scholarly journals Outcomes of 4819 cases of marine animals presented to a wildlife rehabilitation center in New Jersey, USA (1976–2016)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan H. Gallini ◽  
Nicola Di Girolamo ◽  
Elizabeth Hann ◽  
Hubert Paluch ◽  
Peter M. DiGeronimo

AbstractUnderstanding marine animal stranding patterns can aid rehabilitation efforts and evaluations of ecosystem health. The goal of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with outcome of marine animals presented to a rehabilitation facility in Brigantine, New Jersey, USA. Records of 4819 phocids, cetaceans, and sea turtles were reviewed. Taxa, age, sex, season, and outcome (natural death, euthanasia, transfer to another facility, and successful release) were recorded for each case. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors associated with release, and a multivariate logistic regression model was developed to evaluate whether the association between taxa and chance of release persisted after adjustment for the other variables. Phocids were most likely to strand during winter. Phocids and sea turtles that stranded alive were more likely to be released than to die under care or be euthanized. Taxa, age, and season were all significantly associated with the probability of release. These results provide a reference for phocid, cetacean, and sea turtle stranding and rehabilitation in part of the mid-Atlantic region. Critical evaluation of wildlife rehabilitation is indicated to audit the success of efforts and to assess threats to free-ranging populations.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin R. Perrault ◽  
Heather W. Barron ◽  
Christopher R. Malinowski ◽  
Sarah L. Milton ◽  
Charles A. Manire

AbstractThe southwest coast of Florida experiences annual red tides, a type of harmful algal bloom that results from high concentrations of Karenia brevis. These dinoflagellates release lipophilic neurotoxins, known as brevetoxins, that bind to sodium channels and inhibit their inactivation, resulting in a variety of symptoms that can lead to mass sea turtle strandings. Traditional therapies for brevetoxicosis include standard and supportive care (SSC) and/or dehydration therapy; however, these treatments are slow-acting and often ineffective. Because red tide events occur annually in Florida, our objective was to test intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) as a rapid treatment for brevetoxicosis in sea turtles and examine potential impacts on toxin clearance rates, symptom reduction, rehabilitation time, and survival rates. Sea turtles exhibiting neurological symptoms related to brevetoxicosis were brought to rehabilitation from 2018–2019. Upon admission, blood samples were collected, followed by immediate administration of 25 mg ILE/kg body mass (Intralipid® 20%) at 1 mL/min using infusion pumps. Blood samples were collected at numerous intervals post-ILE delivery and analyzed for brevetoxins using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In total, nine (four subadults, one adult female, four adult males) loggerheads (Caretta caretta), five (four juvenile, one adult female) Kemp’s ridleys (Lepidochelys kempii), and four juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were included in this study. We found that plasma brevetoxins declined faster compared to turtles that received only SSC. Additionally, survival rate of these patients was 94% (17/18), which is significantly higher than previous studies that used SSC and/or dehydration therapy (47%; 46/99). Nearly all symptoms were eliminated within 24–48 h, whereas using SSC, symptom elimination could take up to seven days or more. The dosage given here (25 mg/kg) was sufficient for turtles in this study, but the use of a higher dosage (50–100 mg/kg) for those animals experiencing severe symptoms may be considered. These types of fast-acting treatment plans are necessary for rehabilitation facilities that are already resource-limited. Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy has the potential to reduce rehabilitation time, save resources, and increase survival of sea turtles and other marine animals experiencing brevetoxicosis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Tang ◽  
Lulu Ding ◽  
Yuejing Feng ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Chengchao Zhou

Abstract Background Reasonable use of antenatal care (ANC) services by pregnant women played a crucial role in ensuring maternal and child safety and reducing the risk of complications, disability, and death in mothers and their infants. This study aimed to investigate the ANC use, and to explore the factors associated with ANC use among migrant women during the first delivery in China. Methods This study used the data of National Health and Family Planning Commission of People Republic of China in 2014. A total of 1505 migrant primiparous women were included in our current analysis. Frequencies and proportions were used to describe the data. Chi-square tests and multivariate binary logistic regression models were performed to explore the determinants that affect the number of times migrant women used ANC during their first delivery. Results Of the 1505 participants, 279 (18.54%) women received the ANC less than 5 times, and 1226 (81.46%) women used the ANC at least 5 times during the first delivery. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that migrant primiparous women with college and above education(P < 0.05;OR = 2.57;95%CI = 1.19–5.55), from the households with higher monthly income (P < 0.01;OR = 2.01;95%CI = 1.30–3.13), covered by maternity insurance(P < 0.01;OR = 2.01;95%CI = 1.28–3.18), with maternal health records (P < 0.001;OR = 2.44;95%CI = 1.61–3.69), migrating across county (P < 0.05;OR = 2.57;95%CI = 1.14–5.81), having migration experience before pregnancy(P < 0.05;OR = 1.37;95%CI = 1.03–1.81) were more likely to use ANC for at least five times. Conclusions This study demonstrated that there were still some migrant maternal women (18.54%) who attended the ANC less than 5 times. Targeted policies should be developed to improve the utilization of ANC among migrant pregnant women.


2020 ◽  
pp. 241-254
Author(s):  
Charles Innis ◽  
Kara Dodge

Sea turtle populations are threatened globally due to anthropogenic and natural factors, including fisheries interactions, watercraft strike, hunting, habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and severe weather. Injured and ill sea turtles are often evaluated by wildlife rehabilitation centres, and many sea turtles can be returned to the wild after rehabilitation. Physiological evaluation of injured and ill sea turtles has revealed life-threatening physiological dysfunction such as acidosis, hypoxia, hypercarbia, dehydration, and hyperkalaemia. Recognition and management of such conditions has improved the outcome for these patients. In addition to clinical advancement, veterinary evaluation has improved our understanding of general sea turtle biology, and increased the safety of procedures such as anaesthesia and laparoscopy. These modalities, combined with emerging biotelemetry technologies, will continue to improve our understanding of sea turtle ecology and conservation physiology.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yakubu ◽  
M.M. Muhammed ◽  
I.S. Musa-Azara

The aim of the study was to investigate the application of binary logistic regression to assess the potential factors associated with the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in indigenous goat breeds in Nasarawa State, north central Nigeria. 5,268 kidding records of does from a total of 105 traditional goat herders from the year 2010-2011 were utilized in the study. The goats which were of West African Dwarf (WAD), Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH) and WAD x RS crossbred (WR) genetic groups originated from different flocks and were reared under the traditional extensive system. The risk factors investigated were dam breed group, season, parity and number of foetuses. Of the 5,268 kidding records, 570 (10.8%) and 520 (9.87%) were cases of abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that season, parity and number of foetuses were the parameters of utmost importance (P<0.05) influencing the prevalence of abortion and stillbirth in the four genetic groups investigated. The logistic regression models were able to predict correctly 89.2 and 90.1% cases of abortion and stillbirth, respectively. The present information may be exploited in management practices to attenuate the incidence of abortion and stillbirth parturition, thereby increasing the productivity of the animals.


2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 20130345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan F. Putman ◽  
Katherine L. Mansfield ◽  
Ruoying He ◽  
Donna J. Shaver ◽  
Philippe Verley

The inaccessibility of open ocean habitat and the cryptic nature of small animals are fundamental problems when assessing the distribution of oceanic-stage sea turtles and other marine animals sharing similar life-history traits. Most methods that estimate patterns of abundance cannot be applied in situations that are extremely data limited. Here, we use a movement ecology framework to generate the first predicted distributions for the oceanic stage of the Kemp's ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys kempii ). Our simulations of particle dispersal within ocean circulation models reveal substantial annual variation in distribution and survival among simulated cohorts. Such techniques can help prioritize areas for conservation, and supply inputs for more realistic demographic models attempting to characterize population trends.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition that affects many pregnancies and ethnicity appears to be a risk factor. Data indicate that approximately 18% of Tamil women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Today, approximately 50,000 of Tamils live in Switzerland. To date, there is no official tool available in Switzerland that considers the eating and physical activity habits of this migrant Tamil population living in Switzerland, while offering a quick overview of gestational diabetes mellitus and standard dietetics management procedures. The NutriGeD project led by Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland aimed at closing this gap. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the implementation potential of the tools developed in the project NutriGeD for dietetic counseling before their wide scale launch in Swiss hospitals, clinics and private practices. Method: An online survey was developed and distributed to 50 recruited healthcare professionals working in the German speaking region of Switzerland from October – December 2016 (31% response rate). The transcultural tools were sent to participants together with the link to the online survey. The evaluation outcome was analysed using binary logistic regression and cross tabulation analysis with IBM SPSS version 24.0, 2016. Results: 94% (N=47) respondents believed that the transcultural tools had good potential for implementation in hospitals and private practices in Switzerland. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the age of participants had a good correlation (42.1%) on recommending the implementation potential of the transcultural tool. The participants with age group 34- 54 years old where the highest group to recommend the implementation potential of the transcultural tool and this was found to be statistically significant (p=0.05). 74% (34 out of 50) of the respondents clearly acknowledged the need for transcultural competence knowledge in healthcare practices. 80% (N =40) of the respondents agreed that the information presented in the counseling display folder was important and helpful while 60% (N= 30) agreed to the contents being clinically applicable. 90% (N=45) participants recommended the availability of the evaluated transcultural tools in healthcare settings in Switzerland. Conclusion: The availability in healthcare practice of the evaluated transcultural tools was greatly encouraged by the Swiss healthcare practitioners participating in the survey. While they confirmed the need for these transcultural tools, feed-backs for minor adjustments were given to finalize the tools before their official launch in practice. The developed materials will be made available for clinical visits, in both hospitals and private practices in Switzerland. The Migmapp© transcultural tool can serve as a good approach in assisting healthcare professionals in all fields, especially professionals who practice in areas associated with diet - related diseases or disorders associated with populations at risk.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (Spring 2019) ◽  
pp. 157-173
Author(s):  
Kashif Siddique ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Ra’ana Malik ◽  
Naveeda Farhat ◽  
Farah Deeba

The aim of this study is to find the association between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and contraceptive use among married women in Pakistan. The analysis was conducted by using cross sectional secondary data from every married women of reproductive age 15-49 years who responded to domestic violence module (N = 3687) of the 2012-13 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey. The association between contraceptive use (outcome variable) and IPV was measured by calculating unadjusted odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals using simple binary logistic regression and multivariable binary logistic regression. The result showed that out of 3687 women, majority of women 2126 (57.7%) were using contraceptive in their marital relationship. Among total, 1154 (31.3%) women experienced emotional IPV, 1045 (28.3%) women experienced physical IPV and 1402 (38%) women experienced both physical and emotional IPV together respectively. All types of IPV was significantly associated with contraceptive use and women who reported emotional IPV (AOR 1.44; 95% CI 1.23, 1.67), physical IPV (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.20, 1.65) and both emotional and physical IPV together (AOR 1.49; 95% CI 1.24, 1.72) were more likely to use contraceptives respectively. The study revealed that women who were living in violent relationship were more likely to use contraceptive in Pakistan. Still there is a need for women reproductive health services and government should take initiatives to promote family planning services, awareness and access to contraceptive method options for women to reduce unintended or mistimed pregnancies that occurred in violent relationships.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (40) ◽  
pp. 5213-5219
Author(s):  
Yun Chen ◽  
Jinwei Zheng ◽  
Junping Chen

Background: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a very common complication in elderly patients with gastric cancer (GC) and associated with poor prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression via targeting mRNAs and play important roles in the nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictive role of miRNAs for POD. Methods: Elderly GC patients who were scheduled to undergo elective curative resection were consequently enrolled in this study. POD was assessed at 1 day before surgery and 1-7 days after surgery following the guidance of the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V, 2013). The demographics, clinicopathologic characteristics and preoperative circulating miRNAs by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were compared between patients with or without POD. Risk factors for POD were assessed via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 370 participants were enrolled, of which 63 had suffered from POD within postoperative 7 days with an incidence of 17.0%. Preoperative miR-210 was a predictor for POD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.921, a cut-off value of 1.67, a sensitivity of 95.11%, and a specificity of 92.06%, (P<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression model, the relative expression of serum miR-210 was an independent risk factor for POD (OR: 3.37, 95%CI: 1.98–5.87, P=0.003). Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study highlighted that preoperative miR-210 could serve as a potential predictor for POD in elderly GC patients undergoing curative resection.


Author(s):  
Jeremy Freese

This article presents a method and program for identifying poorly fitting observations for maximum-likelihood regression models for categorical dependent variables. After estimating a model, the program leastlikely will list the observations that have the lowest predicted probabilities of observing the value of the outcome category that was actually observed. For example, when run after estimating a binary logistic regression model, leastlikely will list the observations with a positive outcome that had the lowest predicted probabilities of a positive outcome and the observations with a negative outcome that had the lowest predicted probabilities of a negative outcome. These can be considered the observations in which the outcome is most surprising given the values of the independent variables and the parameter estimates and, like observations with large residuals in ordinary least squares regression, may warrant individual inspection. Use of the program is illustrated with examples using binary and ordered logistic regression.


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