Population Estimates Research Articles

Advancing primate surveillance with image recognition techniques from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveys on thermostatic animals has gained prominence due to their ability to provide practical and precise dynamic censuses, contributing to developing and refining conservation strategies. However, the practical application of UAVs for animal monitoring necessitates the automation of image interpretation to enhance their effectiveness. Based on our past experiences, we present the Sichuan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) as a case study to illustrate the effective use of thermal cameras mounted on UAVs for monitoring monkey populations in Qinling, a region characterized by magnificent biodiversity. We used the local contrast method for a small infrared target detection algorithm to collect the total population size. Through the experimental group, we determined the average optimal grayscale threshold, while the validation group confirmed that this threshold enables automatic detection and counting of target animals in similar datasets. The precision rate obtained from the experiments ranged from 85.14% to 97.60%. Our findings reveal a negative correlation between the minimum average distance between thermal spots and the count of detected individuals, indicating higher interference in images with closer thermal spots. We propose a formula for adjusting primate population estimates based on detection rates obtained from UAV surveys. Our results demonstrate the practical application of UAV-based thermal imagery and automated detection algorithms for primate monitoring, albeit with consideration of environmental factors and the need for data preprocessing. This study contributes to advancing the application of UAV technology in wildlife monitoring, with implications for conservation management and research.

Cumulative incidence of chronic health conditions recorded in hospital inpatient admissions from birth to age 16 in England.

Monitoring the incidence of chronic health conditions (CHCs) in childhood in England, using administrative data to derive numerators and denominators, is challenged by unmeasured migration. We used open and closed birth cohort designs to estimate the cumulative incidence of CHCs to age 16 years. In closed cohorts, we identified all births in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) from 2002/3 to 2011/12, followed to 2018/19 (maximum age 8 to 16 years), censoring on death, first non-England residence record or 16th birthday. Children must have linked to later HES records and/or the National Pupil Database, which provides information on all state school enrolments, to address unmeasured emigration. The cumulative incidence of CHCs was estimated to age 16 using diagnostic codes in HES inpatient records. We also explored temporal variation. Sensitivity analyses varied eligibility criteria. In open cohorts, we used HES data on all children from 2002/3 to 2018/19 and national statistics population denominators. In open and closed approaches, the cumulative incidence of ever having a CHC recorded before age 16 among children born in 2003/4 was 25% (21% to 32% in closed cohort sensitivity analyses). There was little temporal variation. At least 28% of children with any CHC had more than one body system affected by age 16. Multimorbidity rates rose with later cohorts. Approximately one-quarter of children are affected by CHCs, but estimates vary depending on how the denominator is defined. More accurate estimation of the incidence of CHCs requires a dynamic population estimate.

Heart involvement in systemic sclerosis: emerging concepts.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated heart involvement (SHI) is a significant cause of both morbidity and mortality in individuals with SSc. SHI can take many different forms, and likely is a spectrum of fibroinflammatory cardiac disease. Presenting features include arrhythmia, ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, pericardial disease, and exercise intolerance. Risk of sudden cardiac death in SSc is likely 10-30-fold greater than general population estimates. In this review, we explore what is known about the pathogenesis of SHI, its prevention and management, and discuss available strategies for screening for SHI in light of new recommendations for the routine screening of SHI in all SSc patients. We describe the spectrum, clinical features, and pathogenesis of SHI. Furthermore, we review the new recommendations for screening for SHI in individuals with SSc. There is a large, under-recognized burden of SHI in people living with SSc, which likely contributes to the significant increase in sudden cardiac death observed in SSc. However, a broad-based screening approach, including asymptomatic, low-risk patients should be viewed with caution given the lack of evidence-based treatments and interventions for SHI particularly in this group.

MSPB: a longitudinal multi-sensor dataset with phenotypic trait measurements from honey bees

We present a one-year-long multi-sensor dataset collected from honey bee colonies (Apis mellifera) with rich phenotypic measurements. Data were collected non-stop from April 2020 to April 2021 from 53 hives located at two apiaries in Québec, Canada. The sensor data included audio features, temperature, and relative humidity. The phenotypic measurements contained beehive population, number of brood cells (eggs, larva and pupa), Varroa destructor infestation levels, defensive and hygienic behaviors, honey yield, and winter mortality. Our study is amongst the first to combine a wide variety of phenotypic trait measurements annotated by apicultural science experts with multi-sensor data, which facilitate a broader scope of analysis. We first summarize the data collection procedure, sensor data pre-processing steps, and data composition. We then provide an overview of the phenotypic data distribution as well as a visualization of the sensor data patterns. Lastly, we showcase several hive monitoring applications based on sensor data analysis and machine learning, such as winter mortality prediction, hive population estimation, and the presence of an active and laying queen.

Estimating and planning hospital costs of public hospitals in Brazil.

While the estimate of hospital costs concerns the past, its planning focuses on the future. However, in many low and middle-income countries, public hospitals do not have robust accounting health systems to evaluate and project their expenses. In Brazil, public hospitals are funded based on government estimates of available hospital infrastructure, historical expenditures and population needs. However, these pieces of information are not always readily available for all hospitals. To solve this challenge, we propose a flexible simulation-based optimisation algorithm that integrates this dual task: estimating and planning hospital costs. The method was applied to a network of 17 public hospitals in Brazil to produce the estimates. Setting the model parameters for population needs and future hospital infrastructure can be used as a cost-projection tool for divestment, maintenance, or investment. Results show that the method can aid health managers in hospitals' global budgeting and policymakers in improving fairness in hospitals' financing.

Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair Is Not Only for Young Patients: Trends in Incidence and Demographics.

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in annual incidence and patient population undergoing lateral ankle ligament repair (LALR) for the surgical treatment of chronic ankle instability. The IBM Watson Health MarketScan Database was queried for patients who underwent LALR from January 2009 to December 2019 based on CPT code 27698. Volume and incidence per 100 000 population were determined for annual sums, gender, age, and geographical regions based on population estimates from the United States Census Bureau. Future annual volumes were statistically projected with linear regression modeling to the year 2032. Overall, 160 457 LALR procedures were identified in the database from 2009 to 2019. Annual incidence increased 76.6% from 3.46 to 6.11 cases per 100 000 population, while estimates of annual volumes are projected to increase 61.5% from 19 829 to 32 033 procedures to the year 2032. Interestingly, the greatest increase in incidence was observed among patients above 70 years old, which might suggest older patients are staying active longer and desiring elective procedures to maintain their activity levels. As the incidence of LALR increases in older patients, more research will be needed to understand the unique surgical considerations and risk factors impacting patient-reported outcomes.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Estimated Exposure to 6 Potentially Hepatotoxic Botanicals in US Adults

Use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDSs) accounts for an increasing proportion of drug hepatotoxicity cases. Turmeric or curcumin, green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, black cohosh, red yeast rice, and ashwagandha are the most frequently reported hepatoxic botanicals, but their prevalence and reasons for use in the general population are unknown. To assess the prevalence and clinical characteristics of adult consumers of 6 potentially hepatoxic botanicals. This survey study analyzed nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of the general US population. Prescription drug and HDS exposure data in the past 30 days were analyzed, and 2020 US Census data were used for population estimates. Data were analyzed July 1, 2023, to February 1, 2024. Adult NHANES participants enrolled between January 2017 and March 2020. Baseline weighted characteristics of HDS users and users of 6 potentially hepatotoxic botanical products were compared with non-HDS users. Multivariable analysis was undertaken to identify factors associated with HDS use or at-risk botanical use. Among 9685 adults enrolled in this NHANES cohort, the mean (SE) age was 47.5 (0.5) years, and 51.8% (95% CI, 50.2%-53.4%) were female. The overall prevalence of HDS product use was 57.6% (95% CI, 55.9%-59.4%), while the prevalence of using the 6 botanicals of interest was 4.7% (95% CI, 3.9%-5.7%). Turmeric-containing botanicals were most commonly used (n = 236), followed by products containing green tea (n = 92), ashwagandha (n = 28), Garcinia cambogia (n = 20), red yeast rice (n = 20), and black cohosh (n = 19). Consumers of these 6 botanicals were significantly older (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.36 [95% CI, 1.06-5.25]; P = .04 for 40-59 years of age and AOR, 3.96 [95% CI, 1.93-8.11]; P = .001 for ≥60 years of age), had a higher educational level (AOR, 4.78 [95% CI, 2.62-8.75]; P < .001), and were more likely to have arthritis (AOR, 2.27 [95% CI, 1.62-3.29]; P < .001) compared with non-HDS users. An estimated 15 584 599 (95% CI, 13 047 571-18 648 801) US adults used at least 1 of the 6 botanical products within the past 30 days, which was similar to the estimated number of patients prescribed potentially hepatotoxic drugs, including simvastatin (14 036 024 [95% CI, 11 202 460-17 594 452]) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (14 793 837 [95% CI, 13 014 623-16 671 897]). The most common reason for consuming turmeric and green tea was to improve or maintain health. In this survey study, an estimated 15.6 million US adults consumed at least 1 botanical product with liver liability within the past 30 days, comparable with the number of people who consumed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a commonly prescribed hypolipidemic drug. Given a lack of regulatory oversight on the manufacturing and testing of botanical products, clinicians should be aware of possible adverse events from consumption of these largely unregulated products.

An observational analysis of the impact of indoor residual spraying in two distinct contexts of Burkina Faso

BackgroundIndoor residual spraying (IRS) is a cornerstone malaria control intervention in Burkina Faso. From 2018 to 2021, non-pyrethroid IRS was implemented annually in two regions of Burkina Faso with distinct malaria transmission patterns, concurrently with annual seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC), and a mass insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution in 2019.MethodsA retrospective quasi-experimental approach was used to evaluate the impact of the 2018, 2020, and 2021 IRS campaigns on routinely reported confirmed malaria case incidence at health facilities. The 2019 campaign was excluded due to lack of data reporting during a health sector strike. Controlled interrupted time series models were fit to detect changes in level and trend in malaria case incidence rates following each IRS campaign when compared to the baseline period 24-months before IRS. IRS districts Solenzo (Sudano-Sahelien climate), and Kampti (tropical climate) were compared with neighbouring control districts and the analyses were stratified by region. Modelled health facility catchment population estimates based on travel time to health facilities and weighted by non-malaria outpatient visits were used as an offset. The study period encompassed July 2016 through June 2022, excluding July 2018 to June 2019.ResultsDistrict-level population and structure coverage achieved by IRS campaigns was greater than 85% in 2018, 2020, and 2021 in Solenzo and Kampti. In Solenzo a significant difference in malaria case incidence rates was detected after the 2018 campaign (IRR = 0.683; 95% CI 0.564–0.827) when compared to the control district. The effect was not detected following the 2020 or 2021 IRS campaigns. In Kampti, estimated malaria incidence rates were between 36 and 38% lower than in the control district following all three IRS campaigns compared to the baseline period.ConclusionsImplementation of IRS in Kampti, a tropical region of Burkina Faso, appeared to have a consistent significant beneficial impact on malaria case rates. An initial positive impact in Solenzo after the first IRS campaign was not sustained in the successive evaluated IRS campaigns. This study points to a differential effect of IRS in different malaria transmission settings and in combination with ITN and SMC implementation.

Particulate Matter 2.5 Pollution Impact on Comorbid Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in the U.S.

BackgroundEvidence regarding the effect of long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and comorbid cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is limited. ObjectivesIn this study, the author report the association between long-term exposure to PM 2.5 and CVD mortality, cancer mortality and comorbid cancer and CVD mortality in the U.S. population. MethodsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WONDER (Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) multiple-cause-of-death database was used to obtain U.S. county-level mortality and population estimates from 2016 to 2020. Data on average daily density of PM 2.5 were abstracted from the 2018 CDC’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking system. Counties were divided into quartiles with Q1 representing counties with least average daily density and Q4 representing counties with maximum average daily density of PM 2.5. Age-adjusted mortality rates were abstracted for each quartile, for the overall population and subgroups of population. ResultsThe age-adjusted mortality rates for CVD, cancer, and comorbid cancer and CVD mortality were 505.3 (range: 505.0-505.7), 210.7 (range: 210.5-210.9), and 62.0 (range: 61.8-62.1) per 100,000 person-years, respectively. CVD mortality had the highest percentage excess mortality in Q4 compared with Q1, followed by comorbid cancer and CVD. Cancer had the least percentage excess mortality. A disproportionate effect of PM 2.5 exposure was noted on vulnerable and minority groups, based on Social Vulnerability Index and race stratification, respectively. ConclusionsHigher levels of long-term PM 2.5 exposure reported increased CVD mortality, cancer mortality and comorbid cancer and CVD disease mortality, with a pronounced detrimental effect in vulnerable and minority population.

Geospatial Demand for Approved Cleft Care in the United States.

Geographic information systems are powerful tools for characterizing the geospatial factors influencing access to care. As patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) require long-term care, with numerous operations and therapies, access to timely, quality care is extremely important. This study uses population level analysis and geographic information systems to identify United States counties with limited access to American Cleft Palate Association-approved cleft teams. Natality data were queried from the National Vital Statistics System. Population and geographic data were obtained from the US Census Bureau. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was utilized to account for social inequality. Total births with CL/P, population estimates, SVI, distance to the nearest center, and total centers within 50 km were used to generate the cleft care demand index (CCDI). Ninety-two counties had CCDIs between 66.7 and 100. The highest scoring county, Hidalgo County, Texas, had 62 births with CL/P, population estimate of 888,367 persons, distance to the nearest cleft center of 368.4 km, and SVI of 0.99. This study demonstrates the power of geographic information systems for identifying areas with limited access to approved cleft teams. The CCDI measures cleft burden, socioeconomic disadvantage, and geographic barriers to quantify the demand for approved cleft care in each county. Utilizing these scores can help direct future interventions, outreach efforts, and cleft care center planning.

Avifaunal species richness and composition at Masani barrage, district Rewari, Haryana

Masani barrage act as wintering spot for wide range of migratory as well as residential avian species. Their population estimation is to comprehend group dynamics, niche relationships, habitat preferences, and other behavioral features. An ornithological survey was conducted at Masani barrage, district Rewari, Haryana from April 2022 to March 2023 with the help of scan sampling and point count methodology. A total of 150 bird species belonging to 18 orders and 49 families were recorded, among which 94 species were resident; 47 species were winter migrant and 9 species were summer migrant of the observed feeding guilds, Carnivores were the highly dominated followed by Insectivores (41 species), Omnivores (36 species), Herbivores (9 species) and others. Species such as Ferruginous Pochard, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Asian woollyneck, Painted stork, Black-necked Stork, Rufous-vented Grass-babbler, Black-headed Ibis, Lesser Flamingo, Oriental Darter and Alexandrine parakeet fall under near-threatened (NT) category of IUCN Conservation status. Data collected from avifaunal species at the barrage can be utilized as a baseline for analyzing future perspectives and developing appropriate management plans for protection and long-term use.

Significantly increasing multiple sclerosis prevalence in Australia from 2010 to 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence is increasing globally. Objectives: To determine whether increased prevalence is continuing within Australia using our validated prescription-based ascertainment method. Methods: We used methods employed in our 2010 and 2017 prevalence estimates. Disease-modifying therapy (DMT) prescriptions were extracted from Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data for January–December 2021. DMT penetrance was calculated using data from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study. We divided the total number of monthly prescriptions by 12 or 2 (except alemtuzumab), adjusted for DMT penetrance and Australian population estimates. Prevalences in Australian states/territories were age-standardised. 2021 prevalence estimates were compared with 2010 and 2017 prevalence estimates using Poisson regression. Results: Number of people with MS in Australia in 2021 was 33,335; an increase of 7728 from 2017 (30.2%) and 12,092 from 2010 (56.6%) and increasing at a faster rate than population change (+10.1%, +14.1%). Age-standardised prevalence was 136.1/100,000 (increased from 103.7/100,000 in 2017). The previously demonstrated positive latitudinal gradient in 2010 and 2017 persisted in 2021, with Tasmania (southernmost state) having the highest prevalence (age-standardised: 203.5/100,000) while northernmost states had the lowest. Conclusions: In line with global trends, MS prevalence is escalating in Australia, particularly in higher-latitude states. MS prevention is crucial to halt this disturbing trend.

Assessing the information-content of messy data to reconstruct population recovery dynamics for the world's rarest primate.

Understanding the dynamics of population recovery in threatened species requires robust longitudinal monitoring datasets. However, evidence-based decision-making is often impeded by variable data collection approaches, necessitating critical evaluation of restricted available baselines. The Hainan gibbon, the world's rarest primate, had possibly declined to only seven or eight individuals in 1978 at Bawangling National Nature Reserve but has experienced subsequent population growth. Past population estimates lack detailed reporting of survey effort, and multiple conflicting estimates are available, hindering assessment of gibbon recovery. We investigated all reported estimates of Bawangling gibbon population size from 1978 to 2022, to evaluate the biological signal of population trends and the extent to which noise associated with varying survey effort, reporting and estimation may mask or misrepresent any underlying signal. This longitudinal dataset demonstrates that the Bawangling population experienced a series of bottlenecks and recoveries, with three successive periods of growth interspersed by population crashes (1978-1989, 1989-2000 and 2000-2022). The rate of gibbon population recovery was progressively slower over time in each successive period of growth, and this potential decline in recovery rate following serial bottlenecks suggests that additional management strategies may be required alongside "nature-based solutions" for this species. However, population viability analysis suggests the 1978 founder population is unlikely to have been as low as seven individuals, raising concerns for interpreting reported historical population counts and understanding the dynamics of the species' recovery. We caution against overinterpreting potential signals within "messy" conservation datasets, and we emphasise the crucial importance of standardised replicable survey methods and transparent reporting of data and effort in all future surveys of Hainan gibbons and other highly threatened species.

Malaria community case management usage and quality of malaria care in a moderate Plasmodium falciparum burden region of Chadiza District, Zambia

BackgroundMalaria community case management (CCM) can improve timely access to healthcare, and CCM programmes in sub-Saharan Africa are expanding from serving children under 5 years (CU5) only to all ages. This report characterizes malaria case management in the setting of an age-expanded CCM programme in Chadiza District, Zambia.MethodsThirty-three households in each of 73 eligible communities were randomly selected to participate in a household survey preceding a trial of proactive CCM (NCT04839900). All household members were asked about fever in the prior two weeks and received a malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT); those reporting fever were asked about healthcare received. Weighted population estimates were calculated and mixed effects regression was used to assess factors associated with malaria care seeking.ResultsAmong 11,030 (98.6%) participants with RDT results (2,357 households), parasite prevalence was 19.1% by RDT; school-aged children (SAC, 5–14 years) had the highest prevalence (28.8%). Prior fever was reported by 12.4% of CU5, 7.5% of SAC, and 7.2% of individuals ≥ 15 years. Among those with prior fever, 34.0% of CU5, 56.0% of SAC, and 22.6% of individuals ≥ 15 years had a positive survey RDT and 73.7% of CU5, 66.5% of SAC, and 56.3% of individuals ≥ 15 years reported seeking treatment; 76.7% across all ages visited a CHW as part of care. Nearly 90% (87.8%) of people who visited a CHW reported a blood test compared with 73.5% seen only at a health facility and/or pharmacy (p < 0.001). Reported malaria treatment was similar by provider, and 85.9% of those with a reported positive malaria test reported getting malaria treatment; 66.9% of the subset with prior fever and a positive survey RDT reported malaria treatment. Age under 5 years, monthly or more frequent CHW home visits, and greater wealth were associated with increased odds of receiving healthcare.ConclusionsChadiza District had high CHW coverage among individuals who sought care for fever. Further interventions are needed to increase the proportion of febrile individuals who receive healthcare. Strategies to decrease barriers to healthcare, such as CHW home visits, particularly targeting those of all ages in lower wealth strata, could maximize the benefits of CHW programmes.

Trends and status of harbor seals in Washington State, USA (1977–2023)

AbstractHarbor seal (Phoca vitulina) numbers in the United States rebounded after the implementation of conservation measures associated with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA). Stock estimates are a critical tool for assessing species status and management options under the MMPA and for modeling efforts designed to evaluate the role of pinnipeds in marine ecosystems. We conducted aerial surveys of harbor seal haul‐out sites between 1977 and 2023 to estimate population size and trends in four Washington State, USA, stocks: (1) Hood Canal, (2) Southern Puget Sound, (3) Washington Northern Inland Waters, and (4) the Washington portion of the Oregon‐Washington Coastal Stock. We fit a Bayesian state‐space model to estimate population trends for all stocks, as well as the Washington Coast region, and present carrying capacities and maximum net productivity levels for all stocks. The most recent population estimates for the three inland water stocks are within their optimal sustainable population range, with some evidence that the Southern Puget Sound Stock is continuing to grow.

Heat-related illness among workers in British Columbia, Canada: Extreme hot weather in 2021 compared to 2001-2020.

British Columbia (BC), Canada, experienced an unprecedented summer with record-breaking high temperatures in 2021. Yet the health impact has not been examined in occupational settings. This study aimed to characterize occupational heat-related illness (HRI) among BC workers estimated by incidence rates and associations between heatwaves and HRI, compare risks from 2021 and prior summers of 2001-2020, and assess differential impacts on worker groups by demographics and occupations. We identified HRI from workers' compensation claims that occurred between June and August from 2001-2021 in BC. Incidence rates were calculated using working population estimates from Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey. A time-stratified case-crossover design with conditional Poisson regression was used to examine the impact of heatwaves on occupational HRI. All analyses were stratified by year (2021 versus 2001-2020), age, sex, and occupation. Of the 521 claims identified, 107 (21%) occurred in 2021. Incidence rates for 2021 and prior summers were 3.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.26-4.80] and 0.93 (95% CI 0.85-1.03) claims per 100 000 workers, respectively. This difference represents a 327% increase. Rates were higher in health occupations in 2021 versus 2001-2020. During 2001-2021, the risk of HRI during heatwave days was 4.33 (95% CI 2.98-6.27) times that during non-heatwave days, and the risk was higher among middle-aged workers and workers in trades, transport, and equipment operations. The 2021 heatwaves had greater impact on younger and female workers than those from prior summers. Heat is a crucial workplace hazard. Prevention strategies should prioritize at-risk workers and not be limited to heatwaves.

Evaluating elements of artificial cover object design for terrestrial salamander monitoring

AbstractDeclines in amphibian populations have led to greater research and monitoring of species of interest, including terrestrial salamanders. Several methods have been used to study salamanders, including artificial cover objects (ACOs). Artificial cover objects are easy to install and use, limit destruction to habitats, are easily reproducible both across and within studies, and can reduce variability between observers and sites by not relying on observer search time or effort, or on natural cover. However, different ACO designs and spacing may yield different capture rates, and thus different estimates of population densities. We examined the influence of ACO wood type, size, shape, and spacing arrays on the number of individually marked red‐backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) captured under ACOs. White pine (Pinus strobus) ACOs yielded the most (average of 14 across 3 replicates) individuals, while white ash (Fraxinus americana) ACOs had the least (average of 7 across 3 replicates). Larger ACOs had similar capture rates compared to equal sampled areas of smaller ACOs, but a single smaller ACO tended to have fewer individual salamander captures than a single large ACO. Our results suggested that high‐density ACO spacing arrays may increase capture probability but reduce the area uniquely sampled by each ACO. In contrast, low‐density ACO arrays may produce population estimates more comparable to other arrays. Future studies should consider monitoring goals and available sampling effort when choosing a spacing array. As ACO study design impacts salamander capture rates, a clear understanding of the effects of each element of ACO design is important when drawing inferences or making comparisons among studies.

Examining the trend of mortality of genitourinary system cancers in Babol, North Iran (2013–2021)

BackgroundCancers of the genitourinary system, particularly prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer, exhibit a high prevalence. Consequently, predicting the morbidity and mortality of genitourinary cancers holds great significance for future planning and implementation. This study aimed to examine the crude and age-standardized rates of mortality and the trend of genitourinary cancers over nine years in northern Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data on the number of deaths attributed to genitourinary cancers recorded in Babol City between 2013 and 2021 through the cause of death registration and classification system. Population estimates were derived from the latest census reports. Subsequently, crude and age-standardized rates, as well as trends for genitourinary cancers, were calculated.ResultsA total of 307 deaths occurred, with an average age of 75.6 ± 14.3 years due to genitourinary cancers. The crude and age-standardized rates of genitourinary cancers increased from 2.7 and 1.9 per hundred thousand people in 2013 to 7.7 and 5.9 per hundred thousand people in 2021, respectively. Over the study period, death rates significantly rose for men (P < 0.001) and remained constant for women (P = 0.444). Examination of genitourinary cancers revealed an upward trend for bladder (P = 0.012) and prostate (P = 0.012) cancers, while a stable trend was observed for kidney (P = 0.070) and testicular (P = 0.139) cancers.ConclusionsThe age-standardized rate and trend of genitourinary cancers are rising. Consequently, this study emphasizes the importance of prevention through screening programs, raising awareness, and utilizing appropriate diagnostic methods.

A decadal-scale qualitative comparison of lotic Odonata nymph surveys in northwestern Pennsylvania, USA, reveals possible assemblage restructuring

Detecting long-term changes to Odonata assemblages requires repeated sampling at fixed locations over decadal periods. However, few such biomonitoring efforts exist for Odonata, especially at low taxonomic resolution and immature life stages. We repeated a survey of Odonata nymphs conducted nearly thirty years ago in ten streams from a northern Pennsylvania forest reserve to qualitatively explore assemblage-scale changes and identify streams supporting species of conservation concern. Our survey collected five more species among all sites than the original survey, reflecting a 15% increase in richness despite a reduced sampling effort. Rank abundances of many species changed substantially between surveys. Some, such as Calopteryx maculata, fell in rank while other species like Boyeria vinosa and Phanogomphus lividus that were rare in 1994 became the most numerically dominant. We did not detect patterns in species richness or changes in richness between surveys along gradients of unconventional natural gas extraction or timber harvest among streams. The fraction of species deemed vulnerable or imperiled within Pennsylvania grew from 22 to 38% between surveys, highlighting the regional conservation value of protected area we sampled. Our sampling methodology precludes population estimates or quantitative community comparisons due to the sampling design and inconsistencies in the literature used for identification between surveys. However, the substantial differences in rank-abundance among species between surveys suggests potential long-term changes in these lotic Odonata assemblages. The collective findings presented here emphasize the high value of data from repeated surveys with species-level taxonomic resolution.

Using a novel methodology to map Post-COVID services for children and young people in England: a web-based systematic search

BackgroundPost-COVID Condition (PCC), also known as ‘Long COVID,’ refers to persistent symptoms following a coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The prevalence of PCC in children and adolescents varies, impacting multiple body systems and affecting daily functioning. Specialised paediatric hubs were established in England to address the needs of young individuals with PCC. Additional local services also emerged, yet patients report challenges accessing services. To better understand the landscape of paediatric PCC services, we used a novel methodology using a web-based systematic search.MethodsA web-based search was conducted in July 2023 using DEVONagent Pro. Search terms related to Long COVID and Pediatrics in England. Eligible sources providing information on PCC services for children and young people were included. A supplementary manual search and NHS England Post-COVID Network were also consulted. Data extraction included service location, characteristics, and referral pathways. Population estimates were derived from UK Census data.ResultsAmong 342 identified records, 27 services met eligibility criteria, distributed unevenly across regions. Specialised hubs covered 13 locations, while additional services were concentrated in the South of England and London. Services varied in team composition, age range treated, and support offered. A lack of standardised approaches for paediatric PCC was evident.DiscussionWe used a novel methodology for systematically mapping online resources, providing valuable insights into service accessibility and aiding the identification of potential gaps. We observed geographical disparities in access to paediatric PCC services and the absence of standardised approaches in managing symptoms. Given the challenges faced by young individuals seeking support for their PCC the need for equitable and standardised care became apparent. The study contributes to closing the research-practice gap and calls for further research to identify effective treatments for paediatric PCC, acknowledging the diversity of reported symptoms and the importance of tailored approaches.