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For studies including animal experiments a literature analysis is essential to prove that no alternatives to the use of animals are available, the adequate animal model / methods are used and the 3R principles (reduce, replace, refine) are implemented. This information is requested in Form A (Application for licence to perform animal experiment): i.e. section 20, 25, 26, 35, 38 and 39.
In order to conduct a profound literature analysis, appropriate search techniques, search strategies and literature databases are irreplaceable.
Search techniques
With database specific search techniques a well-founded literature search is possible. The most common search techniques are listed here.
- Boolean Operators: AND, OR, NOT
- Parentheses: specifiy operator precedence
- Truncation: word variations (cell*: cell, cells, cellulose, etc.)
- Phrase search: specific word order (“mouse model”)
- Search in specific fields: title, abstract, keywords, subject headings, etc.
- Subject headings: MeSH for PubMed or EMTREE for Embase (difference between subject headings and keywords)
- Tips for systematic literature search
Search strategies
You can use the search strategies given here for any literature database.
- Define a search question.
- Define search terms (incl. synonyms).
- Use appropiate literature database(s) and specific database search techniques.
- If necessary modify search by using other terms, subject headings, etc.
- Report & save your search history.
More information for search techniques and strategies
- E-Learning course: Searching for (existing) non-animal alternatives
- EURL ECVAM search guide
- Seach tutorial: 3Rs-Centre ULS
- PubMed Online Training
Suitable literature databases
For searching 3R literature, these literature databases are recommended. Certain literature databases are only accessible within the IP range of the UZH.
Free access
PubMed
3Rs search filter: Altbib
PMC (PubMed fulltext search)
Google Scholar (GS) (incl. fulltext search)
Springer Nature Experiments (search for protocols)
For PubMed and Embase, there are specific filters for searching animal studies.
In addition to the search in databases consult also specific 3Rs journals. Most journals are indexed in the common databases.
Journals for replacement
Journals for reduction
| PubMed | PMC | Embase | WoS | Scopus | GS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Animals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Journals for refinement
| PubMed | PMC | Embase | WoS | Scopus | GS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal Welfare | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Comparative Medicine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ILAR Journal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| JAALAS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| JOVE (publishes videos of procedures) | ✓ | 2006-2008 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lab Animal | ✓ | some articles | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Laboratory Animal Science Professional | ||||||
| Scandinavian Journal of Laboratory Animal Science | some articles | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Journals for all 3Rs (examples)
| PubMed | PMC | Embase | WoS | Scopus | GS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLOS One | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scientific Reports | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
You can also download this guide as a flyer. The guide was created by the Main Library in collaboration with the Office for Animal Welfare & 3R of the UZH.