Carnivore Translocations and Conservation: Insights from Population Models and Field Data for Fishers (Martes pennanti)

Translocations are frequently used to restore extirpated carnivore populations. Understanding the factors that influence translocation success is important because carnivore translocations can be time consuming, expensive, and controversial. Using population viability software, we modeled reintroductions of the fisher, a candidate for endangered or threatened status in the Pacific states of the US. Our model predicts that the most important factor influencing successful re-establishment of a fisher population is the number of adult females reintroduced (provided some males are also released). Data from 38 translocations of fishers in North America, including 30 reintroductions, 5 augmentations and 3 introductions, show that the number of females released was, indeed, a good predictor of success but that the number of males released, geographic region and proximity of the source population to the release site were also important predictors. The contradiction between model and data regarding males may relate to the assumption in the model that all males are equally good breeders. We hypothesize that many males may need to be released to insure a sufficient number of good breeders are included, probably large males. Seventy-seven percent of reintroductions with known outcomes (success or failure) succeeded; all 5 augmentations succeeded; but none of the 3 introductions succeeded. Reintroductions were instrumental in reestablishing fisher populations within their historical range and expanding the range from its most-contracted state (43% of the historical range) to its current state (68% of the historical range). To increase the likelihood of translocation success, we recommend that managers: 1) release as many fishers as possible, 2) release more females than males (55–60% females) when possible, 3) release as many adults as possible, especially large males, 4) release fishers from a nearby source population, 5) conduct a formal feasibility assessment, and 6) develop a comprehensive implementation plan that includes an active monitoring program

Social exclusion of older persons: a scoping review and conceptual framework

As a concept, social exclusion has considerable potential to explain and respond to disadvantage in later life. However, in the context of ageing populations, the construct remains ambiguous. A disjointed evidence-base, spread across disparate disciplines, compounds the challenge of developing a coherent understanding of exclusion in older age. This article addresses this research deficit by presenting the findings of a two-stage scoping review encompassing seven separate reviews of the international literature pertaining to old-age social exclusion. Stage one involved a review of conceptual frameworks on old-age exclusion, identifying conceptual understandings and key domains of later-life exclusion. Stage two involved scoping reviews on each domain (six in all). Stage one identified six conceptual frameworks on old-age exclusion and six common domains across these frameworks: neighbourhood and community; services, amenities and mobility; social relations; material and financial resources; socio-cultural aspects; and civic participation. International literature concentrated on the first four domains, but indicated a general lack of research knowledge and of theoretical development. Drawing on all seven scoping reviews and a knowledge synthesis, the article presents a new definition and conceptual framework relating to old-age exclusion

Bleeding-related admissions in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving antithrombotic therapy: results from the Tasmanian Atrial Fibrillation

Purpose: Limited data are available from the Australian settingregarding bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)receiving antithrombotic therapy. We aimed to investigate theincidence of hospital admissions due to bleeding and factorsassociated with bleeding in patients with AF who receivedantithrombotic therapy.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involvingall patients with AF admitted to the Royal HobartHospital, Tasmania, Australia, between January 2011 andJuly 2015. Bleeding rates were calculated per 100 patientyears(PY) of follow-up, and multivariable modelling wasused to identify predictors of bleeding.Results: Of 2202 patients receiving antithrombotic therapy,113 presented to the hospital with a major or minor bleedingevent. These patients were older, had higher stroke and bleedingrisk scores and were more often treated with warfarin andmultiple antithrombotic therapies than patients who did notexperience bleeding. The combined incidence of major andminor bleeding was significantly higher in warfarin- versusdirect-acting oral anticoagulants (DOAC)- and antiplatelettreatedpatients (4.1 vs 3.0 vs 1.2 per 100 PY, respectively;p = 0.002). Similarly, the rate of major bleeding was higher inpatients who received warfarin than in the DOAC and antiplateletcohorts (2.4 vs 0.4 vs 0.6 per 100 PY, respectively;p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, increasing age, priorbleeding, warfarin and multiple antithrombotic therapies wereindependently associated with bleeding.Conclusion: The overall rate of bleeding in this cohort waslow relative to similar observational studies. The rate of majorbleeding was higher in patients prescribed warfarin comparedto DOACs, with a similar rate of major bleeding for DOACsand antiplatelet agents. Our findings suggest potential to strategiesto reduce bleeding include using DOACs in preferenceto warfarin, and avoiding multiple antithrombotic therapies inpatients with AF