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At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Mass mortality of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in south west England due to incidental capture in fishing gear.

In the first quarter of 1992, 118 dolphin carcases, of which 54 were positively identified as common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), were found stranded on the coast of Cornwall and Devon. To determine the cause, detailed post mortem examinations were carried out on 38 of the carcases, and the results were compared with those from 20 common dolphins that stranded on the coast of Cornwall and Devon in the previous 15 months. There was no evidence that the deaths were due to an infectious or parasitic disease, or acute intoxication by any of the algal toxins, trace metals or chlorinated hydrocarbons measured. However, 30 of the 38 dolphins showed signs associated with incidental capture in fishing gear. Skin lesions characteristic of capture in a small-meshed net and the predominance of recently ingested Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) in the stomachs of the dolphins suggested that they had been caught in the trawl or purse seine nets used for these fish. There is insufficient information to explain why this high mortality occurred in 1992 and not in other years.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed1999

Epizootic of morbilliviral disease in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis ponticus) from the Black sea.

Forty-seven common dolphins (Delphinus delphis ponticus) were stranded on the northern shores of the Black Sea between mid-July and early September 1994, more than in previous or subsequent years. Two of the 47 dolphins were examined in detail to try to determine the cause of the increased stranding rate. Their lesions included broncho-interstitial pneumonia with type II epithelial cell hyperplasia and multinucleate syncytial cells, neuronal necrosis, gliosis, and non-suppurative meningitis of the brain, necrotic stomatitis, gastroenteritis and cholangitis, and lymphoid depletion of the spleen and lymph nodes. The diseased tissues stained positive in an immunoperoxidase test, using a polyclonal antiserum to measles virus as the primary antibody, and electron microscopy showed that they contained regularly-shaped intranuclear particles about 22 nm in diameter. They were positive by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the nucleoprotein gene of morbillivirus. However, there was no evidence of morbillivirus in frozen tissues either by virus isolation or by antigen capture ELISA. The concentration of sigma DDTS in the blubber of both dolphins was about 50 to 100 times higher than the levels in toothed cetaceans from the North Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea. The lesions were consistent with those found in other species with morbilliviral disease, and the positive immunoperoxidase test, PCR and electron microscopical examination confirmed a morbillivirus as the primary cause of these lesions.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Locomotor design of dolphin vertebral columns: bending mechanics and morphology of Delphinus delphis.

The primary skeletal structure used by dolphins to generate the dorsoventral bending characteristic of cetacean swimming is the vertebral column. In the vertebral column of the saddleback dolphin Delphinus delphis, we characterize the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the intervertebral joints, describe regional variation and dorsoventral asymmetries in mechanical performance, and investigate how the mechanical properties are correlated with vertebral morphologies. Using a bending machine that applies an external load (N m) to a single intervertebral segment, we measured the resulting angular deformation (rad) of the segment in both dorsal extension and ventral flexion. Intervertebral segments from the thoracic, lumbar and caudal regions of the vertebral column were tested from five individuals. Using quasi-static bending tests, we measured the initial (low-strain) bending stiffness (N m rad-1) as a function of segment position, direction of bending (extension and flexion) and sequential cutting of intervertebral ligaments. We found that initial bending stiffness was significantly greater in the lumbar region than in adjacent thoracic and caudal regions, and all joints were stiffer in extension than is predicted (r2 = 0.554) by the length and width of the intervertebral disc and the length of the cranial vertebral body in the segment. Stiffness in flexion is predicted (r2 = 0.400) by the width of the nucleus pulposus, the length of the caudal vertebral body in the segment and the height of the transverse processes from the ventral surface of the vertebral body. We also performed dynamic bending tests on intervertebral segments from the lumbo-caudal joint and the joint between caudal vertebrae 7 and 8. Dynamic bending stiffness (N m rad-1) increases with increasing bending amplitude and is independent of bending frequency. Damping coefficient (kg m2 rad-2 s-1) decreases with increasing bending amplitude and frequency. Resilience (% energy return) increases from approximately 20% at low bending amplitudes (+/-0.6 degree) to approximately 50% at high bending amplitudes (+/-2.9 degrees). Based on these findings, the dolphin's vertebral column has the mechanical capacity to help control the body's locomotor reconfigurations, to store elastic energy and to dampen oscillations.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Definitions and indicators of elder abuse: a delphi survey of APS caseworkers.

Instruments designed to measure specific types of elder mistreatment are not available, but they may be warranted after an initial screen indicates abuse or risk for abuse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate definitions for different types of elder mistreatment and validate the indicators as perceived by adult protective services (APS) caseworkers' opinions. Through 351 APS research network participants, a Delphi survey was completed. A 45% return rate was achieved for round one and 40% for round two with 70 same respondents from both rounds. These types of abuse, emotional abuse, exploitation of finances and/or property, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, have some similar and some extremely different indicators that singly and together expand their definition. Instruments to measure five different types of abuse are offered for caseworker or prevalence study use.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Heterotopic kidney tissue in the lung of a free-living common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).

A spontaneous case of renal heterotopia involving the lung parenchyma of a free-living, adult, female common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), which was found stranded alive on the North Adriatic Sea coast of Italy, is reported in this study. The lesion, slightly visible from the macroscopic point of view, had the histologic appearance of a "foreign tissue island," which was poorly demarcated from the surrounding pulmonary tissue. Within such an island, several regularly shaped and apparently mature kidney glomeruli and tubules could be observed, with no evidence of secondary tissue reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this should be the first description of heterotopic kidney tissue occurrence in the lung of any domestic or wild animal species.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Female adolescent smoking: a Delphi study on best prevention practices.

The present researchers used a multi-wave Delphi methodology to determine what 14 knowledgeable substance abuse professionals believe are the most appropriate smoking prevention practices for female adolescents. While there was some agreement with the emerging literature, particularly on weight control issues and parental involvement, there was also endorsement of items that appear to be equally salient for both males and females. While the panelists generally acknowledged differential risk factors for females, and the need for prevention programming around these risk factors, more research on gender specific programming is needed before prevention experts are ready to agree on clear and specific practices for adolescent females.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Nursing information in electronic patient records: criteria established in a Delphi study.

Nursing lacks an adequate tool to assist in determining the essential components of an information policy in health care institutions, and to outline the nursing component of the electronic patient record. The objective of this study was to determine the criteria to which a nursing information system, and its developmental process, should comply with, when such system is part of an electronic patient record system. Using the Delphi methodology, criteria for nursing information systems were determined by an international panel of 36 experts in three succeeding rounds. Most criteria gained consensus and are very useful for use in practice for those involved in nursing system development. Eventually the list of criteria will be included in a nursing information reference model. Nursing will benefit from the application of the reference instrument and criteria to express their information needs and to develop adequate information technology.

Humans↗
PubMed1976

Management uses of the Delphi.

In addition to its simplicity, the Delphi approach to planning and problem solving invites candor and uninhibited response from participants. It may also serve as a bridge to team building within the health care institution.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed2000

Cystacanths of Bolbosoma vasculosum in the black scabbard fish Aphanopus carbo, oceanic horse mackerel Trachurus picturatus and common dolphin Delphinus delphis from Madeira, Portugal.

Cystacanths of the acanthocephalan, Bolbosoma vasculosum Rudolphi 1819, were found to be encapsulated in the connective tissues of the viscera of the black scabbard fish, Aphanopus carbo and oceanic horse mackerel, Trachurus picturatusfrom Madeira, Atlantic Ocean. Juvenile worms were obtained from the intestine of a stranded common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, also from Madeira. Cystacanths were 11-15 mm long, with a proboscis of 18-19 longitudinal rows, eight hooks per row, and two sets of trunk spines. Overall, the morphology and dimensions of the proboscis, neck and trunk corresponded to previous descriptions. Scanning electron microscopy of the proboscis structures and trunk spines is provided for the first time. The prevalence of B. vasculosum in A. carbo increased with fish length. There were no statistical differences in the prevalence and intensity of infection between seasons. The intensity of infection was similar for male and female fishes, but there were significant differences in relation to length, longer fishes having heavier infections. Aphanopus carbo from Madeira represents a new host record and a new geographic location for B. vasculosum.

Acanthocephala↗
PubMed1975

Brain lipids from the porpoise (Delphinus delphis). Phosphoglycerides rich in isovaleric acid and long-chain iso-acids.

The whole brain of a porpoise (Delphinus delphis) comprised 23.1 wt% of phospholipids on a dry weight basis. Ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (36.6 wt%), choline phosphoglycerides (27.3 wt%), and serine phosphoglycerides (16.9 wt%) were the major components of the phospholipids. A unique feature of the data was the occurrence of large amounts of isovaleric acid in choline phosphoglucerides (28.1 mol%) and ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (6.4 mol%), together with 11.6 and 15.2 mol% of long-chain (C11--C16) iso-acids, respectively. Interestingly, serine phosphoglycerides did not contain detectable amounts of isovaleric acid although trace amounts of long-chain iso-acids were present. No previous evidence exists to show that appreciable amounts of a short-chain acid can be accommodated in animal phospholipids. The occurrence of isovaleric acid in the principal phosphoglycerides of the porpoise brain elicits an interest in how such an anomalous structure is accommodated in the lipid bilayers of the neural membranes.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Oral health services: a Delphi technique estimation of their role in adult inpatient rehabilitation programs.

This report presents the results of an investigation into one possible administrative route that would increase the accessibility and availability of dental services for the handicapped. Specifically, this paper assesses the desirability of, perceived level of need for, and feasibility of incorporating a dental service into the total hospital rehabilitation program for adults. The Delphi technique, a method of gathering the opinions of experts through a sequentially designed set of questionnaires, was used to ascertain the views of ten chairpersons of physical medicine and rehabilitation units. The results of this discussion indicate that the perceived need is great, that access to care is difficult, and that a feasible solution would be to establish a hospital-based dental service, preferably convenient to the rehabilitation dormitory, which would provide a full range of dental services.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1992

[Undergraduate teaching of primary health care. A Delphi study].

OBJECTIVE: Given both the limited experience of Undergraduate Teaching in Primary Health Care (PHC) and the lack of contact between different teaching centres, we sought to identify the minimum contents of a potential Syllabus. We made a distinction between items of knowledge required and skills students would have to develop. DESIGN: We undertook a Delphi study, which was longitudinal, prospective and observational. PARTICIPANTS: We defined three groups of experts among groups with PHC teaching experience. 20 Associate Lecturers at Undergraduate level, attached to Health centres; 20 postgraduate PHC teachers, and 7 University staff members involved with Public Health and Preventive and Community Medicine teaching. MAIN MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The reply rate from the three questionnaires was about 60%. There was a high level of agreement. Of the items of knowledge which scored highest, we noted: the doctor-patients relationship, the Promotion of Health and Health education, Integrated Health Programmes, Prevention of Disease and Care of Risk-Groups. Of the skills, we pointed to the Clinical Interview, the construction of a Clinical History at the PHC level, Detection of Risk factors and Physical Examination. CONCLUSIONS: The most valued items of knowledge are those related to the overall Conception of Health, Promotion and Prevention. The most highly-scored skills are those concerning the Doctor-Patient relationship. Questions relating to the Individual are prioritised over those concerning Family and Community. There is a high level of agreement that the acquisition of the necessary theoretical knowledge must be accompanied by the ability to put them into practice.

Curriculum↗
PubMed1991

Ankylosing spondylitis antirheumatic drug trials. III. Setting the delta for clinical trials of antirheumatic drugs--results of a consensus development (Delphi) exercise.

Defining the minimum clinically important difference or delta to be detected in a clinical trial depends on a number of factors including the research hypothesis, patient characteristics, the nature of the intervention and the trial design. In 2 previous studies, we have developed standardized procedures for conducting outcome measurement based on current Food and Drug Administration and European League Against Rheumatism guidelines for clinical trials in ankylosing spondylitis, and thereafter, determined the standard deviation for these outcome measures. In the final component of this series of studies, we have employed a Delphi technique to establish estimates for delta, and calculated the sample size requirements under 2 different conditions of Type I and Type II error probabilities.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed1997

Guidelines for managing domestic abuse when male and female partners are patients of the same physician. The Delphi Panel and the Consulting Group.

OBJECTIVE: To provide clinical guidelines for primary care physicians who are dealing with domestic abuse and who have both the abused woman and her partner as patients. PARTICIPANTS: A 15-member expert panel with members having experience in family practice, gynecology, emergency medicine, medical ethics, nursing, psychology, law, and social work; an 11-member consulting group with members representing medicine, consumers, police, psychology, social work, and nursing; and participants from focus groups including 48 previously abused women and 10 previously abusive men. Members of the expert panel and the consulting group were recruited by the research team. Focus group members were recruited through the agencies from which they were receiving services. EVIDENCE: Available research information, and opinions of the expert panel, the consulting group, and the focus group participants. CONSENSUS PROCESS: Scoring of 144 clinical scenarios was performed by the expert panel using a modified Delphi technique involving 4 iterations. Scenarios were rated in terms of best practice for primary care physicians dealing with suspected and confirmed cases of physical abuse. Consulting group members and focus group participants then commented on the panel's results. Final guidelines were approved by the panel and the consulting group, with comments reserved in the guidelines for information from focus group participants. CONCLUSIONS: It is not a conflict of interest for the physician to deal with abuse of the female partner when both partners are patients. Both patients have a right to autonomy, confidentiality, honesty, and quality care. Patients should be dealt with independently, thereby facilitating assessment of the magnitude and severity of the victim's injuries. Physicians should not discuss the possibility of domestic abuse with the male partner without the prior consent of the abused female partner. Joint counseling is generally inadvisable and should be attempted only when the violence has ended, provided both partners give independent consent and the physician has adequate training and skills to deal with the situation without escalating the violence. If the physician feels unable to deal effectively with either patient because of the dual relationship, referral to another qualified physician is preferred.

Confidentiality↗
PubMed1976

The future of pathology: a Delphi study by pathology department chairmen.

This paper reports the results of a study by and of chairmen of pathology departments in American and Canadian medical schools directed toward discovering chairmen's perceptions and attitudes about the future of pathology. Over 100 of a total of 143 chairmen participated in some or all phases of this study in which the Delphi approach was used. Sixty-five chairmen completed all four rounds of questionnaires. Most chairmen are deeply concerned about increasing federal regulation of medicine. They expect to play a greater role in all phases of medical education with more emphasis on the basic science aspects of pathology. They also foresee a desirable shifting of residency training programs away from small hospitals to the larger medical centers. This shift will result in fewer but longer training programs.

Attitude↗
PubMed1976

[Cytoarchitectonics of the vestibular nucleic of the brain of the dolphin (Delphinus delphis)].

Specific features of the structure of the vestibular complex of Cetaceans correlating with specific features of the structural functional organization of these representatives of aquatic mammals were detected in a cytoarchitectonic investigation of the topography and strucutral organization of nuclei of the vestibular complex performed in Delphinus delphis and compared with the organization of the corresponding structures of the brain of man and chimpanzee.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Medical opinion on abortion in Jamaica: a national Delphi survey of physician, nurses, and midwives.

A national sample of 120 Jamaican physicians, public health nurses, and licensed midwives participated in a two-stage Delphi survey to identify medical opinion on proposed liberlization of Jamaica's abortion law, and to predict the likely impact of such legislative action on existing health and family planning services. More than 80 percent of the respondents favored legalization of abortion, and most supported changes in the health service delivery system to accommodate the expected demand. They believed that clandestine abortion, involving pharmacists and physicians, is already widely practiced.

Abortion, Illegal↗