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The study of the interaction between light and biological tissue is of great help in the identification of diseases as well as structural alterations in tissues. In the present study, we have developed a tissue diagnostic technique by using multispectral imaging in the visible spectrum combined with principal component analysis (PCA). We used information from the propagation of light through paraffin-embedded tissues to assess differences in the eye tissues of control mouse embryos compared to mouse embryos whose mothers were deprived of folic acid (FA), a crucial vitamin necessary for the growth and development of the fetus. After acquiring the endmembers from the multispectral images, spectral unmixing was used to identify the abundances of those endmembers in each pixel. For each acquired image, the final analysis was performed by performing a pixel-by-pixel and wavelength-by-wavelength absorbance calculation. Non-negative least squares (NNLS) were used in this research. The abundance maps obtained for the first endmember revealed vascular alterations (vitreous and choroid) in the embryos with maternal FA deficiency. However, the abundance maps obtained for the third endmember showed alterations in the texture of some tissues such as the lens and retina. Results indicated that multispectral imaging applied to paraffin-embedded tissues enhanced tissue visualization. Using this method, first, it can be seen tissue damage location and then decide what kind of biological techniques to apply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glial cells are essential to understand Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression, given their role in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. There is a need for reliable and easy to manipulate models that allow studying the mechanisms behind neuron and glia communication. Currently available models such as co-cultures require complex methodologies and/or might not be affordable for all laboratories. With this in mind, we aimed to establish a straightforward in vitro setting with neurons and glial cells to study AD. We generated and optimized a 2D triple co-culture model with murine astrocytes, neurons and microglia, based on sequential seeding of each cell type. Immunofluorescence, western blot and ELISA techniques were used to characterize the effects of oligomeric Aβ (oAβ) in this model. We found that, in the triple co-culture, microglia increased the expression of anti-inflammatory marker Arginase I, and reduced pro-inflammatory iNOS and IL-1β, compared with microglia alone. Astrocytes reduced expression of pro-inflammatory A1 markers AMIGO2 and C3, and displayed a ramified morphology resembling physiological conditions. Anti-inflammatory marker TGF-β1 was also increased in the triple co-culture. Lastly, neurons increased post-synaptic markers, and developed more and longer branches than in individual primary cultures. Addition of oAβ in the triple co-culture reduced synaptic markers and increased CD11b in microglia, which are hallmarks of AD. Consequently, we developed a straightforward and reproducible triple co-cultured model, where cells resemble physiological conditions better than in individual primary cultures: microglia are less inflammatory, astrocytes are less reactive and neurons display a more mature morphology. Moreover, we are able to recapitulate Aβ-induced synaptic loss and CD11b increase. This model emerges as a powerful tool to study neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the context of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Smilax canariensis is an endemic species of the Canary Islands, popularly known as “Zarzaparrilla sin espinas”. The rhizome, leaves and stem of this species has wide use in folk medicine practice on the islands, where they are habitually employed as diuretic. Aim of the study: In this paper we report on the diuretic activity in experimental animals of several fractions of the methanol extract of this species. Materials and methods: Four fractions of the methanol extract of the rhizomes, leaves and stem of Smilax canariensis (50 and 100mg/kg), Furosemide and Hydrochlorotiazide (10mg/kg), were orally administered to laboratory animals to evaluate their diuretic activity. Water excretion rate, pH, conductivity, and content of Na+, K+ and Cl− were measured in the urine of saline-loaded mice. Results: All the studied extracts showed an interesting increase of the diuresis, although the n-buthanol (27%; p <0.05) and ethyl acetate extract (35%; p <0.01), at 100mg/kg p.o., showed the most interesting diuretic activity, which suggested that this diuretic effect is associated with the compounds contained in the fractions of intermediate polarity (ethyl acetate and n-butanol), decreasing in the most extreme apolar and polar sub-extracts (dichloromethane and methanol: water respectively). The increase in diuresis produced by these two extracts was very close to the values of Hydrochlorothiazide (32%) or Furosemide (39%), used as reference diuretics. Conclusions: These data, together with previous results on the aqueous and methanol extracts, reaffirm assertions made regarding the effectiveness of the extracts of this plant against urinary pathologies in the Canary Islands folk medicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) consists of a galvanic current combined with the insertion of a solid needle into the tissues of the musculoskeletal system. The application of a galvanic current through a needle can alter the morphology and composition during treatment application. This procedure may also provoke a localized temperature increase. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the safety of the PNE procedure by analyzing possible alterations of the needles employed. Methods: Physio Invasiva® and AguPunt EPI® brand needles, commonly used for the application of this technique, were analyzed in response to three different treatment protocols. Temperature changes were evaluated with the needles immersed in a test tube containing Ringer's solution, and electrical resistance was evaluated with a multimeter. The morphology of the needles, pre- and post-treatment, was examined with a scanning electron microscope (FEI Quanta 600), and the composition of the needles was evaluated using RX diffusion with Oxford Instruments software. Results: Ringer's solution contained in the test tubes examined did not present temperature changes. No changes were observed in the needles under investigation with respect to electrical resistance, morphology, or composition with a protocol applying 3-mA intensity for 3 s and three applications. However, important morphological alterations were observed that affected needle composition after 50 applications (at 3 mA for 3 s). Conclusion: PNE, applied according to conventional protocols, appeared to be safe and athermal, and did not provoke a loss of metal particles or modify the morphology of the needles used when studied in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zootherapeutic practices in ethnoveterinary medicine are important in many socio-cultural environments around the world, particularly in developing countries, and they have recently started to be inventoried and studied in Europe. In light of this, the purpose of this review is to describe the local knowledge and folk remedies based on the use of invertebrates and their derivative products in contemporary Spanish ethnoveterinary medicine. An overview in the fields of ethnozoology, ethnoveterinary medicine and folklore was made. Automated searches in the most important databases were performed. All related works were examined thoroughly and use-reports were obtained from 53 documentary sources. The traditional use of 18 invertebrate species and five ethnotaxa and a total of 86 empirical remedies based on the use of a single species was recorded. The two most relevant zoological groups were found to be insects and molluscs. A broad diversity of body parts or derivative products have been and are used to treat or prevent ca. 50 animal diseases or conditions, in particular diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, different infectious livestock diseases, and disorders of the eye and adnexa. Cattle, sheep and equines form the group of domestic animals in which the greatest number of remedies are mentioned. In addition, seven magical remedies and practices are documented. In comparison with other culturally related areas, this is a rich heritage. The use-reports included here will help in the search for new and low-cost drugs for treating livestock and alternative materials for pharmaceutical purposes, future research addressing the validation of the effects and the development of organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that has been associated with patient adherence issues. The aim of the study was to increase the knowledge on compliance of patients allergic to house dust mites, receiving sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed in 53 Spanish allergy units. We enrolled patients undergoing the SLIT treatment for house dust mites including a scheduled control visit 12 months after initiating the therapy. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of compliance using three methods. In the first step, an allergist evaluated the patients according to the results of an interview and the existing medical records. The subjects taking more than 80% of the overall prescription were defined as compliant. The remaining noncompliant patients were divided into groups taking less than 25%, 25-50%, and 50-80% of the prescribed SLIT. In the second stage, we conducted the Morisky-Green test. Finally, the noncompliant patients were asked to fill a self-report assessment form. Data were stratified into age groups. The potential factors affecting compliance were also investigated.Results: Overall, 380 subjects participated in the study. The compliance rate was 79.7%, and the treatment discontinuation rate was 22.5%, while 66.8% of patients were adherent (both compliant and continuing with the treatment). The results showed that children were the most compliant and adolescents the least compliant (86.6% and 60.9%, respectively). The main reason for noncompliance was "forgetting some doses" in 31.0% of the children, 48.0% of the adolescents, and 53.2% of the adults. Compliance was associated with the following factors: age, number of annual control visits, and reduction in symptomatic medication.Conclusion: Our results showed that two out of three patients with house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis adhered to the SLIT treatment. Multidisciplinary and integral solutions are needed to improve the compliance, with special attention paid to adolescents.Funding: Stallergenes Greer Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are used as functional foods due to their prebiotic effects. Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity has been established in most, but not all, studies in animal models of colitis, using mainly chemically induced inflammation. Our goal was to test the effect of FOS (degree of polymerization 2-8) in the chronic, lymphocyte-driven CD4+ CD62L+ T cell transfer model of colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by transfer of CD4+ CD62L+ T cells to C57BL/6J Rag1 mice. FOS (75 mg day) was administered by gavage as a post-treatment. Three groups were established: non-colitic (NC), colitic control (C, CD4+ CD62L+ transferred mice treated with vehicle) and colitic+FOS (C+FOS, similar but treated with FOS). Mice were killed after 13 days. Results: Treatment of mice with FOS ameliorated colitis, as evidenced by an increase in body weight, a lesser myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase activities, a lower secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by mesenteric lymph node cells ex vivo (IFN-γ, IL-17, and TNF-α), and a higher colonic expression of occludin (C+FOS vs. C, p < 0.05). Increased relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria was observed in FOS-treated mice ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: FOS exert intestinal anti-inflammatory activity in T lymphocyte-dependent colitis, suggesting it may be useful in the management of inflammatory bowel disease in appropriate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of two extracts obtained from Agaricus bisporus on the mRNA expression of cholesterol-related genes. One of the extracts contained ergosterol and other fungal sterols (SFE) and the other contained β-glucans and fungal sterols (EβG). Methods: Firstly, the dietary mixed micelles (DMMs) generated after in vitro digestion of standards and SFE were applied to Caco2 cells. Then, the lower compartment after a Caco2-transport experiment was applied to HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression was assessed in both cell lines by low-density arrays (LDA). Mice received the extracts, ergosterol or control drugs after 4 weeks of a high-cholesterol diet. The lipid profile of plasma, liver and feces was determined. LDA assays were performed in liver and intestines. Results: The DMM fraction of SFE up-regulated the LDLR mRNA expression in Caco2 cells. The lower compartment after Caco2-transport experiments up-regulated LDLR and modulated several other lipid-related genes in HepG2 cells. In mice, SFE decreased TC/HDL ratio and reduced hepatic triglycerides paralleled with down-regulation of Dgat1 expression, while EβG did it without transcriptional changes. Addition of SFE or ergosterol induced in jejunum a similar transcriptional response to simvastatin and ezetimibe; they all down-regulated Srebf2 and Nr1h4 (FXR) genes. Conclusion: Ergosterol-containing extracts from A. bisporus lowered hepatic triglyceride and modify the mRNA expression of cholesterol-related genes although the transcriptional regulation was unrelated to changes in plasma lipid profile. These extracts may be useful limiting hepatic steatosis and as bioactive ingredients to design novel functional foods preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effects of the consumption of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) from bread crust (BC) on iron, copper and zinc body retention and tissue distribution, determining whether these effects are related to the molecular weight of browning products. Methods: During an 88-day study period, rats were fed a Control diet or diets containing BC as source of MRPs, its soluble high or low molecular weight fractions (BC, LMW or HMW diets). A mineral balance was conducted throughout the experiment to determine iron, copper and zinc retention. At day 88, animals were killed, blood was drawn for haemoglobin determination and some organs removed to analyse minerals. Results: Copper and zinc balances were unchanged, and scant modification detected in their body delivery. However, the Fe retention rate from the diet increased (13, 22 and 32 % for BC, LMW and HMW diets), and a parallel higher Fe body concentration was observed (13-18 % higher than the Control group). Incoming iron accumulated particularly in the liver, femur and small intestine, but functional iron tended to decrease, as reflected by haemoglobin levels. Conclusions: The long-term intake of BC or derivatives did not produce a notable effect on copper or zinc balances, although slightly increased iron retention rate and the body concentration of this mineral were observed. Iron accumulated in some organs, but the production of haemoglobin was not improved. In view of the differences observed between the effects of BC and its derivatives, our results underline the importance of working with real food matrices, where the joint presence of different components modulates the in vivo final effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in paediatric patients after the first year of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of locally administered allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), in the acute period after a TBI. Methodology: MSC were isolated from peritoneal fat of healthy rats, expandedin vitroand labelled with the green fluorescent protein. Rats were placed in one of three experimental groups: (1) Control: TBI, (2) IP-Control: TBI + local saline and (3) IP-Treat: TBI + 2 × 105MSC 24 hours after receiving a moderate, unilateral, controlled cortical impact. Motor and cognitive behavioural tests were performed to evaluate functional recovery. Histological examination and immunohistochemistry were used to identify cell distribution. Main results: Improved performance was found on motor tests in the MSC-treated group compared to control groups. MSC were found in the perilesional area and their number decreased with time after transplantation. MSC treatment increased the cell density in the hippocampus (CA3 pyramidal cells and granule cells in the dentate gyrus) and enhanced neurogenesis in this area. Conclusion: MSC cell therapy resulted in better recovery of motor function compared with the control group. This cellular therapy might be considered for patients suffering from TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury is a main cause of disability and death in developed countries, above all among children and adolescents. The intrinsic inability of the central nervous system to efficiently repair traumatic injuries renders transplantation of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) a promising approach towards repair of brain lesions. On the other hand, many studies have reported the beneficial effect of Lipoic acid (LA), a potent antioxidant promoting cell survival, angiogenesis and neuroregeneration. Methods: In this study, the cortex of adult mice was cryo-injured in order to mimic local traumatic brain injury. Vehicle or freshly prepared BMDC were grafted in the cerebral penumbra area 24 hours after unilateral local injury alone or combined with intra-peritoneal LA administration as a new regenerative strategy. Results: Differences were found in the process of cell proliferation, angiogenesis and glial scar formation after local injury depending of the applied treatment, either LA or BMDC alone or in combination. Conclusion: The data presented here suggest that transplantation of BMDC is a good alternative and valid strategy to treat a focal brain injury when LA could not be prescribed due to its non-desired secondary effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous investigations found that a subset of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in California possessed plasma autoantibodies that reacted intensely with brain interneurons or other neural profiles. Moreover, for several cohorts of American women, maternal autoantibody reactivity to specific fetal brain proteins was highly specific to mothers of children with ASD. We sought to determine whether children and their mothers from a regionally specific cohort from the Basque Country of Spain demonstrated similar reactivity. Some children's plasma reacted to interneurons, beaded axons or other neural profiles with no difference in the occurrence of these antibodies in children with or without ASD. Findings on the maternal antibodies confirmed previous research; plasma reactivity to fetal brain a combination of proteins at 37 and 73 kDa or 39 and 73 kDa was found exclusively in mothers of children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maillard reaction products (MRP) improve food palatability and are linked to some positive biological actions. However, diverse negative consequences, some related to protein damage and mineral availability, have been established. Aim of study: We investigated the effects of MRP, from a bread crust diet, on phosphorus bioavailability and tissue distribution in rats to determine whether these effects are related to the molecular weight of browning products. Methods: During a study period of 88 days, rats were fed either a control diet or one of the following: with bread crust as a source of MRP, or one with its soluble high molecular weight, soluble low molecular weight or insoluble fraction (bread crust, HMW, LMW and insoluble diets, respectively). In the final week, a phosphorus balance was performed, after which the animals were sacrificed and some organs removed to analyse phosphorus content. A second balance was carried out throughout the experimental period to calculate phosphorus retention. Results: Phosphorus balance in the last week was unchanged. However, considering the whole experimental period, a trend towards improved bioavailability, significant in the HMW group, was observed. Higher phosphorus concentrations were measured in the small intestine and bone. Conclusions: The consumption of MRP derived from bread did not alter phosphorus retention, due to increased bioavailability, especially concerning HMW compounds. The overall phosphorus body content remained unchanged and there were no changes in the bone, its principal metabolic destination. However, MRP consumption markedly raised phosphorus levels at the digestive level, especially when consumed as isolate fractions. The slower rate of stomach emptying is assumed to be related to this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To define the sensitivity of microcomputed tomography- (micro-CT-) derived descriptors for the quantification of lung damage caused by elastase instillation. Materials and Methods. The lungs of 30 elastase treated and 30 control A/J mice were analyzed 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours and 7 and 17 days after elastase instillation using (i) breath-hold-gated micro-CT, (ii) pulmonary function tests (PFTs), (iii) RT-PCR for RNA cytokine expression, and (iv) histomorphometry. For the latter, an automatic, parallel software toolset was implemented that computes the airspace enlargement descriptors: mean linear intercept (Lm) and weighted means of airspace diameters (D0, D1, and D2). A Support Vector Classifier was trained and tested based on three nonhistological descriptors using D2 as ground truth. Results. D2 detected statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) between the groups at all time points. Furthermore, D2 at 1 hour (24 hours) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than D2 at 24 hours (7 days). The classifier trained on the micro-CT-derived descriptors achieves an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 well above the others (PFTS AUC = 0.71; cytokine AUC = 0.88). Conclusion. Micro-CT-derived descriptors are more sensitive than the other methods compared, to detect in vivo early signs of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the ultrasonography used to examine young loggerhead sea turtles at the rehabilitation center in Spain by physician Ana Valente and colleagues. It is said that the group has examined 20 live turtles, using 10 areas of soft tissue integument as acoustic windows, and five dead turtles were dissected to provide anatomical data. Moreover, the group also used ventral cervical, axillary, and prefemoral acoustic windows to image the parts of the turtles.

The article presents a study on ridge alterations after immediate flapless implant placement with or without immediate loading. At the second part of a histometric study, its goal is to assess the effect of immediate loading on ridge alterations following implantation into fresh extraction sockets in a dog model. The results showed that immediate implant placement with or without loading does not prevent bone resorption following tooth extraction without immediate implant placement.

Primary objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of growth hormone treatment on the proliferation of endogenous neural progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the brain stimulated by kainic acid (KA)-induced neurotoxicity. Research design: Neurotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of KA. GH treatment lasted 4 days, starting either immediately or after 10 days of administration of the neurotoxic insult. Methods and procedure: Proliferating cells were immunodetected after labelling by in  vivo administration of 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). GH expression was detected by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Main outcomes and results: KA administration stimulated the proliferation of hippocampal precursors and this effect was significantly enhanced by GH treatment. Hippocampal GH expression was also up-regulated in response to KA administration. Conclusions: The findings support the possibility that the proliferative response observed in the hippocampus of rats treated with KA and GH is a consequence of cooperation between the exogenous and the locally-produced hormone and their synergism with other mitogenic factors generated in response to the neurotoxic damage. Therefore, GH treatment could be used to cooperate with other physiological or pathological stimuli in order to promote cell proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study design:Cell transplantation strategies are gaining increasing interest for spinal cord injury (SCI) with the objective of promoting spinal cord repair. To avoid allogenic graft rejection, an adequate immune suppression is required, and one of the most potent and commonly used immunosuppressives is cyclosporin A (CsA). In SCI, permanent sensory motor loss is combined with modifications of drug absorption, distribution and elimination.Objectives:The objectives of this study were to thoroughly explore histological and functional outcomes of CsA treatment in a rat model of spinal cord compression.Setting:Experiments were carried out at the Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier (France), the Integrative Biology of Neurodegeneration Laboratory (Spain) and in the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (Switzerland) for CsA blood concentration determination.Methods:We first evaluated histological outcomes of CsA treatment on kidneys and spinal cord after SCI. We then investigated whether SCI modified CsA blood concentration. Finally, using behavioral analysis, we assessed the potential CsA impact on functional recovery.Results:When spinal-cord-injured rats were treated with a CsA dose of 10 mg kg−1 per day, we observed deleterious effects on kidneys, associated with modifications of CsA blood concentration. Adding an antibiotic treatment reduced kidney alteration without modifying CsA blood concentration. Finally, we showed that CsA treatment per se modified neither functional recovery nor lesion extension.Conclusion:This study pinpoints the absolute requirement of careful CsA monitoring in the clinical setting for patients with SCI to minimize potential unexpected effects and avoid therapeutic failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: EGb761 treatment has a significant benefit with an early and preventive effect, reversing the deleterious effect of aging in the integrity of the rat cochlea, even in the late stage of the rat lifespan. Objectives: We previously reported a significant relationship between aging and apoptosis in the rat cochlea. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb761) on age-associated cochlear caspase activation. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 80) divided into two groups according to their age (4 months old, younger, YR, and 12 months old, aged-mature, AM) were treated with 100 mg/kg/day body weight of EGb761 extract dissolved in tap water for two periods: 4 and 12 months. Then cochleae were harvested to measure caspase activities, ATP levels, total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and caspase-3 gene expression. Auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) threshold shifts were also measured before sacrifice of the rats. Results: EGb761 treatment prevents significantly aging-related caspase-induced activities within the cochleae in YR and AM rats. In the short EGb761 treatment, YR rats showed lower levels of caspase-3/7 than AM rats. In contrast, longer treatment did not show significant differences between YR and AM rats. Reduced caspase-3/7 activity in presence of EGb761 correlates with significant improvements of ASSR threshold shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a bioaccumulable toxin in the trophic chain and a powerful neurotoxin during fetal and child development. Consumption of contaminated fish and shellfish is a principal environmental source of MeHg exposure. This study was designed to assess the Hg and estimated MeHg intake in vulnerable groups of the Murcia region, a Mediterranean part of Spain, compared with international regulations. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess seafood consumptions in 320 children younger than 10 years, 301 women of childbearing age, and 537 pregnant women. Hg concentrations were measured in the most consumed fish products by cold vapor generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The weekly intake of MeHg (microg/kg bw/week) was 2.60 (95% CI = 2.10-3.10) in children 1-5 years, 2.65 (95% CI = 2.26-3.03) in children 6-10 years, 0.98 (95% CI = 0.89-1.07) in women of childbearing age, and 0.88 (95% CI = 0.81-0.95) in pregnant women. The main exposure to MeHg, especially in young children, is related to intake of bluefin tuna and swordfish. Fifty-four percent of children aged 1-10 years, 10% of pregnant women, and 15% of women of childbearing age exceed the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives provisional tolerable weekly intake of MeHg. In the Murcia region, where fish is a central component of the diet, the focus should be on educating vulnerable populations to reorient fish consumption in order to lower the amount of Hg incorporated with the diet as well as to reduce Hg emissions into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides updates on the activities of "Laboratory Animals" for 2001. The 6th Spanish Society for Laboratory Animals Science will be held at Zaragoza on November 12 to 14, 2001. Proceedings of the meeting of two large laboratory animals science associations are now available to those who attended the meeting and to members of the associations. New measures are being introduced for the protection of laboratory animals in Latvia where the association assist their Cabinet of Ministers.

Simple Summary: Animal welfare assessment protocols allow one to understand the level of welfare and to identify the main parameters to improve on farms. Accordingly, farmers have the possibility to use these tools for implementing corrective measures to improve animal welfare. This study was performed through the application of an animal welfare assessment protocol for growing-rabbits in 32 farms from Spain and Portugal. The scores obtained ranged from 44 to 82 points out of 100, depending on the farm, showing a good discriminative capacity among the 32 farms assessed. However, some key points for improving were identified in most of the farms. These points were to provide more space for the animals, improve the protocols for emergency killing due to health problems or any other cause, and to provide the farmers proper training in animal welfare. The objective of the present study is to present an animal welfare assessment protocol for growing-rabbits for discussion after its implementation in 32 farms from Spain and Portugal. The protocol comprises the principles of Good Feeding, Good Housing, Good Health and Appropriate Behaviour of the Welfare Quality protocols and includes 36 welfare parameters. Overall, the protocol showed a good capacity for discrimination between farms, with scores ranging 44 to 82 points. The protocol seems reliable for the assessment of animal welfare after proper training of auditors. However, for the criteria social behaviour and other behaviours, further research is needed to ascertain if the methodology and times of observation used are appropriate. Some farms had high mortality rates with a low prevalence of health problems, while others had low mortality rates with high prevalence of health problems due to different managements of culling. The protocol should be improved, to impede farms with high mortality rates but a low prevalence of health issues the day of the audit from obtaining better scores than the second type of farms, by limiting the compensation in key measures. The main points to be solved in the growing-rabbit farms were: to provide more space to the animals; register the number of animals culled accurately; change cervical dislocation for another killing method and provide the farmers training in animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]