What use is anatomy in first opinion small animal veterinary practice? A qualitative study

Despite the uncontested importance of anatomy as one of the foundational aspects of undergraduate veterinary programs, there is still limited information available as to what anatomy knowledge is most important for the graduate veterinarian in their daily clinical work. The aim of this study was therefore to gain a deeper understanding of the role that anatomy plays in first opinion small animal veterinary practice. Using ethnographic methodologies, we aimed to collect rich qualitative data to answer the question “How do first opinion veterinarians use anatomy knowledge in their day-to-day clinical practice?” Detailed observations and semi-structured interviews were conducted with five veterinarians working within a single small animal first opinion practice in the United Kingdom. Thematic analysis was undertaken, identifying five main themes: Importance; Uncertainty; Continuous learning; Comparative and dynamic anatomy; and Communication and language. Anatomy was found to be interwoven within all aspects of clinical practice however veterinarians were uncertain in their anatomy knowledge. This impacted their confidence and how they carried out their work. Veterinarians described continually learning and refreshing their anatomy knowledge in order to effectively undertake their role, highlighting the importance of teaching information literacy skills within anatomy curricula. An interrelationship between anatomy use, psychomotor and professional skills was also highlighted. Based on these findings, recommendations were made for veterinary anatomy curriculum development. This study provides an in-depth view within a single site small animal general practice setting: further work is required to assess the transferability of these findings to other areas of veterinary practice

Publication Bias in Reports of Animal Stroke Studies Leads to Major Overstatement of Efficacy

Publication bias confounds attempts to use systematic reviews to assess the efficacy of various interventions tested in experiments modelling acute ischaemic stroke, leading to a 30% overstatement of efficacy of interventions tested in animals

A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research

The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke convened major stakeholders in June 2012 to discuss how to improve the methodological reporting of animal studies in grant applications and publications. The main workshop recommendation is that at a minimum studies should report on sample-size estimation, whether and how animals were randomized, whether investigators were blind to the treatment, and the handling of data. We recognize that achieving a meaningful improvement in the quality of reporting will require a concerted effort by investigators, reviewers, funding agencies and journal editors. Requiring better reporting of animal studies will raise awareness of the importance of rigorous study design to accelerate scientific progress

The Landscape of Social Housing. A Case Study in Tītahi Bay, Porirua

ABSTRACT The landscapes particular to the state housing areas in New Zealand which were developed between the 1950 and 1960’s, are known for their characterless landscape conditions. These environments are predominantly lacking in gardens and street trees, which contributes to the external perception of the area as degraded and neglected by the authorities. The spatial conditions, and the lack of growth and change since their inception, are arguably an indicator of spatial and social inequity. Under- privileged neighbourhoods such as these are known for poor well- being outcomes, and for anti- social behaviours. There are many socio- political factors contributing to poor outcomes for the people in these social housing communities. Most issues are beyond the scope of Landscape Architecture, but landscape architecture does have a role to play in the formation of landscape conditions which enable easily accessible positive encounters with landscape elements and nature. In the context of this research positive encounters with nature are seen as potentially aiding the well- being of individuals and the whole community. The case study area chosen for the research was observed and analysed, and landscape elements discovered, to be used as catalysts for a strategic redevelopment of the blue and green space, and connections within the neighbourhood. It was found that landscape features, such as an open stream, can be utilised to promote the (Re) connection of people back to the landscape. With small design interventions, in this case a streamside walkway, with a revegetation plan to enhance the aesthetic and ecological conditions of the area, improvements can be made to the perception of place. This strategy can be utilised in urban environments, with similar conditions to the case study area, to reveal the inherent possibilities of each specific landscape.</p