Last Updated: December 12, 2024
SECTION 1: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
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1. Ethical Framework
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□ Based on:
- The 3Rs Principle (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
- International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS) Guidelines
- Local/National Animal Welfare Laws
2. Core Principles
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□ Must ensure:
- Humane treatment of animals
- Scientific necessity
- Ethical justification
- Minimization of pain and distress
- Compliance with legal requirements
SECTION 2: INSTITUTIONAL APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
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1. Animal Ethics Committee Approval
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□ Mandatory requirements:
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or equivalent approval
- Protocol review documentation
- Approval number citation
- Annual review confirmation
- Protocol amendments approval
2. Documentation Required
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□ Authors must submit:
- IACUC approval letter
- Protocol number
- Study registration details
- Amendments (if any)
- Continuing review approvals
SECTION 3: ANIMAL CARE AND USE
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1. Housing and Husbandry
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□ Requirements:
- Species-appropriate housing
- Adequate food and water
- Environmental enrichment
- Regular health monitoring
2. Experimental Procedures
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□ Must include:
- Justification for animal use
- Detailed description of procedures
- Pain and distress minimization
- Anesthesia and analgesia use
- Humane endpoints
3. Special Circumstances
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□ Guidelines for:
- Field studies
- Endangered species
- Non-invasive procedures
- Euthanasia methods
- Post-experiment care
SECTION 4: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
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1. Ethical Statements
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□ Must include:
- IACUC approval details
- Justification for animal use
- Compliance with 3Rs Principle
- Species and number of animals used
- Pain and distress management
2. Reporting Standards
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□ Must adhere to:
- ARRIVE Guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments)
- Detailed methods section
- Adverse events reporting
- Statistical analyses
SECTION 5: INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH
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1. Multi-jurisdictional Studies
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□ Requirements for:
- Local IACUC approval
- Cultural sensitivity
- Translation of materials
- Local regulations compliance
- Community engagement
2. Capacity Building
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□ Guidelines for:
- Local researcher involvement
- Resource sharing
- Training provisions
- Sustainable development
- Post-study obligations
SECTION 6: PUBLICATION REQUIREMENTS
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1. Ethical Statements
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□ Must include:
- IACUC approval details
- Compliance with ARRIVE Guidelines
- Funding sources
- Conflicts of interest
2. Data Sharing
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□ Guidelines for:
- De-identified data
- Access procedures
- Usage restrictions
- Time limitations
- Repository requirements
APPENDIX A: REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST
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1. Pre-submission
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□ Required documents:
- IACUC approval letter
- Protocol summary
- ARRIVE checklist
- Registration details
2. During Review
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□ Additional materials:
- Response to ethical queries
- Updated approvals
- Protocol modifications
- Safety reports
Contact Information:
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For animal research ethics inquiries:
Email: ethics@ajbm.net