Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS最新文献

{"title":"A Comparison of LED with Fluorescent Lighting on the Stress, Behavior, and Reproductive Success of Laboratory Zebra Finches (<i>Taeniopygia guttata</i>).","authors":"Alanna G Backx, April Wu, Alyx Tanner, Niora J Fabian","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000009","DOIUrl":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There are limited evidence-based husbandry recommendations for laboratory zebra finches (<i>Taeniopygia guttata</i>), including appropriate light sources. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology has been shown to improve circadian regulation and reduce stress in some laboratory animal species, such as mice and rats, when compared with cool-white fluorescent (CWF) lighting, but the effects of LED lighting on zebra finches have not been published. We compared the effects of broad-spectrum, blue-enriched (6,500 Kelvin) CWF and flicker-free LED lighting on the behavior, stress, and reproductive outcomes of indoor-housed zebra finches. Using breeding pairs housed in cubicles illuminated with either CWF or LED lighting, we compared the reproductive output as determined by clutch size, hatching rate, and hatchling survival rate. We also compared the behavior of group-housed adult males, first housed under CWF followed by LED lighting, using video recordings and an ethogram. Fecal samples were collected from these males at the end of each recording period, and basal fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels were compared. A FCM assay for adult male zebra finches was validated for efficacy and accuracy using a capture-restraint acute stress response and parallelism analysis, respectively. The breeding pairs had no significant difference in the clutch size or percent hatching rate, but percent hatchling survival improved under LED with an increased proportion achieving 100% survival. There was no significant difference in FCM between the lighting treatments. However, the activity budgets of the birds were altered, with a reduction in flighted movement and an increase in enrichment manipulation under LED. Overall, these results support the use of blue-enriched, broad-spectrum flicker-free LED as a safe alternative to CWF lighting for breeding and nonbreeding indoor-housed zebra finches.</p>","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":" ","pages":"238-250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11193425/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140861462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Plenum and Cage-level Filter Exhaust Dust PCR Testing to Soiled Bedding Sentinel Mice (<i>Mus musculus</i>) on an IVC Rack.","authors":"Wendy R Williams, Shawn P Lane, Cheryl Perkins, Ken Henderson","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000073","DOIUrl":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of soiled-bedded sentinels (SBSs) has historically been the standard for colony health surveillance monitoring at our institution. With the advent of newer technologies in which dust collected from filters is tested by PCR, we compared traditional SBS with PCR testing of both exhaust air dust collected from a filter in the downstream vertical plenum (exhaust dust test [EDT]) and the SBS cage-level exhaust filter (SCEF). Our hypothesis was that both methods of filter testing would identify more pathogens than SBS testing. Twenty-five individually ventilated mouse racks that used disposable caging were sanitized and placed into rotation. Rack plenums were tested by PCR to verify negative results before the study start. Exhaust dust collection media were placed in the exhaust plenum (n = 25). SBS cages were placed on each side of the rack with 2 mice per cage (n = 42 mice), with the remaining cage slots occupied by research animals. At each triweekly cage change, the exhaust air filters were carefully removed from the cage top, placed in sterile 50-mL conical tubes, and pooled for submission. After 3mo, the SBS mice were tested via serology for bacterial and viral agents and by PCR for Helicobacter species, pinworms, and ectoparasites. In addition, the EDT filter and SCEF were collected for PCR to evaluate for the same agents. Our results indicate that the SCEF consistently detected agents more frequently than the EDT filter placed in the plenum and that the EDT filter media detected agents more frequently than did the SBS mice. Our data suggest that both PCR methods of detection are superior to SBS for individually ventilated disposable rodent cages and that the SCEF is superior to EDT. These data supported our movement of institution toward environmental monitoring as a method of rodent colony health surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":" ","pages":"279-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11193418/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140013858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Noise as an Extrinsic Variable in the Animal Research Facility.","authors":"Jeremy G Turner, John R Manker","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000008","DOIUrl":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Animal research facilities are noisy environments. The high air change rates required in animal housing spaces tend to create higher noise levels from the heating and cooling systems. Housing rooms are typically constructed of hard wall material that is easily cleaned but simultaneously highly reverberant, meaning that the sound cannot be controlled/attenuated so the sounds that are generated bounce around the room uncontrolled. (Soft, sound-absorbing surfaces generally cannot be used in animal facilities because they collect microbes; various wall surface features and sound control panel options are available, although rarely used.) In addition, many of our husbandry tasks such as cage changing, animal health checks, cleaning, and transporting animals produce high levels of noise. Finally, much of the equipment we have increasingly employed in animal housing spaces, such as ventilated caging motors, biosafety, or procedure cabinets, can generate high levels of background noise, including ultrasound. These and many additional factors conspire to create an acoustic environment that is neither naturalistic nor conducive to a stress-free environment. The acoustic variability both within and between institutions can serve as an enormous confounder for research studies and a threat to our ability to reproduce studies over time and between research laboratories. By gaining a better appreciation for the acoustic variables, paired with transparency in reporting the levels, we might be able to gain a better understanding of their impacts and thereby gain some level of control over such acoustic variables in the animal housing space. The result of this could improve both animal welfare and study reproducibility, helping to address our 3Rs goals of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in the animal biomedical research enterprise.</p>","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":" ","pages":"209-220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11193427/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140946568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating a Reduction in Treatment Duration of Ivermectin Diet for Fur Mite (Radfordia affinis) Eradication in Mice.","authors":"Wai H Hanson Dvm PhD Daclam, Cayden J Samuels Ba, Cheryl L Woods Bs, Kenneth S Henderson PhD MSc","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000007","url":null,"abstract":"Murine fur mites are commonly excluded in modern research animal programs, yet infestations continue to persist due to challenges in detection and control. Because all diagnostic methods and treatment options have limitations, programs must make many operational decisions when trying to eradicate these ectoparasites. The primary aim of this study was to assess various durations of treatment time with an ivermectin-compounded diet in eliminating Radfordia affinis in mice as determined by PCR testing and pelt examination. A shorter treatment duration would be highly advantageous as compared with the current regimen of 8 wk as it would minimize cost and time for animal management programs, impediments to research, and ivermectin drug effects on infested animals. Five experimental groups of R. affinis-positive mice received dietary ivermectin for 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 wk. A fur mite-negative, naïve mouse was added to each group every 8 wk to perpetuate the infestation and amplify any remaining populations of fur mites. At 16 wk after the respective treatment end, PCR testing was performed for all treated groups in conjunction with the positive control group (no treatment). Visual examination of pelts for mites and eggs via direct microscopy was also performed at each time point. All treated mice were free of R. affinis at 16 wk after the end of treatment as confirmed by both PCR testing and pelt examination. These findings indicate that a dietary ivermectin treatment duration of as little as 2 wk is effective in eliminating R. affinis, making successful eradication initiatives more achievable.","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"75 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140655261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Opinion: A Seven-step Approach to Communication about Animal Research.","authors":"Eric P Sandgren Vmd PhD","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000108","url":null,"abstract":"Organizations that receive public money to conduct research using animals should be able to explain the importance of and need for that work. More generally, anyone who believes that properly conducted and regulated animal research either does or does not make the world a better place wants the public to understand why they hold their belief. In a world with divided support for animal research, honest communication about these issues is essential to develop sound public policy. Specifically, communication about animal research (or any type of research) needs to address the scientific, ethical, and regulatory considerations that underlie public policy decisions. This opinion article describes a 7-step communication strategy designed to address these issues. The 7 elements of this approach are 1) motivation, 2) the right mix of information, 3) a team approach, 4) respect for your audience, 5) determination and courage, 6) humility and honesty, and 7) persistence.","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"73 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140655359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Primate Veterinarians Guidelines for Cerebrospinal Fluid Aspiration for Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research.","authors":"","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000029","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p>\u0000 \u0000 </jats:p>","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"118 48","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140669590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Epidemiologic Study of Bacterial Culture and Antibiotic Susceptibility Analyses in Captive Macaques and Marmosets at the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center.","authors":"Emma L Svenson, J. Coonen, James E Svenson, Heather A Simmons, Jennifer M Hayes, Saverio Capuano","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000079","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000079","url":null,"abstract":"Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing public health threat that arises at the interface between animal, human, and environmental health. Although the pathways promoting the development of AMR are well characterized in human health settings, data within the veterinary medical world are less abundant, particularly from fields focusing on nontraditional species, such as nonhuman primates (NHPs). The purpose of this study was to describe trends in sample submission for bacterial culture, characterize patterns of microbial growth and any changes in AMR and susceptibility over time, and inform best practices for veterinary antimicrobial stewardship in a captively-housed, indoor NHP colony. Electronic health records from the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center were analyzed across a 10-y period using SAS Studio. There was an increasing pattern of sample submissions for culture and susceptibility analyses, with no corresponding increases in resistance to relevant antibiotics for potential zoonotic pathogens, such as Escherichia coli or Shigella species. Trends are suggestive of appropriate antimicrobial stewardship practices that were responsive to the medical needs of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center animals, as well as the needs of the larger research community at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These findings can inform veterinary professionals working with NHPs and contribute to the growing body of literature surrounding AMR in nontraditional species.","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"49 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140672684","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing Genotyping Accuracy Using Buccal Swabs versus Tail Biopsies by PCR in B6;C3-Tg(Prnp-SNCA*A53T)83Vle and B6;C3-Tg(Prnp-SNCA*A53T)83Vle Sncatm1Mjff Mice.","authors":"Ming F Lui Dvm, Melissa Osborne Ms, Todd Dehm Ma, Min Lee Ba, Julian A Castaneda Dvm PhD Daclam","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-23-000045","url":null,"abstract":"Genotyping is a common and necessary procedure performed on genetically modified animals to distinguish carriers from noncarriers of the variants of interest. Established methods involve collection of tissues such as tips of tails or notches of ears. Noninvasive methods have been described but not widely adopted for reasons including inertia to change, needs to adjust PCR protocols, and the lack of validation; noninvasive genotyping methods are a refinement on animal welfare, but questions remain regarding how they compare with invasive methods in terms of genotyping accuracy rate and reproducibility. To gain answers to these questions, we compared the detection accuracy of the transgene and determination of zygosity in B6;C3-Tg(Prnp-SNCA*A53T)83Vle and B6;C3-Tg(Prnp-SNCA*A53T)83Vle Sncatm1Mjff neonatal mice between tail biopsies and buccal swabs. Moreover, we weighed and observed mice following genotyping to see if any clinical differences can be discerned. Weight data did not support statistically significant differences in mice undergoing different genotyping procedures and control. No statistically significant difference was found between using buccal swabs or tail biopsies for genotyping with PCR or quantitative PCR. None of the pups swabbed was rejected by the dam. Our findings indicate that buccal swabbing is a more humane and feasible alternative to tail biopsies for high-throughput genotyping.","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"22 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140674284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Adopting a Timothy Hay-based Diet at Weaning or in Adulthood on Urinary Tract Parameters in Strain 13/N Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).","authors":"Rachel C Wier, Timothy D. Flietstra, J. Coleman-McCray, S. Genzer, Marie E Brake, Eric M Velazquez, Catalina Forero, S. R. Welch, Cassandra M Tansey, Jillian A. Condrey, J. Spengler","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000019","url":null,"abstract":"Type of feed is an important consideration in herbivore colony management, yet limited studies report on the effects of diet on common conditions such as urolithiasis in guinea pigs. Urolithiasis is a well-documented cause of lower urinary tract disease in guinea pigs, with calcium carbonate uroliths reported as the predominant calculi formed in the guinea pig urinary tract. A calcium-rich diet has been suggested as a risk factor for of urolithiasis, with numerous commercially available guinea pig diets formulated for adults avoiding ingredients that are higher in calcium. Due to the high incidence of urolithiasis in our strain 13/N guinea pig colony, we conducted a prospective control study following the implementation of dietary changes aimed at improving overall urinary tract health and reducing risk factors for urolithiasis, thus improving colony welfare. A control group was kept on the original ad libitum alfalfa hay-based pellet diet with restricted loose timothy hay (control diet, 14 juveniles and 24 adults). An experimental group was placed on a portioned, 1 oz daily, timothy hay-based pellet diet with ad libitum loose timothy hay (experimental diet, 21 juveniles and 23 adults). Juveniles and adults were followed for a total of 14 and 26 wk, respectively. Longitudinal blood and urine samples were collected to evaluate blood chemistry and urinary parameters, along with weight and body condition scores to assess general health. Overall, dietary changes did not improve parameters associated with improved urinary tract health or reduced risk of urolithiasis; feeding strategy was not found to meaningfully affect calcium crystalluria, urine protein, urine specific gravity, or renal values. These data support alfalfa hay-based pellet or timothy hay-based pellet, when fed with loose timothy hay, as viable options and suggest that practices aimed at reducing dietary calcium by reducing pelleted diet portions are insufficient to mitigate risk factors for urolithiasis in guinea pigs.","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"5 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140736002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polymerase Chain Reaction on In-cage Filter Paper at Different Time Points to Detect Helicobacter spp.","authors":"Abby C Bernardini, Wendy R Williams","doi":"10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-24-000001","url":null,"abstract":"Helicobacter spp. infections in mice can have broad-ranging effects on gastrointestinal, reproductive, and immune systems. This can introduce significant confounding variables for research and may reduce scientific rigor. Screening mouse colonies for Helicobacter species can be accomplished via noninvasive PCR testing on filter paper placed in animal-free dirty bedding sentinel cages. In our facility, one tablespoon of dirty bedding from each cage on a rack is added to a designated sentinel cage every 3 wk at cage change, and PCR testing is performed on in-cage filter paper quarterly. We hypothesized that cages that received Helicobacter spp.-positive bedding at later time points would have a lower detection rate of Helicobacter spp. with PCR testing compared with cages that received positive bedding at earlier time points due to the filter paper becoming saturated. To determine if screening would be able to detect one positive row of cages on a rack, 9 tablespoons of Helicobacter-positive bedding and 71 tablespoons of negative bedding were added at the 3-, 6-, or 9-wk time points to 14 empty sentinel cages per time point. Negative bedding was added every 3 wk to cages not scheduled to receive positive bedding. Negative controls received 80 tablespoons of negative bedding and positive controls received 80 tablespoons of positive bedding at each time point. Filter paper was tested via PCR for Helicobacter spp. at 12 wk. All positive controls tested positive, and all negative controls tested negative. Two 3-wk cages, two 6-wk cages, and three 9-wk cages were positive, indicating no difference between time points. This resulted in a 16.7% Helicobacter spp. detection rate. These results indicate that PCR on in-cage filter paper may not be reliable in detecting low levels of Helicobacter spp. nucleic acid in dirty bedding.","PeriodicalId":94111,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science : JAALAS","volume":"31 15","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140753074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}