Life Table Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Human Mortality Models: Insights from Denmark and the Netherlands

This study provides a comparative analysis of human mortality models for Denmark and the Netherlands from 1970 to 2008, using data from the Human Mortality Database (HMD). The analysis explores mortality trends across age groups and genders, highlighting key patterns and differences between the two countries. The Lee-Carter model is applied to analyze mortality dynamics, while the Gompertz model estimates age-specific mortality rates, both proving effective in capturing long-term trends. The study finds consistent differences between male and female mortality, with men experiencing higher mortality rates across all age groups in both countries. Mortality rates have declined significantly over time due to advancements in healthcare, socioeconomic improvements, and better living conditions. To project future mortality trends, the Random Walk with Drift model is used, offering insights into longevity and life expectancy for both populations. The results emphasize the need for ongoing public health improvements and policies to address the challenges posed by aging populations

Adaptability Analysis of Tuta absoluta to Different Hosts and Related Salivary Genes Identification.

Tuta absoluta is a significant agricultural pest primarily affecting Solanaceae plants, resulting in substantial economic losses in agriculture. Insect saliva is an intermediary between insects and plants, playing a crucial role in modulating host adaptability and plant defense. This study analyzed the adaptive differences of T. absoluta on four plants using the two-sex life table method. Results indicated that the host adaptability of T. absoluta to tobacco is worse than its adaptability to the other three varieties of tomatoes. The salivary gland transcriptome analysis and signal peptide prediction revealed that Trypsin, B5 V51-1498, and Ta74 were highly expressed in the salivary glands of T. absoluta subjected to tobacco treatment and exhibit the characteristics of secretory proteins, alongside significant feeding selection differences. Our findings elucidate the adaptive strategies of T. absoluta larvae on various Solanaceae plants and offer new insights into the salivary protein-mediated plant defense processes.

Time to neonatal mortality and its predictors among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in northern Ethiopia, 2023/2024: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundA preterm neonate is defined by the World Health Organization as a child delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. In low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, preterm-related complications are serious health problems due to increases in the mortality and morbidity of newborns and children under 5 years of age. The aim of this study was to assess the time to neonatal mortality and its predictors among preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in northern Ethiopia, 2023/2024.MethodsAn institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 495 randomly selected preterm neonates in six out of the fourteen general hospitals of Tigray, Ethiopia from October 2023 to June 2024. Epi Data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Descriptive statistics were carried out to determine the distribution. Kaplan-Meier analysis, life table, and log rank were computed. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to identify independent predictors of preterm mortality.ResultsThe proportion of preterm neonatal mortality was 109 (22.7%). The overall median survival time was 21 (95% CI: 20, 28) days. Initiation of breast milk (AHR = 0.38 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.61)), respiratory distress syndrome (AHR = 1.9 (95% CI: 1.07,3.63)), perinatal asphyxia (AHR = 2.05 (95% CI: 1.05, 4.00)), receiving kangaroo mother care practice (AHR = 0.5 (95% CI: 0.34, 0.83)), and gestational age (AHR = 1.6 (95% CI 1.07, 2.59) were the predictors of time to death.ConclusionRespiratory distress syndrome, gestational age less than 32 weeks, and perinatal asphyxia at admission were found to be independent risk factors for preterm neonatal mortality. Breastfeeding and receiving kangaroo-mother care were independent preventive predictors of preterm neonatal mortality. It is better to give full emphasis and close follow-up to preterm neonates, especially during the early neonatal period.

The effect of addressing the top 10 global causes of death on life expectancy in 2019: a global and regional analysis.

The life expectancy (LE) index reflects health changes in society, highlighting trends in health quality and quantity. This study focused on analysing the impact of the top 10 causes of death on the global increase in LE in 2019. Data on the top 10 causes of death in 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease website and a period life table was used to assess how eliminating these causes would impact LE. At the global level, eliminating deaths from ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, neonatal conditions, lung cancers, Alzheimer's disease, diarrheal diseases, diabetes mellitus and kidney diseases resulted in an increase in LE at birth of 2.44, 1.64, 0.75, 0.80, 4.06, 0.48, 0.36, 0.52, 0.36 and 0.35y, respectively. The analysis reveals a gender gap in LE influenced by specific causes of death and regional differences. Therefore, public health policies should be customized for each area to target reductions in deaths that significantly improve LE.

How to Put Survival After Cardiothoracic Interventions in the General Population Context: A Case-Based Practical Guideline to Calculate Cumulative Matched-General-Population Survival.

Observed patient survival after cardiothoracic interventions should ideally be placed in the context of matched-general-population survival. This study outlines several methodologies of matching general population mortality to the study sample, subsequently calculating cumulative matched-general-population survival, highlighting their respective advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. A multicenter data set containing survival data after the Ross procedure was used for methodological illustration. General population mortality was extracted from country-specific life tables in the Human Mortality Database. The matched-general-population mortality, also known as background mortality, was obtained by matching general population mortality to the study sample using different matching strategies, iteratively considering median/individual age and median/individual calendar year, besides country and sex. The corresponding cumulative matched-general-population survival was calculated subsequently. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of varying patient ages on survival estimates by adding and subtracting 15 years from individual patients. A web-based Shiny Application (App) was developed to easily calculate cumulative matched-general-population survival. In total, 1431 hospital survivors from the Ross procedure from 5 countries (25.7% female; median age, 48.5 [interquartile range, 42.7-54.0] years) were included. Fifteen-year survival was 88.3% (95% CI, 85.3-90.6). Cumulative matched-general-population 15-year survival varied from 87.7% to 89.8% using the 3 methods of different complexities. For 15-year-older patients, the cumulative matched-general-population 15-year survival was 67.4%, 59.8%, and 63.2%, respectively, using the simplest to the most comprehensive matching methods; for 15-year-younger patients, it was 96.9%, 96.1%, and 96.7%, respectively. Different methodologies to match general population mortality to observed patient mortality yield variable estimates of cumulative matched-general-population survival, especially in older patients. The cumulative matched-general-population survival should ideally be calculated by considering country, sex, individual patient age, and calendar year (both updated annually). This method can be easily implemented using the web-based Shiny App enclosed in this article.

Explaining the divergence of population trajectories for two interacting waterfowl species

AbstractIdentifying the specific environmental features and associated density‐dependent processes that limit population growth is central to both ecology and conservation. Comparative assessments of sympatric species allow for inference about how ecologically similar species differentially respond to their shared environment, which can be used to inform community‐level conservation strategies. Comparative assessments can nevertheless be complicated by interactions and feedback loops among the species in question. We developed an integrated population model based on 61 years of ecological data describing the demographic histories of Canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and Redheads (Aythya americana), two species of migratory diving ducks that utilize similar breeding habitats and affect each other's demography through interspecific nest parasitism. We combined this model with a transient life table response experiment to determine the extent that demographic rates, and their contributions to population growth, were similar between these two species. We found that demographic rates and, to a lesser extent, their contributions to population growth covaried between Canvasbacks and Redheads, but the trajectories of population abundances widely diverged between the two species during the end of the twentieth century due to inherent differences between the species life histories and sensitivities to both environmental variation and harvest pressure. We found that annual survival of both species increased during years of restrictive harvest regulations; however, recent harvest pressure on female Canvasbacks may be contributing to population declines. Despite periodic, and often dramatic, increases in breeding abundance during wet years, the number of breeding Canvasbacks declined by 13% whereas the number of breeding Redheads has increased by 37% since 1961. Reductions in harvest pressure and improvements in submerged aquatic vegetation throughout the wintering grounds have mediated the extent to which populations of both species contracted during dry years in the Prairie Pothole Region. However, continued degradation of breeding habitats through climate‐related shifts in wetland hydrology and agricultural conversion of surrounding grassland habitats may have exceeded the capacity for demographic compensation during the nonbreeding season.

Comprehensive assessment of the impact of blood pressure, body mass index, smoking, and diabetes on healthy life expectancy in Japan: NIPPON DATA90.

Healthy life expectancy (HLE) is a population health indicator that is widely used in developed countries, but little is known about its relationships with combinations of non-communicable disease risk factors. This study was conducted to examine HLE at age 65 according to combinations of blood pressure levels, body mass index, smoking status, and diabetes mellitus (DM) in a Japanese population. In a nationwide cohort study (NIPPON DATA90), data on these risk factors were obtained from participants in 1990 through physical examinations, blood tests, interviews, and questionnaires. Subsequently, participants aged ≥65 years underwent surveys on activities of daily living in 1995 and 2000, and multistate life tables were used to calculate combination-specific HLEs and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study population comprised 6,569 participants (men: 2,797; women: 3,772) who were followed-up until 2010. HLE at age 65 in men with grade II/III hypertension, obesity, current smoker status, and DM (HLE: 12.9 years, 95% CIs: 12.9-13.0 years) was 9.7 years shorter than men without these risk factors (HLE: 22.6 years, 95% CIs: 22.4-22.8 years). Similarly, HLE at age 65 in women with grade II/III hypertension, obesity, current smoker status, and DM (HLE: 16.2 years, 95% CIs: 15.9-16.5 years) was 10.1 years shorter than women without these risk factors (HLE: 26.3 years, 95% CIs: 26.3-26.3 years). The large discrepancies in HLEs underscore the impact of non-communicable disease risk factors, which should be considered when formulating health interventions to improve HLE in Japanese older adults.

Functional response of two Mesocomys species on factitious host Antheraea pernyi and their biocontrol potential against the Japanese giant silkworm Caligula japonica.

The Japanese giant silkworm (JGS) Caligula japonica is a significant defoliator pest in East Asia, causing severe economic losses in forest and fruit production. To establish a cost-effective biological control program against JGS, the age-stage, two-sex life table method was used to accurately assess the potential efficacy of two Mesocomys species (M. albitarsis and M. trabalae) in controlling this pest. Our study focused on the functional response of two Mesocomys species to Chinese oak silkworm (COS) Antheraea pernyi eggs (factitious host), as well as their reproductive attributes when exposed to JGS eggs (target host). Both Mesocomys species exhibited a type II functional response to increasing densities of COS eggs. Mutual interference of M. trabalae was greater than that of M. albitarsis at high parasitoid densities. Two Mesocomys parasitoids reared from COS eggs effectively parasitized JGS eggs, albeit with differing parasitism capacities. M. albitarsis had an average fecundity of 190.4 offspring, which was 3.8-fold higher than M. trabalae. Consequently, M. albitarsis demonstrated superior reproductive metrics when parasitizing JGS eggs, with more oviposition days (Od), intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproduction rate (R0) compared to M. trabalae. Additionally, the net killing rate (C0) of M. albitarsis was 145.2 eggs/female, significantly higher than M. trabalae (32.6 eggs/female). Mesocomys albitarsis was identified as a more potent biocontrol agent against JGS than M. trabalae under indoor conditions. Some mutual interference at high parasitoid rearing densities likely reduces the per capita parasitization efficiency of both Mesocomys parasitoids. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Traumatic injury mortality in the Gaza Strip from Oct 7, 2023, to June 30, 2024: a capture-recapture analysis.

Accurate mortality estimates help quantify and memorialise the impact of war. We used multiple data sources to estimate deaths due to traumatic injury in the Gaza Strip between Oct 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024. We used a three-list capture-recapture analysis using data from Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) hospital lists, an MoH online survey, and social media obituaries. After imputing missing values, we fitted alternative generalised linear models to the three lists' overlap structure, with each model representing different possible dependencies among lists and including covariates predictive of the probability of being listed; we averaged the models to estimate the true number of deaths in the analysis period (Oct 7, 2023, to June 30, 2024). Resulting annualised age-specific and sex-specific mortality rates were compared with mortality in 2022. We estimated 64 260 deaths (95% CI 55 298-78 525) due to traumatic injury during the study period, suggesting the Palestinian MoH under-reported mortality by 41%. The annualised crude death rate was 39·3 per 1000 people (95% CI 35·7-49·4), representing a rate ratio of 14·0 (95% CI 12·8-17·6) compared with all-cause mortality in 2022, even when ignoring non-injury excess mortality. Women, children (aged <18 years), and older people (aged ≥65 years) accounted for 16 699 (59·1%) of the 28 257 deaths for which age and sex data were available. Our findings show an exceptionally high mortality rate in the Gaza Strip during the period studied. These results underscore the urgent need for interventions to prevent further loss of life and illuminate important patterns in the conduct of the war. None.

Suitability of Rosaceae fruit tree species for Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae).

The citrus red mite (CRM), Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), a worldwide pest chiefly infesting Citrus plants, has spread from Southern China to Northern China. Little information is known about the population performance of CRM on the plants except for citrus trees and pear trees. In order to evaluate the extent of damage might caused by CRM to the fruit trees cultivated in Northern China, the performance of CRM on four Rosaceae species, including three main fruit tree species (pear-Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai cv. Shannongsu, apple-Malus pumila Mill. cv. Fuji, peach-Prunus persica (L.) Batsch cv. Zhongyou 4) cultivated in Shandong Province, Northern China, and one rootstock for grafting apples (crabapple-Malus micromalus Makino) was determined using the age-stage, two-sex life table at laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 75 ± 5% RH and L16: D8 h photoperiod). The results showed that CRM could complete the whole life cycle on all the four plant species. The development time of larva, protonymph and deutonymph and the survival of immature stage of CRM did not vary among the four plant species. Differences on the egg incubation period explained the total duration of the immature stage among the four plants. The total duration of the immature stage was shorter on pear and peach than on crabapple and apple, but no difference was observed between pear and peach. The mites reared on pear and peach exhibited a higher fecundity, net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic growth rate (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) and longer longevity of the adult females than on crabapple and apple, but no significant differences between pear and peach, crabapple and apple. The mean generation time (T) of CRM reared on crabapple was the longest, which did not differ significantly on pear, peach and apple. In summary, the cultivars of pear, peach, apple and crabapple used in this study, especially that of peach and pear were suitable for the development and reproduction of CRM. CRM might be a serious risk for the main Rosaceae fruit species in Northern China.

The combined effect of temperature and microplastics on Daphnia pulex Leydig, 1860 (Cladocera)

Microplastic contamination of freshwaters is on the rise due to anthropogenic activities. As a result, adverse effects on aquatic organisms, including cladocerans, have been observed. Cladocerans are widely used and recommended as bioassay organisms in ecotoxicological tests or as bioindicators of water pollution. Their generalist feeding habits make them capable of consuming microplastics. Here we exposed Daphnia pulex to two stressors, 30 µm microplastic beads and temperature (20 and 25 °C) and observed effects in terms of acute and sub-acute tests (LC50, filtration rates, and cardiac rhythm) and chronic tests (population growth and life table) for two generations. We hypothesized that the stressors would have a more pronounced negative effect in the F1 compared to the F0 generation. The adverse effects of microplastics were more evident in the acute toxicity tests than chronic toxicity tests and at 25 °C rather than 20 °C. Adult cladocerans consumed (in 20 min.) between 50 and 200 beads ind.-1, juveniles between 20 and 150 beads ind.-1, and neonates between 0 and 75 beads ind.-1. There was more than a 50% decrease in the ingestion rate and cardiac rhythm of the cladocerans in the presence of microplastics. Population growth rates were higher in the presence of microplastics due to greater and earlier investment in offspring production. We did not observe adverse effects of the 30 µm plastic beads on the survivorship-related variables of D. pulex. Further studies are needed to test the impact of this stressor over several generations to determine the effects of microplastics in food webs in contaminated aquatic ecosystems.

Development and reproduction of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) on the 3 artificial diets in the laboratory.

Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a major pest of many fruit trees. The large-scale artificial propagation technology of the insect is the basis for the field application of the sterile insect technique and biological control products based on host mass reproduction. However, a low-cost diet with easily accessible materials remains lacking. In this study, we assessed the insect rearing performance feeding on 3 artificial diets: D1: an artificial diet based on wheat bran and soybean powders; D2: an artificial diet based on soybean powder, maize powders, and tomato sauce; and D3: an artificial diet based on soybean powder, maize powder, tomato sauce, and wheat bran, with apples as a control, using 2-sex life table. At 26 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% humidity, and 16:8h L:D photoperiod, the biological indicators of G. molesta fed D1 were consistent with those fed apples, with a larval stage of 14.88 d, a pupal stage of 7.57 d, adult longevity of 22.69 d, egg deposition count of 223.22, intrinsic rate of increase (r) of 0.1359, finite rate of increase (λ) of 1.1456, and net reproductive rate (R0) of 94.50. D1 was used to continuously rear G. molesta population for 5 generations, all life parameters remained normal. These results indicated that the artificial diet based on wheat bran and soybean powder could be used for rearing of the insect. This study proposes an available and cost-effective artificial diet for G. molesta, facilitating the application of green prevention and control technology.

Influence of different temperatures and diets on the life cycle of invasive species Conogethes punctiferalis.

Understanding the interactive effects of temperature and diet on insect life cycles is crucial for effective pest management. Here, the influence of different temperatures and diets on the life cycle of Conogethes punctiferalis was investigated using the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results support the hypothesis that temperature and diets (maize, apple, and artificial diet) significantly influence the entire life cycle performance of C. punctiferalis. The duration of larval development was significantly prolonged, whereas adult lifespan was shortened and showed lower reproductive capacity on apple and artificial diet than maize. The total pre-oviposition period was longer on apples than on maize and artificial diet at both temperatures (20, 26°C). The highest r (0.113 d-1), λ (1.128 d-1), R0 (57.213) , and GRR (75.54) of C. punctiferalis were found on maize at 26°C, while the highest T (45.062) was found on apples. Similar results were obtained in the age-specific survival curves (sxj), fecundity (mx), maternity (lxmx), and reproductive value (vxj) of YPM on different host plants when exposed to 20°C. These findings highlight the need for further research into the complex interactions between temperature, diet, and insect life history traits to develop effective pest management strategies and enhance our understanding of insect ecology in agroecosystems.

Convergences and Divergences in the Burden of Disease in Older People Across The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Countries

BackgroundThe Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member states are heterogeneous in their social, economic, and health conditions. Aimsa) to analyze age-specific mortality rate (ASMR) and age-specific disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate among older people in countries by age groups (65–74 years and 75+ years) and sex, and b) to estimate the association between age-specific DALY rate with Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) and with Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQI). MethodsSecondary analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. The ASMR and the age-specific DALY rate were reported for the years 1990, 2005, and 2019. Correlation between age-specific DALY rate with SDI and HAQI was estimated. ResultsThere were differences in the level and change in ASMR and the age-specific DALY rates among OECD countries. Overall, men had a higher rate for both age groups in both indicators. Although the rates have been reduced between 1990 and 2019, some countries stand out for continuing to have higher rates than countries with better socioeconomic levels. The disease burden profile also differed between adults aged 65–74 years and those aged 75+ years. In almost all cases, there was a negative and statistically significant correlation between the age-specific DALY rate with SDI and HAQI. ConclusionsThe burden of mortality and DALY in OECD countries is convergent because they have decreased over time in all countries but diverge in the magnitude and speed of change.

Comparative biology of chlorantraniliprole selected and unselected Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) populations: Stability of resistance, inheritance mode, and realized heritability.

Insecticide resistance in natural enemies can be used as a positive trait in integrated pest management programs by increasing the compatibility of two important tools; biological and chemical control. In this experiment, a field population of Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) was selected with chlorantraniliprole for 35 generations (Chlor-Sel) developed a 100.32-fold resistance level compared to an unselected population (Unsel). The dominance values of resistance for reciprocal crosses confirmed incomplete dominance inheritance of chlorantraniliprole resistance. The results on projected rate of chlorantraniliprole resistance showed that at 10% to 90% survival in each selection and a realized heritability value of 0.19, the Chlor-Sel will require only 3 to 26 generations (Slope=1.15) to increase a 10-fold level of resistance. The results of the age-stage life table experiment showed that fecundity, oviposition days, male and female longevity, net reproductive rate (Ro), and gross reproductive rate (GRR) of both crosses were significantly increased compared to their parents. The fecundity of reproductive females, male and female longevity, Ro, generation time (T), and GRR of Chlor-Sel were not significantly different than that of the Unsel strain of C. carnea. In conclusion, chlorantraniliprole resistance in C. carnea has an autosomal, polygenic, and incompletely dominant inheritance mode and C. carnea has potential to develop resistance that leads to fitness benefits. This information will help in management of insect pests by deploying resistant strains with selected insecticides and conservation of these natural enemies in fields with sustaining resistance genes.

CHANGES OVER TIME IN WORKING LIFE EXPECTANCY AT OLDER AGES IN SINGAPORE: A COMPARISON OF TWO COHORTS

Abstract Singapore, a rapidly ageing country, underwent significant development in a short time after independence in 1965. We study whether differences based on educational attainment in the average years of remaining life expected to be spent working (i.e., working life expectancy), have changed among older persons over time. We use data from two representative studies of older persons: initiated in (i) 2009 (n=4990) with follow-ups in 2011-12, 2015, and (ii) 2016-2017 (n=4549) with follow-up in 2019. We estimated working (part- or full-time current employment) life expectancy using the multistate life table method. We included sex (male / female) and education (lower [no formal or primary] / higher [secondary and above]) as covariates and controlled for ethnicity and time-varying functional health. In the earlier cohort, working life expectancy is estimated higher among those with higher education (e.g. at age 60: 9.2 years [95% CI: 8.0-10.4] among males and 6.5 [6.3-6.6] years among females) versus those with lower education (7.6 [6.9-8.4] years among males and 5.4 [5.2-5.7] years among females). This educational difference reverses in the more recent cohort: working life expectancy is higher among those with lower education (at age 60: 10.0 [8.4-11.7] years among males and 7.7 [6.4-9.0] years among females) versus those with higher education (8.9 [7.6-10.3] among males and 6.5 [5.2-7.7] among females). This change was driven by an increase in working life expectancy among those with lower education and no change among the higher educated. This increase suggests both more employment opportunities and the requirement for continuing employment.

The probability of pregnancy in 100 episodes of sexual intercourse: A measure of male contraceptive performance.

Accurately judging the efficacy of contraceptives is vital for preventing unintended pregnancy. The Pearl index and life table analysis describe female contraceptive performance. However, they are not ideal for quantifying male contraceptive efficacy given differences between male and female methods. In particular, male contraceptives like condoms are used "on demand" rather than long-term like female contraceptives. Additionally, the number of episodes of sexual intercourse, a key determinant of risk, is not considered. Lastly, men can father concurrent pregnancies in more than one woman. For these reasons, a male-specific measure may provide a more accurate measure of male contraceptive efficacy. As each episode of heterosexual intercourse within a fertile couple is associated with an approximately 3% risk of pregnancy, the chance of an unintended pregnancy with a given number of episodes of sexual intercourse can be modeled with and without contraceptives of various effectiveness. Such modeling demonstrates that unintended pregnancy is strongly associated with both the number of episodes of sexual intercourse and the efficacy of the method. Based on these models, I propose a novel metric for male contraceptive efficacy called the Probability of Pregnancy100, defined as the percent chance of an unintended pregnancy occurring with 100 episodes of intercourse. Probability of Pregnancy100 should be easy for men to understand and is applicable to men with multiple sexual partners or men using "on-demand" contraceptives. The prevention of unintended pregnancy by a male contraceptive is strongly influenced by both method efficacy and sexual frequency. Probability of Pregnancy100 may offer a better measure of male contraceptive efficacy compared to the Pearl index and life table analysis as it takes sexual frequency into account; however, Probability of Pregnancy100 will need to be tested prospectively in male contraceptive studies alongside the Pearl index and life table analysis to determine its utility compared to these existing measures of contraceptive efficacy.

Estimates of life expectancy and premature mortality among multidimensional poor and non-poor in India

BackgroundIn Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), reduction of multidimensional poverty and the increase in longevity are concomitant. Although a number of studies have estimated multidimensional poverty, studies on estimates of life expectancy and pre-mature mortality by multidimensional poverty are limited. We estimated life expectancy and premature mortality among multidimensionally poor and multidimensionally non-poor in India.MethodsWe have used the micro data of 636,699 households and 2,843,917 individuals from the National Family and Health Survey-5, 2019–21. We estimated multidimensional poverty in three dimensions—education, health, and standard of living using 11 indicators. Data on birth-history of women (15–49 years of age) and household-reported deaths was utilised to estimate deaths and person years and used to construct the life tables. The life tables were used to estimate life expectancy, premature mortality (the probability of dying before age 70), and adult mortality (the probability of dying between age 15–59) among multidimensionally poor and non-poor across socio-demographic characteristics..ResultsWe estimated multidimensional poverty in India at 26%, with large variation across states and union territories. Multidimensionally poor individuals had a life expectancy at birth (LEB) 4 years lower compared to multidimensionally non-poor individuals (poor: 65.2 years vs non-poor 69.0 years). The lower life expectancy of the multidimensionally poor compared to multidimensionally non-poor was found across all the sub-categories. The difference in life expectancy at birth between multidimensionally poor and non-poor was higher among urban dwellers (4.6 years) than rural individuals (1.8 years). The premature mortality was estimated at 0.33 among the multidimensionally poor and at 0.25 among the multidimensionally non-poor. Adult mortality was estimated to be 0.17 among the multidimensionally poor compared to 0.12 among the non-poor individuals. Our findings on the differences in adult mortality and premature mortality between multidimensional poor and non-poor across socio-demographic characteristics were large.ConclusionMultidimensionally poor individuals had lower longevity and higher premature mortality than their multidimensionally non-poor counterparts in India. Such differences were higher by residence (rural–urban) than by caste and religion.

Effect of multiple counselling contacts along the continuum of care on use of postpartum family planning in a cohort of Ethiopian women: a dose-response analysis

ObjectiveDose-response analysis of the effect of each additional contact where family planning (FP) was discussed during antenatal, delivery, postnatal or immunisation visits on the uptake of postpartum family planning (PPFP)...

Determination of Larval Instars of Dastarcus helophoroides (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) Using Head Capsule Width Frequency Distribution.

Long-horned beetles are among the major insect pests that can cause significant economic and ecological damage globally. The control of long-horned beetles is crucial to sustain the forest ecosystem. Dastarcus helophoroides, an economically important ectoparasitoid of long-horned beetles, is widely utilized in biological control strategies. However, the number of larval instars in D. helophoroides remains underexplored. Larval instar determination is crucial for constructing growth prediction models and ecological life tables for insect populations. In this study, we analyzed the frequency distribution of head capsule widths utilizing a visual approach, followed by a non-linear least squares (NLLS) estimation, and found that D. helophoroides undergo four larval instars before entering the pupal stage. The theoretical and observed data for each larval instar yielded identical mean Brooks-Dyar's ratios (1.80). Re-correlation of the number of instars with their respective mean head capsule widths using linear regression (R²) verified that no larval instar was missed. The Crosby's growth ratio (1% and 2%) indicates a very low likelihood of misclassifying an instar into an adjacent one. Given that the accurate determination of larval instars is crucial for developing effective control programs and predicting future population levels, our findings provide valuable insights for implementing biological control strategies against long-horned beetles.