Satlc model lesson for teaching and learning complex environmental issues related to the thermodynamics

Environmental chemistry is one of the disciplines of Science. For the goal of the deep learning of the subject, it is indispensable to present perception and models of chemical behaviour explicitly. This can be accomplished by giving careful consideration to the development of concepts such that newer approaches are given contemplation, taking in consideration participation of students. Students, well versed in issues which integrate to enhance vital concepts, are thus able to understand nature and help us to discover means to view the impact of industrialization on the well being of mankind. Understanding environmental chemistry needs quality teaching at undergraduate stage of students learning. In the absence of necessary input of biological sciences, mathematics, statistics, along with the parameters of analytical and physical chemistry, students often find environmental chemistry a difficult subject. It is therefore desirable that the practice of disseminating knowledge related to environmental chemistry must avoid the tradition of presenting the necessary information separated from each other. The lectures should be designed in such a way that they provide the complete description of any issue debated in the class room. The students have not to be encouraged to address the issue in a sphere of limited knowledge. It is suggested that the teachers organize their lectures in such a way that the student get involved in the class. This essential scenario can only develop when the knowledge is transferred through Systemic diagrams. Recently concept based teaching methodology; namely systemic approach to teaching and learning chemistry (SATLC) has been employed to highlight the connectivity between some environmental issues and the disciplines of Physical Chemistry. [African Journal of Chemical Education—AJCE 5(2), July 2015

Pharmacologically Induced Ex Copula Ejaculation in Horses and Donkeys

Pharmacologically induced ex copula ejaculation is a method used for collection of semen when the traditional methods of semen collection are not feasible. Common indications for this method include health issues that either preclude the physical act of mating or result in impaired erection and ejaculation. The method also offers an alternative when there is a lack of equipment and facilities required for semen collection using the conventional artificial vagina method. A variety of pharmacological protocols for ex copula ejaculation in stallions have been evaluated in both research and clinical settings with no serious side-effects reported. In general, these protocols included tricyclic antidepressants, alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, and smooth muscle stimulators, either individually or in combination. Although there is a lot of variation in the ejaculatory rates among studies, a combination of imipramine and xylazine appears to be an effective option for inducing ejaculation in stallions. In cases where this protocol is not successful, collections should be reattempted using a combination of imipramine, detomidine, and oxytocin. Regardless of the protocol used, a quiet environment with minimal disturbance is associated with a better outcome. In contrast to the body of literature available on pharmacologically induced ex copula ejaculation in horses, only a few studies have been published so far on this topic in donkeys. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether pharmacologically induced ex copula ejaculation is an effective method of semen collection in jacks and to compare different pharmacological protocols for inducing ejaculation in jacks

A Rare Case of Vulvar Discharge Associated With Exogenous Oestrogen Exposure in a Spayed Weimaraner Bitch

OBJECTIVE: This report documents a rare case of vulvar discharge associated with exogenous oestrogen exposure in a large-breed dog. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 4-year-old spayed Weimaraner bitch was presented for evaluation of inappetence and intermittent sanguineous vulvar discharge. Physical examination, vaginal cytology, haematological, and ultrasonographic findings were indicative of a uterine stump pyometra. A celiotomy was performed, and the uterine stump appeared grossly cystic and thickened. Histopathological evaluation of the removed uterine stump and ovarian pedicles revealed cystic endometrial hyperplasia and no ovarian tissue. Fifteen days after surgery, the patient presented again with a sanguineous vulvar discharge. Vaginal cytology revealed predominantly superficial cells, indicating oestrogen influence. Further questioning of the owner revealed the long-term use of a topical oestrogen cream by a member of the household. Serial examinations were performed, and the cytology remained uniform, with predominantly superficial cells, indicating continued oestrogen influence. Progesterone and anti-Müllerian hormone tests were negative, which made the presence of ectopic ovarian tissue unlikely. These results coupled with the history of topical oestrogen cream use in the household suggested that the patient\u27s clinical signs were most likely due to exogenous oestrogen exposure. After the owner implemented various recommendations made to prevent the exposure, the clinical signs resolved completely. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates that although rare, exogenous oestrogen exposure can be a cause of vulvar discharge in a large-breed spayed bitch. Therefore, regardless of the breed, exogenous oestrogen exposure must be included in the list of differential diagnoses for all clinical presentations associated with oestrogenic influence in dogs