In this paper, some life-history estimates concerning the females of the Mediterranean hake Merluccius merluccius (L., 1758), i.e. the parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth function (L sub( ...proportional to ), K, and t sub(0)), the maximum-ever lengths (L sub(mx-e)), and the lengths at full maturity (L sub(mst)) were gathered from the pertinent literature and used to derive 5 growth performance indexes (K, iota ', RL=L sub(mst)/ L sub( proportional to ), t sub(50%) and omega ). The original datasets (n=70) and the corresponding growth performance indexes were organized and analyzed by various geographical units (GFCM's geographical sub-area, GSA; GFCM's statistical division, GD; and biological province, BP). The parameter distribution resulted to be normal only for the growth performance indexes K and RL; a significant relationship correlation was detected between K and t sub(50)%, between iota ' and omega , and between K and omega . The examination of the available historical data showed a scattered and unbalanced geographical distribution by GSA (e.g. 13 of 20 GSAs had less than 5 datasets each), a variability which was higher intra-GSA than inter-GSAs (as evidenced by the box-plots) and no clear geographical trend. GD and BP presented similar patterns, with significant geographical effects only in the RL. Present results suggest that, even if geographical effects are expected, they are obscured by the uncertainty of the original parameters, especially those related to the von Bertalanffy growth function (vBGF). Consequently, growth performance indexes should be used (and interpreted) with caution.Original Abstract: U ovom radu, iznesene su neke procjene rasta koji se odnosi na zenke sredozemnog oslica (Merluccius merluccius L., 1758) tj. parametara rasta von Bertalanffy-eve jednadzbe rasta (L sub( proportional to ), K, i t sub(0)), maksimalna duzina ikad postignuta (L sub(mx-e)), te duzina u punoj zrelosti (L sub(mst)), a koji su prikupljeni iz literature i koristeni za dobivanje 5 razlicitih indeksa rasta (K, iota ', RL=L sub(mst)/L sub( proportional to ), t sub(50%) i omega ). Originalni setovi (n = 70) i odgovarajuci indeksi rasta su organizirani / sistematizirani i analizirani prema razlicitim geografskim jedinicama (GFCM-a zemljopisno pod-podrucje, GSA, GFCM-a statisticka podjela, GD, te bioloska pokrajina, BP). Parametar raspodjele rezultirao je normalno samo za izvedbe rasta indeksa K i RL; znacajna korelacija povezanosti je utvrdena izmedu K i t sub(50%),, izmedu iota 'i omega , te izmedu K i omega . Pregled dostupnih povijesnih podataka pokazao je rasprsenu i neujednacenu geografsku raspodjelu po GSA (npr. 13 preko 20 GSAs imali su manje od 5 skupova podataka svaki), vise varijabilnosti unutar GSA od medudjelovanja GSAs (o cemu svjedoci okvir box-plotova) i nejasan geografski trend. GD i BP prikazuju slicne obrasce, sa znacajnim geografskim ucincima samo u RL. Trenutni rezultati pokazuju da, cak i ako su geografski ucinci ocekivani, oni su prikriveni nesigurnoscu izvornih parametara, posebno onih koje se odnose na rast prikazan von Bertalanffy-evom funkcijom (vBGF), pa stoga performanse rasta indeksa treba koristiti (i interpretirati) s oprezom.
Lobsters are important resources throughout the world's oceans, providing food security, employment, and a trading commodity. Whereas marine biologists generally focus on modern impacts of fisheries, ...here we explore the deep history of lobster exploitation by prehistorical humans and ancient civilizations, through the first half of the 20th century. Evidence of lobster use comprises midden remains, artwork, artefacts, writings about lobsters, and written sources describing the fishing practices of indigenous peoples. Evidence from archaeological dig sites is potentially biased because lobster shells are relatively thin and easily degraded in most midden soils; in some cases, they may have been used as fertilizer for crops instead of being dumped in middens. Lobsters were a valuable food and economic resource for early coastal peoples, and ancient Greek and Roman Mediterranean civilizations amassed considerable knowledge of their biology and fisheries. Before European contact, lobsters were utilized by indigenous societies in the Americas, southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand at seemingly sustainable levels, even while other fish and molluscan species may have been overfished. All written records suggest that coastal lobster populations were dense, even in the presence of abundant and large groundfish predators, and that lobsters were much larger than at present. Lobsters gained a reputation as "food for the poor" in 17th and 18th century Europe and parts of North America, but became a fashionable seafood commodity during the mid-19th century. High demand led to intensified fishing effort with improved fishing gear and boats, and advances in preservation and long-distance transport. By the early 20th century, coastal stocks were overfished in many places and average lobster size was significantly reduced. With overfishing came attempts to regulate fisheries, which have varied over time and have met with limited success.
The abundance, occurrence, biological features, growth and mortality parameters of the thornback ray, Raja clavata L. 1758 (Rajformes, Rajidae), coming from two contiguous areas of the Strait of ...Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) were analysed in order to discriminate the stocks. The two investigated areas include bottoms off southern Sicily (I-G16) and bottoms further at large (O-G16). The density indexes, biomass indexes and occurrences were substantially lower in I-G16 than O-G16. On the contrary, the biological traits were more similar, although significant differences were detected in the sex ratio, in the median total length of all specimens, in the length frequency distribution, in the estimated maximum length and in the female length-weight slope parameter. The median length of fully mature specimens did not significantly differ between the two areas. The von Bertalanffy's asymptotic length and the ratio of total mortality/von Bertalanffy's curvature parameter suggest a total mortality higher in the I-G16 than the O-G16 populations. This article supports the hypothesis that the investigated populations, in spite of a similar original life cycle, have evolved in two distinct unit stocks as a consequence of the different fishing efforts and the low-intermingling rate between the two areas.
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Previous studies have demonstrated that cardiac biomarkers elevate after both cryoballoon (CB) and radiofrequency atrial ...fibrillation (AF) ablation, depending on the amount of energy delivered and the site of ablation. To date no comparison has been made between these thermal energy source and a novel non-thermal pulsed-field ablation (PFA) technology based on cells electroporation.
Purpose
Our analysis aims to compare acute myocardial injury through cardiac troponin I variation after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) performed with different technologies (PFA vs CB).
Methods
All consecutive patients undergoing paroxysmal AF ablation with CB and PFA at our center from July to November 2022 were included. Protocol-directed cryoablation (CBA) was delivered for 180 sec or 240 sec according to operator’s preference for isolation achieved in ≤60 sec, or 240 sec if isolation occurred >60 sec or when time to isolation was not available. A standard PFA protocol-directed PVI was applied using 2kV with eight applications per vein (four applications each in the basket and flower poses). The ablation endpoint was PVI as assessed by entrance and exit block. Pre- and post-procedure samples of cardiac troponin I (CTpI) were collected before CBA/PFA and at 24h after ablation. Only patients with normal baseline values for myocardial injury were included.
Results
A total of 71 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. The CBA group consists of 50 (70%) patients and the PFA group comprises 21 (30%) patients. The number of CBA applications to reach PVI was 5.0±1.4 and the number of PFA applications to achieve PVI was 32±4. All (100%) patients were in sinus rhythm at the time of the procedure. Evaluating the kinetic of CTpI, baseline values were homogeneous between CBA and PFA groups (p=0.979) whereas CTpI values significantly rose from baseline (7±2 ng/L) to 24h (8979±3691 ng/L, p<0.0001) and were significantly different between groups after CBA/PFA (8148±3311 ng/L for CBA vs 11900±7143 ng/L for PFA, p=0.0056). PVI was achieved in all patients (100%) using only CB or PFA. No major procedure-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
Our preliminary results showed that cardiac troponin I enzyme level increased after PVI by means of both cryoballoon and pulsed-field ablation and were higher after cellular electroporation by PFA than cryoablation.
The influence of different codend nets mounting diamond-shaped (16, 20, 24, 28 and 45 mm, mesh side) in the performance of the commercial bottom trawl presently in use in the Strait of Sicily ...(Central Mediterranean Sea) to catch deep-water red shrimps, Aristaeomorpha foliacea and Aristeus antennatus, is analyzed. In two surveys carried out in fishing grounds in spring and summer 1993, 93 daylight hauls (of 3 hours each) based on the covered codend (cover of 14 mm mesh side) method were carried out. The composition and quantity of the combined, retained and escaped catch for the most relevant species and mixed categories of the different gear configurations (codends + cover) were analyzed and compared by applying both univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate (clustering and multidimensional scaling) techniques. The reduction of by-catch, the economic loss and the economic efficiency were used as indexes of the retention performance of the different codends. The overall catch was 6398 t (23 kg/h); Aristaeomorpha foliacea accounts for most of the catch in number, weight (48% of the total) and value (87% of the total value). Bony fishes, cartilaginous fishes and other crustaceans are the by-catch, representing, respectively, 26%, 16% and 9% of the catch in weight, the rest belonging to cephalopods. The use of the different codends does not influence the overall performance of the gear. No saturation was detected, with the escapement ratio uninfluenced by the amount retained. Considering the retention characteristics, results indicate that the 16 mm and 20 mm mesh codends are not selective, whereas the 24/14 and 28/14 configurations produce increased escaping ability. The 45 mm mesh sieves out 79% of specimens, indicating that no masking effect was induced by the cover. Regarding economic efficiency, the 20/14 configuration provides values comparable to those obtained with the 24/14, whereas the 16/14 configuration is as efficient as the 28/14. The lowest efficiency was obtained using the 45/14 configuration. Multidimensional scaling and clustering techniques (performed on 20, 24 and 28 mm codends) allow to discriminate the escapement ability of the 28/14 gear configuration only. Present results support the introduction of the 28 mm mesh codend in the deep-water red shrimp fisheries in the view of a precautionary management of the resources.
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): CardioFocus
Background
The endoscopic ablation system (EAS) is an established ablation device for ...pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). In randomized studies, however, point-by-point laser ablation resulted in longer procedure times. The novel X3 EAS is now equipped with a motor driven laser generator that sweeps the diode laser beam around the individual PV ostium at a pre-defined speed (2.25°/sec) thus allowing for contiguous circumferential ablation (RAPID mode).
Purpose
To determine the feasibility of single sweep ablation using the new X3 EAS.
Methods
Consecutive AF patients were enrolled. After single transseptal puncture selective PV angiographies were performed. A 3D enabled circular mapping catheter was used to record PV potentials and to create a 3D map of the left atrium. Then, the transseptal sheath was exchanged for the 12F EAS delivery sheath. The EAS was inflated to obtain optimal circumferential contact to the PV ostium. Before ablation, the laser generator was retracted to ensure optimal contact behind the catheter shaft (blind spot). Ideally, RAPID mode ablation was employed at 13-15W. In case of esophageal heating >39°C or suboptimal tissue exposure point-by-point ablation (5.5-12W for 20-30 secs) was used instead. During ablation at the septal PVs phrenic nerve pacing was performed via a diagnostic catheter in the superior vena cava.
Single sweep ablation was defined as one single RAPID energy application per PV to complete the singular, circular lesion set. PV conduction was re-assessed after all PVs had been treated. In case of residual PV conduction, gap mapping followed by EAS guided ablation was performed. If EAS failed to achieve complete PVI, touch up ablation was allowed at the discretion of the operator. Hemostasis was achieved by means of a figure of 8 suture. Procedure time was defined as initial groin puncture to groin closure. Follow-up included office visits at 3, 6 and 12 months including 72 h Holter monitoring.
Results
One-hundred AF patients (56% male, mean age 6810 years, 66% PAF) with normal LV ejection fraction (mean 60 ± 10%) and normal LA size (41 ± 6mm) underwent X3 EAS ablation. Of 382 PVs 378 (99%) were isolated with the X3 EAS. In 214 PVs (56%) single sweep isolation was achieved. First pass isolation and RAPID mode only PVI was achieved in 362 (95%) and 357 (94%), respectively. Single sweep isolation rates varied across PVs from 46% at LIPV to 64% at RSPV.
The mean total procedure and fluoroscopy times were 43 ± 10 and 4 ± 2 mins, respectively.
Safety data and the complete follow-up will be reported.
Conclusion
The new X3 EAS equipped with a motor driven laser generator allows for single sweep PVI in 56% of PVs. Almost all PVs (94%) may be isolated with RAPID mode only leading to a very high first pass isolation rate. Altogether, this leads to substantially faster procedure times compared to the predecessor EAS.
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Objectives
To evaluate the feasibility, procedural data, and lesion characteristics of anterior line (AL) and roof line (RL) ablation ...by using ablation index (AI) guided high-power(50W) among patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial tachycardia (AT) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).
Methods
35 consecutive patients with macro-reentrant left atrial tachycardia (LAT) or substrate at LA anterior wall or roof after previous PVI were enrolled. Ablation power was set to 50W, targeting AI 500 for AL and 400 for RL. First-pass conduction block (FPB) was evaluated. The AL was arbitrarily divided into 3(caudal, middle and cranial) segments to analyze the location of conduction gaps in non-FPB patients.
Results
A total of 32 AL and 17 RL were deployed and FPB was achieved in 24 (75%) and 14 (82%) of them respectively. In non-FPB group, the most frequent gap location along the AL was the middle third. Final block of AL was achieved in 97%, and block of RL was achieved in 100%. The RF ablation time was short (2,9 ± 0,8 min for AL and 46,2 ± 15,6 sec for RL). For AL, female gender was significantly more frequent in FPB than in non-FPB patients(p 0,028); patients with non-FPB were associated with significantly longer RF time as compared to patients with FPB (204 ± 47 sec vs 161 ± 41 sec; p = 0,02). No procedural complications occurred.
Conclusion
AI guided high-power(50W) ablation appears to be a feasible, effective and fast technique for AL and RL ablation.
All animals coordinate growth and maturation to reach their final size and shape. In insects, insulin family molecules control growth and metabolism, whereas pulses of the steroid 20-hydroxyecdysone ...(20E) initiate major developmental transitions. We show that 20E signaling also negatively controls animal growth rates by impeding general insulin signaling involving localization of the transcription factor dFOXO and transcription of the translation inhibitor 4E-BP. We also demonstrate that the larval fat body, equivalent to the vertebrate liver, is a key relay element for ecdysone-dependent growth inhibition. Hence, ecdysone counteracts the growth-promoting action of insulins, thus forming a humoral regulatory loop that determines organismal size.
The High-Luminosity phase of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN (HL-LHC) poses stringent requirements on calorimeter performance in terms of resolution, pileup resilience and radiation hardness. A ...tungsten-CeF 3 sampling calorimeter is a possible option for the upgrade of current detectors. A prototype, read out with different types of wavelength-shifting fibers, has been built and exposed to high energy electrons, representative for the particle energy spectrum at HL-LHC, at the CERN SPS H4 beam line. This paper shows the performance of the prototype, mainly focussing on energy resolution and uniformity. A detailed simulation has been also developed in order to compare with data and to extrapolate to different configurations to be tested in future beam tests. Additional studies on the calorimeter and the R&D projects ongoing on the various components of the experimental setup will be also discussed.
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