Combined Sex Research Articles

Genome-wide study of gene-by-sex interactions identifies risks for cleft palate.

Structural birth defects affect 3-4% of all live births and, depending on the type, tend to manifest in a sex-biased manner. Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are the most common craniofacial structural birth defects and are often divided into cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate only (CP). Previous studies have found sex-specific risks for CL/P, but these risks have yet to be evaluated in CP. CL/P is more common in males and CP is more frequently observed in females, so we hypothesized there would also be sex-specific differences for CP. Using a trio-based cohort, we performed sex-stratified genome-wide association studies (GWAS) based on proband sex followed by a genome-wide gene-by-sex (G × S) interaction testing. There were 13 loci significant for G × S interactions, with the top finding in LTBP1 (RR = 3.37 [2.04-5.56], p = 1.93 × 10-6). LTBP1 plays a role in regulating TGF-β bioavailability, and knockdown in both mice and zebrafish lead to craniofacial anomalies. Further, there is evidence for differential expression of LTBP1 between males and females in both mice and humans. Therefore, we tested the association between the imputed genetically regulated gene expression of genes with significant G × S interactions and the CP phenotype. We found significant association for LTBP1 in cell cultured fibroblasts in female probands (p = 0.0013) but not in males. Taken altogether, we show there are sex-specific risks for CP that are otherwise undetectable in a combined sex cohort, and LTBP1 is a candidate risk gene, particularly in females.

Life history traits of the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) in the Eastern-Central Pacific Ocean

Life history traits, such as age, growth, and maturity, are essential in fisheries management. However, Alopias pelagicus lacks the age and growth parameters in Ecuador, despite being the elasmobranch species with the highest number of landings in the country. Therefore, the aim of this work was to estimate the age, growth, and maturity parameters of A. pelagicus in the Ecuadorian Pacific. For this, field trips were carried out in Playita Mía, Manta, Ecuador from June 2021 to May 2022. In these field trips, the vertebrae of 304 individuals were collected. Frequentist and Bayesian multimodels (von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and Logistic) were used to estimate age and growth parameters. A logistic model was used to estimate the mean size at maturity. The inflection point in males was estimated from a modified logistic model. The best fit was given by the Bayesian logistic model for combined sex (L∞ = 168.16 cm PCL, L0 = 73.76 cm PCL, g = 0.34 year−1) according to leave-one-out-information-criterion (LOOIC). Age and length at maturity were estimated at 5.12 years and 141.28 cm PCL, respectively in males. The inflection point was estimated at 133.67 cm PCL. The information presented here is necessary for future demographic analyses. It is necessary that future studies can estimate the age and length at maturity in females.

Exploring aortic morphology and determining variable-distance insertion lengths for fluoroscopy-free resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA)

Background (Rationale/Purpose/Objective)Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is used to temporary control non-compressible truncal hemorrhage (NCTH) as bridge to definitive surgical treatment. The dependence on radiography for safe balloon positioning is one factor that limits the extended use of REBOA in civilian and military pre-hospital settings. We aimed to determine standardized sex and age-based variable-distance catheter insertion lengths for accurate REBOA placement without initial fluoroscopic confirmation.MethodsContrast enhanced CT-scans from a representative sample of a Dutch non-trauma population were retrospectively analyzed. Intravascular distances were measured from the bilateral common femoral artery access points (FAAP) to the middle of the aortic occlusion zones and accompanying boundaries. Means and 95% confidence intervals for the distances from the FAAPs to the boundaries and mid-zone III were calculated for all (combined) sex and age-based subgroups. Optimal insertion lengths and potentially safe regions were determined for these groups. Bootstrap analysis was performed in combination with a 40-mm long balloon introduction simulation to determine error-rates and REBOA placement accuracy for the general population.ResultsIn total, 1354 non-trauma patients (694 females) were included. Vascular distances increased with age and were longer in males. The iliofemoral trajectory was 7 mm longer on the right side. The optimal zone I catheter insertion length would be 430 mm. Optimal zone III catheter insertion lengths showed up to 30 mm difference, ranging between 234 and 264 mm. Statistically significant and potentially clinically relevant differences were observed between the anatomical distances and necessary introduction depths for each subgroup.ConclusionThis is the first study to compare aortic morphology and intravascular distances between combined sex and age-based subgroups. As zone III length was consistent, length variability and elongation seem to mainly originate in the iliofemoral trajectory and zone II. The optimal zone I catheter insertion length would be 430 mm. Optimal zone III catheter insertion ranged between 234 and 264 mm. These standardized variable-distance insertion lengths could facilitate safer fluoroscopy-free REBOA in austere, pre-hospital settings.

Genetic Differences between Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss in a Korean Population.

Studies on androgenetic alopecia (AGA or patterned hair loss (PHL)) have suggested different underlying pathological mechanisms between males and females. While many genetic factors for male hair loss have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWASs), the genetic determinants of female hair loss remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed approximately 1000 individuals (436 males and 568 females) to identify sex-specific genetic factors. We conducted three independent GWASs for the total, male-only, and female-only groups, identifying three novel loci (rs7814359, rs2163085, and rs4793158 of the TSNARE1, FZD1, and GJC1 genes, respectively). rs7814359 showed a significant genome-wide association with AGA in the combined sex group and a weak association in both the male-only and female-only groups. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2163085 showed a significant genome-wide association with AGA in the combined group and notable significance in females. The rs4793158 SNP showed a suggestive association with AGA in both the combined and female-only groups. TSNARE1, related to rs7814359, is involved in vesicle transport. FZD1 is a key regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. GJC1 is a gap junction protein. The associations of FZD1 and GJC1 with female-specific AGA suggest that sex hormones, such as estrogen, may influence FPHL through these genes. These findings will contribute to our understanding of the sex-specific pathophysiology of AGA.

Exploratory analysis of new craniometric measures for the investigation of biological sex using open-access statistical and machine-learning tools on a cone-beam computed tomography sample.

Investigation of the biological sex of human remains is a crucial aspect of physical anthropology. However, due to varying states of skeletal preservation, multiple approaches and structures of interest need to be explored. This research aims to investigate the potential use of distances between bifrontal breadth (FMB), infraorbital foramina distance (IOD), nasal breadth (NLB), inter-canine width (ICD), and distance between mental foramina (MFD) for combined sex prediction through traditional statistical methods and through open-access machine-learning tools. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee, and out of 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, 54 individuals were selected with all the points visible. Ten extra exams were chosen to test the predictors developed from the learning sample. Descriptive analysis of measurements, standard deviation, and standard error were obtained. T-student and Mann-Whitney tests were utilized to assess the sex differences within the variables. A logistic regression equation was developed and tested for the investigation of the biological sex as well as decision trees, random forest, and artificial neural networks machine-learning models. The results indicate a strong correlation between the measurements and the sex of individuals. When combined, the measurements were able to predict sex using a regression formula or machine learning based models which can be exported and added to software or webpages. Considering the methods, the estimations showed an accuracy rate superior to 80% for males and 82% for females. All skulls in the test sample were accurately predicted by both statistical and machine-learning models. This exploratory study successfully established a correlation between facial measurements and the sex of individuals, validating the prediction potential of machine learning, augmenting the investigative tools available to experts with a high differentiation potential.

Growth hormone-receptor disruption in mice reduces osteoarthritis and chondrocyte hypertrophy

Excessive growth hormone (GH) has been shown to promote joint degeneration in both preclinical and clinical studies. Little is known about the effect of disrupted GH or GH receptor (GHR) on joint health. The goal of this study is to investigate joint pathology in mice with either germline (GHR-/-) or adult inducible (iGHR-/-) GHR deficiency. Knee joints from male and female GHR-/- and WT mice at 24 months of age were processed for histological analysis. Also, knee joints from male and female iGHR-/- and WT mice at 22 months of age were scanned by micro-CT (μCT) for subchondral bone changes and characterized via histology for cartilage degeneration. Joint sections were also stained for the chondrocyte hypertrophy marker, COLX, and the cartilage degeneration marker, ADAMTS-5, using immunohistochemistry. Compared to WT mice, GHR-/- mice had remarkably smooth articular joint surfaces and an even distribution of proteoglycan with no signs of degeneration. Quantitatively, GHR-/- mice had lower OARSI and Mankin scores compared to WT controls. By contrast, iGHR-/- mice were only moderately protected from developing aging-associated OA. iGHR-/- mice had a significantly lower Mankin score compared to WT. However, Mankin scores were not significantly different between iGHR-/- and WT when males and females were analyzed separately. OARSI scores did not differ significantly between WT and iGHR-/- in either individual or combined sex analyses. Both GHR-/- and iGHR-/- mice had fewer COLX+ hypertrophic chondrocytes compared to WT, while no significant difference was observed in ADAMTS-5 staining. Compared to WT, a significantly lower trabecular thickness in the subchondral bone was observed in the iGHR-/- male mice but not in the female mice. However, there were no significant differences between WT and iGHR-/- mice in the bone volume to total tissue volume (BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular number in either sex. This study identified that both germline and adult-induced GHR deficiency protected mice from developing aging-associated OA with more effective protection in GHR-/- mice.

Characterizing 1991 Gulf War women veterans from the Boston Biorepository and Integrative Network for Gulf War Illness: Demographics, exposures, neuroimaging and cognitive outcomes

Objective: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a debilitating multisymptom condition that affects nearly a third of 1990–91 Gulf War (GW) veterans. Symptoms include pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, and cognitive decrements. Our work has shown that GWI rates and potential causes for symptoms vary between men and women veterans. Studies have documented neuropsychological and neuroimaging findings mostly in men or combined sex datasets. Data are lacking for women veterans due to lack of power and repositories of women veteran samples. Methods: We characterized GW women veterans in terms of demographics, exposures, neuropsychological and neuroimaging outcomes from the newly collated Boston, Biorepository and Integrative Network (BBRAIN) for GWI. Results: BBRAIN women veterans are highly educated with an average age of 54 years. 81% met GWI criteria, 25% met criteria for current PTSD, 78% were white, and 81% served in the Army. Exposure to combined acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEi) including skin pesticides, fogs/sprays and/or pyridostigmine bromide (PB) anti-nerve gas pill exposure resulted in slower processing speed on attentional tasks and a trend for executive impairment compared with non-exposed women. Brain imaging outcomes showed lower gray matter volumes and smaller caudate in exposed women. Conclusions: Although subtle and limited findings were present in this group of women veterans, it suggests that continued follow-up of GW women veterans is warranted. Future research should continue to evaluate differences between men and women in GW veteran samples. The BBRAIN women sub-repository is recruiting and these data are available to the research community for studies of women veterans.

Carapace Length-weight, Carapace Width-weight Relationships, Condition Factor and Sex Ratio of Freshwater Crab Sartoriana spinigera (Wood-Mason, 1971) from the River Burhi Gandak, North Bihar, India

Background: The Burhi Gandak river origins in the Chautarwa Chaur region near Bisambharpur in the West Champaran district of Bihar and flows through the East Champaran, Muzafarpur, Samastipur and Begusarai districts. It falls into the river Ganga near Khagaria district. Its coordinates are 25°51'40''N latitudes and 85°48'36''E longitudes. The total area of catchment is 12500 sq. km in size overall, of which 9601 sq. km are in Bihar and the rest in Nepal. The study will be helpful for stock estimation, developing conservation and choosing appropriate species for aquaculture. The present data can be used to develop conservation plans while providing biological data needed for an effective management of this fishery. Methods: The carapace length-weight, carapace width-weight relationship, condition factor and sex ratio of freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera (n=663) collected from River Burhi Gandak, North Bihar, between July 2020 to June 2021. In the present investigation, freshwater crabs were collected from different types of techniques, including hand-picking, digging, setting traps and taking them from their nest. Result: Total of 663 specimens of Sartoriana spinigera (Wood-Mason, 1971) of both sexes (male and female) were collected in which 363 female and 300 male. The carapace length-weight of Sartoriana spinigera females were calculated as W = 0.9122.521 with R2 = 0.875, male W = 0.43102.505 with R2 = 0.853 and length-weight of combined sex (male and female) were calculated as W = 0.6612.701 with R2 = 0.954. The carapace width-weight of female were calculated as W = 0.5542.331 with R2 = 0.831, male W = 0.7912.421 with R2 = 0.802 and carapace length-weight of combined sex (male and female) were calculated as W = 0.18122.601 with R2 = 0.900. From this study showed it could be stated that crabs have allometric growth pattern. The Fulton’s condition factor (Kn) value were calculated as 1.10 and sex ratio calculated was 1:1.49. This paper provides information.

Some Aspects of the Biology of Sarotherodon melanotheron and Tilapia guineensis inhabiting Mahin Lagoon, Nigeria

Studies on fish biology are important because they help determine the best management strategy to use in order to conserve fish species in their natural habitat. Thus, some aspects of the Biology of Sarotherodon melanotheron and Tilapia guineensis in the Mahin Lagoon were covered in this study. For the study, 121 fish samples were collected. The sex ratio of S. melanotheron (1:1.64) and T. guineensis (1:1.36) showed no significant deviation from the expected 1:1. Fecundity ranged from 243 to 1223 in S. melanotheron and 156 to 600 in T. guineensis with means of 344.39±166.85 and 286.27±114.85 respectively indicating low fecundity in both species. Observed Gonado-Somatic Index (6.40±3.25% for T. guineensis and 5.65±3.31% for S. melanotheron) suggested the peak of gonad maturity. The regression equation of the length-weight relationship indicated that S. melanotheron exhibited negative allometric growth in male (b=1.66, R2=0.63), female (b=2.80, R2=0.83) and combined sex (b=2.55, R2=0.78) while T. guineensis exhibited positive allometry in male (b=3.05, R2=0.97), female (b=3.04, R2=0.95) and combined sex (b=3.04, R2=0.96). The condition factor was greater than 2 for both species. This study also revealed that the fecundity of the two species was size dependent. Examination of stomach fullness revealed that 4.2% and 0.0% of S. melanotheron and T. guineensis had empty stomachs while 20.0% and 3.8% had full stomachs respectively. This study therefore established that the study area was conducive for the fish. Monitoring and regulation of the fisheries is therefore recommended for conservation and management of the study area.

Length-Weight Relationship and Population Dynamics of Fringescale Sardinella Sardinella fimbriata (Clupeiformes, Clupeidae) from Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines

The study investigated the growth, mortality, exploitation rate and recruitment of Fringescale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata Valenciennes, 1847) found in Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines. A total of 1200 samples were collected from April 2023 to March 2024. The relationship between length and weight was expressed as y = 0.0291 x 2.561 for combined sex, y = 0.0404 x 2.4254 for males, and y = 0.0355 x 2.4856 for females. The resulting b values pinpoint to a negative allometric growth. The calculated regression model showed a significant association during which the p-values were below 0.0000 and the r2 values ranged between 0.76 and 0.79. Estimation using the FISAT II software resulted in an asymptotic length (L∞) = 16.28 cm, growth rate (K) = 0.68 yr-1, maximum length (Lmax) = 15.78 cm, theoretical age at birth (t0) = –0.5515 years and growth performance index (ɸ’) = 2.256. The estimated average total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were 2.69, 1.68, and 1.01 per year, respectively. Recruitment occurs throughout the year and peaks in June. It can be noted that the exploitation is calculated as 0.38, which is considered lightly exploited. To have a sustainable population and avoid overfishing, an optimum total yield (E50) can be set at an exploitation rate of 0.278. The maximum yield (Emax) is at an exploitation rate of 0.421.

A comparison of fracture response in female and male lumbar spine in simulated under body blast component tests

Underbody blasts (UBB) from mines and improvised explosive devices in military combat can cause debilitating spine injuries to vehicle mounted soldiers. Due to the exclusion of females in combat roles in prior US Department of Defense policy, UBB exposure and injury have predominantly affected male soldiers. Recent policy changes have opened many combat roles to women serving in the US Military (Carter, 2015) and have increased the need to understand the injury potential for female Warfighters. The goal of this study was to investigate the fracture response of adult female lumbar spines compared to adult male spines in UBB relevant loading to identify potential differences in either fracture mechanism or force. Results are presented for 15 simulated UBB spine compression tests using three small female (SF), five large female (LF), and seven mid-sized male (MM) post-mortem human subjects (PMHS). These PMHS groups align to 5th- and 75th-percentile female and 50th-percentile males, based on height and weight from the 2012 Anthropometric Survey of U.S. Army Personnel (Gordon et al., 2014). Both small females and large females (similar in size to the males) were included to assess the role of size and/or sex in the response. Tests were conducted at Virginia Tech on a cam-driven linear compression rig, which included a 6-axis load cell and ram accelerometer to evaluate the fracture. Fracture was visualized through high-speed x-ray video. All female and male spines exhibited similar fracture initiation at the end plates and progression through the vertebral body. The resulting severe compression and burst fractures were representative of reported theatre injuries (Freedman et al., 2014). Mean axial fracture forces were −4182 ± 940 N (SF), −6225 ± 1180 N (LF), −5459 ± 1472 N (All Females) and −7993 ± 2445 N (MM). The SF group was found to have statistically significant differences in mean fracture force compared to both LF and MM groups, while no significant difference was found between LF and MM groups, although the mean force at initial fracture was lower for the LF group. The All-Females group Fz mean was significantly different from the MM group. These data suggest that the significant difference in weight between the SF and LF groups, did have an influence on the Fz outcome, when controlling for sex. Conversely, controlling for size in the LF and MM comparison, sex did influence the mean Fz, but was not statistically significant. Groups with combined sex and size differences, however, did show significant differences in mean Fz. Further study is warranted to understand whether sex or size has a larger effect on fracture force. Mean ram displacement (spine compression) values at fracture initiation were −6.0 ± 5.3 mm (SF), −4.4 ± 0.8 mm (LF), −5.0 ± 3.0 mm (All Females), −6.2 ± 4.5 mm (MM). Spine compression did not seem to be largely influenced by either sex or size, and none of the groups was found to have significant differences in mean displacement values.

Assessment of Length-weight Relationship, Sex Ratio, Condition Factor and Socioeconomic Values of Nile tilapia in Lake Hawassa

The length – weight relationship, condition factor and sex ratio in Lake Hawassa were evaluated over a period of seven weeks from May to June 2019. The growth coefficient ‘b’ obtained for male, female and combined sexes were 3.17, 3.17 and 3.19 respectively. The ‘b’ value differed significantly (p<0.05) from the value of ‘3’ for all the male, female and combined sexes, indicating a positive allometric growth. The condition factors ‘K’ for male, female and combined sex were 0.97, 1 and 0.94 respectively. There was a significant difference in condition factor between the male, female and combined sexes (ANOVA, p< 0.001). The sex ratio of male and female O. niloticus significantly different (χ2 = 5.78, p< 0.05) from the expected 1:1 ratio. The study conducted to reveal the potential of Nile tilapia to produce fishmeal showed that at least 15.12% of Nile tilapia fish which otherwise would have been discarded as a waste product have the potential to become a fishmeal, such that Lake Hawassa has the potential to produce 27.66 tons of fish meal from annual catch of 182.94 tons of Nile tilapia. The impact of socioeconomic values of Nile tilapia both on fishermen and consumers have been shown as the livelihood of 88% of the fishermen respondents is based on fishery activity with no other source of income with nearly two thirds of the respondents have a monthly income between 1000 to 2000 birr and annual median income of 18,000 birr. This study also revealed that 90% of the fishermen respondents have been given awareness or training that improves their fishing practices. More than three quarter of the fishermen agreed that the long distance of fish markets from residential areas have reduced the accessibility of the fish resource to the consumers. And also there is strong statistical evidence that supports unhygienic fish processing practices contributed more to the problems and constraints of the socioeconomic values of Nile tilapia. On the other hand consumers’ spending capacity depends on their monthly income and also consumers’ consumption habit depends on factors like the cost of fish, proximity of the fish market and buying power. Further research needs to be undertaken to address some of the problems facing the fishery activity such as lack of proper fish processing, storage and marketing facilities.

Cardiac CARE study: How the ESC Cardio-Oncology guidelines fo 2022 affect the study population

Abstract Introduction The new 2022 ESC Guidelines in Cardio-Oncology focused on cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CT-RCD), with the formal introduction of biomarkers in the classification and risk stratification of CTR-CD in addition to structural imaging . We here, investigated how these changes affect the classification of patients in the Cardiac CARE study and the value of high sensitivity troponin I (hSTrop-I). Methods The Cardiac CARE study prospectively recruited 191 patients who underwent anthracycline therapy for breast cancer or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. All patients underwent regular hSTrop-I levels throughout their anthracycline therapy as well as a baseline and 6-month cardiac magnetic resonance scans including assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain. A post-hoc analysis assessed the association between hSTrop-I and the development of cardiac dysfunction (defined as a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction <50% or a reduction in GLS by >15%) using logistic regression with data corrected for age and gender. In addition, receiver operator curves (ROC) were drawn and area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed to assess the value of hSTrop-I as an addition to the classification model. Finally, to compare our data with the new guidelines, a confusion matrix was performed. Results 11 patients were diagnosed as having cardiotoxicity in the Cardiac CARE study but using the 2022 ESC guidelines in Cardio-Oncology, 53 patients were re-classified into the ‘asymptomatic mild cardiotoxicity’ group (95% CI of 0.5162 and 0.6823; kappa value 0.157). Using a logistic regression model, a difference in hSTrop-I measured at the first cycle of anthracycline therapy had an odds ratio of 1.37 (95% CI 0.37-5.10) which when corrected for age dropped to 1.18 (95% CI of 0.28-5.01) and with combined age and sex correction, fell further, to 0.83 (95% CI of 0.12 and 5.56). A ROC analysis looking at the performance of hSTrop-I at predicting cardiac dysfunction demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.605 and when corrected for age and sex, was 0.640. Conclusion The addition of cardiac biomarkers to the new classification, significantly reclassified 53 of 191 (27.7%) of patients who were previously normal, to having asymptomatic mild cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, mostly due to the inclusion of hSTrop I. HSTrop-I prior to anthracycline treatment was not a robust predictor of the development of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in our cohort of patients. Of note, the Cardiac CARE patients are a low-risk group of patients and follow-up data is limited to 6 months.

Condition Factor and Length-Weight Relationship of Banana Mullet (Mugil bananensis) (Pellegrim, 1927) from St. Nicholas River, Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria

The condition factor and length-weight relationship of Liza bananensis (Banana mullet) was studied from St. Nicholas River, Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria from October 2020 to September 2021. The study was necessitated by the lack of basic information of the species from the study area which is high in socio-economic importance and nutritional value to the inhabitants of the communities along the river system. The studies were carried out on the full stretch of the river. The fish species was caught with cast net. The fish specimen was identified using keys and descriptions. The total of 84 mullets, 10 (males) and 64 (females) were caught measuring 13.4 – 17 cm and weighing 39.47 -64.43g (males) and 12 – 21cm and weighing 24.25– 130.97g (females). Specimens were stored in cooler containing ice and transported to the laboratory for further analysis. The mean lengths and weights of the classes were used for data analysis, the format accepted by FISAT. The studied mean condition factor ranged from 1.61 (Combined sex), 1.68 (males) to 1.59 (females) showed that there were more females than males showing fewer males mating with more females. The degree of association between length and weight was computed from linear regression analysis. The respective exponential equation for the length weight relationship are: Combined sex, male and female Liza bananensis are: Combined sex (W 1 =0.9102(TL) 1.6908) Male (W 1 = 0.964(TL) (1.399) and Female (W1= 0.9011(TL) (1.839) respectively. The species exhibit positive isometric growth with (b=2.7) combined sex, (b=2.7) male and (b=3.0) female respectively. The length-weight relationship of the species showed positive and isometric growth with good condition factor indicating species resistance to all the negative factors of the water.

Reductions in sampling effort for fishery-independent age and length composition: balancing sampling efficiency, data uncertainty, and workforce health

Unavoidable survey effort reduction has become a reality that must be accounted for in fisheries stock assessment. In addition, negative consequences to survey staff health due to repetitive motion injuries are becoming increasingly costly for managing agencies. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of reductions in age and length data used in fisheries stock assessment models. The main goal was to determine whether sampling can be reduced to a level that does not excessively increase data uncertainty, yet provides a reduction in repetitive motions that can cause injury to survey staff. We found that reducing length sampling to a maximum of 100–150 fish sampled per haul (either sex-specific or combined sex) provides length composition data for which the uncertainty is not appreciably increased, and it has minimal effect on the uncertainty in age composition data that is subsequently expanded from this subsampled length frequency data. The method employed here, and the results presented, can aid management agencies to balance the magnitude of data collection and subsequent consequences to fisheries stock assessment models.

The global impact of tobacco control policies on smokeless tobacco use: a systematic review

Smokeless tobacco, used by more than 300 million people globally, results in substantial morbidity and mortality. For smokeless tobacco control, many countries have adopted policies beyond the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which has been instrumental in reducing smoking prevalence. The impact of these policies (within and outside the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control) on smokeless tobacco use remains unclear. We aimed to systematically review policies that are relevant to smokeless tobacco and its context and investigate their impact on smokeless tobacco use. In this systematic review, we searched 11 electronic databases and grey literature between Jan 1, 2005, and Sept 20, 2021, in English and key south Asian languages, to summarise smokeless tobacco policies and their impact. Inclusion criteria were all types of studies on smokeless tobacco users that mentioned any smokeless tobacco relevant policies since 2005, except systematic reviews. Policies issued by organisations or private institutions were excluded as well as studies on e-cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery System except where harm reduction or switching were evaluated as a tobacco cessation strategy. Two reviewers independently screened articles, and data were extracted after standardisation. Quality of studies was appraised using the Effective Public Health Practice Project's Quality Assessment Tool. Outcomes for impact assessment included smokeless tobacco prevalence, uptake, cessation, and health effects. Due to substantial heterogeneity in the descriptions of policies and outcomes, data were descriptively and narratively synthesised. This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020191946). 14 317 records were identified, of which 252 eligible studies were included as describing smokeless tobacco policies. 57 countries had policies targeting smokeless tobacco, of which 17 had policies outside the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control for smokeless tobacco (eg, spitting bans). 18 studies evaluated the impact, which were of variable quality (six strong, seven moderate, and five weak) and reported mainly on prevalence of smokeless tobacco use. The body of work evaluating policy initiatives based on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control found that these initiatives were associated with reductions in smokeless tobacco prevalence of between 4·4% and 30·3% for taxation and 22·2% and 70·9% for multifaceted policies. Two studies evaluating the non-Framework policy of sales bans reported significant reductions in smokeless tobacco sale (6·4%) and use (combined sex 17·6%); one study, however, reported an increased trend in smokeless tobacco use in the youth after a total sales ban, likely due to cross-border smuggling. The one study reporting on cessation found a 13·3% increase in quit attempts in individuals exposed (47·5%) to Framework Convention on Tobacco Control policy: education, communication, training, and public awareness, compared with non-exposed (34·2%). Many countries have implemented smokeless tobacco control policies, including those that extend beyond the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The available evidence suggests that taxation and multifaceted policy initiatives are associated with meaningful reductions in smokeless tobacco use. UK National Institute for Health Research.

Size structure, length-body mass relationship, and relative condition factor of the crocodile shark, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean, Ecuador

The crocodile shark, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, is a species of ecological and economic importance in the marine ecosystems of Ecuador. Although it is a fishery resource for local consumption, biological and ecological information and appropriate fishery management are needed to allow its sustainable use. This research aimed to analyze the population’s size and total body mass structures, determine the length-body mass relationship, and the relative condition factor of the crocodile shark in the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean. Samples were collected from June 2012 to May 2013 and from June 2017 to May 2018 in Santa Rosa, Ecuador. The size of females (n=202) ranged from 50 to 117 cm total length, while males (n=206) ranged from 72.5 to 110 cm TL. The total body mass for females was between 700 and 7 100 g and from 2 000 to 5 000 g for males. Significant differences were observed between sizes (Mann Whitney test, W= 55 018.50; p < 0.05) and body mass for females and males (W= 56 338.50; p < 0.05). Length-body mass relationship parameters for the combined sexes were a=0.015, b=2.70, R2=0.79; for females: a=0.045, b=2.48, R2=0.80; and for males a=0.098, b=2.28, R2=0.66. In all cases, length-body mass relationship patterns were hypoallometric. The relative condition factor for combined sex ranged between Kr=0.81 and 1.34 (Kr= 0.84–1.34 for females and Kr= 0.81–1.30 for males), demonstrating that this species had a healthy nutritional condition. This study investigates the fishery biology of the species in this region of the Pacific Ocean for a future management plan.

Stature estimation using the sacrum in a Thai population.

Stature is an essential component of biological profile analysis since it determines an individual's physical identity. Long bone dimensions are generally used to estimate the stature of skeletal remains; however, non-long bones such as the sternum, cranium, and sacrum may be necessary for some forensic situations. This study aimed to generate a regression equation for stature estimation of the skeletal remains in the Thai population. Ten measurements of the sacrum were measured from 200 dry sacra. The results revealed that the maximum anterior breadth (MAB) provided the most accurate stature prediction model among males (correlation coefficient [r]=0.53), standard error of estimation (SEE=5.94 cm), and females (r=0.48, SEE=6.34 cm). For the multiple regression model, the best multiple regression models were stature equals 41.2+0.374 (right auricular surface height [RASH])+1.072 (anterior-posterior outer diameter of S1 vertebra corpus [APOD])+0.256 (dorsal height [DH])+0.417 (transverse inner diameter of S1 vertebra corpus [TranID])+0.2 (MAB) with a SEE of 6.42 cm for combined sex. For males, stature equals 63.639+0.478 (MAB)+0.299 (DH)+0.508 (APOD) with a SEE of 5.35, and stature equals 75.181+0.362 (MAB)+0.441 (RASH)+0.132 (maximum anterior height [MAH]) with a SEE of 5.88 cm for females. This study suggests that regression equations derived from the sacrum can be used to estimate the stature of the Thai population, especially when a long bone is unavailable.

Some Biological Characteristics of the Transcaucasian spirlin, Alburnoides fasciatus (Nordmann, 1840) inhabiting Borçka Reservoir, NE Türkiye

The present study investigates for the first time some basic biological aspects such as sex ratio, size composition, length-length relationships (LLRs) and length-weight relationships (LWRs) of Alburnoides fasciatus inhabiting Borçka Dam Lake and its tributaries from the lower Çoruh River Basin located in the northeastern Türkiye. Fish samples were collected from February 2017 to June 2019. Totally 171 specimens ranging from 7.4 cm to 16.2 cm TL and 4.06 g to 46.56 g were sampled. The sex ratio (F:M) was calculated as 1.19:1.00 (χ2 test; P&gt;0.05). The total length-weight relationships were determined as W= 0.008TL3.154 (r2=0.987, N=93) for females, as W= 0.007TL3.183 (r2=0.990, N=78) for males and as W= 0.007TL3.205 (r2=0.981, N=171) for combined sex. The b-values were significantly different from isometric growth (b=3) indicating positive allometric growth of Transcaucasian spirlin for all sexes (Pauly’s t-test; P˂0.05). The regression analysis of LWRs revealed that the coefficient of determination was r2&gt;0.9 showing a highly significant correlation between total length and weight. Results of the LLRs indicated that the values of correlation coefficient were highly correlated (r2&gt;0.9) for each sex and relationship. The differences in b values of the LWR were statistically significant for both sexes (ANCOVA; P

First Data on Some Biological Aspects of the Caucasian Goby, Ponticola constructor (Nordman, 1840) (Teleostei: Gobiidae) From the Lower Çoruh River Basin (NE Türkiye)

The present study describes for the first time some biological aspects (size composition, sex ratio, length-weight relationship and condition factor) of Ponticola constructor (Caucasian goby) inhabiting Borçka Dam Lake and its tributaries from the lower Çoruh River Basin located in the northeastern Türkiye. Fish samples were caught from June 2017 to May 2018 by using trammel nets with various mesh sizes and by pulsed DC electrofishing device. A total of 145 Caucasian goby (78 females and 67 males) ranging from 6.8 cm to 13.4 cm TL were sampled during the study. The sex ratio of female to male was calculated as 1.16:1.00 which did not deviate from the expected ratio of 1:1 (χ² = 0.834, p˃0.05). The total length-weight relationships were determined as W= 0.016TL2.896 (r2=0.995, p˂0.05) for females, as W= 0.018TL2.841 (r2=0.993, p˂0.05) for males and as W= 0.017TL2.856 (r2=0.994, p˂0.05) for combined sex with the b-values were significantly different from isometric growth (b=3) indicating negative allometric growth of Caucasian goby for all sexes (Pauly’s t-test, p˂0.05). The regression analysis revealed that the coefficient of determination was r2&amp;gt;0.99 showing a highly significant correlation between total length and weight. The differences in slopes (b values) of the LWR were statistically significant for both sexes (ANCOVA, p&amp;lt;0.05). Fulton's condition factor (K) values ranged from 1.124 to 1.312 in females and from 1.076 to 1.426 in males indicating a good growth condition in this habitat. No significant difference was observed in mean K values between females and males (t-test, p&amp;gt;0.05). The present study will provide a baseline on some biological parameters of Ponticola constructor to provide a guideline for the fisheries management authority and fisheries scientists for further investigations as well as presents the first known reference on the LWRs of this species for the FishBase database. Furthermore, the reported results may contribute to the conservation and sustainability of this species in the area.