Week 4, Group 2 Members: Emma Bauer, Mark Puhaly, Faith Sola, Tameka Stevenson, Kyra Wilson
Topics: IACUC, Legal Drugs, and Illegal Drugs
Case Study 6.1
Although these animals are not necessarily being used for research, they are still a segment of an institutional
laboratory and a protocol should be submitted to IACUC to cover the activities. According to Macrina (2014),
“along with a detailed explanation of the experimental procedures to be performed on the animals, the use of
appropriate anesthetics, analgesics, or sedatives should be described. Description of the drugs used for these
purposes, as well as the dosages and frequency of administration, should be detailed enough that the committee can
determine that they are appropriate for the species and experimental procedures involved.” Additionally, a mention
of the contracted laboratory that would be screening for specific pathogens should be submitted to IACUC as well
with the laboratory’s methods for screenings. A pivotal goal in animal research is to minimize pain and distress in
animals (Macrina, 2014).
Case Study 6.2
Dr. Spiegel should’ve taken all complaints on animal care seriously, no matter how “petty” they sounded, especially
if the complaints were submitted by principal investigators. If the complaints were resolved adequately, there
wouldn’t have been any evidence for Janie to “uncover.” Furthermore, Dr. Spiegel should speak privately with Janie,
with the medical school’s legal counsel present. Dr. Spiegel should address Janie’s alliance with the international
animal rights organization in addition to her frequent discussions with investigators that had interfered with her
assigned duties as an animal caretaker. In my opinion, if Janie’s goal was to expose animal mistreatment in medical
research, she failed because she, herself, didn’t partake in her assigned duties as an animal caretaker. Lastly, Dr.
Spiegel should aim to resolve all of the complaints that were mentioned to him, even if that involves contacting
IACUC for further investigation.
Case Study 6.4
Jiao is in the right here with her mentor. It appears that the animals are suffering as indicated by their behavior. Jiao
has made the correct recommendations to her mentor and he has dismissed her. I feel she might have a few options
before she reports Dr. Zogby. Jiao has researched the effects of using an analgesic post operatively; it would not
disrupt/skew the study. Studies should be “conducted humanely.”1 From Genesis 1:26, Then God said, "Let Us
make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds
of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (New
International Version). The Bible says in Proverbs 12:10, A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the
tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. (New International Version) “The fact that animals have interests, does not
mean they should never be used.” (Marcina, 2014). However, I believe Dr. Zogby is not behaving in a righteous
manner and he is treating his study subjects wickedly and cruelly. Jiao hasn’t explicitly said this, but she has
approached him on more than a few occasions and it only angered Dr. Zogby. She should report his behavior to a
IUCAC committee member on the grounds that the animals are not being treated appropriately and they are
unnecessarily suffering. And she needs to look for another mentor. Their relationship has deteriorated as a result of
this study/study design and their communication during the post op period. What is going to happen on the next
study? She needs to report him.
Case Study 6.7
The first thing I would do is advise Dr. Schwartz to contact Dr. Tanaka even though she is overseas. It is very
unlikely anymore that when someone travels overseas they are unreachable. Furthermore, I think Dr. Schwartz
should discuss her options with Dr. Tanaka so that the two of them can come up with a plan of action. I feel that if
Dr. Schwartz was not to contact Dr. Tanaka then she would rudely be disregarding her work and would make it seem
as if she is sabotaging Dr. Tanaka’s hard work.
If Dr. Tanaka is not able to be reached right away, I still think that Dr. Schwartz should not contact the veterinarian
until she is able to discuss the situation with Dr. Tanaka. This is a difficult situation because where do you draw the
line on waiting, but I think that all options should be exhausted before she contacts the veterinarian. I think the more
people that become involved the more risk the situation becomes. Overall, this is a tough situation because no matter
which path Dr. Schwartz takes her actions can put her at risk of ruining a two year long project that she worked
diligently on. Dr. Schwartz must remember Philippians 4:8-9 (English Standard Version), which reminds us,
“Finally brother, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these thing.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me -- practice these things, and the God of peace will be
with you.
Case Study 6.9
A research scientist wants to use a particular method to produce antibodies, however both her initial submission and
appeal for research protocol to the IACUC were denied. She resubmits the protocol indicating that there will be a
commercial source for her antibodies. The IACUC grants approval. The researcher proceeds to tell a colleague she
withheld information about the outside source using her previously disapproved method.
Dr. Featherstone’s solution is technically legal. She has used the method in question before, albeit at a different
institution, in a different state. She presented an alternative to the initial protocol, which the IACUC proceeded to
approve. However, it was unethical for her to submit the new protocol knowing there were undisclosed details. It
could be said that the protocol submitted was incomplete. Dr. Louis should try to compel the scientist to come
forward to the IACUC about this information. Should she not oblige, as a member of the committee, he is obligated
to report this information for further investigation. “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find
favor with him. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the
upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:1-3, NIV).
Case Study 6.10
Although the experiment is quite important and protocol has been approved by IACUC, some of the rats are being
paralyzed or dying. The research may have to be stopped and restarted, or even altered. Tom wants to continue the
experiment like nothing happened, but it would be better to inform the IACUC. Lean on Proverbs 21:3 (New
International Version) which says, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Even
though it may disrupt their research and Tom would be highly upset, it is better than the scientific misconduct that
could be a possibility that could be in the future. It is the responsibility that “along with a detailed explanation of the
experimental procedures to be performed on the animals, the use of appropriate anesthetics, analgesics, or sedatives
should be described,” as stated in Macrina’s text (Macrina, 2014). And though principles mention
both and , we do not know how many rats were successful nor the total amount of rats for the Refinement Reduction
project, so the experiment may be allowed to continue. The graduate student also carefully implanted and infused
with the specified amount of toxin, therefore one should not feel as inadequate as Tom suggested. Again, Proverbs
16:8 (New International Version says, “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” It is better
to inform IACUC and move accordingly; it is not right to inflict unnecessary harm to the rats.
Is social drinking different from drinking coffee?
Differences:
1. Caffeinated coffee is a stimulant and most alcohols are depressants.
2. Small amounts of alcohol can have dire effects on one’s body.
3. Coffee is not a danger to society and does not cost people their lives.
4. One cup of coffee will not make you “drunk”, but one alcoholic drink can make you “drunk”.
5. Social drinking has the means to impair and alter judgment, and can lead to drunkenness
6. Coffee does not contain alcohol, it has caffeine.
a. What if someone consumes coffee that is decaffeinated? There is a stimulatory response with
caffeine, better mental acuity, fat mobilization, etc, but not impaired judgment that can result from
the effects of alcohol. In appendix 1 of Geisler (2010): “It is unbiblical to Take Intoxicating
Drinks.” It is also unhealthy, can be addictive, it sets a poor example, and more (Geisler,
2010). Geisler is talking about alcohol, EtOH, not coffee here with regards to its intoxicating
effects. Drinking coffee and social drinking are absolutely different.
Similarities:
1. Excessive coffee and alcohol intake can lead to death.
a. Caffeinated coffee does have an addictive streak and can cause heart palpitations, nervousness,
difficulty sleeping, headaches, irritability, fertility problems, and miscarriages if taken in high
amounts (over 4 cups a day) and repetitively.
2. Both coffee and alcohol intake in small doses is beneficial for one’s health.
a. The former is associated with better short-term memory and lowering the chances of developing
Parkinson’s, Type 2 Diabetes, and Colon Cancer. The latter (particularly wine) is associated with
lower chances of ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Some consider alcohol and coffee idolatry, which is a sin in the eyes of God.
a. The bible states in Psalm 16:4 (English Standard Version), “The sorrows of those who run after
another god shall multiply, their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on
my lips.”. By being addicted to coffee or alcohol we are idolizing something other than the Lord,
which is a sin in his eyes.
One-third of the world’s population consumes ethanol (alcohol) regularly (Heier, Xie, & Zimmermann, 2016; Marik
& Liggett, 2019). This growing pandemic has driven doctors and researchers to study the metabolism, regulation,
and diseases associated with alcohol use. Patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs) due to chronic alcohol
consumption are frequently hospitalized for alcohol-related medical conditions such as hypoglycemia, diabetic
ketoacidosis, vitamin deficiencies, hepatic steatosis, and acetaldehyde toxicity. Alcohol use while pregnant can lead
to miscarriages, fetal alcohol syndrome, and other developmental delays. Although many advocates for drinking use
the story of Jesus turning water into wine: yes, he did do that, but he did NOT turn water into tequila, bourbon, or
any other extremely alcoholic beverage. Even then, Proverbs 23:29-35 (English Standard Version) declares, “Who
has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has
redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is
red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.
Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things…” Additionally, the Bible exhorts us to be
free of drunkenness (Proverbs 3:4-5; Ephesian 5:18; Galatians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 6:10, English Standard Version).
Proverbs 3:4-5 informs one that “it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and
forget what has been decreed, and deprived all the oppressed of their rights (NIV).”
Is there a difference between using valium, using tobacco, and using marijuana?
Similarities:
1. Valium and marijuana both aid in anxiety and muscle movement disorders.
2. All three are and can lead to dire effects if taken at high doses and frequencies. drugs
3. All three can be addictive drugs.
a. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion,
seeking someone to devour (ESV).”
4. All three can be harmful to the body, and create a dependency upon them and their usage can be abused.
5. These drugs slow the thinking process.
a. Proverbs 31:4-5. It causes sorrow, Proverbs 23:29-30. It leads to poverty, Proverbs 21:17. It causes
injuries, Proverbs 23:35.1 These are all examples, and there are many more that could ultimately
lead to our demise, downfall, and we would not be acting/behaving in accordance with scripture.
Differences:
1. Valium is solely a prescriptive drug; both tobacco and marijuana are not prescriptive drugs (although
marijuana can be used medicinally).
2. Valium is used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures.
3. Marijuana can be used recreationally.
a. Researchers have shower that legalizing recreational marijuana use in certain states has led to a
decreased number of deaths die to opioid overdose (Bharadwaj, 2019).
What the Bible says:
1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devils prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour. (New International Version). If we do not keep a clear, sober mind we are than likely to be
tempted and sin, stray away from God. Certainly Valium, Marijuana and nicotine can help induce an amount of
psychosis that enables us to walk away from God rather than towards him.
References
Bharadwaj, R. N. (2019). The Impact of Legalization of Marijuana on Opioid Overdose Deaths. CUNY Academic
Works. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/398
Heier, C., Xie, H., & Zimmermann, R. (2016). Nonoxidative ethanol metabolism in humans—from biomarkers to
bioactive lipids. (12), 916–923. https://doi.org/10.1002/iub.1569IUBMB Life,68
Macrina, F. L.(2014). Use of humans in biomedical research. In Scientific integrity: Text and cases in responsible
conduct of research (4th ed., pp. 135–140).
Marik, P. E., & Liggett, A. (2019). Adding an orange to the banana bag: Vitamin C deficiency is common in alcohol
use disorders. Critical Care,23(1), 4–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-019-2435-4
Geisler, N.L. (2010). Christian Ethics – Contemporary Issues & Options. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker
Publishing Group.
Note: all members of group 2 contributed equally in the making of this assignment.
