Endothelial-platelet interactions in influenza-induced pneumonia: A potential therapeutic target

Every year, influenza viruses spread around the world, infecting the respiratory systems of countless humans and animals, causing illness and even death. Severe influenza infection is associated with pulmonary epithelial damage and endothelial dysfunction leading to acute lung injury (ALI). There is evidence that an aggressive cytokine storm and cell damage in lung capillaries as well as endothelial/platelet interactions contribute to vascular leakage, pro-thrombotic milieu and infiltration of immune effector cells. To date, treatments for ALI caused by influenza are limited to antiviral drugs, active ventilation or further symptomatic treatments. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of influenza-mediated pathogenesis, permissive animal models and histopathological changes of lung tissue in both mice and men and compare it with histological and electron microscopic data from our own group. We highlight the molecular and cellular interactions between pulmonary endothelium and platelets in homeostasis and influenza-induced pathogenesis. Finally, we discuss novel therapeutic targets on platelets/endothelial interaction to reduce or resolve ALI.

Cultures of care? Animals and science in Britain

It is becoming increasingly common to hear life scientists say that high quality life science research relies upon high quality laboratory animal care. However, the idea that animal care is a crucial part of scientific knowledge production is at odds with previous social science and historical scholarship regarding laboratory animals. How are we to understand this discrepancy? To begin to address this question, this paper seeks to disentangle the values of scientists in identifying animal care as important to the production of high quality scientific research. To do this, we conducted a survey of scientists working in the United Kingdom who use animals in their research. The survey found that being British is associated with thinking that animal care is a crucial part of conducting high quality science. To understand this finding, we draw upon the concept of 'civic epistemologies' (Jasanoff 2005; Prainsack 2006) and argue that 'animals' and 'care' in Britain may converge in taken-for-granted assumptions about what constitutes good scientific knowledge. These ideas travel through things like state regulations or the editorial policies of science journals, but do not necessarily carry the embodied civic epistemology of 'animals' and 'science' from which such modes of regulating laboratory animal welfare comes.

[Laboratory animal allergy.]

Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is caused by an immunological hypersensitivity reaction to highmolecular- weight antigens that are present in laboratory animals' urine, dander and saliva. All laboratory animal facility personnel who regularly come in contact with laboratory animals, such as technicians, researchers, cleaning staff, veterinarians and even administrative staff, are at risk of developing LAA. Generally, most epidemiological studies indicate a LAA prevalence ranging from 6% to 44% and an incidence ranging from 9% to 30%. Prevalence and incidence data vary widely because the diagnosis is not uniformly defined: some diagnoses are made solely on the basis of symptoms, whereas others also require a positive skin test or confirmation of the presence of laboratory animal allergen-specific IgE antibodies.

Group and Single Housing of Male Mice: Collected Experiences from Research Facilities in Sweden

Simple Summary

The mouse is the most commonly used mammal in scientific research, and housed in research facilities around the world. Mice are a social species, but when housing male mice together in a confined environment in the laboratory, aggression is often observed and can be problematic. Fighting or trying to avoid fighting can be stressful. Furthermore, fighting can lead to injuries which can sometimes be fatal. Mouse aggression is therefore a significant welfare problem and has implications on the 3Rs (Replacing, Reducing, and Refining animal use in scientific procedures and education). In this study, we used a survey and workshops to collect the experiences of animal technicians, veterinarians, and researchers at Swedish research animal facilities relating to mouse aggression and what methods of preventing aggression they practice. Both group housing and single-housing as a consequence of aggression was perceived as problematic and stressful for the animals. In line with current recommendations from the literature, participants perceived that aggression occurred less if mice were grouped with litter mates at an early age, that nesting material was transferred at cage cleaning, and disturbance was kept to a minimum. Experience from practice will play a valuable part in developing guidelines for group-housed male mice.

Abstract

Animals used for scientific purposes are protected by EU legislation. Social animals should be kept in stable groups that enable species-typical social behavior and provide individuals with social comfort. However, when group-housing male mice, aggression within the homecage is a common husbandry and welfare problem. Excessive fighting and injuries due to aggression can cause pain and stress, resulting in individuals being euthanized or housed individually. In addition, stress can alter physiological parameters, risking scientific validity and generating larger sample sizes. Mouse aggression, and the consequences thereof, thus opposes the 3R goals of Refining the methods to minimize potential pain and suffering and Reducing the number of animals used. Animal technicians, veterinarians, and scientists using animals have valuable information on how these problems are experienced and handled in practice. We assembled these experiences from laboratory animal facilities in Sweden, mapping problems observed and identifying strategies used to prevent mouse aggression. In line with current literature, less aggression was perceived if mice were grouped before sexual maturity, re-grouping avoided and nesting material transferred at cage cleaning. Preventing aggression will minimize pain and suffering and enable housing of stable groups, leading to more reliable scientific outcomes and is thus of high 3Rs relevance.

The 3Rs and Humane Experimental Technique: Implementing Change

Simple Summary

The 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement, formulated by William Russell and Rex Burch, have become synonymous with the measures to improve the welfare of animals used in research and are now used as an ethical framework for improving laboratory animal welfare throughout the world. This introduction to a special issue on the 3Rs explains how a non-confrontational and scientific approach led to their development, and briefly summarizes their adoption around the world.

Abstract

In 1959, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Scholars Russell & Burch published the Principles of Humane Experimental Technique in which they laid out the principles of the Three Rs. However, the Three Rs owed much to others. It was UFAW and, in particular, UFAW’s Founder and Director, Major Charles Hume who identified the problem that needed to be tackled, and who developed the non-confrontational approach that was needed to both formulate the questions that needed answers and to obtain the answers from the research community. Russell & Burch’s work was also guided by an expert scientific and technical committee chaired by the Nobel Prize winner Sir Peter Medawar. This essay describes the history of the Three Rs using publications by the protagonists and others as well as material from UFAW’s archives. It describes the background to the employment of Russell & Burch, the methodology of Russell & Burch’s approach and the impact of their work up to the present day—where the Three Rs are incorporated in legislation throughout the world.

Environmental and occupational hazards of metal nanocompounds production and application: hygienic, clinical and toxicological aspects

INTRODUCTION

Nanometals are the most common nanoobjects, used nearly in all industrial branches. Considerable advances in the nanotechnological production have led to progressive use of nanomaterials in industry, though occupational safety of the nanoindustry staff is insufficiently studied.

THE AIM

Estimation of labor safety during production of metal nanoparticles for the purpose of defining necessary and efficient preventive measures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The personnel of the hygienic departments of the O.Bogomolets National medical university have conducted numerous physiological, hygienic, biochemical, morphological and toxicological studies. The scientists have studied and revealed hazardous workplace factors of various metal nanoparticle production technologies, particularly those of metal nanoparticles: nanosilver, titanium nitride, chromium disilicide, lead sulphide, etc.

RESULTS

Results and conclusions: The authors have developed method of the occupational exposure metal nanoparticles exposure air control, assessed and analyzed health of the personnel engaged in production of the nanometals. The paper contains data of the blood cells functional activity assessment, with the detected possible molecular nanoparticles toxicity mechanisms due to the altered gene expression. The authors have studied effect of nanoaerosols onto the laboratory rats respiratory organs, evaluated their blood biochemical characteristics, liver lipid content of fatty acids as well as defined morpho-functional hepatic transformations of the laboratory animals which underwent lead sulfide nanoparticles treatment.

Alternatives to Carbon Dioxide-Taking Responsibility for Humanely Ending the Life of Animals

Simple Summary

Carbon dioxide has long been considered one of the better methods for euthanizing laboratory rodents because it allows termination of several animals at one time, does not require handling of the animal, is easy to use, is inexpensive, and is environmentally friendly. Research, though, has shown that this gas is aversive to rodents and that it may be inhumane to expose them to this gas while they are conscious. Therefore, the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office has set out to find a suitable replacement and organized a meeting that included representatives and experts of the different stakeholders involved in this process in order to find a solution. The conclusion of this meeting was that a replacement is required, and the next step would be to draft a research strategy to find a suitable replacement.

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is commonly used to kill rodents. However, a large body of research has now established that CO₂ is aversive to them. A multidisciplinary symposium organized by the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office discussed the drawbacks and alternatives to CO₂ in euthanasia protocols for laboratory animals. Dialogue was facilitated by brainstorming sessions in small groups and a “World Café”. A conclusion from this process was that alternatives to CO₂ were urgently required, including a program of research and extension to meet the needs for humane killing of these animals. The next step will involve gathering a group of international experts to formulate, draft, and publish a research strategy on alternatives to CO₂.

One for two: A novel and highly sensitive virulence factor-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the simultaneous detection of Rodentibacter pneumotropicus and Rodentibacter heylii in environmental sample material

Hygienic monitoring of laboratory rodents has focused more and more on the analysis of environmental sample material by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. This approach requires profound knowledge of specific genetic sequences of the agents to be monitored and the assays need to be permanently adapted to take the latest research into account. [Pasteurella] pneumotropica was recently reclassified into the new genus Rodentibacter, with Rodentibacter (R.) pneumotropicus and R. heylii as the most commonly detected species in laboratory mouse colonies. This study aimed at the development of a specific qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of both agents. A novel primer probe set, based on detection of the specific virulence factor' 'inclusion body protein A' gene (ibpA), was confirmed by testing the assay on currently described Rodentibacter type species and other Pasteurellaceae. Furthermore, it was validated within four different barrier units and results were compared with the cultural analysis of sentinel mice. The assay was suitable to specifically detect R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii and discriminate them from other murine Rodentibacter spp. In addition, it revealed high sensitivity for the detection of both agents in environmental sampling material including exhaust air dust in individually ventilated cage systems. Altogether, higher pathogen prevalence was detected via qPCR of environmental samples compared with cultural diagnostics of sentinel mice. This study describes a qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of R. pneumotropicus and R. heylii. This assay was demonstrated to be beneficial during routine health monitoring, especially with regard to environmental sampling strategies.

Applicability of vital staining and tissue clearing to vascular anatomy and melanocytes' evaluation of temporal bone in six laboratory species

The purpose of the present study was to define the applicability of tissue clearing to the field of otology. We combined tissue clearing with vital staining perfusion via a pumping system to examine the vascular anatomy of temporal bones in laboratory animals. We used six different types of species including Korean wild mouse, mouse, Mongolian gerbil, hamsters and Guinea pigs. A mixture of Alcian blue reagent and 4% paraformaldehyde was circulated throughout the entire circulatory system of the animal via a perfusion pump system. Transparency images were obtained from the temporal bones according to the protocol of the SunHyun 3D Imaging Kit. In examining the inner surface of the tympanic membrane, flaccid part (pars flaccida) was positioned along the entire marginal area in Guinea pig. In the Guinea pig, unlike the other species, the cortical bone of the mastoid (bullae) was easily removed using cold instruments, allowing a direct approach to the enclosed structures. The distribution and pattern of cochlea melanocytes were compared among the species. "Mobius strip"-like accumulated melanocytes in vestibules were shown in both the Korean wild mouse and mouse. The collateral blood supply to the cochlea in six different species was checked in various pattern. Combining dye infusion with tissue-clearing techniques, we documented the middle ear and transparent inner ear structures in six different species. The information and associated images will help other researchers to develop hypotheses and design experimental investigations.

Efficacy of Neulasta or Neupogen on H-ARS and GI-ARS Mortality and Hematopoietic Recovery in Nonhuman Primates After 10-Gy Irradiation With 2.5% Bone Marrow Sparing

A nonhuman primate model of acute, partial-body, high-dose irradiation with minimal (2.5%) bone marrow sparing was used to assess endogenous gastrointestinal and hematopoietic recovery and the ability of Neulasta (pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) or Neupogen (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) to enhance recovery from myelosuppression when administered at an increased interval between exposure and initiation of treatment. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of Neulasta or Neupogen on mortality and morbidity due to the hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome and concomitant gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome. Nonhuman primates were exposed to 10.0 Gy, 6 MV, linear accelerator-derived photons delivered at 0.80 Gy min. All nonhuman primates received subject-based medical management. Nonhuman primates were dosed daily with control article (5% dextrose in water), initiated on day 1 postexposure; Neulasta (300 μg kg), administered on days 1, 8, and 15 or days 3, 10, and 17 postexposure; or Neupogen (10 μg kg), administered daily postexposure following its initiation on day 1 or day 3 until neutrophil recovery (absolute neutrophil count ≥1,000 cells μL for 3 consecutive days). Mortality in the irradiated cohorts suggested that administration of Neulasta or Neupogen on either schedule did not affect mortality due to gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome or mitigate mortality due to hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (plus gastrointestinal damage). Following 10.0 Gy partial-body irradiation with 2.5% bone marrow sparing, the mean duration of neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <500 cells μL) was 22.4 d in the control cohort vs. 13.0 and 15.3 d in the Neulasta day 1, 8, 15 and day 3, 10, 17 cohorts, relative to 16.2 and 17.4 d in the Neupogen cohorts initiated on day 1 and day 3, respectively. The absolute neutrophil count nadirs were 48 cells μL in the controls; 117 cells μL and 40 cells μL in the Neulasta days 1, 8, and 15 or days 3, 10, and 17 cohorts, respectively; and 75 cells μL and 37 cells μL in the Neupogen day 1 and day 3 cohorts, respectively. Therefore, the earlier administration of Neulasta or Neupogen was more effective in this model of marginal 2.5% bone marrow sparing. The approximate 2.5% bone marrow sparing may approach the threshold for efficacy of the lineage-specific medical countermeasure. The partial-body irradiation with 2.5% bone marrow sparing model can be used to assess medical countermeasure efficacy in the context of the concomitant gastrointestinal and hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome sequelae.

Entanglements in Health and Well-being: Working with Model Organisms in Biomedicine and Bioscience

Drawing on collaborative ethnographic fieldwork, this article explores how human health becomes entangled with that of model organisms in day-to-day biomedical science. Social science scholarship on modeling has explored either how specific models impact and shape our knowledge of human disease or how animal technicians and scientists affect laboratory animals. This article extends this relational approach by asking how embodied and institutional care practices for model organisms affect the health and well-being of animal technicians and scientists. We focus on two interspecies bodily experiences: pathogenic exchange and stress. We then explore enrichment as a strategy for producing health and well-being across species. We suggest that relations of care form a crucial part of biomedical knowledge production. Not only does care figure in the shaping of model organisms; care for technicians and scientists also plays a role in bioscientific knowledge production. We conclude by proposing an interspecies approach to occupational health.

The Path Toward PET-Guided Radiation Therapy for Glioblastoma in Laboratory Animals: A Mini Review

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite the current state-of-the-art treatment, which consists of maximal surgical resection followed by radiation therapy, concomitant, and adjuvant chemotherapy, progression remains rapid due to aggressive tumor characteristics. Several new therapeutic targets have been investigated using chemotherapeutics and targeted molecular drugs, however, the intrinsic resistance to induced cell death of brain cells impede the effectiveness of systemic therapies. Also, the unique immune environment of the central nervous system imposes challenges for immune-based therapeutics. Therefore, it is important to consider other approaches to treat these tumors. There is a well-known dose-response relationship for glioblastoma with increased survival with increasing doses, but this effect seems to cap around 60 Gy, due to increased toxicity to the normal brain. Currently, radiation treatment planning of glioblastoma patients relies on CT and MRI that does not visualize the heterogeneous nature of the tumor, and consequently, a homogenous dose is delivered to the entire tumor. Metabolic imaging, such as positron-emission tomography, allows to visualize the heterogeneous tumor environment. Using these metabolic imaging techniques, an approach called dose painting can be used to deliver a higher dose to the tumor regions with high malignancy and/or radiation resistance. Preclinical studies are required for evaluating the benefits of novel radiation treatment strategies, such as PET-based dose painting. The aim of this review is to give a brief overview of promising PET tracers that can be evaluated in laboratory animals to bridge the gap between PET-based dose painting in glioblastoma patients.

[Research of the cadmium intoxication effect on the model of vitamin-mineral deficiency in rats]

The article presents the results of the study aimed at confirmation of the effectiveness of the rats' adaptive potential reduction under conditions of cadmium salt toxic effects. The 65-days experiment was conducted in male and female Wistar rats. Animals were divided into 6 groups of 3 control and 3 experimental, 30 males and females in each. In total 360 rats were used in the experiment (180 females and 180 males). Rats of the 1st control group received a diet with optimal (75% of the standard semisyntethic diet content) dosage of vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, B₆ and mineral substances, Fe3+ and Mg²⁺, the rats of the 2nd and the 3rd control group - diets with marginal (30% for males and 28% for females) and submarginal (19% for males and 18% for females) doses of essential micronutrients. Animals of the 1-3th experimental groups received Cd2+ on the background of optimal, marginal and submarginal providing of essential micronutrients. The hematological, biochemical and morphological parameters and the antioxidant status of rats have been studied. The obtained results allowed to identify patterns of cadmium toxic effect strengthen on the background of essential nutrients reducing (in the row from optimal to submarginal). These changes showed erythrocyte and platelet blood profiles, and a set of indicators of the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation of blood and liver. Thus, the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes - glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in rats of the 1st experimental group were on average by 23% higher than in animals of the 1st control group, the rats of the 2nd and the 3rd experimental groups by 62 and 67% higher, respectively. The content of lipid peroxidation products in blood and liver of male and female rats showed a similar trend: an increase by 5% in the 1st experimental group by 9 and 25% in the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups respectively. Thus, the modification of the diets' vitamin-mineral composition may be used as a model of adaptive potential reduction in rats in the toxicological research of objects with unknown toxicity, in particular novel food products.

Validation of Sysmex XT-2000iV analyzer-generated quantitative bone marrow differential counts in cynomolgus monkeys, Beagle dogs, and CD-1 mice

BACKGROUND

In a previous study, the validation of rat bone marrow (BM) collection, processing, and analysis using the Sysmex XT-2000iV (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan) hematology analyzer showed that the Sysmex hematology analyzer produced BM differential counts that were comparable to those obtained with microscopic differential counts.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to expand the validation of the Sysmex TNCC (total nucleated cell count) and 5-part BM differential in cynomolgus monkeys, Beagle dogs, and CD-1 mice, which are alternate species that are also frequently used in preclinical safety studies.

METHODS

The Sysmex 5-part BM differential counts were generated with a two-step process, whereby proliferating and maturing erythroid and myeloid cells were determined by preset gating and lymphocytes were determined using species-specific B- and T-lymphocyte antibodies and a magnetic cell-sorting method (MACS). Agreement with microscopic myelograms with 500-cell differential counts was determined from BM suspensions of 62 cynomolgus monkeys, 47 Beagle dogs, and 44 CD-1 mice.

RESULTS

The correlation coefficients between methods for myeloid to erythroid (M:E) ratios in all three species was > 0.928. The Bland-Altman differences between methods were approximately ± 0.3 units for the M:E ratio in dogs and mice, and +0.6 and -0.4 in monkeys. The upper limits of agreement for all three species were ≤7% for maturing myeloid cells, ≤6% for maturing erythroid cells, and ≤4% for proliferating myeloid cells, proliferating erythroid cells, and lymphocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sysmex XT-2000iV produces an automated M:E ratio and a 5-part differential count equivalent to microscopic differential counts in cynomolgus monkeys, Beagle dogs, and CD-1 mice.

Biological occupational allergy: Protein microarray for the study of laboratory animal allergy (LAA)

Background

Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA) has been considered a risk for the workers since 1989 by the NIOSH. About one third of the Laboratory Animal Workers (LAWs) can manifest symptoms to LAA as asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and cutaneous reactions. The prevalence of LAA-induced clinical symptoms has been estimated with a great variability (4-44%) also due to the different methodologies applied.

Objective

Evaluate the prevalence of IgE positivity to mouse and rat allergens in LAWs and assess which factors are predisposing to sensitization among subjects exposed to laboratory animals in the workplace.

Methods

One hundred LAWs were invited to fill out a questionnaire regarding current allergic symptoms, atopic history, home environment, previous and current occupational history. IgE reactivity versus specific allergens was evaluated with ImmunoCAP ISAC.

Results

Out of one hundred LAWs, 18% had a serum susceptibility to mouse and/or rat allergens and 42% reported to have occupational allergy symptoms. Combining the results acquired by ImmunoCAP ISAC and questionnaire, 17% of LAWs have been defined as LAWs-LAA positive since they present a positive IgE response and allergy symptoms, 1% LAWs-LAA sensitized, 25% LAWs-LAA symptomatic and 57% LAWs-LAA negative. Presence of previous allergy symptoms in work and life environment were significantly related to LAWs-LAA positive/sensitized.

Conclusions

The study aimed to define the immunological profile of LAWs using the proteomic array as an innovative approach in the study of environmental and occupational exposure to allergens. We suggested a definition of LAWs-LAA considering serum IgE response and presence of allergy symptoms. The proposed approach has the advantage to provide a standard methodology for evaluating the specific IgE responsiveness to animal allergens in specific workplace also considering the immunological profile of workers referred to exposure in life and occupational environment.

Effects of light at night on laboratory animals and research outcomes

Light has substantial influences on the physiology and behavior of most laboratory animals. As such, lighting conditions within animal rooms are potentially significant and often underappreciated variables within experiments. Disruption of the light/dark cycle, primarily by exposing animals to light at night (LAN), disturbs biological rhythms and has widespread physiological consequences because of mechanisms such as melatonin suppression, sympathetic stimulation, and altered circadian clock gene expression. Thus, attention to the lighting environment of laboratory animals and maintaining consistency of a light/dark cycle is imperative for study reproducibility. Light intensity, as well as wavelength, photoperiod, and timing, are all important variables. Although modern rodent facilities are designed to facilitate appropriate light cycling, there are simple ways to modify rooms to prevent extraneous light exposure during the dark period. Attention to lighting conditions of laboratory animals by both researchers and research care staff ensures best practices for maintaining animal welfare, as well as reproducibility of research results. (PsycINFO Database Record

Report on first certificate course on applied physiology of pain, analgesia, anesthesia, and euthanasia for laboratory animals held in Sri Lanka

Similar to human beings, pain is an unpleasant sensation experienced by animals as well. There is no exception when the animals are subjected to experimental procedures. Our duty as researchers/scientists is to prevent or minimize the pain in animals so as to lessen their suffering and distress during experimental procedures. The basics of the physiology of pain and pain perception, analgesia, anesthesia, and euthanasia of laboratory animals were included to complete the program, before the practical part was attempted and before advanced topics, such as comparison of anesthetic combinations, were discussed. Therefore, this course was organized in Sri Lanka for the first time in collaboration with the Comparative Biology Centre of Newcastle University, UK. During this course, we were able to demonstrate how an anesthesia machine could be used in laboratory animal anesthesia for the first time in the country. None of the animal houses in the country were equipped with an anesthesia machine at the time of conducting the course.

A Simple Colorimetric Method to Quantify Total Fecal Oil Using Oil-soluble Dyes in Laboratory Animals and Its Correlation with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis

We developed a colorimetric method for measuring the amount of oil in mouse stool after co-administering an oil-soluble dye. When the amount of oil in the feces calculated from the amounts of Sudan III and Oil Red O was plotted against the amount of oil detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the graph was linear, showing a one-to-one correlation between two analyses. This method may be utilized to determine the efficacy of lipase inhibitors, or to assess fat malabsorption in vivo.

CROSS-PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF AN INFLUENZA VACCINE BASED ON HBC4M2E RECOMBINANT PROTEIN

One of the main problems in the area of influenza prophylaxis and pandemic prevention is the development of cross-reactive vaccines, i.e. vaccines directed against all subtypes of human influenza viruses. Such vaccines are being developed in many countries for more than 10 years. A number of vaccines are presently undergoing clinical trials. We created Uniflu candidate vaccine based on recombinant HBc4M2e protein consisting of 4 tandem-connected copies of the highly conserved ectodomain of M2 protein of the influenza A virus. These 4 copies were genetically fused to the carrier protein, namely hepatitis B core antigen. Commercially available Derinat was used as adjuvant in the candidate vaccine. Preclinical studies on laboratory animals (mice, ferrets) demonstrated that immunization with Uniflu leads to significantly higher level of specific immunoglobulins in the blood and bronchoalveolar lavages. Moreover, it produces immunoglobulins belonging to subtype IgG2a that is the most important mediator of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. The vaccine under review stimulates the proliferation of T-lymphocytes, as well as the formation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells synthesizing ɣ-IFN. When infected with the lethal doses (5 LD50) of influenza A viruses of the subtypes H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, and H1N1pdm09, immunized animals typically developed mild form of illness. This kept them alive in 90-100% of cases, which demonstrated almost complete protection from death. Replication of the virus in the lungs of immunized mice was reduced by 1.8-4.8 log10. High immunogenicity of the vaccine, and reduced clinical symptoms following experimental infection, were demonstrated in ferrets as well. The developed recombinant vaccine Uniflu has high specific activity and cross-protection. Uniflu can be proposed as pre-pandemic vaccine, provided that it passes clinical trials.

[The experimental strategies in the study of ischemic stroke]

Literature data and own experience in the studies of experimental stroke methodology are reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages of the common models of focal ischemia used in the laboratory practice are discussed in details. The advantages of the filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats as the most adequate model of human stroke are substantiated. The authors suggest a modification of this variant using an additional coagulation of the pterygopalatine artery that allows the exclusion of the retrograde and collateral blood flow into the inner carotid artery after ligation of the common and external carotid arteries.

Clinical protocol levels are required in laboratory animal surgery when using medical devices: experiences with ureteral replacement surgery in goats

It is common to test medical devices in large animal studies that are or could also be used in humans. In this short report we describe the use of a ureteral J-stent for the evaluation of biodegradable tubular constructs for tissue reconstruction, and the regeneration of ureters in Saanen goats. Similarly to a previous study in pigs, the ureteral J-stent was blindly inserted until some resistance was met. During evaluation of the goats after three months, perforation of the renal cortex by the stent was observed in four out of seven animals. These results indicated that blind stent placement was not possible in goats. In four new goats, clinical protocols were followed using X-ray and iodinated contrast fluids to visualize the kidney and stent during stent placement. With this adaptation the stents were successfully placed in the kidneys of these four new goats with minimal additional effort. It is likely that other groups in other fields ran into similar problems that could have been avoided by following clinical protocols. Therefore, we would like to stress the importance of following clinical protocols when using medical devices in animals to prevent unnecessary suffering and to reduce the number of animals needed.

Spotlight on acupuncture in laboratory animal medicine

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, although it is only in the past century that science has worked to unravel the mechanisms behind its use. Literature supporting the efficacious use of acupuncture to treat a variety of conditions has been and continues to be published, including the randomized controlled studies we all appreciate when practicing evidence-based medicine. The use of acupuncture in veterinary medicine has paralleled the trends observed in people, with an increasingly common use to remedy specific medical conditions. These conditions are commonly related to neurological dysfunction or orthopedic pain. Although pain relief is the most common use of acupuncture, numerous other conditions have been shown to improve with this therapy. Laboratory animals are also benefiting from acupuncture. Its use is starting to be incorporated into research settings, although there is still further progress to be made in this field. Acupuncture has been shown to improve clinical conditions and quality of life in laboratory animals, and should be considered as a tool to treat laboratory animals with conditions known to benefit from therapy. Here we review the history, mechanisms of action, and use of acupuncture to treat veterinary patients and laboratory animals.

Pharmacodynamics of the Orotomides against Aspergillus fumigatus: New Opportunities for Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Fungal Disease

F901318 is an antifungal agent with a novel mechanism of action and potent activity against Aspergillus spp. An understanding of the pharmacodynamics (PD) of F901318 is required for selection of effective regimens for study in phase II and III clinical trials. Neutropenic murine and rabbit models of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis were used. The primary PD endpoint was serum galactomannan. The relationships between drug exposure and the impacts of dose fractionation on galactomannan, survival, and histopathology were determined. The results were benchmarked against a clinically relevant exposure of posaconazole. In the murine model, administration of a total daily dose of 24 mg/kg of body weight produced consistently better responses with increasingly fractionated regimens. The ratio of the minimum total plasma concentration/MIC (C_min/MIC) was the PD index that best linked drug exposure with observed effect. An average C_min (mg/liter) and C_min/MIC of 0.3 and 9.1, respectively, resulted in antifungal effects equivalent to the effect of posaconazole at the upper boundary of its expected human exposures. This pattern was confirmed in a rabbit model, where C_min and C_min/MIC targets of 0.1 and 3.3, respectively, produced effects previously reported for expected human exposures of isavuconazole. These targets were independent of triazole susceptibility. The pattern of maximal effect evident with these drug exposure targets was also apparent when survival and histopathological clearance were used as study endpoints. F901318 exhibits time-dependent antifungal activity. The PD targets can now be used to select regimens for phase II and III clinical trials.IMPORTANCE Invasive fungal infections are common and often lethal. There are relatively few antifungal agents licensed for clinical use. Antifungal drug toxicity and the emergence of drug resistance make the treatment of these infections very challenging. F901318 is the first in a new class of antifungal agents called the orotomides. This class has a novel mechanism of action that involves the inhibition of the fungal enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. F901318 is being developed for clinical use. A deep understanding of the relationship between dosages, drug concentrations in the body, and the antifungal effect is fundamental to the identification of the regimens to administer to patients with invasive fungal infections. This study provides the necessary information to ensure that the right dose of F901318 is used the first time. Such an approach considerably reduces the risks in drug development programs and ensures that patients with few therapeutic options can receive potentially life-saving antifungal therapy at the earliest opportunity.

Introduction: Global Laws, Regulations, and Standards for Animals in Research

This issue contains a collection of papers describing the state of animal laws, regulations, and standards in counties worldwide, grouped by geographic regions (i.e., North America, South America, Pacific Rim, Africa, and the Middle East). An overview of the US and Canadian legal requirements for animal welfare is provided, along with consideration of potential gaps in the US Animal Welfare Act. The EU Directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes and its transposition is discussed, and challenges facing laboratory animal protection regimes in Latin America and the Pacific Rim are examined. Legislation for laboratory animal use has been enacted in India and Australia, while animal protection regimes have not yet been enacted in the Middle East and Africa. International harmonization is a particularly important challenge for the global scientific community and private accreditation by organizations such as AAALAC International, plays a key role in promoting high standards for animal care and use programs globally. This article highlights three future trends. First, international efforts at harmonization will continue, and seek to keep pace with the globalization of science. Second, nations that have not yet developed robust legal systems applicable to laboratory animal welfare will seek out the expertise of those nations that have well established regimes. Third, for countries with mature animal protection systems, animal use in research will continue to be of societal concern, and efforts to change existing laws will not abate. The opportunity to use animals in laboratory research is not an entitlement. It is a privilege accorded by society to certain members of the scientific community and along with it comes the responsibility to adhere to, and seek improvement in, applicable laws, regulations, policies and standards.

[Influence of meat semiprepared foods produced with an addition of water having a reduced deuterium content on the indicators of the laboratory animals with the model of alloxan diabetes]

The paper presents the results of the study on the influence of water with a reduced deuterium content and the meat semi-prepared foods produced with its addition on the indicators of the laboratory animals with the model of alloxan diabetes. The effect of low concentrations of deuterium on the body weight dynamics was shown as well as the manifestation of glucosuria and ketonuria, and clinico-biological indicators of the animal's blood. The experiment was carried out during 42 days on male rats of Wistar stock, which were divided into 4 groups - 2 experimental, control (n=10) and intact (n=6), and consisted of three stages: adaptational, the stage of modeling of alloxan diabetes (a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate - 12 mg/100 g body weight) and dietic therapeutic. The animals of the experimental groups consumed water with a reduced deuterium content and standard vivarium diet or the meat minced semi-prepared products produced with its addition and cooked to culinary readiness. The control group consumed tap water and standard vivarium diet. In animals of the 1st group, which consumed the meat product, glucosuria persisted up to the 28th day (the 11th day after administration of alloxan), ketonuria up to the 34th day (the 17th day after modeling). In rats of the 2nd group, which consumed water with the decreased deuterium content, glucose in urea was not detected already on the 7th day after administration of alloxan, ketones on the 17th day after modeling of the disease, respectively. In animals of the control group, glucosuria and ketonuria persisted up to the end of the experiment. As a result of the investigations, the positive effect of water with a reduced deuterium content and the meat food produced with its use was established. It was manifested in a decrease of glucose level in the urea of the animals from the experimental groups compared to the control group on the 5th day of disease modeling and normalization on the 17th day of modeling. This experimentally demonstrated the possibility to use deuterium-depleted water in a meat product composition intended for nutrition of people with an impairment of carbohydrate metabolism for correction of metabolic processes.