Antidepressant-like effect of caffeic acid: Involvement of the cellular signaling pathways

Abstract Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound widely distributed in plants and beverages such as coffee. Although its mechanism of action is poorly understood, caffeic acid reportedly induces antidepressant-like and neuroprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of cellular signaling pathways in acute antidepressant-like effect induced by caffeic acid in mice. All procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee of the UNIVALI n. 021/2013. Female Swiss mice were administered with vehicle, caffeic acid (5 mg/ kg, p.o.), inhibitor (H-89, U0126, chelerythrine, or PD9859, i.c.v.) or caffeic acid plus inhibitor. The behavioral effects were evaluated 1h after the administration of compounds to mice using tail suspension test (TST) and open field test (OFT). The results showed that the antidepressant- like effect of caffeic acid in mice was possibly mediated by the activation of PKA, MEK 1/2, PKC and MAPK (as assessed using TST), without compromising their locomotor activity (as assessed using OFT). Our results demonstrated, at least in part, the pathways involved in the neuroprotective and behavioral effects of caffeic acid.

Eficacia antiparasitaria in vitro del extracto de quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) sobre larvas infectantes de Haemonchus contortus de ovinos / In vitro antiparasitic efficacy of the quebracho extract (Schinopsis balansae) on infecting larvae of Haemonchus contortus of sheep

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar in vitro la eficacia del extracto de quebracho (Schinopsis spp.), rico en taninos condensados, en el control de H. contortus de ovinos, ya que existen evidencias de que estos taninos pueden reducir la excreción de huevos, la fecundidad de las hembras y la carga de parásitos adultos. Para evaluar el efecto antihelmíntico in vitro sobre larvas infectantes de H. contortus susceptibles a todos los grupos químicos, se utilizó el test de inhibición de migración larval (IML) a 3 concentraciones diferentes (5 mg/ml, 15 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml). El efecto de los tratamientos fue analizado mediante un análisis de varianza y la estimación de las diferencias entre grupos se realizó por medio de la prueba LSD Fisher. Los resultados del test in vitro demostraron una reducción de la migración larval que varió entre el 74% y el 80%, a las concentraciones de entre 5 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml. Del análisis de varianza surgen diferencias significativas entre tratamientos (p = 0,0494). Al realizar la prueba de comparación de medias se evidenciaron diferencias significativas (p < 0,05) entre los promedios de migración a las diluciones de 5 mg/ml y 15 mg/ml, y de 5 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml, mientras que no se detectaron diferencias significativas entre la dilución de 15 mg/ml y 30 mg/ml. Estos resultados señalaron que el extracto de quebracho, a las diluciones evaluadas in vitro, presentó actividad antihelmíntica sobre larvas L3 susceptibles de H. contortus. Sin embargo, se requiere ampliar los estudios in vivo para demostrar un efecto antihelmíntico en ovinos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate in vitro efficacy of the quebracho extract (Schinopsis spp.), rich in condensed tannins, against H. contortus in sheep, since there is evidence that this tanninsthese tannins can reduce egg excretion, fecundity of females and the burden of adult parasites. A larval migration inhibition (IML) test with 3 different concentration (5 mg/ml, 15 mg/ml, and 30 mg/ml) was used to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect upon iInfective H. contortus larvae,from a susceptible strain to all chemical groupswere utilized with 3 diferentconcentration (5mg/ml, 15mg/ml, and 30mg/ml). The effect of the treatments was submitted to a variance analysis and the estimation of the differences between groups was evaluated using LSD Fisher test. Results from the in vitro test, revealed a reduction of the larval migration that varies from 74% to 80%, at the concentrations between 5 mg/ml to 30 mg/ml. From the analysis of variance, significant differences appear between treatments (p = 0,0494). After When performing the mean comparison test were performed, significant differences (p < 0,05) were found between the migration averages at dilutions of 5 mg/ml and 15 mg/ml, and between 5 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml, while were no't detected significant differences between the dilution of 15 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml. These results indicated that quebracho extract at the dilutions evaluated in vitro showed anthelmintic activity on L3 susceptible to H. contortus. However, it is necessary to conduct further studies in vivo to demonstrate an anthelmintic effect in sheep.

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.

Percepção social sobre atividade assistida por animais em hospitais / Social representation of animal-assisted activity in hospitals / Percepción social de la actividad asistida por animales en hospitales

Resumo A visita de animais de companhia em hospitais vem se tornando cada vez mais frequente, e os benefícios biopsicossociais dessa prática têm sido atestados empírica e cientificamente. Contudo, é preciso refletir sobre certas limitações que podem gerar vulnerabilidades. O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar, por meio de pesquisa exploratória, qualiquantitativa, a percepção social sobre a atividade assistida com animais. Respondentes da sociedade (n=116), voluntários (n=15), equipe terapêutica (n=16) e pacientes participantes de intervenções desse tipo (n=16) se mostraram receptivos à presença de animais, enaltecendo os benefícios (especialmente os emocionais) da prática e ofuscando as limitações relativas à biossegurança e ao bem-estar animal. Os resultados corresponderam à expectativa inicial, de que as vulnerabilidades da atividade assistida por animais podem ser mitigadas com o apoio da bioética, dada sua natureza dialogante, multidisciplinar, deliberativa e consultiva, visando a ponderação dos custos, benefícios e alternativas para o bem-estar de todos os atores envolvidos.

Abstract Pet visits to hospitals have become increasingly more frequent, and although its biopsychosocial benefits have been empirically and scientifically ascertained, this activity has risk-related limitations that should be properly addressed. This exploratory, quantitative and qualitative study sought to characterize the social representation of animal-assisted activity. Respondents selected from society in general (N=116), volunteers (N=15), staff members (N=16), and patients (N=16) who participate in animal interventions were receptive to the presence of animals, praising the benefits - especially the emotional - of the activity, and disregarding its limitations, mainly related to biosafety and animal well-being. Results show that the risks involved in the activity can be mitigated by the dialogical, multidisciplinary, deliberative and consultative nature of a bioethical approach aimed at assessing the costs, benefits and alternatives to ensure the well-being of all the actors involved.

Resumen La visita de mascotas en hospitales se ha vuelto cada vez más frecuente, y los beneficios biopsicosociales de esta práctica han sido demostrados empírica y científicamente. Sin embargo, es necesario reflexionar sobre ciertas limitaciones que pueden generar vulnerabilidades. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo caracterizar, por medio de una investigación exploratoria, cualicuantitativa, la percepción social de la actividad asistida por animales. Encuestados de la sociedad (n=116), voluntarios (n=15), equipo terapéutico (n=16) y pacientes participantes en intervenciones de este tipo (n=16) se mostraron receptivos a la presencia de animales, enalteciendo los beneficios (especialmente los emocionales) de la práctica y eclipsando las limitaciones relativas a la bioseguridad y al bienestar animal. Los resultados correspondieron a la expectativa inicial de que las vulnerabilidades de la actividad asistida por animales pueden ser mitigadas con el apoyo de la bioética, dada su naturaleza dialógica, multidisciplinaria, deliberativa y consultiva, buscando considerar los costos, beneficios y alternativas para el bienestar de todos los actores implicados.

Mga tanom na nakakabulong: Medicinal plant studies among the undergraduate researches of Bicol University – Department of Biology from 1991 to 2019

Background@#Undergraduate researches in universities are potential sources of useful data in medicinal plant research. In higher education institutions, many of these manuscripts remain untapped and inaccessible to researchers and scientists. If widely utilized, these can contribute in the growth of knowledge on medicinal plants. @*Objectives@#This article aimed to catalogue the medicinal plant researches of the Bicol University – Department of Biology from 1991 to 2019, highlight significant developments, trends, and responsiveness of the research, and recommend policies to improve medicinal plant research in the next decade. @*Methodology@#A complete list of undergraduate research titles was obtained and analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) process. Categorization of researches included the medicinal plants studied, year of study, and the biological assays conducted. The final list included two things: researches that utilized medicinal plants and those researches which tested the biological and medicinal properties of plants. Results were presented in percentages. @*Results@#To date, 18.72% of the 865 thesis titles archived in the department are medicinal plant researches and majority of which focused on antimicrobial and toxicity studies. There were 52 plant families, 99 genera, and 114 plant species investigated. Leguminosae and Asteraceae were the most studied plant families. The years 2011-2019 were the most fruitful in terms of research completed. @*Conclusion@#Undergraduate researches can provide vital information on medicinal plants studies, especially on an institutional and regional level. It is recommended that medicinal plants research be included as a thematic area among higher education institutions, and that policies be implemented to support publication of researches.

Content analysis of the South African MMed mini-dissertation

Background. There is no baseline information on the South African (SA) MMed mini-dissertation, which became a compulsory (and controversial) research component for specialist registration in 2011.Objective. To obtain evidence-based information regarding the current composition of the research output of the MMed mini-dissertation.Methods. SA MMed mini-dissertations (N=307) were downloaded from electronic theses and dissertation websites and 8 university repositories that provide specialist training. Fourteen variables were noted for each mini-dissertation, the data were entered into an Excel (2016) (Microsoft, USA) spreadsheet and analysed using descriptive statistics.Results. The 307 mini-dissertations, representing 24 of the Colleges of Medicine of SA, were submitted from 1996 to 2018, mainly in monograph format (76%) and almost equally divided between prospective and retrospective studies. Observational studies predominated, with meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials comprising 5% of the sample. Although quantitative investigations dominated (82%), just less than half of these used statistics to test variables. Confirmed ethical compliance improved from 41% in pre-2011 dissertations to 83% for dissertations submitted during 2015 - 2018.Conclusions. This study provides descriptive data on the SA MMed mini-dissertation. Comparisons indicate that the MMed research component compares favourably with the content and research approach of similar international specialist trainee research outputs

Conhecimento sobre a bioética e a Lei 11. 794/2008 na graduação / The knowledge of bioethics and Law 11, 794/2008 in undergraduate courses / Conocimiento sobre bioética y la Ley 11. 794/2008 en el grado

Resumo O uso de animais para fins didáticos e de pesquisa requer cuidados específicos. Atualmente, vigora no Brasil a Lei 11.794/2008, que rege parâmetros legais de manejo e conduta neste caso. Esta lei foi acompanhada da instalação ou adequação de comissões de ética em instituições que utilizam animais para ensino e investigação, bem como da criação do Conselho Nacional de Controle de Experimentação Animal. No entanto, apesar dos avanços, especialmente na legislação, ainda não foi consolidada nenhuma grande mudança de comportamento de pesquisadores e alunos de graduação que manuseiam animais em laboratório. A divulgação de informações deixa a desejar, e a prática acaba por repercutir a carência de reflexão ética. Este artigo busca averiguar o atual conhecimento bioético de alunos de graduação e professores com o objetivo de estimular mudanças de conduta. Aprovado CEP-Unioeste CAAE 8563417.8.0000.0107

Abstract Used for education and research, laboratory animals require special care on their handling. Brazilian Law 11,794/2008 establishes the legal parameters for animal manipulation and welfare. It was accompanied by the obligatory installation of the Institutional Ethics Committees on the Use of Animals and the creation of the National Council for Animal Experimentation Control. There have been advances in the field of animal bioethics legislation. However, considering the behavior of those who handle the animals in laboratory environment, especially undergraduate students, these advances are insufficient: the information does not reach them and their attitudes remain in need of ethical reflection. This article seeks to investigate the current bioethical knowledge of undergraduate students and teachers in order to stimulate changes in conduct. Aprovado CEP-Unioeste CAAE: 78563417.8.0000.0107

Resumen El uso de animales con fines didácticos y de investigación requiere cuidados específicos. Actualmente, rige en Brasil la Ley 11.794/2008 que regula los parámetros legales de manejo y conducta en estos casos. Esta ley estuvo acompañada de la instalación o adecuación de comisiones de ética en instituciones que utilizan animales para enseñanza e investigación, así como de la creación del Consejo Nacional de Control de Experimentación Animal. No obstante, a pesar de los avances, especialmente en la legislación, aún no se ha consolidado ninguna gran transformación en el comportamiento de los investigadores y alumnos que manipulan animales en el laboratorio. La divulgación de informaciones es insuficiente, y la práctica acaba reflejando la falta de reflexión ética. Este artículo procura identificar el conocimiento bioético actual de los alumnos de grado y de los profesores, con el objetivo de estimular cambios en la conducta. Aprovado CEP-Unioeste CAAE: 78563417.8.0000.0107

Planejamento e divulgação da pesquisa com animais como parâmetro de integridade / Planning and dissemination of research as a parameter of integrity in animal research / Planificación y divulgación de la Investigación con animales como parámetro de integridad

Resumo A integridade na pesquisa com animais, atrelada à responsabilidade científica e social, demanda rigor na elaboração e execução de protocolos, no comprometimento com o bem-estar do animal e divulgação de dados idôneos. A partir do questionamento da vulnerabilidade do pesquisador para cumprir essa demanda, analisaram-se protocolos de submissão de projetos para Comissões de Ética no Uso de Animais, políticas editoriais e divulgações de método como instrumentos para garantir a integridade da pesquisa. Os resultados subsidiaram o planejamento e a divulgação da pesquisa como parâmetro de integridade e adesão ao princípio de redução, substituição e refinamento. Atestou-se a eficiência do instrumento administrativo e legal como meio de refletir sobre a concepção técnica, ética, social e jurídica para se obter dados consistentes e confiáveis, além de fortalecer a confiança entre ciência e sociedade. Essa reflexão deve ser apoiada pelo papel educativo da bioética, desempenhado pelas comissões para mitigar as vulnerabilidades do pesquisador.

Abstract Integrity in animal research, coupled with scientific and social responsibility, demands rigor in the construction and execution of the protocol, commitment to the promotion of animal welfare and the dissemination of suitable data. Protocols for submitting projects to the Ethics Committee on Animal Use, editorial policies and dissemination of the methodology as tools to promote research integrity were analysed based on the questioning of the vulnerability of researchers not trained to fulfill this demand. The results supported the insertion of planning and dissemination of research as a parameter of integrity and adherence to the principle of 3R (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) as a guide to the decision of how much and how and why to use animals in research. We verified the efficiency of the administrative and legal instrument as a promoter of reflection on technical, ethical, social and legal conception and society. These should be subsidized by the educational role of Bioethics, carried out by committees to mitigate vulnerabilities of the researcher.

Resumen La integridad en la investigación con animales, ligada a la responsabilidad científica y social, demanda rigor en la construcción y ejecución del protocolo, compromiso en la promoción del bienestar animal y difusión de datos adecuados. Partiendo del cuestionamiento de la vulnerabilidad del investigador no instrumentado para satisfacer esta demanda, se analizaron protocolos de proyectos presentados al Comité de Ética en el Uso de Animales, políticas editoriales y de difusión de la metodología como herramientas para la promoción de la integridad en la investigación. Los resultados apoyaron la inserción de la planificación y divulgación de la investigación como parámetro de integridad y adhesión al principio de las 3R como guías de la decisión de cuánto, cómo y por qué usar animales. Se comprobó la eficiencia del instrumento administrativo y legal como promotor de reflexión sobre la concepción técnica, ética, social y legal con el objetivo de obtener datos consistentes y adecuados, fortaleciendo la relación de confianza entre Ciencia y Sociedad. Estas deben ser apoyadas por el papel educativo de la Bioética, desempeñado por las comisiones para mitigar las vulnerabilidades del investigador.

Ensuring reproducibility and ethics in animal experiments reporting in Korea using the ARRIVE guideline / 한국실험동물학회지

The aim of this study is to evaluate the reporting quality of animal experiments in Korea using the Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guideline developed in 2010 to overcome the reproducibility problem and to encourage compliance with replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in research (3R's principle). We reviewed 50 papers published by a Korean research group from 2013 to 2016 and scored the conformity with the 20-items ARRIVE guideline. The median conformity score was 39.50%. For more precise evaluation, the 20 items were subdivided into 57 sub-items. Among the sub-items, status of experimental animals, housing and husbandry were described under the average level. Microenvironment sub-items, such as enrichment, bedding material, cage type, number of companions, scored under 10%. Although statistical methods used for the studies were given in most publications (84%), sample size calculation and statistical assumption were rarely described. Most publications mentioned the IACUC approval, but only 8% mentioned welfare-related assessments and interventions, and only 4% mentioned any implications of experimental methods or findings for 3R. We may recommend the revision of the present IACUC proposal to collect more detailed information and improving educational program for animal researchers according to the ARRIVE guideline.

Revisión comentada de la legislación colombiana en ética de la investigación en salud / Commented review of the Colombian legislation regarding the ethics of health research

Resumen La ética de la investigación en salud no se agota en el marco normativo y trasciende la Resolución 8430 de 1993. Las normas constituyen una herramienta fundamental que determina los estándares mínimos de protección de los sujetos de investigación y, por lo tanto, su conocimiento y aplicación, así como la reflexión sobre ellas, son deberes de todos los investigadores en salud. En este texto se presentan y discuten desde un punto de vista analítico las normas para el ejercicio de la investigación en salud, entendiendo por salud un proceso multidimensional y por investigación en salud, un proceso multidisciplinario que trasciende este campo y abarca la investigación básica, la clínica y de salud pública, la colectiva y la de ciencias afines. Las principales categorías analíticas que se presentan se relacionan con los principios y los participantes en la investigación, las entidades reguladoras, los comités de ética y los sujetos y poblaciones especiales o vulnerables, y con los códigos de ética profesional, el consentimiento informado y el tratamiento de los datos. A pesar de los aportes de las normas éticas a la cualificación del ejercicio investigativo en salud, se concluyó que la normatividad vigente en Colombia debe actualizarse con respecto a los desarrollos técnicos y científicos y las especificidades de los diversos tipos de investigación en salud.

Abstract The scope of ethics in health research transcends its legal framework and the regulations established in Resolution 8430 of 1993. These norms represent a fundamental tool to determine the minimum protection standards for research subjects, and, therefore, they should be known, applied properly, and reflect upon by all researchers in the field. Here I present and discuss from an analytical point of view the regulations that guide research in health. In this framework, health is understood as a multidimensional process, and research in health as a multidisciplinary exercise involving basic, clinical and public health research, collective health, and other related sciences. The main analytical categories are related to the principles and actors involved in research (regulatory authorities, ethical committees, and special or vulnerable subjects and populations), and to professional ethics codes, in addition to informed consents and data management. Despite the contribution of this legislation to the qualification of health research, my conclusion is that the national legislation in ethics for health research requires updating regarding technological and scientific developments, as well as specifications from the multiple types of health studies.

Differentiation of the Infarct Core from Ischemic Penumbra within the First 4.5 Hours, Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Derived Metrics: A Rat Model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the diffusion tensor imaging-derived metrics are capable of differentiating the ischemic penumbra (IP) from the infarct core (IC), and determining stroke onset within the first 4.5 hours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All procedures were approved by the local animal care committee. Eight of the eleven rats having permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion were included for analyses. Using a 7 tesla magnetic resonance system, the relative cerebral blood flow and apparent diffusion coefficient maps were generated to define IP and IC, half hour after surgery and then every hour, up to 6.5 hours. Relative fractional anisotropy, pure anisotropy (rq) and diffusion magnitude (rL) maps were obtained. One-way analysis of variance, receiver operating characteristic curve and nonlinear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The evolutions of tensor metrics were different in ischemic regions (IC and IP) and topographic subtypes (cortical, subcortical gray matter, and white matter). The rL had a significant drop of 40% at 0.5 hour, and remained stagnant up to 6.5 hours. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in rL values were found between IP, IC, and normal tissue for all topographic subtypes. Optimal rL threshold in discriminating IP from IC was about -29%. The evolution of rq showed an exponential decrease in cortical IC, from -26.9% to -47.6%; an rq reduction smaller than 44.6% can be used to predict an acute stroke onset in less than 4.5 hours. CONCLUSION: Diffusion tensor metrics may potentially help discriminate IP from IC and determine the acute stroke age within the therapeutic time window.

Development and Evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix Originated from Transgenic Porcine Skin for Primates Skin Graft

This study was performed to compare the healing quality of the allogenic acellular dermal matix (ADM) and xenogenic ADM combined with autologous split thicknessskin graft. Xenogenic ADM was obtained from two wild type pigs. Allogenic ADM was obtained from cynomolgus monkeys. ADM was stored with cryo-preservation. Full-thickness skin wounds were made on the back of two cynomolgus monkeys. In one monkey, wounds were covered by allogenic ADM combined with autologous split thickness skin graft (STSG) or autologous STSGonly. In another monkey, wounds were covered by xenogenic ADM combined with autologous skin graft or autologous skin graft only. Skin healing process was observed during 2 weeks and skin biopsies were performed on 3 months after skin transplantation. We obtained IACUC approval (ORIENT-IACUC-16053). Skin on the xenogenic ADM was necrotized 1 week after skin transplantation. Possibly due to the thickness of ADM, which block the blood supply from the subcutaneous tissue to the autologous skin graft. Skin biopsy revealed that less fibrotic change of the skin on the ADM compared with the skin without ADM. Xenogenic ADM can be used in high degree burn patients who can suffered from contracture after healing since it can reduce fibrotic change.

Conocimientos, conservación y avistamiento del manatí amazónico (Trichechus inunguis), según los pobladores de la cuenca del río Ucayali (Loreto, Perú) / Knowledge of the inhabitants from the Ucayali river basin (Peru) about the Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis)

Identificar conocimientos que poseen los pobladores de la cuenca del río Ucayali sobre la biología, conservación y problemática, asi como avistamientos previos del manatí amazónico Trichechus inunguis. Materiales y métodos: Se encuestaron 421 personas de diferentes edades, sexos y ocupaciones, en diferentes localidades de la cuenca del río Ucayali. Resultados: El 88.8% reconoció a la especie, y el 80.1% conocen al manatí con el nombre de vaca marina. El 65.1% declaran haber consumido su carne de manera poco frecuente y oportunista. La principal razón que justifican para capturarlos fue su buen sabor (46.4%). Así mismo, 51.9% de los encuestados afirmó saber que su caza es ilegal y el 24% refirió haberlo avistado en el área de estudio. Asimismo, 96.7% manifestaron interés para que esta especie animal se conserve. Conclusiones: Los conocimientos de los pobladores encuestados son insuficientes sobre la situación poblacional, las amenazas y la legislación actual que rige la caza del manatí. Actualmente, con poca frecuencia, se siguen avistando ejemplares en vida silvestre dentro del área de estudio, pero también se sigue dando su captura. Se recomienda incluir la educación ambiental en estas comunidades como principal herramienta para la conservación del manatí amazónico...

To collect information about the knowledge of the inhabitants from the Ucayali River basin about the amazonian manateeÆs, Trichechus inunguis, biology, conservation and problematic as well as previous sightings. Materials and methods: 421 people were surveyed without bias of age, sex or occupation, in different localities of the Ucayali River basin. Results: 88.8% of the interviewed recognized species, most of them referring to it as ôsea cowõ (80.1%). The principal use attributed to this animal is the consumption of its meat (65.1%). Also 51.9% of the surveyed are aware that hunting is illegal. According to the surveyed, the consumption of this species is rare and opportunistic, being the good taste of its meat (46.4%) the main reason for its capture. There is a great interest from behalf the population in the conservation of this animal (96.7%). As for the sightings, 24.0% were within the study area. Conclusions: There is a lack of knowledge from the surveyed on the current population, threats and the laws regulating the hunting of the amazonian manatee. Currently, with low frequency, sightings are still occurring within the study area, but also their capture. Environmental education is the main tool required for the conservation of the amazonian manatee in these communities...

Instrumental and ethical aspects of experimental research with animal models / Aspectos instrumentais e eticos da pesquisa experimental com modelos animais / Aspectos instrumentales y eticos de la investigacion experimental con modelos animales

Experimental animal models offer possibilities of physiology knowledge, pathogenesis of disease and action of drugs that are directly related to quality nursing care. This integrative review describes the current state of the instrumental and ethical aspects of experimental research with animal models, including the main recommendations of ethics committees that focus on animal welfare and raises questions about the impact of their findings in nursing care. Data show that, in Brazil, the progress in ethics for the use of animals for scientific purposes was consolidated with Law No. 11.794/2008 establishing ethical procedures, attending health, genetic and experimental parameters. The application of ethics in handling of animals for scientific and educational purposes and obtaining consistent and quality data brings unquestionable contributions to the nurse, as they offer subsidies to relate pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical aspect on the patient.

Los modelos experimentales con animales ofrecen la posibilidad de conocimiento de fisiología, etiopatogenia y la acción de los fármacos que están directamente relacionados con la calidad del cuidado de enfermería. Esta revisión integradora describe los aspectos instrumentales y éticos de la investigación experimental con modelos animales, incluyendo las principales recomendaciones de los comités de ética para resguardar el bienestar de los animales y las consideraciones sobre el impacto de sus resultados en la enfermería asistencial. Los datos muestran que, en Brasil, los avances en materia de ética sobre el uso de animales para fines científicos se consolidó con la Ley N º 11.794/2008 que establece los procedimientos éticos que considera el cumplimiento de los parámetros sanitarios, genéticos y experimentales. La aplicación de la ética en el manejo de animales con fines científicos y educativos y la obtención de datos consistentes y de calidad, traen aportes incuestionables a la enfermería, ya que ofrecen cánones para relacionar los mecanismos fisiopatológicos y clínicos del paciente.

Os modelos experimentais com animais oferecem possibilidades de conhecimento da fisiologia, da etiopatogenia das doenças e da ação de medicamentos que estão diretamente relacionados com a assistência de enfermagem de qualidade. Essa revisão integrativa descreve o estado atual dos aspectos instrumentais e éticos da pesquisa experimental com modelos animais, incluindo as principais recomendações dos comitês de ética que visam ao bem-estar animal e faz considerações sobre impacto de seus resultados na enfermagem assistencial. Os dados mostram que, no Brasil, o avanço na ética para o uso de animais para fins científicos consolidou-se com a Lei nº 11.794/2008, que estabelece os procedimentos éticos, atendendo ainda parâmetros sanitários, genéticos e experimentais. A aplicação da ética no manuseio de animais para fins científicos e didáticos e a obtenção de dados consistentes e de qualidade trazem contribuições inquestionáveis ao enfermeiro, uma vez que oferecem subsídios para se relacionar mecanismos fisiopatológicos e a clínica do paciente.

Ethical research as the target of animal extremism: an international problem

Animal extremism has been increasing worldwide; frequently researchers are the targets of actions by groups with extreme animal rights agendas. Sometimes this targeting is violent and may involve assaults on family members or destruction of property. In this article, we summarize recent events and suggest steps that researchers can take to educate the public on the value of animal research both for people and animals

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.

Ethical and Regulatory Problems of Molecular Imaging / 대한핵의학회잡지

As a molecular imaging is the most up-to-date technology in Nuclear Medicine, it has complicate ethical and regulatory problems. For animal experiment, we have to follow institutional animal care committee. For clinical experiment, we have to get approval of Institutional Review Board according to Helsinki declaration. In addition, approval from Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) is essential for manufacturing and commercialization. However, too much regulation would suppress development of new technology, which would result in the loss of national competitive power. In addition, most new radioactive ligands for molecular imaging are administered to human at sub-pharmacological and sub-toxicological level. In conclusion, a balanced regulation is essential for the safety of clinical application and development of new technology.