True Magnitude Research Articles

Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairments (CRCIs) in Non-Central Nervous System Adult Patients: Outcome Measures and Methodology of Assessment: A Literature Review.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) represents one of the most common and debilitating effects in patients surviving after cancer treatments. Neurocognitive deficits are important causes of disability and burden in cancer survivors. The true magnitude of CRCI is difficult to define due to significant heterogeneity of literature data. At present, there is no agreement on the gold standard for detection and grading of CRCI in clinical trials, and there is a lack of clear knowledge of its pathophysiology. In this review, we aim to discuss some perspectives for future research to pursue in order to cover the gaps in knowledge in the CRCI field. We focused our literature research on the following relevant issues: neuroradiological correlates of CRCI; objective neuropsychological evaluation and subjective complaint assessment and their correlation with objective measures; timing of assessment; and possible treatments. The correct methodology for evaluating cognitive deficits induced by anti-tumor treatments still requires a definition based on quality scientific evidence, and literature data are currently scarce. This review highlights the need for further research to understand the causes and consequences of cancer-related cognitive impairment using standardized and sensitive measures of cognitive functions and the long-term effects of chemotherapy on cognitive functions and to develop effective interventions.

A Bayesian Merging of Earthquake Magnitudes Determined by Multiple Seismic Networks

Abstract We introduce a Bayesian algorithm designed to integrate earthquake magnitudes of the same type reported by various seismic networks, aiming to create unified and standardized catalogs suitable for widespread use. The fundamental concept underpinning this algorithm is the utilization of the inherent consistency within each individual network’s magnitude determination process. Assuming that the magnitudes for an earthquake measured by all networks conform to a Gaussian distribution, with a linear function of the unknown true magnitude serving as its mean, we derive the posterior probability distribution of the true magnitude under four different assumptions for the prior distribution: the uninformative uniform distribution, the unbounded Gutenberg–Richter (GR) magnitude–frequency law, the GR magnitude–frequency relationship restricted by the detection rate, and the truncated GR law as priors. We assess the robustness of the method by a test on several synthetic catalogs and then use it to merge the catalogs compiled by five seismic networks in Italy. The results demonstrate that our proposed magnitude-merging algorithm effectively combines the catalogs, resulting in robust and unified data sets that are suitable for seismic hazard assessment and seismicity analysis.

Tracing the Untraceables: A Joint Outbreak Investigation With Law Enforcement Using a Geographic Information System.

The application of geospatial data often allows the tracing of people who are involved in activities of an illegal nature. In June 2021, we estimated the true magnitude of the spread of COVID-19 within the networks of escort-karaoke bars in Seoul, Republic of Korea, using geographic information system (GIS)-based contact tracing that was applied to our epidemiological investigation. Our joint rapid response team, composed of epidemic investigation officers and police personnel, identified 19 paper-traced cases and 158 GIS-traced cases from 5,692 confirmed cases in Seoul during the study period (June to July 2021). Our findings suggest that collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the use of overlaid satellite imagery in outbreak investigations enhances high vigilance and reduces the risk of potential breaches of human rights in the process.

Extended ozone depletion and reduced snow and ice cover-Consequences for Antarctic biota.

Stratospheric ozone, which has been depleted in recent decades by the release of anthropogenic gases, is critical for shielding the biosphere against ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. Although the ozone layer is expected to recover before the end of the 21st century, a hole over Antarctica continues to appear each year. Ozone depletion usually peaks between September and October, when fortunately, most Antarctic terrestrial vegetation and soil biota is frozen, dormant and protected under snow cover. Similarly, much marine life is protected by sea ice cover. The ozone hole used to close before the onset of Antarctic summer, meaning that most biota were not exposed to severe springtime UV-B fluxes. However, in recent years, ozone depletion has persisted into December, which marks the beginning of austral summer. Early summertime ozone depletion is concerning: high incident UV-B radiation coincident with snowmelt and emergence of vegetation will mean biota is more exposed. The start of summer is also peak breeding season for many animals, thus extreme UV-B exposure (UV index up to 14) may come at a vulnerable time in their life cycle. Climate change, including changing wind patterns and strength, and particularly declining sea ice, are likely to compound UV-B exposure of Antarctic organisms, through earlier ice and snowmelt, heatwaves and droughts. Antarctic field research conducted decades ago tended to study UV impacts in isolation and more research that considers multiple climate impacts, and the true magnitude and timing of current UV increases is needed.

Spatio-temporal patterns of tick-borne disease diagnoses in Indiana, USA (2009-2018).

Although tick-borne disease (TBD) incidence has increased in the United States (U.S.) in the past decade, new evidence suggests that notifiable diseases surveillance records may not accurately reflect the true magnitude of TBD diagnoses. Furthermore, while regional electronic health records (EHR) are readily accessible their potential use as a more stable and consistent source of TBD diagnoses data has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we used EHR from a database of more than 100 hospitals, healthcare networks, and insurance providers in Indiana, U.S., to better understand incidence, spatio-temporal and demographic distribution of TBD Diagnoses from 2009-2018. Our results revealed that in Indiana, from 2009 to 2018, there were 5173 unique TBD Diagnoses across three diagnoses categories: Lyme disease (72.5%, n = 3751), Rickettsioses (12.0%, n = 623) and Other TBD Diagnoses (15.4%, n = 799). Using EHR, the average yearly Lyme disease diagnoses was more than double the cases obtained using notifiable disease surveillance data for the same period. Patients with a TBD Diagnoses were generally older (ages 45-59) and less racially diverse (96.3% white). Rickettsiosis diagnoses were reported more among male patients (55.2%), while Lyme disease diagnoses were higher among female patients (57.1%). Temporal data illustrated higher frequencies of diagnoses from May to July. Hot spot analysis identified a Lyme disease hot spot in northwest Indiana, while hotspots of Rickettsiosis and Other TBD Diagnoses category were identified in southwest Indiana. Extrapolated to the Indiana population, chi-squared (χ2) tests of independence revealed that the observed distribution of TBD diagnoses in our data was significantly different from the expected distribution in the Indiana population-based race, gender and age groups. Our study findings demonstrate that in Indiana, EHR provide a stable data source for elucidating TBD disease burden and for monitoring spatio-temporal trends in TBD diagnoses.

Incidence of Invasive and Noninvasive Pneumococcal Pneumonia Hospitalizations in People Aged ≥50 Years: Assessing Variability Across Denmark and Spain.

Determining pneumococcal pneumonia (PP) burden in the elderly population is challenging due to limited data on invasive PP (IPP) and, in particular, noninvasive PP (NIPP) incidence. Using retrospective cohorts of adults aged ≥50 years in Denmark (2 782 303) and the Valencia region, Spain (2 283 344), we found higher IPP hospitalization rates in Denmark than Valencia (18.3 vs 9/100 000 person-years [PY], respectively). Conversely, NIPP hospitalization rates were higher in Valencia (48.2 vs 7.2/100 000 PY). IPP and NIPP rates increased with age and comorbidities in both regions, with variations by sex and case characteristics (eg, complications, mortality). The burden of PP in adults is substantial, yet its true magnitude remains elusive. Discrepancies in clinical practices impede international comparisons; for instance, Valencia employed a higher frequency of urinary antigen tests compared to Denmark. Additionally, coding practices and prehospital antibiotic utilization may further influence these variations. These findings could guide policymakers and enhance the understanding of international disparities in disease burden assessments.

A reconstruction of the marine mammal harvest by the Real Compañía Marítima through the analysis of historical sources (AD 1790–1804)

Humans have altered marine ecosystems over very long-time scales and historical data is often needed to understand the true magnitude of human impacts. The Southwest Atlantic Ocean has a long history of large-scale removal of marine vertebrates due to whaling, sealing, and fishing in the past three centuries. Historical catch records are crucial in assessing the conservation status of these historically over-exploited populations and setting suitable recovery goals. However, several gaps in the history of exploitation of many populations limit our ability to judge recoveries success. This study examines the history of the Spanish fishing company, the Real Compañía Marítima (Royal Maritime Company), and reconstructs its catches of marine mammals in Patagonia and on the north coast of the Río de la Plata. The analysis of a wide range of historical sources reveals that, between the years 1790 and 1804, the Company extracted less than 100 southern right whales Eubalaena australis, some 200,000 South American fur seals Arctocephalus australis and South American sea lions Otaria flavescens, and a few southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina. Although the Company’s whale catch is negligible compared to that of other nations in the same whaling grounds, the amount of fur seals and sea lions removed from the ecosystem deserves attention. This historical survey provides us with the first estimate of the catches made by the Real Compañía Marítima. However, these figures only represent a small part of the extractive activities that took place in the region and further research is encouraged to assess the true dimension of human impacts on Southwest Atlantic ecosystems. The incorporation of retrospective data into ecological studies can be laborious and may have inherent biases, but it also provides valuable information for comprehending modern ecosystems and formulating appropriate conservation plans.

Considerations for Correction of Micronutrient Deficiencies Through Supplementation in Pregnant Women and Children Under-5 in Latin America.

Micronutrient deficiencies in Latin America are a public health concern, nonetheless, lack of information still exists in many countries, so that the true magnitude of the problem remains uncertain. To summarise experiences that can inform the development of policies and programs to address micronutrient deficiencies throung supplementation in pregnant women and chlidren under five years of age in Latin American. Review of the most evidence on the effects of micronutrients supplementation, focusing on pregnant women and children under five years of age. Certain population groups, as women of reproductive age and children under 2 years of age, are at increased risk for deficiency due to their high micronutrient requirements. This is compounded by the limited access to micronutrient-rich foods for many people living in vulnerable situations. Micronutrient supplementation is an effective intervention to prevent and treat deficiency and to mitigate its adverse effects on health, nutrition, and pregnancy outcomes in micronutrient-deficient populations. The potential benefits of supplementation programs, however, are realized only when they reach those who have the potential to benefit, that is, with inadequate intakes of micronutrients from dietary sources, and when the quality of design and delivery of the programs aresufficient to reach that population timely, regularly, and effectively to enable and motivate consumption. Several resources and experiences exist that can help favor the development of programs that can realize this biological and programmatic potential. There is need for continuous efforts to augment coverage and achieve results that can translate into economic benefits for individuals, families, and nations.

Rapid Estimation of Single-Station Earthquake Magnitudes with Machine Learning on a Global Scale

ABSTRACT The foundation of earthquake monitoring is the ability to rapidly detect, locate, and estimate the size of seismic sources. Earthquake magnitudes are particularly difficult to rapidly characterize because magnitude types are only applicable to specific magnitude ranges, and location errors propagate to substantial magnitude errors. We developed a method for rapid estimation of single-station earthquake magnitudes using raw three-component P waveforms observed at local to teleseismic distances, independent of prior size or location information. We used the MagNet regression model architecture (Mousavi and Beroza, 2020b), which combines convolutional and recurrent neural networks. We trained our model using ∼2.4 million P-phase arrivals labeled by the authoritative magnitude assigned by the U.S. Geological Survey. We tested input data parameters (e.g., window length) that could affect the performance of our model in near-real-time monitoring applications. At the longest waveform window length of 114 s, our model (Artificial Intelligence Magnitude [AIMag]) is accurate (median estimated magnitude within ±0.5 magnitude units from catalog magnitude) between M 2.3 and 7.6. However, magnitudes above M ∼7 are more underestimated as true magnitude increases. As the windows are shortened down to 1 s, the point at which higher magnitudes begin to be underestimated moves toward lower magnitudes, and the degree of underestimation increases. The over and underestimation of magnitudes for the smallest and largest earthquakes, respectively, are potentially related to the limited number of events in these ranges within the training data, as well as magnitude saturation effects related to not capturing the full source time function of large earthquakes. Importantly, AIMag can determine earthquake magnitudes with individual stations’ waveforms without instrument response correction or knowledge of an earthquake’s source-station distance. This work may enable monitoring agencies to more rapidly recognize large, potentially tsunamigenic global earthquakes from few stations, allowing for faster event processing and reporting. This is critical for timely warnings for seismic-related hazards.

Unequal Value Transfer from Mexico to the United States

Matteo Crossa reveals the true nature of unequal value transfer from Mexico to the United States. Going beyond a simple tally of wages lost versus remittances, Crossa's research demonstrates the true magnitude of the value stolen from Mexico, negating the claim that its manufacturing sector is a boon to the Mexican working class.

Unequal Value Transfer from Mexico to the United States

Matteo Crossa reveals the true nature of unequal value transfer from Mexico to the United States. Going beyond a simple tally of wages lost versus remittances, Crossa's research demonstrates the true magnitude of the value stolen from Mexico, negating the claim that its manufacturing sector is a boon to the Mexican working class.

Broadband Data Forensics: Spatiotemporal Variations of the Download/Upload Speed Metric Commonly Used to Evaluate Potential Telehealth Accessibility.

Introduction: The complicated task of evaluating potential telehealth access begins with the metrics and supporting datasets that seek toevaluate the presence and durability of broadband connections in a community. Broadband download/upload speeds are one of the popular metrics used to measure potential telehealth access, which is critical to health equity. An understanding of the limitations of these measures is important for drawing conclusions about the reality of the digital divide in telehealth access. The objective of this study was to assess spatiotemporal variations in broadband download/upload speeds. Method: We analyzed a sample of data from the Speedtest Intelligence Portal provided through the Ookla for Good initiative. Results: We found that variation is inherent across the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Louisiana, and Utah. Conclusions: The variation suggests that when single measures of download/upload speeds are used to evaluate telehealth accessibility they may be masking the true magnitude of the digital divide.

Potential Biases of the Transmission Risks of COVID-19 estimated by Contact Tracing Surveys in Japan

Introduction: Contact tracing surveys are being conducted to identify and isolate close contacts of an identified patient to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, the estimates of risk indexes based on information obtained from the surveys and normally used in practice can have biases comparing with true magnitude of risks of infection and spread.Method: We evaluated whether the estimates of the risk indexes obtained from information of the active epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing surveys in Japan, are suitable for quantitative assessment of the risk factors of COVID-19, using pseudo data via a simulation study. We discussed two types of risks considered in the issue of infectious disease, the probability of infection and that of spreading, and the estimates of these risks.Results and Discussion: A naive method to estimate the risks of infection and spreading of COVID-19 is to calculate the ratio of infected patients to close contacts and the ratio of patients who infected others to all the confirmed patients, respectively. However, these estimates could possibly have significant biases and result in being ineffective for both the exploration and the quantitative assessment of the risk factors in the following ordinary cases: a person contacts closely with many confirmed patients, or a confirmed patient contact closely with many people. Then, some steps are needed to reduce such possible biases for the estimation the risks of both the infection and spreading of COVID-19.

Development of an Affordable ELISA Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Its Application to Samples from the Ongoing COVID-19 Epidemic in Ghana.

The true nature of the populationspread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in populations is often not fully known as most cases, particularly in Africa, are asymptomatic. Finding the true magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 spread is crucial to provide actionable data about the epidemiological progress of the disease for researchers and policymakers. This study developed and optimized an antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using recombinant nucleocapsid antigen expressed in-house using a simple bacterial expression system. Nucleocapsid protein from SARS-CoV-2 was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli. Plasma samples used for the assay development were obtained from GhanaianSARS-CoV-2 seropositive individuals during the pandemic, while seronegative controls were plasma samples collectedfrom blood donors before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Another set of seronegative controls was collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Antibody detection andlevels within the samples were validated using commercial kits and Luminex. Analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism, and the sensitivity, specificity and background cut-off were calculated. This low-cost ELISA (£0.96/test) assay has a high prediction of 98.9%, and sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 99%, respectively. The assay was subsequently used to screen plasma from SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive Ghanaians. The assay showed no significant difference in nucleocapsid antibody levels between symptomatic and asymptomatic, with an increase of the levels over time. This is in line with our previous publication. This study developed a low-cost and transferable assay that enables highly sensitive and specific detection of human anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. This assay can be modified to include additional antigens and used for continuous monitoring of sero-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in West Africa.

Feto-Maternal Outcomes Of Maternal Sepsis: A Snapshot Of The Illness.

Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition with serious adverse feto-maternal outcomes. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to study the incidence of common feto-maternal outcomes of maternal sepsis in our hospital. Pregnant females with singleton pregnancy as per inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. A detailed medical history was taken and physical and obstetrical examination was done. They were investigated for the cause of their febrile illness and managed as per department protocols. Data was recorded in a pre-designed pro forma. The most common cause of infection was UTI (32; 42.6%) followed by genital infections (20; 26.7%) and respiratory tract infections (15; 20%). In 8 (10.7%) patients, the cause couldn't be found. Only one patient developed sepsis and was admitted to the medical ICU. That pregnancy resulted in PROM and an infant with low birth weight was delivered. Both the mother and the child survived and were discharged from the hospital. There was no mortality in our study group. Though sepsis was associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes in our study, the study design prevents us from drawing any conclusions from this study concerning maternal sepsis in our region. Further research is needed to determine the true magnitude of the problem.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and other public health outcomes during the BA.2/BA.2.12.1 surge, New York City, April–May 2022

BackgroundRoutine case surveillance data for SARS-CoV-2 are incomplete, unrepresentative, missing key variables of interest, and may be increasingly unreliable for timely surge detection and understanding the true burden of infection.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 1030 New York City (NYC) adult residents ≥18 years on May 7-8, 2022. We estimated the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the preceding 14-day period. Respondents were asked about SARS-CoV-2 testing, testing outcomes, COVID-like symptoms, and contact with SARS-CoV-2 cases. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence estimates were age- and sex-adjusted to the 2020 U.S. population. We triangulated survey-based prevalence estimates with contemporaneous official SARS-CoV-2 counts of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, as well as SARS-CoV-2 wastewater concentrations.ResultsWe show that 22.1% (95% CI 17.9–26.2%) of respondents had SARS-CoV-2 infection during the two-week study period, corresponding to ~1.5 million adults (95% CI 1.3-1.8 million). The official SARS-CoV-2 case count during the study period is 51,218. Prevalence is estimated at 36.6% (95% CI 28.3–45.8%) among individuals with co-morbidities, 13.7% (95% CI 10.4–17.9%) among those 65+ years, and 15.3% (95% CI 9.6–23.5%) among unvaccinated persons. Among individuals with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, hybrid immunity (history of both vaccination and infection) is 66.2% (95% CI 55.7–76.7%), 44.1% (95% CI 33.0–55.1%) were aware of the antiviral nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and 15.1% (95% CI 7.1–23.1%) reported receiving it. Hospitalizations, deaths and SARS-CoV-2 virus concentrations in wastewater remained well below that during the BA.1 surge.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the true magnitude of NYC’s BA.2/BA.2.12.1 surge may have been vastly underestimated by routine case counts and wastewater surveillance. Hybrid immunity, bolstered by the recent BA.1 surge, likely limited the severity of the BA.2/BA.2.12.1 surge.

CANINE HEARTWORM INFECTION AND PROPHYLAXIS USE AMONG PET CARETAKERS FROM THE CUMBERLAND GAP REGION OF TENNESSEE, USA.

The prevalence of infection with canine heartworm (CHW), Dirofilaria immitis, continues to increase across the United States, regardless of the availability of effective and affordable prophylactic products. Current reports of CHW prevalence as estimated by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) are thought to under-represent the true magnitude of the issue because pet dogs that do not receive regular veterinary care are often excluded. This study estimated the prevalence of CHW in pet dogs and associated prophylaxis use in pet dogs in the Cumberland Gap Region with a combined doorstep diagnostic testing approach and caretaker survey. Dogs tested (n = 258) during the summers of 2018 and 2019 revealed a 2.3% (6/258) prevalence in the pet dog population with 33% (2/6) being microfilaremic. Questionnaire data from caretaker interviews revealed that 41.8% (108/258) of the dogs were not receiving CHW prophylaxis. Significant predictors of CHW prophylaxis use identified through logistic regression included pet caretaker awareness of CHW as an important health issue and the use of veterinary services in the year preceding participation in the survey. These results underscore the importance of veterinary-mediated client interaction to create risk awareness of CHW disease and association with prophylaxis compliance.

Leaching Runoff Fraction for Nitrate and Herbicides on Sugarcane Fields: Implications for Grey Water Footprint

Sugarcane cultivation uses many chemical inputs to ensure good yields, which puts local water resources under pressure. Grey water footprint (GWF) is a widely used indicator of the volume needed to assimilate a pollutant load in a water body. However, the GWF relies on leaching runoff fractions, which are empirically determined. We hypothesize that these fractions might not represent the true magnitude of the Brazilian sugarcane environment and that management practices can further reduce this fraction loaded into the environment. In two field trials, we measure the herbicides and nitrate loaded into the environment through in situ measurements, determine their loss fractions, compare them with some empirical models, calculate the GWF, and estimate the potential for nitrate pollution attenuation with the adoption of split and incorporated nitrogen application. Both hypotheses are confirmed. For nitrate, our results suggest that the leaching runoff fraction used in most GWF studies is overestimated by about two times, impacting the GWF estimation for the Brazilian sugarcane environment. However, the same conclusion was not possible for herbicides due to the low diversity of the analyzed molecules. In addition, the fertilizer management application reduced the nitrate load on the environment, which the GWF did not necessarily detect.

ACEP-SAEM response to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposal to simplify the review framework for research project grant applications.

The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) are responding jointly to this request for information. SAEM and ACEP promote innovative and imaginative strategy development that will transform prehospital and emergent patient care. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposal to modify the current grant scoring system to prioritize these principles is a welcome change and we are supportive of these efforts. Focusing on research importance, feasibility, and scientific rigor will make it easier to interpret reviewer critiques and provide investigators with clearer information on score driving factors related to the science itself. While investigator and environment are important factors for successfully conducting research, reducing their overall importance may help with reducing bias and expanding the pool of meritorious applications. We also support combining significance and innovation into a single “importance” score, as the current format gives equal weight to innovation even though related sections tend to be brief. Furthermore, the existing significance section focuses largely on perceived need and scientific rationale with lesser consideration of the true magnitude of impact. Our societies are hopeful that by broadening the concept of overall importance, this new section can better weight funding decisions toward injuries and illnesses where improved outcomes would benefit the greatest number of people. We also agree that the current scoring system overly emphasizes an investigator's prior grant success and institutional reputation in determining an application's merit. Reliance on these factors detracts from the proposal's true “importance” and may perpetuate existing and ongoing challenges with the development and retention of junior investigators, including investigators from historically underrepresented groups. The proposed changes in this area will allow for increased emphasis on the development of highly novel or paradigm-shifting approaches to problems. Nonetheless, consideration of the capacity to execute the proposed work remains a critically important factor. The proposed method of scoring using a descriptive range of “fully capable” to “additional resources needed” deemphasizes quantitative scoring and we believe accomplishes the stated goals. However, we recommend specific clarification that the proposed scale reflects the entirety of the investigatory team (with due consideration of experience with prior collaboration). An important component of the current scoring system not addressed in the proposed changes is the handling of grant resubmissions. It is not clear why resubmissions have a written narrative that is score-driving and subject to bias. We recommend amending this process for each additional criteria to be marked yes or no as to “all major/moderate concerns appropriately addressed.” Reviewers could also have the option of describing “any new major/moderate concerns identified” in the resubmission process. Finally, while we recognize that these scoring revisions are important, we suggest that the NIH consider a more direct acknowledgment of our nation's need to fund a diverse pool of grant applicants. We believe the approach of the three-factor scoring system that emphasizes capability to perform the work is well aligned with this goal, but we would encourage the NIH to consider an explicit acknowledgment of ongoing disparities in our nation's health research programs addressed by these changes.

-I fish, therefore I monitor: Participatory monitoring to assess inland small-scale fisheries.

Analysis of small-scale inland fisheries (SSIFs) is often highly dispersed and tends not reflect the true magnitude of their contribution to society. This is partly due to the insufficient attention given to this sector by the relevant authorities, in addition to its highly diverse characteristics, with complex patterns of operation in a wide range of systems, often in remote areas. Here, by integrating fishers as participatory fishery monitors, we provide fishery-dependent estimates of yields, the biological attributes of the fish species, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of the fisheries of lakes on the floodplain of the São Francisco basin in northeastern Brazil. As the fishers were willing participates in the monitoring, the results revealed well-structured artisanal fishing activities, with the lake system providing high-profile fish harvests from both monthly and annual perspectives. The spatial distribution of fishing effort reflected the adaptation of the fishers to the flood cycle of the river, in order to maintain high fishery productivity throughout the year. The results also indicate that participatory monitoring can help to overcome knowledge gaps and provide a database that is readily applicable to management needs at both local and regional scales. As Brazil is one few world's nations that no longer have national fishing monitoring program, participatory monitoring represents a low-cost solution for the credible and useful data on small-scale fisheries. It would thus appear to be extremely worthwhile to invest in the empowerment of communities in order to overcome the historic vulnerability of productive sector and the food security of the populations that depend on these fisheries.