Estimating the mortality rate of humpback whale calves in the central North Pacific Ocean

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M Gabriele ◽  
Janice M Straley ◽  
Sally A Mizroch ◽  
C Scott Baker ◽  
Alison S Craig ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
North Pacific Ocean ◽  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
First Year ◽  
Robust Estimate ◽  
Calf Mortality

Sighting histories of individually identified female humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in their winter and summer ranges were used to investigate mortality of North Pacific humpback whale calves. We compiled records collected between 1979 and 1995 by eight independent research groups, which yielded 29 cases where 25 different mothers sighted in Hawai'i were identified later the same year in Alaska. In 7 of 29 cases, a calf sighted with its mother in Hawai'i was missing from its mother's Alaska sighting(s). After investigating many factors, we determined that the largest potential bias would occur in late-autumn observations, when calf absences might indicate weaning or temporary mother–calf separation rather than calf mortality. Our minimal and most robust estimate excluded all mortalities and survivals based on sightings of the mother after October 31; 3 of 20 cases or 0.150 (95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.032, 0.378). The maximal calf mortality rate, derived from all the available data, was 7 of 29 cases or 0.241 (95% CI = 0.103, 0.434). An intermediate estimate that excluded all cases based on single Alaska sightings and omitted late-season sightings (2 of 11 cases or 0.182; 95% CI = 0.023, 0.518) is perhaps closest to the actual first-year mortality rate for humpback whale calves, although it is compromised by its small sample size. Our results demonstrate both the value and the limitations of using longitudinal data to determine the life-history parameters that are essential for documenting the recovery of endangered populations.

scholarly journals More of the same: allopatric humpback whale populations share acoustic repertoire

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle E.H. Fournet ◽  
Lauren Jacobsen ◽  
Christine M. Gabriele ◽  
David K. Mellinger ◽  
Holger Klinck
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
North Atlantic Ocean ◽  
North Pacific Ocean ◽  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Massachusetts Bay ◽  
Baleen Whale ◽  
Southeast Alaska ◽  
Allopatric Populations ◽  
Strong Contrast

Background Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are a widespread, vocal baleen whale best known for producing song, a complex, repetitive, geographically distinct acoustic signal sung by males, predominantly in a breeding context. Humpback whales worldwide also produce non-song vocalizations (“calls”) throughout their migratory range, some of which are stable across generations. Methods We looked for evidence that temporally stable call types are shared by two allopatric humpback whale populations while on their northern hemisphere foraging grounds in order to test the hypothesis that some calls, in strong contrast to song, are innate within the humpback whale acoustic repertoire. Results Despite being geographically and genetically distinct populations, humpback whales in Southeast Alaska (North Pacific Ocean) share at least five call types with conspecifics in Massachusetts Bay (North Atlantic Ocean). Discussion This study is the first to identify call types shared by allopatric populations, and provides evidence that some call types may be innate.

scholarly journals Pharmacogenetic Tests in Reducing Accesses to Emergency Services and Days of Hospitalization in Bipolar Disorder: A 2-Year Mirror Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilla Callegari ◽  
Celeste Isella ◽  
Ivano Caselli ◽  
Nicola Poloni ◽  
Marta Ielmini
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Cost Saving ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Economic Value ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Related Group

Despite the enormous costs associated to mood disorders’, few studies evaluate potential cost saving from the use of pharmacogenetic tests (PGT). This study compares 12 months before the execution of the PGT versus 12 months after, in terms of number and days of hospitalization and accesses to emergency services, in a sample of 30 patients affected by bipolar disorder. Secondarily, the study gives an economic value to the data based on the diagnosis-related group (DRG). Patients included in the study were required to be aged ≥18 years, sign an informed consent, have a score of Clinical Global Impression item Severity (CGIs) ≥3, and have a discordant therapy compared to the PGT in the 12 months preceding it and a therapy consistent with it for the following 12 months. Cost saving has been evaluated by paired t-tests in a mirror analysis. Statistically significant differences in all the comparisons (p < 0.0001) emerged. Important cost saving emerged after the use of PGT (€148,920 the first year versus €39,048 the following year). Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group in this study, the potential role of PGT in cost saving for the treatment of bipolar disorder treatment emerged. To confirm this result, larger and clinical trials are needed.

Multiple visits of individual humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) between the Hawaiian and Japanese winter grounds

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 504-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan R Salden ◽  
Louis M Herman ◽  
Manami Yamaguchi ◽  
Fumihiko Sato
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variability ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Humpback Whale ◽  
Megaptera Novaeangliae ◽  
Humpback Whales ◽  
Winter Ground ◽  
The Third ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Published Report

We document through photographic identifications three humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) winter ground interchanges between Hawai'i and Japan. Two of these whales, identified as male by their behavioral roles, made multiple interchanges across years; i.e., they were initially seen in Hawai'i, were later observed in Japan, and subsequently, returned to Hawai'i. The third whale was seen in only 2 different years, once in Japan and then in Hawai'i. Prior to this report, there has been only one published report of a Hawai'i-Japan interchange and only eight between Hawai'i and Mexico. None of these involved multiple interchanges. The current findings demonstrate that individual whales may be highly flexible in their annual choice of widely separated winter destinations and suggest that these wanderers may be mainly males. The occurrence of wanderers provides a mechanism for increasing genetic variability in the breeding populations and also suggests a mechanism for noted song similarities across different North Pacific winter grounds.

Maiasaura, a model organism for extinct vertebrate population biology: a large sample statistical assessment of growth dynamics and survivorship

Paleobiology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holly N. Woodward ◽  
Elizabeth A. Freedman Fowler ◽  
James O. Farlow ◽  
John R. Horner
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Population Biology ◽  
Skeletal Maturity ◽  
Model Organism ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Peak Performance ◽  
First Year ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
Fossil Records

AbstractFossil bone microanalyses reveal the ontogenetic histories of extinct tetrapods, but incomplete fossil records often result in small sample sets lacking statistical strength. In contrast, a histological sample of 50 tibiae of the hadrosaurid dinosaurMaiasaura peeblesorumallows predictions of annual growth and ecological interpretations based on more histologic data than any previous large sample study. Tibia length correlates well (R2>0.9) with diaphyseal circumference, cortical area, and bone wall thickness, thereby allowing longitudinal predictions of annual body size increases based on growth mark circumference measurements. With an avian level apposition rate of 86.4 μm/day,Maiasauraachieved over half of asymptotic tibia diaphyseal circumference within its first year. Mortality rate for the first year was 89.9% but a seven year period of peak performance followed, when survivorship (mean mortality rate=12.7%) was highest. During the third year of life,Maiasauraattained 36% (x=1260 kg) of asymptotic body mass, growth rate was decelerating (18.2 μm/day), cortical vascular orientation changed, and mortality rate briefly increased. These transitions may indicate onset of sexual maturity and corresponding reallocation of resources to reproduction. Skeletal maturity and senescence occurred after 8 years, at which point the mean mortality rate increased to 44.4%. Compared withAlligator, an extant relative,Maiasauraexhibits rapid cortical increase early in ontogeny, whileAlligatorcortical growth is much lower and protracted throughout ontogeny. Our life history synthesis ofMaiasaurautilizes the largest histological sample size for any extinct tetrapod species thus far, demonstrating how large sample microanalyses strengthen paleobiological interpretations.

scholarly journals Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia in Patients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surbhi Warrior ◽  
Elizabeth Behrens ◽  
Sefer Gezer ◽  
Parameswaran Venugopal ◽  
Shivi Jain
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
General Population ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Platelet Factor 4 ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Platelet Factor ◽  
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ◽  
Confirmatory Testing ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Acute respiratory and renal failure as well as systemic coagulopathy are critical aspects of the morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT) occurs when IgG antibodies form against platelet factor 4-Heparin complex, resulting in platelet activation and removal, leading to a prothrombotic state. Studies have shown that only 6% who are investigated serologically for HIT actually have the diagnosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all COVID-19 positive patients hospitalized between March and June 2020. Patients with suspicion for HIT were tested for HIT antibodies with IgG-specific platelet factor 4(PF4)-dependent enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Confirmatory testing with serotonin release assay (SRA) and heparin-induced platelet aggregation were used in cases with intermediate or low optical density (OD) with EIA positivity (EIA+). Due to rarity of disease, a through literature review on HIT in COVID-19 patients was also analyzed. Results Incidence of EIA + in COVID-19 patients was 0.6%, significantly higher than in the general population 0.2% (p < 0.0001). The incidence of thromboembolic events in EIA + patients was 87.5%, significantly higher than the rate of 10.90% in all COVID-19 patients (p < 0.0001). The mortality rate in EIA + patients was 50%, significantly greater than the mortality rate of 12% in all hospitalized COVID-19 patients (p = 0.0011). Serological confirmation of HIT diagnosis was 37.5% which is significantly higher than confirmation of HIT in nonCOVID-19 patients 6% (p < 0.0001). Of 39 HIT antibody positive patients in the literature, 23.07% had positive confirmatory testing (6 SRA, 3 HIPAA) which is significantly higher than 5.6% in the general population (p = 0.00001). The incidence of thrombosis in EIA + COVID-19 patients in the literature was 56.4% which is significantly higher than reported rates of thrombotic events in in all COVID-19 patients in the literature at 4.8%1 (p = 0.00001). Conclusion Our study indicates incidence of HIT is higher in the COVID-19 population. This can be attributed to the cytokine storm and severe sepsis seen in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Our study also suggests that development of HIT can contribute to increased risk for thromboembolic events as well as mortality of COVID-19 patients, however, our study is limited due to small sample size.

516 Mortality from Inhalation Injury in Oxygen Dependent Patients Exceeds Prediction from Prognostic Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S95-S96
Author(s):  
Kathleen Singer ◽  
Jalen Harvey ◽  
Elizabeth Dale
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Average Length Of Stay ◽  
Risk Of Mortality ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Abstract Introduction The Boston Criteria and the Abbreviated Burn Severity Index (ABSI) are two widely accepted models for predicting mortality in burn patients. We aimed to elucidate whether these models are able to accurately predict risk of mortality in patients who sustain burns while smoking on home oxygen given their overall clinical fragility. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 48 patients admitted to our burn center from November 2013 to September 2017 who sustained a burn while smoking on home oxygen. Yearlong mortality was the primary outcome of the investigation; secondary outcomes included discharge to facility, length of stay, and need for tracheostomy. We then calculated the expected mortality rate for each patient based on Boston Criteria and ABSI, respectively, and compared the mortality rate observed in our cohort. Results Patients in our cohort suffered a 54% mortality rate within a year of injury, compared to a 23.5% mortality predicted by Boston Criteria, which was found to be statistically significant by chi-square analysis (p &lt; 0.05). ABSI predicted mortality was 19.7%. While the absolute value of difference in mortality was greater, this was not found to be significant on chi-square analysis due to the small sample size. Our secondary outcomes revealed 42% discharge to facility, average length of stay of 6.2 days, and 6.25% required tracheostomy. Patients in our cohort suffered a 54% mortality rate within a year of injury, compared to a 23.5% mortality predicted by Boston Criteria, which was found to be statistically significant by chi-square analysis (p &lt; 0.05). ABSI predicted mortality was 19.7%. While the absolute value of difference in mortality was greater, this was not found to be significant on chi-square analysis due to the small sample size. Our secondary outcomes revealed 42% discharge to facility, average length of stay of 6.2 days, and 6.25% required tracheostomy. Conclusions Patients whose burns are attributable to smoking on home oxygen may have an increased risk of mortality than prognostication models, such as the Boston Criteria and ABSI, may suggest. This bears significant clinical impact, particularly regarding family and provider decision-making in pursuing aggressive management. Applicability of Research to Practice This data indicates that these injuries are direr than expected, which may have significant impact on family and provider decision-making.

scholarly journals Population genetic diversity and historical dynamics of Fraser’s dolphins Lagenodelphis hosei

2020 ◽  
Vol 643 ◽  
pp. 183-195
Author(s):  
I Chen ◽  
S Nishida ◽  
LS Chou ◽  
T Isobe ◽  
AA Mignucci-Giannoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Pacific ◽  
Population Genetic ◽  
North Pacific Ocean ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Population Genetic Study ◽  
Sea Levels ◽  
Mobile Species ◽  
The North ◽  
Lagenodelphis Hosei

Marine organisms face relatively few barriers to gene flow, and yet even highly mobile species such as dolphins often show population structure over regional geographic scales. Understanding the processes that promote this pattern of differentiation helps us understand the evolutionary radiation of this group, and to promote more effective measures for conservation. Here we report the first population genetic study of Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei (Fraser, 1956), a species that was not recognized by the scientific communities until the early 1970s. We use 18 microsatellite DNA loci and 1 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) locus to compare 112 Fraser’s dolphins collected in various locations, mainly from the waters off Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, but also including samples from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Our results indicate differentiation between populations in waters off Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and support the findings from earlier morphological assessments for differentiation between Japanese and Philippine waters. Small sample sets also show likely differentiation between other regions in the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans. Moreover, neutrality tests and mismatch analysis based on mtDNA data indicate that the populations in the western North Pacific Ocean have expanded demographically and spatially, possibly since the latest global deglaciation, when sea levels and global temperatures started to rise.

scholarly journals Retrospective study of prognostic factors in pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e2941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan-Chang Chiu ◽  
Hsin Chi ◽  
Chun-Chih Peng ◽  
Hung-Yang Chang ◽  
Daniel Tsung-Ning Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Significant Prognostic Factor

Streptococcus pneumoniaeremains the leading causative pathogen in pediatric pneumonia and bacteremia throughout the world. The invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is known as isolation ofS. pneumoniaefrom a normally sterile site (e.g., blood, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pericardial fluid, pleural fluid, or peritoneal fluid). The aim of this study is to survey the clinical manifestations and laboratory results of IPD and identify the prognostic factors of mortality. From January 2001 to December 2006, a retrospective review of chart was performed in a teaching hospital in Taipei. The hospitalized pediatric patients with the diagnosis of pneumonia, arthritis, infectious endocarditis, meningitis or sepsis were recruited. Among them, 50 patients were pneumococcal infections proved by positive culture results or antigen tests. Clinical manifestations, laboratory data and hospitalization courses were analyzed. The median age was 3.5-year-old and there were 30 male patients (60%). Eight patients (16%) had underlying disease such as leukemia or congenital heart disease. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) was observed in ten patients and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was performed in three patients. Leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein and AST level were noted in most of the patients. The overall mortality rate was 10%. We found that leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and high CRP level were significant predictors for mortality. In conclusion,S. pneumoniaeremains an important health threat worldwide and IPD is life-threatening with high mortality rate. We found leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and high CRP levels to be associated with mortality in pediatric IPD, and these factors are worthy of special attention at admission. Although we failed to identify a statistically significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis due to relatively small sample size, we suggest an aggressive antibiotic treatment in patients with these factors at admission. Further large-scale studies are warranted.

scholarly journals THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF SANTA GERTRUDIS BEEF CATTLE IMPORTED INTO NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 81-87
Author(s):  
D. V. Uza
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Pregnancy Rate ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Adult Mortality ◽  
First Year ◽  
Indigenous Cattle ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Cattle Industry ◽  
Calf Mortality

An analysis of some reproductive perfor­mance traits was carried out for the period 1983 to 1985, in a herd of 168 Santa Gertrudis beef cattle imported from Okla­homa, U.S.A. in 1981 into lkyogen cattle ranch in Nigeria. Three calf crops were obtained during the period. Mean pregnancy rate and calving percentage were 63.24 and 55.72% respectively; with pregnancy rate increasing from 54.23 to 70,41% while calving percentage increased from 48.42 to 61.11% during the period. Mean calf mortality rate of 40.83% was high and increased from 36.34 to 45.15%. Mean adult mortality rate was 5.68% of which 16.99% was recorded in the first year of introduction but this declined sharply to 0O2% in the next two years. Mean weaning rate was 50.08% and this declined from 55.71 to 44.32% during the period under study. Mean birth weight, weaning weight and calving interval were 27.8 t 0.29 kg, 174 ± 4.6kg and 451 days respectively It was concluded that with the exception of weaning weight, the reproductive traits of the imported Santta Gertrudis cattle reported in this study were not superior to those of the predominant indigenous cattle breeds of Nigeria. The implications of these results in the beef cattle industry of Nigeria are discussed.

High school-university disconnect: a complex issue in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 851-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Lai Yee Terpstra-Tong ◽  
Adlina Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
High Schools ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
University Education ◽  
National Study ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
First Year ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the major transition issues experienced by first-year students in Malaysia. In so doing, the authors compare the findings to those drawn from western contexts. Design/methodology/approach This study applied a focus group method, conducting seven focus groups with a total of 35 business students. Findings This study identified five skills that are central to quick adaptation to university learning: independent learning, research, time management, English and critical thinking. Unlike findings in the western literature, the findings of this study do not indicate social aspect as a major adjustment issue. Research limitations/implications The generalisability of the findings is limited due to the study’s small sample size. To overcome this, future researchers should consider a national study using a survey-based research method. To test whether students in a relationship-based culture are less prone to challenges related to social aspects in their transitions into university, cross-national or cross-cultural studies are needed. Practical implications The study’s findings point to the need for Malaysia’s universities to strengthen their transition programmes, and proactively form closer relationships with high schools to help their students identify suitable courses and develop their curricula. Originality/value This study highlights the inadequacy of private education in bridging the gap between high schools and private university education in Malaysia. As most first-year-experience studies have used western samples, this study provides much needed data addressing the development of higher education and its relationship with the school systems of developing countries.

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