Biometric Measurements Research Articles

Longitudinal Changes in Refractive Development in Highly Hyperopic Children: A 2.6-11.2 Year Follow-up of Preschoolers Diagnosed with High Hyperopia

Purpose This study aims to elucidate the longitudinal refractive and ocular biometric alterations in preschool children with high hyperopia who underwent early interventions. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of preschool children diagnosed with high hyperopia at Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital between 2011 and 2023. Inclusion criteria required an initial examination with cycloplegic refraction, bilateral spherical equivalent power (SE) ≥ +5.00D with a difference <1.00D, a minimum two-year follow-up, and at least three ocular biometric measurements. The annual axial growth rate evaluated emmetropization in highly hyperopic children. We applied Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) models to explore potential nonlinear relationships between age and spherical equivalent, axial length, corneal curvature, and axial length-to-corneal curvature ratio. Additionally, Mixed-effects models were employed to investigate factors associated with changes in refractive error and axial length. Results The study enrolled 60 eligible subjects, with a median initial diagnosis age of 3.5 years (IQR, 2.8-4.9 years) and a median last visit age of 9.3 years (IQR, 8.1-10.8 years). The average follow-up duration was 5.7 years. RCS analysis revealed notable nonlinear changes in spherical equivalent power, axial length, and axial length-to-corneal curvature ratio, although corneal curvature displayed no statistically significant nonlinear trend. Factors affecting SE changes included the presence of strabismus, the use of cycloplegia, baseline SE, and age. Conversely, changes in axial length solely correlated with baseline axial length and age. Conclusion Highly hyperopic preschool children undergoing early intervention display a marked emmetropization tendency, though most still remain moderately to highly hyperopic, with the progression of refractive changes showing non-uniform patterns with respect to age.

Contrasting carbon cycle along tropical forest aridity gradients in West Africa and Amazonia

Tropical forests cover large areas of equatorial Africa and play a substantial role in the global carbon cycle. However, there has been a lack of biometric measurements to understand the forests’ gross and net primary productivity (GPP, NPP) and their allocation. Here we present a detailed field assessment of the carbon budget of multiple forest sites in Africa, by monitoring 14 one-hectare plots along an aridity gradient in Ghana, West Africa. When compared with an equivalent aridity gradient in Amazonia, the studied West African forests generally had higher productivity and lower carbon use efficiency (CUE). The West African aridity gradient consistently shows the highest NPP, CUE, GPP, and autotrophic respiration at a medium-aridity site, Bobiri. Notably, NPP and GPP of the site are the highest yet reported anywhere for intact forests. Widely used data products substantially underestimate productivity when compared to biometric measurements in Amazonia and Africa. Our analysis suggests that the high productivity of the African forests is linked to their large GPP allocation to canopy and semi-deciduous characteristics.

Megahertz multi-parametric ophthalmic OCT system for whole eye imaging

An ultrahigh-speed, wide-field OCT system for the imaging of anterior, posterior, and ocular biometers is crucial for obtaining comprehensive ocular parameters and quantifying ocular pathology size. Here, we demonstrate a multi-parametric ophthalmic OCT system with a speed of up to 1 MHz for wide-field imaging of the retina and 50 kHz for anterior chamber and ocular biometric measurement. A spectrum correction algorithm is proposed to ensure the accurate pairing of adjacent A-lines and elevate the A-scan speed from 500 kHz to 1 MHz for retinal imaging. A registration method employing position feedback signals was introduced, reducing pixel offsets between forward and reverse galvanometer scanning by 2.3 times. Experimental validation on glass sheets and the human eye confirms feasibility and efficacy. Meanwhile, we propose a revised formula to determine the “true” fundus size using all-axial length parameters from different fields of view. The efficient algorithms and compact design enhance system compatibility with clinical requirements, showing promise for widespread commercialization.

Population aspects of Crassostrea sp. in a protected mangrove estuary: perspectives for artisanal fishing management

ABSTRACT The mangrove oyster (Crassostrea) is one of the most common bivalves found on the Brazilian coast, widely used in artisanal fisheries. Oysters are dioecious with external reproduction, typically found in estuarine environments. The present study aimed to identify the population aspects of Crassostrea in different fishing locations in northeastern Brazil. The study area was the Acaú-Goiana Extractive Reserve, a protected area focused on the development of artisanal fisheries. Oysters were collected during low tide at three sampling points, where their removal from mangrove roots was carried out, during May, July, September, November 2021, and January and March 2022. In the laboratory, biometric measurements were conducted, and for the months of May and November 2021 histological preparations to study the reproductive cells. Biometric measurements were significantly higher in the dry season at all sampling points. The sex ratio was M = 0.38, F = 0.62, for May, and M = 0.30, F = 0.69, for November. The biometric and reproductive data obtained can support the development of management strategies, including a rotation plan between collection sites and the establishment of a minimum size for fishing. Here we recommend a minimum size of 20 mm shell length (SL) or larger for fishing.

Treatment of horizontal neck wrinkles by Endolift laser: Biometric measurement.

One of the common esthetic complaints of patients is horizontal neck wrinkles that have limited treatment modality. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of the Endolift laser on the horizontal neck wrinkles. Totally, 10 healthy female and male patients suffering horizontal neck wrinkles were joined in this study. All patients are treated with Endolift laser. The effect of the Endolift methods on the horizontal neck wrinkles was evaluated by biometric parameter changed results with Cutometer, Visioface, and the Skin Ultrasound Imaging system. Also, three blinded dermatologists and patients' satisfaction were evaluated. The Visoface results showed that the Endolift laser treatment significantly decline the depth and area of horizontal neck wrinkle. The skin ultrasonography results reported the epidermis and dermis density and thickness were significantly increased. Also, the cutometer outcomes displayed that the Endolift laser treatment can increase skin elasticity. Also, significantly a greater number of patients were well satisfied with the technique. In conclusion, Endolift laser is a safe and effective method for decreasing the horizontal neck wrinkles and improving the appearance of the neck. This procedure does not require general anesthesia and recovery time.

Disproportion of Corpus Callosum in Fetuses With Malformations of Cortical Development.

To evaluate corpus callosum (CC) size in fetuses with malformations of cortical development (MCD) and to explore the diagnostic value of three CC length (CCL) ratios in identifying cortical abnormalities. This is a single-center retrospective study in singleton fetuses at 20-37 weeks of gestation between April 2017 and August 2022. The midsagittal plane of the fetal brain was obtained and evaluated for the following variables: length, height, area of the corpus callosum, and relevant markers, including the ratios of corpus callosum length to internal cranial occipitofrontal dimension (CCL/ICOFD), corpus callosum length to femur length (CCL/FL), and corpus callosum length to cerebellar vermian diameter (CCL/VD). Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate measurement consistency. The accuracy of biometric measurements in prediction of MCD was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curves (AUC). Fetuses with MCD had a significantly decreased CCL, height (genu and splenium), and area as compared with those of normal fetuses (P < .05), but there was no significant difference in body height (P = .326). The CCL/ICOFD, CCL/FL, and CCL/VD ratios were significantly decreased in fetuses with MCD when compared with controls (P < .05). The CCL/ICOFD ratio offered the highest predictive accuracy for MCD, yielding an AUC of 0.856 (95% CI: 0.774-0.938, P < .001), followed by CCL/FL ratio (AUC, 0.780 (95% CI: 0.657-0.904), P < .001), CCL/VD ratio (AUC, 0.677 (95% CI: 0.559-0.795), P < .01). The corpus callosum biometric parameters in fetuses with MCD are reduced. The CCL/ICOFD ratio derived from sonographic measurements is considered a promising tool for the prenatal detection of cortical malformations. External validation of these findings and prospective studies are warranted.

A sonographic evaluation on agreement and time efficiency of fetal central nervous system biometry using semi-automated five-dimensional ultrasound versus standard two-dimensional ultrasound in a Philippine tertiary hospital

BACKGROUND: Proper assessment and efficient diagnosis of central nervous system anomalies is essential in antenatal surveillance of pregnant patients. These anomalies are usually associated with genetic syndromes or severe malformations requiring timely intervention and antenatal counseling of the expectant couple. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the agreement of cranial biometric measurements and to determine if there is a significant difference in the time needed to complete the evaluation using standard 2D and semi-automated 5D ultrasound. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was employed on 93 women who underwent pelvic ultrasound scans from August to October 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Basic biometric fetal central nervous system (CNS) measurements were acquired using 2D ultrasound followed by 5D CNS ultrasound. Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement of the measurements obtained. The difference in the time to completion was determined using independent t-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our study found that 5D CNS ultrasound measurements showed 96.8% agreement with 2D ultrasound in 90 out of 93 fetuses. The 5D CNS ultrasound takes a shorter time of 90 seconds (s) to completion in comparison to 99 s using the 2D method (p=0.076). Upon stratification of the study population per trimester, in the second trimester, it took 76 s with 5D CNS vs 89 s with 2D, resulting to a statistically significant 13-second difference (p=0.044). In the third trimester, 5D CNS took 105 s vs 108 s with 2D (p=0.614). The time to completion of the scan using this technology is faster when used for second trimester pregnancies but could be affected by fetal-dependent and operator-dependent factors. Therefore, application of this new technology has the potential to improve workflow efficiency after the necessary training on 3D sonography and 5D CNS ultrasound software.

Biometrical Analysis of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Laal Suhanra National Park, Pakistan

The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), commonly referred to as the Indian Rhinoceros, is an endangered species inhabiting the floodplains and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. Once abundant, the species now faces a vulnerable status in its homeland, as confirmed by the International Union for The Conservation of Nature IUCN’s assessment. Objective: To record Rhinoceros unicornis' biometric body measurements for the first time. Methods: The following study delves into the significance of body biometry data for the conservation of this remarkable species Indian One Horned Rhinoceros housed at Lal Suhanra National Park, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to give conservationists, the resources they need to develop more effective methods involving habitat management, population monitoring, and captive breeding programs, a thorough analysis of the physical characteristics, growth trends, and sexual dimorphism of 42-year-old Indian Rhinos via the evaluation of the body measurements was conducted. Results: This study presents comprehensive body measurements of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros which have never been published before. The length of the rhino itself spanned 143 inches, encapsulating the magnitude of this magnificent creature. These insightful observations are crucial for protecting the threatened species, particularly considering the growing threats caused by habitat loss, poaching, and the effects of climate change. Conclusions: Biometric analysis of large mammals assumes a pivotal role when designing enclosures and estimating the enclosure dimensions.

Development of a nomogram for predicting myopia risk among school-age children: a case-control study

Objectives To analyze the factors influencing myopia and construct a nomogram to forecast the risk of myopia among school-age children, providing a reference for identifying high-risk groups to aid prevention and control. Methods This case-control study enrolled 3512 students from three primary schools in Shenzhen using random cluster sampling for a questionnaire survey, myopia screening and ocular biometric parameter measurement. Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of myopia, and a nomogram was constructed to forecast myopia risk. Bootstrap resampling was used to verify the practicability of the nomogram. Results Older age (odds ratio[OR] = 1.164; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111–1.219), female sex (OR = 2.405; 95% CI: 2.003–2.887), maternal myopia (OR = 1.331; 95% CI: 1.114–1.589), incorrect posture during reading and writing (OR = 1.283; 95% CI: 1.078–1.528) and axial length (OR = 7.708; 95% CI: 6.044–8.288) are risk factors for myopia, whereas an increase in corneal radius (OR = 0.036; 95% CI: 0.025–0.052) is a protective factor against myopia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the nomogram was 0.857, and the net benefit was high when the risk threshold of the decision curve analyses (DCA) ranged from 0.20 to 1.00. The measured values were consistent with the prediction. Conclusion The nomogram was accurate in predicting the risk of myopia among schoolchildren. This study provides a reference for screening high-risk students and for individualized myopia prevention and control.

Comparison of Legacy and New No-History IOL Power Calculation Formulas in Postmyopic Laser Vision Correction Eyes

To compare the refractive accuracy of legacy and new no-history formulas in eyes with previous myopic laser vision correction (M-LVC). Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Two academic centers Study Population: 576 eyes (400 patients) with previous M-LVC that underwent cataract surgery between 2019-2023. A SS-OCT biometer was used to obtain biometric measurements, including standard (K), posterior (PK), and total keratometry values (TK). Refractive prediction errors were calculated for 11 no-history formulas: two legacy M-LVC formulas, four new M-LVC formulas using K values only, and five new M-LVC formulas using K with PK or TK. Heteroscedastic testing was used to evaluate relative formula performance, and formulas were ranked by root mean square error (RMSE). New M-LVC formulas performed better than legacy M-LVC formulas. New M-LVC formulas with PK/TK values performed better than versions without PK/TK values. Among new M-LVC formulas with PK/TK values, EVO 2.0-PK was superior to Hoffer QST-PK (P < 0.005). Among new M-LVC formulas using K only, Pearl DGS-K and EVO 2.0-K were both superior to Hoffer QST-K and Barrett True K NH-K formulas (all P < 0.005). Surgeons should favor using new no-history post M-LVC formulas over legacy post M-LVC formulas whenever possible. The top-performing M-LVC formulas (EVO 2.0-PK, Pearl DGS-PK, and Barrett True K-TK) utilized posterior corneal power values. Among formulas utilizing K alone, the EVO 2.0-K and Pearl DGS-K performed best.

Abstract P242: The Effects of Wellness Coaching on Lowering Stroke Risk Factors in a Wisconsin Native American Population

Objective: Native Americans are disproportionally affected by obesity, diabetes and stroke. This study tests the hypothesis that weight loss and change in BMI are related to coaching participation in the first 52 weeks of a two-year study. Methods: Participants of the “Stroke Prevention in the Wisconsin Native American Population” study age ≥55 years with three or more stroke risk factors were assigned to a High Risk-Intensive Coaching arm (n=49); informed consent was obtained for all participants. These participants engaged in routine wellness coaching visits centered around lifestyle modification in an effort to reduce risk factors for stroke. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (SPSS, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, US) and R (RStudio, PBC, Boston, MA, US). Continuous variables are reported with median and interquartile range (IQR). A participation score (total coaching sessions attended ÷ 52 weeks) was calculated for each participant and total weight loss for the first 52 weeks was also calculated (baseline weight in pounds - the weight in pounds at the last coaching session closest to week 52), (n=49). The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to test the hypothesis that weight loss or change in BMI was significantly different than baseline. A smoothing spline was used to assess a potential dose-response relationship between participation score and weight loss and change in BMI. Results: Of the 49 participants examined, 36 were female and 13 were male, with a median age of 66 (IQR =10.0) years. Risk factors observed at baseline included smoking (n=11, 22.4%), median BMI of 31.6 lb/in 2 (IQR=7.7), and median physical activity of 90 minutes per week (IQR=210.0). Biometric measures were also recorded at baseline, with a median systolic blood pressure of 149 mmHg (IQR=26.0) and median diastolic of 80 mmHg (IQR=14.0), median total cholesterol of 156 mg/dL (IQR=57.0), median LDL of 87 mg/dL (IQR=57.0), median HDL of 46 mg/dL (IQR=16.0), median non-HDL of 110 mg/dL (IQR=61.0), and median hemoglobin A1C of 6.5 mg/dL (IQR=1.2). Participation score median of 0.33 (IQR=0.375) range 0.06-0.87. Weight loss median 3.6 (IQR=9.45) range -41 to 35 pounds. A spline analysis found a significant dose-response relationship between participation score in the first 52 weeks of the study and weight loss (r 2 =0.199 deviance 23%, p=0.006) and BMI (r 2 =0.145, deviance 16.7%, p=0.010). Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that participation in a wellness coaching program may be associated with weight loss and change in BMI in this study population. Future work will continue to examine how coaching is related to weight loss and change in BMI in a larger cohort and with a wider age range.

Abstract P458: Negative Mood is Associated With Sociobehavioral Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Risk in an Immigrant Population

Introduction: Immigrants to the United States often experience structural barriers to healthy nutrition and physical activity, which increases their risk of developing obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other chronic conditions. In our prior work with immigrant communities to co-develop interventions to improve nutrition and physical activity, mood was identified as a possible mediating factor. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that self-reported negative mood would be associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as poor nutrition and less physical activity. We also evaluated the relationship between mood and sociobehavioral factors such as social support and community belongingness. Methods: The Healthy Immigrant Community (HIC) study, set in Rochester, Minnesota and embedded with the Rochester Healthy Community Partnership, is a randomized, waitlist-controlled obesity and CVD risk reduction intervention. Community-based mentoring and education for health behaviors are delivered by trained health promoters, who are members of the immigrant populations, to their social networks. Baseline self-reported and biometric measures assessed nutrition, physical activity, self-efficacy, and sociobehavioral effects on healthy lifestyle behaviors. On a single-item rating of mood over the past 7 days, responses of poor or fair were considered “negative”, while good, very good, or excellent were considered “positive”. Results: The HIC study enrolled 475 adult participants; 268 Hispanic/Latino and 181 Somali participants completed baseline measures and were included in this analysis. Of the 449 participants, 107 (24%) reported “negative” mood. This group was more likely to be Hispanic/Latino (74%), female (68%), uninsured in the past 12 months (46%), or younger age (mean = 41 years; range = 18-79). Participants who endorsed negative mood at baseline had lower healthy nutrition scores ( p =0.02), lower physical activity scores ( p =0.03), and less confidence in eating healthily ( p =0.001). Those reporting negative mood also reported less support from family and friends to eat healthy ( p =&lt;0.001) and be physically active ( p =0.01), accessed community resources for healthy eating ( p =0.001) and physical activity ( p =&lt;0.01) less often, and reported less sense of belonging to their community ( p =0.01) than those with positive mood. Conclusion: Negative mood was significantly associated with eating a less healthy diet and being sedentary, lower confidence in maintaining a healthy diet, less perceived social support for healthy behaviors, and less sense of belonging to the community among Hispanic/Latino and Somali immigrants. Behavioral interventions designed to support a healthy lifestyle may benefit from incorporating culturally-aligned mood management and sociobehavioral strategies to reduce CVD risk and promote health equity in immigrant populations.

Abstract P470: The Virtual Home Clinic: Feasibility and Challenges for Longitudinal Cohorts

Longitudinal studies provide rich sources of data to explore early risk factors for future CV diseases. However, cohort participants often move away from their initial recruitment site. Our study assesses feasibility of mailing of devices to the home for collection of biometric data and user acceptability of this approach. Participants (N=308) from the Bogalusa Heart Study, National Growth &amp; Health Study and the Princeton Lipid Research Study who were initially enrolled as children in the 1970s and 1980s were recruited to conduct on-line surveys. A subset (N=74) had biometric measurement devices sent to the home ( Table ) for anthropometrics, BP, HR, heart rhythm, resting metabolic rate, O 2 saturation, glucose, total cholesterol, physical activity, diet, sleep duration/quality, and arterial stiffness. Stool and saliva were also collected for microbiome, and DNA. Of the 74 agreeing to participate in the home study, 62 (84%) successfully completed at least some testing. Among those 62, 72% of participants on average (range: 23% for AimStrip total cholesterol to 97% for Oragene) completed all requested readings for a given device. The total cholesterol test had the highest proportion of missing requested readings (45%). Of the 46 of 62 (74%) participants who completed the user acceptability survey, 28% preferred an in-clinic visit, 46% preferred home, and 26% did not have a preference. More males (63% vs 42% females) preferred home assessment. There was little difference between Black and White participants. On a scale of 1 (hard to use, poor directions, took too long) to 5 (easy to use, easy to follow directions, took little time), most devices scored near 4.5. The cholesterol test elicited the most negative responses, and several devices scored lower on the impression of the time it took to complete the at-home test. This feasibility study demonstrates that home biometric assessment is feasible and acceptable as we continue to follow our participants who have provided invaluable contributions to science for the last 40 years.

Thoracic Biometry in Patients with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

This is a retrospective study investigating biometric measurements using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). CDH is one of the more common causes of pulmonary hypoplasia, with grave consequences for the fetus. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with CDH as the only observed anomaly, who underwent MRI examination after the second-trimester morphology ultrasound. The patients came from three university hospitals in Bucharest, Romania. In total, 19 patients were included in the study after applying exclusion criteria. Comparing the observed values of the thoracic transverse diameter, the thoracic anterior-posterior diameter, the thoracic circumference, the thoracic area, and the thoracic volume with values from the literature, we observed a predictive alteration of these parameters, with most showing Gaussian distribution. We observed statistical significance for most of our correlations, except between the observed and expected thoracic anterior-posterior diameters and the observed and expected thoracic volume values. This is very helpful when complex studies that can calculate the pulmonary volume cannot be obtained, as in the case of movement artifacts, and allows the clinicians to better assess the severity of the disease. MRI follow-up in CDH cases is a necessity, as it offers the most accurate thoracic biometry.

Phenotype of early-onset fetal growth restriction in sheep.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common pregnancy complication, caused by placental insufficiency, with serious adverse consequences for development in utero and postnatal wellbeing. There are no antenatal treatments to improve growth or organ development in FGR, and animal models are essential to mimic the physiological adaptations in FGR and to assess potential interventions. This study aimed to identify the temporal nature of reduced developmental trajectory in fetuses with FGR, and to examine the effects of common factors that may mediate differential growth such as glucocorticoid treatment. We hypothesised that the trajectory of growth would be adversely impacted by FGR. FGR was induced via surgical placental insufficiency in fetal sheep (89 days gestation/0.6 gestation; n=135) and compared to age-matched controls over the last third of gestation and into neonatal life (n=153). Body weight of FGR fetuses/lambs was significantly reduced compared to controls (p<0.0001) from 127 days of gestation (term is 148 days), with increased brain:body weight ratio (p<0.0001) indicative of brain sparing. All biometric measures of body size were reduced in the FGR group with the exception of biparietal (head) diameter. The trajectory of body growth in the last trimester of sheep pregnancy was significantly reduced in the FGR group compared to controls, and stillbirth rate increased with longer gestation. This work provides a well characterised FGR animal model that mimics the known physiological adaptations in human pregnancy and can be used to determine the efficacy of potential interventions.

Racialising age in the UK’s border regime: a case for abolishing age assessment

Processes for assessing the age of young unaccompanied migrants have been roundly critiqued, with new concerns in the UK being raised about the increasing use of ‘scientific’ approaches. In this article, we suggest that, taking everything into account, analyses do not go far enough, arguing that technical questions of how ‘best’ to assess age or the new incursion of biometric measurements can obscure the political question of what work age does in hostile border regimes. As a result, the underpinning logics of age assessment – an essentialisation of age, ‘race’ and borders – are not only left in place but further augmented. We demonstrate, through a careful curation of assessment reports (that operate through the assertion of truth claims about the body, childhood and time) how such reports draw on and reproduce multiple and intersecting racist imaginaries as they are synthesised with developmental logics around childhood. Age, we argue, is being weaponised in the service of post-racial fantasies in liberal democracies, rising ethnonationalism and state retrenchment from social support.

Biochemical and ecological components of Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea, Selenka 1867 (Echinodermata:Holothuroidea)

Sea cucumber is a marine invertebrate that is of great interest in Asian cuisine because of its nutritional characteristics and in scientific research due to its medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and other actions. Knowledge of biochemical composition is an essential pillar to explain, confirm and/or instigate ecological and reproductive studies. This work aimed to determine the biochemical composition in relation to lipids, proteins and total carbohydrates and fatty acids of the gonad, digestive tract and/or body wall of Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea and relate the biochemical information with environmental conditions (temperature, pH, salinity, food sources) in the winter and summer. Biometric measurements were obtained by weighing of the entire body and the tissues. Quantifications and characterizations of biomolecules were obtained by combining gravimetric and analytical techniques. Sexes were identified using classical histology techniques. Atherogenic (AI), thrombogenic (TI) indices and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio were used to assess the quality of fatty acids. The organisms showed significant differences between seasons and/or between sexes among biometric and biochemical parameters. In general, females have greater amounts of biomolecules than males and these fluctuations are related to water temperature and reproductive stage. The fatty acids coincided with the literature for sea cucumbers and the nutritional quality indices were better than other species, in addition to indicating summer as the ideal season for consumption. Therefore, Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea presented a variable biochemical composition between seasons and sexes, being influenced by water temperature and diet, and has the potential to be used in an aquaculture system and in the management of natural stocks.

Neuromarketing: a Tool to Understand Consumer Behaviour

This paper studies the concept of neuromarketing in consumer behaviour, emphasising the fact that consumers are not entirely rational in their decision-making process, because emotions influence their behaviour. Consequently, the neuromarketing field emerged as a way to understand the subconscious motivations of consumers. The scientific problem of this paper is to analyse how neuromarketing techniques can be effectively integrated with traditional marketing research methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviour. It emphasises the fact that traditional marketing research tools may not reveal all essential insights into consumer behaviour research. Therefore, market research practices should employ neuromarketing tools such as eye tracking, facial expression analysis, biometrics and neuronal activity measurements. First, six principal neuromarketing research areas are identified: branding, product design and innovation, advertising effectiveness, shopper decision-making, online experiences, and entertainment effectiveness. Next, a simplified human behaviour model, consisting of three phases, unconscious, conscious and observable, is discussed. Finally, the paper focuses on criticisms of neuromarketing and ethical issues.

Early developmental carry-over effects on exploratory behaviour and DNA methylation in wild great tits (Parus major).

Adverse, postnatal conditions experienced during development are known to induce lingering effects on morphology, behaviour, reproduction and survival. Despite the importance of early developmental stress for shaping the adult phenotype, it is largely unknown which molecular mechanisms allow for the induction and maintenance of such phenotypic effects once the early environmental conditions are released. Here we aimed to investigate whether lasting early developmental phenotypic changes are associated with post-developmental DNA methylation changes. We used a cross-foster and brood size experiment in great tit (Parus major) nestlings, which induced post-fledging effects on biometric measures and exploratory behaviour, a validated personality trait. We investigated whether these post-fledging effects are associated with DNA methylation levels of CpG sites in erythrocyte DNA. Individuals raised in enlarged broods caught up on their developmental delay after reaching independence and became more explorative as days since fledging passed, while the exploratory scores of individuals that were raised in reduced broods remained stable. Although we previously found that brood enlargement hardly affected the pre-fledging methylation levels, we found 420 CpG sites that were differentially methylated between fledged individuals that were raised in small versus large sized broods. A considerable number of the affected CpG sites were located in or near genes involved in metabolism, growth, behaviour and cognition. Since the biological functions of these genes line up with the observed post-fledging phenotypic effects of brood size, our results suggest that DNA methylation provides organisms the opportunity to modulate their condition once the environmental conditions allow it. In conclusion, this study shows that nutritional stress imposed by enlarged brood size during early development associates with variation in DNA methylation later in life. We propose that treatment-associated DNA methylation differences may arise in relation to pre- or post-fledging phenotypic changes, rather than that they are directly induced by the environment during early development.

Automated zooplankton detection from in situ imagery for forward scattering predictions

Ocean midwaters—the vast region between the sunlit surface layers and seafloor—comprise the largest habitat on Earth but are among the least understood marine environments. This project aims to combine concurrently collected imaging and acoustic measurements in the epi and mesopelagic environment to interpret zooplankton scattering from mixed assemblages and determine in situ zooplankton distributions within their local environments. We have trained a machine learning model for the automated detection of 13 zooplankton functional groups from a 1000m rated towed shadowgraph imaging system. The zooplankton detection model currently achieves 80% F1 scores on our validation image set and was trained using adversarial methods. We have derived biometric measurements from the zooplankton image data necessary to generate forward scattering predictions. We compare the distributions of scattering layers detected acoustically with zooplankton distributions from the imagery. We will compare forward scattering predictions derived from sparse geometric representations of the zooplankton and full 3D model volumes using the distance transform of the zooplankton images. This work will further enable the use of optical techniques for midwater surveys and the interpretation of acoustic scattering returns from mixed zooplankton populations.