Biological Characteristics Research Articles

Life cycle traits, secondary production and DNA barcode of Oxyurella ciliata Bergamin, 1939 (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anomopoda, Chydoridae)

This study the life cycle and quantify the secondary production of the cladoceran Oxyurella ciliata under controlled conditions in a laboratory and use molecular biology as a tool to investigate its genetic characteristics. The organisms were collected from Baia do Gerente, a pond from the Pantanal region, MS state, Brazil. They were acclimatized, maintained at a controlled temperature (25 ± 1 °C) and photoperiod (12/12h light-dark), fed with the microalgae Raphidocelis subcapitata and observed daily to obtain the data. O. ciliata had a high total egg production of 34.18 ± 9.68 eggs/female and an average longevity of 58.50 ± 16.30 days. These values differed from those previously reported for O. longicaudis, another congeneric species. There was an exponential growth of biomass until instar 6 and the largest secondary production was from the young to the adult phase, which corresponds to the beginning of the reproductive phase. The molecular data revealed that the genetic divergence between the sequence of O. ciliata and that of O. longicaudis is approximately 18 %, which seems high considering that both belong to the same genus. Comparing life cycle data and DNA Barcode, Oxyurella ciliata and O. longicaudis are very distant and have distinct morphological and biological characteristics, such as: body size, egg size, growth, fertility, longevity and development times. This study highlights the importance of molecular studies and information on the life cycle of neotropical cladocerans, in an integrated way, to have a better taxonomic and ecological interpretation of the species.

An overview of current research on cancer stem cells: a bibliometric analysis.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a potential mechanism contributing to tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance. The objective of this study is to investigate the status quo and advancements in CSC research utilizing bibliometric analysis. Publications related to CSCs from 2010 to 2022 were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Various analytical tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and GraphPad Prism were used to visualize aspects such as co-authorship, co-occurrence, and co-citation within CSC research to provide an objective depiction of the contemporary status and developmental trajectory of the CSC field. A total of 22,116 publications were included from 1942 journals written by 95,992 authors. Notably, China emerged as the country with the highest number of publications, whereas the United States exerted the most significant influence within the field. MD Anderson Cancer Center emerged as the institution making the most comprehensive contributions. Wicha M.S. emerged as the most prolific and influential researcher. Among journals, Cancers emerged as a focal point for CSC research, consistently publishing a wealth of high-quality papers. Furthermore, it was observed that most journals tended to approach CSC research from molecular, biological, and immunological perspectives. The research into CSCs encompassed a broad array of topics, including isolation and enrichment techniques, biomarkers, biological characteristics, cancer therapy strategies, and underlying biological regulatory mechanisms. Notably, exploration of the tumor microenvironment and extracellular vesicles emerged as burgeoning research frontiers for CSCs. The research on CSCs has garnered growing interest. A trend toward multidisciplinary homogeneity is emerging within the realm of CSCs. Further investigation could potentially center on the patients of extracellular vesicles and the tumor microenvironment in relation to CSCs.

Lymph node metastasis prediction and biological pathway associations underlying DCE-MRI deep learning radiomics in invasive breast cancer

Abstract Background The relationship between the biological pathways related to deep learning radiomics (DLR) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) of breast cancer is still poorly understood. This study explored the value of DLR based on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in LNM of invasive breast cancer. It also analyzed the biological significance of DLR phenotype based on genomics. Methods Two cohorts from the Cancer Imaging Archive project were used, one as the training cohort (TCGA-Breast, n = 88) and one as the validation cohort (Breast-MRI-NACT Pilot, n = 57). Radiomics and deep learning features were extracted from preoperative DCE-MRI. After dual selection by principal components analysis (PCA) and relief methods, radiomics and deep learning models for predicting LNM were constructed by the random forest (RF) method. A post-fusion strategy was used to construct the DLR nomograms (DLRNs) for predicting LNM. The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Delong test. In the training cohort, transcriptome data were downloaded from the UCSC Xena online database, and biological pathways related to the DLR phenotypes were identified. Finally, hub genes were identified to obtain DLR gene expression (RadDeepGene) scores. Results DLRNs were based on area under curve (AUC) evaluation (training cohort, AUC = 0.98; validation cohort, AUC = 0.87), which were higher than single radiomics models or GoogLeNet models. The Delong test (radiomics model, P = 0.04; GoogLeNet model, P = 0.01) also validated the above results in the training cohorts, but they were not statistically significant in the validation cohort. The GoogLeNet phenotypes were related to multiple classical tumor signaling pathways, characterizing the biological significance of immune response, signal transduction, and cell death. In all, 20 genes related to GoogLeNet phenotypes were identified, and the RadDeepGene score represented a high risk of LNM (odd ratio = 164.00, P < 0.001). Conclusions DLRNs combining radiomics and deep learning features of DCE-MRI images improved the preoperative prediction of LNM in breast cancer, and the potential biological characteristics of DLRN were identified through genomics.

Parameters for selecting biological features in multifunctional bio-inspired design: a convergent evolution approach.

Combining different biological features exhibiting different functions is necessary to generate uncommon and unique multifunctional bio-inspired conceptual designs. Different biological features independently evolve characteristics to solve the same need/necessity. This phenomenon is called convergent evolution. Without parameters, selecting a suitable feature from those that exhibit the same function and have the same geometric relevance becomes quite difficult. This research investigates and identifies the parameters that have the potential to support choosing the suitable biological feature and to support the multifunctional design concept generation. In this paper, parameters are hypothesized by studying the mechanisms of tissue formation responsible for generating structural features in a biological system. These parameters are used in the Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) ideation model to aid designers in choosing and combining suitable biological features for multifunctional concepts. A case study is presented to validate the effectiveness of the parameters in the selection process&#xD.

Integrative genomic and transcriptomic profiling of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma identifies molecular subtypes associated with distinct immune features and clinical outcomes

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), characterized by the presence of epithelial and sarcoma‐like components. The molecular and immune landscape of PSC has not been well defined.MethodsMultiomics profiling of 21 pairs of PSCs with matched normal lung tissues was performed through targeted high‐depth DNA panel, whole‐exome, and RNA sequencing. We describe molecular and immune features that define subgroups of PSC with disparate genomic and immunogenic features as well as distinct clinical outcomes.ResultsIn total, 27 canonical cancer gene mutations were identified, with TP53 the most frequently mutated gene, followed by KRAS. Interestingly, most TP53 and KRAS mutations were earlier genomic events mapped to the trunks of the tumors, suggesting branching evolution in most PSC tumors. We identified two distinct molecular subtypes of PSC, driven primarily by immune infiltration and signaling. The Immune High (IM‐H) subtype was associated with superior survival, highlighting the impact of immune infiltration on the biological and clinical features of localized PSCs.ConclusionsWe provided detailed insight into the mutational landscape of PSC and identified two molecular subtypes associated with prognosis. IM‐H tumors were associated with favorable recurrence‐free survival and overall survival, highlighting the importance of tumor immune infiltration in the biological and clinical features of PSCs.

Predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammation index on one-year mortality in geriatric hip fractures.

Geriatric hip fractures are associated with a high incidence of mortality. This study examines the predictive value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) on one-year mortality in elderly hip fracture patients. A single-center retrospective study was conducted between February 2017 and October 2020. Three hundred and eleven surgically treated consecutive hip fracture patients were included in the study. Admission, postoperative first day, and postoperative fifth-day SII values were calculated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the cut-off values, and patients were divided into high and low groups according to these cut-off values. After univariate Cox regression analysis, significant factors were included in the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model to adjust the effect of covariates and explore independent predictive factors associated with mortality. Further subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the results for different clinical and biological characteristics. The mean age was 80.7 ± 8.0 years, and women made up the majority (67.8%) of the patients. The one-year mortality rate was 28.0%. After univariate and multivariate analyses, high postoperative fifth-day SII remained an independent predictor of one-year mortality (adjusted HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.38-3.38, p = 0.001). Older age, male gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) ≥ 2, and hypoalbuminemia were found to be other independent predictors. The optimal cut-off value of the postoperative fifth-day SII was calculated at 1751.9 units (p < 0.001). The postoperative fifth-day SII is a simple and useful inflammatory biomarker for predicting one-year mortality in patients with hip fracture.

A Novel Method for Fabricating the Undulating Structures at Dermal—Epidermal Junction by Composite Molding Process

The dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ), located between the dermal–epidermal layers in human skin tissue, plays a significant role in its function. However, the limitations of biomaterial properties and microstructure fabrication methods mean that most current tissue engineered skin models do not consider the existence of DEJ. In this study, a nanofiber membrane that simulates the fluctuating structure of skin DEJ was prepared by the composite molding process. Electrospinning is a technique for the production of nanofibers, which can customize the physical and biological properties of biomaterials. At present, electrospinning technology is widely used in the simulation of customized natural skin DEJ. In this study, four different concentration ratios of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membranes were prepared based on electrospinning technology. We selected a 15%PLGA + 5%PCL nanofiber membrane with mechanical properties, dimensional stability, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility after physical properties and biological characterization. Then, the array-based microstructure model was prepared by three-dimensional (3D) printing. Subsequently, the microstructure was created on a 15%PLGA + 5%PCL membrane by the micro-imprinting process. Finally, the cell proliferation and live/dead tests of keratinocytes (HaCaTs) and fibroblasts (HSFs) were measured on the microstructural membrane and flat membrane. The results showed that 15%PLGA + 5%PCL microstructure membrane was more beneficial to promote the adhesion and proliferation of HaCaTs and HSFs than a flat membrane.

Fusarium, Scedosporium and Other Rare Mold Invasive Infections: Over Twenty-Five-Year Experience of a European Tertiary-Care Center

Invasive mold infections (IMD) are an emerging concern due to the growing prevalence of patients at risk, encompassing but not limited to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, hematological malignancies patients, solid organ transplant recipients and intensive care unit patients. In contrast with invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis, other hyalohyphomycoses and phaeohyphomycoses remain poorly known. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical, biological, microbiological and evolutive features of 92 IMD having occurred in patients in our tertiary-care center over more than 25 years. A quarter of these infections were due to multiple molds. Molds involved were Fusarium spp. (36.2% of IMD with a single agent, 43.5% of IMD with multiple agents), followed by Scedosporium spp. (respectively 14.5% and 26.1%) and Alternaria spp. (respectively 13.0% and 8.7%). Mortality at day 84 was higher for Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp. or multiple pathogens IMD compared with Alternaria or other pathogens (51.7% vs. 17.6%, p &lt; 0.05). Mortality at day 84 was also influenced by host factor: higher among hematology and alloHSCT patients than in other patients (30.6% vs. 20.9% at day 42 and 50.0% vs. 27.9% at day 84, p = 0.041). Better awareness, understanding and treatments are awaited to improve patient prognosis.

Evaluation of Helium Ion Radiotherapy in Combination with Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Cancer In Vitro

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. New treatment strategies are highly warranted. Particle radiotherapy could offer a way to overcome the radioresistant nature of pancreatic cancer because of its biological and physical characteristics. Within particles, helium ions represent an attractive therapy option to achieve the highest possible conformity while at the same time protecting the surrounding normal tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy of helium ion irradiation in pancreatic cancer in vitro. Methods: Human pancreatic cancer cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3 and Panc-1 were irradiated with photons and helium ions at various doses and treated with gemcitabine. Photon irradiation was performed with a biological cabin X-ray irradiator, and helium ion irradiation was performed with a spread-out Bragg peak using the raster scanning technique at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT). The cytotoxic effect on pancreatic cancer cells was measured with clonogenic survival. The survival curves were compared to the predicted curves that were calculated via the modified microdosimetric kinetic model (mMKM). Results: The experimental relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of helium ion irradiation ranged from 1.0 to 1.7. The predicted survival curves obtained via mMKM calculations matched the experimental survival curves. Mainly additive cytotoxic effects were observed for the cell lines AsPC-1, BxPC-3 and Panc-1. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the cytotoxic efficacy of helium ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer in vitro as well as the capability of mMKM calculation and its value for biological plan optimization in helium ion therapy for pancreatic cancer. A combined treatment of helium irradiation and chemotherapy with gemcitabine leads to mainly additive cytotoxic effects in pancreatic cancer cell lines. The data generated in this study may serve as the radiobiological basis for future experimental and clinical works using helium ion radiotherapy in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Nomenclatural standards of barley cultivars bred by the Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture for Northern Trans-Ural Region – Branch of the Tyumen Scientific Research Center SB RAS

The article contains descriptions of the morphological, biological and economic characters of spring barley cultivars ‘Kudesnik’ and ‘Divnyj’ (Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. distichon (L.) Körn. var. nutans Körn.) bred by the Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture for Northern Trans-Ural Region – Branch of Federal Research Centre Tyumen Scientific Centre of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SRIA for NTUR – Branch of Tyumen Scientific Centre SB RAS, Tyumen region, Russia) as well as information about the history of spring barley breeding at the said Institute.As part of this work, the nomenclatural standards of cultivars ‘Kudesnik’ and ‘Divnyj’ were created. The plant material for nomenclatural standards was collected at the Pushkin laboratories of the Research and Production Base “Pushkin and Pavlovsk laboratories of VIRˮ. All plants for making a herbarium specimen of a cultivar were those grown from one seed sample.The nomenclatural standard of cultivar ‘Kudesnik’ is represented by one herbarium sheet and is duplicated by four herbarium sheets, while the nomenclatural standard of cultivar ‘Divnyj’ is mounted on one herbarium sheet and has three duplicate sheets. Every sheet contains the entire plant at the milky ripeness stage, mature spikes and grain samples.The nomenclatural standards were produced in accordance with the recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants (ICNCP) and registered in the VIR Herbarium database. The herbarium specimens were deposited at the Herbarium of Cultivated Plants of the World, their Wild Relatives and Weeds (WIR) at the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources. 

The effects of hypoxia-preconditioned Dental Stem Cell-derived Secretome on tissue regeneration.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from oral tissues are known as dental stem cells (DSCs). Due to their unique therapeutic niche and clinical accessibility, DSCs serve as a promising treatment option for bone defects and oral tissue regeneration. DSCs exist in a hypoxic microenvironment in vivo, which is far lower than the current 20% oxygen concentration utilized in in vitro culture. It has been widely reported that the application of an oxygen concentration less than 5% in the culture of DSCs is beneficial for preserving stemness and promoting proliferation, migration and paracrine activity. The paracrine function of DSCs involves the secretome, which includes conditioned media (CM) and soluble bioactive molecules, as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from CM. Hypoxia can play a role in immunomodulation and angiogenesis by altering the protein or nucleic acid components in the secretory group, which enhances the therapeutic potential of DSCs. This review summarizes the biological characteristics of DSCs, the influence of hypoxia on DSCs, the impact of hypoxia on the secretory group of DSCs, and the latest progress on the use of DSCs secretory group in tissue regeneration based on hypoxia pretreatment. We highlighted the multifunctional biological effect of hypoxia culture on tissue regeneration and provided a summary of the current mechanism of hypoxia in the pretreatment of DSCs.

Bilateral adrenal neuroblastoma: peculiar pattern of a rare pediatric presentation

BackgroundBilateral suprarenal neuroblastoma (BSN) is a rare presentation. Few previously published literature showed BSN patients to have favorable pattern and prognosis. This study aim was to evaluate clinical and biological features in relation to outcome of Egyptian patients with BSN.MethodsIncluded patients were diagnosed from 2007 to 2017, retrospectively. Tissue biopsy, imaging and bone marrow were evaluated at presentation. Clinical, demographic, biological variables and risk group were determined and analyzed in relation to overall (OS) and event-free-survival (EFS).ResultsBSN patients (n = 33) represented 2% of hospital patients with neuroblastoma during the 10-year study period, 17 were males and 16 were females. Twenty-four patients (72.7%) were infants, and 9 patients (27.3%) were above 1 year of age (range: 1 month to 3 years). Metachronous disease was present in only one patient. Amplified MYCN was found in 10 patients. Initially, most patients (n = 25) had distant metastasis, 6 had stage 3 versus 2 stage 2. Fifteen were high risk (HR), 15 intermediate (IR), 1 low risk (LR) and 2 were undetermined due to inadequate tissue biopsy. Three-year OS for HR and IR patients were 40.5% and 83.9% versus 23.2% and 56.6% EFS; respectively.ConclusionBSN treatment is similar to unilateral disease. A more conservative surgical approach with adrenal tissue preservation on less extensive side should be considered. Biological variables and extent of disease are amongst the most important prognostic determinants. Future studies are warranted to further address the biologic profiling of BSN and highlight prognostic significance of size difference between both adrenal sides.

Anthriscus sylvestris—Noxious Weed or Sustainable Source of Bioactive Lignans?

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of A. sylvestris, deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, A. sylvestris emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on A. sylvestris, investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure–activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource.

The transcriptome assembly of the European freshwater mussel Unio elongatulus C. Pfeiffer, 1825

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are a global conservation concern. Species of this group are strictly freshwater, sessile, slow-growing animals and, extremely sensitive to environmental changes. Human-mediated changes in freshwater habitats are imposing enormous pressure on the survival of freshwater mussels. Although a few flagship species are protected in Europe, other highly imperilled species receive much less attention. Moreover, knowledge about biology, ecology, and evolution and proper conservation assessments of many European species are still sparse. This knowledge gap is further aggravated by the lack of genomic resources available, which are key tools for conservation. Here we present the transcriptome assembly of Unio elongatulus C. Pfeiffer, 1825, one of the least studied European freshwater mussels. Using the individual sequencing outputs from eight physiologically representative mussel tissues, we provide an annotated panel of tissue-specific Relative Gene Expression profiles. These resources are pivotal to studying the species’ biological and ecological features, as well as helping to understand its vulnerability to current and future threats.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma].

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) in order to improve clinicians' understanding of this disease. Methods: The clinical data of patients diagnosed with PSC in our hospital from January 1, 2015 to November 30, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether radical resection was performed, the patients were divided into resectable group and unresectable group. The characteristics and treatments of PSC in different groups were compared. The survival curves were drawn by Kaplan-Meier method to compare the prognosis of different groups of patients. Results: A total of 43 PSC patients were included, including 32 males, with an average age of (62.79±9.59) years, and 31 smokers. Peripheral-type tumors were more common, with imaging showing predominantly solid soft tissue masses, and the maximum diameter of the tumor was more than 5 cm in 14 patients. Among the 23 patients who underwent NGS gene testing, the KRAS mutation rate was 43.5%, the TP53 mutation rate was 30.4%, and the MET mutation rate was 8.7%, all of which were MET-14 exon skipping mutations. PD-L1 expression was detected in 13 patients, 10 of whom showed high expression. The median overall survival (mOS) of the 43 patients with PSC was 24.6 months (13.0-52.7 months). Among them, 22 patients underwent radical lobectomy plus mediastinal lymph node dissection, 13 patients had postoperative recurrence, and 7 patients died during follow-up. The median disease-free survival (mDFS) was 12.3 months, the mOS was not achieved and the 1-year OS rate was 77.3 %. Twenty-one patients had unresectable locally advanced or advanced stage, and 15 patients died. The mDFS was 2.5 months, the mOS was 6.2 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 42.9 %. Seventeen patients received immunotherapy, and 1 patient received targeted therapy with the MET inhibitor glumetinib. Conclusions: PSC has a higher incidence in the elderly, smokers, and males, is highly malignant and has a poor prognosis. Based on its molecular biological characteristics, PD-L1 expression and tumor molecular detection can be performed to guide treatment options.

Piezoelectric and Dielectric Electrospun Fluoropolymer Membranes for Oral Mucosa Regeneration: A Comparative Study.

Wound healing of the oral mucosa is an urgent problem in modern dental surgical practice. This research article presents and compares the findings of the investigations of the structural, physicochemical, and biological characteristics of two types of polymeric membranes used for the regeneration of oral mucosa. The membranes were prepared from poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and tetrafluoroethylene (VDF-TeFE) and analyzed via scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Investigation results obtained indicate that both types of membranes are composed of thin fibers: (0.57 ± 0.25) μm for PTFE membranes and (0.43 ± 0.14) μm for VDF-TeFE membranes. Moreover, the fibers of VDF-TeFE membranes exhibit distinct piezoelectric properties, which are confirmed by piezoresponse force microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Both types of membranes are hydrophobic: (139.7 ± 2.5)° for PTFE membranes and (133.5 ± 2.0)° for VDF-TeFE membranes. In vitro assays verify that both membrane types did not affect the growth and division of mice fibroblasts of the 3T3-L1 cell line, with a cell viability in the range of 88-101%. Finally, in vivo comparative experiments carried out using Wistar rats demonstrate that the piezoelectric VDF-TeFE membranes have a high ability to regenerate oral mucosa.

Studying Medical and Biological Features of Female Students with Increased Body Weight

Studying Medical and Biological Features of Female Students with Increased Body Weight

Tanner crab at southwestern Kamchatka: fishing, stock condition and specifics of the assessment

Results of the current stage of research on tanner crab at the southwestern coast of Kamchatka, harvested in the Kamchatka-Kuril fishing subzone are presented. The stock dynamics since 2001 is analyzed, with special attention to its assessing and forecasting. Features of the crab biology associated with terminal molting are described. The algorithm for separation of the tanner crab recruits into morphometrically mature and immature males is developed that allows to calculate probability for a particular size group of morphometrically immature males to undergo the terminal molt and join to the commercial stock. This algorithm is applied for the data collected at southwestern Kamchatka since 2010. Two peaks in total male abundance of tanner crab were observed in 2005–2006 and 2020–2022. Landing of this species was banned in the Kamchatka-Kuril fishing subzone in 2019–2020, as the result of the local population abundance drop in the previous two years, but was resumed in 2021 after its full restoration. Possible reasons for underestimation of the crab recruitment are discussed, related both with features of the species biology and methodological problems. The population in the Kamchatka-Kuril fishing subzone is currently the most abundant for tanner crab, and this stock in 2020–2022 has reached the historical peak. The fishing of tanner crab in the last three years is distinguished by high catches and high rate of the total allowable catch (TAC) utilization.

Body mass index assessment of preschool children during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has brought socioeconomic, behavioral and clinical losses that can compromise the nutritional status of children, and studies on the subject are essential. Objective: to assess the Body Mass Index of preschool children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: the data in this study comes from a cohort of children created to prospectively investigate determinants of growth and development in the period from birth to 1,000 days of life in a municipality in the interior of Paraíba, Brazil. For this study, data were collected from children at 4 years of age examining repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child life. Data on the children (biological characteristics, health conditions, food consumption, screen time, behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, satisfaction with school and home life) and their mothers (overweight/obesity, sociodemographic characteristics, childcare, attitudes and practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic) were included, and the Body Mass Index-for-age average (Z-score) was compared using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results: not breastfeeding in the first hour of life (p = 0.046) and regular consumption of filled cookies, sweets or candies (p = 0.042) were the characteristics of the children that represented the highest means of the outcome. Children whose mothers were diagnosed as overweight/obese (p = 0.034), who had not completed high school (p = 0.042), who had difficulty caring for the child and guiding them in health aspects (p = 0.010), as well as those whose mothers needed psychological care (p = 0.047) and mental health medication (p = 0.036) during the COVID-19 pandemic, also had higher mean scores. Conclusion: maternal mental health (psychological care and use of medication) during the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the child’s nutritional status.

Exploring Landscape Values and Willingness to Pay for Perceived Ecosystem Services: The Case of Malampaya Sound, a Socio-Ecological Production Landscape and Seascape

Since the 1990s, the Philippines has established numerous protected areas aimed at preserving regions with distinct biological and ecological characteristics. However, transitioning towards a more comprehensive approach to managing these protected areas, one that effectively conserves biodiversity while also supporting the welfare of local communities, remains a formidable task. Understanding the sources of the goods and services upon which communities rely, whether directly or indirectly, and their perceptions of ecosystem services (ESs) is a crucial aspect that can inform decision-making for both protected area managers and policymakers. This research specifically examines the mapping of landscape values as perceived by local communities within Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape (MSPLS) in the Philippines. Using survey questionnaires administered to 114 randomly selected participants, the study identifies the ESs within MSPLS and maps the associated landscape values. The respondents were tasked with assigning values to the ESs using a typology of 14 landscape values, and their willingness to pay (WTP) to enhance the ESs within MSPLS was also investigated. Analysis of socio-demographic data, the identified ESs, and the perceived landscape values was conducted to uncover significant relationships between the variables. Our findings reveal that the respondents prioritize provisioning services, particularly fisheries, agriculture, and agroforestry. Regarding landscape value preferences, economic value is most prominently perceived (37.4%), followed by subsistence value (30.8%) and life-sustaining value (6.8%). This study further unveils the socio-economic factors influencing the ranking of ESs and trends in WTP for ES improvements in Malampaya. Additionally, a potential payment for ecosystem services scheme in MSPLS is estimated at PHP 532,000, approximately USD 10,600.