Habitat differentiation between groups of Risso's dolphins as evidence of coastal nursery areas

26th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society, Galway, Ireland 26-28 March 2012.Previous studies have shown strong site fidelity by Risso's dolphins at a site off Pico Island, Azores. Females with calves tend to be seen together, often with newborn calves. In this study we analyse position and photo-identification data gathered on ocean surveys from 2004 to 2007 to look at the distribution of females with calves of different ages (newborns to 6 months old, 6 months to 2 years and 2 to 4 years) and compare it with pods with no calves present. The association of the different groups with selected ecogeographical variables was tested, and a maximum entropy model was used to create habitat suitability maps, using a 50mx50m grid. The female pods with younger calves were found to have a significantly distinct distribution from those with older calves or without calves. The main difference was that the pods with younger calves tended to be found closer to the shore, whereas the other groups used a wider offshore area. More extensive sampling is required in order to validate the existence and geographical distribution of coastal nursery areas for this species. However, we believe the present data is enough to elicit precautionary conservation measures to reduce human impact on a vulnerable part of the dolphin society, such as that associated with boat traffic, whale watching and swimming with dolphins operations

Show me your body and I tell you how hold you are: a non-invasive methodto define 6 life history-classes in Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), using an identified trial population in the Atlantic

European Cetacean Society Conference Workshop, Galway, Ireland, 25th March 2012."[…]. The objective of this paper is to present a new non-intrusive and inexpensive method to classify six life history stages in Risso's dolphins: from newborn calf to old-adult. We propose an age-class indicator model using the scarification patterns and the species unique discoloration process. We developed two methods and tested these among 52 rankers to examine if our proposed methods could be applied by anybody and if they would conform with our age class model. We also investigated the possible differences in the scarification patterns between genders. We used a longterm followed identified population of Risso's dolphins in the Azores to set up our test methods and report our present results.

Behavioural responses of Risso’s dolphin, Grampus griseus, to remote biopsy sampling

25th Conference of the European Cetacean Society. Long-terms datasets on marine mammals: learning from the past to manage the future, Cadiz, Spain, 21-23 March 2011.Biopsy sampling from free-ranging cetaceans is a widespread method used in various biological studies. Since this is an intrusive research technique, it’s important to determine its impact. We examined the short-term behavioural reactions of Risso’s dolphins, Grampus griseus (2.6-4m in length), off Pico Island, to remote biopsy sampling. Biopsies were conducted over a consecutive two year period using a crossbow with Finn Larsen bolts and tips. Sampling followed a number of precautionary rules, including taking samples only in calm seas, when animals were travelling; no more than 1-4 shots per group; and females with nursing calves were not exposed to sampling. Behavioural responses were analysed by visual observation using two scales of behavioural reactions: i) the reaction of the targeted individual, and ii) the reaction of the focal group to which the targeted individual belonged. We defined five categories of intensity of behavioural response (none, low, medium, high, very high) and five types of display response (quick dive, QD; diving & leaving, D&L; jumping, J; tail slapping, TS; and speeding away at surface, SS). A total of 189 shots were made (115 hits, 74 miss) during 61 survey days. Tissue was obtained in 83% of the hits. No significant differences were found between hits and misses in behavioural responses or types of display (Kruskal Wallis test). In 9% of the cases there was no visible reaction, while most (48%) behavioural responses were of low intensity. The frequencies of the display responses differed significantly from each other (chi-squared test). The types QD and D&L constituted 79% of the responses. Group reaction was observed during 1/5 of the shots, (main behaviour D&L-51%). Although biopsy sampling is an invasive method, our results indicate that if basic precaution rules are followed low intensity behavioural responses can be expected for half of the time

Risso's dolphins alter daily resting pattern in response to whale watching at the Azores

Peer reviewedPreprin

Data analysis model selection for estimating local population size of the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) in the Azores

27th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society. Setúbal, Portugal, 8-10 April 2013.Different models estimating cetacean population size require making assumptions about the marking and recapturing of individuals, and on the structure of the population. Crucial in selecting the most appropriate model is a critical assessment of these assumptions. In this study we applied the robust parameterization of the open Jolly-Seber (JS) model (POPAN), using the software program MARK. This model was applied to data collected on the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus). Between 2004 – 2007, photo-identification was used as a Capture-Mark-Recapture technique to identify 670 unique individuals off Pico Island, Azores. For this model, it was assessed what assumptions are supported or violated. The aim of this study was improving our understanding of how to select the most appropriate population size model

¿Hogar dulce hogar? Amplios rangos de desplazamiento de delfínidos residentes y socialmente estables (Globicephala macrorhynchus)

Los patrones de movimiento de las poblaciones de delfínidos son generalmente limitados en el espacio, con la excepción de la orca (Orcinus orca). Además, la información sobre las grandes migraciones de estos animales es limitada en relación con la estructura social, estatus de residencia o el propósito de la migración. En el presente trabajo, la comparación de catálogos de fotoidentificación de calderón tropical (Globicephala macrorhynchus) de Madeira y Azores mostró que cinco animales adultos han realizado un viaje de ida y vuelta, de no menos de 2000 km. Estos delfínidos pertenecen a un grupo residente en Madeira, tienen una fidelidad de larga duración y fueron fotografiados en Azores durante una parada aparente, de al menos 10 días, seguramente para la cría y alimentación. El análisis de los patrones de asociación de estos individuos muestra que fueron registrados juntos en múltiples ocasiones durante todo el periodo de estudio, sugiriendo que son miembros de una unidad cohesionada. Estos descubrimientos amplían nuestro entendimiento sobre el rango de distribución y movimiento de estos animales y sugieren cautela al establecer los estatus de residencia de los delfínidos.Movement patterns of delphinid populations are generally known to occur within specific geographical areas; with the exception of the killer whale (Orcinus orca). Additionally, knowledge of wide-ranging migrations in these animals are mainly attributed to individual records with limited information on their social structure, residency status or purpose of migration. Here, a comparison of photographic-identification catalogues of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) from the two most isolated archipelagos of the North Atlantic (Madeira and Azores) shows that five well-marked adult animals have made a round-trip movement, of no less than 2000 km. These delphinids belong to the main resident pod in Madeira, where they present long-term site fidelity and were photographed in the Azores during an apparent stop (of at least 10 days), most likely for breeding or feeding purposes. The analysis of the association patterns of these individuals shows that they were sighted together on multiple occasions during the entire study period, suggesting that they are members of a cohesive unit. These findings broaden our understanding on these animals’ home ranges and suggest caution when establishing residency status in delphinids

A prospective safety and feasibility study of metered cryospray for patients with chronic bronchitis in COPD

BACKGROUND: No currently approved intervention counteracts airway metaplasia and mucus hypersecretion of Chronic Bronchitis (CB) in COPD. Metered Cryospray (MCS) delivering liquid nitrogen (LN2) to the tracheobronchial airways ablates abnormal epithelium and facilitates healthy mucosal regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of MCS in CB. METHODS: Patients with a FEV1, 30-80% of expected, taking optimal medication were recruited. Primary outcomes: feasibility - completion of treatments; efficacy - 3-month change in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ); safety - incidence of adverse events (AEs). SECONDARY OUTCOMES: lung function, exercise capacity, additional patient-reported outcomes (PROs). RESULTS: 35 patients, 19 male/16 female, aged 47-76 years, GOLD grade I (3), II (10) and III (22), underwent staggered LN2 treatments to the tracheobronchial tree.34 patients completed three treatments, each lasting 34·3±12·1 min, separated by 4-6 weeks: one withdrew after the first treatment. Approximately 1800 doses of MCS were delivered.Clinically meaningful improvements in PROs were observed at 3-months; ΔSGRQ -6·4 [95% CI -11.4, -1.3; p=0·01], COPD Assessment Test (CAT) -3·8 [95% CI -6.4, -1.3; p<0·01] and Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) 21·6 [95% CI 7.3, 35.9; p<0·01]. CAT changes were durable to 6-months (-3·4 [95% CI -5.9, -0.9; p=0·01]), SGRQ and LCQ to 9-months (-6·9 [95% CI -13.0, -0.9; p=0·03] and 13·4 [95% 2.1, 24.6; p=0·02], respectively).At 12-months, 14 serious AEs were recorded in 11 (31·4%) subjects, 6 moderate (43%) and 8 severe (57%). 9 were respiratory-related: 6 exacerbations of COPD, 2 pneumonias, and 1, increased coughing, recovered without sequelae. None were serious device or procedure-related AEs. CONCLUSION: MCS is safe, feasible and associated with clinically meaningful improvements in multidimensional PROs

Identifying Responders and Exploring Mechanisms of Action of the Endobronchial Coil Treatment for Emphysema

Background: So far, 3 randomized controlled trials have shown that the endobronchial treatment using coils is safe and effective. However, the more exact underlying mechanism of the treatment and best predictors of response are unknown. Objectives: The aim of the study was to gain more knowledge about the underlying physiological mechanism of the lung volume reduction coil treatment and to identify potential predictors of response to this treatment. Methods: This was a prospective nonrandomized single-center study which included patients who were bilaterally treated with coils. Patients underwent an extensive number of physical tests at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Results: Twenty-four patients (29% male, mean age 62 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] 26% pred, residual volume (RV) 231% pred) were included. Three months after treatment, significant improvements were found in spirometry, static hyperinflation, air trapping, airway resistance, treated lobe RV and treated lobes air trapping measured on CT scan, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The change in RV and airway resistance was significantly associated with a change in FEV1, forced vital capacity, air trapping, maximal expiratory pressure, dynamic compliance, and dynamic hyperinflation. Predictors of treatment response at baseline were a higher RV, larger air trapping, higher emphysema score in the treated lobes, and a lower physical activity level. Conclusions: Our results confirm that emphysema patients benefit from endobronchial coil treatment. The primary mechanism of action is decreasing static hyperinflation with improvement of airway resistance which consequently changes dynamic lung mechanics. However, the right patient population needs to be selected for the treatment to be beneficial which should include patients with severe lung hyperinflation, severe air trapping, and significant emphysema in target lobes

Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Coil Treatment for Severe Emphysema:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data

BACKGROUND: Lung volume reduction coil (LVR-coil) treatment provides a minimally invasive treatment option for severe emphysema patients which has been studied in multiple clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of LVR-coil treatment on pulmonary function, quality of life, and exercise capacity using individual participant data. METHOD: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched until May 17, 2021. Prospective single-arm and randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of LVR-coil treatment on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), residual volume (RV), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score, and/or 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and were registered in an official clinical trial database were eligible for inclusion. Individual patient data were requested, and a linear mixed effects model was used to calculate overall treatment effects. RESULTS: Eight trials were included in the final analysis, representing 680 individual patients. LVR-coil treatment resulted in a significant improvement in FEV1 at 3- (0.09 L [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.06-0.12]) and 6-month follow-up (0.07 L [95% CI: 0.03-0.10]), a significant reduction in RV at 3- (-0.45L [95% CI: -0.62 to -0.28]), 6- (-0.33L [95% CI: -0.52 to -0.14]), and 12-month follow-up (-0.36L [95% CI: -0.64 to -0.08]), a significant reduction in SGRQ total score at 3- (-12.3 points [95% CI: -15.8 to -8.8]), 6- (-10.1 points [95% CI: -12.8 to -7.3]), and 12-month follow-up (-9.8 points [95% CI: -15.0 to -4.7]) and a significant increase in 6MWD at 3-month follow-up (38 m [95% CI: 18-58]). CONCLUSIONS: LVR-coil treatment in emphysema patients results in sustained improvements in pulmonary function and quality of life and shorter lived improvements in exercise capacity. Since the owner of this LVR-coil has decided to stop the production and newer generations LVR-coils are currently being developed, these results can act as a reference for future studies and clinical guidance