Geographical Distribution Research Articles

A synopsis of Monimiaceae (Laurales) in the Brazilian Amazon

This synopsis of Monimiaceae in the Brazilian Amazon provides illustrations, an identification key, the diagnosis and comments on the taxonomy and conservation status of the species. Data were collected from both physical and virtual herbaria as well as from relevant literature in order to compile information on morphological characteristics, geographic distribution and conservation status. Six species of Mollinedia are found in the Brazilian Amazon, including our proposal to reinstate Mollinedia krukovii, and a new record of Mollinedia repanda for Brazil. Mollinedia ptariensis is considered a synonym of M. repanda in this study. Macropeplus was previously reported for this biome but is now being excluded because it resulted from an incorrect identification. Furthermore, we document new occurrences of five species across various states within the Amazon. With respect to the risk of extinction, four species are categorized as ‘least concern' and two species remain formally non‐assessed. An initial regional assessment is presented in this work for the species not yet evaluated. In our preliminary assessment, M. krukovii was considered as presenting insufficient data for a risk assessment and Mollinedia grazielae was assessed as endangered. Overall, this study underscores the Amazon forest as the second largest center of richness of Monimiaceae species in Brazil.

The Oriental hornet, Vespa orientalis Linnaeus, 1771 (Hymenoptera, Vespidae): diagnosis, potential distribution, and geometric morphometrics across its natural distribution range

We present a short review of the biology, diagnostic characteristics, and invasiveness of the Oriental hornet, Vespa orientalis. We also performed an analysis of the shape of the forewings (geometric morphometrics) of different geographic groups along their native distribution and their potential geographical distribution using the MaxEnt entropy modeling. Our results show a wide potential expansion range of the species, including an increase in environmentally suitable areas in Europe, Asia, and Africa but more especially the Western Hemisphere, where the species was recently introduced. The geometric morphometric analysis of the forewings shows that there are three different morphogroups: one distributed along the Mediterranean coast of Europe and the Middle East (MEDI), another along the Arabian Peninsula and Western Asia but excluding the Mediterranean coast (MEAS), and one more in northern Africa north of the Sahara and south of the Mediterranean coast (AFRI), all of which show differences in their potential distribution as a result of the pressure from the different environments and which will also determine the capacity of the different morphogroups to successfully invade new habitats.

Introduction of three cryptic lineages of invasive Nymphoides cristata in the southeastern United States

Abstract Crested floating heart [Nymphoides cristata (Roxb.) Kuntze] is an invasive aquatic plant in the southeastern United States. For clonal plants like N. cristata, clonal diversity may influence response to control tactics and/or evolutionary potential. However, little is known about the diversity of introduced N. cristata. In this study, we used genotyping-by-sequencing to quantify N. cristata diversity in the southeastern U.S. and determine how that diversity is distributed across the invaded range. Our results show that at least three distinct genetic lineages of N. cristata are present in the southeastern U.S. Geographic distribution of the lineages varied, with one widespread lineage identified across several states and others only found in a single waterbody. There is also evidence of extensive asexual reproduction, with invaded waterbodies often host to a single genetic lineage. The genetic diversity reported in this study likely results from multiple introductions of N. cristata to the southeastern U.S. and should be considered by managers when assessing control tactics such as screening for biocontrol agents or herbicide testing. The extent and distribution of genetic diversity should also be considered by researchers studying the potential for invasive spread of N. cristata within the U.S. or hybridization with native Nymphoides species.

Laozi’s Influence on Contemporary Rap Music: A Study of Cultural Protection and Inheritance

This study investigates the influence of Laozi’s teachings on contemporary rap music, focusing on themes of cultural protection and inheritance. Through a mixed-methods approach, qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted to explore the extent of Laozi's influence in rap lyrics. Qualitative analysis involved in-depth examination of lyrical content to identify thematic parallels with Laozi's philosophy, while quantitative analysis quantified instances of Laozi references in selected rap songs. The results reveal a steady increase in Laozi references in rap music over time, with prevalent themes including harmony, self-awareness, and balance. Geographic distribution highlights a global reach of Laozi-inspired rap, transcending cultural boundaries. Collaboration patterns, sentiment analysis, and commercial performance further elucidate the multifaceted relationship between Laozi's teachings and contemporary rap culture. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of cultural transmission and adaptation in the modern music industry, showcasing the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in shaping artistic expression.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis caused by Val142Ile variant in Spain: phenotypic characteristics, geographic distribution and population frequency

Abstract Background During recent years, several cases of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) due to p.Val142Ile have been described in patients without African ancestry in countries like Japan, Spain or Italy (1,2,3,4). All this evidence suggests that p.Val142Ile might be more prevalent than expected worldwide. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of ATTRv caused p.Val142Ile in Spain to define its phenotypic characteristics, to explore endemic geographical areas and define its population frequency. Methods Patients diagnosed with ATTRv caused by p.Val142Ile and carriers irrespective of their phenotype were recruited from 16 centers in Spain. Baseline characteristics and events during follow-up were retrieved. Population frequency was assessed through the Spanish National DNA bank (N=3,569) and the Catalan Health Databank (N=790). Results The cohort included information regarding 164 subjects (75 probands [45.7%] and 89 relatives [54.3%]). Among probands, mean age was 73.9 ± 8.5 years and 47 (62.7%) were males. 67 probands (89.3%) had self-declared European ancestry and only 6 cases (8%) referred African or Afro-American ancestry. Cardiac symptoms were the most frequent reason leading to ATTRv diagnosis (N=64, 85.3%) followed by incidental finding (N=8, 10.7%) and neurologic symptoms (N=3, 4%). (Figure 1). Median follow-up was 1.6 years (Interquartile range 0.6-3.2). Neurologic involvement was observed in 35 probands (46.7%) at first evaluation or during follow-up. Overall penetrance at 65, 75 and 85 years was 12.8%, 44.3% and 94.2% respectively. Male sex was associated with earlier penetrance than women (P = 0.02). 38 patients initiated treatment with tafamidis during follow-up (28 [73.7%] 20 mg and 10 [26.3%] 61 mg), despite treatment, disease progression at 1 year (cardiovascular death or 30% increase of NTProBNP) was observed in 10 patients (40%). Population frequency was estimated between 0.0% and 0.12% based on the Spanish and Catalan databases respectively. Birthplace of probands suggests a higher prevalence in the Mediterranean basin. (Figure 2) Conclusions Our data suggests that ATTRv caused by p.Val142Ile has a significant prevalence in Spain, mostly in some specific regions. Phenotypic features are defined by late onset, male predominance, and cardiac involvement although a significant proportion develop neuropathy. Disease progression was observed in 40% of patients despite disease-modifying therapies.

Expanded geographic distribution for two Legionella pneumophila sequence types of clinical concern.

Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 sequence types (ST) 213 and 222, a single-locus variant of ST213, were first detected in the early 1990s in the Midwest United States (U.S.) and the late 1990s in the Northeast U.S. and Canada. Since 1992, these STs have increasingly been implicated in community-acquired sporadic and outbreak-associated Legionnaires' disease (LD) cases. We were interested in understanding the change in LD frequency due to these STs and identifying genetic features that differentiate these STs from one another. For the geographic area examined here (Mountain West to Northeast) and over the study period (1992-2020), ST213/222-associated LD cases identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention increased by 0.15 cases per year, with ST213/222-associated LD cases concentrated in four states: Michigan (26%), New York (18%), Minnesota (16%), and Ohio (10%). Additionally, between 2002 and 2021, ST222 caused at least five LD outbreaks in the U.S.; no known outbreaks due to ST213 occurred in the U.S. during this time. We compared the genomes of 230 ST213/222 isolates and found that the mean of the average nucleotide identity (ANI) within each ST was high (99.92% for ST222 and 99.92% for ST213), with a minimum between ST ANI of 99.50% and a maximum of 99.87%, indicating low genetic diversity within and between these STs. While genomic features were identified (e.g., plasmids and CRISPR-Cas systems), no association explained the increasing geographic distribution and prevalence of ST213 and ST222. Yet, we provide evidence of the expanded geographical distribution of ST213 and ST222 in the U.S.IMPORTANCESince the 1990s, cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) attributed to a pair of closely related Legionella pneumophila variants, ST213 and ST222, have increased in the U.S. Furthermore, between 2002 and 2021, ST222 caused at least five outbreaks of LD in the U.S., while ST213 has not been linked to any U.S. outbreak. We wanted to understand how the rate of LD cases attributed to these variants has changed over time and compare the genetic features of the two variants. Between 1992 and 2020, we determined an increase of 0.15 LD cases ascribed to ST213/222 per year in the geographic region studied. Our research shows that these STs are spreading within the U.S., yet most of the cases occurred in four states: Michigan, New York, Minnesota, and Ohio. Additionally, we found little genetic diversity within and between these STs nor could specific genetic features explain their geographic spread.

What do we know about femicide in Italy? Data and insights from a repeated cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Gender-based violence represents a huge public health issue, affecting mental, physical health and productivity. It is a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women. While the overall homicide rate is decreasing in Italy, femicide, the intentional killing of women due to gender-related motivations, remains stable over time. This is the first study in Italy to evaluate potential risk factors of femicide, exploring the sociodemographic characteristics of victims and perpetrators of femicides, as well as the geographic distribution across Italy, with insights into differences between the size of municipalities and between geographic areas. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate femicides in Italy from 2020 to 2023 using data sources from Non Una Di Meno, an Italian NGO, and the Italian National Institute of Statistics. Results Our preliminary findings show that the majority (83%) of homicides of women were femicides. On a final sample of 403 femicides, in most cases (94,3%) the victims were more likely to be hit by their current or former partner or by a family member. In 97% of cases perpetrator was a man. In more than 50% of cases, both the victims and the perpetrators were under 55 years old (respectively, 51,8% and 57,9%). Femicide rates was 0.33 per 100,000 women. There appear to be no significant differences between the rates of femicide as the size of the municipality and the geographic macro-area vary, highlighting the extensive spread of the phenomenon throughout the territory. Conclusions Our findings show that femicide is a systematic and widespread phenomenon that occurs mostly within the home and needs interventions at the European level to prevent systemic violence against women. Moreover, this study provides methodological considerations to define femicide, suggests improvements to data collection methods and offer insights for future research in this field. Key messages • It is important to gather robust data on gender-based homicide, as it represents a public health issue. • Femicide is a pervasive and systematic phenomenon that predominantly occurs within the home and requires intervention at the European level.

Understanding and monitoring vulnerability during pregnancy at population-level

Abstract Background Detecting and addressing vulnerability during pregnancy is important to optimize the first thousands days of children’s lives and prevent health inequities. We aimed to gain insight into vulnerability during pregnancy and determine the best data to predict vulnerability. Methods In the Netherlands, two studies were done using nationwide routinely collected data and self-reported Public Health Monitor-data. The first study utilized all data to identify classes of vulnerability among 4172 pregnant women through Latent Class Analysis. The second study predicted multidimensional vulnerability at population-level using solely routinely collected data first, and step-by-step incorporating self-reported data. Random Forest (RF) analysis was employed, and model performance was assessed using Area Under the Curve (AUC) and F1-measure. Results Five vulnerability-classes were found: ‘healthy and socioeconomically stable’, ‘high care utilization’, ‘socioeconomic vulnerability’, ‘psychosocial vulnerability’, and ‘multidimensional vulnerability’. Women in the ‘multidimensional vulnerability’-class shared multiple risk factors across domains and lacked protective factors. They more often had adverse outcomes such as premature birth. In the next study, the initial RF-model achieved an AUC of 0.98 in distinguishing multidimensional vulnerability, with an F1-measure of 0.70. Adding self-reported data improved model performance. Strong predictors were self-reported health, socioeconomic characteristics and healthcare utilization. Conclusions Several vulnerability classes can be distinguished among pregnant women. The co-existence of risk factors and lack of protective factors leads to more adverse outcomes. Effective public health strategies should include both medical and social care and support. Next, it seems possible to predict multidimensional vulnerability using data that is readily available, providing a foundation for longitudinal monitoring and policy formulation. Key messages • Considering the combination of both social risk and protective factors related to vulnerability during pregnancy is necessary. • Routinely collected data could provide insight in the prevalence, geographical distribution and trends in multidimensional vulnerability during pregnancy at population-level.

Curricular Redundancy in Medical Undergraduate Course: Critical Insights from Various Stakeholders in Medical Institutes in India

Background Medical education is continuously evolving to keep pace with the dynamic field of medicine. This study addresses the issue of curricular redundancy in medical education, highlighting the necessity for periodic reviews to eliminate outdated or irrelevant topics. Method A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, involving participants from various medical schools across India. An online questionnaire was used to gather data on redundant topics, suggested replacements, and improvements in the curriculum for both didactic and non-didactic subjects, along with inputs related to assessment and evaluation methods. Content analysis was used for thematic identification and qualitative interpretation. Results Out of 71 respondents from a wide geographic distribution, 30% were female, and 70% were male, with an age range of 17 to 36 years. Participants expressed concerns about redundant theoretical (32%) and practical (51%) topics. Qualitative analysis highlighted the need for integrating different subjects and placing a stronger focus on practical clinical skills. Participants emphasized the importance of a curriculum that keeps pace with advancements in medicine, such as genomics and artificial intelligence, while also addressing mental health. Specifically, they suggested combining anatomy and surgery courses, incorporating more active learning techniques, and utilizing ongoing assessments to gauge progress. Conclusion The study highlights the necessity of eliminating curricular redundancy in medical education. Recommendations include developing a flexible curriculum, emphasizing region-specific content, and implementing a formative assessment system. Additionally, the importance of faculty development and stakeholder involvement in curriculum design is emphasized. Key Message Key insights for updating the medical undergraduate curriculum include the following:

Leishmaniasis in Humans and Animals: A One Health Approach for Surveillance, Prevention and Control in a Changing World

Leishmaniasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. There are three forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) manifested by ulcers and scars; systemic or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated; and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), which can destroy the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Human leishmaniasis is endemic in many countries across Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. The interconnection of environmental, animal and human health underlies the spread of the Leishmania parasite. Environmental disruptions, such as climate change, deforestation or urbanisation, but also globalisation and migration, significantly affect the distribution and abundance of sand fly vectors and reservoir hosts. Climate change alters the breeding patterns of sandflies and expands their geographic range; deforestation and misuse of large areas disrupt ecosystems, leading to increased human-vector contact; and urbanisation increases the potential for contact between parties, particularly in densely populated areas. Migration of humans and animals, either through natural migration or, for example, the pet trade and breeding, can facilitate the spread of Leishmania parasites. In addition, socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, increase the burden of leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations. Due to this multitude of reasons, the geographic distribution of sandflies has expanded to higher latitudes and altitudes in recent years, with a consequent increase in disease burden. Indeed, despite ongoing challenges in the surveillance systems, data from the last available year have shown an increase in many cases in both humans and dogs. This perspective explores the interconnected factors influencing the spread of leishmaniasis worldwide and the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, it illustrates the importance of integrated strategies in a One Health approach: surveillance, prevention and control of vectors, animals and humans.

Characteristics of Microbial Diversity and Metabolic Versatility in Dynamic Mid-Okinawa Trough Subsurface Sediments

Large-scale and multi-sample datasets have revealed that microbial diversity and geographic distribution patterns are distinct across various habitats, particularly between hydrothermal vent and cold seep ecosystems. To date, our understanding of the effects of spatial and geochemical gradients on marine microbial communities remains limited. Here, we report the microbial diversity and metabolic versatility of a remote seafloor sediment ecosystem at different sites (GC-2, -4, -5, -6, -8) in the Mid-Okinawa Trough (Mid-OT) using high-throughput metagenomic sequencing technology. Desulfobacteraceae (3.1%) were detected in a high abundance at GC-2 with intense methane concentrations (353 μL/L), which showed a clear correlation with cold seeping. Whereas Candidatus Brocadiaceae (1.7%), Rhodobacteraceae (0.9%), and Rhodospirillaceae (0.7%), which are commonly involved in denitrification and sulfur oxidation, were enriched at GC-8. Concurrently investigating the potential of deep-sea microbial metabolism, we gained insights into the adaptive capabilities and metabolic mechanisms of microorganisms within seafloor environments. Utilizing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, the analysis of functional modules revealed a significant enrichment (71–74%) of genes associated with metabolic pathways. These results expand our knowledge of the relationship between microbial biodiversity and metabolic versatility in deep-sea extreme environments.

Distribution of the Culex pipiens mosquito in mainland Portugal: a geospatial modelling study

Abstract Background The mosquito Culex pipiens is a vector for several pathogens, such as the West Nile virus. As the most abundant mosquito in Portugal, understanding its spatial distribution can support vector-borne diseases control and robust public health planning, given the mainland’s favourable climate for this vector. Information on its spatial distribution at a national level is limited, especially its association with climate variables. Thus we aimed to predict the suitability of Culex pipiens distribution in mainland Portugal, considering climate factors. Methods We used presence records for adult and larvae of Culex pipiens mosquitoes sampled across mainland Portugal from January 2017 to October 2023, as part of the Portuguese Vector Surveillance Network program (REVIVE). Between May-October, in random locations and throughout the year in point-of-entry sites, adult mosquito collection used CDC light traps and BG-Sentinel traps, and larvae collection used dippers in breeding sites. Sampling bias was corrected by filtering presence sites, retaining one record per each cell grid of 1 km2. Climatic data (including temperature, precipitation and elevation) were used as predictors in a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model of the Culex pipiens geographical distribution. Results From the dataset of 6859 records, 1416 unique sites were obtained after filtering. Suitable habitats seem to be mainly distributed on the coast, particularly in Minho, Porto and Lisbon metropolitan areas, and Tagus Valley, with precipitation as the most important predictor. Conclusions Most West Nile Virus case reports come from the south of Portugal, but the potential distribution of Culex pipiens covers the whole mainland territory, with seemingly higher distribution on the north coast. However, bias due to convenience sampling could be present. West Nile vector surveillance should be a priority across all regions to accurately assess transmission risk and implement effective control measures. Key messages • The suitability of Culex pipiens distribution covers the entire mainland of Portugal, with higher presence in the north. • The distribution of Culex pipiens in the country points towards a need for developing region-specific strategies regarding West Nile Virus prevention and control.

Regional inequalities in waiting times: analysis of orthopedic appointments in Slovenia

Abstract Background Long waiting times for healthcare services are a priority issue in the Slovenian healthcare system. Over the past decade the system for monitoring waiting times has evolved and is currently linked to the eReferral system, which allows detailed monitoring of data in particular related to secondary care services, such as outpatient specialist visits. Our aim was to explore the differences in waiting times between Slovenian regions in the case of first orthopedic outpatient visits in order to identify potential causes or contributing factors. Methods The analysis was based on the data from the waiting list database on 1 January 2024. The database includes information on region of residence of the patient and the region where the provider is located. Data were available on the number of persons on the waiting list and on the average expected waiting time for them. Waiting times relate to each of three urgency levels, which are indicated on the referral (very fast, fast and ordinary). Results Average expected waiting times for first orthopedic outpatient visits differed considerably among residents of different regions, ranging from 159 day to 265 days (60% more). The regional differences were even larger if only “very fast” and “ordinary” referrals were considered. The share of appointments in each urgency referral level also varied considerably, for example the share of patients with a “very fast” referral ranged between 15,7% and 37,6%, depending on the patient region of residence. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the region of residence of patients and the region where the provider is located was 0,78. Conclusions Waiting times and referral patterns for first orthopedic outpatient visits for patients from different regions vary considerably. Despite a free choice of provider and public data on expected waiting times, the differences correlate closely with the geographic distribution of providers. Key messages • Waiting times for outpatient visits in orthopedics differ by Slovenian region, despite free choice of provider. • The assessment of inequalities is made more difficult by varying share of different urgency levels of referrals.

Multiple Acquisitions of XopJ2 Effectors in Populations of Xanthomonas perforans.

Type III effectors (T3Es) are major determinants of Xanthomonas virulence and targets for resistance breeding. XopJ2 (synonym AvrBsT) is a highly conserved YopJ-family T3E acquired by X. perforans, the pathogen responsible for bacterial spot disease of tomato. In this study, we characterized a new variant (XopJ2b) of XopJ2, which is predicted to have a similar three-dimensional (3D) structure as the canonical XopJ2 (XopJ2a) despite sharing only 70% sequence identity. XopJ2b carries an acetyltransferase domain and the critical residues required for its activity, and the positions of these residues are predicted to be conserved in the 3D structure of the proteins. We demonstrated that XopJ2b is a functional T3E and triggers a hypersensitive response (HR) when translocated into pepper cells. Like XopJ2a, XopJ2b triggers HR in Arabidopsis that is suppressed by the deacetylase, SOBER1. We found xopJ2b in genome sequences of X. euvesicatoria, X. citri, X. guizotiae, and X. vasicola strains, suggesting widespread horizontal transfer. In X. perforans, xopJ2b was present in strains collected in North America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe, whereas xopJ2a had a narrower geographic distribution. This study expands the Xanthomonas T3E repertoire, demonstrates functional conservation in T3E evolution, and further supports the importance of XopJ2 in X. perforans fitness on tomato. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

First report of Angiostrongylus vasorum in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) in Algeria

BackgroundAngiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the “French heartworm,” is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions.MethodsBetween February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification.ResultsHistological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria.Graphical

Serbia multidisciplinary approach for surveillance and risk identification – The “One Health” information for action

Abstract Issue/problem To date, Serbia has not detected locally acquired Dengue cases. Since a competent Dengue virus vector Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus) has been detected since 2017, imported cases have the potential to trigger local transmission. Description of the problem To ensure preparedness and timely response in the event of an epidemic signal in Serbia, we described the imported Dengue cases and analysed the geographical distribution and density of the vector. Probable and confirmed imported cases meeting the 2018 EU case definition were reported via the National Notifiable System between January 2019 and December 2023. We monitored the density and geographical spread of mosquitos, including Ae. albopictus, which were collected during May-October 2022 and 2023. Mosquito genera were determined according to morphological criteria and DNA barcoding. Results During the investigation period, physicians reported three probable and four confirmed imported Dengue cases; the mean age was 28.4 (standard deviation (SD)=11.5) years and 57% were male. Cases had travelled in Southeast Asia (n = 6) and the Caribbean (n = 1). The mean time interval from symptom onset to seeking medical care was 3.6 (SD = 2.1) days and from symptom onset to laboratory confirmation 7.4 (SD = 6.3) days. We collected 1994 Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in 308 sampling sites across 12 Serbian regions. We observed the highest number of mosquitoes in September (38%, p < 0.001) and in the Belgrade region (81%, p < 0.001). In 2022, we detected Ae. albopictus mosquitos in seven regions and in 2023 in nine. Lessons Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were widely distributed in Serbia, with the highest presence during September and in the capital region. The importation of Dengue cases from affected countries underscores the need for enhanced integrated and “real-time” surveillance linked with vector control activities.

Assessing Climate Change Impact on Habitat Suitability and Ecological Connectivity of Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) in Türkiye

Understanding how climate change influences the geographical distribution of species within an ecological niche is essential for predicting habitat shifts and informing conservation efforts. This study evaluates the impact of climate change on habitat suitability and ecological connectivity of wych elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) in Türkiye. The study explores the future distribution of U. glabra and how its connectivity is affected by habitat fragmentation arising from changing climatic conditions. Contextually, this paper aims to achieve two primary objectives: estimating the potential geographical ranges of U. glabra under different climate scenarios and assessing alterations in ecological connections between current and future habitats. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used along with Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA), and the Probability of Connectivity (PC) index was applied to show possible transformations in distribution patterns of U. glabra over time. The findings suggest that there will be a reduction in the suitability of locations for the species. Moreover, it is expected that under future climate scenarios, ecological connectivity will decline, especially from 2061 to 2100 in the SSP585 scenario. Notably, significant alterations are anticipated during the latter half of the twenty-first century, mainly outside the coastal areas of the Black Sea, where extensive regions would become unsuitable. Additionally, the species is projected to shift its range, decreasing its presence in inland regions while expanding along the coasts. The results show the vulnerability of this species against climate change, thereby demanding adaptive conservation measures to preserve it within the forest ecosystems of Türkiye.

The influence of malaria control interventions and climate variability on changes in the geographical distribution of parasite prevalence in Kenya between 2015 and 2020

BackgroundThe burden of malaria in Kenya was showing a declining trend, but appears to have reached a plateau in recent years. This study estimated changes in the geographical distribution of malaria parasite risk in the country between the years 2015 and 2020, and quantified the contribution of malaria control interventions and climatic/ environmental factors to these changes.MethodsBayesian geostatistical models were used to analyse the Kenyan 2015 and 2020 Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) data. Bivariate models were fitted to identify the most important control intervention indicators and climatic/environmental predictors of parasitaemia risk by age groups (6–59 months and 5–14 years). Parasitaemia risk and the number of infected children were predicted over a 1 × 1 km2 grid. The probability of the decline in parasitaemia risk in 2020 compared to 2015 was also evaluated over the gridded surface and factors associated with changes in parasitaemia risk between the two surveys were evaluated.ResultsThere was a significant decline in the coverage of most malaria indicators related to Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) and Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACT) interventions. Overall, there was a 31% and 26% reduction in malaria prevalence among children aged < 5 and 5–14 years, respectively. Among younger children, the highest reduction (50%) and increase (41%) were in the low-risk and semi-arid epi zones, respectively; while among older children there was increased risk in both the low-risk (83%) and semi-arid (100%) epi zones. Increase in nightlights and the proportion of individuals using ITNs in 2020 were associated with reduced parasitaemia risk.ConclusionIncreased nightlights and ITN use could have led to the reduction in parasitaemia risk. However, the reduction is heterogeneous and there was increased risk in northern Kenya. Taken together, these results suggest that constant surveillance and re-evaluation of parasite and vector control measures in areas with increased transmission is necessary. The methods used in this analysis can be employed in other settings.

Variation in white‐tailed and mule deer dental metrics is associated with precipitation gradients in the Americas

AbstractInvestigating the relationship between the physical environment and organismal adaptation is crucial to understanding the selective pressures that drive mammalian evolution. Of the varied approaches to exploring this relationship, macroscopic tooth wear analyses have become widely used due to their economic and simple methodologies. However, more work is needed to understand how assessments of wear patterns operate within finer levels of dietary and environmental contexts. It is specifically unclear if and how tooth wear differs inter‐ and intraspecifically between geographically widespread, large‐bodied mammalian populations. This project characterizes molar hypsodonty indices and mesowear scores of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations across North and Central America, investigating if and how molar wear and morphology vary over the deer's large and ecologically variable geographic distribution. While mesowear scores generally do not strongly track environmental signals within and between Odocoileus species, hypsodonty indices reveal a strong correlation between crown height and aridity, which likely represents an adaptive response to abrasive diets in areas with low precipitation.

How Dobbs May Influence the Geographic Distribution of Medical Trainees in the United States.

Third- and fourth-year U.S. medical students applying to residency were surveyed between August 6 and October 22, 2022, to assess the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) on medical student residency application location choices. Across all medical specialties, most respondents were unlikely or very unlikely to apply to one or more residency programs located in a state with abortion restrictions (57.9%) and were considering changes in state abortion access when choosing the location of residencies to apply to (77.0%). Respondents in states with no abortion restrictions were less likely to apply to a program in a state with abortion restrictions (2 [1, 3] p < .001). The Dobbs decision significantly impacts residency application decisions for medical students in all specialties. Students are choosing to avoid or target states with restrictive abortion legislation based on their personal views.