Assessing the use of artificial nests for predicting predation pressure in New Zealand forest fragments : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Ecology at Massey University

Using artificial nests to predict the predation pressure on natural bird nests has been the subject of over 400 publications, the vast majority quantifying aspects that affect nest success. However, these studies have usually invoked the assumption that artificial nests accurately reflect the success of natural nests. The intention of this thesis was to evaluate the technique of using artificial nests to predict natural nest success, with the aim of establishing the main factors influencing its success as a monitoring technique. This was done by addressing three main questions a) Can artificial nests be used to predict natural nest success in forest fragments?, b) What aspects of the methodology influence the precision, practical application and interpretation of the results from artificial nests in New Zealand forest fragments?, c) What external factors, i.e. habitat structure, confound interpretation of artificial nests results in New Zealand forest fragments? Artificial nest experiments were conducted concurrently in nine reserves, with estimates of nest success calculated for each reserve using the known fate model in MARK. These estimates were then correlated with the success of North Island Robin nests (estimated using Stanley's (2000) method of stage specific nest success) in the corresponding reserves. General linear modelling was used to fit a log-log relationship between artificial and natural nest success estimates using parametric bootstrapping to account for error in the estimates. The Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) model selection procedure was used to select the model for estimating both artificial and natural nest success and for selecting the best model for predicting natural nest success using artificial nests. The evidence from the results revealed that artificial nests could be used to predict natural nest success. However, imperative to achieving this result was having the ability to identify and conduct independent analysis for each predator group (all predators, 'rats and possum', birds and mice). AIC selection procedure selected nest success estimates derived from predation by rats and possum as the most parsimonious model, hence the best at predicting natural nest success. Investigation of methodology showed that: (1) data from artificial nests left out for one week gave better predictions than data collected over four consecutive weeks; (2) leaving nests out longer than one week before checking increases the chance of the marks becoming obscured, hampering predator identification: (3) adding a quail egg has little effect on predation rate, particularly on the rate of predation by mammals; and (4) it is necessary to include clay eggs in artificial nests as marks left on quail eggs and damage done to artificial nests were not reliable indicators of predator type. Investigation of external factors revealed: (1) no strong or consistent evidence that the fine-scale habitat at nest sites affected predation on artificial nests; (2) reserve size may affect the rate of rat and possum predation, but not bird predation; and (3) the proximity of artificial nests to a bait station may influence the rate of predation by mammals

Developing as one: Community groups in the construction of wellbeing in Northeast Thailand

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A pilot study evaluating changes to haematological and biochemical tests after Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of kidney stones

<div><p>Background</p><p>Currently there is limited research documenting the changes in blood parameters, following Flexible Ureterorenoscopy. This study aims to determine whether there are any changes in haematology and biochemistry parameters, following Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of kidney stones.</p><p>Methods</p><p>40 consecutive patients aged between 27–87 years (median 49 years) undergoing Flexible Ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of kidney stones were recruited (26 male, 14 female). Blood samples were collected from each patient at four time points: baseline (pre-operatively) followed by 30 minutes, 120 minutes and 240 minutes post-operatively. On these samples, routine haematological and biochemistry tests were carried out. In addition to the assessment of clinical parameters prospectively from the medical notes.</p><p>Results</p><p>There was a significant decrease observed following Flexible Ureterorenoscopy in the following parameters: lymphocytes (p = 0.007), eosinophils (p = 0.001), basophils (p = 0.001), haemoglobin (p = 0.002), red blood cells (p = 0.001), platelet count (p = 0.001), fibrinogen concentration (p = 0.001), von Willebrand factor (p = 0.046), C reactive protein (p = 0.01), total protein (p = 0.001), albumin (p = 0.001), globulin (p = 0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.001). In addition, there was a significant increase observed in the following parameters: white blood cells (p = 0.001), neutrophils (p = 0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (p = 0.001), total bilirubin (p = 0.012), creatinine (p = 0.008), sodium (p = 0.002) and potassium (p = 0.001). Limiting factors for this study were the sample size, and restriction on the recruitment time points.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Significant changes were noted to occur in haematology and biochemistry parameters following Flexible Ureterorenoscopy. Some of the data presented in this study may represent the ‘normal’ post-operative response following FURS, as no major complications occurred, in the majority of our patients. This data on the ‘normal response’ will need to be validated but may ultimately aid clinicians in distinguishing patients at risk of complications, if reproduced in larger multi-centre studies.</p></div

The role of antibody expression and their association with bladder cancer recurrence: a single-centre prospective clinical-pilot study in 35 patients

Background Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, with about 10,000 new cases annually. About 75–85% of BC are non-muscle invasive (NMIBC), which is associated with high recurrence and progression rates (50–60% within 7–10 years). There are no routine biomarkers currently available for identifying BC patients at increased risk of developing recurrence. The focus of this research study was to evaluate antibody expression in BC patients and their association with cancer recurrence. Methods 35 patients scheduled for TURBT were recruited after written informed consent. Ethical approval for the project was granted via IRAS (REC4: 14/WA/0033). Following surgical procedure, tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and processed within 24 h in FFPE blocks. 7 sections (4 µm each) were cut from each block and stained for CD31, Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), S100P, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), VEGFR-3 thrombomodulin and CEACAM-1 using immunohistochemistry. Clinical outcome measures (obtained via cystoscopy) were monitored for up to 6 months following surgical procedure. Results There was significantly increased expression of CD31 (p < 0.001), HER-2 (p = 0.032), S100P (p < 0.001), COX-2 (p < 0.001), VEGFR-3 (p < 0.001) and decreased expression of thrombomodulin (p = 0.010) and CEACAM-1 (p < 0.001) in bladder tumours compared to normal bladder tissues. HER-2 expression was also significantly associated with cancer grade (p = 0.003), especially between grade 1 and grade 2 (p = 0.002) and between grade 1 and grade 3 (p = 0.004). There was also a significant association between cancer stage and HER-2 expression (p < 0.001). Although recurrence was significantly associated with cancer grade, there was no association with antibody expression. Conclusion Findings from the present study may indicate an alternative approach in the monitoring and management of patients with BC. It is proposed that by allowing urological surgeons access to laboratory markers such as HER-2, Thrombomodulin and CD31 (biomarker profile), potentially, in the future, these biomarkers may be used in addition to, or in combination with, currently used scoring systems to predict cancer recurrence. However, verification and validation of these biomarkers are needed using larger cohorts

The role of antibody expression and their association with bladder cancer recurrence: a single-centre prospective clinical-pilot study in 35 patients

From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2020-08-19, accepted 2020-11-18, registration 2020-11-18, online 2020-11-25, pub-electronic 2020-11-25, collection 2020-12Publication status: PublishedFunder: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100013483Abstract: Background: Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common cancer in the UK, with about 10,000 new cases annually. About 75–85% of BC are non-muscle invasive (NMIBC), which is associated with high recurrence and progression rates (50–60% within 7–10 years). There are no routine biomarkers currently available for identifying BC patients at increased risk of developing recurrence. The focus of this research study was to evaluate antibody expression in BC patients and their association with cancer recurrence. Methods: 35 patients scheduled for TURBT were recruited after written informed consent. Ethical approval for the project was granted via IRAS (REC4: 14/WA/0033). Following surgical procedure, tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and processed within 24 h in FFPE blocks. 7 sections (4 µm each) were cut from each block and stained for CD31, Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2), S100P, Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), VEGFR-3 thrombomodulin and CEACAM-1 using immunohistochemistry. Clinical outcome measures (obtained via cystoscopy) were monitored for up to 6 months following surgical procedure. Results: There was significantly increased expression of CD31 (p < 0.001), HER-2 (p = 0.032), S100P (p < 0.001), COX-2 (p < 0.001), VEGFR-3 (p < 0.001) and decreased expression of thrombomodulin (p = 0.010) and CEACAM-1 (p < 0.001) in bladder tumours compared to normal bladder tissues. HER-2 expression was also significantly associated with cancer grade (p = 0.003), especially between grade 1 and grade 2 (p = 0.002) and between grade 1 and grade 3 (p = 0.004). There was also a significant association between cancer stage and HER-2 expression (p < 0.001). Although recurrence was significantly associated with cancer grade, there was no association with antibody expression. Conclusion: Findings from the present study may indicate an alternative approach in the monitoring and management of patients with BC. It is proposed that by allowing urological surgeons access to laboratory markers such as HER-2, Thrombomodulin and CD31 (biomarker profile), potentially, in the future, these biomarkers may be used in addition to, or in combination with, currently used scoring systems to predict cancer recurrence. However, verification and validation of these biomarkers are needed using larger cohorts