If you build it,they will learn: A review of models in veterinary surgical education

Surgical skills are learned through deliberate practice, and veterinary educators are increasingly turning to models for teaching and assessing surgical skills. This review article sought to compile and review the literature specific to veterinary surgical skills models, and to discuss the themes of fidelity, educational outcomes, and validity evidence. Several literature searches using broad terms such as “veterinary surgery model,” “veterinary surgical model,” and “veterinary surgical simulator” were performed using PubMed, CAB abstracts, and Google scholar. All articles describing a model created and utilized for veterinary surgical training were included. Other review articles were used as a source for additional models. Commercially available models were found using review articles, internet browser searches, and communication with veterinary clinical skills educators. There has been an explosion of growth in the variety of small animal surgical task trainers published in the last several decades. These models teach orthopedic surgery, ligation and suturing, open celiotomy and abdominal surgery, sterilization surgeries, and minimally invasive surgeries. Some models were published with accompanying rubrics for learner assessment; these rubrics have been noted where present. Research in veterinary surgical models is expanding and becoming an area of focus for academic institutions. However, there is room for growth in the collection of validity evidence and in development of models for teaching large animal surgery, training surgical residents, and providing continuing education to practitioners. This review can assist with evaluation of current surgical models and trends, and provide a platform for additional studies and development of best practices.     

New dynamic site equation that fits best the Schwappach data for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Central Europe

Using historical growth series data of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Central Europe we examine all the dynamic site equations previously used for modeling the height growth of this species as well as a new dynamic site equation that has not been used previously in the context of this forestry data. The tested models included two groups of anamorphic and polymorphic dynamic site equations (three-dimensional site–height–age models, such as Y = f(t,t₀,y₀)). One group of the models is based on the algebraic difference approach (ADA) implementation of different, preexisting base equations (two-dimensional equations, such as Y = f(t)). The other group of models is based on newer generalized algebraic difference approach (GADA) formulations of new site–height–age relationships that may use older models only as a part of their structure. The models were selected because they were relevant to Scots pine height growth modeling in other studies. We compared all the models with each other in terms of the sum of square deviations associated with fitting them simultaneously to all sites represented by the Scots pine data. All the fits were based on base-age invariant stochastic regressions, in which the global model parameters that are common to all growth series are estimated simultaneously with the site-specific effects that are different for each of the site productivity series. Cieszewski's model [Cieszewski, C.J., 2005. A new flexible GADA based dynamic site equation with polymorphism and variable asymptotes. PMRC Technical Report 2005-2] best described the data.     

From trees to fleas: masting indirectly affects flea abundance on a rodent host

Mast seeding causes strong fluctuations in populations of forest animals. Thus, this phenomenon can be used as a natural experiment to examine how variation in host abundance affects parasite loads. We investigated fleas infesting yellow-necked mice in beech forest after 2 mast and 2 non-mast years. We tested 2 mutually exclusive scenarios: (1) as predicted by classical models of density-dependent transmission, an increase in host density will cause an increase in ectoparasite abundance (defined as the number of parasites per host), versus (2) an increase in host density will cause a decline in flea abundance (“dilution,” which is thought to occur when parasite population growth is slower than that of the host). In addition, we assessed whether masting alters the relationship between host traits (sex and body mass) and flea abundance. We found a hump-shaped relationship between host and flea abundance. Thus, the most basic predictions are too simple to describe ectoparasite dynamics in this system. In addition, masting modified seasonal dynamics of flea abundance, but did not affect the relationship between host traits and flea abundance (individuals with the highest body mass hosted the most fleas; after controlling for body mass, parasite abundance did not vary between sexes). Our results demonstrate that pulses of tree reproduction can indirectly, through changes in host densities, drive patterns of ectoparasite infestation.     

Effects of agri-environment management for stone curlews on other biodiversity

Two-hectare unsown, tilled fallow plots put in place under agri-environment schemes for stone curlews Burhinus oedicnemus in England were surveyed for other bird species, brown hares Lepus europaeus, carabid beetles, vascular plants, butterflies and bumblebees. The results were compared with those from surveys within the crop in the same field and in neighbouring fields. This was done to test whether agri-environment management targeted at a single species also provided benefits to wider biodiversity. All groups except carabid beetles were more abundant, more likely to be recorded, or more species rich on plots than within the crop. Carabid beetle activity–density and species richness did not differ between the plot and the crop; activity–density of one functional group (predators) was lower on plots than in the crop. Six rare arable plant species were recorded, predominantly from plots, and the plots are considered to perform comparably to other agri-environment options available in England designed specifically for arable plants. One red-listed bird species of conservation concern (skylark Alauda arvensis) was more abundant on plots than in the crop, and three other red-listed species (linnet Carduelis cannabina, yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, corn bunting E. calandra) were more likely to be recorded on plots than in the crop. A fifth (lapwing Vanellus vanellus) was almost exclusively recorded from plots, and was more likely to be recorded on plots categorised as in good condition for stone curlews. These results demonstrate that fallow plots that have been put in place for the recovery of stone curlews have considerable value for a range of other farmland biodiversity, although management for stone curlews may be detrimental to some taxa, such as carabid beetles, that are sensitive to the relatively frequent spring tillage that these plots receive.     

Influence of the duration of acquisition and inoculation feeding on the effectiveness of potato leafroll virus transmission byMyzus persicae Sulz

Summary In laboratory experiments PLRV transmission byMyzus persicae Sulz was shown to be possible even during a very brief feeding period onPhysalis floridana Rydb, in both acquisition and inoculation feeding. When the acquisition feeding time (AFT) was varied between 30 sec and 48 h the inoculation feeding time (IFT) was constant (48h) and vice versa: when the AFT was constant (48 h), the IFT was variable. The rate of infection was 2.2% following 30 sec AFT and 1.1% after 30 sec IFT. After 1 min feeding these infection rates increased to 7.9% and 1.8% respectively. The capacity for virus transmission was closely correlated with the increase in feeding time for both acquisition and inoculation feeding.     

Separation of disaccharides by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Application to honey analysis

A new method based on comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ToF MS) has been developed for the first time for the analysis of complex mixtures of disaccharides previously converted to their trimethylsilyl oximes (TMSO). Among the different experimental parameters considered for optimization, both the column set combination and the dimensions of the second-dimension column were found to be the most significant with regard to the complete resolution of structurally similar disaccharides. Application of the optimized method to honey analysis allowed the separation of most of the honey disaccharides previously described in the literature. Furthermore, 12 other unknown disaccharides have been separated by this method and characterized from their mass spectral data.     

Acute-phase proteins,cortisol and haematological parameters in ewes during the periparturient period

Numerous subclinical diseases in sheep occur in the periparturient period and involve inflammatory processes; therefore, determining markers, such as acute-phase proteins (APPs), can allow an early diagnosis. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess changes in the plasma concentration of APPs and cortisol in clinically healthy ewes in the periparturient period for use in future studies. At the same time, haematological parameters were monitored. We showed that plasma APPs and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant ewes than before insemination. A gradual increase in the SAA concentration was observed from the 14th day before to the day of parturition, while Hp was reduced from 2 weeks before up to 2 weeks after delivery. A significant increase in the Fb concentration was detected from the 14th day before to the 1st week after delivery. The cortisol concentration did not undergo significant changes in the periparturient period. We found an increase in the SAA and Fb concentrations and decrease in Hp in the periparturient period. The direction of the change in APPs of healthy ewes in the current study may be related to their distinct regulatory mechanisms during pregnancy. The APPs are usually altered during infection, inflammation, neoplasia, stress and trauma; therefore, knowing their reference values could help lead to an early diagnosis of subclinical forms of some diseases and pregnancy complications in ewes. The haematological analysis showed that ewes in late pregnancy and postpartum compared to dry period were under metabolic stress related to pregnancy and lactation.     

Effects of stocking density on growth, yield and profitability of farming Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., fed Azolla diet, in earthen ponds

Two consecutive experiments were conducted to study the effects of stocking density on growth, food utilization, production and farming profitability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (initial mean weight: 16.2 ± 0.2 g) fed Azolla, as a main component in diet. In experiment 1, fish were hand‐fed twice daily with three isonitrogenous (28.5% crude protein) and isocaloric (14.5 kJ g⁻¹) diets A30, A35 and A40 containing 30%, 35% and 40%Azolla, respectively, for 90 days. Diets were formulated by mixing Azolla with locally available by‐products. No significant differences were found in growth parameters and production (P>0.05). Total investment cost was significantly higher with A30 (P<0.05), but same profitability values were obtained with all diets (P>0.05). In experiment 2, three stocking densities, 1, 3 and 5 m⁻², were assigned to three treatments T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively. Fish were hand‐fed twice daily with diet A40. The final mean weight (89.53–115.12 g), the mean weight gain (0.81–1.10 g day⁻¹), the specific growth rate (1.90–2.20% day⁻¹) and the apparent food conversion ratio (1.29–1.58) were affected by stocking density, with significant difference (P<0.05) at 5 m⁻², compared with the other densities. Stocking density did not affect survival rate (P>0.05). Yield and annual production increased with increasing stocking density, ranging from 7.10 ± 0.90 to 25.01 ± 1.84 kg are⁻¹ and 28.79 ± 3.66 to 101.42 ± 7.48 kg are⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively, with significant differences between all densities (P<0.05). Higher stocking density resulted in higher gross return and lower cost of fish production, with significant variations (P<0.05). The net return increased with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). However, both densities of 3 and 5 m⁻² produced the same profitability values. On the basis of growth values and economic return, it was concluded that Nile tilapia could be raised at a density of 3 fish m⁻² with A40 to improve production and generate profit for nutritional security and poverty alleviation in rural areas.     

Responses of small mammals to clear-cutting in temperate and boreal forests of Europe: a meta-analysis and review

We analyzed the responses of small mammals to clear-cutting in temperate and boreal forests in Europe. We conducted a meta-analysis of published research on most often studied small mammal species (the striped field mouse, the yellow-necked mouse, the wood mouse, the field vole, the common vole, the bank vole, the Eurasian harvest mouse, the common shrew and the Eurasian pygmy shrew), comparing their abundance on clear-cuts and in unharvested stands. For four other species (the gray-sided vole, the Siberian flying squirrel, the Eurasian red squirrel and the hazel dormouse), we provide a qualitative review of their responses to forest harvest. Results of the meta-analysis suggest that common species of small mammals usually increase in abundance after clear-cutting or are unaffected by this disturbance. As an exception, the yellow-necked mouse declines after clear-cutting in boreal but not in temperate forest. The qualitative review suggests that the responses of more specialized (e.g., arboreal) species to forest harvest are more varied than the responses of generalist species included in the meta-analysis. For some species of small mammals (e.g., the Siberian flying squirrel), habitat loss resulting from forest harvest is a major threat.     

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Fruit Juices

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Fruit and fruit juices are a valuable source of bioactive compounds, which can protect our organisms from oxidative stress. The phenolic compounds and other...