The Unmet Needs for Studying Chronic Pelvic/Visceral Pain Using Animal Models

The different definitions of chronic pelvic/visceral pain used by international societies have changed over the years. These differences have a great impact on the way researchers study chronic pelvic/visceral pain. Recently, the role of systemic changes, including the role of the central nervous system, in the perpetuation and chronification of pelvic/visceral pain has gained weight. Consequently, researchers are using animal models that resemble those systemic changes rather than using models that are organ- or tissue-specific. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using bladder-centric and systemic models, enumerating some of the central nervous system changes and pain-related behaviors occurring in each model. We also present some drawbacks when using animal models and pain-related behavior tests and raise questions about possible, yet to be demonstrated, investigator-related bias. We also suggest new approaches to study chronic pelvic/visceral pain by refining existing animal models or using new ones.</jats:p

Prevention and Risk Management in RTD European Projects Developed by University-Company's Consortiums

AbstractThis study aims to demonstrate the usefulness of a simple methodology to manage and prevent the risk in co promotion projects financed by the European Union through operational programs. The risk prevention is a key factor in the project success, whether singular or plural, research or development. Our focus was directed to present the methodology applied to three Research and Technological Development (RTD) European projects, where companies and universities had to work hand in hand towards the success of the project. Socio-cultural differences between different countries, different methods and work's rhythms between universities and companies alongside the issues of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), are some of the sensitive points in all the projects. It is where Project Management has the duty to act proactively in order to control small outbreaks of contention, while maintaining the smooth functioning of the project execution