Determination of nutrient salts by automatic methods both in seawater and brackish water: the phosphate blank

9 páginas, 2 tablas, 2 figurasThe main inconvenience in determining nutrients in seawater by automatic methods is simply solved: the preparation of a suitable blank which corrects the effect of the refractive index change on the recorded signal. Two procedures are proposed, one physical (a simple equation to estimate the effect) and the other chemical (removal of the dissolved phosphorus with ferric hydroxide).Support for this work came from CICYT (MAR88-0245 project) and Conselleria de Pesca de la Xunta de GaliciaPeer reviewe

A welfare approach for captive wild birds

Working with captive wild birds presents researchers with a multitude of challenges. Not least of these is appropriate cage size. Previous studies have highlighted some AEC concerns in this area. Our AEC has worked with a research group to ensure improved outcomes for captive wild birds in a specific study as well as for future studies. This involved the redesign of an outdoor aviary for the latest cohort of birds (n=8). The re-design includes 8 individual aviaries with sufficient space to allow flight for small birds (<150 g). The birds have been taught to feed in smaller cages within the aviaries so that they are easily re-caught and can be handled for the research. The capacity to reduce the aviary size for trial participation has also been incorporated, allowing researchers to conduct experiments with minimal handling of the birds. Current occupants (Silvereyes, ~10 g) appear to have adapted well. The AEC has also endeavoured to set some guidelines for the time space between the various components of the research so that the birds are provided with time frames free from research interaction in the aviaries. The student researcher has been proactive in including remote monitoring through cameras as well as through nearby windows, and has recently implemented a remote design to close the smaller cages. This session will discuss the process and evaluate its outcomes to date

Euthanizing wildlife: Experiences and coping strategies among people who conduct euthanasia

Researchers who work with animals commonly face the dilemma of euthanizing some animals. Euthanasia of animals, especially where it concerns pest wildlife or feral species, is often a sensitive and emotive topic and can raise vigorous public debate. However, little is known about the experiences of those who euthanize animals. This study interviewed a number of people about their experiences of animal euthanasia in order to attain a better understanding of any impacts on the person involved in the euthanasia. Participants were mainly researchers, including some no longer working directly with animals and some who provide support services. The participants had a range of experience in wildlife research, and veterinary practices as well as laboratory, farm, and animal shelters. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative interview data. Key emerging themes included the language used to describe euthanasia, the coping strategies that individuals applied, and the organizational factors which could ensure an appropriate context for researchers carrying out euthanasia. Participants reported that social support for emotional stress arising from euthanasia was generally not available. Organizational factors which impacted on participants included decision making processes, availability of training and support, work practices and justifications for euthanasia. The paper concludes that it is important not to pathologize the experiences of researchers but to recognize that the way the decision to euthanize is reached and the training it is based on can make a significant difference to a person's attitudes and levels of comfort when euthanizing animals

Mast cells as protectors of health.

Mast cells (MCs), which are well known for their effector functions in T(H)2-skewed allergic and also autoimmune inflammation, have become increasingly acknowledged for their role in protection of health. It is now clear that they are also key modulators of immune responses at interface organs, such as the skin or gut. MCs can prime tissues for adequate inflammatory responses and cooperate with dendritic cells in T-cell activation. They also regulate harmful immune responses in trauma and help to successfully orchestrate pregnancy. This review focuses on the beneficial effects of MCs on tissue homeostasis and elimination of toxins or venoms. MCs can enhance pathogen clearance in many bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, such as through Toll-like receptor 2-triggered degranulation, secretion of antimicrobial cathelicidins, neutrophil recruitment, or provision of extracellular DNA traps. The role of MCs in tumors is more ambiguous; however, encouraging new findings show they can change the tumor microenvironment toward antitumor immunity when adequately triggered. Uterine tissue remodeling by alpha-chymase (mast cell protease [MCP] 5) is crucial for successful embryo implantation. MCP-4 and the tryptase MCP-6 emerge to be protective in central nervous system trauma by reducing inflammatory damage and excessive scar formation, thereby protecting axon growth. Last but not least, proteases, such as carboxypeptidase A, released by Fc epsilon RI-activated MCs detoxify an increasing number of venoms and endogenous toxins. A better understanding of the plasticity of MCs will help improve these advantageous effects and hint at ways to cut down detrimental MC actions