Euthanasia Process Research Articles

A worldwide bibliometric analysis on euthanasia

Introduction: Euthanasia, which allows individuals with an incurable disease to end their lives in an honourable way, is a long-debated practice. It is related to various issues such as culture, philosophy, religion, ethics, public value, and efficient use of health resources. While some advocate for the right of individuals to choose euthanasia, others criticize it on ethical, legal, and religious grounds. Methods: In this study bibliometric analysis was used and the data were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database on July 26, 2024. Only English publications and articles were included using keywords such as "euthanasia," "end-of-life decisions," "medical assistance in dying," "physician-assisted death," and "physician-assisted suicide" without time restrictions. VOSviewer software was used to create network and density graphs, and SciMAT software was used to create strategic diagrams. Results: A total of 2,230 studies published between 1980 and 2024 were analyzed. The author with the most publications is Deliens, L, with 86 studies. The majority of studies were published in the USA, Netherlands, and Canada (692, 336, 225 respectively). The most frequently used keywords are euthanasia, palliative care, and ethics. The highest number of publications (149) was in the year 2021. In the strategic diagram for the first period (between 1980 and 2001), the themes of care and ethics were prominent, while for the second period (between 2002 and 2024), the clusters of nurse and shared decision-making were notable. Conclusion: After its legalization in the Netherlands, euthanasia has been accepted and implemented in some countries over the years, with variations in scope. Some countries, like the Netherlands and Belgium, also accept health problems related to old age and mental illness as euthanasia requests. The discussion around euthanasia often revolves around the principles of medical ethics, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Studies have focused on the role of physicians and nurses in the process, as well as end-of-life decision-making by patients. Recently, Canada defined the role of nurses in the euthanasia process, marking a significant development.

Reconstructing rodent brain signals during euthanasia with eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA)

We accurately reconstruct the Local Field Potential time series obtained from anesthetized and awake rats, both before and during CO2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document} euthanasia. We apply the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm to identify an underlying linear dynamical system capable of generating the observed data. Time series exhibiting more intricate dynamics typically lead to systems of higher dimensions, offering a means to assess the complexity of the brain throughout various phases of the experiment. Our results indicate that anesthetized brains possess complexity levels similar to awake brains before CO2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$_2$$\\end{document} administration. This resemblance undergoes significant changes following euthanization, as signals from the awake brain display a more resilient complexity profile, implying a state of heightened neuronal activity or a last fight response during the euthanasia process. In contrast, anesthetized brains seem to enter a more subdued state early on. Our data-driven techniques can likely be applied to a broader range of electrophysiological recording modalities.

Hispanic worker attitudes toward pig euthanasia on U.S. farms.

On-farm pig euthanasia considers aspects of animal welfare and industry economics. Guidelines are available about the euthanasia process, but the agricultural workforce is highly diverse and guidelines do not consider cultural barriers. Euthanasia requires the ability to identify compromised pigs, technical skills, and willingness to euthanize pigs. In addition, timely euthanasia is part of the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA) and, thus, can lead to failed audits if not performed as required by the audit standards. The United States (US) swine industry employs a high percentage of Latin American workers, some US residents/citizens, and others through non-immigrant North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visas. These workers vary in their level of education and swine industry experience. Proper training of this workforce and identification of the barriers associated with performing timely euthanasia are critical to promote improved welfare practices. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a survey instrument to identify Hispanic caretaker attitudes toward pig euthanasia, (2) assess and describe swine caretakers' attitudes toward pig euthanasia using the developed survey instrument, and (3) determine the demographic and psychological barriers associated with performing pig euthanasia. Participants (n = 163) were surveyed from 16 farms across the State of Iowa. The on-farm survey was administered for two days in a period of 60 min per day. The results for demographics and the swine management survey data indicated that employees with less time working on the farm showed less knowledge of the CSIA, lower perceived ability to identify compromised pigs that needed to be euthanized, lower willingness to pecrform euthanasia on their own, and preferred not to have the responsibility of telling others when to euthanize pigs (p < 0.001). Secondary traumatic stress and transgressions were significantly correlated scales, associated with burnout, betrayals, and worker satisfaction (p = 0.022). Furthermore, individuals identifying as female had higher secondary traumatic stress scores (p = 0.026) and lower compassion satisfaction scores (p = 0.015). This data suggest that there are demographic, psychometric, and training-related factors correlated with Hispanic caretakers' feelings about pig euthanasia. The results of this study could be used to further improve and develop targeted training programs for Hispanic caretakers for early identification of compromised pigs and timely euthanasia, which could benefit human well-being, animal welfare, and the swine industry audit performance.

La ley de eutanasia y experiencias profesionales: tensiones en la práctica clínica

ObjectiveTo analyze the process of assisted death provision in Catalonia and identify the main tensions, difficulties, and/or sources of discomfort related to professional practice. MethodA qualitative study was conducted based on interviews (n=29) and focus groups (n=19) with professionals who participated in the euthanasia process. The selection of participants combined the snowball and maximization of variability procedures, taking into account the variables of professional profile, setting, gender, age and territoriality. Intentional and theoretical sampling process. ResultsThe assisted death process is divided into four main moments: 1) reception of the request, 2) medical-bureaucratic procedure, 3) the actual procedure, and 4) closure. At each of these moments, difficulties arise that can be a source of discomfort and have to do with the limits and tensions between the legal and moral, the conception of one's own professional role, the lack of recognition of some professional roles, stress and overload, the lack of formal and informal support, and the relationship with the patient and his/her family. The bureaucratic-administrative stress derived from a protective law, with both prior and subsequent verifying control, stands out, given that it stresses the professionals immersed in a healthcare system already under high pressure after budget cuts and the COVID-19 epidemic. ConclusionsThroughout the assisted death process, the sources of distress are diverse and of a psychological, psychosocial, and structural nature. These results may lead to interventions for psychological and peer support, information, training, institutional involvement, and burden reduction.

What Domains of Belgian Euthanasia Practice are Governed and by Which Sources of Regulation: A Scoping Review.

Multiple sources of regulation seek to shape euthanasia practice in Belgium, including legislation and training. This study comprehensively mapped which of these sources govern which domains of euthanasia practice, such health professionals' obligations, or managing patient requests. Scoping review methodology was used to search for scholarly records which discussed Belgian euthanasia regulation. Template analysis was used to generate themes describing the domains of euthanasia practice governed by sources of regulation. Of 1364 records screened, 107 records were included. Multiple sources of regulation govern each domain, which are: the permissible scope of euthanasia; the legal status of a euthanasia death; the euthanasia process; the rights, obligations, and roles of those involved; system workings; and support for health professionals who provide euthanasia. Domains with significant yet fragmented regulation may lead to inconsistent care provision. Policymakers should develop coherent guidance to support health professionals to navigate this regulatory landscape.

Euthanasia of dogs and cats by veterinarians in New Zealand: protocols, procedures and experiences

ABSTRACT Aims: To collect data on protocols used by New Zealand veterinarians to perform euthanasia of dogs and cats, and to explore opinions towards the training they received in euthanasia during veterinary school. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to all veterinarians registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand. The survey asked respondents about their practices’ policies for euthanasia; protocols for performing euthanasia of dogs and cats; opinions towards euthanasia training received in veterinary school; and subsequent experiences with euthanasia in practice. Descriptive statistics were provided for all quantitative study variables and thematic analysis was performed on the free-text comments. Results: The survey was completed by 361/1,448 (24.9%) veterinarians in companion or mixed animal practice. The mean numbers of dogs and cats euthanised each month were 7.2 (median 5; min 0; max 60) and 7.9 (median 5; min 0; max 60), respectively. Fewer than half of respondents reported that their clinic had a standard protocol for euthanising dogs (147/361; 40.7%) or cats (157/361; 43.5%). For euthanasia of dogs, 119/361 (32.9%) always used sedation while 71/361 (19.7%) indicated that they would not use sedation. For euthanasia of cats, 170/361 (47.1%) always used sedation while 53/361 (14.7%) indicated that they would not use sedation. Placement of IV catheters, methods for patient restraint, preferences towards the presence of owners during euthanasia, services provided with euthanasia, and discussions with owners were also highly variable and handled case-by-case depending on the client, patient, and clinical scenario. When asked about the euthanasia training received at veterinary school, it was generally ranked as below satisfactory, with approximately one-third of respondents indicating that they received no training in dealing with emotional clients (113/361; 31.3%), sedation protocols for euthanasia (107/361; 29.6%), or managing compassion fatigue (132/361; 36.6%). Most respondents (268/361; 74.2%) received no formal training in euthanasia after graduation and learned from experience or discussions with colleagues. Providing animals and owners with a good experience during the euthanasia process was highlighted as important for managing compassion fatigue. Conclusions: Euthanasia is a common procedure in companion animal practice and there is considerable variation in how veterinarians approach both the technical and non-technical elements. Training provided during veterinary school was generally considered below satisfactory, particularly regarding managing compassion fatigue and clients’ emotional needs. Clinical relevance: Providing veterinarians with additional training on adapting their euthanasia protocols to different clinical scenarios may improve the experience for patients, owners and veterinary staff.

Bereavement care and the interaction with relatives in the context of euthanasia: A qualitative study with healthcare providers

BackgroundA recent review shows an interdependence between healthcare providers and relatives in the context of euthanasia. Belgian guidelines do focus on the role of certain healthcare providers (physicians, nurses, and psychologists), yet they hardly specify bereavement care services before, during and after the euthanasia. PurposeA conceptual model showing underlying mechanisms of healthcare providers' experiences regarding the interaction with and the provision of bereavement care to relatives of cancer patients throughout a euthanasia process. Methods47 semi-structured interviews with Flemish physicians, nurses and psychologists working in hospitals and/or homecare, conducted from September 2020 to April 2022. Transcripts were analyzed using the Constructivist Grounded Theory Approach. ResultsParticipants experienced the interaction with relatives as very diverse, which can be visualized as a continuum ranging from negative to positive, depending on each unique case. The achieved degree of serenity was the main contributor in determining their position on the aforementioned continuum. To create this serene atmosphere, healthcare providers undertook actions underpinned by two attitudes (wariness and meticulousness), which are guided by different considerations. These considerations can be categorized into three groups: 1) ideas about a good death and its importance, 2) having the situation well under control and 3) self-reassurance. ConclusionsIf relatives were not at peace, most participants said that they deny a request or formulate additional requirements. Moreover, they wanted to ensure relatives can cope with the loss, which was often experienced as intense and time-consuming. Our insights shape needs-based care from healthcare providers' perspective in the context of euthanasia. Future research should explore the relatives' perspective regarding this interaction and the provision of bereavement care. Tweetable abstractProfessionals strive for a serene atmosphere throughout a euthanasia process to ensure relatives can cope with the loss, and the way in which the patient died.

Antioxidant Potentials of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn Stapf Twigs in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant effects of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn. Stapf. Twigs in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.&#x0D; Study Design: The study is an experimental case-controlled study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Biochemistry Research Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, between June, 2018 and April, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 65 male albino rats that weighed between 150g to 200g were used for this research study. Three different extracted solvents; aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic twig extracts were administered to different groups of the rats. The male albino rats for this study were induced with a single dose of 40mg/kg b.wt, intraperitoneally of streptozotocin in 0.1M of citrate buffer, pH 4.5. The diabetic male rats were those whose fasting blood glucose (FBG) were from 250mg/dl or 13mmol/L and above. They were then divided into different groups and treated with different concentrations of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the plant material. At the end of treatment period, the rats were kept on fasting for 6 hours prior to the process of euthanasia, they were sacrificed and blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for analysis into lithium heparin bottle for the estimation of oxidative stress markers, malondaldehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAS). Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad prism (version 6.1) software. Data generated were represented as mean and standard deviations (Mean ±S. D). Level of significant at Tukey’s Multiple Comparative Test was tested at p&lt;0.0001. Charts were made possible with the application of Minitab version 2019.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that there were significant increases in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD, 414.2±1.30) ng/ml, total antioxidant status (TAS, 82.97±7.71) mU/ml, total oxidant status (TOS, 355.02± 14.02) mU/ml activity, a reduced oxidative stress index of 4.29±0.26 and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA of 18.67± 0.26mmol/L) when rats were treated with 400mg/kg of aqueous leaves of Morus mesozygia Linn. S. When compared with those of rats treated with 200mg/kg of aqueous leaf extracts of MMLS. there was a significant increases and decreases respectively. Other methods of extractions (methanolic and ethanolic), also improved the antioxidant statuses of the diabetes induced and treated rats after treatment of the extracts.&#x0D; Conclusion: The three extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn. S showed tremendous antioxidant effects against Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with the methanolic extract showing the most potent effect.

Evaluation of thickness‐dependent temperature coefficient in a thin film thermocouple and its in vivo test using a porcine model

A micromachined thin film thermocouple (TFTC), that is, a contact-type temperature sensor, was fabricated to diagnose the physiological state. The TFTC involved two metal films (copper and constantan) with considerably different Seebeck coefficients. Six types of TFTCs with different film thickness values were fabricated and experimentally characterized to determine the thickness-dependent temperature coefficient attesting to a high sensitivity of the sensors. The performance of each TFTC was evaluated by measuring the induced thermal electric motive force and temperature in the temporal and spatial domains by using a data acquisition board and an infrared camera, respectively. Moreover, an in vivo experiment of the proposed TFTC with the highest temperature coefficient (38.9 µV/°C) was conducted by measuring the body temperature difference of an anesthetized porcine model during its euthanasia process to evaluate the device performance.

Cost Analysis and Legislative Suggestions of Euthanasia From the Perspective of Economics

Euthanasia has always been one of the hot topics in the medical community. Its starting point is to help patients free themselves from the physical pain and mental suffering they are bearing, so that patients can leave with dignity and dignity at the last moment of their life. However, euthanasia, in essence, is an individual's behavior of deliberately ending life, and its legalization needs to be deeply studied. In view of the current understanding of euthanasia and the current legislative process of euthanasia in China, this paper puts forward relevant legislative suggestions from the concept, economic cost and legislative norms of euthanasia.

PSV-20 Preliminary exploration of swine veterinarian perspectives on euthanasia on-farm

Abstract Euthanasia is a critical component of swine production. Veterinarians should play a key role in development of euthanasia protocols and training to ensure humane euthanasia. This study aimed to understand veterinarian involvement and perspectives on euthanasia training on swine farms. An online survey was disseminated through the American Association of Swine Veterinarians newsletter in February 2020. The survey consisted of 56 questions. Twenty-six veterinarians responded to the survey. The majority (88%, n = 23) of respondents indicated that most of the facilities with which they work have a written euthanasia protocol, and 69% of respondents indicated that they participated in the protocol design. The majority of respondents (88%; n = 23) indicated that caretakers are responsible for performing euthanasia of the pigs. When presented with the statement: “All employees performing euthanasia have been trained adequately,” 52% of respondents agreed while 42% disagreed. Additionally, 81% (n = 21) of the respondents indicated a desire to facilitate additional euthanasia training. All respondents (100%; n = 26) “believe that euthanasia is a humane way to end animal suffering” and that “the euthanasia process on-farm is necessary.” Over half of respondents (62%; n = 16) reported feeling emotionally upset after euthanizing an animal. Approximately half (54%; n = 14) of respondents believe their workplace values the mental health of employees, yet 50% (n = 13) indicated there were no programs to promote worker mental health and 96% (n = 25) indicated there were no mental health evaluations. Fifty four percent of respondents (n = 14) reported there were no employee check-ins with supervisors. Preliminary data supports the need for further euthanasia training on-farm developed with veterinarians and suggests veterinarians want to deliver more training. Although some facilities are considering employee mental well-being, further development of euthanasia training and wellness programs could benefit caretakers.

PSV-19 Preliminary exploration of caretaker and manager perspectives of on-farm euthanasia on swine operations

Abstract Employees on swine operations have the critical role of ensuring animal health and well-being, which sometimes involves performing euthanasia. This study aimed to understand caretaker and manager involvement and perspectives on performing euthanasia on swine farms. Individuals were recruited through online (newsletters and emails to companies) and in-person (e.g. Pig Welfare Symposium, MN) methods in the fall of 2019. The survey consisted of 61 questions on topics related to training, methods of euthanasia, perspectives about euthanasia and knowledge of available mental health resources. Thirty-nine individuals participated in the survey (18 caretakers, 21 managers). Half of respondents (50%, n = 20) indicated that they were involved with making euthanasia decisions. The vast majority of respondents “believe that euthanasia is a humane way to end animal suffering” (95%; n = 36) and that “the euthanasia process on-farm is necessary” (97%; n = 34). A quarter of individuals (25%, n = 9) “feel emotionally upset after euthanizing a pig” and 84% (n = 26) indicated it is “easier to euthanize a pig the more they do it.” Additionally, 92% (n = 35) of respondents agreed that they have “enough experience and knowledge to know when to euthanize a pig.” Most of survey respondents (n = 34) agreed that they “feel as though I can communicate with my supervisors if I feel uncomfortable performing euthanasia” and that their “supervisors aim to promote a safe and encouraging work environment” (n = 38). Despite this, a small number of respondents (n = 6) did not feel “as though my supervisors acknowledge concerns that they may have” and did not feel that their supervisors take “an interest in my professional development and/or job performance.” Overall, data suggest that caretakers and managers understand the importance of euthanasia regarding animal well-being and generally feel they can communicate their concerns.

세 영화에 재현된 안락사 담론: &lt;밀리언 달러 베이비&gt;, &lt;유 돈 노우 잭&gt;, &lt;미 비포 유&gt;

This paper investigates the discourse of euthanasia in three films: the 2004 film about a boxing trainer who helped the mercy killing of a boxer, <Million Dollar Baby>, the 2010 TV biopic about suicide-assist doctor Jack Kevorkian, <You Don’t Know Jack>, and the 2016 romantic drama about a paralysis patient who travels to Switzerland for assisted suicide, <Me Before You>. Though these films are similar in that they deal with euthanasia, they are a little different in their situation. The first film tells Frankie, a trainer who assisted the euthanasia of Maggie who was in an incurable vegetative state because of her injury in a world championship title match. The second film tells the story of Michigan pathologist Dr. Kevorkian, who over the course of his controversial career helped 130 people−all of them terminally ill−end their lives comfortably and humanely with an instrument that he made. Despite the gratitude his patients felt, his work sparked a national debate about the morality of euthanasia in humans and he was vilified by some prosecutors. The third film, <Me Before You>, is a fictional story of a wealthy young man in London, Will Traynor, who is left suddenly paralyzed by a road accident. In the end, Will decides that life without physical freedom isn’t worth living in spite of his love for Louisa Clark, his care-giver and he travels to Switzerland to die, leaving enough money to give Louisa the financial freedom to pursue her dreams. Will’s generous final act may confirm Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s belief “Everyone should growth until one’s death.” The process of euthanasia thus prompts us to consider preparing for a good death, and, possibly, a good life for those we leave behind.

Sex- and Strain-related Differences in the Stress Response of Mice to CO₂ Euthanasia.

The 2013 edition of the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals recommends a 10% to 30% volume displacement rate (VDR) per minute for CO2 euthanasia of rodents. Here we sought to evaluate behavior and plasma catecholamine levels in multiple strains of male and female mice, euthanized individually or in a group, with CO2 VDR of 10% to 100%. Behavioral observations included ataxia, labored breathing, time to recumbency, time to surgical plane of anesthesia, and the number of jumps or paws at the face during the euthanasia process. Behaviors did not differ significantly between male and female mice at any of the VDR, but interstrain differences occurred. Slower VDR resulted in longer periods of ataxia and labored breathing regardless of euthanasia as a group or as an individual. In addition, mice jumped and pawed at the face more often with slower VDR than higher. At all VDR, mice euthanized as a group had lower catecholamine levels than mice euthanized individually, but there were no significant differences between VDR. Time to recumbency and time to surgical plane anesthesia were longer with slower displacement rates; in addition, these parameters were prolonged for mice euthanized as a group compared with individually. Overall, faster VDR do not appear to be more distressful than slower rates. In fact, faster VDR shorten the time during which mice might experience distress prior to recumbency.

The attitudes, role &amp; knowledge of mental health nurses towards euthanasia because of unbearable mental suffering in Belgium: A pilot study

Introduction Euthanasia because of unbearable mental suffering (UMS euthanasia) has been legal in Belgium since 2002, under certain circumstances that govern careful practice. Despite the legal framework, there are specific difficulties and concerns regarding UMS euthanasia. Mental health nurses are often involved in the process, but little is known about their attitudes towards UMS euthanasia, their role and their knowledge. Aim To determine the attitudes, role and knowledge of mental health nurses regarding UMS euthanasia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed at a convenience sample of four psychiatric hospitals in Belgium (n=133) as a pilot study. Self-administered questionnaires were provided to mental health nurses. Results Half the nurses in our sample had been involved at least once in the process of UMS euthanasia. A large majority of mental health nurses were supportive of UMS euthanasia. Nurses show differences in attitudes related to the different psychiatric pathologies of the patients, and in whether or not minors are involved. In some cases, they believed that the mental suffering of psychiatric patients can be unbearable and irreversible and that psychiatric patients can be competent to voluntarily request UMS euthanasia. Nurses stated that they have an important role in the UMS euthanasia process, but also demanded more knowledge and clear guidelines to implement the procedure. Discussion Nurses have a key role regarding UMS euthanasia but face several challenges: the recent process, resistance to a multidisciplinary approach by psychiatrists and an unclear role defined by the legal framework. Nurses do not appear to have a common voice on the topic and the development of clear guidelines appears to be essential. Social recovery can offer a way out of an UMS euthanasia request, but it will not always offer a solution. Implications for Practice Sufficient attention must be paid to how mental health nurses can be involved in the process of UMS euthanasia at various levels: bedside practice, healthcare management, education and policy. A form of systematic cooperation between nurses, physicians and patients can contribute to the utmost careful decision-making process needed in these cases. There is a need for proper training in: knowledge of psychiatric pathologies and remaining treatment options; communication skills; the legal framework and all its difficulties; transdisciplinary and multicultural approaches; ethical reflection and how nurses handle their own emotions.

Treatments of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) using nitric oxide for quality improvement: Establishing a potential method for large-scale processing of farmed fish

BackgroundTo find a succedaneum of present methods for slaughtering tilapia, we have demonstrated the influence of nitric oxide (NO) (saturated NO solution) through euthanasia before slaughter on the animal welfare and muscle color of tilapia. The results suggested that NO euthanasia significantly improved the animal welfare and muscle color. Besides, the investigation of NO postmortem treatment on the muscle color and color stability of tilapia fillets suggested that NO postmortem treatment not only improved the muscle color and color stability but also prolonged the shelf-life of tilapia fillets during the refrigerated storage. ObjectiveTo further investigate the effect of NO euthanasia on the quality of tilapia fillets and to estimate the safety of NO treatments (NO euthanasia and NO postmortem treatment) for the application of NO treatments in industrial manufacturing of tilapia and possibly of other fish species. MethodsNO euthanasia was adopted in this study following a simulated fish processing line. HbNO and MbNO values were measured to clarify the mechanism and process of NO euthanasia. The blood parameters, muscle pH, rigor index, drip loss and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values were measured to evaluate the quality of the fillets obtained from NO euthanized tilapia. Besides, the nitrate (NO3−) levels in the muscles after the refrigerated storage were detected to estimate the food safety of both NO euthanasia and NO postmortem treatment. ResultsFillets obtained from the tilapia euthanized by NO showed a later reduction of muscle pH, a later onset of rigor mortis postmortem and less drip loss during the refrigerated storage than control. NO euthanasia caused less TVB-N than control and prolonged the shelf life of tilapia fillets. Moreover, the NO3− levels in the muscles of both NO euthanasia and NO postmortem treatment after the refrigerated storage were below the maximum permitted limit. ConclusionBoth the NO euthanasia and NO postmortem treatment are suitable for improving the quality of tilapia fillets and reducing the food safety threats, which may be valuable for industrial manufacturing of tilapia and may be applicable for other fish species.

Home Cage Compared with Induction Chamber for Euthanasia of Laboratory Rats.

This study compared behavioral and physiologic changes in Sprague-Dawley and Brown Norway rats that were euthanized by using a 30% volume displacement rate of CO₂ in either their home cage or an induction chamber; rats euthanized in the home cage were hypothesized to demonstrate a higher level of animal wellbeing. No significant differences were detected in the physiologic responses to home cage versus induction chamber euthanasia groups. A few strain-related behavioral differences occurred. The number of digs per second was higher in Brown Norway compared with Sprague-Dawley rats when in the home cage, where a digging substrate was present. Rearing frequency was higher in both Brown Norway and Sprague-Dawley rats in the induction chamber compared with the home cage. This study demonstrated that although strainspecific differences were associated with the process of euthanasia, there were no significant differences between the treatment groups of home cage compared with induction chamber. This finding suggests that-from the perspective of a rat-either the home cage or an induction chamber can be used for euthanasia, with likely extension of this conclusion to use of either method to the induction of anesthesia.

Discricionariedade administrativa e eutanásia animal em unidade de vigilância de zoonoses: um estudo de caso

A discricionariedade do poder público para a prática da eutanásia em animais nas Unidades de Vigilância de Zoonoses (UVZ`s) em prol da saúde pública é tema de muita discussão. Este artigo apresenta um estudo de caso sobre a prática de eutanásia ocorrido em uma Unidade de Vigilância de Zoonose na cidade de Belo Horizonte/MG, visando analisar a discricionariedade pública e o processo da eutanásia bem como as legislações que permeiam as UVZ`s para executar tal processo em cães errantes.

Involvement of palliative care in euthanasia practice in a context of legalized euthanasia: A population-based mortality follow-back study

Background: In the international debate about assisted dying, it is commonly stated that euthanasia is incompatible with palliative care. In Belgium, where euthanasia was legalized in 2002, the Federation for Palliative Care Flanders has endorsed the viewpoint that euthanasia can be embedded in palliative care. Aim: To examine the involvement of palliative care services in euthanasia practice in a context of legalized euthanasia. Design: Population-based mortality follow-back survey. Setting/participants: Physicians attending a random sample of 6871 deaths in Flanders, Belgium, in 2013. Results: People requesting euthanasia were more likely to have received palliative care (70.9%) than other people dying non-suddenly (45.2%) (odds ratio = 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–2.9)). The most frequently indicated reasons for non-referral to a palliative care service in those requesting euthanasia were that existing care already sufficiently addressed the patient’s palliative and supportive care needs (56.5%) and that the patient did not want to be referred (26.1%). The likelihood of a request being granted did not differ between cases with or without palliative care involvement. Palliative care professionals were involved in the decision-making process and/or performance of euthanasia in 59.8% of all euthanasia deaths; this involvement was higher in hospitals (76.0%) than at home (47.0%) or in nursing homes (49.5%). Conclusion: In Flanders, in a context of legalized euthanasia, euthanasia and palliative care do not seem to be contradictory practices. A substantial proportion of people who make a euthanasia request are seen by palliative care services, and for a majority of these, the request is granted.

Finnish nurses' attitudes towards their role in the euthanasia process.

Nurses' voices remain unheard in most debates about euthanasia, although their crucial role in the euthanasia process is widely acknowledged. Moreover, in Canadian euthanasia law, nurses have a more active role, which further highlights the need for knowledge about nurses' attitudes towards their role in the euthanasia process. What are Finnish nurses' attitudes towards their potential role in the euthanasia process? Which characteristics are associated with those attitudes? Cross-sectional web-based survey. 1003 nurses, recruited via social media and the members' bulletin of the Finnish Nurses Association. Ethical approval was obtained from the Committee on Research Ethics of the university to which the first author was affiliated. The great majority (85.2%) of nurses felt that their perspective should be considered in decision-making related to euthanasia. Furthermore, most of the participants (74.7%) reported willingness to participate in the euthanasia process if it were legal, and 88.6% agreed that a nurse should be present when euthanasia is performed if the patient wishes so. Furthermore, over half agreed that some of the preparatory tasks were part of their job description. However, a minority (32.9%) agreed with a possible obligation to participate based on their profession. Nurses' age, religiosity and educational level influenced their attitudes in the current results. Despite the strong agreement on decision-making concerning euthanasia and participation in the euthanasia process, obligation to participate based on the profession was rejected by most participants. Nurses regarded themselves as consultants in the decision-making process, which may indicate their unwillingness to share the responsibility for the decision itself. Specific safety mechanisms should be considered to protect nurses who refuse to be involved in the euthanasia process due to harm that involuntary participation might cause.