On the Variability of the Length Weight Relationship for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.)

Following extensive review, a model of the Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT), Thunnus thynnus (L.), length–weight relationship for the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (RW = 0.0000188 SFL3.01247; Ec 1) is presented on the basis of samples of ABFT spawners, with an average value of index K = 2.03 ± 0.15SD, collected by the Atlantic traps of Portugal and Spain in the Strait of Gibraltar (1963; 1996–1998; 2000–2012), and a set of samples of juvenile fishes from ICCAT–GBYP (n = 707). The resulting model (Ec 1), together with the model used for the eastern stock assessment (RW = 0.000019607 SFL3.0092; Ec 2) and a recently adopted by ICCAT Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) (RW = 0.0000315551 SFL2.898454; EAST) are analyzed in using a bi-variant sample [SFL (cm), RW (kg)] of 474 pairs of data with the aim of validating them and establishing which model(s) best fit the reality represented by the sample and, therefore, will have the greatest descriptive and predictive power. The result of the analysis indicates that the model EAST clearly underestimates the weight of spawning ABFT and that model Ec 2 overestimates it slightly, being model Ec 1 that best explains the data of the sample. The result of the classical statistical analysis is confirmed by means of the quantile regression technique, selecting the quantiles 5, 25, 50, 75, and 95%. Other fisheries and biological indicators also conclude that the model EAST gradually underestimates the weight of ABFT spawners (of 2–3 m) by 9–12.5 %, and does not meet the criterion that for RW = 725 kg (Wmax), SFL = 319.93 ± 11.3 cm (Lmax).Cort, JL.; Estruch Fuster, VD.; Neves Dos Santos, M.; Di Natale, A.; Abid, N.; De La Serna, JM. (2015). On the Variability of the Length Weight Relationship for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.). Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture. 23(1):23-38. doi:10.1080/23308249.2015.1008625S2338231Aguado-Giménez, F., & García-García, B. (2005). Changes in some morphometric relationships in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus Linnaeus, 1758) as a result of fattening process. Aquaculture, 249(1-4), 303-309. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2005.04.064Block, B. A., Teo, S. L. H., Walli, A., Boustany, A., Stokesbury, M. J. W., Farwell, C. J., … Williams, T. D. (2005). Electronic tagging and population structure of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Nature, 434(7037), 1121-1127. doi:10.1038/nature03463Chapman, E. W., Jørgensen, C., & Lutcavage, M. E. (2011). Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus): a state-dependent energy allocation model for growth, maturation, and reproductive investment. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 68(11), 1934-1951. doi:10.1139/f2011-109Cort, J. L., Arregui, I., Estruch, V. D., & Deguara, S. (2014). Validation of the Growth Equation Applicable to the Eastern Atlantic Bluefin Tuna,Thunnus thynnus(L.), UsingLmax, Tag-Recapture, and First Dorsal Spine Analysis. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 22(3), 239-255. doi:10.1080/23308249.2014.931173Cort, J. L., Deguara, S., Galaz, T., Mèlich, B., Artetxe, I., Arregi, I., … Idrissi, M. (2013). Determination ofLmaxfor Atlantic Bluefin Tuna,Thunnus thynnus(L.), from Meta-Analysis of Published and Available Biometric Data. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 21(2), 181-212. doi:10.1080/10641262.2013.793284Fraser, K.Possessed. World Record Holder for Bluefin Tuna. Kingstown, Nova Scotia: T & S Office Essentials and printing, 243 pp. (2008).Fromentin, J.-M., & Powers, J. E. (2005). Atlantic bluefin tuna: population dynamics, ecology, fisheries and management. Fish and Fisheries, 6(4), 281-306. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2979.2005.00197.xHattour, A.Contribution a l’étude des Scombridés de Tunisie. Université de Tunis. Faculté des Sciences, 168 pp. (1979).Karakulak, S., Oray, I., Corriero, A., Deflorio, M., Santamaria, N., Desantis, S., & De Metrio, G. (2004). Evidence of a spawning area for the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L.) in the eastern Mediterranean. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 20(4), 318-320. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0426.2004.00561.xKoenker, R., & Bassett, G. (1978). Regression Quantiles. Econometrica, 46(1), 33. doi:10.2307/1913643Koenker, R. (2005). Quantile Regression. doi:10.1017/cbo9780511754098Milatou, N., & Megalofonou, P. (2014). Age structure and growth of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus, L.) in the capture-based aquaculture in the Mediterranean Sea. Aquaculture, 424-425, 35-44. doi:10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.12.037Perçin, F., & Akyol, O. (2009). Lengthâ weight and lengthâ length relationships of the bluefin tuna,Thunnus thynnusL., in the Turkish part of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 25(6), 782-784. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0426.2009.01288.xPercin, F., & Akyol, O. (2010). Some Morphometric Relationships in Fattened Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus thynnus L., from the Turkish Aegean Sea. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 9(11), 1684-1688. doi:10.3923/javaa.2010.1684.1688Rooker, J. R., Alvarado Bremer, J. R., Block, B. A., Dewar, H., de Metrio, G., Corriero, A., … Secor, D. H. (2007). Life History and Stock Structure of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus). Reviews in Fisheries Science, 15(4), 265-310. doi:10.1080/10641260701484135Sinovcic, G., Franicevic, M., Zorica, B., & Cikes-Kec, V. (2004). Length-weight and length-length relationships for 10 pelagic fish species from the Adriatic Sea (Croatia). Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 20(2), 156-158. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0426.2003.00519.xTičina, V., Grubišić, L., Šegvić Bubić, T., & Katavić, I. (2011). Biometric characteristics of small Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus, Linnaeus, 1758) of Mediterranean Sea origin. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 27(4), 971-976. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0426.2011.01752.

Anti–Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Antibodies in Antiphospholipid Antibody–Positive Patients: Results From the Antiphospholipid Syndrome Alliance for Clinical Trials and InternatiOnal Networking Clinical Database and Repository

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the presence, antigen specificities, and potential clinical associations of anti–neutrophil extracellular trap (anti-NET) antibodies in a multinational cohort of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibody–positive patients who did not have lupus. METHODS: Anti-NET IgG/IgM levels were measured in serum samples from 389 aPL-positive patients; 308 patients met the classification criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome. Multivariate logistic regression with best variable model selection was used to determine clinical associations. For a subset of the patients (n = 214), we profiled autoantibodies using an autoantigen microarray platform. RESULTS: We found elevated levels of anti-NET IgG and/or IgM in 45% of the aPL-positive patients. High anti-NET antibody levels are associated with more circulating myeloperoxidase (MPO)–DNA complexes, which are a biomarker of NETs. When considering clinical manifestations, positive anti-NET IgG was associated with lesions affecting the white matter of the brain, even after adjusting for demographic variables and aPL profiles. Anti-NET IgM tracked with complement consumption after controlling for aPL profiles; furthermore, patient serum samples containing high levels of anti-NET IgM efficiently deposited complement C3d on NETs. As determined by autoantigen microarray, positive testing for anti-NET IgG was significantly associated with several autoantibodies, including those recognizing citrullinated histones, heparan sulfate proteoglycan, laminin, MPO–DNA complexes, and nucleosomes. Anti-NET IgM positivity was associated with autoantibodies targeting single-stranded DNA, double-stranded DNA, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. CONCLUSION: These data reveal high levels of anti-NET antibodies in 45% of aPL-positive patients, where they potentially activate the complement cascade. While anti-NET IgM may especially recognize DNA in NETs, anti-NET IgG species appear to be more likely to target NET-associated protein antigens

Heterozygous congenital Factor VII deficiency with the 9729del4 mutation, associated with severe spontaneous intracranial bleeding in an adolescent male

BackgroundIn congenital Factor (F) VII deficiency bleeding phenotype and intrinsic FVII activity levels don't always correlate. Patients with FVII activity levels <30% appear to have a higher bleeding propensity, but bleeding can also occur at higher FVII activity levels. Reasons for bleeding at higher FVII activity levels are unknown, and it remains challenging to manage such patients clinically.CaseA 19year old male with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and FVII activity levels of 44%, requiring emergent surgical intervention and a strategy for FVII replacement. Genotyping showed the rare heterozygous FVII 9729del4 mutation. Bleed evacuation was complicated by epidural abscess requiring craniectomy, bone graft procedures, and prolonged administration of recombinant human (rh) activated FVII (FVIIa). The patient recovered without neurological deficits, and remains on prophylactic low dose treatment with rhFVIIa in relation to risky athletic activities.ConclusionFor clinicians, it is important to recognize that effects of rhFVIIa within these pathways are independent of its contribution to blood clot formation and cannot be assessed by clotting assays. Reduced FVII levels should therefore not be dismissed, as even a mild reduction may result in spontaneous bleeding. Treatment of mild FVII deficiency requires a careful case-by-case approach, based on the clinical scenario

The Role of Migration Policy Changes in Europe for Return Migration to Senegal

International audienceThis paper questions the role of migration policy changes in France, Italy and Spain for return migration to Senegal, by analysing biographical data from the Migration between Africa and Europe survey (MAFE-Senegal) and the contextual data of the DEMIG VISA and DEMIG POLICY databases which cover major changes in migration policies in these destination countries for the different categories of migrants. Event history logistic regressions reveal that Senegalese migrants are less likely to return when the entry restrictions have become tighter. This result suggests that the decision to return depends on the possibility of migrating again after the return, which is crucial for both theory and policy regarding Western democracies' attempts to regulate migration