Daily Increments Research Articles

Variation in Juvenile Salmon Growth Opportunities Across a Shifting Habitat Mosaic

Historically, Chinook Salmon in the California Central Valley reared in the vast wetlands of the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. However, more than 95% of floodplain, riparian, and wetland habitats in the Delta have become degraded because of anthropogenic factors such as pollution, introduced species, water diversions, and levees. Despite pronounced habitat loss, previous work using otolith reconstructions has revealed that some juvenile salmon continue to successfully rear for extended periods in the Delta. However, the extent to which the Delta functions to promote salmon growth relative to other habitats remains unknown. In this study, we integrated otolith microstructure (daily increment count and width) and strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) records to fill this critical knowledge gap by comparing the growth of natural-origin fall-run Chinook Salmon from the American River that reared in the Delta with those that remained in their natal stream. Using generalized additive models, we compared daily otolith growth rates among rearing habitats (Delta vs. American River) and years (2014 to 2018), encompassing a range of hydrologic conditions. We found that juvenile Chinook Salmon grew faster in the Delta in some years (2016), but slower in the Delta during drought conditions (2014 to 2015). The habitat that featured faster growth rates varied within and among years, suggesting the importance of maintaining a habitat mosaic for juvenile salmonids, particularly in a dynamic environment such as the California Central Valley. Linking otolith chemistry with daily growth increments provides a valuable approach to explore the mechanisms governing interannual variability in growth across habitat types, and a useful tool to quantify the effects of large-scale restoration efforts on native fishes.

Oceanic water temperatures less than 20°C may largely adjust for underestimation of European elver otolith ages

AbstractEuropean eel Anguilla anguilla otolith‐based elver ages may be substantially adjusted higher by migratory path oceanic water temperatures. Water temperatures <20°C increased temperature‐adjusted otolith ages of Japanese glass eels and elvers. Migration periods to the northern Vilaine and Severn Rivers were estimated at 785 days (2.15 years) and 781 days (2.14 years), respectively, and 958 days (2.62 years) for the southern Rio Minho, assuming a mean spawning date of 9 February (66 days shorter with a mean spawning date of 16 April). For a 9 February mean spawning date, temperature‐corrected otolith ages were higher than otolith ages by 34.4–92.7%. Higher migration route water temperatures reduced the temperature‐adjustment of otolith ages. Another approach to the temperature‐correction of otolith ages underestimated by 5.6–28.1% the migration period (days) to the southern Rio Minho and overestimated by 12.4–13.4% that to the two northern rivers. The effect of recent higher North Atlantic water temperatures on otolith daily growth increments remains to be learned. The difference between temperature‐adjusted otolith and observed ages differed little between earlier and later mean spawning dates. Otolith ages for glass and elver European eels should not be used if unadjusted for migration route water temperatures and used cautiously after adjustment for low oceanic, estuarine, and perhaps freshwater temperatures; even then otolith ageing issues remain. A greater understanding of oceanic migratory paths and durations is needed for European eels.

Compatibility of rapid enteral feeding advances and noninvasive ventilation in preterm infants-An observational study.

To evaluate safety and clinical outcome of rapid enteral feeding advances in preterm infants <1500 g birthweight (BW). In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 293 preterm infants born during 2015-2018 were comparatively analyzed before (n = 145) and after (n = 148) the implementation of a rapid enteral feeding protocol with daily milk increments of 20-30 ml/kgof body weight. Major outcome parameters were focused towardpulmonary morbidities and nutritional variables. Preterm infants in the rapid feeding advancement group were more successfully stabilized on noninvasive ventilation (p < 0.001) never requiring mechanical ventilation. Duration of respiratory support (0.465) and frequency of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p = 0.341) and severe BPD (0.273) did not differ between both groups. Furthermore, patients in the rapid feeding group achieved full volume feedings faster (p < 0.001), regained BW earlier (p = 0.009), and displayed significantly improved somatic growth at 36 weeks gestational age (p < 0.001). There was no increased risk for further morbidities of prematurity including feeding intolerance, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and focal intestinal perforation. Rapid enteral feeding advancements in preterm infants <1500 g BW are safe and do not impede stabilization on noninvasive ventilation.

Growth and Microstructural Features in Otoliths of Larval and Juvenile Sinogastromyzon wui (F. Balitoridae, River Loaches) of the Upper Pearl River, China

Otolith growth and microstructural features of fish are essential to the understanding of the early fish lifecycle. This paper assesses the features of otoliths from laboratory-reared larval and juvenile Sinogastromyzon wui (S. wui, 0 to 25 days post-hatching) that were obtained as eggs from the Shilong Reach of Xijiang River between April and August 2021. We observed the development of the three pairs of otoliths (lapilli, sagittae, and asterisci) and compared the shape changes and growth of the lapilli and sagittae, as well as the timing and deposition rate of increments of the lapilli. The lapilli and the sagittae were visible on hatching, whereas the asterisci were present at four days post-hatching (dph). The shape of the sagitta changed more obviously than that of the lapillus, and a strong correlation was observed between sagitta shape changes and fish ontogenesis. The otolith shape greatly modulated during the post-flexion larval stage (Post-FLS), it corresponded with the formation period of individual fins. Analysis of the microstructural features indicated that lapilli were the optimal otolith for age determination and increment deposition rate confirmation. Using regression analysis of the known age and the number of lapillus daily increments, we demonstrated that the lapillus developmental increments were deposited daily, and the first increment formed at two days post-hatching. Our conclusions support employing the lapillus increment deposition rate and the time of the first daily increments in the determination of the age of wild larval and juvenile S. wui.

24-Hour Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Cardiovascular Risk

BackgroundThe relation between sodium intake and cardiovascular disease remains controversial, owing in part to inaccurate assessment of sodium intake. Assessing 24-hour urinary excretion over a period of multiple days is considered to be an accurate method.MethodsWe included individual-participant data from six prospective cohorts of generally healthy adults; sodium and potassium excretion was assessed with the use of at least two 24-hour urine samples per participant. The primary outcome was a cardiovascular event (coronary revascularization or fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke). We analyzed each cohort using consistent methods and combined the results using a random-effects meta-analysis.ResultsAmong 10,709 participants, who had a mean (±SD) age of 51.5±12.6 years and of whom 54.2% were women, 571 cardiovascular events were ascertained during a median study follow-up of 8.8 years (incidence rate, 5.9 per 1000 person-years). The median 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was 3270 mg (10th to 90th percentile, 2099 to 4899). Higher sodium excretion, lower potassium excretion, and a higher sodium-to-potassium ratio were all associated with a higher cardiovascular risk in analyses that were controlled for confounding factors (P≤0.005 for all comparisons). In analyses that compared quartile 4 of the urinary biomarker (highest) with quartile 1 (lowest), the hazard ratios were 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 2.14) for sodium excretion, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.91) for potassium excretion, and 1.62 (95% CI, 1.25 to 2.10) for the sodium-to-potassium ratio. Each daily increment of 1000 mg in sodium excretion was associated with an 18% increase in cardiovascular risk (hazard ratio, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.29), and each daily increment of 1000 mg in potassium excretion was associated with an 18% decrease in risk (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.94).ConclusionsHigher sodium and lower potassium intakes, as measured in multiple 24-hour urine samples, were associated in a dose–response manner with a higher cardiovascular risk. These findings may support reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake from current levels. (Funded by the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health.)

Time of permanence and rooting quality of minicuttings of eucalypt clones

Establishing the optimal time for rooting permanence and evaluation of the rooting quality of eucalypt clones allows us to optimise the production process and increase the quality of the seedlings produced. This study aimed to determine the optimal time for rooting permanence and the rooting quality of three eucalypt clones. Minicuttings from the clones AEC 0144, GG100 and VM01 were propagated in a greenhouse and evaluated for six weeks. The percentages of callus- rooted, rooted and live minicuttings, the number of roots, root system length, and root dry mass were evaluated. The selected clones differed in the speed and rate of rooting, reflecting differences in the optimal time in the rooting house for the minicuttings. Clone VM01 presented the lowest rate and speed of rooting. We conclude that optimisation of the rooting process can be achieved using logistic model fitting and noting the intercept between the daily current increment and daily average increment curves of the rooting percentage, since the other variables are dependendent on this.

Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation.

To investigate the association between noninvasive ventilation delivery devices and the incidence of nasal septum injury in preterm infants. This retrospective singlecenter cohort study included preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. The incidence of nasal injury was compared among three groups according to the noninvasive ventilation delivery device (G1 - nasal mask; G2 - binasal prongs; and G3, rotation of nasal mask with prongs). Nasal injury was classified according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel as stages 1 - 4. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks to identify possible predictors associated with medical device-related injuries. Among the 300 infants included in the study, the incidence of medical device-related injuries in the rotating group was significantly lower than that in the continuous mask or prong groups (n = 68; 40.48%; p value < 0.01).The basal prong group presented more stage 2 injuries (n = 15; 55.56%; p < 0.01). Staying ≥ 7 days in noninvasive ventilation was associated with a higher frequency of medical device-related injuries, regardless of device (63.81%; p < 0.01). Daily increments in noninvasive ventilation increased the risk for nasal injury by 4% (95%CI 1.02 - 1.06; p < 0.01). Higher birth weight indicated protection against medical device-related injuries. Each gained gram represented a decrease of 1% in the risk of developing nasal septum injury (RR: 0.99; 95%CI 0.99 - 0.99; p < 0.04). Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in comparison with single devices. The addition of days using noninvasive ventilation seems to contribute to medical device-related injuries, and higher birth weight is a protective factor.

Rotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between noninvasive ventilation delivery devices and the incidence of nasal septum injury in preterm infants.MethodsThis retrospective singlecenter cohort study included preterm infants supported by noninvasive ventilation. The incidence of nasal injury was compared among three groups according to the noninvasive ventilation delivery device (G1 - nasal mask; G2 - binasal prongs; and G3, rotation of nasal mask with prongs). Nasal injury was classified according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel as stages 1 - 4. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks to identify possible predictors associated with medical device-related injuries.ResultsAmong the 300 infants included in the study, the incidence of medical device-related injuries in the rotating group was significantly lower than that in the continuous mask or prong groups (n = 68; 40.48%; p value < 0.01).The basal prong group presented more stage 2 injuries (n = 15; 55.56%; p < 0.01). Staying ≥ 7 days in noninvasive ventilation was associated with a higher frequency of medical device-related injuries, regardless of device (63.81%; p < 0.01). Daily increments in noninvasive ventilation increased the risk for nasal injury by 4% (95%CI 1.02 - 1.06; p < 0.01). Higher birth weight indicated protection against medical device-related injuries. Each gained gram represented a decrease of 1% in the risk of developing nasal septum injury (RR: 0.99; 95%CI 0.99 - 0.99; p < 0.04).ConclusionRotating nasal masks with nasal prongs reduces the incidence of moderate to severe nasal injury in comparison with single devices. The addition of days using noninvasive ventilation seems to contribute to medical device-related injuries, and higher birth weight is a protective factor.

Optimization of animal feeding against the background of the use of feed additives

In this experimental work, the effect of vitamin and mineral concentrate P52-1 of domestic production as part of barley and wheat compound feeds on the growth dynamics of young pigs and their health indicators for the experiment duration was studied. At the same time, the physiological parameters of the health of the studied animals were considered. Morphobiochemical studies of blood allowed to conclude that this feed additive had a positive effect on the metabolism of young pigs in the post-weaning period and during rearing. The result of the use of P52-1 was an accelerated increase in the mass of the test animals of the experimental group compared with the control group in terms of average daily and gross increments. At the same time, in the experimental group of animals, morphobiochemical indicators exceeded those of the control group, while they were within the normal range. The cultivation of young pigs using a multienzymatic premix, of domestic production, provides an average daily increase in animals of the experimental group of over 16%.

Novel methods of resolving daily growth patterns in giant clam (Tridacna spp.) shells

Sclerochronology is a powerful tool for high resolution paleoclimate and paleoenvironment reconstruction. However, we can only observe annual growth bands using traditional technology for most marine bivalves, hampering the ability to establish daily resolution chronology in order to reconstruct past weather changes. Giant clams (Tridacna spp.) are the largest bivalves in the world. Their hard and dense aragonite shells have clear annual and even daily growth bands, creating the potential for daily resolution chronology establishment and paleoweather reconstruction. In this study, we present two new and reliable methods that resolve daily growth patterns in giant clam shells: (1) Fluorescence image method. Measuring the width between two bright fluorescent bands of the Tridacna shell with the help of CooRecorder 9.0 software based on the clear daily growth bands obtained by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). (2) Ultrahigh resolution Sr/Ca method. Counting the amount of Sr/Ca ratio data in each daily cycle derived from Tridacna shell, and then calculating the daily growth increment based on the spatial resolution of Sr/Ca data. The results show the variation of daily growth increments profiles obtained by the two methods synchronize, and the chronology uncertainty is statistically acceptable over a long-term record, indicating that both methods can estimate the daily growth increment of Tridacna shell reliably. The methods developed here lay the foundation for paleoweather reconstruction using daily growth increments of Tridacna spp.

Effect of Temperature on the Daily Increment Deposition in the Otoliths of European Sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) Larvae

Otolith microstructure analysis is a valuable tool to evaluate the relationship between larval age and growth and how it relates to environmental variability. Otolith growth and daily increment deposition were analyzed in sardine (Sardina pilchardus) larvae reared in the laboratory under different temperatures (13, 15, and 17 °C), with a diet rich in microalgae, rotifers, and copepods Acartia grani. The number and width of growth increments, first-check and otolith diameter were determined in the otoliths and then related to larval age and total length. At hatching, the sagittal otoliths consisted of a lenticular core with a diameter of 10.56 μm (±1.07 μm SD). Somatic growth increased with the increasing temperature and the growth rate of larvae reared at 13 and 15 °C was significantly lower than for larvae reared at 17 °C. At 17 °C, otoliths exhibited a higher diameter with wider increments than at 13 °C. There was a high variability of increment counts-at-age for larvae reared within the same temperature treatment. The increase of growth increments with larval size was higher for larvae reared at 17 °C until 35 days post-hatching than those growing at 15 °C. Scanning electronic microscopy confirmed that increments are deposited daily, with an average width smaller than 1 µm and as low as 0.33 μm, therefore impossible to distinguish using light microscopy. At colder temperatures, larval otoliths had thinner and less marked increments and lower growth rates, which can lead to incorrect age determinations. The effect of temperature on the otolith microstructure can help in identifying strong temperature gradients experienced by wild sardine larvae.

Pulsar: physical generalization of the galactic time-space

The article considers a complex of geometric representations of space-time, based on general dynamic theories of celestial mechanics in close connection with pulsar astrometry as the physical basis of coordinate-time transformations within the solar system and galactic space as a whole. The pulsar time scale is considered as a certain material system with continuous and stable motion, representing a certain measurable parameter – the rotation period P, which changes as a function of the independent time variable – its derivative. The physical pulsar scale is a sequence of measured daily increments of the initial radiation period within any duration. According to observations at the BSA radio telescope (Pushchino) of the pulsar B0950+08, the time scale was determined with an initial period of P0=0.2530653211840410 s on the date MJD0 = 58971 (02.05.2020; 21h.58m.07s). A measured daily increment ΔP = 1.4441·10E-11 s corresponds to the measured value of the derivative P = 1.6759949886E-16, which is determined by the observational timing data. Measured ΔP are defined in the 25th decimal place. Up to 14-15 digits, Δ P there is a pulsar time scale with femtosecond resolution. From 15-16 to 25 digits Δ P is presumably sequential fixation of discrete states of microparticles during quantum-mechanical interactions of matter and electromagnetic radiation of a pulsar. According to our hypothesis, the diversity of the material world and physical processes occurring in celestial and quantum mechanics are finite and it can be generalized. This implies the inseparable unity of physical laws in four-dimensional space of celestial and quantum mechanics, detectable on pulsar time scales under the same conditions.

AGE-DEPENDENT VARIABILITY OF THE DYNAMICS OF LINEAR GROWTH OF SALIX TRIANDRA SHOOTS

Salix triandra (almond willow) is an established crop, grown for basket-making materials. This species is also used for a wide range of environmental projects. The paper aimed to comparative analysis of the seasonal dynamics of linear growth of shoots in S. triandra clones on stools of different ages. The object of the study is a model inbred-clonal population of S. triandra. Our study analyzed the growing annual shoots on saplings from cuttings. To obtain the material, one- and two-year-old stools of four clones were used. The observations were carried out in the conditions of the vegetative period in the year 2021. The development of shoots occurred in conditions of extremely excessive atmospheric moisture at the beginning of the growing season. The study also assessed the impact of ruderal vegetation.&#x0D; As a result of our observations, it was found that the length of shoots on annual stools reached 210-220 cm, on biennial stools – 300-340 cm. The average daily increment of shoots on annual stools was 2.01±0.052 cm/day (with a maximum of 3.8-4.4 cm/day), on biennial stools – 2.88±0.069 cm/day (with a maximum of 5.0-6.1 cm/day). The root mean square amplitude of oscillation in the daily growth of shoots on annual stools was 0.79 cm/day, on biennial stools – 1.34 cm/day. The results showed that, regardless of the age of the stool, there is a cyclic development of shoots, which is due to the alternation of the maximum and minimum daily growth. The greatest degree of synchronization of maximum and minimum values of daily shoots increment in spring and early summer is revealed. A clone has been identified that gives consistently high increment of shoots. It is recommended to use such clones to create sustainable and multifunctional crops of almond willow.

The impact of Salt Stress on The Growth and Photosynthetic Pigments of Vicia faba (L).

Water used for crop irrigation is often of insufficient quality in the Mediterranean region, where sea water invades the porous karst matrix and salinizes Sources of soil and water. Measuring the productivity of horticultural crops under saline conditions helps decide if and when crops should be irrigated if water is saline, thus balancing crop water and salt stress. To examine the effects of saline irrigation water on (Vicia faba L.) biomass and yield parameters, a greenhouse pot experiment was set up.NaCl salinity was applied as follows: After 15 days from irrigation, plants were subjected to graded levels of salinity: 0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mM NaCl, applied in stepwise daily increments to avoid induction of salt shock to the seedlings. Height of Plant (cm), The number of lateral branches , number of( leaves, pods, seeds) per plant, shoot weight (g), is correlated with an increase in stressed plant photosynthetic pigments. five weeks after salinity therapy, the weight of the pod (g) and the weight of the seed (g) were determined. Increased irrigation water salinity statistically significantly decreased the calculated parameters (P&lt;0.05) relative to regulation , except for the number of branches and pods. Salinity is associated with an increase in photosynthetic pigments in stressed plants. The productivity of Vicia faba has decreased in proportion to the degree of salinity of irrigation water.

Somatic growth of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) under global climate variability: evidence from over 60 years of daily resolved growth increments with a simulation study

Somatic growth is integral to fishery stock productivity. Under climate variability, omitting growth variability renders fishery management strategies non-optimal. Based on a multidecadal tag–recapture database, a case study is presented to investigate the potential growth response of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) to three regionally relevant large-scale climate patterns: the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and Pacific North America pattern. An additional simulation study is conducted to explore the effect of the overall scale and the distribution of measurement error on the detection probability of extrinsic effects and the estimation of growth parameters. Results indicate significant growth response at an intra-annual scale to all three climate indices examined. Identified growth responses to climate variations are highly nonlinear. The projected growth shows increased growth in recent decades under climate variability with respect to the historical mean. Simulation results show a higher probability to detect climate signals when the overall measurement error is low. Substantial bias is expected when the measurement error at tag release is high, cautioning against careless integration of different types of growth data.

Enteral feeding advancement and growth until 5\u2009years in extremely preterm infants

BackgroundIn-utero weight gain can be achieved in very preterm infants through rapid advancement of enteral feeds without increasing risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. There are concerns, however, that such rapid weight gain may lead to an increased childhood adiposity risk, although long-term data are sparse.DesignThis retrospective observational study included two well-characterized cohorts comprising 145 infants born at < 28 weeks or with < 1000 g birth weight. We investigated associations between advancing enteral feeding volumes in daily increments of 15–20 ml/kg (Cohort 1, n = 84, born in 2006/2007) vs. 25–30 ml/kg (Cohort 2, n = 61, born in 2010) and growth up to 5 years of age.ResultsThere was no significant difference in anthropometric parameters post discharge to 5 years between both cohorts. Standard deviation score (SDS) weight and SDS BMI at the age of 5 years remained lower than in the reference population. SDS weight decreased from discharge to about 10–12 months postnatal age and returned to birth values by age 5 years. There was a catch-up for SDS length/height from discharge to 5 years; SDS head circumference decreased from birth to 5 years. Multiple regression analyses revealed that for all anthropometric parameters SDS at birth was the most important predictor for SDS at 5 years. Early parenteral protein intake may be another important factor, at least for head growth.ConclusionsGrowth was similar in both cohorts without benefit from more accelerated feeding advancement in cohort 2. In both cohorts, early enteral nutrition was associated with in-hospital weight gain as in utero, a drop in weight SDS post discharge and catch-up to birth SDS until age 5 years, remaining below the reference population. Length showed catch-up form discharge to 5 years, whereas head circumference progressively deviated from the reference population. Increased parenteral protein supplementation may be needed to accompany early enteral feeding advancements.

Growth performance and metabolic responses of Nile tilapia fed diets with different protein to energy ratios

The effect of dietary digestible protein to digestible energy (DP/DE) ratio on the growth performance and metabolic responses of Nile tilapia juveniles was evaluated. Five experimental diets were formulated with increasing DP/DE ratio (13.2, 15.5, 18.4, 20.0, and 22.6 mg kJ−1) and fed to eight replicates of Nile tilapia (initial body weight of 9.3 g) for 110 days. The apparent digestibility coefficients of the diets were determined in a parallel trial. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and crude energy linearly decreased with increasing dietary P/E ratios. A quadratic effect of dietary DP/DE ratio on growth performance was observed, and maximum weight gain (g kg−1 day−1) or daily growth increment was attained with a dietary DP/DE ratio of 16.5 and 17.2 (mg kJ−1), respectively. Feed intake and energy retention (kJ ABW kg−1 day−1) linearly decreased, and feed efficiency linearly increased with increased dietary DP/DE ratio. The increase of dietary DP/DE ratio decreased the whole body, muscle, hepatic, and visceral lipid content and increased the fillet yield. The decrease of dietary DP/DE linearly increased nitrogen retention (% N intake) and whole-body lipid deposition through the reduction of amino acid catabolism (GDH and ALAT) and gluconeogenesis (FBPase) related enzymes and the increase of glycolysis (GK and HK) and lipogenesis- (G6PDH and ME) related enzymes.In conclusion, a dietary DP/DE ratio of 16.5–17.2 mg kJ−1 promoted the maximum growth performance of Nile tilapia juveniles. However, further studies are required to evaluate if a fine-tuning of the protein amino acid profile would allow a further reduction of the optimum dietary DP/DE ratio. Metabolic response to the decrease in dietary DP/DE levels suggested activation of glycolysis and lipogenesis and inhibition of amino acid catabolism and gluconeogenesis, highlighting the high capacity of Nile tilapia for metabolic utilization of dietary carbohydrates.

Age and growth of Ceratoscopelus warmingii (Myctophidae) in the South China Sea based on sagittal otolith microstructure

ABSTRACT Age and growth of a dominant lanternfish Ceratoscopelus warmingii in the South China Sea were investigated based on sagittal otolith microstructure of juvenile and adult specimens collected in June 2015. The length–weight (L-W) relationship for C. warmingii was Wf = 0.00000814 L 3.1170 (females) and Wm = 0.00001071 L 3.3043 (males), revealing both positive allometric growth and non-significant difference between the sexes. Three distinct zones of the otolith microstructure were depicted, a central zone (CZ), middle zone (MZ) and external zone (EZ). Age was estimated by summing the daily growth increments in otolith sections on the assumption of daily deposition. The von Bertalanffy models of females and males were fitted as Lf = 75.9 [1−exp{−0.0074 (t−14.1)}] and Lm = 65.0[1−exp{−0.0097 (t−7.6)}], respectively. The maximum growth rates estimated were 0.319 mm day−1 for females and 0.345 mm day−1 for males, and thereafter the growth rate decreased with age. The back-calculated hatching date of specimens collected was determined as from August of last year to March of next year with a peak in winter. Theoretical maximum growth of C. warmingii appeared to occur near the metamorphic period.

Challenges to Generating Reliable COVID Statistics: Domestic and International Experience

The article discusses specifc issues of the reliability of statistics on the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and the comparability of similar statistics across different countries. All countries faced challenges, regardless of the level of well-being and social system. However, the examples outlined in the article refer mainly to large economies, each of which for at least one year from 1980 to 2019 produced more than 1% of the global GDP. The organization of the health care system in these countries is different, and only the general requirements of WHO could provide information on the spread of the pandemic in comparable formats.The authors formulated the problems of identifying those infected with Covid-19 and mortality statistics, indicating the various impact of the pandemic on deaths. It has been shown that the formal application of the WHO recommendations to the identifcation of infected persons and differences in the practical use of these recommendations in different countries can give poorly comparable results. The example of Russian statistics illustrates that it is possible to compare the operational data on the mortality of those infected with the coronavirus with the data on the total mortality in the country. Attention is drawn to the example of statistics from Germany, demonstrating the possibility of practical overlapping of the excess mortality rate and the operational data on the mortality of those infected with Covid-19.Data on daily increments of infected, dead, and recovered per million people allows one to see the nature and prevalence rate of the pandemic in different countries in a comparable format. The largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases in some countries in 2020–2021 reached 2–3 thousand per 1 million population, while in others – it was less than 30. In most countries under review, daily deaths' peaks amounted to less than 40 cases, but there were other countries for which these peaks did not exceed 10 cases or less per 1 million population.In conclusion, the report identifes six all-cause mortality factors associated with the pandemic and social distancing demands formulated by the American Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. According to the authors, it would be interesting to learn the experts' assessment of how realistic and benefcial it is to know how to keep track of these factors. It would improve the quality of international comparative analysis of socio-demographic indicators.

The growth and population dynamics ofOctopus insularistargeted by a pot longline fishery in north-eastern Brazil

AbstractThe population dynamics of the stout reef octopus,Octopus insularisfished with longlines of pots in mid-shelf waters of north-eastern Brazil was studied based on fishermen's logbooks and onboard monthly fishing trips from September 2009 to August 2010. Specimens marked with oxytetracycline kept in tanks for up to 21 days provided evidence of the daily deposition of growth increments in the lateral wall of the upper beaks. Sampled specimens weighed 50–1280 g and had 43–172 daily growth increments. Compared with congeneric species from higher latitudes,O. insularisgrows faster and has a shorter longevity in the north-eastern Brazil tropical environment. Total catches and catch-per-unit effort were substantially higher in the dry season, with less wind and cooler temperatures. The presence of larger specimens was seasonal, correlated with the chlorophyll-a levels recorded six months earlier. The year-round presence of mature females and males, spawned females, and egg masses attached to the pots, were considered evidence of migration of small and young specimens from coastal areas towards the 20–40 m depth range for reproduction. Annual landings attained ~200 tonnes (2005–2010). Although recent landing statistics are missing, fishermen interviewed in 2021 claimed that the fishery was still profitable. It is suggested that, despite the lack of management, the fast growth, year-round reproduction and limited market for this relatively small octopus, prevented the fishery from collapse and reinforces the current view of the high resilience of cephalopod fisheries.