Impact of COVID-19 on student attainment and pedagogical needs when undertaking independent scientific research

Research is often an essential component of completing a veterinary medicine degree, with universities worldwide aiming to teach students a variety of techniques and general research comprehension and skills. As universities worldwide navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, it was often necessary to move towards distance learning, this was employed for the research module at The University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. Following completion of their independent research project, each student cohort was sent a student evaluation of the module questionnaire and quantitative and qualitative analysis was undertaken. In addition, assessment outcomes based on dissertation grade, supervisor grade and overall module score were analysed quantitatively. This was conducted on both the individual cohorts and between the pre- and peri-pandemic groups, ranging from 2017–2018 through to 2021–2022 cohorts. The students received increased dissertation and supervisor grades (by nearly 6%) during the 2021–2022 peri-pandemic cohort, when compared to the pre-pandemic cohorts, but did differ significantly compared to the 2020–2021 cohort. The pre- and peri-pandemic Likert-scale ratings for module organisation and assessment criteria were similar, workload management and the ability to explore concepts and ideas was reduced in the peri-pandemic cohorts, whereas the accessibility to resources was increased in the peri-pandemic students compared to those taught prior to the pandemic. Student feedback can provide essential information when designing and managing research projects and when compared to assessment grades it can help us understand attainment, essential information when providing a quality university level education whilst supporting student welfare following the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Cystic Endometrial Hyperplasia-pyometra Complex in Two Female Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex has been reported in ferrets on occasion; however, there is not yet enough information or available caseload to fully understand the pathophysiology of this presentation. The purpose of this case report is to describe cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex in 2 neutered females presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.     

Synergisms in Science: Climate Change and Integrated Pest Management Through the Lens of Communication—2019 Student Debates

Every year, the Student Debates Subcommittee (SDS) of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) for the annual Entomological Society of America (ESA) meeting organizes the Student Debates. This year, the SAC selected topics based on their synergistic effect or ability to ignite exponential positive change when addressed as a whole. For the 2019 Student Debates, the SAC SDS identified these topic areas for teams to debate and unbiased introduction speakers to address: 1) how to better communicate science to engage the public, particularly in the area of integrated pest management (IPM), 2) the influential impacts of climate change on agriculturally and medically relevant insect pests, and 3) sustainable agriculture techniques that promote the use of IPM to promote food security. Three unbiased introduction speakers gave a foundation for our audience to understand each debate topic, while each of six debate teams provided a strong case to support their stance or perspective on a topic. Debate teams submitted for a competitive spot for the annual ESA Student Debates and trained for the better part of a year to showcase their talents in presenting logical arguments for a particular topic. Both the debate teams and unbiased introduction speakers provided their insight toward a better understanding of the complexities of each topic and established a foundation to delve further into the topics of science advocacy and communication, climate change, and the many facets of integrated pest management.     

Evaluation of a citrate-based anticoagulant with platelet inhibitory activity for feline blood cell Counts

Abstract: Aggregation of feline platelets in vitro results in difficulty assessing platelet number. A citrate-based anticoagulant containing the platelet inhibitors theophylline, adenosine, and dipyridamole (CTAD; Diatube-H, Becton Dickinson, Oxford, UK) has been developed for use in human platelet studies and heparin assays. To evaluate the efficacy of CTAD in reducing platelet aggregation in feline blood samples, aliquots of blood from 51 cats were anticoagulated with EDTA, CTAD, and for 12 samples, citrate solution. Samples preserved in CTAD had significantly higher (P ≤ .001) platelet counts, as determined by an impedance counter, hemacy-tometer, and smear estimation, than samples preserved in EDTA. In addition, subjective assessment of blood smears showed significantly fewer platelet aggregates (P<.001) in CTAD-treated samples compared with EDTA samples. Although values were similar, automated platelet counts and smear estimates of platelet number were significantly higher (P < .05) and platelet aggregation was significantly less (P < .05) in CTAD samples than in citrate samples. These results suggest that the platelet inhibitory activity of CTAD reduced feline platelet aggregation. Automated total WBC counts in CTAD samples were significantly lower (P<.001) than automated counts in EDTA samples but were similar to manual WBC counts in EDTA samples. Differences in both platelet and WBC counts between CTAD and EDTA or citrate samples were clinically relevant. Mean platelet volume and MCV were significantly lower (P< .05) in CTAD samples than in EDTA samples. No effect was seen on cell morphology or staining characteristics. The anticoagulant CTAD offers an advantage over both EDTA and citrate for feline hematologic analysis, by decreasing pseudothrombocytopenia and pseudoleukocytosis.     

Model simulation of the cretaceous ocean circulation

Three-dimensional numerical ocean circulation model experiments that were designed to evaluate the circulation characteristics for the mid-Cretaceous ( approximately 100 million years ago) show that the primary direction of flow through the Tethys Ocean was eastward; in contrast, a westward flowing circumglobal Tethys current has been a consistent feature of earlier reconstructions of Cretaceous ocean circulation. The model studies demonstrate that (i) ocean circulation is sufficiently sensitive to the role of continental positions, sea level, and climate to limit the application of modern analogs to past circulations, and (ii) reconstructions based on limited biogeographic data may not provide unique surface circulation patterns.     

Wasted fishery resources: discarded by-catch in the USA

Fishery by‐catch, especially discarded by‐catch, is a serious problem in the world's oceans. Not only are the stocks of discarded species affected, but entire trophic webs and habitats may be disrupted at the ecosystem level. This paper reviews discarding in the marine fisheries of the USA; however, the type, diversity and regulatory mechanisms of the fisheries are similar to developed fisheries and management programmes throughout the world. We have compiled current estimates of discarded by‐catch for each major marine fishery in the USA using estimates from existing literature, both published and unpublished. We did not re‐estimate discards or discard rates from raw data, nor did we include data on protected species (turtles, mammals and birds) and so this study covers discarded by‐catch of finfish and fishable invertebrates. For some fisheries, additional calculations were required to transform number data into weight data, and typically length and weight composition data were used. Specific data for each fishery are referenced in Harrington et al. (Wasted Resources: Bycatch and discards in US Fisheries, Oceana, Washington, DC, 2005). Overall, our compiled estimates are that 1.06 million tonnes of fish were discarded and 3.7 million tonnes of fish were landed in USA marine fisheries in 2002. This amounts to a nationwide discard to landings ratio of 0.28, amongst the highest in the world. Regionally, the southeast had the largest discard to landings ratio (0.59), followed closely by the highly migratory species fisheries (0.52) and the northeast fisheries (0.49). The Alaskan and west coast fisheries had the lowest ratios (0.12 and 0.15 respectively). Shrimp fisheries in the southeast were the major contributors to the high discard rate in that region, with discard ratios of 4.56 (Gulf of Mexico) and 2.95 (South Atlantic). By‐catch and discarding is a major component of the impact of fisheries on marine ecosystems. There have been substantial efforts to reduce by‐catch in some fisheries, but broadly based programmes covering all fisheries are needed within the USA and around the world. In response to international agreements to improve fishery management, by‐catch and discard reduction must become a regular part of fishery management planning.