Suffolk University

About: Suffolk University is a education organization based out in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Sugar beet. The organization has 6462 authors who have published 9321 publications receiving 235328 citations.

Contrasting effects of GPS device and harness attachment on adult survival of Lesser Black‐backed Gulls Larus fuscus and Great Skuas Stercorarius skua

Abstract: Telemetry has become an important method for studying the biology and ecology of animals. However, the impact of tracking devices and their method of attachment on different species across multiple temporal scales has seldom been assessed. We compared the behavioural and demographic responses of two species of seabird, Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus and Great Skua Stercorarius skua, to a GPS device attached using a crossover wing harness. We used telemetry information and monitoring of breeding colonies to compare birds equipped with a device and harness, and control birds without an attachment. We assessed whether tagged birds have lower short-term breeding productivity or lower longer term overwinter return rates (indicative of overwinter survival) than controls. For Great Skua, we also assessed whether territory attendance within the breeding season differed between tagged and control birds. As with previous studies on Lesser Black-backed Gull, we found no short-term impacts on breeding productivity or long-term impacts on overwinter return rates. For Great Skua, there was no evidence for impacts of the device and harness on territory attendance or breeding productivity. However, as found by a previous study of Great Skuas using a different (body) harness design, there was strong evidence of reduced overwinter return rates. Consequently, a device attached using a wing harness was considered suitable for long-term deployment on Lesser Black-backed Gulls, but not on Great Skuas. These findings will inform the planning of future tracking studies.

The Technique and Clinical Application of Endometrial Biopsy in the Mare

Abstract: SUMMARY The author describes a technique for obtaining endometrial biopsy specimens from mares, the normal cyclical histology of the endometrium and an arbitrary classification of the histopathology seen in endometrial biopsy specimens. Previous literature on the subject is cited. Results of endometrial biopsies taken by the author from 134 barren mares, with histories of subfertility are described and classified. The use of the technique and the interpretation of its findings in relation to reproductive performance is discussed. RESUME L'auteur decrit une technique de biopsie de l'endometre chez la jument. Puis indique les variations cycliques de l'endometre et donne une classification des lesions histologiques de l'endometre. La litterature sur ce sujet est indiquee. Les resultats de 134 biopsies de l'endometre pratiquees sur 134 juments vides avec des commemoratifs de sub fertilite sont analyses. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Der Autor beschreibt die Technik zur Entnahme von Endometrium-Biopsien bei Stuten, die normale Histologie des Endometriums in Abhangigkeit vom Cyclus und auch eine willkurliche Einteilung der histopathologischen Befunde. Die altere Literatur wird besprochen. Die bioptischen Resultate von 134 leeren Stuten mit Fruchtbarkeitsstorungen werden beschrieben und klassiert. Der Gebrauch der Methode und die Interpretation der Resultate in Beziehung zur Fruchtbarkeit werden diskutiert.

Reinforcing the native Otter Lutra lutra population in East Anglia: an analysis of the behaviour and range development of the first release group

Abstract: The British population of the Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra has shown a serious decline since 1957–1958. In England the surviving population is broken into small fragments which may not be viable. One way to strengthen the population to enable it to recover would be to insert breeding units into the gaps. A practical methodology using captive-bred Otters in groups of three is described. This was tested successfully in 1983–1985 in East Anglia, with the first two release groups now breeding. The male in the 1983 group was tracked using a radio harness to be sure of survival and to monitor behaviour and use the environment. Data were obtained on die development of a home range in the new environment. Also, useful information was gathered on swimming and hunting speeds, time of emergence, distance travelled each night, activity periods and time spent in each habitat. This behaviour is compared to that of previously tracked wild Otters in Scotland. The very close similarity of many features is encouraging and results may be taken as indicative of the behaviour of wild Otters in lowland Britain.

What is the likelihood that Thoroughbred foals treated for septic arthritis will race

Abstract: Summary Reasons for performing study: Septic arthritis is a serious problem in the neonate, with a poor prognosis being reported for recovery. The impact of neonatal septic arthritis on the likelihood that Thoroughbred (TB) foals will start on a racecourse is not known. Hypothesis: The development of septic arthritis in a TB foal significantly reduces the likelihood that it will race when compared to foals from the same dam. Methods: Medical records of 69 foals treated for septic arthritis were reviewed. The dam's foaling records were reviewed and lifetime racing records were then retrieved for both the affected foals and at least one of their siblings (controls). Outcomes that were statistically evaluated included discharge from the hospital and whether the foal eventually raced. Univariate analyses of categorical variables were conducted for each outcome. The number of affected and unaffected foals that raced at least once were compared using regression analysis. Survival analysis was used to compare age at first race between the study and comparison groups. Results: Foals with septic arthritis were less likely to start on a racecourse compared to controls (odds ratio [OR] 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-0.62, P = 0.001), while those foals that were discharged from the hospital were also less likely to start on a racecourse compared to controls (OR 0.36; CI 0.15–0.83, P = 0.008). The presence of multisystem disease was associated with a decreased likelihood of surviving to be discharged (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.02-0.90; P = 0.005), but did not affect the likelihood that they would start in at least one race if discharged successfully (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.04-2.81; P = 0.34) compared to the other foals with septic arthritis. Log-rank comparison of survival curves confirmed that foals discharged following treatment for septic arthritis took significantly longer to start in their first race compared to the sibling population (mean age of study group 1757 days, CI 1604-1909; mean age of sibling group 1273 days, CI 1197-1349; P = 0.0006). Conclusions: The development of septic arthritis in a TB foal significantly reduces the likelihood that it will start on a racecourse when compared to controls. Potential relevance: Accurate figures allowing a realistic assessment of the athletic future of a foal following treatment for septic arthritis are of significance for both owner and treating veterinarian.