take in the account during the design of any experimental research protocol, so we invite researchers, technicians, and undergraduate and graduate students to dive into the fascinating subject of proper animal care and use for experimentation. The main intention of these contributions is to sensitize users of laboratory animals for the proper and rational use of them in experimental research, as well as to disseminate the permitted and unpermitted procedures in laboratory animals. In the first part, the significance of experimental research, the main functions of IACUC, and the principle of the three R's (replacement, reduction, and refinement) are addressed.

Comparison between total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and intermittent bolus of tiletamine-zolazepam in capuchin monkey (Sapajus apella) / Comparação entre anestesia total intravenosa com propofol e bolus intermitente de tiletamina-zolazepam em macaco-prego (Sapajus apella)

Dissociative anesthesia results in stressful and long recovery periods in monkeys and use of injectable anesthetics in medical research has to be refined. Propofol has promoted more pleasure wake up from anesthesia. The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of intravenous anesthetic propofol, establishing the required infusion rate to maintain surgical anesthetic level and comparing it to tiletamine-zolazepam anesthesia in Sapajus apella. Eight healthy capuchin monkeys, premedicated with midazolam and meperidine, were anesthetized with propofol (PRO) or tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) during 60 minutes. Propofol was infused continually and rate was titrated to effect and tiletamine-zolazepam was given at 5mg/kg IV bolus initially and repeated at 2.5mg/kg IV bolus as required. Cardiopulmonary parameters, arterial blood gases, cortisol, lactate and quality and times to recovery were determined. Recovery quality was superior in PRO. Ventral recumbency (PRO = 43.0±21.4 vs TZ = 219.3±139.7 min) and normal ambulation (PRO = 93±27.1 vs TZ = 493.7±47.8 min) were faster in PRO (p<0.05). Cardiopulmonary effects did not have marked differences between groups. Median for induction doses of propofol was 5.9mg/kg, varying from 4.7 to 6.7mg/kg, Mean infusion rate was 0.37±0.11mg/kg/min, varying during the one-hour period. In TZ, two animals required three and five extra doses. Compared to tiletamine-zolazepam, minor post-anesthetic adverse events should be expected with propofol anesthesia due to the faster and superior anesthetic recovery. (AU)

A anestesia dissociativa em primatas resulta em recuperação anestésica lenta e estressante, e, portanto, o uso de anestesia injetável em pesquisas médicas precisa ser refinado. Por outro lado, o propofol promove recuperação mais suave. Os objetivos desse estudo foram investigar o uso do anestésico intravenoso propofol, estabelecer a taxa de infusão contínua necessária para manter anestesia cirúrgica, e comparar tal técnica com a dissociativa tiletamina-zolazepam em Sapajus apella. Oito macacos-prego saudáveis foram pré-medicados com midazolam e meperidina, e posteriormente anestesiados com propofol (PRO) ou tiletamina-zolazepam (TZ) durante 60 minutos. O propofol foi administrado em infusão contínua, e a taxa foi titulada ao efeito, já a tiletamina-zolazepam foi administrada em 5mg/kg IV como bolus inicial, e repiques de 2,5mg/kg IV conforme necessário. Os parâmetros cardiopulmonares, hemogasometria arterial, cortisol, e lactato, além da qualidade e duração da recuperação anestésica foram determinados. A qualidade da recuperação anestésica foi superior em PRO. O tempo para atingir decúbito ventral (PRO = 43,0±21,4 vs TZ = 219,3±139,7 min) e ambulação normal (PRO = 93±27,1 vs TZ = 493,7±47,8 min) foram mais rápidos em PRO (p<0,05). As variáveis cardiopulmonares não diferiram entre os grupos. A mediana para dose de indução com propofol foi de 5,9mg/kg, variando de 4,7 a 6,7mg/kg. A taxa de infusão contínua média de propofol foi de 0,37±0,11mg/kg/min, variando ao longo dos 60 minutos. Em TZ, dois animais necessitaram de três e cinco repiques. Comparado à tiletamina-zolazepam, menos efeitos adversos pós-anestésicos devem ser esperados com o propofol, devido à recuperação mais suave e rápida.(AU)

Humane endpoint in mice by Brazilian researchers in the vaccine sector / Ponto final humanitário em camundongos aplicado por pesquisadores brasileiros da área de vacinas

The application of a humane endpoint (HE) for mice in vaccine trials and further challenging tasks with lethal samples is necessary to reduce or prevent pain and suffering in these animals, and is a refinement of the 3R policy enforced for animal testing in both national and international scenarios. In order to investigate the application of HE in Brazil, researchers from the vaccine sector have answered a questionnaire about their research profile, their usage of HE and their knowledge of its defining criteria, monitoring of animals, staff training, and euthanasia methods employed. The main results revealed that researchers failed to recognise the very concept of HE as well as when to apply it. In addition, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) failed upon giving their approval to the trials. HE is an important refinament of animal testing policy, and these results highlight the need for a clear pre-established definition of when and how it should be implemented in order to ensure more effective application. Furthermore, it is important to clarify the ethics involved and the commitment of both the research teams and IACUCs to animal welfare.(AU)

A aplicação de um ponto final humanitário (PFH) em experimentos com vacinação e posterior desafio com amostras letais em camundongos é necessária para diminuir ou impedir a dor e o sofrimento desses animais, constituindo refinamento de acordo com a política dos 3Rs, vigente em âmbito nacional e internacional, no cenário da experimentação animal. A fim de investigar a aplicação de PFH no Brasil, foi enviado um questionário para pesquisadores da área de vacinas, com perguntas sobre perfil do pesquisador, aplicação de PFH e critérios para sua definição, monitoramento dos animais, treinamento da equipe e métodos de eutanásia empregados. Os principais resultados revelaram que há falhas tanto em reconhecer o conceito quanto em aplicar o PFH, por parte dos pesquisadores, e que as CEUAs também falharam ao aprovar tais experimentos. Chama-se atenção para o fato de que o PFH é um importante refinamento e para a necessidade de definição prévia de PFH e sua aplicação, assim como para a importância do esclarecimento da questão ética envolvida e do necessário compromisso das equipes de pesquisa e das CEUAs com o bem-estar animal.(AU)

Building and application of the nursing management system for pediatric outpatient infusion / 中华医院管理杂志

The nursing management information system for pediatric outpatient transfusion was constructed based on the refined management concept. It is designed to correct the current heavy workload, crowded conditions and low satisfaction. By comparing the indicators before and after the application and those of management concern, the system proves that it can effectively improve the quality of transfusion nursing in pediatric outpatient department, reduce the occurrence of nursing defects, and improve the satisfaction of nurses, patients and parents, hence worthy of promotion.

My stories in 60 years′ career of burn medicine / 中华烧伤杂志

In my 60 years′ career of burn medicine, I worked in rural areas for more than 3 years, such as joining in a touring medical team, saving lives wounded in a flood disaster, marching and camping training, carrying out open-door medical teaching, etc. All these experiences made me set up my medical ethics and enhance my medical skills under tough conditions of lacking medical services and medicines. In addition, I developed the abilities to innovate and refine my treatments for patients based on practical environments.

Daily use and refinement management of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus / 医疗卫生装备

Object To strengthen the preventive maintenance and prolong the service life of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.Methods The problems found in practice and causes of ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus were summarized, and then some countermeasures were put forward. A refinement management system was established to facilitate the maintenance.Results The refinement management contributed to enhancing the initiative of the operator, decreasing the failure rate of the apparatus while improving its cleanness.Conclusion Refinement management prolongs the apparatus's service life and raises its economic and social benefits, and thus is worthy promoting practically.

Establishment and application of toxicity testing alternative system for chemicals(new drugs) / 中国比较医学杂志

There are some shortcomings of animal experiments applied in chemical toxicity testing, such as long period, large cost, species differences and dose differences, which limit the use of animal experiments' results in predicting human toxicity.Accordingly, we established a toxicity testing alternative screening system in line with the toxicity endpoints which required in chemical safety evaluation and risk assessment (genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, acute toxicity and general toxicity) based on 3R principles (replacement, reduction, refinement) for animal experiments.This system covers most of the endpoints of toxicity assessment, and molecular biology technology was also applied to integrate the toxicity test, as well as some operation was optimized in order to shorten the experimental period, reduce experimental costs, improve animal welfare.Furthermore, the results from the screening system have higher clinical relevance because it is based on the toxicity mechanisms.

A local-optimization refinement algorithm in single particle analysis for macromolecular complex with multiple rigid modules

Single particle analysis, which can be regarded as an average of signals from thousands or even millions of particle projections, is an efficient method to study the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules. An intrinsic assumption in single particle analysis is that all the analyzed particles must have identical composition and conformation. Thus specimen heterogeneity in either composition or conformation has raised great challenges for high-resolution analysis. For particles with multiple conformations, inaccurate alignments and orientation parameters will yield an averaged map with diminished resolution and smeared density. Besides extensive classification approaches, here based on the assumption that the macromolecular complex is made up of multiple rigid modules whose relative orientations and positions are in slight fluctuation around equilibriums, we propose a new method called as local optimization refinement to address this conformational heterogeneity for an improved resolution. The key idea is to optimize the orientation and shift parameters of each rigid module and then reconstruct their three-dimensional structures individually. Using simulated data of 80S/70S ribosomes with relative fluctuations between the large (60S/50S) and the small (40S/30S) subunits, we tested this algorithm and found that the resolutions of both subunits are significantly improved. Our method provides a proof-of-principle solution for high-resolution single particle analysis of macromolecular complexes with dynamic conformations.

<b>Difference Between Moxa Floss Made in Japan and in </b><b>China</b> / 日本東洋医学雑誌

<p>Direct moxibustion has been a common used moxibustion method in Japan, has required moxa floss of high-quality, and has promoted the development of a moxa floss manufacturing method unique to Japan. At the same time in China, because indirect moxibustion and the stick moxibustion method has been commonplace, low moxa floss of a purified standard has been produced with a simple manufacturing method. However well-refined moxa has become available in China recently, and it is now more similar to that in Japan.<br>In this study, we investigated the difference between highly-refined moxa made in Japan and China based on reports from Japanese clinicians on the usability of moxa in firsthand practice. We performed a questionnaire survey with the country of manufacture blinded in 265 moxibustion clinicians. The number of valid responses was 164 (61.9%).<br>To the question asking what the difference between the two types of moxa was, 54.9% of clinicians responded there was “a little difference,” and more than half responded with “better usability” and “favorability” for the Japanese moxa. Of 119 clinicians who performed moxibustion, 85 (71.4%) selected “comfort” for the Japanese moxa.<br>We therefore conclude that Japanese clinicians recognize moxa refined with the Japanese manufacturing method as more suitable for direct moxibustion treatment.</p>

Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH) and replacement, reduction or refinement best practices

OBJECTIVES: Korea's Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals (K-REACH) was enacted for the protection of human health and the environment in 2015. Considering that about 2000 new substances are introduced annually across the globe, the extent of animal testing requirement could be overwhelming unless regulators and companies work proactively to institute and enforce global best practices to replace, reduce or refine animal use. In this review, the way to reduce the animal use for K-REACH is discussed. METHODS: Background of the enforcement of the K-REACH and its details was reviewed along with the papers and regulatory documents regarding the limitation of animal experiments and its alternatives in order to discuss the regulatory adoption of alternative tests. RESULTS: Depending on the tonnage of the chemical used, the data required ranges from acute and other short-term studies for a single exposure route to testing via multiple exposure routes and costly, longer-term studies such as a full two-generation reproducibility toxicity. The European Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals regulation provides for mandatory sharing of vertebrate test data to avoid unnecessary duplication of animal use and test costs, and obligation to revise data requirements and test guidelines “as soon as possible” after relevant, validated replacement, reduction or refinement (3R) methods become available. Furthermore, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development actively accepts alternative animal tests and 3R to chemical toxicity tests. CONCLUSIONS: Alternative tests which are more ethical and efficient than animal experiments should be widely used to assess the toxicity of chemicals for K-REACH registration. The relevant regulatory agencies will have to make efforts to actively adopt and uptake new alternative tests and 3R to K-REACH.

Evaluation of Eye Irritation Potential of Solid Substance with New 3D Reconstructed Human Cornea Model, MCTT HCE(TM)

The eye irritation potential of drug candidates or pharmaceutical ingredients should be evaluated if there is a possibility of ocular exposure. Traditionally, the ocular irritation has been evaluated by the rabbit Draize test. However, rabbit eyes are more sensitive to irritants than human eyes, therefore substantial level of false positives are unavoidable. To resolve this species difference, several three-dimensional human corneal epithelial (HCE) models have been developed as alternative eye irritation test methods. Recently, we introduced a new HCE model, MCTT HCETM which is reconstructed with non-transformed human corneal cells from limbal tissues. Here, we examined if MCTT HCETM can be employed to evaluate eye irritation potential of solid substances. Through optimization of washing method and exposure time, treatment time was established as 10 min and washing procedure was set up as 4 times of washing with 10 mL of PBS and shaking in 30 mL of PBS in a beaker. With the established eye irritation test protocol, 11 solid substances (5 non-irritants, 6 irritants) were evaluated which demonstrated an excellent predictive capacity (100% accuracy, 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity). We also compared the performance of our test method with rabbit Draize test results and in vitro cytotoxicity test with 2D human corneal epithelial cell lines.

Microestructura y propiedades mecánicas del Acero AISI 1016 calibrado procesado por ECAP / Microstructure and mechanical properties of cold drawn AISI 1016 steel processed by ECAP / Microestrutura e propriedades mecânicas do aço AISI 1016 calibrado processado por ECAP

Se utilizó el proceso de presión en canal angular de sección constante para deformar un acero de bajo carbono calibrado, con el fin de evaluar microestructura y propiedades mecánicas. A su vez, se identificó la posibilidad de mejorar propiedades más allá del proceso de calibrado. El material utilizado fue un acero de bajo carbono calibrado de composición 0.16 % C, 0.8 % Mn, 0.2 % Si, 0.02 % P, 0.012 % S y balance Fe. El proceso se realizó a temperatura ambiente con cuatro pasadas usando la ruta Bc, con una deformación equivalente de ∼0.6 en cada pasada. Se estudió la evolución de la estructura antes y después de la deformación usando microscopía electrónica de barrido y difracción de rayos X y se evaluaron las propiedades mecánicas de microdureza y resistencia a la tensión. Se encontró un aumento leve de las propiedades mecánicas al aumentar el número de pasadas en el proceso. Los análisis mostraron cambios en la estructura ferrítica-perlítica original a través del refinamiento de los granos de ferrita y la deformación de la perlita.

Low carbon cold drawn steel was deformed using equal channel angular pressing to evaluate its mechanical properties and microstructure, while assessing the possibility of improving properties beyond the cold drawn process. We used low carbon cold drawn steel with a composition of 0.16% C, 0.8% Mn, 0.2% Si, 0.02% P, 0.012% S and Fe balance. The process was carried out at room temperature and four passes at route Bc with a deformation of ∼0.6 in each pass. Using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction, we evaluated the evolution of the structure before and after deformation as well as the mechanical properties of microhardness and tensile strength. A slight increase in the mechanical properties occurred when the number of passes was increased. There were changes in the original ferritic-pearlitic structure with the refinement of ferrite grains and pearlite deformation.

Utilizou-se o processo de pressão em canal angular de secção constante para deformar um aço de baixo carbono calibrado, com a finalidade de avaliar microestruturas e propriedades mecânicas. Assim, identificou-se a possibilidade de melhorar propriedades para além do processo de calibração. O material utilizado foi um aço de baixo carbono calibrado com a seguinte composição 0.16% C, 0.8% Mn, 0.2% Si, 0.02% P, 0.012% S e balance Fe. O processo realizou-se à temperatura ambiente com quatro passos utilizando a rota Bc, com uma deformação equivalente de ∼0.6 em cada passo. Estudou-se a evolução da estrutura antes e depois da formação utilizando microscopia electrónica de varrimento e difracção de rayos X e avaliaram-se as propriedades mecânicas de microdureza e resistência à tensão. Encontrou-se um aumento ligeiro das propriedades mecânicas ao aumentar o número de passos no processo. As análises mostraram alterações nas estruturas ferrítica-perlítica original a através do refinamento dos grãos de ferrita e a deformação da perlita.

Refinement influence in the cleaning efficacy of rotary nickel-titanium Mtwo ® instruments in oval-shaped canals by means of optical microscopy.

Objective: This study evaluated the cleaning efficacy of the rotary nickel–titanium Mtwo® by means of optical microscopy in oval‑shaped root canals and compared refinement influence using ultrasonic files or Hedströem files. Materials and Methods: Twenty mandibular incisors were accessed, included in epoxy resin blocks, and cut transversely at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex. Teeth were instrumented using rotary nickel–titanium Mtwo. Digital images of the root cross sections were obtained before and after instrumentation with a digital camera attached to an optical microscope. Subsequently, samples were randomly divided into two groups for refinement. Group I was refined using ultrasonic files #30 and group II with Hedströem files #30. Final digital images of cross sections after refinement were captured and analyzed. The boundaries for the uninstrumented perimeter were measured by the software ImageTool 3.0. The data obtained were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t‑test. Results: Mtwo instrumentation produced 41.48% of the uninstrumented perimeter. The final refinement using Hedströem and ultrasonic files decreased the uninstrumented perimeter. Significant differences (t‑test, P = 0.00) were found at the three thirds after the final refinement, except for the apical third that was enhanced by Hedströem file. However, there was no statistical difference between the two refinement techniques used (P > 0.05). Mtwo instrumentation was not capable of cleaning and shaping the entire perimeter of the root canals walls. Conclusions: The final refinement, either with ultrasonic files or with Hedströem files, resulted in significantly less uninstrumented perimeter.

Aesthetic Considerations after Free Flap Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The success rate of free flap operation has shown a recent increase. Especially for breast reconstructive patients, aesthetic results are considered a necessity. However, for patients who underwent reconstruction in parts of the body other than breast, for example, head and neck, lower and upper extremities, aesthetic considerations are underscored. Nowadays, however, aesthetic standpoint toward these patients is changing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 8 patients who underwent secondary procedures after free flap surgery from March of 2011 to April of 2014. RESULTS: Secondary refinement was a safe and less time-consuming technique for maximizing the function and aesthetic appearance for the patient. CONCLUSION: Appearance has become increasingly important with regard to function and quality of life. Therefore, for free flap reconstructive patients, secondary refinements may be considered in order to change the shape and contour. The secondary refinements are critical to the final result and must be a planned part of the entire reconstructive sequence.

Histological evaluation of refinement influence in the cleaning efficacy of rotary nickel-titanium ProTaper® instruments in oval-shaped root canals

Introduction and objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cleaning and shaping efficacy of rotary nickel-titanium ProTaper® instrumentation in oval canals and the influence of ultrasonic irrigation on the final refinement. Material and methods: Twenty mandibular molars were accessed and divided in two groups. Only distal roots with oval canals were used. Group I was instrumented using only rotary nickel-titanium ProTaper® instruments. Group II received the same preparation followed by refinement with 3 minutes of ultrasonic passive irrigation. After preparation, the distal roots were sectioned for histological processing. Coronal, middle and apical thirds were analyzed. Uninstrumented perimeter in each third was measured by the software Image tool 3.0. Results: The percentage of uninstrumented perimeter was calculated for each third of each root and average percentage was calculated for each third in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed with t-test through the software SPSS 11.0.1 for Windows. The level of significance was set at 1%. Group I showed higher percentage of uninstrumented perimeter in all thirds. Group II, which received ultrasonic irrigation showed better results in all thirds (p < 0.01). Comparing the three thirds in the same group, no statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Under the conditions of this ex vivo study, the three minutes use of ultrasonic irrigation after rotary instrumentation resulted in significantly more instrumented walls in the distal roots of mandibular molars.

Contenido de compuestos polares totales en aceites de cocina previo uso más vendidos en Medellín (Colombia) / Content of total polar compounds in previously used cooking oils most marketed in Medellin (Colombia)

Antecedentes: la concentración de compuestos polares en un aceite es un indicador de deterioro térmico del mismo y de riesgo para la salud, con excepción de algunos aceites en los cuales el aumento de dichos compuesto está dado por la presencia de sustancias benéficas para la salud. Aunque no existe una norma internacional, las investigaciones reportan entre 0,5-3,0% de compuestos polares para aceites previo uso, que dependiendo del compuesto pueden tener efectos benéficos o adversos. Objetivo: determinar el contenido de compuestos polares totales en aceites uso previo de mayor comercialización en Medellín (Colombia). Materiales y método: se analizaron 14 marcas comerciales de aceite (oliva, canola, girasol y mezclas) y se determinó la cantidad de compuestos polares según metodología IUPAC 2000, con modificaciones. Resultados: el contenido de compuestos polares fue menor en los aceites de canola (1,22±1,70), seguido por los de girasol (1,96±3,30). Los aceites de oliva y las mezclas de aceite fueron los de mayor contenido (3,29±0,14 y 4,69±3,90 respectivamente). En siete muestras, el contenido de estos fue mayor al 3%, y correspondió a los aceites de oliva, las mezclas y una marca de girasol. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los promedios según tipo de aceite y marcas. Conclusiones: los diferentes tipos de aceites estudiados presentaron un porcentaje de compuestos polares dentro del rango reportado en la literatura.

Background: Concentration of polar compounds in cooking oils is an indicator of high temperatures damage and health risks. However, for some oils, the increase of those compounds is due to beneficial health substances. Although there is not an international standard, investigations report between 0,5-3,0% of polar compounds in previously used oil. Depending on the type of compound they may have beneficial or adverse effects. Objective: to determine total PC content in previously used cooking oils most marketed in Medellín (Colombia). Method and materials: 14 commercial brands of cooking oil were studied (olive, canola, sunflower and blended oils) and polar compound quantity was determined following IUPAC, 2000 methodology, with some modifications. Results: PC content was lower in canola oils (1,22±1,70), followed by sunflower oils (1,96±3,30). Olive and blended oils presented the highest content of PC (3,29±0,14 and 4,69±3,90 respectively). In 7 samples, PC content was higher than 3%. This percentage corresponded to olive, blended and one brand of sunflower oil. No significant differences were found among PC averages according to oil type and brand. Conclusion: the different types of cooking oil studied showed a percentage of CP within the range reported in the literature.

Refinement of Deep Nasolabial Fold by Soft Tissue Augmentation

A nasolabial fold is one of the most typical process on an aged face. Face lifting, one of the frequent methods of correcting nasolabial folds, involves innate burdens as it is a form of surgery and involves many difficulties related to the surgical procedure in improving the nasolabial fold. Therefore, soft tissue augmentation is increasingly being performed on nasolabial folds. We achieved a good outcome and a high level of patient satisfaction after correcting a nasolabial fold using Surederm(TM), AlloDerm(R), and a autologous fat strip. From October 2002 to December 2010, a total of 19 patients have inserted Surederm(TM), AlloDerm(R) and a autologous fat strip in nasolabial fold using our special instrument. Sex, age, patient's satisfaction, and side effects were examined and the outcome was assessed by two plastic surgeons, excluding these authors, in a blind manner by comparing the nasolabial fold in the pre- and post- treatment pictures. Of the 19 patients, 1 was male and 18 were female. Their mean age was 45 years(range: 21~61 years). They showed a relatively high level of satisfaction with the outcomes. In one patient, although the Surederm(TM) was removed due to infection, the patient's deep nasolabial fold was corrected even after the Surederm(TM) removal. The two plastic surgeons judged that the nasolabial folds of the 19 patients improved considerably. Our procedure is more invasive than filler or fat injection. But with this procedure, augmentation effect can be lasting longer. So, the outcome was satisfactory.

Reconocimiento manejo del distress, sufrimieno y dolor en animales de laboraatorio: una revisión / Recognition ad aalleviation of distress, suffering, and pain n laboratory annimals: a review

La identificación y el manejo del distrés, sufrimiento y dolor representan una importante oportunidad de mejorar el bienestar de los animales de laboratorio. El requerimiento para reducir el sufrimiento al mínimo es ampliamente reconocido y es central en muchas legislaciones que regulan la experimentación animal. Esta revisión presenta una introducción general al abordaje de estos temas para investigadores usuarios de modelos animales.

The assessment and alleviation of distrés, pain and suffering represent an important opportunity to improve the welfare of laboratory animals. The requirement to reduce suffering to a minimum is widely recognized and is central to many laws that regulate animal experimentation. This review gives a general introduction to these issues for users researches of animal models.