None of us is getting out ALIVE! By Paul McKellips

None of us is getting out alive !

by Paul McKellips

Do you remember your first trip on a
commercial airliner?

I remember being 9 years old and
walking up the leaning aisle to my seat on
a North Central Airlines DC-3 propeller
flight from Minneapolis to Oshkosh on
September 9, 1968. The event was so special
that all 21 of us passengers were dressed in
our Sunday best.

Aviation unleashed my imagination,
and the world as I knew it no longer had
boundaries. Anything was possible.

In 1978, a ‘jumbo’ jet took me over
the Atlantic Ocean for the first time, and
picture books came to life as I experienced
the magic of France. Throughout my
college years, I often spent hours at the
local airport, moving from gate to gate,
just watching people come and go. With an
airplane parked outside but no ticket in my
hand, I dreamed of the day when my career
would take off and an airplane would take
me to unknown destinations.

But July of 1981 opened my eyes
to a different level of experience with
aviation. I stood at the arrival gate sobbing
uncontrollably, buried deep in a group hug
with my brothers and sister, completely
unable to comprehend that my daddy had
died unexpectedly in my arms the night
before. I was the guilty 22-year-old son
who couldn’t save his own father with CPR.
I remember landing at Chicago’s O’Hare
airport and watching the baggage handlers
tenderly remove my father’s casket, fully
aware that I was in the window watching
through the tears.

Since that July day in 1981, I look at
airports and airplanes differently now. I see
tearful reunions at baggage claim and I now
understand what’s going on.

I now see far-too-young women with
hairless heads and pink ribbons. I see small
children anchored by the faces of worried

parents as they board an ‘exciting’ flight
to see yet another specialist at a different
hospital. And I often see scientists and
researchers traveling around the world,
heading off to a conference or seminar in
their relentless quest through miles, time,
blood, sweat and tears to find the elusive
cure and the impossible breakthrough.

Illness, disease, injury and
misfortune are like the
dreaded middle seats with no
leg room. You may not get
it today, but you will; we all
will…eventually.

I no longer board an airplane with the
wide-eyed wonder of a boy but rather with
the grizzled temperament of a seasoned
‘air warrior,’ constantly fretting about the
availability of space in the overhead bin,
the possibility of a middle seat and the
realization that my knees will enter my
chest cavity as soon as the guy in front of me
reclines. The boundary-free dreams of my
youth have been replaced by TSA security
lines, expectations of delays and the fear of
system-wide gridlock if O’Hare gets fog.

But no matter how busy I am, or how
stressed my airline connection is, my
emotions immediately snap back to 1981
when I see the familiar tears, when I notice
the bald heads and when I watch those little
pediatric wonders board early.

The airlines see them, too.

Great airlines—historical icons like
American, United, Continental, Air
Canada and Lufthansa—all do their part
to make life—and sometimes dying—just a
little bit easier for those of us in need.

I’ve seen airlines move terminal cancer
patients up to first class seats in an effort to
create a special moment as a husband and
wife check off another adventure on the
bucket list before time runs out.

I’ve seen airlines provide free “Make a
Wish” flights to pediatric patients and their
families so that a short life can enjoy a big
event at the happiest place on earth.

I’ve seen frequent mileage programs
redesigned so that air-weary travelers can
donate their miles to families who need to
travel to a Ronald McDonald House or out
to Walter Reed National Military Medical
Center to be with a loved one during a time
of illness or trauma.

Yes, the airlines run a business, but
they see the same faces we do. Every CEO
at every airline and every pilot in every
cockpit is no different than the rest of us.
They see the faces, and they know all too
well that none of us is getting out of this
life alive.

Illness, disease, injury and misfortune
are like the dreaded middle seats with no
leg room. You may not get it today, but you
will; we all will…eventually.

Yet a conundrum exists that I simply
can’t reconcile. The airlines that carry
those faces, the patients with the diseases
and their families that buckle up tightly
with hopes for a miracle, refuse to transport
the non-human primates for disease and
trauma research that might possibly hold
the future for cures and breakthroughs.

The seats are filled with mothers and
fathers and children facing the end of their
days, while the cargo compartment below
remains empty of the non-human primates
that might give those up above a new ticket
for hope.

No, none of us is getting out alive. But
maybe we don’t have to go today.

If airlines better understood the faces
looking out their windows, they might also
see young scientists and researchers with
unleashed imaginations who now face
a world where aviation may be creating
some of the boundaries between hope and
despair, life and death.

McKellips is an Author and Executive Vice President of
the Foundation for Biomedical Research in
Washington, DC.

Reproduced with kind permission of LAB Animal Europe
To view the original article follow this link in April Lab Animal Europe and flip to page 38.

36 Volume 13, No. 4 | APRIL 2013 www.labanimaleurope.com

Growth factor aids stem cell regeneration after radiation damage

Growth factor aids stem cell regeneration after radiation damage

http://www.mcgilldaily.com/2013/02/animal-research-a-want-or-a-need/

Above please find two well written articles, each one illustrating the use of animals in research and how animal research contributes to medical progress. And at the bottom take two minutes and have a thought for Reg Presley- The Troggs, whom lost his battle against cancer.

Those opposing animal research remind me of those that oppose vaccination.

http://www.slate.com/blogs/bad_astronomy/2013/02/04/jenny_mccarthy_antivaccination_promoter_won_t_be_speaking_at_charity_fundraiser.html

I think there is an overwhelming majority (silent that is) of people out there that understand the need for animal research. Charities should be more forthcoming  about animal research as is suggested here in this article by Tom Holder of speaking of Research.

When disease strikes is perhaps not the best time to find out how your drug or treatment came about to be, however we should all take some time to think about it and realize how much is being done to keep you , your relatives or friends alive or to improve your life. Let's not take this for granted.

I did look at all I and my family have benefited from in terms of medical care and progress.  So my blog is just a little contribution and thank you to those that day in, day out are dedicating their time and efforts to save us all, animals and humans!  The list of those to thank is so long, suffice it to say that these words are there for you  as long as these pages don't disappear. I do hope my airline colleagues will follow me in supporting medical progress and perhaps cease imposing restrictive policies that hinder the search for cures!

!!! THANK YOU !!!

R.I.P Reg Presley - let's win the battle against cancer.

 

TRAIL TO JAIL

A many years ago when I joined an all freigther operation I learned to apply preventive measures to ensure customers experience prime time customer satisfaction when using our services. This was part and parcel of a due dilligence process. This mindset has never left me and other employers have enjoyed the benefits thereof. You can read about this mindset in this excellent article that describes the crucial role of  animal research and its contributions to saving lives here.

Nowadays it seems one first has to experience something really bad before anything happens. Despite AETA, Animal extremists know this very well and their actions are slick orchestrated public relations campaigns to turn you into active figthers that combat for what is labeled ethically right. A prime example is the case of Camille Marino who's infamous TRIAL TO JAIL is well documented in this article
http://gawker.com/5976473/?post=56314650

Let's be clear the objective is not to engage debate but to stop animal use, regardless of medical progress and life saving medical procedures or drugs and the fate of millions of people that suffer or are waiting for cures. Did you know that there are over 34 million people worldwide infected with HIV? You can read about it here. One thing is sure ERADICATION of this disease will not be achieved if we leave it up to animal extremists (BUAV, PETA, HSUS, HSIC etc) for they oppose animal use and leave at a minimum 34 million people behind because they do not fit with what they consider right.

Others join the fray and portray those involved with animal research as Targets and prompt readers for action. As you can see here. No matter what you do they will always take things a step further and depict your legal activities as torture or immoral and inundate you with pre-written emails. However when they impose longer transit times onto animals to be transported because an airline decides to no longer carry research animals then that is called a victory... a victory with a bad smell that is.
And they call themselves Charities ....I say take away their tax exempt status. 

Canadian Transport Agency supports ban on primates!

Shortly before the New Year, the Canadian Transport Agency issued its decision to support Air Canada’s ban on transportation of primates destined for research.  The agency recognized the ‘potential’ impact on Air Canada’s brand by the 47000 people that via email opposed such transportation. Some of the letters received by Air Canada threatened to cease using their services if this (transport) were to continue whilst others indicated it as a reason for not using Air Canada. As a carrier Air Canada transports thirty two (32) million passengers per year and it identifies itself primarily as a passenger carrier transporting cargo in its bellies.

Air Canada submits that non human primate transportation represents 0.01% of its total weight worldwide in 2010 whereas the numbers for 2011 represent 0.001% in 2011. It is therefore considered minimal in terms of commercial value and in comparison with total weight transported (a means of showing the minimal amount of shippers affected).  

 

Given these minimal numbers it is hard to understand why the agency let’s Canadian transportation policy be defined by such a minority of voices and of shipments.  Nevertheless as it has the task to decide upon the matter submitted, the agency considers the potential commercial impact on Air Canada to be serious enough to support a ban on shippers of laboratory destined primates because in effect that is what the Air Canada decision entails. Other means of transportation being available the agency has no problem supporting a solution whereby the animals for example are trucked into the country as is pointed out by the BUAV and HSIC.  

Coming from an aviation background the agency and its members should have noted that the most humane way of transporting animals is by air not by ground. Ironically BUAV and HSIC are now supporting longer and less humane means of transportation as opposed to supporting the animal’s best welfare interests! Click here to read their campaign against air canada and those that collaborated to this decision. 

The same animal being shipped from and to a zoo for example would benefit from Air Canada services whereas one identical animal destined to a laboratory would not. If this is not discriminatory to shippers and animals then I don’t know what is. The agency however does not consider the decision to be discriminatory. I call this denial of service.

The Transport Canada decision is, seeded with statements made by the BUAV a foreign based entity, almost reading as if the agency is required to provide its comments with equal weight or standing. A Canadian transport policy (the accessibility to available air services for shippers) is now heavily influenced if not shaped by foreign input whereas native comments or input is simply ignored.

The medical progress brought through primate research are numerous and clearly documented. The agency however fails to take this aspect into consideration and has made a decision around matters submitted to it by a number of interested parties –amongst whom the writer of this article, without looking beyond the issues or facts at hand. Medical progress benefits all Canadians and animals and the agency should have defended these interests as well as part of the due diligence expected from an official agency.   For Air Canada the decision is also short sighted for Pharmaceutical and related companies do transport their cold chain goods under their wings and their traveling employees in their business class seats.

A sad day for Canadians, animals and medical progress – please do not follow this unprecedented Canadian example.  As a service transportation must be available to all, always. As I have said before I did not vote for this! Did you?

The undemocratic but humane society

I wrote about how necessary animal research is towards medical progress, how at some point our worldwide societies are confronted with new diseases, pandemics etc. and how there are so many questions that need answers. Writing remains easy. Sometimes though listening to others can help us advance. Moving forward through action rather than words is what many prefer and action there is. Much of it through medling and being present there where you and I can not vote nor exert influence except for here on a web page.

Here's an article about Ebola and the Reston Virus that affects primates but not these Asian Orang-Utans. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22465-orangutans-infected-by-mystery-ebolalike-virus.html
This kind of work is also animal research.

 And then you have people such as the HSUS and affiliated HSI that through clout affiliations and partnership impose their views on society through the back door. Not one of them has been elected, they are not part of the democratic process, yet their views and opinions are present in legislative proposals, in boardrooms, the US Congress , the United Nations and their influence leans on work by civil servants that are in favor of their views. Here is an excerpt of one such view and statement published on their web pages
(source : http://www.hsi.org/issues/chemical_product_testing/qa/troy_seidle_qa.html). Is this an example of a balanced debate? Is this what one calls positive change ? Who of you has voted for this?

One can only assume that those that suffer from HIV, Ebola or tuberculose or whatever other disease, malfunction or disorder will just have to fend for themselves once these extremists have eradicated any animal use (wool, fur, food, pharma, entertainment, conservation, re-introduction, etc).

Q: Where do you see animal testing headed over the next 10 years?

A: Towards extinction! The move to embrace “21st century” non-animal safety testing continues to gain momentum and has officially gone global. It’s already possible, for one-fifth the cost of a single animal cancer test, to screen up to 1,000 chemicals in 200 different robot-automated cell or gene tests in as little as 2 weeks.
In the face of these incredible gains in terms of cost, efficiency, and more human-relevant test results, coupled with the law-changing clout of organizations like HSI, I have every confidence in our ability to replace most, if not all, animal testing by 2025.

Q: Who are your heroes/heroines and why?

A: Many of the people I most respect and admire won’t be anyone you’ve heard of. They’re not high-profile politicians, celebrities or campaign figureheads, but the many hard-working political assistants, civil servants, company scientists, and others who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to advance more humane and relevant approaches to testing and research for the betterment of both animal and human welfare.  

50 entries is a landmark

For those of you that have read me since April of this year, you will have read 50 blog entries. I think it is a landmark I should underline. What better way to underline animal research by showing you that we too care about animals.  

This Birds of paradise video is part and parcel of a joint project between two well known and respected entities: National Geographic and Audubon. Here's how Cornell's lab of ornithology describes it:

The Most Decorated Birds on the Planet

This fall, we invite you to experience the Birds-of-Paradise Project through dazzling photos and video from Cornell Lab scientist Ed Scholes and National Geographic photographer Tim Laman. During an eight-year quest, they captured images of all 39 species for the first time. This fall, they will share their story as part of a National Geographic Society-wide effort in collaboration with the Cornell Lab.

The video is just the tip of the iceberg—this fall, the Birds-of-Paradise Project will go public with a gorgeous coffee-table book copublished by National Geographic and the Cornell Lab (available for preorder), a major exhibit at the National Geographic Museum, a TV documentary on Thanksgiving Day, articles in Living Bird and National Geographic magazines, and a North American lecture tour.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab’s website at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.

Copyright © 2012 Cornell Lab of Ornithology, All rights reserved.

Actually there are many of us reading, writing about or working in animal research and this in no way precludes liking, loving or caring about animals and humans alike! If you agree with me, don't forget to sign my petition and to ask your colleagues , friends and relatives to do so too!  Remember that if you stop animal research, who will stop the real killers??
 

Science, medical progress, animals and YOU

Dear reader,

I am concerned about what is happening in Montreal with pharmaceuticals and their R&D centers. Aren't you?

The latest announcement came from Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) in Laval - 170 jobs lost at their Virology research facility, a well known center of excellence with a focus on translational research.

The 36$million investment was discribed as follows by BI in 2008 at the time of opening

(source http://www.newswire.ca/fr/story/284091/boehringer-ingelheim-completes-36-million-investment-in-laval-for-state-of-the-art-research-centre) :

"On behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim, I am proud to be in Laval to mark this historic day within the company as we celebrate this new expansion project," said Christian Boehringer, Chairman of the Shareholders Committee Boehringer Ingelheim.
"The Laval facility has contributed to scientificdiscovery in the area of virology that may not only help patients in Canada,but around the world. This site is expected to make an even greater contribution to the translation of scientific discoveries into drugs which help patients. And that is what Boehringer Ingelheim stands for, research into health areas of unmet need."
As one of the four principal research centers for Boehringer Ingelheim worldwide, the Laval facility focuses on the discovery of new treatments for Hepatitis C and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, which causes AIDS)infection, diseases for which either no vaccine exists or current therapy is unsatisfactory. The new laboratories will allow Boehringer Ingelheim to continue to contribute to and complement its existing product portfolio, which includes HIV treatments VIRAMUNE(R) and APTIVUS(R).

Neither of the diseases mentioned have been cured as far as I know and the quality of the research nor the researchers are at cause for the announced 2013 closure.

So what is happening in the pharmaceutical world? Is research being delocated? Is there no more translational research taking place in Montreal, or is the industry increasingly being prevented from bringing in crucial research animals such as non human primates? In the United Kingdom because of animal rights actions, the situation has deteriorated to such a point that there's no UK based carrier available to transport research animals such as non human primates into the country. Non human primates are critical research models used in the search for cures against both deseases (Hep C and HIV).

I think it is time for the general public to better understand how animal research is linked to medical progress and why we need to have research centers in Montreal, Québec and abroad if we want to continue to be important players in the search for cures and medical advancement.

An initial piece of information can be found here http://www.pro-test.org.uk/MAAR.pdf

and for us in Canada here: http://www.chrcrm.org/en/importance-animals-research

What can you do to help?

1/Stand by the pharmaceutical and airline industry and voice your support through associations such as AALAS – American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (www.aalas.org), CALAS—Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (www.calas-acsal.org) ICLAS – International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (www.iclas.org) and other scientific and professional organizations that advocate for both biomedical research and laboratory animal welfare. Ensure that the issue of protecting humane research animal transportation is on their agendas.

2/Ensure that your elected officials appreciate the importance of research centers and animal research. Ask them to look into the problems of delocating research and the declining pool of available airlines for the continued transport of research animals.

3/Inform others as to the humane and judicious nature of animal research, and why it is still needed. Underscore its achievements and the medical progress to which it has contributed. Information and links to resources to get you started are available from Speaking of Research site, and on my Advancing Animal Research blog at http://research4drugdiscovery.blogspot.ca/

Did you know that?

Did you know that Chimpanzees are the only species other than humans that can be infected by the hepatitis C virus?  The results from a study using chimps were critical in the development of the monoclonal antibody as is reported here on sciencedaily.com




Source: http://medimoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/hepatitis_c.gif 

Often people wonder what is happening with tax payers money that goes to for example the NIH.
Well in the case of the above study the NIH used some of it to fund this specific endeavour. This research was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at NIH. Whereas the Southwest National Primate Research Center performed the chimpanzee studies , supported through a  NIH primate center grant P51 RR13986 and the NIH facilities grants C06 RR 12087 and C06 RR016228.  

Besides the research findings which are only at the proof of concept stage, patients that are suffering from the hep c virus now have a new hope of preventing the virus from damaging their newly transplanted liver. Isn't this what research is all about? Medical progress that eventually ends up saving lives.  For further information on the hep c virus and a new peptide that could prevent HCV entry into liver cells click here.

The WHO publishes a fact sheet on the disease here and in it you will find information on geographical distribution of the disease, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, testing, treatment and prevention.

Did you know that the World Health Organization also organizes World Hepatitis Day on 28 July every year to increase awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis?
 

Monkey research upside down!

The debate has been raging, sparked by animal rights groups. Opposition to the use of chimps in research, ban on breeding in the USA, validity of chimpanzees as research models and even the keeping of chimps in research studies.  No I am not a researcher nor am I looking for a cure for hepatitis C. I am not yet a victim of Parkinson's disease either. I do however care about what is happening to our healthcare systems and medical advancement.
Strangely enough Chimps are listed as endangered species, would that not be reason to support their breeding on a large scale? Some could be destined for research while others for re-introduction into the wild. Keeping a geneticaly diverse gene pool is critical in colonies but also in the wild. Some call this speciesm, well so be it. You can follow some of the recommendations on the use of chimps that came out of the United States IOM report here:
chimp research under scrutiny

I for one am interested in cures and saving lives of humans and animals alike, it is a top priority. I sure am not the only one, as you can witness from the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation towards medical research. As does the Michael J Fox foundation and there are plenty more. Researchers all over the world are providing hope to people. To those that are injured, those that suffer, those that are waiting for a transplant or a cure. Nevermind the debate - when you are ill or those around you affected, chances are that what you care about is to get better or to use the drugs that will cure you and alleviate your pains. And if you are willing to give up your organs for transplantation purposes, would you not want to ensure it works, even if it means testing on animals first? Sure you do, because it is exactly the reason for giving your organs, which is to save lives.

Scientists are making a compelling case towards the need for using animals including non human primates. They are however not marketing what they do as animal rights groups do. Researchers do not use guerilla type marketing with thousands of emails being send by like minded members. They do not call people targets and do not provide physical adresses of individuals involved in research over the internet for demonstration purposes.

So what is next ? Preventing the use of another primate species such as the macaque? Could it be that supply of non human primates be stopped, using the same techniques?
Take a look at this: activists ground primate flights .

Now ask yourself is your voice being heard? What about the voice of those that suffer or those that are affected by a disease? Shall we leave thousands if not millions of people struggling for themselves?
Here's what Roger Morris, Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at King's College London, has to say :

"For complex diseases like Alzheimer's, animal research is vital to find effective and early diagnostic markers that allow treatment while it is still possible. We can reliably identify early stages in the brains of animals, and from there identify changes in people that signify early onset of the disease, before the brain is irreparably damaged. Without that we are unlikely to find effective therapies." 

The UK Alzheimer's Society added that:

Although the exact causes of Alzheimer’s remain unknown, monkeys and GM mice with Alzheimer’s-like brain abnormalities are helping scientists to unlock the secrets of the disease. These animals have been crucial in identifying molecules in the brain that appear to play a role in disease development, and genetic mutations that confer susceptibility to Alzheimer’s. Animal studies have also confirmed that head injuries, obesity and inactivity increase disease risk.

Source: Understanding Animal Research in April 26th 2012 newsletter.