Commercial viability of locating pelagic longline branchline weights at the hook to reduce seabird bycatch

Bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries threatens the viability of some seabird populations and reduces fishing efficiency. The mass of a branchline fishing weight and its distance from the hook significantly explain seabird catch risk during setting and hauling. We surveyed Hawaii tuna longline fishers to obtain their perspectives on the practicality, safety and economic viability of alternative designs which place weights adjacent to hooks instead of conventional designs with weighted swivels attached 0.6 m from the hook. We conducted experimental fishing to explore the commercial viability of a combination weighted swivel attached to the eye of the hook. We used a Bayesian random effects meta-analytic regression modeling approach to estimate pooled expected species-specific log relative risk of capture on conventional, as opposed to experimental, branchlines. There were significant decreases in catch rates on experimental branchlines of 54% (95% highest posterior density interval [HDI]: 34.3 to 73.8) for retained species and 28% (95% HDI: -7.5 to 93.3) for discarded species. For about 10% of experimental weighted hooks, the point of the hook tangled on the swivel, likely contributing to lower catch rates and making it more difficult for crew to coil branchlines. We identify possible factors explaining why the experimental gear reduced catch rates. The study demonstrates the benefits of stakeholder scoping to determine bycatch mitigation options with the highest promise for practicality, economic viability and safety, as well as benefits of conducting a pilot study to assess commercial viability to determine if a full experiment to assess bycatch mitigation efficacy is warranted.

First-trimester trisomy screening: nuchal translucency measurement training and quality assurance to correct and unify technique

OBJECTIVE

To describe the process of training for measuring nuchal translucency at five clinical centers in North America and to evaluate methods of quality assurance and feedback.

DESIGN

Throughout a period of 18 months, the performance of sonographers in measuring fetal nuchal translucency was monitored using qualitative and quantitative methods of review. After 12 months, different approaches (written and personal feedback) were used to inform sonographers of technical aspects that needed to or could be improved.

RESULTS

On initial qualitative review, discrepancies in judgment from different reviewers coincided with suboptimal magnification, failure to visualize the amniotic membrane and/or use of cross-shaped calipers. At subsequent global review, 13 (29%) images of nuchal translucency measurements were considered unacceptable. Quantitative assessment revealed that, during the first part of the study, the means from four sonographers were significantly smaller and the mean from the fifth sonographer was significantly larger than expected on the basis of findings from The Fetal Medicine Foundation (P < 0.0001). Following feedback, sonographers who underestimated nuchal translucency and who received a written report only did not change measurements overall (P = 0.9759). In contrast, those who received additional intervention showed a marked difference (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Global qualitative review of images from one sonographer may be preferable to assessment of individual aspects of images. Results from global qualitative review correspond well with findings from quantitative analysis, indicating that the latter can be applied for ongoing audit. Observation of divergent results should prompt extensive personal feedback, rather than a written report, to prevent sonographers from settling in their own, inappropriate technique.

Rapid method for determining T lymphocyte levels using acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase

A method for rapidly determining levels of T lymphocytes in humans is presented. The method involves staining lymphocytes in peripheral blood or buffy coat smears for acid alpha-naphthylacetate esterase for 1 hr at 37 C. After counterstaining with Wright's stain, the percentage of esterase-positive lymphocytes accurately reflects the percentage of lymphocytes forming E rosettes with sheep erythrocytes.

Hematology reference values. Analysis by different statistical technics and variations with age and sex

The following hematologic parameters in 1,744 healthy men and women aged 16 to 89 years were studied: leukocyte count, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration. The frequency distributions of all parameters were statistically significantly deviated from Gaussian distributions. Standard Gaussian statistical methods as well as nonparametric methods were used to establish 95% reference intervals for each parameter. The effects of sex and age upon these parameters were also studied. Significant age differences, which were most striking for leukocyte count, erythrocyte count, MCV, and MCH, were detected.

Acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity in stored buffy coat smears

The stability of acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity in smears of buffy coats was studied. Fixed smears may be stored up to 20 days at 25 degrees C. Unfixed smears may be stored up to 24 hr at 25 degrees C before there is a significant decrease in activity. In constant, fixed or unfixed smears held at -10 degrees C begin to lose activity within 24 hr.