Animal dissection has been routinely practiced in American biology classrooms for decades. With technological advancements, more states adopting student choice measures, and increased awareness about ethical concerns surrounding dissection, many useful dissection alternatives have been developed. To understand the current use of animal dissection and alternatives, and attitudes toward the practices, a nationwide survey of middle and high school biology teachers (n = 1178) and students (n = 500) was conducted. Most teachers (84%) and students (76%) reported using dissection in their classrooms, although nearly half of educators indicated that dissection is decreasing at their school. Educators cited student performance as the main factor driving their decision to use dissection or alternatives and reported conducting dissection exercises because of student interest. Most teachers had an interest in using alternatives, although only 36% used them in place of dissection. More than a third of biology students preferred the use of alternatives over animal specimens, yet most did not request dissection alternatives. Enabling students to opt in to dissection exercises rather than opt out, as is the current practice, and educating teachers and students about student choice and the advantages of dissection alternatives are suggested strategies to reduce animal use in education, in line with the “3 R’s” principle.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Karies hat bis heute eine hohe Prävalenz, auch in westlichen Ländern mit präventiven zahnmedizinischen Angeboten. Bei mechanischer Therapie werden die behandelten Zähne geschwächt. Dies führt über die Jahre oder Jahrzehnte häufig zum Verlust mit erheblichen Folgekosten. In den letzten Jahren eingeführte remineralisierende Substanzen sollen die etablierten remineralisationsfördernden Fluoride ergänzen. Daneben stehen die nicht oder minimal-invasiven Konzepte approximale Versiegelung und Kunststoffinfiltration zur Verfügung. Methode In diesem Beitrag wird mit der biomimetischen Mineralisation eine neue Methode vorstellt, die auf sich selbst organisierenden Peptiden (SAP) beruht. Die SAP werden in wässriger Lösung auf die gereinigte und geätzte Schmelzoberfläche aufgetragen und dringen in den Läsionskörper ein. Dort bauen sie eine organische Matrix auf, die sekundär mit Kalzium- und Phosphationen aus dem Speichel mineralisiert wird. Ergebnis Die Zwischenauswertung einer klinischen Studie bei Approximalläsionen zeigt, dass mit der neuen Methode drei von vier Läsionen stabilisiert oder remineralisiert werden konnten. Damit könnte es erstmals gelingen, demineralisierten Schmelz bis zum angrenzenden Dentin naturanalog wieder herzustellen.

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Background and Objectives: Pre-operative type and screen (T&S) is typically obtained if a patient is expected to require a blood transfusion; however, in cases of minimal blood loss, routine T&S may be unnecessary. The objective of our study was to examine the utility and cost of routine pre-operative T&S prior to minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIH). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all MIH from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Patient demographics and surgical parameters were abstracted. The proportion of MIH with a preoperative T&S was compared to the rate of peri-operative blood transfusion. Statistical tests were used where appropriate. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between pre-operative hemoglobin (Hgb) and peri-operative transfusion. Results: Patients (n = 307) with a mean age of 54 (standard deviation = 12.6) underwent MIH. T&S was ordered in 42.7% of cases, with 2.9% requiring a blood transfusion. Two-thirds of women receiving a transfusion had a history of anemia (p = .004). Women with a pre-operative Hgb < 10.6 gm/dL (n = 30) had a 27% probability of a transfusion, while those with a pre-operative Hgb > 10.6 gm/dL (n = 264) had a 99% probability of no transfusion. A T&S costs ∼$190 at our institution; if routine T&S was eliminated prior to MIH, cost savings is projected to be ∼$11,590 annually. Conclusion: Approximately 42.7% of MIH had T&S ordered, but only 2.9% received transfusions. Most patients who required a transfusion had a history of anemia. Significant cost savings could be incurred if routine T&S was eliminated prior to MIH.

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