Enhanced communication by developing a non-anxious presence: a key attribute for the successful veterinarian

In the recent past much has been written about non-technical skills in veterinary medical education. This dialogue has focused extensively on competence in behaviorally based communication skills for successful veterinary practice. Other relationship-based communication skills are also useful in communication, such as self-awareness, flexibility, non-judgment (compassion), and being present. All of these relationally based skills are present in the concept of non-anxious presence. This article will review the history of the term 'non-anxious presence' (NAP), discuss a proposed model of NAP for the veterinary medical environment, and review some methods useful in teaching NAP in veterinary medical education.     

The Bacterial (Vibrio alginolyticus) Production of Tetrodotoxin in the Ribbon Worm Lineus longissimus—Just a False Positive?

We test previous claims that the bacteria Vibrio alginolyticus produces tetrodotoxin (TTX) when living in symbiosis with the nemertean Lineus longissimus by a setup with bacteria cultivation for TTX production. Toxicity experiments on the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, demonstrated the presence of a paralytic toxin, but evidence from LC-MS and electrophysiological measurements of voltage-gated sodium channel–dependent nerve conductance in male Wistar rat tissue showed conclusively that this effect did not originate from TTX. However, a compound of similar molecular weight was found, albeit apparently non-toxic, and with different LC retention time and MS/MS fragmentation pattern than those of TTX. We conclude that C. maenas paralysis and death likely emanate from a compound <5 kDa, and via a different mechanism of action than that of TTX. The similarity in mass between TTX and the Vibrio-produced low-molecular-weight, non-toxic compound invokes that thorough analysis is required when assessing TTX production. Based on our findings, we suggest that re-examination of some published claims of TTX production may be warranted.     

Effect of mineral nutrition content on oxygen exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence in needles of Norway spruce

Photosynthetic O(2) evolution at high irradiances (approximately 600-1000 micro mol m(-2) s(-1)) and O(2) uptake in darkness were measured in needles of control, irrigated and irrigated-fertilized trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Measurements were made at 20 degrees C and at high CO(2) concentrations. The results suggest that, at given times of the year, a major part of the variation in gross photosynthesis of current-year and one-year-old needles across treatments is associated with differences in needle N content. Furthermore, the rate of O(2) uptake measured after 5 or 10 min in darkness was positively correlated with both the preceding rate of gross O(2) evolution and the N content in fully expanded current-year needles. Measurements of chlorophyll a fluorescence, taken simultaneously with measurements of O(2) evolution in current-year sun needles, showed that Stern-Volmer quenching of minimum fluorescence and the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence in the dark- and light-adapted state were strongly correlated with the gross rate of O(2) evolution. This suggests that the increased rate of gross photosynthesis in needles of irrigated-fertilized trees was associated with adjustments in the thermal energy dissipation within photosystem II.     

Derivatization and analysis of lo molecular weight lignin acidolysis products

Summary A method for the derivatization of low molecular weight lignin acidolysis product by reduction-acetylation is described. Borane dimethyl sulfide complex has been used as reducing agent. The derivatives could be analysed by gas chromatography.     

Genetic parameters in Finnish blue fox population: Pelt character and live animal grading traits

Abstract

Finnish blue fox farmers breed for increased litter size and pelt size, and improved fur quality. Some farmers select pelt size and fur quality indirectly using live animal evaluations (grading traits). In order to be able to define breeding goals properly, heritabilities and genetic correlations were estimated for size traits and fur quality traits. There were four pelt character traits (pelt size, pelt colour darkness, pelt colour clarity and pelt quality) measured on dried skins, and six grading traits (animal size, grading colour darkness, grading colour clarity, underfur density, guard hair coverage and grading quality). The data included 54,680 animals born during the years 1987–2002, originating from seven farms. The heritabilities were high for pelt colour darkness and grading colour darkness, moderate for pelt size and low for other traits. In general, heritability of a pelt character trait was higher than its corresponding grading trait. Genetic correlations within the pelt character traits were low (～0.11) and within the grading traits mainly moderate or high (～0.44). There was high genetic correlation between pelt darkness and grading darkness, pelt quality and grading density, pelt size and animal size; between pelt quality and grading quality and between pelt colour darkness and grading guard hair coverage. This suggests that selection of pelt character traits via grading traits in most cases is relatively effective.     

DON content in oat grains in Norway related to weather conditions at different growth stages

High concentrations of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by Fusarium graminearum have occurred frequently in Norwegian oats recently. Early prediction of DON levels is important for farmers, authorities and the Cereal Industry. In this study, the main weather factors influencing mycotoxin accumulation were identified and two models to predict the risk of DON in oat grains in Norway were developed: (1) as a warning system for farmers to decide if and when to treat with fungicide, and (2) for authorities and industry to use at harvest to identify potential food safety problems. Oat grain samples from farmers’ fields were collected together with weather data (2004–2013). A mathematical model was developed and used to estimate phenology windows of growth stages in oats (tillering, flowering etc.). Weather summarisations were then calculated within these windows, and the Spearman rank correlation factor calculated between DON-contamination in oats at harvest and the weather summarisations for each phenological window. DON contamination was most clearly associated with the weather conditions around flowering and close to harvest. Warm, rainy and humid weather during and around flowering increased the risk of DON accumulation in oats, as did dry periods during germination/seedling growth and tillering. Prior to harvest, warm and humid weather conditions followed by cool and dry conditions were associated with a decreased risk of DON accumulation. A prediction model, including only pre-flowering weather conditions, adequately forecasted risk of DON contamination in oat, and can aid in decisions about fungicide treatments.     

Biochemical analysis of uterine fluid for identification of indicators for subclinical endometritis in the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Alterations in biochemical constituents of uterine fluid have been suggested for diagnosis of subclinical uterine infection in the bovine. This study was undertaken to investigate whether uterine fluid biomolecules could act as tool for diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in the buffalo. Uterine fluid samples from normal (n = 22) and subclinical endometritis (n = 18; diagnosed based on uterine cytology)‐affected buffaloes were subjected to biochemical analysis. Among the different biochemical constituents estimated, urea, urea N, cholesterol, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in uterine fluid obtained from subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes. The extent of difference between normal and subclinical endometritis‐affected buffaloes was highest in ALP (69%) followed by cholesterol (55%), bilirubin (48%), urea (30%) and urea N (30%) concentrations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that the likelihood ratio (LR) was 3.63 for urea, indicating that buffaloes having less than the threshold concentration (47.5 mg/dl) of urea in their uterine fluid were at 3.6 times more risk to be affected with SE. The LRs for urea N, cholesterol, ALP and bilirubin were 2.33, 2.54, 2.12 and 1.65, respectively. It was concluded that ALP, urea, urea N and cholesterol concentrations in uterine fluid may serve as an aid for diagnosing subclinical endometritis in the buffalo.