3R Blackboard: A platform for animal and organ sharing

Abstract

Since the embedding of the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in national and international regulations on the use of animals, scientists have been challenged to find ways to reduce the number of animals in their research. Here, we present a digital platform, called ‘3R Backboard’, linked to a laboratory animal management system, which facilitates sharing of surplus biological materials from animals (e.g. tissues, organs and cells) to other research teams. Based on information provided, such as genotype, age and sex, other animal workers were able to indicate their interest in collecting specific tissues and to communicate with the person providing the animals. A short pilot study of this approach conducted in a limited academic environment presented strong evidence of its effectiveness and resulted in a notable reduction of the number of mice used. In addition, the use of 3R Blackboard led to resource saving, knowledge exchange and even establishment of new collaboration.

O que os olhos não veem a microcirurgia ensina: modelo de treinamento oftalmológico com olho de boi

“…Por esse motivo, os globos oculares bovinos são isentos de custos financeiros e de fácil aquisição, sendo possível de adquirir, sem custos, em abatedouros locais. (13,14) Em relação à montagem, o modelo não requer habilidades específicas, pois o globo ocular possui estrutura semelhante à do olho humano, não exigindo trabalhosas alterações para simular os olhos dos pacientes. Nesse contexto, o olho está adequado para simular o transplante corneano logo após a retirada e a sutura da córnea, depois de sua aquisição.…”

“…Desse modo, um modelo animal que respeite os 3Rs, evite o desperdício de tecido animal, possua um baixo custo e simule com maior similaridade as estruturas do globo ocular humano é de extrema relevância para o treinamento de habilidades microcirúrgicas do residente de oftalmologia. (13,14) A aplicação de um modelo ético para o treinamento de transplante e sutura de córnea é essencial, pois o residente de Oftalmologia só é introduzido à cirurgia de córnea após o terceiro ano de residência. O treinamento é eficaz para a melhoria da qualidade e destreza cirúrgicao que é benéfico para o paciente, que já essa não será, pois, mais a primeira tentativa cirúrgica do médico aprendiz, e, para este, que poderá oferecer procedimentos com mais segurança e qualidade.…”

A Brief Review of the European Directive on 3Rs and Facilitating Animal Experimentation

“…Subsequently, the concept of a cooperative framework has gradually gained prominence among scientific institutions. For instance, the "3R Blackboard" is a recognized platform that provides a space for various research groups to distribute excess biological materials obtained from animals (Czubala et al, 2022). Notably, the current EU directive, Directive 2010/63/EU, has expanded and continues to broaden the collaboration zone.…”

Embracing prospects for reducing the numbers of animals used in aquaculture research

“…When scientific procedures have themes of interest across different research fields, and where requirements for, for example, confidentiality allow it, researchers could take the time to openly discuss the aims and objectives of trials with other researchers within their department groups and beyond. This is a well‐established practice in different research fields and is also used in fish‐related aquaculture research (Czubala et al, 2022; Hubrecht & Carter, 2019; Rowan et al, 1993; Workman et al, 2010), and we should continue to retain and promote it wherever possible to ensure the potential for transparent interaction and collaboration on individual experiments that can ultimately maximize the utility of the studies undertaken.…”