12 minute read
Bio-Serv
MONDAY AFTERNOON
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Burning Questions in Laboratory Animal Anesthesia and Analgesia
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Leader/Moderator: Rebecca A Johnson Facilitator: TBN Panelist: Cholawat Pacharinsak, Urshulaa Dholakia We will provide answers to audience questions pertaining to the newest, yet most practical anesthetic and analgesic techniques used in laboratory animal species. Dialogue may begin with panelist-led case scenarios focused on commonly challenging anesthetic cases. Topics will include novel and validated pain scoring systems, innovative advances in clinical anesthetic and analgesic techniques and agents, and the most useful anesthetic and analgesic monitoring for specific procedures as prompt/accurate diagnosis/treatment of physiological disturbances to improve animal morbidity/ mortality and experimental outcomes. Participants should obtain a deeper understanding of appropriate and current anesthetic techniques and how to properly recognize/treat acute and chronic pain states in various laboratory animals using the most up-to-date analgesic techniques. Target audience will be veterinary personnel caring for laboratory animal species including those responsible for providing anesthetic techniques pre and intraprocedure as well as personnel involved in postprocedural care.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Leader: Janet L Steele Moderator: Tracy A Parker Facilitator: TBN Panelist: Jose I Espinal, Janet L Steele, Mark A Suckow, Temeri Wilder-Kofie, Luis M Zorrilla At the 2022 National Meeting, the D&I Ad Hoc Subcommittee presented its pilot survey findings regarding diversity and inclusion within AALAS and gathered real-time feedback from those who attended. Panel attendees' suggestions, ideas, opinions, and thoughts were collected, discussed, and noted by the subcommittee and AALAS Board of Trustees. We concluded that more could be implemented at all levels of AALAS. During this panel discussion, we will present D&I plans for AALAS and open the floor for more conversations as we move towards and accept the challenge of the words written in the AALAS Diversity & Inclusive Statement.
Principles of Animal Research Ethics in Oncology Studies
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Leader: Margaret S Landi Moderator: Margaret Foster Riley Facilitator: Gina Wilkerson Panelist: David DeGrazia, John Gluck, Margaret S Landi This panel is based on the six principles of animal ethics as outlined in the book by T. Beauchamp and D. DeGrazia. The first speaker will discuss the three principles of social benefit: no alternative method, expected net benefit, and sufficient value to justify harm. The second speaker will address the three principles of animal welfare: no unnecessary harm, basic needs, and upper limits to harm. Using oncologic studies as an exemplar, the third presentation will be on the limitations of the utilitarian approach in debating the upper limits of harm, along with additional ethical approaches for decision making and methodologic tools in reducing harm. The target audience is all members of the animal research community, including IACUC members, technicians, researchers, and veterinarians. The presentation will be different approaches to discussions and decisions on the upper limit of harm in animal oncology studies.
Exhibit Hall Refreshment Break!
2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by Bio-Serv
Saving the Planet, One Vivarium at a Time
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Leader: Sharron M Kirchain Moderator: Gerald M Cronin Facilitator: Steven J LaMacchia Panelist: Sharron M Kirchain, Michael J Huerkamp, Maya E Meeks, Gerald M Cronin It’s time to rethink how we operate our programs, from HVAC to PPE to animal & materials waste streams. Twentieth century vivarium management strategies were designed with zero risk tolerance to eliminate threats such as biosecurity and research animal disease outbreaks, regulatory findings and citations, waste stream consequences, and more. In the twenty-first century, we have learned that there is no such thing as zero risk; all systems have an inherent failure rate beyond which attempts to prevent every incident become increasingly costly, time consuming, and frustrating. When we think about our current climate crisis as a system, we begin to realize that there is a much higher probability for substantial consequences of climate change to our personal and professional lives. The risk analysis calculation has flipped, and we find ourselves facing a planetary threat much greater than the threats to regulatory and animal biosecurity threats of the past. In this session, attendees will learn about behavioral changes necessary to achieve more sustainable practices, adjust operations to incorporate eco-friendly processes, and apply principles of operational excellence to improve efficiency and sustainability at their institutions. The panelists will look at several opportunities for environmental 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), including composting of bedding and tissues, PPE usage, and HVAC efficiencies. Participants will engage in dialogue about challenges and opportunities faced at their own institutions and how we can work collectively as an industry to foster safe and environmentally sustainable progress in vivarium operations.
WORKSHOPS
W-03 Countering Animal Rights Disinformation Campaigns in the Media: A Crisis Communication Workshop
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Leaders: Eva C Maciejewski, Kirk Leech Faculty: B Taylor Bennett Facilitator: Leah J Yonkovich Workshop Fee: $150 Workshop Limit: 50 Does the traditional adage “the best defense is a good offense” hold true for institutional crisis communication plans in response to misinformation campaigns by animal rights activist groups? Or does the opposite, “the best offense is a good defense” apply? We will enact real-life scenarios to answer this question. We will
explore how a research institution’s external affairs department can strategically respond to false allegations in the news media and on social media about animal research at their institution. Workshop participants will learn communication best practices to dispel allegations and educate the public about the importance of animal research. The target audience are those who specialize in public affairs, communications, and government relations at institutions that conduct research with laboratory animals. This Workshop is sponsored in part by Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) and European Animal Research Association (EARA).
W-04 Occupational Health and Safety Considerations in Animal Research: Learning through Interactive Case Studies
(8-hour workshop continued Tuesday 8:00 AM) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Leaders/ Faculty: Lesley A Colby, Susan B Harper Facilitator: TBN Workshop Fee: $150 Workshop Limit: 50 The animal research environment poses a multitude of potential risks to personnel health and safety. In partnership with environmental health and safety professionals, animal care and support personnel are instrumental in identifying and controlling these risks to ensure a safe environment for themselves, their staff, and others who enter or work within animal facilities. This two-part (8-hours) workshop will focus on the identification, assessment, and control of biological, chemical, radiological, and physical hazards commonly encountered in animal research programs. Topics that will be discussed include how to conduct a risk-assessment; management of animals administered infectious agents and chemicals; nanoparticles; humanized animals; ergonomics; equipment-related hazards; and safe housing and handling of agricultural, aquatic, nonhuman primate, and wildlife species. Facility design and disaster planning, as they pertain to occupational health and safety considerations, will be briefly discussed, while high containment (ABSL3 and ABSL4) will not be addressed. The workshop will be highly interactive, providing opportunities for participants to work in small groups and participate in discussions using web-based polling and survey tools. Through a mixture of case studies, group discussions, and interactive exercises, participants will evaluate real-world examples and be guided through strategies for identifying potential hazards, assessing the magnitude and extent of induced risks, and developing effective and cost-efficient control measures that protect the safety of workers, animals, and the environment. The targeted audience includes vivarium managers, supervisors, lead technicians, trainers, animal care and veterinary technicians, as well as biosafety professionals.
W-05 Teaching Monkeys to Cooperate with Restraint: Using Positive Reinforcement Training and Temperament Testing Methods
(8-hour workshop continued Tuesday 8:00 AM) 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Leader: Jaine E Perlman Faculty: Lisa A Houser, Kristine Coleman, Mollie A Bloomsmith Facilitator: Mark J Prescott Workshop Fee: $250 Workshop Limit: 50 The workshop includes 8-hours of instruction on using positive reinforcement training (PRT) to teach monkeys to cooperate with various restraint procedures and provide information about using temperament testing to assist in selection of subjects and planning for their training. Participants will learn approaches to training laboratory primates to cooperate with restraint for sample collection (e.g., blood) and administration (e.g., injections) and for chair restraint. PRT is an important refinement in the care of nonhuman primates and an effective means of improving their welfare. However, animals respond differently to restraint and measuring temperament provides insight into how individuals might respond to these procedures, allowing for individualized and more effective training plans. Workshop goals are to introduce participants to animal training terminology and techniques; teach PRT techniques as they apply to restraint procedures, such as the use of the cage squeeze back mechanism and chair restraint; teach methods to assess and quantify temperament in monkeys and to use this information to develop individualized training plans. Participants will learn how to establish a strong foundation for successful restraint training using PRT techniques, and how to incorporate alternative techniques such as negative reinforcement to meet research timelines. They will learn to identify monkeys who are engaged in the training process and how to increase the involvement of monkeys who seem uninterested in training. Participants will learn how to shape behavior and apply desensitization techniques, how to maintain trained behaviors over time, and how to transfer trained behaviors among multiple staff members. Participants will learn how temperament can impact training approaches and the anticipated timelines for training to cooperate with restraint. Understanding the intersection of individual differences in temperament and animal training will aid in the design of more efficient animal training programs. This workshop is designed for those experienced in working with primates including behavior specialists, animal caregivers, research technicians, animal managers, veterinarians, and investigators. This Workshop is sponsored in part by Lomir Biomedical Inc, BH Inc, Carter2 Systems Inc, National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), and North American 3Rs Collaborative (NA3RsC).
PLATFORM SESSIONS
Monday, October 24, 2:15 PM - 5:00 PM Platform Session abstracts will be available on www.aalas.org in July. They will also be included in both the mobile app and the National Meeting Final Program.
SEMINARS
Celebrate Animal Research & Education (CARE)
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM Leader/Moderator: Ann T Turner Facilitator: Vicki C Campbell In an effort to assist facilities, branches, and individuals to educate the public about the important role mice, pigs, monkeys, and other animal species play in discovering treatment options and cures for catastrophic diseases, the AALAS Foundation has a rich history in developing and providing program materials, resources, and models for public outreach. One such program was established seven years ago which provides scientifically sound information in an interesting presentation and comes complete with pins and handouts. The AALAS Foundation's "Celebrate Animal Research & Education” (CARE) Public Outreach Program offers fully scripted, speaker-ready,
MONDAY AFTERNOON
"What's Happening in Research?" PowerPoint presentations to serve as free tools to help persuade survivors of catastrophic diseases, and the public, to embrace and become advocates for biomedical research! The CARE program currently offers seven free presentations: breast cancer research, heart disease research, diabetes research, Alzheimer's research, arthritis research, organ transplant research, and COVID-19 research. Presenters will lead the audience in an interactive discussion about how to engage community audiences, handle difficult questions, and conduct community programs. Everyone interested in public outreach and knowing about the tools that the AALAS Foundation has readily available, and ways you can participate in public outreach for all ages, are welcome to attend.
Speakers/Topics: 2:45 Ann T Turner Welcome and Introductions 2:55 Ann T Turner Get to Know the AALAS Foundation and What It Does for the Community 3:25 Patricia J Sikes A Resource for Branch Outreach 3:55 Sarah J Gilliam Sharing Our Passion: Everyday Outreach 4:25 Larry J Shelton Public Speaking: How I Overcame Shaking in My Boots This Seminar is sponsored in part by AALAS Foundation.
Current Trends in Gnotobiotics
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM Leader: Allison R Rogala Moderator: Alton G Swennes Facilitator: Joshua Frost Long considered the gold standard to examine host-microbial relationships, gnotobiotic mice are an extremely important research model. Recently, their use has expanded beyond intestinal disease studies as we recognize the impact of the microbiota on myriad other host systems. This expansion has led to challenges in managing contemporary gnotobiotic facilities due to the increased demand for resources such as germ-free facility space, genetically modified germ-free mice, and availability of skilled staff to perform complex manipulations while maintaining gnotobiotic status. This session brings together leaders of three of the largest and longest-running gnotobiotic facilities in the country to present current trends in the field of gnotobiotics, discuss how to incorporate advanced technical manipulations into a germ-free setting, and share how these facilities keep up with increased demand by expanding their husbandry and technical procedures outside traditional gnotobiotic isolators. Participants will learn about recent scientific advancements resulting from the use of gnotobiotic rodents and how to address current challenges including: strategies to identify and train qualified staffing, the use of hermetically sealed ventilated cage technologies to expand the scope of work and optimize space utilization, and how to keep animals germfree during complex manipulations such as surgical interventions, irradiation, anesthesia and more. The target audience is directed towards attendees with any level of interest in gnotobiotics including technicians, veterinary staff, managers, students, and scientists.
Speakers/Topics: 2:45 Allison R Rogala Welcome and Introductions 2:50 Allison R Rogala Recent Advancements in Translational Research Using Gnotobiotic Mice 3:25 Betty R Theriault
Maintaining Sterility of Germ-Free Mice When Experimental Risks for Contamination Are High 4:00 Lucy Kennedy Creating Accessibility in Gnotobiotic Research Through the Use of Positive-Pressure Individually Ventilated Cages This Seminar is sponsored in part by Association for Gnotobiotics.
Oncology Modeling in a Downsized Sinclair Miniature Swine
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM Leader: Michael M Swindle Moderator: Derek Brocksmith Facilitator: Vikki Wehmeier As the miniature swine gains popularity as a nonrodent species for the evaluation of test compounds and devices safety, their use as animal models of efficacy remains broad and constantly expanding. The recent progresses in gene editing combined with the magnified knowledge of swine immunology make them a very malleable species for broader base of research applications. The topics for this seminar are representative of the flexible use of the miniature swine as an oncology model. Historically, rodent models have been used in oncology modeling. However, the miniature swine have been proven to have high predictability in several oncology research areas. Participants can expect to gain knowledge in swine oncology modeling and imaging; gene editing and mapping for oncology purposes; immunophenotyping; selective breeding and nutritional management for downsizing a lineage of miniature swine that will make oncology modeling more relevant in this species; and anesthesia, postoperative care, and surgery for the model induction and data collection. We expect a broad audience will benefit from these presentations, including laboratory animal veterinarians, attending veterinarians, veterinary and animal technicians, facility managers, graduate students, and scientists interested in miniswine model research and use.
Speakers/Topics: 2:45 Michael Swindle Welcome and Introductions 2:50 Bhanu Teluga Gene Editing and Modeling of Cancer 3:20 Mano Sahoo Immunophenotyping Biomarkers in Miniature Swine
3:50 Guy Bouchard & Derek Brocksmith
Downsizing of the Sinclair Miniature Swine and Compound Kinetics 4:20 Michael Swindle Surgery, Anesthesia, and Common Peri/Postoperative Complications
