The application of One Health concept to an outdoor problem-based learning activity for veterinary students.

BACKGROUND: The One Health (OH) approach, which seeks to bring together human and animal health, is particularly suited to the effective management of zoonotic diseases across both sectors. To overcome professional silos, OH needs to be taught at the undergraduate level. Here, we describe a problem-based learning activity using the OH approach that was conducted outdoors for 3rd-year veterinary students in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 118 students, divided into two groups, completed the activity which spanned 1½ days at a deer park adjacent to a wilderness area. Students were asked to evaluate the activity using an online survey that had quantitative and qualitative components. RESULTS: Response rate was 69.5%. The activity was rated excellent by 69.5% and good by 30.4%. Levels of satisfaction were high on a range of criteria. 97.5% of students intended to take action in their studies as a result of what they had learned. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery of an outdoor problem-based learning activity using OH approach was very successful in terms of participation, knowledge delivery and understanding, and the willingness of students to integrate OH into their future practice. For the improvement of future programs, the involvement of other disciplines (such as Medical, Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical, and Public Health) is being considered.

Attitudes and practices of postgraduate medical trainees towards research--a snapshot from Faisalabad.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the attitudes and practices of postgraduate medical trainees towards research. METHODS: It was a self-administered questionnaire based cross-sectional survey conducted on 55 conveniently selected trainees in Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. RESULTS: Only 11 trainees read journals monthly, seven had written an article for a journal, 51 regarded reading literature important, 39 intended to engage in future research and 37 said they received inappropriate research training. The major reasons cited for poor research activity in Pakistan were poor research training and awareness. CONCLUSION: Though the attitudes towards research were positive, they were deficient practically in terms of reading and writing literature. There is an immediate need to improve research training in our educational institutes to facilitate the development of the local literature both in terms of research utilization and production

Anatomical and histological observations on the tongue of one-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius.

The camel has a typically elongated mammalian tongue, which tapers to a dorsally flattened tip. The filiform papillae are mostly of the simple type which are scattered over the dorsum and the lateral edges of the tongue. The fungiform papillae are scattered among the filiform papillae. Circumvallate papillae could be seen on the posterior of the tongue. The dorsum lingue is covered with cornified stratified squamous epithelium and inferior surface with non-cornified squamous epithelium. The tongue is richly innervated as is evidenced by the presence of numerous nerve fibres and ganglion cells at different levels.

Degeneration of adrenergic nerves in the urinary bladder during pregnancy.

The adrenergic innervation of the urinary bladder of normal female and pregnant rats has been studied using a fluorescence histochemical method. The bladder is richly innervated by adrenergic nerve fibres as is evidenced by the presence of numerous adrenergic nerves in the adventitia, musculosa and submucosa. However, adrenergic nerve cells could not be observed. During pregnancy, adrenergic nerve fibres showed signs of degeneration, as most of the nerve fibres disappeared and the surviving fibres were much swollen. 10 days after parturition the pattern and density of adrenergic innervation became almost similar to those of the control animals.

Scanning electron microscopic study of the lingual papillae of the one humped camel, Camelus dromedarius.

The dorsum of the camel tongue shows filiform, fungiform, circumvallate and special (wart-like) papillae. Filiform papillae are conical in shape and show different heights and thicknesses at various levels. Fungiform papillae are rounded and are surrounded by robust filiform papillae. They can also be observed on the tip of the ventral surface. They have taste pores on their surfaces. Circumvallate papillae are encircled by a primary groove and an annular pad. Their taste pores open into the grooves. A special type of filiform papillae is wart-like and has been observed on the posterior portion. These do not show taste pores.

Cholinergic innervation of the tongue of the one humped camel, Camelus dromedarius.

Distribution of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve profiles in the tongue of camel has been studied by histochemical methods. The tongue is richly innervated by cholinergic nerve profiles as is evidenced by the presence of numerous nerve fibres at different levels. There is noted strong cholinesterase positive reaction close to the lateral border of the circumvallate papillae (in the region of the taste buds) and the upper border of the fungiform papillae. Numerous nerve fibres have been observed in the connective tissue core of all the lingual papillae. Adrenergic nerve terminals could not be observed in the taste buds though numerous adrenergic nerve fibres could be seen in and around the blood vessels. Rich cholinergic innervation of the blood vessels has also been noted in the tongue.

Degeneration of adrenergic nerves in the gall-bladder of cholecystitis patients.

The adrenergic innervation of the gall-bladder of healthy persons and patients suffering from cholecystitis has been studied following fluorescence histochemical methods. The normal gall-bladder is moderately innervated by adrenergic nerve fibres. Fine nerve fibres have been observed in the lamina propria, fibromuscularis and serosa. Catecholamine-containing fluorescent cells have been observed at different sites and their possible role as chemoreceptors and their endocrine nature have been reaffirmed. Adrenergic nerve fibres show signs of degeneration in cholecystitis as is evidenced by swelling of the nerve fibres and enhanced intensity of fluorescence in fluorescent cells.

Partial degeneration of autonomic nerves of the heart of methotrexate-treated guinea pigs.

In the present investigation partial degeneration of adrenergic and cholinergic nerves of the heart of guinea pigs following methotrexate treatment has been reported. No appreciable change was observed in the autonomic nerve fibres after 3 days of treatment. However, after prolonged treatment some nerve fibres showed signs of degeneration and a few adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibres had disappeared.

A histochemical study on the innervation of the pancreas of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Autonomic innervation of the pancreas of the camel has been studied using histochemical techniques for the demonstration of adrenergic and cholinergic (acetylcholinesterase-positive) nerves. Both extrinsic and intrinsic innervation of the pancreas were found. Distinct peri-acinar, perivascular, peri-insular and periductal plexuses were found as well as both adrenergic and cholinergic ganglia. The role of the autonomic nerves in the synthesis and release of insulin, glucagon and somatostatin is discussed.

Methotrexate neuroenteropathy--a histochemical study.

10 mg/kg Methotrexate was injected daily for 5 d a week for a total period of 3 weeks and its effect on autonomic nerve profiles of jejunum was studied using histochemical methods. Initially (after 5 doses in a week) partial degeneration of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve supply was observed. Prolonged treatment (15 does in 3 weeks) was responsible for disappearance of about 30% of adrenergic and 50% of cholinergic nerve profiles. Early degenerative changes in the cholinergic nerve cells of the intestinal plexuses was also noted.

Parasympathetic innervation of the thymus: a histochemical and immunocytochemical study.

The presence of parasympathetic nerve supply to the thymus has been demonstrated by histochemical and immunocytochemical methods using antibodies against cholineacetyl transferase. Fine nerve fibres have been observed both in the thymic parenchyma and around the blood vessels. The role of the parasympathetic nerve supply to the thymus is briefly discussed.

Use of glyoxylic acid in the demonstration of autonomic nerve profiles.

2% glyoxylic acid buffered to pH 7 could be used to improve the localization of cholinergic, adrenergic and nonspecific nerve profiles both in frozen sections and stretch preparations. The results are better than those obtained by conventional techniques, exhibiting the distinct reactions, with the least possible background and diffusion. The results are quickly obtained.

Effect of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine on Auerbach's plexus in the ileum of guinea-pig.

Action of 100 mg/kg of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine on Auerbach's plexus in the ileum of the guinea-pig has been studied using Falck and Hillarp's formaldehyde condensation technique. The drug caused partial disappearance of the adrenergic nerve profiles initially but after 10 days of treatment all the lost fibers reappeared.

Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the heart of the rose ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri.

Anatomy, histology and innervation of the heart of the rose ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri have been studied in the present investigation. The sinuatrial node is found to be well-developed. It is located towards the right side of the cephalic end of the interatrial septum and composed of a few nucleated cells and a large fibrous mass. The atrioventricular node is poorly defined, present at the caudal end of the interatrial septum. The node is somewhat triangular in shape and is composed of elongated and multinucleated specialized fibres. The node is not covered by any connective tissue sheath. The poor development of the atrio ventricular node and the absence of any sheath around it may be correlated with the fast rate of the heart beat. The atrioventricular bundle is observed at the cephalic end of the interventricular septum. A branch from the right limb of the atrioventricular bundle is noted to pass directly into the right atrioventricular valve. The heart is richly innervated. Ganglion cells along with nerve fibres have been observed at the sulcus terminalis and the atrioventricular junction. A direct nervous connection could be observed between the sinuatrial and atrioventricular nodes. It is argued that the impulse which originates in the sinuatrial node would reach the atrioventricular node through the unspecialized muscle fibres and nerve fibres of the interatrial septum. Nerve cells could not be traced in the substance of the sinuatrial node, atrioventricular node and atrioventricular bundle.

Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum, Didetphis marsupialis.

The anatomy, histology and innervation of the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum, Didelphis marsupialis have been described. The tongue measures 13 mm in length and 4.5 mm in breadth. The tip of the tongue is somewhat pointed and bordered by soft fringe of simple filiform papillae which are probably tactile in function. The fungiform papillae are small rounded bead-like structures scattered over the dorsum. The circumvallate papillae are three in number and arranged in an inverted V-shape. Taste buds are developed over the dorsum of fungiform papillae. The foliate papillae are concealed. The filiform papillae in various stages of development are seen over the entire dorsum. The circumvallate papillae are not fully developed. Mucous glands and their ducts are well-developed. The innervation of the tongue of 60 mm embryo of opossum is almost similar to that of other mammals. The dorsal side of the tongue is covered with thick squamous epithelium and is innervated by thick nerve fibres. The ventral surface is thin and comparatively poor in nerve supply. The skeletal muscles and connective tissue are richly innervated by thick and thin nerve fibres. A large number of ganglion cells lie singly or in irregular groups in the plexuses of the intermingling nerve fibres. The filiform papillae are heavily innervated by thick nerve fibres. Nerve elements could not be observed in the circumvallate papillae. Fungiform papillae are also provided with fine nerve fibres. A few nerve fibres and nerve bundles are seen in the gullet region.

Fluorescence histochemical study of Aurbach's plexus of the ileum of 6-hydroxydopamine-treated guinea pig.

In the present investigation the action of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on Auerbach's plexus of the ileum of the guinea pig has been studied with Falck and Hillarp's histochemical technique. A singel dose of 15-25 mg/kg of 6-OHDA causes degeneration of some of the adrenergic nerve fibres after 6 h of treatment. 200-250 mg/kg of 6-OHDA is responsible for the total disappearance of nerve fibres in the ganglia and internodal strands within 24 h. 6 h after 100 mg/kg of 6-OHDA treatment, the intervaricose fibres have mostly disappeared and a few nerve fibres are swollen. The pre-terminal fibres are not much affected. After 24 and 48 h of 100 mg/kg treatment with 6-OHDA, most of the varicose and non-varicose fibres have disappeared and very few fibres are left, these having become intensely fluorescent and much swollen, probably due to the accumulation of storage granules transported to this site by axoplasmic flow. After 6-8 days of treatment with 6-OHDA all the fluorescen fibres and cell bodies have disappeared. A few faintly fluorescent green and yellow cell bodies could also be observed; however, their chemical nature could not be determined.

Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the tongue of the India goat, Capra aegagrus.

The anatomy and neurohistology of the tongue of the Indian goat, Capra aegagrus, have been described. The apex linguae is notched in the centre. The foramen caecum is found to be absent. The sublingua could not be traced. The filiform papillae are the most common and divided into three types: the simple, giant, and true filiform papillae. The true filiform papillae are the most developed of the three types. The foliate papillae are absent. There are 13--14 circumvallate papillae arranged in two rows in a V-shaped pattern. The fungiform papillae are large and could easily be seen with the naked eye. They are scattered over the entire dorsum, being in abundance at the tip. The tongue of the goat is richly innervated. On the dorsum, the lamina propria is innervated by thick nerve fibres. In the fungiform papillae quite a large number of nerve fibres could be seen. The circumvallate papillae are also abundantly provided with nerves. A few ganglion cells are found below the circumvallate papillae. Thick nerve fibres are seen across the numerous glands and their ducts. Muscle fibres and connective tissue are also richly innervated.

Anatomical and neurohistological observations on the heart of the spiny lizard, Uromastix hardwickii.

Anatomy, histology and innervation of the heart of spiny lizard, U. hardwickii have been described. The heart is typically reptilian and comprises four chambers: sinus venosus, two atria and a ventricle. The sinus venosus is a small, thin-walled chamber present on the dorsal side of right atrium. The sinuatrial opening is protected by a pair of valves. The auriculoventricular opening is also protected by a pair of muscular valves. The presence of a cardiac conducting system is reaffirmed. The conducting system comprises sinuatrial and atrioventricular nodes. The sinuatrial node is present at the sinuatrial junction very close to the interauricular septum. The atrioventricular node is quite conspicuous and located at the caudal end of the interauricular septum. The atrioventricular bundle is absent. There is present an atrioventricular cushion which serves the purpose of atrioventricular bundle. The heart is richly innervated, as is evident by the presence of a large number of nerve fibres and ganglion cells at the different levels of the heart. Both the nodes and the atrioventricular cushion are supplied by the fine nerve fibres, but ganglion cells could not be found in any one of these components. The myogenic theory of conduction systems is supported.