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Rice blast is one of the most devastating biotic stresses that limits rice productivity. The North Eastern Hill (NEH) region of India is considered to be one of the primary centres of diversity for both rice and pathotypes of Magnaporthe grisea. Therefore, the present study was carried out to elucidate the genetic basis of leaf and neck blast resistance under Meghalaya conditions. A set of 80 diverse genotypes (natural population) and 2 F2 populations involving resistant parent, a wildtype landrace, LR 5 (Lal Jangali) and susceptible genotypes Sambha Mahsuri SUB 1 (SMS) and LR 26 (Chakhao Poireiton) were used for association analysis of reported major gene-linked markers with leaf and neck blast resistance to identify major effective genes under local conditions. Genotyping using twenty-five gene-specific markers across diverse genotypes and F2 progenies revealed genes Pi5 and Pi54 to be associated with leaf blast resistance in all three populations. Genes Pib and qPbm showed an association with neck blast resistance in both natural and LR 5 × SMS populations. Additionally, a set of 184 genome-wide polymorphic markers (SSRs and SNPs), when applied to F2-resistant and F2-susceptible DNA bulks derived from LR 5 × LR 26, suggested that Pi20(t) on chromosome 12 is one of the major genes imparting disease resistance. Markers snpOS318, RM1337 and RM7102 and RM247 and snpOS316 were associated with leaf blast and neck blast resistance, respectively. The genotypes, markers and genes will help in marker-assisted selection and development of varieties with durable resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study takes a unique approach, using satellite remote sensing to analyze the land surface temperature (LST) in seven coastal cities located at latitudes between 18° and 22° and longitudes between 106° and 91°. The methodology consists of obtaining the LST on two selected days, one in July 2019 and one in July 2020, to determine how the temperature was modified by the atypical mobility caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and social distancing. Using these data, we determine the representative surface temperature that tended to rise (RHST) and the representative surface temperature that tended to decrease (RLST), depending on the affected area. This approach allows us to comprehensively compare how mobility modified the four variables studied: territorial extension, population, types of soil (paving), and vegetation. We concluded that, among the factors analyzed, the types of paving and vegetation were those that generated a more significant decrease in temperature; the variables of territorial extension and the number of inhabitants had a smaller impact. This study paves the way for a discussion of the significant influence of mobility on the behavior of the LST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern Kazakhstan is characterized by significant regional socioeconomic differences due to climatic conditions, natural resources, migration, and regional specialization. The persistence of these regional differences can lead to increased stratification of society, social tension, and disruption of the country's economic stability. These issues have intensified under the influence of Industry 4.0 trends and geopolitical processes in the region. Among the various sources of social inequality, we have chosen to focus on the problem of population poverty in our study. Addressing this problem is crucial for taking a comprehensive approach to addressing regional disparities in social development. The purpose of our study is to determine and assess the features of poverty in the regions of Kazakhstan. Our research methodology is based on evaluating the integral poverty index using four indicators: the share of the population with incomes below the subsistence level, the population under 60 years of age, youth aged 15–17 who are not working or studying, and the unemployment rate in the regions of Kazakhstan. Based on these indicators, we grouped the regions according to their poverty level, identified and compared regional differences, and identified the most vulnerable areas in need of intervention. This approach has enabled us to propose appropriate instruments of state support for different territories and promote inclusive regional development to overcome social imbalances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to analyse patient outcomes following open (OAR) or endovascular repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Finland and Sweden from 1998 to 2017. Both intact and ruptured AAAs (rAAAs) were included in the analysis. Methods: Patient-level data from national registries in Finland and Sweden were analysed, pairing operations for intact and ruptured AAA repair with mortality data (date of death). All-cause mortality was the primary endpoint. Anonymized patient data from both countries were pooled, comprising a total of 32,324 operations. Ruptured and intact AAAs were considered separately. In total, EVAR was performed on 9619 intact AAAs and 1470 rAAAs, while OAR was performed on 13,241 intact AAAs and 7994 rAAAs. The patient's age, sex and the date of operation were obtained as demographic information. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to evaluate long-term (10-year) survival after the treatment of AAA or rAAA with either modality. Kaplan–Meier analysis was performed in three different age groups (<65 years, 65–79 years and ≥80 years). Results: Considering all age groups together, the 1-, 3- and 10-year Kaplan–Meier survival rates after EVAR were 93.4%, 80.5% and 35.3%, respectively, for intact AAA repair and 67.2%, 55.9% and 22.2%, respectively, for rAAA repair. For OAR of intact AAAs, the 1-, 3- and 10-year Kaplan–Meier survival rates were 92.1%, 84.8% and 48.7%, respectively. The respective rates for OAR of rAAAs were 55.4%, 49.3% and 24.6%. In a Cox regression analysis, a more recent year of operation was associated with improved survival, and older age affected survival negatively for both intact and ruptured AAA repair. If patients survived the first 90 days after the operation, the survival after intact AAA repair was 13.5 years for those <65 years (general population: 18.0 years), and 7.3 years for those ≥80 years (general population: 7.9 years). After rAAA repair, the mean survival was 13.1 years for patients <65 years and 5.5 years for patients ≥80 years, respectively. Conclusions: The long-term survival of patients undergoing intact AAA treatment at the age of 80 or older is close to that of the general population, provided they survive the operation. Conversely, for patients younger than 65, the long-term survival is markedly worse. The long-term survival of AAA patients has improved over time. Open surgery is still a safe and effective option for young patients undergoing intact AAA repair. Our results support the ESVS guidelines recommendation of EVAR being the first-line treatment for patients with rAAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the global prevalence of sleep bruxism and awake bruxism in pediatric and adult populations. Methods: This systematic review was conducted by analyzing studies published from 2003 to 2023. The following keyword combination was utilized: prevalence, epidemiology, population, and bruxism. The PubMed database was analyzed, supplemented by manual searches using the Google search. Additionally, the snowballing procedure method was applied. A double assessment of the quality of publications was carried out to preserve the highest possible quality of evidence (e.g., Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist). Analyses were conducted using the R statistical language. Results: The global bruxism (sleep and awake) prevalence is 22.22%. The global sleep bruxism prevalence is 21% and awake prevalence is 23%. The occurrence of sleep bruxism, based on polysomnography, was estimated at 43%. The highest prevalence of sleep bruxism was observed in North America at 31%, followed by South America at 23%, Europe at 21%, and Asia at 19%. The prevalence of awake bruxism was highest in South America at 30%, followed by Asia at 25% and Europe at 18%. Conclusions: One in four individuals may experience awake bruxism. Bruxism is a significant factor among women. It was observed that age is a significant factor for the occurrence of sleep bruxism in women. Among the limitations of the study is the lack of analysis of the prevalence of bruxism in Africa and Australia due to not collecting an adequate sample for analysis. The study was registered in the Open Science Framework (10.17605/OSF.IO/ZE786). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research analyzed for the first time the diversity in the Czech population of the Western Honey Bee. It used two mitochondrial DNA markers to identify haplotypes. Sequencing revealed both common and novel haplotypes. The cox1 sequences showed more diversity than the tRNAleu-cox2 sequences. Most haplotypes belong to the C lineage. Some haplotypes showed links to the bees of African origin. No indigenous M lineage haplotype was found. Thus, the native population of the Dark Honey Bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, has been completely replaced by the C lineage. The haplotype networks and phylogenetic trees showed that some A and C lineage haplotypes were distinct. The haplotype diversity data indicate that there is ongoing population expansion and introgression. The Czech honeybee population is diverse, with different haplotypes in both tRNAleu-cox2 and cox1 sequences. The study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity in the Czech population of Apis mellifera using mitochondrial DNA markers, tRNAleu-cox2 intergenic region and cox1 gene. A total of 308 samples of bees were collected from the entire Czech Republic (from colonies and flowers in 13 different regions). Following sequencing, several polymorphisms and haplotypes were identified. Analysis of tRNAleu-cox2 sequences revealed three DraI haplotypes (C, A1, and A4). The tRNAleu-cox2 region yielded 10 C lineage haplotypes, one of which is a newly described variant. Three A lineage haplotypes were identified, two of which were novel. A similar analysis of cox1 sequences yielded 16 distinct haplotypes (7 new) within the population. The most prevalent tRNAleu-cox2 haplotype identified was C1a, followed by C2a, C2c, C2l, and C2d. For the cox1 locus, the most frequent haplotypes were HpB02, HpB01, HpB03, and HpB04. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity indices were high in both loci, in tRNAleu-cox2 with values of 0.682 and 0.00172, respectively, and in cox1 0.789 and 0.00203, respectively. The Tajima's D values were negative and lower in tRNAleu-cox2 than in cox1. The most frequent haplotypes were uniformly distributed across all regions of the Czech Republic. No haplotype of the indigenous M lineage was identified. High diversity and the occurrence of rare haplotypes indicate population expansion and continuous import of tribal material of the C lineage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study gives the first data on the body and beak morphometric characteristics, age, and genetic structure of neon flying squid, a rarely caught cephalopod in the Adriatic Sea. We identified specimens as recently resurrected Ommastrephes caroli species using two mitochondrial markers, 16S ribosomal RNA gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Overall, 23 juveniles (3 females, 3 males, and 17 unsexed), with a dorsal mantle range of 65–152 mm, were caught in September 2020 in the waters of the Korčula Channel, island of Palagruža, and island of Jabuka, thus providing the most abundant sample of this species in the Mediterranean waters. The length–weight relationship showed an isometric growth. The results of the beak/length regressions suggest hood length is a useful characteristic for biomass estimation studies, as it showed a good linear fit to the dorsal mantle length. Statolith growth increments were easily visible and statolith microstructure analysis was successfully used to determine the age of 22 individuals. The estimated age ranged from 36 to 64 days (mean = 48 days). The back-calculation analysis showed that the squid hatched during July and August 2020, indicating that O. caroli spawns during the warmer, summertime period. Considering the size and age of the caught individuals, the Adriatic Sea could represent a potential feeding ground for this species. The genetic structure analyses indicate the existence of separate Atlantic and Mediterranean/Adriatic subclusters; however, this warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between Geriatric Syndromes (GSs) and in-hospital mortality in adults aged 65 and older admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). The study included 202 Older Adults (OAs) who met the inclusion criteria. We conducted a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and collected clinical and demographic data. A univariate analysis was carried out for each of the GSs analyzed. Those variables with p < 0.05 were entered into a multiple logistic regression using the backward stepwise entry method to analyze the independent predictor variables. The average number of GSs per individual was 4.65 (±2.76). Frailty syndrome was the most prevalent (70.2% of patients). Our study found an association between mortality and some GSs, such as frailty (p = 0.042), risk of falls (p = 0.010), delirium, cognitive impairment, dependence, and risk of ulcers (p < 0.001). We found that cognitive impairment (adjusted OR, 6.88; 95% CI, 1.41–33.5; p = 0.017) and dependence (adjusted OR, 7.52; 95% CI, 1.95–29.98; p = 0.003) were independent predictors associated with mortality in our population. It is necessary to develop new care strategies in the ED that respond to the needs of aging societies, including the use of new technologies and personnel with experience in gerontology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this nationwide longitudinal cohort study is to determine the risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) associated with a seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) population in Korea. Methods: In this study, National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) data from 2002 to 2003 were used. The cohort was followed up with for 12 years until December of 2015. Seropositive RA was defined as a patient prescribed with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) among patients with the International Classification of Diseases code M05 (seropositive RA). Patients who were diagnosed before 2004 were excluded. The seropositive RA group consisted of 2765 patients, and a total of 13,825 patients were in the control group. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the 12-year CHF incidence rate for each group. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio of CHF. Results: The hazard ratio of CHF in the seropositive RA group was 2.41 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–4.14) after adjusting for age and sex. The adjusted hazard ratio of CHF in the seropositive RA group was 2.50 (95% CI: 1.45–4.30) after adjusting for age, sex, income, and comorbidities. In females aged ≥65 and aged <65, the incidence rates in the non-hypertension, non-diabetes mellitus, and non-dyslipidemia subgroups were significantly higher in the seropositive RA group than in the control group. Conclusions: This nationwide longitudinal cohort study shows an increased risk of CHF in patients with seropositive RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to examine the prevalence of, and factors associated with, quality of life (QOL) worsening among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Health Insurance Service in South Korea. A total of 325,666 COVID-19 survivors were included in this study. Among them, 106,091 (32.6%) survivors experienced worsening QOL after COVID-19. Specifically, 21,223 (6.5%) participants experienced job loss, 94,556 (29.0%) experienced decreased household income, and 559 (0.2%) acquired new disabilities. In the multivariable logistic regression model, living in rural areas (odds ratio [OR]: 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.04; p = 0.009), intensive care unit admission (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.15; p = 0.028), and increase in self-payment by 100 USD (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.02; p < 0.001) were associated with increased QOL worsening after COVID-19. Old age (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99; p < 0.001), first vaccination (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86, 0.93; p < 0.001), and second vaccination (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.96; p < 0.001) were associated with decreased QOL worsening after COVID-19. Approximately one-third of COVID-19 survivors in South Korea who were admitted to hospitals or monitoring centers experienced QOL worsening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As a result of demographic change, chronic and oncological diseases are gaining importance in the context of public health. Palliative care plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of life of those affected. International guidelines demand access to palliative care not only for the elderly but also for younger people who face severe illnesses. It can be assumed that palliative care will become increasingly important for them. In order to develop public health strategies which are able to promote palliative care, it is important to assess the knowledge of, and attitude towards, palliative care as found among members of the general public and its specific target groups. In particular, little is known about young adults' knowledge and perceptions of palliative care. Objectives and design: This work aimed to assess the understanding and viewpoints regarding palliative care among the general population and among young adults aged 18 to 24. We therefore conducted a systematic review, which, for this target population, could be seen as a novel approach. Methods: Exclusion and inclusion criteria were developed using the PICOS process. Literature was researched within MEDLINE (via PubMed), Google Scholar and Web of Science. A search string was developed and refined for all three databases. Grey literature was included. Duplicates were excluded using Mendeley. The literature was independently screened by two researchers. Narrative synthesis was used to answer the main research question. Results: For the general public, palliative care is still associated with death and dying and comforting sick people towards the end of their lives. Multiple social determinants are linked to better knowledge of palliative care: higher education, higher income, female gender, having relatives that received palliative care, and permanent employment. The population's knowledge of palliative care structures increases, the longer such structures have been established within a country. Young adults are familiar with the term palliative care, yet their understanding lacks nuance. They associate palliative care with death and dying and perceive palliative care to be a medical discipline primarily for the elderly. Nevertheless, young adults demand participation within the planning of interventions to destigmatize palliative care. Conclusions: The general public still lacks a detailed understanding of palliative care. Palliative care faces stigma at multiple levels, which creates barriers for those who set out to implement it. However, addressing young adults as a crucial peer group can help break down barriers and promote access to palliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the association between epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) derived from DNA methylation and the risk of incident colorectal cancer (CRC). We utilized data from a random population sample of 9,360 individuals (men and women, aged 45–69) from the HAPIEE Study who had been followed up for 16 years. A nested case–control design yielded 35 incident CRC cases and 354 matched controls. Six baseline epigenetic age (EA) measures (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, Skin and Blood (SB), BLUP, and Elastic Net (EN)) were calculated along with their respective EAAs. After adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) for CRC risk per decile increase in EAA ranged from 1.20 (95% CI: 1.04–1.39) to 1.44 (95% CI: 1.21–1.76) for the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and BLUP measures. Conversely, the SB and EN EAA measures showed borderline inverse associations with ORs of 0.86–0.87 (95% CI: 0.76–0.99). Tertile analysis reinforced a positive association between CRC risk and four EAA measures (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, and BLUP) and a modest inverse relationship with EN EAA. Our findings from a prospective population-based-case-control study indicate a direct association between incident CRC and four markers of accelerated baseline epigenetic age. In contrast, two markers showed a negative association or no association. These results warrant further exploration in larger cohorts and may have implications for CRC risk assessment and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to examine the factor structure of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures (ECR-RS), an attachment-theory based relationship measure, in at-risk sample comprising siblings of children with chronic disorders. Psychometric studies with general populations have demonstrated that the ECR-RS comprises two factors, representing anxiety and avoidance in close relationships. The sample comprised 103 siblings (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.2, range 8 to 16 years) of children with chronic disorders and their parents. The siblings completed a 9-item version of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures (ECR-RS) about their relations with mothers and fathers that was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis. We examined construct validity using correlations between sibling social functioning, measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and parent mental health, measured with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The ECR-RS comprised two factors, anxiety and avoidance, in line with previous studies. Both factors demonstrated significant overlap with sibling social functioning, but not with parental mental health. We conclude that the ECR-RS comprises two factors, anxiety and avoidance, that are related to siblings' social functioning. The ECR-RS can be used as a psychometrically sound measure of relationship anxiety and avoidance in families of children with chronic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, necessitating advancements in diagnostic methods. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into mammography has shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. However, understanding patient perspectives, particularly considering the psychological impact of breast cancer diagnoses, is crucial. This narrative review synthesizes literature from 2000 to 2023 to examine breast cancer patients' attitudes towards AI in breast imaging, focusing on trust, acceptance, and demographic influences on these views. Methodologically, we employed a systematic literature search across databases such as PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Scopus, selecting studies that provided insights into patients' perceptions of AI in diagnostics. Our review included a sample of seven key studies after rigorous screening, reflecting varied patient trust and acceptance levels towards AI. Overall, we found a clear preference among patients for AI to augment rather than replace the diagnostic process, emphasizing the necessity of radiologists' expertise in conjunction with AI to enhance decision-making accuracy. This paper highlights the importance of aligning AI implementation in clinical settings with patient needs and expectations, emphasizing the need for human interaction in healthcare. Our findings advocate for a model where AI augments the diagnostic process, underlining the necessity for educational efforts to mitigate concerns and enhance patient trust in AI-enhanced diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GPS satellite tracking allows novel investigations of how golden eagles Aquila chrysaetos use the landscape at several scales and at different life history stages, including research on geographical barriers which may prevent or limit range expansion or create population/sub-population isolation. If there are significant barriers to golden eagle movements, there could be demographic and genetic consequences. Genetic studies have led investigations on the identification of sub-species, populations, and sub-populations but should be conjoined with demographic studies and dispersal movements to understand fully such designations and their geographic delimitation. Scottish eagles are genetically differentiated from continental European birds, with thousands of years of separation creating a distinct population, though without sub-species assignation. They present unique research opportunities to examine barriers to movements illustrated by satellite tracking under Scotland's highly variable geography. We primarily examined two features, using more than seven million dispersal records from satellite tags fitted to 152 nestlings. The first was the presence of unsuitable terrestrial habitat. We found few movements across a region of largely unsuitable lowland habitat between upland regions substantially generated by geological features over 70 km apart (Highland Boundary Fault and Southern Uplands Fault). This was expected from the Golden Eagle Topography model, and presumed isolation was the premise for an ongoing reinforcement project in the south of Scotland, translocating eagles from the north (South Scotland Golden Eagle Project: SSGEP). Second was that larger expanses of water can be a barrier. We found that, for a northwestern archipelago (Outer Hebrides), isolated by ≥24 km of sea (and with prior assignation of genetical and historical separation), there were no tagged bird movements with the Inner Hebrides and/or the Highlands mainland (the main sub-population), confirming their characterisation as a second sub-population. Results on the willingness of eagles to cross open sea or sea lochs (fjords) elsewhere in Scotland were consistent on distance. While apparently weaker than the Outer Hebrides in terms of separation, the designation of a third sub-population in the south of Scotland seems appropriate. Our results validate the SSGEP, as we also observed no movement of birds across closer sea crossings from abundant Highland sources to the Southern Uplands. Based on telemetric results, we also identified where any re-colonisation of England, due to the SSGEP, is most likely to occur. We emphasise, nevertheless, that our study's records during dispersal will be greater than the natal dispersal distances (NDDs), when birds settle to breed after dispersal, and NDDs are the better shorter arbiter for connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imbalance between the population, transportation, and construction is an important factor affecting coordinated regional development in China. Using transportation land area and population data from 2010, 2015, and 2020 in 121 counties (cities and districts) of Guangdong Province, this study analyzes the spatiotemporal changes in transportation land and population structure. It explores the relationship between transportation land and population size changes using exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) and decoupling models. Research suggests the following: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the per capita transportation land in various districts and counties of Guangdong Province showed a hierarchical structure of "low center and high periphery". Conversely, the proportion of transportation land to construction land displayed a "high center and low periphery" characteristic. (2) During the same period, the total amount of transportation land in the peripheral areas of the Pearl River Delta was higher than that in the PRD (the Pearl River Delta) and the gap widened each year. Meanwhile, the proportion of transportation land to construction land in the peripheral areas of the Pearl River Delta was consistently higher than that in the PRD. (3) From 2010 to 2015, the relationship between population growth and transportation land in Guangdong Province showed a hierarchical pattern, while from 2015 to 2020, the pattern became more complex, and regional imbalance intensified. The decoupling results of PRD showed weak decoupling and expanding negative decoupling from 2010 to 2020. The peripheral areas of the Pearl River Delta are characterized by strong negative decoupling and expanding negative decoupling. Research has shown that although Guangdong Province is one of the most developed provinces in China, the mismatch between transportation land and population size in economically underdeveloped areas has become increasingly severe, with changes in the provincial population distribution pattern. The decoupling phenomenon between the transportation land and population is very obvious, and the policy of achieving regional balanced development through transportation infrastructure construction needs to be reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the Climate Change scenario, the occurrence of Harmful Cyanobacterial Blooms (HCBs) is an increasingly concerning problem. Particularly for inland freshwaters, that have human populations depending on them for consumption or recreation, HCBs can lead to serious ecological damages and socio-economic impacts, but also to health risks for local communities. From satellite imagery to molecular data, there is an increasing number of methodological approaches that can help improve the monitoring and prediction of cyanobacterial blooms. However, although each methodology has its own strengths and limitations, generally there is a lack of data addressing specific and intraspecific information, which has implications for the modelling and prediction of the real dynamics and toxicity of HCBs. The present review intends to make a quick overview on current approaches to monitor cyanobacterial blooms and provide a tier-based integrative perspective for their application. A transversal monitoring at a wide scale should be enhanced but cannot rely only on pigment levels but rather include the specific and intraspecific diversity information that can be obtained from modern molecular tools. This is crucial to achieve the effective prediction, monitoring and management of HCBs under their increasing occurrence and severity trends in freshwaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the ecological and economic benefits of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), we analysed and evaluated its germplasm resources. This promotes in-depth research and utilisation of germplasm resources, providing excellent genetic resources for Korean pine breeding. We performed genetic analysis based on morphological and physiological traits and nuclear SSR molecular marker data was performed by collecting 314 clones (5 ramets of each clone) of Korean pine from eight (8) locations within the Korean pine range. The core collection underwent testing and evaluation for representativeness using variable rate (VR), coincidence rate (CR), variance difference percentage (VD), mean difference percentage (MD), Shannon index (I), and other indicators. The results indicated significant differences in morphological and physiological traits among the populations. All traits had a coefficient of variation (CV) greater than 10%, except for the water content of the needles (WC), which had an average CV of 17.636%. The populations showed high overall genetic diversity, with the HL (Helong) population exhibiting the highest genetic diversity, with an Ne (number of effective alleles), I, and He (expected heterozygosity) of 3.171, 1.103, and 0.528, respectively. Genetic variation mainly originated from individuals within populations, while the variation between populations was relatively small, at only 3%. The population did not exhibit any distinct subpopulation structures and was mainly derived from two admixed gene pools. Six core sets were obtained using different sampling strategies, and subset 6 was identified as the core collection, consisting of 114 individuals, representing a selection rate of 36.31%. In conclusion, the most appropriate method for constructing the core collection of Korean pines is the M-strategy (maximizing the number of alleles), based on both phenotypic and molecular data. The resulting core collection effectively represents the genetic diversity of the entire population effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To determine the ferritin inter-assay differences between three "Conformité Européenne" (CE) marked tests, the impact on reference intervals (RI), and the proportion of individuals with iron deficiency (ID), we used plasma and serum from healthy blood donors (HBD) recruited in three different Switzerland regions. Design and Methods. Heparinized plasma and serum from HBD were obtained from three different transfusion centers in Switzerland (Fribourg, Geneva, and Neuchatel). One hundred forty samples were recruited per center and per matrix, with a gender ratio of 50%, for a total of 420 HBD samples available per matrix. On both matrices, ferritin concentrations were quantified by three different laboratories using electrochemiluminescence (ECL), latex immunoturbidimetric assay (LIA), and luminescent oxygen channeling immunoassay (LOCI) assays, respectively. The degree of agreement between matrices and between the three sites/methods was assessed by Passing–Bablok and we evaluated the proportion of individuals deemed to have ID per method. Results. Overall, no difference between serum and heparinized plasma ferritin values was observed according to Passing–Bablok analyses (proportional bias range: 1.0–3.0%; maximum constant bias: 1.84 µg/L). Significant median ferritin differences (p < 0.001 according to Kruskal–Wallis test) were observed between the three methods (i.e., 83.6 µg/L, 103.5 µg/L, and 62.1 µg/L for ECL, LIA, and LOCI in heparinized plasma, respectively), with proportional bias varying significantly between ±16% and ±32% on serum and from ±14% to ±35% on plasma with no sign of gender-related differences. Affecting the lower end of RI, the proportion of ID per method substantially varied between 4.76% (20/420) for ECL, 2.86% (12/420) for LIA, and 9.05% (38/420) for LOCI. Conclusions. Serum and heparinized plasma are exchangeable for ferritin assessment. However, the order of magnitude of ferritin differences across methods and HBD recruitment sites could lead to diagnostic errors if uniform RI were considered. Challenging the recently proposed use of uniform ferritin thresholds, our results highlight the importance of method- and region-specific RI for ferritin due to insufficient inter-assay harmonization. Failing to do so significantly impacts ID diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Recently, there has been a serious decline in honey bee colonies due to various factors, including habitat loss, diseases, pathogen infections, chemical exposures, and climatic changes. Among these factors, malnutrition-induced stress plays a significant role in colony decline. In our study, we present a novel perspective on maintaining and developing honey bee colonies. Our research demonstrates that a specific pollen substitute diet significantly improves colony performance during early spring, as evidenced by an increase in population, a greater capped brood area, altered colony weight, honey bee weight (dried head + thorax), and vitellogenin value. This finding could contribute to enhanced colony maintenance and development during the early spring season, with the potential to prevent colony decline. The nutritional quality of a colony significantly affects its health and strength, particularly because it is required for population growth in the early spring. We investigated the impact of various artificial pollen substitute diets on colony performance in the Republic of Korea during early spring, a critical period for colony health and growth. The colonies were provided with different diets, including the commercial product Megabee (positive control), our developed diet Test A, and four upgraded versions (Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3, and Diet 4) of Test A. The negative control group received no supplementary feed. Over 63 days, we observed 24 experimental colonies and assessed various parameters at the colony and individual levels. The results revealed that Diet 2 had the highest consumption and had the most positive impact on population growth, the capped brood area, colony weight, honey bees' weight, and vitellogenin levels. These findings suggested that Diet 2 is most attractive to honey bees and thus holds great promise for improving colony maintenance and development during the crucial early spring period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The bighorn sheep is a species of great ecological, cultural, economic, and social importance in Mexico. However, the current sheep population status in the state of Baja California has been unknown since 2010. The objective of this research was to update information on the abundance, distribution, and population structure of bighorn sheep in Baja California through an aerial survey. The flight was conducted in 2021, and 456 bighorn sheep were observed, resulting in an estimated 1697 ± 80 animals. The observation rate was 16 sheep recorded per hour of flight, and the ram:ewe:lamb ratio was 62:100:19. A statistical comparisons of these results with previous those of aerial surveys, which began in 1992, indicate that the Baja California bighorn sheep population has been stable for twenty-nine years, in contrast to other areas of the species' range, where the sheep population increased during the same period. Given these results, Baja California authorities should consider modifying the current bighorn sheep conservation strategy to increase the species' population in the state. The bighorn sheep in Mexico is classified as at-risk by the Mexican federal government. In the state of Baja California, wild sheep can be observed throughout the length of the state from the USA–Mexico border south to the Agua de Soda mountain range. This research aimed to document the historical trend of the bighorn population based on aerial surveys conducted in 1992, 1995, 1999, 2010, and 2021, and the abundance, distribution, and structure of bighorn sheep populations in Baja California, based on an aerial survey conducted from 8–14 November 2021, covering thirteen mountain ranges. The estimated sheep population in 2021 was based on the number of individuals observed; the sightability of the animals; the area sampled; and the total area of habitat available. In 30.5 flight hours, 456 bighorn sheep were observed, with an estimated population of 1697 ± 80 individuals. The observation rate was 16 sheep sighted per hour of flight, and the ram:ewe:lamb ratio was 62:100:19. When the results of the 2021 flight were compared to the results of the previous aerial surveys, there was a large variation between the data, which was related to the lack of consistency between the sampling designs used in each study. Nevertheless, a statistical test of the results of aerial surveys conducted in the state suggest that the Baja California bighorn sheep population remained stable between 1992 and 2021. This study highlights the need to standardize wild sheep aerial surveys by defining flight paths and establishing a consistent duration of flights. On the other hand, Baja California authorities should consider modifying the current conservation strategy for bighorn sheep to increase the species' population in the state by initiating community-based wildlife conservation programs in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer and leading cause of cancer death among women globally. This can be explained by the genetic factor of this disease. This article aims to correlate the epidemiological data, worldwide incidence, and mortality of BCa with the Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the susceptibility and severity in different populations. Two hundred and forty genetic variants associated with BCa susceptibility/severity were selected from the literature through Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). The allele frequencies were obtained from the 1000 Genomes Project, and the epidemiological data were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO). The BCa incidence, mortality rates, and allele frequencies of the variants were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Our study demonstrated that 11 SNPs (rs3817578, rs4843437, rs3754934, rs61764370, rs780092, rs2290203, rs10411161, rs6001930, rs16886165, rs8051542 and rs4973768) were significantly correlated with the epidemiological data in different ethnic groups. Seven polymorphisms (rs3817578, rs3754934, rs780092, rs2290203, rs10411161, rs6001930 and rs16886165) were inversely correlated with the incidence rate and four polymorphisms (rs4843437, rs61764370, rs8051542 and rs4973768) were directly correlated with the incidence rate. African and South-East Asian populations have a lower risk of developing BCa when evaluated in terms of genetic factors since they possess variants characterized as protective, as their higher incidence is associated with a lower frequency of BCa cases. The genetic variants investigated here are likely to predispose individuals to BCa. The genetic study described here is promising for implementing personalized strategies to screen for breast cancer in diverse populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few reports related to the presence of Spiranthes spiralis in the Oltenia region in southern Romania. This study develops the information concerning the presence of this type of orchid in Gorj County. The studies on the populations of this orchid species have been conducted in the Natura 2000 site of the Community ROSCI0045 Jiului Corridor. In the researched territory, during the investigations, twelve populations of Spiranthes spiralis were sampled for the first time. In 2022–2023, we studied the distribution of this species and assessed its population densities. Our observations indicate that it is a relatively widespread species in the studied area and its populations are more abundant in meadows, in the Medicagini minimae–Festucetum valesiacae plant community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 300 different plant species are infected by the plant-parasitic reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), including cotton. This is a devasting nematode with a preference for cotton; it is commonly found in Alabama farms and causes severe reduction in yields. Its first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) region can be sequenced, and potential mutations can be found in order to study the population dynamics of the reniform nematode. The goal of our study was to sequence the ITS1 rDNA region in male and female RNs that were collected from BelleMina, Hamilton, and Lamons locations in Alabama. After separating the single male and female RNs from the samples collected from the three selected listed sites above, the ITS1 region was amplified selectively using specific primers, and the resulting products were cloned and sequenced. Two distinct bands were observed after DNA amplification of male and female nematodes at 550 bp and 730 bp, respectively. The analysis of sequenced fragments among the three populations showed variation in average nucleotide frequencies of female and male RNs. Singletons within the female and male Hamilton populations ranged from 7.8% to 10%, and the variable sites ranged from 13.4% to 26%. However, female and male BelleMina populations had singletons ranging from 7.1% to 19.7% and variable regions in the range of 13.9% to 49.3%. The female and male Lamons populations had singletons ranging from 2.5% to 8.7% and variable regions in the range of 2.9% to 14.2%. Phylogenetic (neighbor-joining) analysis for the two ITS1 fragments (ITS-550 and ITS-730) showed relatively high intra-nematode variability. Different clone sequences from an individual nematode often had greater similarity with other nematodes than with their own sequences. RNA fold analysis of the ITS1 sequences revealed varied stem and loop structures, suggesting both conserved and variable regions in the variants identified from female and male RNs, thus underscoring the presence of significant intra- and inter-nematodal variation among RN populations in Alabama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ratio product estimators have been proposed by several authors for the estimation of the population mean and population variance, but very few authors have proposed ratio product estimators for the estimation of the population coefficient of variation. In this paper, we propose a ratio product estimator for the estimation of the population coefficient of variation. The mean square error of the proposed estimator was obtained up to the first order of approximation using the Taylor series technique. A numerical analysis was conducted, and the results show that the proposed ratio product estimator is more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-growing global population, combined with the industrial revolution and increased consumerism, has led to an exponential surge in waste generation. The implementation of integrated solid waste management (ISWM) is crucial for addressing the challenges posed by increasing waste generation and limited landfill space. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as powerful tools to support ISWM strategies through their diverse applications. This short review explores the novel applications of RS and GIS in ISWM and highlights their potential for enhancing waste management practices. RS techniques, such as satellite imagery and aerial photography, enable the accurate mapping and monitoring of waste generation, disposal sites, and recycling facilities. GIS facilitates spatial analysis and decision-making, allowing for optimized waste collection routes, landfill site selection, and the identification of suitable locations for waste-to-energy projects. Furthermore, RS and GIS provide valuable insights into waste composition analysis, landfill stability assessment, and environmental impact evaluation. This review underscores the importance of leveraging RS and GIS technologies to improve waste management practices and offers valuable recommendations for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last three decades, Tehsil Mardan has gone through an incredible expansion of its built-up layer. This study explored the land use land cover changes in Tehsil Mardan from 1990 to 2021 along with population dynamics by applying geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques. Landsat satellite images for the years 1990, 1995, 2000, 2010, 2015, and 2021 were used for land use land cover classification. A maximum likelihood supervised algorithm and confusion matrix were applied for classification and accuracy assessment, respectively. The classification results outlined that there has been a substantial increase in the built-up layer from 37 km2 to 188 km2 and a significant decrease in bare land class from 437 km2 to 252 km2 from 1990 to 2021. The classification proces's overall accuracy ranged from 87.42% to 98.30%, and the Kappa Coefficient ranged from 0.82 to 0.97. Population dynamics were also studied in the present study, and it was found that the total population of Tehsil Mardan was 502,435, 864,017, and 1,403,002 in 1981, 1998, and 2017, respectively, and its population was further forecasted based on historical trends until 2027. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (0.98) between the built-up layer and population and a significant negative correlation (−0.91) between population and bare land. Based on the findings of this study, policymakers should be able to better plan future land use and account for associated factors while keeping environmental threats and opportunities in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient monitoring and tracking of groundwater level changes are critical for the sustainable management of water resources, especially in light of population growth and climate change. This study evaluates the ability of the Non-linear Autoregressive with exogenous input (NARX) model to simulate groundwater level trends in Ajabshir, Iran, using groundwater level data from 2006 to 2019 as the baseline period. The model was trained using time, groundwater levels, and delay times between 1 and 2 as the input training samples. The results indicate that the NARX model performed exceptionally well in simulating historical trends of groundwater levels, achieving a Coefficient of Determination (DC) value of 0.87 and a Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.215. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the significance of migraine and the limited amount of research conducted on its association with depression in population-based studies in Spain, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and change of depression from 2017 to 2020 among adults with migraine in Spain and to analyze the sociodemographic and health-related variables linked to depression in migraine sufferers. A cross-sectional study on 5329 adults with migraine from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 and the European Health Survey in Spain 2020 was performed. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the factors related to depression. A total of 26.32% of people with migraine suffered from depression. No significant changes in that prevalence between 2017 and 2020 were observed. The risk factors associated with depression included being between the ages of 25 and 44 (p = 0.018), being separated or divorced (p = 0.033), being unemployed (p < 0.001), not engaging in recreational physical activity (p = 0.016), perceiving one's health as average, poor, or very poor (p < 0.001), experiencing moderate to severe pain in daily activities (p = 0.011, p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively), and having 1–2 or ≥3 chronic conditions (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, being married (p = 0.001) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.007) were identified as protective factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this review were to identify the population groups most frequently studied, to determine the methods and techniques most commonly used to show health inequities, and to identify the most frequent socioeconomic and health indicators used in the studies on health inequities due to socioeconomic inequalities that have been carried out on the Spanish healthcare system. A scoping review was carried out of the studies conducted in the Spanish State and published in literature since 2004, after the publication of the Law of Cohesion and Quality of the National Health System. The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews was followed. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the critical reading guides of the Joanna Briggs Institute and an adaptation of the STROBE guide for ecological studies. A total of 58 articles out of 811 articles were included. Most of the articles were (77.59%, n = 45) cross-sectional studies, followed by ecological studies (13.8%, n = 8). The population group used was uneven, while the main geographical area under investigation was the whole state (51.7%, n = 30) compared to other territorial distributions (48.3%, n = 28). The studies used a multitude of health and socioeconomic indicators, highlighting self-perception of health (31.03%, n = 19) and social class (50%, n = 29). The relationship between better health and better socioeconomic status is evident. However, there is variability in the populations, methods, and indicators used to study health equity in Spain. Future health research and policies require greater systematization by public institutions and greater cooperation among researchers from disciplines such as sociology, economics, and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous cities around the world are currently experiencing surges in population growth and urban expansion, often accompanied by uncontrolled sprawl. It is widely recognized that unplanned urban development contributes to a decline in urban sustainability. In this research, our goal is to identify instances of sprawl development in the Kansai region of Japan by utilizing remote sensing data. As a result, we have discovered that nighttime light data are valuable for gaining additional insights into sprawl, even when time-series land-use data and spatial population data are available. Specifically, when comparing the changes in these indices between circa 2010 and 2020, it becomes evident that these indices exhibit very weak correlations. Consequently, they can be used as independent variables for identifying urban sprawl. Each index comes with its own advantages and disadvantages in the context of urban sprawl detection. Therefore, we can conclude that a combination of multiple data sources is necessary for a comprehensive determination and detection of urban sprawl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given a decreasing and aging population, there is a growing need to establish convenient public transportation systems that offer a variety of transportation modes seamlessly connected to one another. This study attempts to develop an index to assess the hierarchical diversity of public transportation, drawing an analogy between public transportation networks and ecosystems. By considering both hierarchical (meta-physical) and physical connections among respective modes, which are aspects that have not been addressed in previous studies, this study aims to enhance the spatial resolution of the analysis units in the index. The diversity indices were applied to the northern Osaka area in Japan as the study site. The results show a correlation between the diversity index, population, and public transportation modal share. We then discuss the influence of hierarchical diversity on the sustainability of public transportation systems and regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We conducted a transboundary assessment of the Alpine wolf population over 21 years and across seven countries: Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Germany. This comprehensive study aimed to elucidate the new population expansion of wolves within the Alpine region after extinction in the area, with an increase in the number of wolf reproductive units (packs and pairs) over 21 years, from the first one in 1993–1994 up to 243 units in 2020–2021. The study highlighted the significance of cross-border cooperation in understanding the recolonization process of the wolf Alpine population. This transboundary evaluation not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also offers a foundation for informed decision making to favor the coexistence of wolves and human communities across the anthropized landscapes of the Alps. Wolves have large spatial requirements and their expansion in Europe is occurring over national boundaries, hence the need to develop monitoring programs at the population level. Wolves in the Alps are defined as a functional population and management unit. The range of this wolf Alpine population now covers seven countries: Italy, France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Liechtenstein and Germany, making the development of a joint and coordinated monitoring program particularly challenging. In the framework of the Wolf Alpine Group (WAG), researchers developed uniform criteria for the assessment and interpretation of field data collected in the frame of different national monitoring programs. This standardization allowed for data comparability across borders and the joint evaluation of distribution and consistency at the population level. We documented the increase in the number of wolf reproductive units (packs and pairs) over 21 years, from 1 in 1993–1994 up to 243 units in 2020–2021, and examined the pattern of expansion over the Alps. This long-term and large-scale approach is a successful example of transboundary monitoring of a large carnivore population that, despite administrative fragmentation, provides robust indexes of population size and distribution that are of relevance for wolf conservation and management at the transnational Alpine scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been well established in the literature that young women tend to carry more aggressive subtypes of breast cancer than their older-aged counterparts. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of young women with breast cancer. In this retrospective analysis, data were collected for women under the age of 40 years who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2018 in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, data were collected on demographics, staging, pathological characteristics, treatment, and survival outcomes for young women with this disease. Results demonstrate that most of these women were diagnosed between the age of 35 and 39 years (91.2%). Most women presented with early-stage disease (stage I and II—66.4%), while 24% were stage III and 9.6% presented with stage IV metastatic disease. The prevalence of hormone-receptor-positive disease represented 41.9% of the cohort, with triple-negative and HER2+ measuring 27.7% and 30.4%, respectively. Five-year disease-free survival was 80.5% and overall survival was 82.7%. These findings provoke discussion regarding the intersecting roles of genetics, environment, and lifestyle in a region with some of the highest rates of malignancy in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to compare the healthcare quality and results for patients with advanced genitourinary cancers from both rural and urban backgrounds, treated at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah. Even though urban residents had a median household income that was higher than rural patients and differences in insurance types, both groups had similar cancer characteristics when they began treatment. Importantly, the type of treatments received, including participation in clinical trials or specific cancer genetic tests, were the same for both groups. The survival outcomes for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer were also similar for both rural and urban patients. This study's findings suggest that when patients have access to specialized care, like that at a major cancer hospital, the differences in healthcare quality and outcomes between urban and rural patients can be reduced. Compared to the urban population, patients in rural areas face healthcare disparities and experience inferior healthcare-related outcomes. To compare the healthcare quality metrics and outcomes between patients with advanced genitourinary cancers from rural versus urban areas treated at a tertiary cancer hospital, in this retrospective study, eligible patients with advanced genitourinary cancers were treated at Huntsman Cancer Institute, an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Utah. Rural–urban commuting area codes were used to classify the patients' residences as being in urban (1–3) or rural (4–10) areas. The straight line distances of the patients' residences from the cancer center were also calculated and included in the analysis. The median household income data were obtained and calculated from "The Michigan Population Studies Center", based on individual zip codes. In this study, 2312 patients were screened, and 1025 eligible patients were included for further analysis (metastatic prostate cancer (n = 679), metastatic bladder cancer (n = 184), and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (n = 162). Most patients (83.9%) came from urban areas, while the remainder were from rural areas. Both groups had comparable demographic profiles and tumor characteristics at baseline. The annual median household income of urban patients was $8604 higher than that of rural patients (p < 0.001). There were fewer urban patients with Medicare (44.9% vs. 50.9%) and more urban patients with private insurance (40.4% vs. 35.1%). There was no difference between the urban and rural patients regarding receiving systemic therapies, enrollment in clinical trials, or tumor genomic profiling. The overall survival rate was not significantly different between the two populations in metastatic prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer, respectively. As available in a tertiary cancer hospital, access to care can mitigate the difference in the quality of healthcare and clinical outcomes in urban versus rural patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out within the MICROLIM project funded by the German Research Foundation DFG, which aims at an overall assessment of microplastic concentrations in different environmental compartments of the Lake Tollense catchment. Here, we address potential input sources of microplastic and their occurrence in the catchment and provide first estimates of emission volumes based on population density, agricultural activities and traffic. The land cover of the Lake Tollense catchment, located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, is dominated by agriculture and comprises the city of Neubrandenburg in the Northern part of the lake and additional minor settlements in the rural areas. The catchment area is divided into six sub-catchments according to the lake's tributaries. The methodological approach comprised (1) a literature review of potential sources of microplastic, their potential composition, application approaches and possible effects on the environment, (2) the determination of land use types within the lake Tollense catchment via a descriptive land-use analysis and examination of the identified land-use types for the occurrence of microplastic-emitting applications according to the initial literature review and (3) a quantitative estimation of the emission volumes of the population (including tourists), transport and agricultural activities in the catchment area, applying specific emission rates. Potential microplastic emissions could be identified from urban agglomerations and the agricultural and transport sectors. The first quantifications of the emission potential of particulate matter in the size of 10 µm (PM10) from the transport sector resulted in an average of 14.5 tons per year on state and federal roads. The total annual emission volume of the population in the study area is estimated at an average of 138.6 tons per year. The calculated volumes of particulate emissions from roads and traffic indicate that transport is the most important emission source in the Lake Tollense catchment area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In line with global trends, China confronts significant environmental challenges while navigating critical shifts in its population dynamics. The low–carbon pilot program, initiated in China in 2010 and spanning over 100 cities, is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions while facilitating robust economic growth. However, the program's impact on population growth has remained uncertain. Employing a quasi–natural experiment and the Difference–in–Difference method, this study reveals a positive association between the program and population growth. The analysis of mediating effects indicates that the program potentially stimulates population growth by attracting more Investment and reducing exhaust emissions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of evidence supporting its ability to enhance population growth through the promotion of household income. Further investigation reveals a diminishing effect of the program on population growth as cities transition from eastern to middle to western regions. Notably, no substantial heterogeneity is observed concerning the impact of GDP per capita on population growth. This research contributes empirical insights into the relationship between low–carbon programs and population growth, offering valuable guidance to municipalities seeking to bolster their populations. The potency of these strategies can be augmented by attracting investment and enhancing air quality, in contrast to a sole focus on income levels. Ultimately, the study provides actionable policy recommendations in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three models of abundance dynamics for forest insects that depict the development of outbreak populations were analyzed. We studied populations of the Siberian silkmoth Dendrolimus sibiricus Tschetv. in Siberia and the Far East of Russia, as well as a population of the pine looper Bupalus piniarius L. in Thuringia, Germany. The first model (autoregression) characterizes the mechanism where current population density is dependent on population densities in previous k years. The second model considers an outbreak as analogous to a first-order phase transition in physical systems and characterizes the outbreak as a transition through a potential barrier from a low-density state to a high-density state. The third model treats an outbreak as an effect of stochastic resonance influenced by a cyclical factor such as solar activity and the "noise" of weather parameters. The discussion focuses on the prediction effectiveness of abundance dynamics and outbreak development for each model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to a review of bistability and quadro-stability phenomena found in a certain class of mathematical models of population numbers and allele frequency dynamics. The purpose is to generalize the results of studying the transition from bi- to quadro-stability in such models. This transition explains the causes and mechanisms for the appearance and maintenance of significant differences in numbers and allele frequencies (genetic divergence) in neighboring sites within a homogeneous habitat or between adjacent generations. Using qualitative methods of differential equations and numerical analysis, we consider bifurcations that lead to bi- and quadro-stability in models of the following biological objects: a system of two coupled populations subject to natural selection; a system of two connected limited populations described by the Bazykin or Ricker model; a population with two age stages and density-dependent regulation. The bistability in these models is caused by the nonlinear growth of a local homogeneous population or the phase bistability of the 2-cycle in populations structured by space or age. We show that there is a series of similar bifurcations of equilibrium states or fixed or periodic points that precede quadro-stability (pitchfork, period-doubling, or saddle-node bifurcation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health equity means the opportunity for all people and populations to attain optimal health, and it requires intentional efforts to promote fairness in patient treatments and outcomes. Pharmacogenomic variants are genetic differences associated with how patients respond to medications, and their presence can inform treatment decisions. In this perspective, we contend that the study of pharmacogenomic variation within and between human populations—population pharmacogenomics—can and should be leveraged in support of health equity. The key observation in support of this contention is that racial and ethnic groups exhibit pronounced differences in the frequencies of numerous pharmacogenomic variants, with direct implications for clinical practice. The use of race and ethnicity to stratify pharmacogenomic risk provides a means to avoid potential harm caused by biases introduced when treatment regimens do not consider genetic differences between population groups, particularly when majority group genetic profiles are assumed to hold for minority groups. We focus on the mitigation of adverse drug reactions as an area where population pharmacogenomics can have a direct and immediate impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this nationwide longitudinal follow-up study is to investigate the relationship between Parkinson's disease (PD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients in Korea. Patient data were collected using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Health Screening (HEALS) cohort. The International Classification of Diseases 10-CM code G-20 distinguished 6475 PD patients who were enrolled in the PD group. After removing 1039 patients who were not hospitalized or attended an outpatient clinic less than twice, the total number of participants was reduced to 5436 individuals. Then, 177 patients diagnosed before 1 January 2004 were removed for relevancy, leaving us with 5259 PD patients. After case–control matching was completed using 1:5 age- and gender-coordinated matching, 26,295 people were chosen as part of the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and the Kaplan–Meier technique were used to assess the risk of CHF in patients with Parkinson's disease. After controlling for age and gender, the hazard ratio of CHF in the PD group was 5.607 (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.496–6.993). After that, the hazard ratio of CHF in the PD group was modified against for comorbid medical disorders, resulting in a value of 5.696 (95% CI, 4.566–7.107). In subgroup analysis, CHF incidence rates were significantly increased in the PD group compared to the control group (males and females; aged ≥ 65 and <65; the non-diabetes and diabetes, hypertension and non-hypertension, and dyslipidemia and non-dyslipidemia subgroups). This nationwide longitudinal study shows a higher incidence rate of CHF in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human population reached 8 billion in 2022 and is still growing, and will possibly peak at 10.4 billion in 2086. Environmental science mandates that continued growth of the human enterprise on a finite planet is unsustainable and already in overshoot. Indeed, 3 billion is an evidence-based target number, for our species in competition with all non-human life-forms. We must achieve zero population growth and, ultimately, a massive decrease. Commonly, even among environmentalists who are not "population-deniers", human numbers are seen as a given, to be adapted to rather than influenced or managed. Yet, just and appropriate interventions exist. The fundamental requirement is the empowerment of women, removing the barriers in many settings to their education (including environmental education, and the reproductive ethics of smaller families) and to realistic, voluntary access to contraception. Wherever "reproductive health" includes access to rights-based family planning, this not only promotes the health of the planet but also women's health through, inter alia, their choice to have fewer and better-spaced children. This is ethical, pragmatic, and cost-effective—a prime example of preventive medicine. Politicians (mostly men) everywhere must embrace this long-term thinking and significantly increase the currently inadequate funding of contraceptive care. Herein is another Scientists' Warning: there is just one planet for all life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn., is an annual pest of the Romanian corn crop. The research followed the development of the European corn borer in the context of the climate warming recorded in recent years in Eastern Romania. We monitored the development of the egg, larva, pupa, and moth stages using cage studies and observations in an experimental cornfield. We also analyzed the impact of climatic conditions on developmental time. Our data show that the increase in winter temperatures ensures the survival of a higher percentage of mature larvae, which leads to intense moth flight at the end of June and the beginning of July. However, the high summer temperatures caused an increasing percentage of the larvae to transform into pupae, which led to the recording of a secondary flight in August. Although the insect is known to have one generation per year, it is apparent that a multivoltine ecotype is also present. We conclude that the climate warming we are witnessing affects the species' development and that higher larval infestations could occur. Between 2020 and 2021, we conducted research in eastern Romania to monitor the bioecology of the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn.), an important pest of corn. The bioecology research established the pest stage duration (egg, larva, pupa, and moth), the flight curve, and the flight peak. The bioecological study occurred in the experimental corn field and a field cage. According to our findings, the insect has one generation per year. The European corn borer hibernates as a mature larva in corn residues and continues developing in the spring, when the weather warms. It pupates from May to July over 37 days. Analyzing the data recorded during the winters of 2020 and 2021, we observed that the warming trend favored the high survival of hibernating larvae (60.7%). Due to the large number of mature larvae that had favorable conditions during the winter, there is an intense flight, starting in June and ending in September. When the first moth was caught in the light trap, the ∑(tn-10) °C (sum of degree days) was 245.6 °C. In 2020, the flight was recorded for 94 days. In 2021, the European corn borer flight lasted 104 days. The initial egg masses were detected when the total of ∑(tn-10) °C reached 351.5 °C. Moths laid the eggs for 25 days, mostly during peak flight in late June and early July. The first larvae hatched when ∑(tn-10) °C totaled 438.4 °C, and stages III–V were recorded in the harvested crop. Understanding the bioecology of the European corn borer can offer valuable insights into managing population levels and identifying optimal timing for addressing infestations in corn crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current state of the coenotic populations of Iris pumila L. (Iridaceae) were studied in the southeast of the European part of Russia (Samara Region). The phytocenotic confinement and population structure of the species were assessed. I. pumila preferred growing in steppe zonal communities. In total, 118 species of vascular plants were found in the communities, where I. pumila has been registered, and of which 34 (28.8%) were included into the Red List of the Samara Region and 8 species into the Red List of the Russian Federation. In the study area, populations of I. pumila were represented by a significant number of individuals and were in a stable state. According to the "delta-omega" criterion, the populations were mature (47.0%), transitional (23.5%), maturing (17.6%), and aging (11.9%), which testified to the diversity of population structure and thus to a satisfactory state of the species in the Samara Region. The populations recovered mainly due to individuals of vegetative origin, but this process was rather slow. Under unfavorable conditions, I. pumila populations were characterized by a vegetative settled way of life. Fires, grazing, and destruction of habitats had a significant impact on the population structure and absolute abundance in the Samara Region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (FD) is a highly atherogenic genetically based lipid disorder with an underestimated actual prevalence. In recent years, several biochemical algorithms have been developed to diagnose FD using available laboratory tests. The practical applicability of FD diagnostic criteria and the prevalence of FD in Russia have not been previously assessed. We demonstrated that the diagnostic algorithms of FD, including the diagnostic apoB levels, require correction, taking into account the distribution of apoB levels in the population. At the same time, a triglycerides cutoff ≥ 1.5 mmol/L may be a useful tool in identifying subjects with FD. In this study, a high prevalence of FD was detected: 0.67% (one in 150) based on the ε2ε2 haplotype and triglycerides levels ≥ 1.5 mmol/L. We also analyzed the presence and pathogenicity of APOE variants associated with autosomal dominant FD in a large research sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]