4 research outputs found

    A simplified method of determining the sex of Pygoscelis penguins using bill measurements

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    We examined sexual dimorphism in bill size in adult Adelie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae, adult Chinstrap Penguins P. antarctica and adult and juvenile Gentoo Penguins P. papua at King George Island, Antarctica, using a DNA-based molecular sexing technique. Bill length and depth were the most consistent dimorphic character examined, with measurements 5.4%–11.5% larger in males than in females, on average. Within breeding pairs sampled, male Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins had consistently longer and deeper bills than their mates, although bill measurement overlapped between sexes at the population level. We used bill measurements to calculate species- and age-specificdiscriminant functions that correctly classified 83.2%–96.7% of the individuals in our study following cross-validation. The discriminant functions derived from this analysis provide a practical method of sex determination for all three Pygoscelis penguin species in the South Shetland Islands where they breed sympatrically. Posterior probability analysis can also be used to identify individuals that are likely to be incorrectly classified using discriminant function analysis, allowing DNA-based tests for gender to be reserved for targeted use. Furthermore, we report raw morphometric data to facilitate future analysis and discriminant function improvemen

    Safety and efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery

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    Background: Ileus is common after elective colorectal surgery, and is associated with increased adverse events and prolonged hospital stay. The aim was to assess the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing ileus after surgery. Methods: A prospective multicentre cohort study was delivered by an international, student- and trainee-led collaborative group. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The primary outcome was time to gastrointestinal recovery, measured using a composite measure of bowel function and tolerance to oral intake. The impact of NSAIDs was explored using Cox regression analyses, including the results of a centre-specific survey of compliance to enhanced recovery principles. Secondary safety outcomes included anastomotic leak rate and acute kidney injury. Results: A total of 4164 patients were included, with a median age of 68 (i.q.r. 57\u201375) years (54\ub79 per cent men). Some 1153 (27\ub77 per cent) received NSAIDs on postoperative days 1\u20133, of whom 1061 (92\ub70 per cent) received non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. After adjustment for baseline differences, the mean time to gastrointestinal recovery did not differ significantly between patients who received NSAIDs and those who did not (4\ub76 versus 4\ub78 days; hazard ratio 1\ub704, 95 per cent c.i. 0\ub796 to 1\ub712; P = 0\ub7360). There were no significant differences in anastomotic leak rate (5\ub74 versus 4\ub76 per cent; P = 0\ub7349) or acute kidney injury (14\ub73 versus 13\ub78 per cent; P = 0\ub7666) between the groups. Significantly fewer patients receiving NSAIDs required strong opioid analgesia (35\ub73 versus 56\ub77 per cent; P < 0\ub7001). Conclusion: NSAIDs did not reduce the time for gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery, but they were safe and associated with reduced postoperative opioid requirement
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