scholarly journals Methods Used and Application of the Mouse Grimace Scale in Biomedical Research 10 Years On: A Scoping Review

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 673
Author(s):  
Alexandra L. Whittaker ◽  
Yifan Liu ◽  
Timothy H. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Facial Features ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Wide Range

The Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS) was developed 10 years ago as a method for assessing pain through the characterisation of changes in five facial features or action units. The strength of the technique is that it is proposed to be a measure of spontaneous or non-evoked pain. The time is opportune to map all of the research into the MGS, with a particular focus on the methods used and the technique’s utility across a range of mouse models. A comprehensive scoping review of the academic literature was performed. A total of 48 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The MGS has been employed mainly in the evaluation of acute pain, particularly in the pain and neuroscience research fields. There has, however, been use of the technique in a wide range of fields, and based on limited study it does appear to have utility for pain assessment across a spectrum of animal models. Use of the method allows the detection of pain of a longer duration, up to a month post initial insult. There has been less use of the technique using real-time methods and this is an area in need of further research.

scholarly journals Methods Used and Application of the Mouse Grimace Scale in Biomedical Research 10 Years on: A Systematic Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra L. Whittaker ◽  
Yifan Liu ◽  
Timothy H. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Acute Pain ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Pain Assessment ◽  
Facial Features ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Wide Range

The Mouse Grimace Scale (MGS) was developed 10 years ago to assess pain through characterisation of changes in five facial features or action units. The strength of the technique is that it is proposed to be a measure of spontaneous or non-evoked pain. A comprehensive scoping review of the academic literature was performed. The MGS has been employed mainly in evaluation of acute pain, particularly in the pain and neuroscience research fields. There has however been use of the technique in a wide range of fields, and based on limited study it does appear to have utility for pain assessment across a spectrum of animal models. Use of the method does allow detection of pain of a longer duration, up to a month post-initial insult. There has been less use of the technique using real-time methods and this is an area in need of further research.

scholarly journals Consideration of Gut Microbiome in Murine Models of Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1062
Author(s):  
Chunye Zhang ◽  
Craig L. Franklin ◽  
Aaron C. Ericsson
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Disease Model ◽  
Potential Contributor ◽  
Potential Factors ◽  
Models Of Disease ◽  
The Impact

The gut microbiome (GM), a complex community of bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi located in the gut of humans and animals, plays significant roles in host health and disease. Animal models are widely used to investigate human diseases in biomedical research and the GM within animal models can change due to the impact of many factors, such as the vendor, husbandry, and environment. Notably, variations in GM can contribute to differences in disease model phenotypes, which can result in poor reproducibility in biomedical research. Variation in the gut microbiome can also impact the translatability of animal models. For example, standard lab mice have different pathogen exposure experiences when compared to wild or pet store mice. As humans have antigen experiences that are more similar to the latter, the use of lab mice with more simplified microbiomes may not yield optimally translatable data. Additionally, the literature describes many methods to manipulate the GM and differences between these methods can also result in differing interpretations of outcomes measures. In this review, we focus on the GM as a potential contributor to the poor reproducibility and translatability of mouse models of disease. First, we summarize the important role of GM in host disease and health through different gut–organ axes and the close association between GM and disease susceptibility through colonization resistance, immune response, and metabolic pathways. Then, we focus on the variation in the microbiome in mouse models of disease and address how this variation can potentially impact disease phenotypes and subsequently influence research reproducibility and translatability. We also discuss the variations between genetic substrains as potential factors that cause poor reproducibility via their effects on the microbiome. In addition, we discuss the utility of complex microbiomes in prospective studies and how manipulation of the GM through differing transfer methods can impact model phenotypes. Lastly, we emphasize the need to explore appropriate methods of GM characterization and manipulation.

A Scoping Review of Technology-Based Vocational Interventions for Autistic Individuals

2021 ◽  
pp. 216514342110416
Author(s):  
So Yoon Kim ◽  
Shannon Crowley ◽  
Youngsun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Video Modeling ◽  
Digital Literacy ◽  
Database Search ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Transferable Skills ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Recommendations For Practice

This scoping review synthesized existing literature to address what is known about technology-based employment interventions for autistic individuals and how these interventions were conducted. A systematic multi-database search yielded 48 studies (362 participants; mean age = 20.5 years; 85.3% male) that met the inclusion criteria. Phones/tablets were used most frequently; 33 studies used technological devices for video modeling and/or prompting independently or alongside cueing or feedback. Most interventions were effective in improving job-specific, transferable, and interview skills of autistic individuals. Future studies are needed to examine whether these interventions lead to generalized outcomes and employment opportunities. We also offer recommendations for practice focused on teaching transition-aged students digital literacy skills and transferable skills for a wide range of job options.

scholarly journals Interventions to support family caregivers of people living with dementia in high, middle and low-income countries in Asia: a scoping review

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. e001830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ladson Hinton ◽  
Duyen Tran ◽  
Thuc-Nhi Nguyen ◽  
Janis Ho ◽  
Laura Gitlin
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Family Caregiver ◽  
Psychosocial Interventions ◽  
High Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Cultural Adaptations ◽  
Wide Range

IntroductionDespite increasing numbers of persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s-related dementias (AD/ADRD) in Asia, particularly in low-income countries (LIC) and middle-income countries (MIC), surprisingly little is known about the current state of the evidence for family caregiver interventions. The objectives of this scoping review were to: (1) describe the evidence for efficacy of family dementia-caregiver psychosocial interventions in Asian countries, (2) compare evidence across LIC, MIC, and high-income countries (HIC), and (3) characterise cultural adaptions to interventions developed outside Asia.MethodsThe inclusion criteria included: (1) conducted in Asia (2) included an intervention delivered to a family caregiver of a person living with AD/ADRD, (3) reported quantitative outcomes for the family caregiver and (4) published in a peer-reviewed journal with full text available in English.ResultsThirty intervention trials were identified meeting inclusion criteria and all reported statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in one or more caregiver outcomes. Interventions usually included multiple components. The most frequently reported outcomes (ie, by ≥20% of studies) were caregiver depression, burden, quality of life and self-efficacy. Overall, 26 (87%) of the studies were conducted in HIC in Asia, primarily in Hong Kong SAR—China and Taiwan, and only 4 (13%) in LIC and MIC in Asia. Seven studies (23%) used interventions developed in USA and several described cultural adaptations.ConclusionThis scoping review found substantial evidence, particularly from high-income Asian countries, that a wide range of interventions improve AD/ADRD family caregiver outcomes. However, critical knowledge gaps exist, particularly for LIC and MIC in Asia, where the number of persons with dementia is numerically largest and projected to increase dramatically in coming decades. The field could also benefit from more detailed descriptions of the process and types of cultural adaptations to interventions.

Of mice and models: improved animal models for biomedical research

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernesto Bockamp ◽  
Marko Maringer ◽  
Christian Spangenberg ◽  
Stephan Fees ◽  
Stuart Fraser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Applied Research ◽  
Mouse Genome ◽  
Gene Knockout ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Murine Models ◽  
Good State ◽  
Basic And Applied Research

The ability to engineer the mouse genome has profoundly transformed biomedical research. During the last decade, conventional transgenic and gene knockout technologies have become invaluable experimental tools for modeling genetic disorders, assigning functions to genes, evaluating drugs and toxins, and by and large helping to answer fundamental questions in basic and applied research. In addition, the growing demand for more sophisticated murine models has also become increasingly evident. Good state-of-principle knowledge about the enormous potential of second-generation conditional mouse technology will be beneficial for any researcher interested in using these experimental tools. In this review we will focus on practice, pivotal principles, and progress in the rapidly expanding area of conditional mouse technology. The review will also present an internet compilation of available tetracycline-inducible mouse models as tools for biomedical research ( http://www.zmg.uni-mainz.de/tetmouse/ ).

scholarly journals Reproduction in Animal Models of Lysosomal Storage Diseases: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Vuolo ◽  
Cinthia Castro Do Nascimento ◽  
Vânia D’Almeida
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Lysosomal Storage Diseases ◽  
Specific Gene ◽  
Lysosomal Storage ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Storage Diseases ◽  
Clinical Case Studies ◽  
Male Animal

Background: Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are caused by a mutation in a specific gene. Enzymatic dysfunction results in a progressive storage of substrates that gradually affects lysosomal, cellular and tissue physiology. Their pathophysiological consequences vary according to the nature of the stored substrate, making LSDs complex and multisystemic diseases. Some LSDs result in near normal life expectancies, and advances in treatments mean that more people reach the age to have children, so considering the effects of LSDs on fertility and the risks associated with having children is of growing importance.Objectives: As there is a lack of clinical studies describing the effect of LSDs on the physiology of reproductivity, we undertook a scoping review of studies using animal models of LSDs focusing on reproductive parameters.Methods: We searched six databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and SciELO, and identified 49 articles that met our inclusion criteria.Results: The majority of the studies used male animal models, and a number reported severe morphological and physiological damage in gametes and gonads in models of sphingolipidoses. Models of other LSDs, such as mucopolysaccharidoses, presented important morphological damage.Conclusion: Many of the models found alterations in reproductive systems. Any signs of subfertility or morphological damage in animal models are important, particularly in rodents which are extremely fertile, and may have implications for individuals with LSDs. We suggest the use of more female animal models to better understand the physiopathology of the diseases, and the use of clinical case studies to further explore the risks of individuals with LSDs having children.

scholarly journals The relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-102085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffan A Griffin ◽  
Nirmala Kanthi Panagodage Perera ◽  
Andrew Murray ◽  
Catherine Hartley ◽  
Samantha G Fawkner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Rugby Union ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health And Well Being

ObjectiveTo scope the relationships between rugby union, and health and well-being.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPublished and unpublished reports of any age, identified by searching electronic databases, platforms and reference lists.MethodsA three-step search strategy identified relevant published primary, secondary studies and grey literature, which were screened using a priori inclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardised tool, to form (1) a numerical analysis and (2) a thematic summary.Results and discussion6658 records were identified, and 198 studies met the inclusion criteria. All forms of rugby union can provide health-enhancing physical activity (PA). ‘Non-contact’ and wheelchair rugby in particular provide a wide range of physical and mental health and well-being benefits. The evidence is either mixed or unclear in relation to ‘contact’ rugby union and its effects on a range of physical health domains. Injury and concussion incidence rates are high for contact rugby union relative to other sports.ConclusionsA wide range of stakeholders as well as existing and potential participants can use this information to make a more informed decision about participating in and promoting rugby union as a health-enhancing activity. Industry and policy-makers can use this review to inform policies and strategies that look to increase participation rates and use rugby union as a vehicle to contribute positively to population health. Further research understanding rugby union’s contribution to PA as well as to muscle-strengthening and balance is indicated, as well as research examining more health and well-being outcomes across more diverse cohorts.

scholarly journals Building Peace through Sports Projects: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2129
Author(s):  
Felicity Clarke ◽  
Aled Jones ◽  
Lee Smith
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Strict Inclusion ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Sport For Development ◽  
The 1960S

The term peacebuilding has gained traction in academic works since introduction in the 1960s. In recent decades, sport for development and peace (SDP) has also captured the interest of the academic community, with a growing field of work. This scoping review identifies and considers the academic literature on SDP projects deployed as peacebuilding tools in post-conflict communities, to gain a greater understanding of those projects and draw inferences from them collectively. Using strict inclusion criteria, results of database searches were narrowed down to 30 publications, which the review explored through comparing the publications and their findings, to reveal the range of disciplines this research is emerging from, the countries projects are operating in, the demographics targeted, and other key data. The resulting conclusion is that there is scope for more targeted studies to clarify specific demographics to include, whether there is an ideal age to engage with youth, or an optimal timeframe for involvement. Many of the publications reference the importance of being part of broader initiatives, but the best context in which to utilise sport, and how much of an impact is being made on the wider communities, is yet to be determined.

THE USE OF RUMINANTS FOR BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH IN PERINATALOGY

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 286
Author(s):  
Pascale Chavatte-Palmer ◽  
Anne Tarrade ◽  
Vassilis Tsatsaris ◽  
Olivier Morel
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Wide Range

As a consequence of obvious ethical considerations concerning what is feasible or not in the field of human biomedical research, animal models are of critical importance both for human and veterinary medicine and cognitive scientists. Many species have been and are currently used as animal models. Rodents and lagomorphs are the most popular, essentially because of their low cost, handling and rearing facilities, limited ethical impact, and the availability of a wide range of genetic research tools in these species. Nevertheless, these models present some limitations. The physiological mechanisms observed in these species might be far from those of humans. For example, due to the large number of embryos and short gestation length, rodents and lagomorphs are not very suitable in several fields of perinatal research. Large animal species are required when surgical approaches or new medical devices have to be evaluated. The pig is widely used in these situations, as well as ruminants such as the sheep and the goat. Concerning physiological, anatomical and genetic considerations, large primates could be considered as the “gold standard” animal model because of their important similarities with humans. However, their use for biomedical research is greatly limited by their behavioral and social organization, raising important ethical questions, and their elevated cost. A very large number of experiments using ruminants as animal models have been published. A rapid bibliometric analysis performed using the Pubmed database from 1969 to 2010 retrieved 1108 literature reviews using the Mesh keywords “ruminant & animal model”. Six hundred and twelve references were available only for the year 2009 using the same Mesh research and covering all types of publications. The sheep is the most widely used ruminant model, and no less than 5393 publications can be found using the Mesh keywords “sheep & animal model”. The current presentation will focus on the most outstanding examples of great biomedical advances carried out with ruminant as models in the field of perinatal research. In this paper, the pivotal role of ruminants in the evaluation and development of new pharmacological treatments, new invasive procedures in fetuses, gestational imaging and genetic approaches will be developed, with their clinical context, including our own work on feto-placental imaging and the assessment of placental blood flow using quantitative 3D Doppler.

scholarly journals Multisite Comparison of MRI Defacing Software Across Multiple Cohorts

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athena E. Theyers ◽  
Mojdeh Zamyadi ◽  
Mark O'Reilly ◽  
Robert Bartha ◽  
Sean Symons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Information ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Facial Features ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Software Algorithms ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Skull Stripping ◽  
Recognition Software

With improvements to both scan quality and facial recognition software, there is an increased risk of participants being identified by a 3D render of their structural neuroimaging scans, even when all other personal information has been removed. To prevent this, facial features should be removed before data are shared or openly released, but while there are several publicly available software algorithms to do this, there has been no comprehensive review of their accuracy within the general population. To address this, we tested multiple algorithms on 300 scans from three neuroscience research projects, funded in part by the Ontario Brain Institute, to cover a wide range of ages (3–85 years) and multiple patient cohorts. While skull stripping is more thorough at removing identifiable features, we focused mainly on defacing software, as skull stripping also removes potentially useful information, which may be required for future analyses. We tested six publicly available algorithms (afni_refacer, deepdefacer, mri_deface, mridefacer, pydeface, quickshear), with one skull stripper (FreeSurfer) included for comparison. Accuracy was measured through a pass/fail system with two criteria; one, that all facial features had been removed and two, that no brain tissue was removed in the process. A subset of defaced scans were also run through several preprocessing pipelines to ensure that none of the algorithms would alter the resulting outputs. We found that the success rates varied strongly between defacers, with afni_refacer (89%) and pydeface (83%) having the highest rates, overall. In both cases, the primary source of failure came from a single dataset that the defacer appeared to struggle with - the youngest cohort (3–20 years) for afni_refacer and the oldest (44–85 years) for pydeface, demonstrating that defacer performance not only depends on the data provided, but that this effect varies between algorithms. While there were some very minor differences between the preprocessing results for defaced and original scans, none of these were significant and were within the range of variation between using different NIfTI converters, or using raw DICOM files.

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