Monocyte Activation Test (MAT) as a possibility of replacement for the rabbit pyrogen test in hyperimmune sera

ABSTRACT The use of a commercial kit for the monocyte-activation test (MAT) was evaluated for assessing pyrogenic contamination of hyperimmune sera . Three batches of sera, two pyrogen free and one pyrogenic, were tested. Endotoxin spike recover indicated that sample dilutions from 1/2 to 1/10 are suitable. Kit transport and storage conditions were also evaluated, proving that an adequate cold chain must be assured to achieve good results. Furthermore, the commercial MAT kit seemed suitable to replace the rabbit pyrogen test (RPT) for pyrogen testing of hyperimmune sera, although further tests are needed to a full validation.

A comparison of metabolomic changes in type-1 diabetic C57BL/6N mice originating from different sources / 한국실험동물학회지

Animal models have been used to elucidate the pathophysiology of varying diseases and to provide insight into potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Although alternatives to animal testing have been proposed to help overcome potential drawbacks related to animal experiments and avoid ethical issues, their use remains vital for the testing of new drug candidates and to identify the most effective strategies for therapeutic intervention. Particularly, the study of metabolic diseases requires the use of animal models to monitor whole-body physiology. In line with this, the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS) in Korea has established their own animal strains to help evaluate both efficacy and safety during new drug development. The objective of this study was to characterize the response of C57BL/6NKorl mice from the NIFDS compared with that of other mice originating from the USA and Japan in a chemical-induced diabetic condition. Multiple low-dose treatments with streptozotocin were used to generate a type-1 diabetic animal model which is closely linked to the known clinical pathology of this disease. There were no significantly different responses observed between the varying streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetic models tested in this study. When comparing control and diabetic mice, increases in liver weight and disturbances in serum amino acids levels of diabetic mice were most remarkable. Although the relationship between type-1 diabetes and BCAA has not been elucidated in this study, the results, which reveal a characteristic increase in diabetic mice of all origins are considered worthy of further study.

Investigación preclínica en las ciencias biomédicas / Pre-clinical biomedical research

Introducción: la perspectiva histórica demuestra lo eficaz y esencial que ha sido la utilización de animales como sujetos de prueba. Se ha logrado salvar vidas y responder a diferentes preguntas biomédicas, a partir de esta práctica. Objetivo: realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la investigación preclínica en las ciencias biomédicas. Métodos: se realizó una revisión sobre la investigación preclínica en las ciencias biomédicas en Internet. La búsqueda abarcó artículos publicados fundamentalmente en los últimos 5 años. Se evaluaron revistas internacionales de impacto de la Web of Sciencies relacionadas con el tema (32 revistas) y 2 cubanas. Se consultaron las bases de datos de sistemas referativos, como MEDLINE, PubMed y SciELO con la utilización de descriptores como animal research, preclinical investigation, biomodels, laboratory animals, translational medicine y sus equivalentes en español. Se incluyeron artículos en idioma inglés, portugués y español. Se obtuvieron 136 artículos, se circunscribió el estudio a 53 que enfocaron esta temática de manera más integral. Se revisó 1 libro. Análisis e integración de la información: al analizar el comportamiento de los artículos sobre la temática de estudio respecto a su representatividad en las diferentes revistas científicas donde fueron publicados, 9,4 por ciento de ellos correspondieron a la revista Journal of clinical periodontology e igual porciento a la PloS biology. Los restantes artículos estuvieron distribuidos de manera uniforme entre las otras revistas. La mayoría de las investigaciones sugieren que el empleo de biomodelos constituye una forma eficiente de desarrollar investigaciones, pero que estas deben estar bien diseñadas, pues frecuentemente se introducen sesgos en la validez interna y externa de la investigación, que conllevan a errores en la publicación científica. Conclusiones: el desconocimiento de las características inherentes a los biomodelos, de aspectos propios de la investigación preclínica, los concernientes al diseño metodológico y el mismo desarrollo de la investigación pueden introducir errores en el análisis, y publicación de los resultados; consecuentemente, se afecta la calidad de la investigación, y se contribuye a la frecuente falta de estudios animales confiables(AU)

Introduction: a historical analysis would reveal that the use of animals as test subjects has been both effective and essential. Such a practice has served both to save lives and to answer a variety of biomedical questions. Objective: carry out a bibliographic review about preclinical biomedical research. Methods: abibliographic review was conducted about preclinical biomedical research on the Internet. Most of the papers included in the search have been published in the last five years. An evaluation was performed of international high impact journals from the Web of Sciences dealing with the subject (32 journals), as well as two Cuban journals. Databases from reference systems such as MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO were consulted with the aid of search terms like animal research, preclinical investigation, biomodels, laboratory animals, translational medicine and their Spanish counterparts. The papers included were in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Of the 136 papers obtained, the reviewers selected the 53 which approached the study subject in a more comprehensive manner. One book was also reviewed. Data analysis and integration: an analysis of the representativeness of papers in the scientific journals where they were published showed that 9.4 percent corresponded to the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, and the same percentage to PloS Biology. The remaining papers were evenly distributed among the other journals. Most studies suggest that biomodels are an effective tool in scientific research, but they should be correctly designed, for it is common to find bias in the internal and external validity of the research, leading to errors in scientific publications. Conclusions: lack of knowledge about characteristics inherent to biomodels, preclinical research, methodological design and the very development of the research may lead to errors in the analysis and publication of results, affecting the quality of the research and contributing to the frequent scarcity of reliable animal studies(AU)

Alternative methods in toxicity testing: the current approach

Alternative methods are being developed to reduce, refine, and replace (3Rs) animals used in experiments, aimed at protecting animal welfare. The present study reports alternative tests which are based on the principles of the 3Rs and the efforts made to validate these tests. In Europe, several methodologies have already been implemented, such as tests of irritability, cell viability, and phototoxicity as well as in vitro mathematical models together with the use of in silico tools. This is a complex process that spans from development to regulatory approval and subsequent adoption by various official entities. Within this regulatory framework is REACH, the European Community Regulation for chemicals and their safe use. In Brazil, the BraCVAM (Brazilian Center for the Validation of Alternative Methods) was recently established to validate alternative methods and stimulate incorporation of new methodologies. A new vision of toxicology is emerging for the 21st century (Tox-21), and the subsequent changes are shaping a new paradigm.

Métodos alternativos estão sendo desenvolvidos para a redução, o refinamento e a substituição (3R) do número de animais utilizados em experimentos, visando ao seu bem-estar. Esses testes alternativos baseiam-se no princípio dos 3R e esforços têm sido empregados para que sejam validados. Na Europa, diversas metodologias já foram implantadas tais como: testes de irritabilidade, testes de viabilidade celular, testes de fototoxicidade e modelos matemáticos in vitro, além do uso de ferramentas in silico. Esse é um processo complexo, que abrange desde o seu desenvolvimento até a aceitação regulatória e posterior adoção por diversas organizações oficiais. No contexto regulatório está o REACH, o Regulamento da Comunidade Européia, para produtos químicos e sua utilização segura. No Brasil, o BraCVAM (Centro Brasileiro de Validação de Métodos Alternativos) foi recentemente estabelecido para validação de métodos alternativos e estímulo à incorporação de novas metodologias. Uma nova visão de toxicologia vem surgindo para o século XXI (Tox-21) e as mudanças ocasionadas promoverão um novo paradigma.

Inovação biomédica e o animal não humano em pesquisa: controvérsias científicas e reflexões éticas para contribuição na implementação de políticas públicas de técnicas substitutivas ao uso de animais em pesquisa, ensino e indústria / Biomedical innovation and the non-human animal research: scientific controversies and ethical reflections contribution to the implementation of public policies substitutive techniques to animal use in research, teaching and industry

A experimentação animal é uma prática extremamente incorporada à ciência biomédica moderna, com raízes desde a Antiguidade, mas que foi cada vez mais se desenvolvendo, adquirindo características bem definidas. O animal não humano, no contexto da experimentação, é um ser vulnerado, enclausurado dentro de uma estrutura muito bem definida, que mantém um discurso focado na excelência do modelo do animal na pesquisa e testes, com o objetivo de garantir a manutenção dessas práticas. No entanto, ao analisarmos os dados científicos obtidos com a experimentação animal, que visa primariamente um possível benefício humano, assim como as argumentações éticas relativas ao respeito à vida e ao sofrimento do animal envoltas nesta situação, a argumentação ética prepondera sobre uma base científica cuja eficácia é também extremamente questionável. Partindo de uma análise crítica da aplicação do modelo animal como padrão da pesquisa científica e da concepção ética do reconhecimento da vulnerabilidade do animal não humano na experimentação, propomos que esta reflexão colabore com políticas públicas que incentivem e implementem as técnicas substitutivas ao uso de animais não humanos em pesquisa, testes da indústria e ensino na área biomédica no Brasil

Transición epitelio-mesenquimática renal en un modelo experimental de Heperuricemia: participación de Nalp-3 y sus funciones canónicas y no-canónicas / Renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition in an experimental model of Hyperuricemia: participation Nalp-3 and its canonical and non-canonical functions

La fibrosis renal y la consecuente pérdida de las funciones del riñón son elementos comunes en la enfermedad renal crónica. La transición epitelio mesenquimatica (TEM) representa estadios tempranos del proceso de fibrosis. Recientemente se ha vinculado a la inmunidad innata en los procesos de injuria y fibrosis renal. Los pacientes con hiperuricemia presentan una mayor progresión a la enfermedad renal crónica, y mayor prevalencia de hipertensión arterial, induciendo fibrosis renal en modelos animales. No se conoce la participación de la inmunidad innata en la injuria renal inducida por ácido úrico. Para conocer la participación de la inmunidad innata en los procesos de TEM y fibrosis renal inducidos por ácido úrico se recurrió a un modelo desarrollado en rata Wistar macho con elevados niveles de ácido úrico (AOX+U). Para esto se suplementó la dieta con ácido oxónico al 2% (inhibidor de uricasa) y ácido úrico 2% durante 7 semanas. Dos grupos controles fueron considerados para comparar los hallazgos, un grupo con dieta estándar sin los agregados (C) y un segundo grupo control con suplemento de ácido oxónico y úrico, y además allopurinol en agua de bebida (ALL). Los niveles de ácido úrico y urea fueron testeados durante el tratamiento. A las 7 semanas los animales fueron sometidos a eutanasia y tejido renal fue obtenido para análisis de expresión proteica, análisis histológicos (fotónico y electrónico de transmisión) y para estudio mitocondrial: actividad de complejos de cadena respiratoria y respirometria de alta resolución mitocondrial.

SUMMARY: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with renal fibrosis and loss of kidney functions. Epithelial to mesenchimal transition (EMT) represents early stages of fibrosis. Currently the innate immunity has been associated with kidney injury and fibrosis. Hyperuricemic patients have more progression to CKD and higher prevalence of hypertension. Animals models have shown renal fibrosis induced by uric acid. It is not known the role of innate immunity in the uric acid induced damage in kidney. To describe the participation of the innate immunity in EMT and kidney fibrosis induced by uric acid we used a rat model with higher plasma levels of uric acid uric (AOX-U). These rats were feeding with oxonic acid 2% and uric acid 2% in regular chow during 7 weeks. Two control groups were included, “control group” (C) receiving regular chow without the supplements and the “ALL” group receiving not only the oxonic and uric acid supplement but also allopurinol in drinking water. The plasmatic uric acid and urea levels were checked during the follow-up. At 7 weeks the animals were euthanized and kidney tissue was harvested to protein expression analysis, histology and mitochondrial physiologic studies.

Implementation of a PCR-based method for the diagnosis of Ehrlichia spp, in canine in Medellin (Colombia) / Implementación de un método basado en PCR, para el diagnóstico de Ehrlichia spp., en caninos de Medellín (Colombia) / Implementação de um método baseado em PCR, para o diagnóstico de Ehrlichia spp., em caninos de Medellín (Colômbia)

Ehrlichiosis is a worldwide illness, endemic in tropical and subtropical countries where seroprevalence can reach up to 33% as it is the case in México and Israel. However, the low sensitivity of the serological tests used for diagnosis, 67% in tests with IFI, has led to a required searching for new alternatives to diagnose the disease quickly and effectively. PCR is one of these techniques that could provide high sensitivity and specificity. The target of this study was to implement the PCR test for the diagnosis of Ehrlichia spp., on blood samples from animals with suspected illness from veterinary clinics in the city of Medellin. 90 samples were taken, 33 samples from animals suspected of having symptoms and 57 from healthy animals as probable negatives. DNA from the Madrid strain was used as a positive control. The PCR was performed using as an example the protocol suggested by Aguirre et al (2004). EEC and ECB primers reported by Dawson et al (2004) were used (aquí el propio texto en español no está claro). In this study the 500pb band was amplified, corresponding to the 16s rRNA of Ehrlichia spp., in 11 samples of the animals with suspected illness, obtaining a presentation rate of 33.3%, confirming the presence of bacteria in the animals of the environment, and achieving the implementation of PCR for Ehrlichia spp. as a diagnostic tool in the city.

La Ehrlichiosis es una enfermedad de distribución mundial, es endémica en los países tropicales y subtropicales en donde la seroprevalencia puede llegar a ser hasta del 33%, como en México e Israel. La baja sensibilidad de las pruebas utilizadas para el diagnóstico, 67% en las pruebas con IFI, han llevado a la necesidad de buscar nuevas alternativas que permitan diagnosticar la enfermedad de manera rápida y eficaz. La PCR es una de estas técnicas que podría ofrecer una alta sensibilidad y especificidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue implementar la prueba de PCR, para el diagnóstico de Ehrlichia spp., en muestras de sangre de caninos sospechosos provenientes de consultorios veterinarios de la ciudad de Medellín. Se tomaron 90 muestras, 33 de animales sospechosos de ehrlichiosis por sintomatología, y 57 de animales sanos como probables negativos. Se utilizó como control positivo el ADN de la cepa Madrid. La PCR fue realizada utilizando como ejemplo el protocolo sugerido por Aguirre et al. (2004). Se utilizaron los primers EEC y ECB reportados por Dawson et al. (1994). En este estudio se logró amplificar la banda de 500 pb correspondientes al gen 16s ARNr de Ehrlichia spp., en 11 muestras de los animales sospechosos, obteniendo una frecuencia de presentación del 33,3%, confirmando la presencia de la bacteria en los animales de nuestro medio, y logrando la implementación de PCR para Ehrlichia spp. como herramienta diagnóstica en nuestra ciudad.

A ehrlichiose é uma doença em todo o mundo, é endêmica em países tropicais e subtropicais, onde a soroprevalência pode atingir até 33%, como no México e Israel. A baixa sensibilidade dos testes utilizados para o diagnóstico, 67% nos testes de IFI, levaram à necessidade de buscar novas formas de diagnosticar a doença de forma rápida e eficaz. PCR é uma técnica de tal forma que poderia fornecer alta sensibilidade e especificidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi implementar o teste de PCR para o diagnóstico de Ehrlichia spp., Em amostras de sangue de cães suspeitos de clínicas veterinárias da cidade de Medellín. Demorou 90 amostras, 33 amostras de suspeitos que apresentavam sintomas de erliquiose e 57 animais saudáveis como negativo provável. Foi utilizado como controle positivo de ADN a partir da estirpe de Madrid. A PCR foi padronizada utilizando o exemplo do protocolo proposto por Aguiar et al. (2004). Utilizou-se primers BCE CES e relatado por Dawson et al. (1994). Neste estudo foram amplificados de banda de 500 pb para o gene 16S rRNA do gênero Ehrlichia em 11 amostras de animais suspeitos, a obtenção de uma taxa de apresentação de 33,3%, o que confirma a presença de bactérias em animais nosso meio ambiente e obter a implementação de PCR por Ehrlichia spp. como uma ferramenta de diagnóstico em nossa cidade.

Prediction of ocular irritancy of 26 chemicals and 26 cosmetic products with isolated rabbit eye (IRE) test / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aims to establish and evaluate the methodology of isolated rabbit eye (IRE) test.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>IRE test was performed according to modifications of the in vitro toxicology (INVITTOX) Protocol No.85: Rabbit enucleated eye test by European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), and then 26 chemicals and 26 cosmetic products were tested in both in vitro IRE and in vivo Draize tests. A statistical analysis was conducted to determine the relevance of the IRE test to the data generated in the Draize test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>IRE test was established successfully in our laboratory. It was shown that ranking correlation and class concordance were fairly well between the IRE test and the Draize test for 26 reference chemicals (Fisher's Exact Test χ(2)=51.314, P<0.001; McNemar P=0.261; Gamma=0.960, P<0.001; Kappa=0.843, P<0.001) and 26 cosmetic products (Fisher's Exact Test χ(2)=15.522, P<0.001; McNemar P=0.311; Gamma=0.967, P<0.001; Kappa=0.611, P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>IRE test was established successfully for in vitro testing of eye irritation as an alternative to Draize test.</p>

Introduce a new vitro replacement method of skin irritation test / 中国医疗器械杂志

A series of new replacement methods of skin irritation test such as EpiSkin, EpiDermSIT (updated) and SkinEthicRHE have been validated by ECVAM. Due to it, animals are protected to the full extent. These provide more methods for biological evaluation of medical devices.

Uso de animales de experimentación en la investigación biomédica en Costa Rica / Using experimental animal in biomedical research in Costa Rica

El progreso en la investigación médica y biológica ha dependido en gran medida del uso de animales experimentales. Dada la importancia que históricamente han tenido los animales como reactivos biológicos en la investigación biomédica se consolidó la ciencia del animal de experimentación. Esta persigue la obtención de animales biológicamente estandarizados mediante la selección colectiva de características anatómicas, fisiológicas, ecológicas y sanitarias.

The progress in medical and biological research has relied heavily on the use of experimental animals. Given the importance animals have had historically as biological reagents, the science of experimental animals was created and is consolidated in biomedical research. It seeks to obtain biologically standardized animals by selecting their collective anatomical, physiological, ecological and health characteristics.

Estimação por aproximação química dos teores de proteína indegradável insolúvel em detergente neutro em forragens tropicais / Estimation of undegradable neutral detergent insoluble protein in tropical forages by chemical approaching

A mathematical model was developed to predict the content of undegradable neutral detergent insoluble protein (UNDIP) from chemical characteristics of tropical forages. This study was based on a biological limitation of a previous model, which restricts the UNDIP estimates to values equals or higher than 1.34 percent of dry matter. The databank was formed by 540 samples of tropical forages used in cattle feeding (fresh forage and hay). The ratio of UNDIP on neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP) was chosen as response variable and the acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP) as independent variable. The mathematical model was found to be exponential, assuming the formula: UNDIP = NDIP x e-(0,818+0.16764DIP) , in which all values are expressed on dry matter basis. It was observed that biological limitation of the previous model was eliminated, even though a low statistical improvement was obtained. The prediction of a biological parameter (UNDIP) from a chemical characteristic (ADIP) still have some restrictions and the estimates should be applied with caution in some situations. The main application of the model described above is estimate UNDIP contents when biological methods are not available.

A regulação do uso de animais no Brasil do século XX e o processo de formação do atual regime aplicado à pesquisa biomédica / Regulation of the use of animals in Brazil in the twentieth century and the process of forming the current regime applied to biomedical research

O artigo analisa a política pública e regulatória do Brasil sobre o uso de animais no ensino e na pesquisa biomédica. Aborda o arcabouço institucional-legal e a situação jurídica da proteção dos animais no país, além do debate legislativo que resultou na promulgação da lei 11.794/2008, que estabelece procedimentos para o uso científico de animais. Ressalta algumas características do atual regime regulatório e tece considerações de ordem teórico-metodológica, voltadas para a ampliação do entendimento do fenômeno investigado.

Teratogen screening: state of the art

Due to the number of new substances coming into use every year and the increasing amounts of chemicals, which are introduced into the environment, there is a high demand for a rapid, reliable and costeffective method for detection of developmental toxicity. To meet this challenge various in vitro techniques have been established additional to in vivo animal testing. This review introduces the techniques in existence at the moment. Requirements on an ideal in vitro teratogenicity test system are stated, and the advantages and disadvantages of the present methods are discussed

Further insight into the Bovine serum Albumin assay (the in vitro anti-inflammatory assay) / Profundización en el ensayo de Albúmina de suero bovino (el ensayo anti-inflamatorio in vitro)

The present article reports on the comparative cost of using the Bovine Serum Albumin as an assay for detecting natural products with anti-inflammatory activities relative to the use of animals. This is an addendum to the West Indian Medical Journal article; 2008; 57 (4); 327-31.

El presente artículo consiste en un reporte comparativo del costo del uso de la albúmina de suero bovino en forma de ensayo para detectar productos naturales con actividad anti-inflamatoria en relación con el uso animal. El mismo constituye un apéndice al artículo de West Indian Medical Journal, 2008; 57 (4); 327-31.

Cell culture adapted sheeppox virus as a challenge virus for potency testing of sheeppox vaccine.

Sheeppox virus from an outbreak of sheeppox that occurred in Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir, India) in 2000 was isolated by inoculation of susceptible sheep and further re-isolated in cell culture. The field virus, adapted to grow in lamb testes culture, was evaluated for its potential use as challenge virus in potency testing of sheeppox vaccine currently in use. The virus (passage 6) produced severe disease in susceptible sheep when inoculated subcutaneously with a dose of 106.2 TCID50. The virus identity was confirmed by PCR, sequencing of P32 gene and species-specific signature residues identified in deduced aa sequence of the gene. The virus was successfully evaluated for its virulence using two batches of sheep pox vaccines. Use of this field virus enables consistent potency experiments of sheeppox vaccines avoiding use of animals for its propagation and titration.

Evaluación de la opinión de estudiantes de farmacia sobre la implementación de alternativas basadas en computador para el proceso enseñanza: aprendizaje de la farmacología experimental / Pharmacy student`s opinion about the implementation of computer based alternatives on experimental pharmacology learning-teaching process

Antecedentes. Actualmente el uso del animal de laboratorio en educación está siendo eliminado a nivel mundial y se buscan otras estrategias que permitan sustituirlo, pues no hay evidencia de que los estudiantes formados con métodos alternativos sean menos calificados. Objetivo. Contrastar la opinión de los estudiantes de farmacología, carrera de Farmacia Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sobre la implementación de un software interactivo en comparación con el montaje de órgano aislado. Material y métodos. Se comparó un recurso pedagógico usando animales en el laboratorio, con otro recurso basado en un software interactivo, para la práctica de “órgano aislado en intestino de roedor” por medio de la aplicación de una encuesta a estudiantes de séptimo semestre. Resultados. La opinión de los estudiantes, en una escala de uno a cinco, es que existen ventajas del montaje de órgano aislado sobre el software interactivo (p menor que 0,05) en cuanto al aporte de información (mediana 5:4 respectivamente), la integración de conocimientos (mediana 5:4) y la interpretación de datos inesperados (mediana 4:3). En cuanto a la claridad de la información obtenida la apreciación de los estudiantes muestra que no existen diferencias entre las dos alternativas (mediana 4). La utilización del animal involucra un costo ético (67 por ciento) que no se da con el empleo del software (27 por ciento). Finalmente es muy alta la aceptación del software interactivo como una ayuda eficaz para el aprendizaje de la farmacología (77 por ciento) y es notorio el interés de los estudiantes en que éstas alternativas sean implementadas en otras asignaturas (79 por ciento)...

Background. Nowadays the usage of lab animals in education is being eliminated all around the world. Other strategies are looked for to replace it because there is not any evidence that students trained using other alternatives are less qualified. Objective. The purpose of this research work was to contrast the opinion of the pharmacology students ofPharmacy, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, about the implementation of interactive software compared to theisolated tissue technique. Material and methods. This study compared teachingmaterial which uses lab animals to another one based on an interactive software for the isolated tissue of rodentintestine by means of a survey applied to the seven semester students.Results. Student’s opinion, in scale 1 to 5, is that there are advantages of the isolated tissue technique over theinteractive software (p<0,05) with respect to information contribution (median 5:4 respectively), knowledgeintegration (median 5:4) and unexpected results interpretation (median 4:3). In relation to obtainedinformation clarity, student’s opinion shows that there aren’t differences between the two alternatives (median4). The use of laboratory animal implies an ethical cost (67%) that doesn’t exist with the use of interactive software(27%). Finally, is high the acceptance of interactive software as an effective tool in pharmacology learning (77%) and is noticeable the student’s interest about this alternative being used in other courses (79%)...

Análise de indicadores éticos do uso de animais na investigação científica e no ensino em uma Amostra Universitária da Área da Saude e das Ciências Biológicas / Analysis of ethics indicators of animal use in scientific investigation and education among universitary sample fron Health Area and Biological Sciences

Objetivos: investigar, em uma amostra universitária, indicadores éticos envolvidos no uso de animais e no ensino. Métodos: foi distribuído um questionário aos alunos do primeiro semestre dos cursos da área da saúde (Medicina, Enfermagem, Odontologia Nutrição, Fisioterapia, Farmácia e Educação Física) e das Ciências Biológicas para prenchimento em aula. As variáveis investigadas foram: idade, gênero, curso, indicadores de interesse pelo tema "ética animal" e indicadores éticos do uso de animais na pesquisa científica e no ensino. Os dados foram digitados e analisados no programa estatístico SPSS versão 11.5. Os resultados foram apresentados de forma descritiva. Resultados: um total de 363 alunos respondeu aos questionários. A média de idade foi 19,59±3,17 anos, sendo 69,3% do gênero feminino. A maioria dos alunos pesquisados tinha algum conhecimento prévio sobre o tema; não havia participado de aulas práticas com animais na graduação, mas havia participado ainda no ensino médio; levaria em consideração dor/sofrimento das cobaias, o bem-estar e o número delas tanto no ensino quanto na pesquisa; têm interesse pelo tema e participaria de um curso de extensão sobre o mesmo. Com grande frequência, os alunos posicionaram-se a favor da substituição dos animais nas atividades de ensino. Conclusões: os alunos são sensíveis quanto à utilização de animais na pesquisa e no ensino. Estes achados são importantes no contexto da ética animal, sendo que sua divulgação poderá subsidiar a reflexão sobre a utilização eticamente adequada de seres sensientes.

HIV counseling, testing and referral service for drug users with HIV (+) in the Centers of Social Labor Education No.1 and intervention model

Background: There is an increase in HIV/AIDS among rehabilitation practitioners in Centers of social labor education. Objective: (1) to evaluate prevalence of HIV and morbidity model of rehabilitation practitioners with HIV(+). (2) To describe knowledge of HIV-infection and health of rehabilitation practitioners with HIV(+). (3) To determine need of counseling related to test, treatment and care of rehabilitation practitioners with HIV (+). Subjects and methods: 297 rehabilitation practitioners in Centers of Social Labor Education No.1 surveyed using structured questionnaire, group discussion, in-depth interview. Results: There were 103 rehabilitation practitioner with HIV(+) accounting for 36%. Morbidity patterns among HIV(+) carriers: 36.2% had combined diseases; HCV 74%; co-infected with HBV (18%); recurrence of one disease 11.%; still good immunology response (74.3% hadTCD4>500 cells/mm3). \r\n', u'49.5% perceived AIDS conversion time, about 30% understood on preventing HIV transmission. Common practice was self-treatment (46%) or checking in local general hospitals (38.5%). There was a great need of drug users in Centers of Social Labor Education No.1 for counseling, testing, providing information, ARV treatment and referral system, connecting them to their relatives. Conclusion: HIV-CTR (counseling, testing and referrals services) model should be soon developed in the Center)\r\n', u'\r\n', u'\r\n', u'