Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Reference Ranges for Laboratory-Bred Natal Multimammate Mice (Mastomys Natalensis)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Reference Ranges for Laboratory-Bred Natal Multimammate Mice (Mastomys Natalensis) viruses Article Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Reference Ranges for Laboratory-Bred Natal Multimammate Mice (Mastomys natalensis) David M. Wozniak 1 , Norman Kirchoff 1, Katharina Hansen-Kant 1, Nafomon Sogoba 2, David Safronetz 3,4 and Joseph Prescott 1,* 1 ZBS5—Biosafety Level-4 Laboratory, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; [email protected] (D.M.W.); [email protected] (N.K.); [email protected] (K.H.-K.) 2 International Center for Excellence in Research, Malaria Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako 91094, Mali; [email protected] 3 Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA; [email protected] 4 Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Laboratory-controlled physiological data for the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis) are scarce, despite this species being a known reservoir and vector for zoonotic viruses, including the highly pathogenic Lassa virus, as well as other arenaviruses and many species of bacteria. For this reason, M. natalensis is an important rodent for the study of host-virus interactions within laboratory settings. Herein, we provide basic blood parameters for age- and sex-distributed animals in regards to blood counts, cell phenotypes and serum chemistry of a specific-pathogen-monitored M. natalensis Citation: Wozniak, D.M.; Kirchoff, breeding colony, to facilitate scientific insight into this important and widespread rodent species. N.; Hansen-Kant, K.; Sogoba, N.; Safronetz, D.; Prescott, J. Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Reference Keywords: Mastomys natalensis; multimammate mouse; multimammate rat; blood; reference value; Ranges for Laboratory-Bred Natal normal value; baseline; clinical chemistry; Lassa virus Multimammate Mice (Mastomys natalensis). Viruses 2021, 13, 187. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020187 1. Introduction Academic Editor: Daniel R. Perez Mastomys natalensis are commensal wild-living rodents of the African continent with Received: 16 December 2020 a large host range [1,2]. Even though M. natalensis are often described as “rats”, phyloge- Accepted: 23 January 2021 netically, they are more closely related to mice (Mus) than Rattus [3]. However, since they Published: 27 January 2021 grow to sizes and weights greater than Mus musculus [4], the confusion with rats as a general descriptor is understandable. Seasonal resource limitations [5,6], their grani- and Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral omnivore sustenance and the high reproduction capabilities of M. natalensis [5] cause large with regard to jurisdictional claims in annual fluctuations of local populations. During the dry season, M. natalensis often live published maps and institutional affil- peri-domestically and are found inside human dwellings [6] consuming food scraps and iations. unsecured food stores and thereby contaminate these with their excretions. Mastomys sp. can harbor a diversity of zoonotic pathogens of serious concern for humans, including Capillaria hepatica, Gongylonema sp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium [4,7], and, in the case of the visually indistinguishable sister species, M. coucha, Yersinia pestis infection, Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. which could have been partially responsible for human plague clusters in Africa [8]. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. The pathogen of highest concern harbored by M. natalensis, as well as other species of This article is an open access article Muroinae, including Hylomyscus pamfi, Mus baoulei, and Mastomys erythroleucus, is Lassa distributed under the terms and virus (LASV, Lassa mammarenavirus, Arenaviridae)[9–11], which is considered a Risk Group conditions of the Creative Commons 4 (RG-4) pathogen. LASV is the etiological agent of the hemorrhagic virus disease called Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// Lassa fever, which is considered a major public health concern in West African countries creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ 4.0/). due to annual outbreaks and high morbidity and mortality. Viruses 2021, 13, 187. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020187 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/viruses Viruses 2021, 13, 187 2 of 12 Mastomys species, especially Mastomys coucha, have a long standing history as a model for schistosomiasis [12,13], the plague [14] and papilloma virus research [15]. However, basic blood parameters of M. natalensis from controlled rearing are not available. Addi- tionally, up to this point and only recently, one annotated genome has been published of a laboratory strain of M. coucha [16,17]. Therefore, biomolecular analysis testing of M. natalensis is still based on genetic sequences acquired from M. coucha, which due to the close relationship have at least a chance to similarly work on M. natalensis. To effectively study M. natalensis in laboratory settings, new tools and baselines parameters are currently being developed and established. Herein, we report the normal hematological and clinical chemistry values of healthy pathogen-tested animals of the animal species of M. natalensis from our laboratory-bred colony to further facilitate research on this currently understudied, yet important for human health, rodent species. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Animals The Mastomys natalensis colony originated from Mali and was brought to the USA in 2013 and has since bred successfully in captivity. Courtesy of Heinz Feldmann and David Safronetz, an off-shoot colony was established at the Bernhard Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) in Hamburg, Germany, in 2017, with another off-shoot colony being established at the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI) in Berlin, descending from the BNITM colony in 2018. The animals were bred at the Animal Husbandry Facility of the Robert Koch-Institute in (RKI) Berlin. Groups of 2–4 animals of the same sex were co-housed in filter-top cages (2000P Tecniplast) with small wood chip bedding and paper nesting material at 22 ◦C, 40–50% relative humidity on standard rodent chow and water ad libitum during a 12-h light cycle. The animals used for the study were between 8 and 53 weeks of age (specifically 8, 12, 17, 24, 27, 51, 52, and 56 weeks). The calculated reference ranges are deduced from not completely sex-matched groups (40.7% male against 59.3% females) before removal of statistical outliers. The specific age stratification can be seen in AppendixA Table A1. According to analyses on sentinel animals, the colony was free of most specific pathogens tested with the exception of Rodentibacter sp. (serological), Helicobacter spp. (PCR) and Chilomastix spp. (microscopic). The full list of tested organisms can be seen in AppendixA Table A2. 2.2. Blood Collection M. natalensis were anesthetized with an isoflurane overdose and exsanguinated via cardiac puncture using BD vacutainer system (K2 EDTA 2.0 mL, SST-II 2.5 mL; 21G or 22G needle adapter). The euthanasia conformed to German animal protection laws and was registered under animal euthanasia report number T0168-19 with the Landesamt für Gesundheit und Soziales in Berlin, Germany. 2.3. Blood Cell Counts Whole blood that was collected in tubes containing EDTA (BD Vacutainer K2EDTA) was agitated on a rotator at 6 rpm until measured with an automatic hematology analyzer (Abaxis HM5c). The hematology analyzer was maintained according to manufacturer instructions and correct performance was verified using commercial quality controls of nor- mal and high-range reference blood (Abaxis VetScan HM5 Hematology Control). The sam- ples were measured using the standard mouse settings, without modifications. In addition to automatic hematological analysis, thin-film blood smears stained with Diff-Quik stain- ing (Labor + Technik: LT-SYS®) were prepared from the identical samples, and used for microscopic visualization and manual counting verification. Micrographs were captured using analysis 5.0 (Olympus) software and panels were composed using paint.net v4.1 (dotPDN LLC). Viruses 2021, 13, 187 3 of 12 2.4. Clinical Serum Chemistry Blood that was collected in serum separation tubes (BD Vacutainer SST II) was left to clot for at least 30 min and subsequently centrifuged at 3000× g for 5 min. The sera were aliquoted and stored at −80 ◦C until measured on an automatic clinical chemistry analyzer (FUJI DRI-CHEM NX500i) with the corresponding colorimetric test assays (FUJI). The sam- ples were assessed for concentrations of creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), Glutamic pyruvate transaminase/Alanine transaminase (GPT/ALT), glu- tamic oxaloacetic transaminase/Aspartate transaminase (GOT/AST) and Alkaline phos- phatase (ALP). If required, due to volume constraints, the samples were diluted with sterile 0.9% NaCl solution. 2.5. Data Analysis and Statistics Data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism 8.4. Strongly hemolytic sera were removed from analysis prior to identification of statistical outliers. Statistical outliers for each group were identified using Robust Regression and Outlier removal (ROUT method) with a Q- coefficient of 1%. Measurements below the limit of detection in an assay were imputed by using l.po.d. as set value. One animal was removed from the analysis due to a skin condition 2 that appeared inflammatory. Normal reference ranges were established by calculating the 2.5% and 97.5% percentiles
Recommended publications
  • Review of the Hylomyscus Denniae Group (Rodentia: Muridae) in Eastern Africa, with Comments on the Generic Allocation of Epimys Endorobae Heller
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON 119(2):293–325. 2006. Review of the Hylomyscus denniae group (Rodentia: Muridae) in eastern Africa, with comments on the generic allocation of Epimys endorobae Heller Michael D. Carleton, Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans, and William T. Stanley (MDC) Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. 20560-0108, U.S.A., e-mail: [email protected]; (JKP) University College, Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois 60605, U.S.A.; Department of Zoology, Division of Mammals, The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois 60605, U.S.A., e-mail: [email protected]; (WTS) Department of Zoology, Division of Mammals, The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois 60605, U.S.A., e-mail: [email protected] Abstract.—The status and distribution of eastern African populations currently assigned to Hylomyscus denniae are reviewed based on morpho- logical and morphometric comparisons. Three species are considered valid, each confined largely to wet montane forest above 2000 meters: H. denniae (Thomas, 1906) proper from the Ruwenzori Mountains in the northern Albertine Rift (west-central Uganda and contiguous D. R. Congo); H. vulcanorum Lo¨nnberg & Gyldenstolpe, 1925 from mountains in the central Albertine Rift (southwestern Uganda, easternmost D. R. Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi); and H. endorobae (Heller, 1910) from mountains bounding the Gregory Rift Valley (west-central Kenya). Although endorobae has been interpreted as a small form of Praomys, additional data are presented that reinforce its membership within Hylomyscus and that clarify the status of Hylomyscus and Praomys as distinct genus-group taxa. The 12 species of Hylomyscus now currently recognized are provisionally arranged in six species groups (H.
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of Blood Group Serology and Molecular Genetics Volume 34, Number 1, 2018 CONTENTS
    Journal of Blood Group Serology and Molecular Genetics VOLUME 34, N UMBER 1, 2018 This issue of Immunohematology is supported by a contribution from Grifols Diagnostics Solutions, Inc. Dedicated to advancement and education in molecular and serologic immunohematology Immunohematology Journal of Blood Group Serology and Molecular Genetics Volume 34, Number 1, 2018 CONTENTS S EROLOGIC M ETHOD R EVIEW 1 Warm autoadsorption using ZZAP F.M. Tsimba-Chitsva, A. Caballero, and B. Svatora R EVIEW 4 Proceedings from the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Immunohaematology Workshop on the Clinical Significance of Red Blood Cell Alloantibodies, Friday, September 2, 2016, Dubai A brief overview of clinical significance of blood group antibodies M.J. Gandhi, D.M. Strong, B.I. Whitaker, and E. Petrisli C A S E R EPORT 7 Management of pregnancy sensitized with anti-Inb with monocyte monolayer assay and maternal blood donation R. Shree, K.K. Ma, L.S. Er and M. Delaney R EVIEW 11 Proceedings from the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Immunohaematology Workshop on the Clinical Significance of Red Blood Cell Alloantibodies, Friday, September 2, 2016, Dubai A review of in vitro methods to predict the clinical significance of red blood cell alloantibodies S.J. Nance S EROLOGIC M ETHOD R EVIEW 16 Recovery of autologous sickle cells by hypotonic wash E. Wilson, K. Kezeor, and M. Crosby TO THE E DITOR 19 The devil is in the details: retention of recipient group A type 5 years after a successful allogeneic bone marrow transplant from a group O donor L.L.W.
    [Show full text]
  • Mouse Models of Human Disease an Evolutionary Perspective Robert L
    170 commentary Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health [2016] pp. 170–176 doi:10.1093/emph/eow014 Mouse models of human disease An evolutionary perspective Robert L. Perlman* Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 5058, Chicago, IL 60637, USA *E-mail: [email protected] Received 31 December 2015; revised version accepted 12 April 2016 ABSTRACT The use of mice as model organisms to study human biology is predicated on the genetic and physio- logical similarities between the species. Nonetheless, mice and humans have evolved in and become adapted to different environments and so, despite their phylogenetic relatedness, they have become very different organisms. Mice often respond to experimental interventions in ways that differ strikingly from humans. Mice are invaluable for studying biological processes that have been conserved during the evolution of the rodent and primate lineages and for investigating the developmental mechanisms by which the conserved mammalian genome gives rise to a variety of different species. Mice are less reliable as models of human disease, however, because the networks linking genes to disease are likely to differ between the two species. The use of mice in biomedical research needs to take account of the evolved differences as well as the similarities between mice and humans. KEYWORDS: allometry; cancer; gene networks; life history; model organisms transgenic, knockout, and knockin mice, have If you have cancer and you are a mouse, we can provided added impetus and powerful tools for take good care of you. Judah Folkman [1] mouse research, and have led to a dramatic increase in the use of mice as model organisms.
    [Show full text]
  • Quaternary Murid Rodents of Timor Part I: New Material of Coryphomys Buehleri Schaub, 1937, and Description of a Second Species of the Genus
    QUATERNARY MURID RODENTS OF TIMOR PART I: NEW MATERIAL OF CORYPHOMYS BUEHLERI SCHAUB, 1937, AND DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND SPECIES OF THE GENUS K. P. APLIN Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO Division of Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra and Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Mammalogy) American Museum of Natural History ([email protected]) K. M. HELGEN Department of Vertebrate Zoology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution, Washington and Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Mammalogy) American Museum of Natural History ([email protected]) BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Number 341, 80 pp., 21 figures, 4 tables Issued July 21, 2010 Copyright E American Museum of Natural History 2010 ISSN 0003-0090 CONTENTS Abstract.......................................................... 3 Introduction . ...................................................... 3 The environmental context ........................................... 5 Materialsandmethods.............................................. 7 Systematics....................................................... 11 Coryphomys Schaub, 1937 ........................................... 11 Coryphomys buehleri Schaub, 1937 . ................................... 12 Extended description of Coryphomys buehleri............................ 12 Coryphomys musseri, sp.nov.......................................... 25 Description.................................................... 26 Coryphomys, sp.indet.............................................. 34 Discussion . ....................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Comparison of Histopathology, Immunofluorescence, and Serology
    Global Dermatology Cae Report ISSN: 2056-7863 Comparison of histopathology, immunofluorescence, and serology for the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous disorders: an update Seline Ali E1, Seline Lauren N1, Sokumbi Olayemi1* and Motaparthi Kiran2,3 1Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA 2Dermatopathology, Miraca Life Sciences, USA 3Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA Introduction In an ELISA, the target antigen of interest (such as the NC16a domain of BP180) is immobilized by physical adsorption or by The diagnosis of autoimmune bullous disorders (AIBDs) relies on antibody capture. When antibody capture is utilized, this is referred to several different diagnostic methods. These include histopathology, as “sandwich ELISA” because the target antigen is bound between the direct immunofluorescence (DIF), indirect immunofluorescence immobilizing antibody and the primary antibody. Primary antibodies (IIF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and are present in the patient’s serum. Enzyme-linked secondary antibodies immunoblotting. When faced with a presumptive AIBD, the are then added which bind the Fc region of primary antibodies. most widely employed method for diagnosis by dermatologists is Substrate is added and converted by the enzyme into a signal. A a combination of histopathology and DIF. While DIF is still the resulting color change, fluorescence, or electrochemical signal is diagnostic method of choice for linear IgA bullous disease and IgA quantitatively measured and reported [5]. pemphigus, ELISA is a more accurate, cost-effective and less invasive method of diagnosis for several AIBDs including pemphigus vulgaris Western blot is synonymous with immunoblot. For this method, and foliaceus, based on currently available evidence [1-3].
    [Show full text]
  • Online-Only Appendix: List of Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
    ONLINE-ONLY APPENDIX: LIST OF INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA INCLUSION CRITERIA [1] Male subjects between the ages of 35 and 70 years, inclusive, with Type 2 diabetes mellitus as defined by the American Diabetes Association (Diabetes care, Vol. 21: S5- S19, 1998) for more than one year. [2] Subjects must have Body Mass Index (BMI) < 36 kg/m². [3] Stable glycemic control (Hb A1C <11%). [4] Subjects must be off all oral hypoglycemic agents 24 hours prior to each study dosing day and off any investigational drug for at least four weeks. [5] Subjects must refrain from strenuous physical activity beginning 72 hours prior to admission and through the duration of the study. [6] Subjects must be willing and able to be confined to the Clinical Research Unit as required by the protocol. [7] Subjects must be willing and able to provide written informed consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA [1] History or presence of clinically significant cardiovascular, respiratory, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological or infectious disorders capable of altering the absorption, metabolism or elimination of drugs, or of constituting a risk factor when taking the study medication. [2] Subjects with gastroparesis, orthostatic hypotension and hypoglycemia unawareness (autonomic neuropathy). [3] Subjects with “brittle” diabetes or predisposition to severe hypoglycemia, e.g., 2 or more serious hypoglycemic episodes (requiring another’s assistance) within the past year, or any hospitalization or emergency room visit due to poor diabetic control within the past 6 months. [4] Evidence of significant active hematological disease and/or cumulative blood donation of 1 unit (500 mL) or more including blood drawn during clinical trials in the last 3 months.
    [Show full text]
  • Laboratory Animal Management: Rodents
    THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES PRESS This PDF is available at http://nap.edu/2119 SHARE Rodents (1996) DETAILS 180 pages | 6 x 9 | PAPERBACK ISBN 978-0-309-04936-8 | DOI 10.17226/2119 CONTRIBUTORS GET THIS BOOK Committee on Rodents, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, Commission on Life Sciences, National Research Council FIND RELATED TITLES SUGGESTED CITATION National Research Council 1996. Rodents. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/2119. Visit the National Academies Press at NAP.edu and login or register to get: – Access to free PDF downloads of thousands of scientific reports – 10% off the price of print titles – Email or social media notifications of new titles related to your interests – Special offers and discounts Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the National Academies Press. (Request Permission) Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. Rodents i Laboratory Animal Management Rodents Committee on Rodents Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources Commission on Life Sciences National Research Council NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS Washington, D.C.1996 Copyright National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. Rodents ii National Academy Press 2101 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20418 NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine. The members of the committee responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.
    [Show full text]
  • The Evolution of White Blood Cell Differential Technologies
    DIAGNOSTICS The Evolution of White Blood Cell Differential Technologies Authors: Donald Wright, Gabriella Lakos Abbott Diagnostics, Hematology, Santa Clara, CA 95054 DIAGNOSTICS INTRODUCTION Hematology analyzers count and characterize blood cells for the screening and monitoring of KEY ACRONYMS disease. Analyzers vary in capabilities, sophistication CBC = Complete Blood Count, also known as and detection technologies. The most common Full Blood Count (FBC) technologies are electrical impedance, radio frequency conductivity, optical light scatter (optical WBC = White Blood Cell flow cytometry), cytochemistry and fluorescence. MAPSSTM = Multi-Angle Polarized Scatter Optimal combinations of these detection methods Separation provide an accurate automated complete blood count (CBC) including white blood cell (WBC) differential IG = Immature Granulocyte in a short turnaround time. RBC = Red Blood Cell Although many other detection methods are still in use, optical technology has represented a key PLT = Platelet innovation in automated hematology analysis since NRBC = Nucleated Red Blood Cell its introduction.1,2,3,4 Light, scattered and detected at specific angles, captures an array of information about cell size, structure, inner complexity, nuclear segmentation and cytoplasmic granulation. As an different types of WBCs (neutrophil, eosinophil and innovative expansion of optical flow cytometry, basophil granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes) Multi-Angle Polarized Scatter Separation (MAPSS™) present in normal blood. This provides information
    [Show full text]
  • Application of Quantitative Immunofluorescence to Clinical Serology: Antibody Levels of Treponema Pallidum GRACE L
    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, May 1992, p. 1294-1296 Vol. 30, No. 5 0095-1137/92/051294-03$02.00/0 Copyright C 1992, American Society for Microbiology Application of Quantitative Immunofluorescence to Clinical Serology: Antibody Levels of Treponema pallidum GRACE L. PICCIOLO* AND DAVID S. KAPLAN Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 12200 Wilkins Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20852 Received 27 March 1991/Accepted 20 January 1992 A previously reported method of quantitative immunofluorescence, employing a calibrated photometric system and chemically stabilized fluorescence intensity, was used to replace the subjective, visual method of endpoint determination with a quantitative, calibrated measurement of antibodies to Treponema paUlidum in serum. The results of the quantitative immunofluorescence method showed a 90% correlation with the subjective determinations of the visual method. A quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) method to de- measured by using an acridine orange filter set, with a 400- to termine immunofluorescence with a quantitative, calibrated 440-nm excitation and LP 470 emission filters. photometric intensity of the fluorescent reaction product has Reducing agent. Dithioerythritol (DTE) (Sigma Chemical been reported previously by us (4). This method used uranyl Co., St. Louis, Mo.) was prepared as stock solution contain- glass slides in the calibration and standardization of the ing 0.3 M reducing agent in 0.5 M Tris buffer, pH 8.2 (Sigma microscope-photometer voltage measurements. To stabilize Chemical Co.). DTE was diluted 1:9 with standard buffered the fluorescence emission, dithioerythritol (DTE) was incor- glycerol mounting medium (Clinical Sciences, Inc., Whip- porated into the buffered glycerol mounting medium of the pany, N.J.) (4, 8).
    [Show full text]
  • A Haplotype Map for the Laboratory Mouse
    NEWS AND VIEWS Sample size dictates inference dogma collection, rather than to data generation or ent experimental approaches provides insight The technical revolution that made the cur- analysis. The open question is whether the com- into mechanism and helps specify the genetic rent data boom possible has matured; genetics munity of funding agencies, peer reviewers and model. In fact, genomic convergence is a spe- laboratories now routinely generate millions of regulatory bodies will be prepared to encourage cific embodiment of the concept of ‘consilience genotypes per day. However, more data can be a and support the assembly of subjects and mate- of inductions’, formulated by William Whewell problem when we do not have the discipline to rials needed to accomplish these goals. in the 1840s11, which says that valid inductions apply the scientific method. Replication is also will be supported by data from many different a problem when working with effects so small Candidate gene success experimental approaches. that replication success could not be reasonably Rather than being discovered initially through a Although they benefit greatly from the expected, even if the marker is associated with genome-wide scan of hundreds of thousands of impressive acceleration provided by genome- the disease. genetic markers, which is now the rage, IL7R is wide scans, virtually all genetic association Larger sample size is the mantra of the hour. a candidate gene that refused to quit. Certainly, disease studies ultimately become candidate Experimentalists and funding agencies no longer the first paper on IL7R polymorphisms in mul- gene projects. Additional susceptibility genes in scoff at theoretical analyses showing that thou- tiple sclerosis7 would not have satisfied the strin- multiple sclerosis—siblings of HLA-DRB2, IL7R sands of cases and controls are needed to dem- gent replication criteria advocated by a recent and, probably, IL2RA4—might now stand above onstrate modest genetic associations (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Enrichment for Laboratory Zebrafish—A Review of the Evidence and the Challenges
    animals Review Enrichment for Laboratory Zebrafish—A Review of the Evidence and the Challenges Chloe H. Stevens *, Barney T. Reed and Penny Hawkins Animals in Science Department, RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK; [email protected] (B.T.R.); [email protected] (P.H.) * Correspondence: [email protected] Simple Summary: The zebrafish is one of the most commonly used animals in scientific research, but there remains a lack of consensus over good practice for zebrafish housing and care. One such area which lacks agreement is whether laboratory zebrafish should be provided with environmental enrichment—additions or modifications to the basic laboratory environment which aim to improve welfare, such as plastic plants in tanks. The need for the provision of appropriate environmental enrichment has been recognised in other laboratory animal species, but some scientists and animal care staff are hesitant to provide enrichment for zebrafish, arguing that there is little or no evidence that enrichment can benefit zebrafish welfare. This review aims to summarise the current literature on the effects of enrichment on zebrafish physiology, behaviour and welfare, and identifies some forms of enrichment which are likely to benefit zebrafish. It also considers the possible challenges that might be associated with introducing more enrichment, and how these might be addressed. Abstract: Good practice for the housing and care of laboratory zebrafish Danio rerio is an increasingly discussed topic, with focus on appropriate water quality parameters, stocking densities, feeding Citation: Stevens, C.H.; Reed, B.T.; regimes, anaesthesia and analgesia practices, methods of humane killing, and more.
    [Show full text]
  • Clinical Placements Serology Screening for Students
    Gawler Place Medical Practice Level 1, Key Invest Building 49 Gawler Place Adelaide SA 5000 T: 08 8212 7175 F: 08 8212 1993 E: [email protected] www.adelaideunicare.com.au CLINICAL PLACEMENTS SEROLOGY SCREENING FOR STUDENTS Gawler Place Medical Practice have put together this Question and Answer sheet to assist you in meeting the requirements of SA Health’s Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy – August 2017. It is a requirement that all Health Care Workers have adequate immunisation against certain diseases prior to working in a clinical environment. What is Serology Screening and why do I need to do it? Serology Screening is a blood test that looks for antibodies in your blood. The purpose of such a test is to detect serum antibodies to prove protective immunity against a disease. Where can I have Serology Screening done? Gawler Place Medical Practice offer Serology Screening appointments to allow incoming students to have their serology screening completed, and where required, obtain their required vaccinations to meet SA Health’s Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia – August 2017. Australian Clinical Labs are located within our Practice so that you can have your blood taken (if required) as soon as you have seen the doctor. How do I make an appointment? You may contact the practice to organise an appointment, our telephone number is 8212 7175 or make a booking online. Please make a long appointment booking. If you need to change or cancel an appointment please contact our Practice on (08) 2127175 as soon as possible so that your appointment can be offered to another person.
    [Show full text]