Article
Ecology
John H. Roe, Gabrielle J. Graeter, Ashley A. LaVere, Ann B. Somers
Summary: The study found that eastern box turtle populations in North Carolina exhibited varying population densities in different environmental contexts, but no significant decline over the past decade. Population characteristics varied among different sites and body size groups, but overall trends were consistent. Urban development and wetland destruction were identified as local threats to the population viability.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alissa B. Mones, Stephen M. Santangelo, Melinda A. Gorges, Gregory A. Lewbart, Mathew P. Gerard, Tara M. Harrison
Summary: This study evaluated the latency and duration of a brachial plexus block technique in eastern box turtles using 2% lidocaine at three dose rates. The results showed that the lidocaine doses evaluated were unreliable in producing motor and sensory blockade in the brachial plexus. Therefore, general anesthesia with systemic analgesia is recommended for surgical procedures involving the chelonian thoracic limb.
VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ethan J. Kessler, Michael J. Dreslik
Summary: The study found that maladaptive movement behavior is a leading cause of failure for reptile reintroductions. By tracking reintroduced alligator snapping turtles, researchers discovered that various factors, including environmental, temporal, morphometric, and microhabitat factors, influenced their movement behavior. Additionally, precipitation had an age-biased effect on their movement, and the movement was largely passive, driven by the downstream flow.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linda Riquelme, David H. Duncan, Libby Rumpff, Peter Anton Vesk
Summary: Monitoring ground layer biomass is crucial for managing large herbivore populations. In the semi-arid woodlands of south-eastern Australia, we explored the use of satellite-derived vegetation indices to estimate understorey biomass. However, the empirical relationships were not transferable to new sites. Including other variables and additional landscape-scale data can improve model performance.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yiying Zhang, Zhenping Wang, Yuting Liao, Tiansheng Li, Xiaoling Xu, Wenyuan Wu, Jie Zhou, Weiyuan Huang, Shishi Luo, Feng Chen
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a pubic CT radiomics-based machine learning model in estimating adult skeletal age. By analyzing the correlation between texture features and age, the best predictive model was established and its reliability was validated in additional patients. This radiomics model provides a new approach for non-invasive exploration of digital osteology and age estimation.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Abu Hashem, M. A. Motalib Hossain, Ab Rahman Marlinda, Mohammad Al Mamun, Khanom Simarani, Mohd Rafie Johan
Summary: An electrochemical DNA biosensor was developed and validated for the detection of Southeast Asian box turtle DNA, allowing discrimination from other species. The sensor exhibited high accuracy and selectivity, as confirmed by the characterization of the modified electrode and electrochemical properties.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Calandra N. Turner Tomaszewicz, Michael J. Liles, Larisa Avens, Jeffrey A. Seminoff
Summary: In the eastern Pacific Ocean, hawksbill sea turtles have adapted to use coastal habitats but are at high risk due to fishing efforts, habitat degradation, and climate change. Understanding their habitat use and movement patterns is crucial for conservation efforts.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alissa B. Mones, Melinda A. Gorges, Stephen M. Santangelo, Gregory A. Lewbart, Tara M. Harrison, Mathew P. Gerard
Summary: The study successfully described the anatomy of the brachial plexus in eastern box turtles, developed a blind perineural injection technique, and evaluated the distribution of methylene blue dye injections in cadavers. The results showed that injections of 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mL of the dye were successful in staining the nerves, with further research needed to determine optimal injection volumes and efficacy in live turtles.
VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Huijie Shang, Qinjun Chu, Muhuo Ji, Jin Guo, Haotian Ye, Shasha Zheng, Jianjun Yang
Summary: This study aims to identify prognostic factors for perioperative cardiac arrest (POCA) and provide personalized anesthesia and surgical treatment. Machine learning algorithms were used to explore risk factors and provide accurate predictions. Surprisingly, co-morbidity of hypertension was found to have a protective effect on survival. The validated ensemble classifier improved the predictive differentiation and deepened our understanding of POCA prognosis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jefferson Brooks, Ana Rivera, Miguel Chen Austin, Nathalia Tejedor-Flores
Summary: Two models were developed to simulate energy flows in a mangrove area, considering the importance of these areas in CO2 fixation. The first model used artificial neural networks for estimation, while the second model used the RC circuit theory. The black box model successfully predicted fluxes of latent heat, sensible heat, CO2, and water potential in the air, while the grey box model requires further analysis.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hongsheng Lu, Lu Li, Yongran Cheng, Zhaohui Yang, Xuequan Cao, Hui Zhang, Dongju Qiao, Liangyou Wang, Tianhui Chen
Summary: This study aimed to assess the long-term survival of cervical cancer patients in eastern China, using cancer registry data from Taizhou. The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with cervical cancer during 2014-2018 was 90.9%, with variations based on age at diagnosis and region. The projected 5-year relative survival rate for the period 2019-2023 is expected to reach 94.2%.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Whitney J. B. Anthonysamy, Michael J. Dreslik, Sarah J. Baker, Mark A. Davis, Marlis R. Douglas, Michael E. Douglas, Christopher A. Phillips
Summary: Measures of gene flow and genetic diversity are crucial for evaluating population trends and considering management and conservation strategies for wildlife. In this study, a molecular assessment was conducted on the remaining Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake hibernacula in Illinois to understand diversity and connectivity patterns. The results showed limited connectivity and distinct genetic clusters among the study areas, emphasizing the need for separate management units and preservation of genetic diversity.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mark Wamalwa, Henri E. Z. Tonnang
Summary: This study uses two models to assess the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in African countries and the effectiveness of intervention measures. The results show that NPIs can delay the pandemic peak and reduce the spread of the virus. However, the observed morbidity and mortality may be underestimated.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Majid Nabipoor, Cynthia M. Westerhout, Sarah Rathwell, Jeffrey A. Bakal
Summary: This study developed the Weighted Composite Endpoint (WCE) method, which incorporates stakeholder values and all events during follow-up to accurately measure treatment efficacy. The WCE method provides a less conservative estimate of survival and variance, allowing for a higher survival rate and narrower confidence interval compared to traditional analysis.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyang Wu, Wensong Wang, Di Shi, Zhenlong Song, Minghui Li, Yafei Luo
Summary: This research introduces the stable cubic covering method and stable differential cubic covering method. By comparing different measurement methods for various surfaces and summarizing recommended methods and corresponding scale factors.
Article
Ecology
Holly E. Mutascio, Shannon E. Pittman, Patrick A. Zollner, Laura E. D'Acunto
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Roxanne D. Pourshoushtari, Benjamin P. Pauli, Patrick A. Zollner, G. Scott Haulton
NORTHEASTERN NATURALIST
(2018)
Article
Ecology
Laura E. D'Acunto, Benjamin P. Pauli, Mikko Moy, Kiara Johnson, Jasmine Abu-Omar, Patrick A. Zollner
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2018)
Article
Ecology
Timothy Shields, Andrea Currylow, Brenda Hanley, Stephen Boland, William Boarman, Mercy Vaughn
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Rockwell Parker, Andrea F. Currylow, Eric A. Tillman, Charlotte J. Robinson, Jillian M. Josimovich, Isabella M. G. Bukovich, Lauren A. Nazarian, Melia G. Nafus, Bryan M. Kluever, Amy Y. Yackel Adams
Summary: This article describes two Y-maze apparatuses tailored to different invasive reptile species, outlining their operation and cleaning procedures. Additionally, it summarizes the variety of data produced, experimental drawbacks and solutions, as well as suggested data analysis frameworks.
JOVE-JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Matthew F. McCollister, Jillian M. Josimovich, Austin L. Fitzgerald, Deborah K. Jansen, Andrea F. Currylow
Summary: Invasive predators are a conservation concern as they can lead to species decline and extinctions worldwide. Understanding the interactions between native fauna and invasive predators is crucial for guiding management and restoration efforts. Observations of these interactions are especially important for invaders with low detectability, such as the Burmese Python in Florida.
SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Andrea F. Currylow, Michelle A. M. Collier, Emma B. Hanslowe, Bryan G. Falk, Brian S. Cade, Sarah E. Moy, Alejandro Grajal-Puche, Frank N. Ridgley, Robert N. Reed, Amy A. Yackel Adams
Summary: The Argentine giant tegu, an invasive species in the southern United States, demonstrates strong thermal stability in invaded habitats, posing a threat to the local ecosystems.
Article
Ecology
Andrea F. Currylow, Matthew F. McCollister, Gretchen E. Anderson, Jillian M. Josimovich, Austin L. Fitzgerald, Christina M. Romagosa, Amy A. Yackel Adams
Summary: The study documents novel interactions between a native bobcat and an invasive Burmese python in southern Florida, including the bobcat predating on python eggs and subsequent defense behavior by the python at the nest. This is the first documentation of any animal preying on python eggs in Florida, and the first evidence of such antagonistic interactions at a python nest.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jillian M. Josimovich, Bryan G. Falk, Alejandro Grajal-Puche, Emma B. Hanslowe, Ian A. Bartoszek, Robert N. Reed, Andrea F. Currylow
Summary: This study investigated the factors affecting the growth of Burmese pythons and found that the variation in clutch had a significant impact on the phenotypic variation of the hatchlings, surpassing the effects of food availability and sex. The results of the study can aid in population management and understanding the influence of different clutches on the growth of hatchlings.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Bryan G. Falk, Brian J. Smith, John David Willson, Robert N. Reed, Nicholas G. Aumen, Michael L. Avery, Ian A. Bartoszek, Earl Campbell, Michael S. Cherkiss, Natalie M. Claunch, Andrea F. Currylow, Tylan Dean, Jeremy Dixon, Richard Engeman, Sarah Funck, Rebekah Gibble, Kodiak C. Hengstebeck, John S. Humphrey, Margaret E. Hunter, Jillian M. Josimovich, Jennifer Ketterlin, Michael Kirkland, Frank J. Mazzotti, Robert McCleery, Melissa A. Miller, Matthew McCollister, M. Rockwell Parker, Shannon E. Pittman, Michael Rochford, Christina Romagosa, Art Roybal, Ray W. Snow, McKayla M. Spencer, J. Hardin Waddle, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Kristen M. Hart
Summary: Burmese pythons, originally from Southeast Asia, have become an established invasive species in southern Florida, particularly in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Their impact on native species and ecosystems is significant, making python control a global challenge. The difficulty lies in their ability to thrive in the inaccessible subtropical environment of southern Florida, making detection and management efforts extremely challenging. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current science and control methods for managing invasive Burmese pythons, highlighting the need for further research and knowledge to improve future control strategies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea F. Currylow, Bryan G. Falk, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Christina M. Romagosa, Jillian M. Josimovich, Michael R. Rochford, Michael S. Cherkiss, Melia G. Nafus, Kristen M. Hart, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ray W. Snow, Robert N. Reed
Summary: The design of invasive species control programs is often hindered by the lack of basic demographic data. This study used data from over 4,000 wild Burmese pythons in southern Florida to characterize their size distribution, reproductive traits, and seasonal population trends. The results enhance our understanding of the ecology and reproductive biology of Burmese pythons in their invasive range.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea F. Currylow, Austin L. Fitzgerald, Matthew T. H. Goetz, Jared L. Draxler, Gretchen E. Anderson, Matthew F. McCollister, Christina M. Romagosa, Amy A. Yackel Adams
Summary: Burmese pythons are invasive predators in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA. The impact of native species on juvenile pythons is of interest, as it can affect population growth and trophic dynamics. Native ophiophagous predators have been found to prey on juvenile pythons, suggesting a potential phenotypic variation in behavior. This study provides evidence of non-anthropogenic mortality in juvenile Burmese pythons and their incorporation into the diets of native species.
MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Gretchen E. Anderson, Frank N. Ridgley, Jillian M. Josimovich, Robert N. Reed, Bryan G. Falk, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Andrea F. Currylow
Summary: The retention of eggs in wild snakes may be more common than previously assumed, potentially impacting population growth. However, for an invasive species like the Burmese python in Florida, the egg retention rate may be higher in the non-native range.
HERPETOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Austin L. Fitzgerald, Jillian M. Josimovich, Charlotte J. Robinson, Robert N. Reed, Andrea F. Currylow
Summary: The Judas technique involves outfitting an animal with a transmitter to track its movements to locate conspecifics, but carries negative historical associations. Considering the potential offense, alternative nomenclature for scientific communication may be preferred to ensure objectivity.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2021)
Meeting Abstract
Zoology
L. A. Nazarian, I. M. G. Bukovich, A. F. Currylow, J. J. Josimovich, C. J. Robinson, M. G. Nafus, Yackel A. A. Adams, M. R. Parker
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
