scholarly journals Blood parameters and measurements of weight in the rehabilitation of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus, Foster 1781)

2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.M. Martins ◽  
R.P. Silva Filho ◽  
M.O. Xavier ◽  
M.C.A. Meireles ◽  
R.B. Robaldo

During the austral winter the appearance of the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) is common on the southern coast of Brazil. The oil pollution constitutes a major cause of death of these birds. The monitoring of the weight and blood variables is important to make decisions during the rehabilitation and release of these animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the penguins' survival during rehabilitation and the values of hematocrit (Hct), total plasma protein (TPP) and body weight (BW) of the birds received at Centro de Recuperação de Animais Marinhos (Recovery Centre for Sea Animals) between 2006 and 2009. The analysis took place weekly, and penguins were classified according to the outcome of the rehabilitation process, when 101 specimens were rehabilitated and released, and 67 died. Released animals showed a decrease in the Hct in the second and third weeks (41±6% and 40±5% respectively) followed by recovery of the values in the fourth and fifth week (41±4% and 43±4% respectively). TPP levels increased steadily over the collections, stabilizing at 7.3±0.8g/dL in the fourth week. On the other hand, animals that died, although following the same response for TPP, showed no significant difference in Hct between collections, and showed a tendency for loss of BW in the last weeks of rehabilitation. The curves of BW and Hct during rehabilitation were considered a potential prognostic indicator of penguins in rehabilitation. Animals that arrived at the recovery centre with BW, Hct and TPP above 2.700g, 45% and 5.6 g / dL, respectively, have a greater chance of recovery, making these parameters crucial points in decision making regarding the treatment to be conducted during rehabilitation.

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 1236-1242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina D.E. Campos ◽  
Jeferson R. Pires ◽  
Cristiane L. Nascimento ◽  
Gustavo Dutra ◽  
Rodolpho A. Torres-Filho ◽  
...  

Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) routinely migrate from their breeding colonies to Southern Brazil often contracting diseases during this migration, notably avian malaria, which has been already reported in Brazil and throughout the world. Detection of Plasmodium spp. in blood smears is the routine diagnostic method of avian malaria, however it has a low sensitivity rate when compared to molecular methods. Considering the negative impact of avian malaria on penguins, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of Plasmodium spp. in Magellanic penguins using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and by verifying clinical, hematological, and biochemical alterations in blood samples as well as to verify the likely prognosis in response to infection. Blood samples were obtained from 75 penguins to determine packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity levels. Whole blood samples were used for PCR assays. Plasmodium spp. was detected in 32.0% of the specimens using PCR and in 29.3% using microscopic analyses. Anorexia, diarrhea and neurological disorders were more frequent in penguins with malaria and a significant weight difference between infected and non-infected penguins was detected. PCV and MCV rates showed no significant difference. RBC and WBC counts were lower in animals with avian malaria and leukopenia was present in some penguins. Basophil and lymphocyte counts were lower in infected penguins along with high monocyte counts. There was no significant difference in AST activities between infected and non-infected animals. There was a significant increase in uric acid values, however a decrease in albumin values was observed in infected penguins. Based on this study, we concluded that Plasmodium spp. occurs in Magellanic penguins of rehabilitation centers in Southeastern Brazil, compromising the weight of infected animals with clinical alterations appearing in severe cases of this disease. It was also noted that, although the hematological abnormalities presented by these animals may not have been conclusive, leukopenia, monocytosis and the decrease of basophils and lymphocytes revealed an unfavorable prognosis, and Plasmodium spp. infections may progress with elevated uric acid concentration and low albumin levels.


1999 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Yorio ◽  
Esteban Frere ◽  
Patricia Gandini ◽  
William Conway

SummaryWe present information on the current population status of seabirds that breed along the Patagonian coast obtained between 1993 and 1995. A total of 16 species, including two penguins, one petrel, five cormorants, three gulls, three terns and two skuas, breed along the 3,400-km coast from southern Buenos Aires (38°58'S) to Tierra del Fuego (54°50'S). Breeding seabirds are not as abundant in coastal Argentina as was previously thought. Eleven of the 16 species have less than 5,000 pairs. The most abundant seabird is the Magellanic PenguinSpheniscus magellanicuswith 964,000 pairs, an order of magnitude higher than all other species. As well as Magellanic Penguins, Kelp GullsLarus dominicanus, and Imperial CormorantsPhalacrocorax atricepsare relatively abundant and have a wide distribution. Other seabirds, such as Red-legged Cormorants P.gaimardi, Olrog's GullsL. atlanticus, and Dolphin Gulls L.scoresbii, have a highly restricted distribution or nest in small colonies at a few sites in Argentina. The Patagonian coast is one of the most pristine coastal ecosystems in the world and, thus far, few seabirds are seriously threatened. However, oil pollution and commercial fisheries are having a negative impact on some seabirds and some colonies have shown recent declines. Current threats and impacts, including pollution, fisheries, human disturbance, guano harvesting, and introduction of alien species are discussed. There are currently 34 protected coastal areas, although in many cases protection measures are not adequately enforced and some areas with high seabird diversity and abundance still lack legal and effective protection. Conservation actions and requirements, including direct actions, monitoring and research are suggested.


2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M. Coraiola ◽  
Cristiane K.M. Kolesnikovas ◽  
Ricardo Krul ◽  
Paulo R. Mangini ◽  
Rosangela Locatelli-Dittrich

Abstract: Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) usually arrive in poor body conditions at Brazilian beaches during the winter. Hematology provides valuable information about clinical and immunity status of the animals. The aims of this study were to determine the hematologic, total plasma protein (TPP) and fibrinogen profiles of young and adult magellanic penguins in PROAMAR and CETAS-SC, relating these results with the state of health and survival possibility of the animals. In Paraná 14 animals were evaluated in pre and eight in post-rehabilitation and 29 animals were evaluated in Santa Catarina after rehabilitation. Before rehabilitation, all animals showed weakness. In hematological exams of these animals, we found that anemia was present in 83% of the penguins that died and 50% of those which survived. The heterophils/lymphocytes (H/L) ratio was 3.87±0.57 in animals that died, significantly higher than the average of 2.20±0.30 for animals that survived. These two parameters are useful to assess the survival possibility of animals to rehabilitation. The body condition score was positively correlated with hematocrit and TPP, and negatively correlated with H/L ratio. After rehabilitation, the values were similar to other animals of the family Spheniscidae, with averages ranging from 1.64 to 1.90x106 erythrocytes/μL; 43.38 to 48.80% of hematocrit; 12.45 to 13.52g/dL of hemoglobin; 8,684 to 14,011 leukocytes/μL; 4,767 to 8,041 heterophils/μL; 3,215 to 4,951 lymphocytes/μL; 95 to 655 eosinophils/μl; 179.8 to 277.9 monocytes/μL; 141 to 184.9 basophils/μL; and 1.26 to 1.74 of H/L ratio. These parameters can therefore be used as reference values and release parameters for young and adult Magellanic penguins in captivity on the rehabilitation centers.


The Auk ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo García Borboroglu ◽  
Pablo Yorio ◽  
P. Dee Boersma ◽  
Héctor Del Valle ◽  
Marcelo Bertellotti

Abstract We evaluated distribution and size of Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) colonies in northern San Jorge Gulf, Argentina, characterizing nesting habitat at 14 islands with colonies (IC) and 28 islands without nesting penguins (INC). Digital analysis of a Landsat TM satellite image and field measurements were used to assess vegetation and substrate. The 14 breeding colonies ranged in size from 13 to 96,300 nests, and number of breeding pairs was estimated at 218,460. Colonies were only located on islands. Digital analysis of the satellite image showed that the proportion of area with shrub–steppe vegetation was significantly higher at IC than at INC (38.6 vs. 4.9%), whereas percentage of rocky substrate was lower at IC (33.6 vs. 64.8%). Percentage of vegetation cover was positively correlated with island area and with number of breeding pairs. Most nests (98.6%) were located under bushes, whereas the rest were burrows dug into the substrate. Mean size of bushes used for nesting was higher at IC (4.47 vs. 0.99 m2) as was the percentage of silt–clay substrate (47.31 vs. 1.98%). Coast minimum slopes at INC were steeper than the slopes of entrance routes at IC (27.6 vs. 5.7°). Probability of occupation of islands increased with amount of shrub-type vegetation cover and silt–clay substrate, and decreased with increasing slopes and amount of sandy substrate. Magellanic Penguins selected islands with shrub-type vegetation and soil that allow building nests with adequate cover. These results are consistent with other studies showing vegetation cover is an important nesting requirement for Magellanic Penguins.


1992 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Yorio ◽  
P. Dee Boersma

SummaryMagellanic Penguins Spheniscus magellanicus along the Patagonian coast, Argentina, are increasingly exposed to human activities, especially to a growing tourist industry. We quantified the effects of human visitation and disturbance on the behaviour and breeding of Magellanic Penguins. Nesting penguins differed in their response to human approach, allowing a significantly closer approach before responding with threat and defensive displays in the tourist area than in areas rarely visited by people. When approached during incubation, no penguins abandoned their nest. Breeding success and fledgling weights were similar in the tourist area and non-tourist areas. Magellanic Penguins appear to be tolerant of human visitation, and penguins breeding in the tourist area become accustomed to people walking among their nests. We suggest visitation may be compatible with penguin reproduction if visits are controlled.El Pingüino de Magallanes Spheniscus magellanicus de las costas patagónicas de la Argentina, esta expuesto a las crecientes actividades humanas, especialmente el aumento de la demanda turistica. Se han cuantificado los efectos de las visitas y molestias del hombre en el comportamiento y reproducción de la especie. Los pingüinos mostraron diferencias en su respuesta frent a la proximidad humana, permitiendo un acercamiento signifi-cativamente mayor antes de responder con actitudes defensivas en áreas frecuentadas por los turistas en comparicion con aquellas rara vez visitadas. La proximidad humana durante la época de incubación no supuso en ninguna ocasión el abandono de nidos. El éxito reproductive y los pesos de los jóvenes al abandonar el nido resultaron similares en a l zona turística y en la menos frecuentada. El Pingüino de Magallanes parece tolerar la presencia del hombre, y aquellos que nidifican en el área turistica se habitúan a los visitantes que caminan entre sus nidos. Sugerimos que las visitas pueden ser compatibles con la reproducción de la especie siempre y cuando las mismas estén controladas.


2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (10) ◽  
pp. 1829-1833 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Dubiec ◽  
Mariusz Cichoñ

Seasonal variation in offspring survival and recruitment rates in birds may be mediated by immune function, as it defines the ability of individuals to protect themselves against parasites and infectious diseases. To investigate the relationship between hatching date and health status of Great Tit (Parus major) nestlings, two blood parameters (leukocyte level and haematocrit) were estimated. Leukocyte level decreased as the season progressed within first but not second broods, while haematocrit showed no seasonal variation within either brood type. However, nestlings from first broods had both higher leukocyte levels and higher haematocrit than nestlings from second broods. Nestling body condition (defined as the residual of body mass on tarsus length calculated from linear regression) was not related to hatching date within brood type, while a significant difference between brood types was found. We suggest that the commonly observed decline in juvenile survival rate as the season progresses may be at least partly attributed to seasonal changes in health status.


2000 ◽  
Vol 39 (01) ◽  
pp. 10-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Müller ◽  
Ch. Reiners ◽  
A. Bockisch ◽  
Katja Brandt-Mainz

Summary Aim: Tumor scintigraphy with 201-TICI is an established diagnostic method in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer. We investigated the relationship between thyroglobulin (Tg) level and tumor detectability. Subject and methods: We analyzed the scans of 122 patients (66 patients with proven tumor). The patient population was divided into groups with Tg above (N = 33) and below (N = 33) 5 ng/ml under TSH suppression or above (N = 33) and below (N = 33) 50 ng/ml under TSH stimulation. Tumor detectability was compared by ROC-analysis (True-Positive-Fraction test, specificity 90%). Results: There was no significant difference (sensitivity 75% versus 64%; p = 0.55) for patients above and below 5 ng/ml under TSH suppression and a just significant difference (sensitivity 80% versus 58%; p = 0.04) for patients above and below 50 ng/ml under TSH stimulation. In 18 patients from our sample with tumor, Tg under TSH suppression was negative, but 201-TICI-scan was able to detect tumor in 12 patients. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate only a moderate dependence of tumor detectability on Tg level, probably without significant clinical relevance. Even in patients with slight Tg elevation 201-TICI scintigraphy is justified.


Author(s):  
Ma. Dulce C. Guillena

Gonado-somatic index and fecundity are tools for measuring the sexual maturity and ability of animals to reproduce.  This study investigates the reproduction of Trichiurus lepturus. Specifically, this aimed to determine the sex ratio, the GSI, the relationship between fecundity and total length, fecundity and total weight, fecundity and ovary weight. The Descriptive Method of research was used.  Percentage and chi-square was utilized in determining the percentage of occurrence and sex ratio respectively.   Pearson r Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation was used to determine the relationships of the parameters. The study revealed that females outnumbered males and the sex ratio for different month showed significant difference.  Spawning season was observed to occur in November and December as revealed in its GSI values and it synchronized with the full and new moon phases.  Fecundity is positively correlated with body weight, body size, and ovary weight where ovary weight is observed to be the best index for fecundity.  The results of this study could be used further for formal stock assessment of cutlassfish fishery.


Author(s):  
Janusz Kocjan ◽  
Andrzej Knapik

AbstractBackground: Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a process designed to restore full physical, psychological and social activity and to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Fear of movement may contribute to the occurrence and intensification of hypokinesia, and consequently affect the effectiveness of therapy. The aim of the study was to determine the level of barriers of physical activity in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. The relationship between selected determinants (age and health selfassessment) and the kinesiophobia level were also examined.Material/Methods: 115 people aged 40-84 years were examined: 50 females (x = 63.46; SD = 11.19) and 65 males (x = 64.65; SD = 10.59) - patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at the Upper-Silesian Medical Centre in Katowice. In the present study, the Polish version of questionnaires: Kinesiophobia Causes Scale (KCS) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used. Questionnaires were supplemented by authors’ short survey.Results: The patients presented an elevated level of kinesiophobia, both in general as well as in individual components. In women, the kinesiophobia level was higher than in men. The psychological domain was a greater barrier of physical activity than the biological one. Strong, negative correlations of psychological and biological domains of kinesiophobia to physical functioning (SF-36) were noted in women. In the case of men, correlations were weaker, but also statistically significant.Conclusions: 1. Sex differentiates patients in their kinesiophobia level 2. Poor self-assessment of health is associated with a greater intensification of kinesiophobia 3. A high level of kinesiophobia may negatively affect cardiac rehabilitation process


Agrometeoros ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronaldo Matzenauer ◽  
Bernadete Radin ◽  
Alberto Cargnelutti Filho

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a relação entre o fenômeno El Niño Oscilação Sul - ENOS e o rendimento de grãos de soja e de milho no Rio Grande do Sul e verificar a hipótese de que os eventos El Niño são favoráveis e os eventos La Niña são prejudiciais ao rendimento de grãos das culturas. Foram utilizados dados de rendimento de grãos dos anos agrícolas de 1974/75 a 2016/17, e relacionados com as ocorrências de eventos ENOS. Foram analisados os dados de rendimento observados na colheita e os dados estimados com a remoção da tendência tecnológica. Os resultados mostraram que não houve diferença significativa do rendimento médio de grãos de soja e de milho na comparação entre os eventos ENOS. Palavras-chave: El Niño, La Niña, safras agrícolas. Abstract – The objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon with the grain yield of soybean and maize in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil and to verify the hypothesis that the El Niño events are favorable and the La Niña events are harmful to the culture’s grain yields. Were used data from the agricultural years of 1974/75 to 2016/17, and related to the occurrence of ENOS events. We analyzed income data observed at harvest and estimated data with technological tendency was removed. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the average yield of soybeans and corn in the comparison between events.


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