Population Status Research Articles

Environment-driven trends in larval abundance predict fishery recruitment in two saltwater basses

Abstract Environmental and biological factors influencing fish larvae can drive fishery cohort strength, yet larval abundance is typically a better indicator of spawning biomass. Under a changing ocean, studies that explore the relationships between environmental variables, larval abundance, and fishery recruitment remain valuable areas for ongoing research. We focus on a popular, recreational-only, multispecies saltwater bass fishery (genus Paralabrax) whose population status and recovery potential are uncertain. We resolved Paralabrax spp. larval data to species over a 54-year period (1963–2016) and used species distribution models to (i) generate and test species-specific standardized indices of larval abundance as indicators of adult stock status and fishery recruitment and (ii) evaluate long-term spatiotemporal trends in their population dynamics relative to environmental variables and climate forcing. Contrary to initial hypotheses, species-specific larval abundance predicted future catches, with higher recent larval abundances suggesting potential for fishery recovery. Temperature, zooplankton biomass, and isothermal depth were important predictors of bass larval abundance, indicating these variables could also be valuable for predicting fishery recruitment and anticipating population change. Our findings paint a path forward towards a more ecosystem-based fishery management approach for this important fishery and may serve as a template for data- or assessment-limited fisheries.

Higher risk of carotid plaque among lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A retrospective study.

Lean individual with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (L-NAFLD) is a prominent area of research, yet its pathogenesis and association with other diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remain uncertain. A retrospective study, investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carotid plaque (CP) in lean [body mass index (BMI) <24Kg/m2] and non-lean (BMI≥24Kg/m2) populations, as well as identify the related influence factors. 3,587 participants were eligible and categorized into 4 groups based on the presence with CP and BMI, binary logistic regression analysis was utilized alongside other statistical methods. L-NAFLD participants had a 1.395-fold higher risk of CP compared to lean individuals without NAFLD. Age, gender, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) were identified as independent risk factors with cutoff values lower than the normal upper limits. However, this association was not observed among non-lean participants, regardless of confounding factors adjustment. Moreover, the impact of FIB-4 on the association of NAFLD and CP was more significant in lean CP participants (OR = 1.360 for 1.30 ~ 2.67, and OR = 2.002 for >2.67~<3.48) than in non-lean CP ones. The L-NAFLD population had a higher risk of CP, while lean CP individuals experienced more severe liver fibrosis. Implementing stricter management of risk factors may improve the health status of high-risk populations.

Somatization and Body Composition: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study on Non-Clinical Young Adults

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle is a significant, common, and easily modifiable factor capable of increasing or reducing the risk of acquiring many diseases. Currently, there is a research gap as too little scientific attention has been focused on exploring the relationship between mental health and nutritional status in various populations. Moreover, the association between body composition and somatization has not been fully disclosed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the associations of body composition with the symptomatology of somatization in an environmentally vulnerable sample of young adults. Methods: A single cross-sectional study included young non-clinical Lithuanian students (n = 1223) aged 21.7 ± 3.9. The body adiposity status of the study participants was estimated using both the body mass index (BMI) and the Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE) method. Fat-free mass was evaluated via the adjusted fat-free mass index equation (FFMIadj). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15) was applied to assess the severity of the perceived symptoms of a somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Results: The CUN-BAE was considered to be a better predictor of adiposity than the BMI because 14.7% of females and 6.2% of males were interpreted as obese using the CUN-BAE, while the BMI equation identified participants as having a normal body weight. The highest rates of somatization were found in 18.6% of the cohort. Young adults with higher amounts of body fat mass (β: 0.050, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.013; 0.084, p = 0.007) and lower FFMI are prone to a higher risk for developing somatization (β: −0.429, 95% CI: −0.597; −0.260, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that body composition is significantly related to multiple somatic complaints throughout a range of measurements. However, in contrast to the CUN-BAE tool, the BMI equation underestimated the relationship between body fat and mental health outcomes in young adults. Even though nutritional status along with targeted physical load, as the mediators, are likely to play a significant role in the maintenance of optimal body composition and mental health outcomes, healthcare providers are recommended to advise individuals to lower their body fat percentage and increase fat-free mass in order to reduce the risk of somatization.

Determination of hematologic reference intervals for free-living King vultures (Sarcoramphus papa).

As obligate scavengers, New World vultures (Cathartiformes: Cathartidae) play a key role in carcass removal and disease control. Associated with this ecosystem service, vultures are exposed to the consumption of harmful substances such as poisons, heavy metals, antibiotics, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Monitoring the health status of vulture populations is a priority and an important conservation strategy, and hematologic analysis is a practical and effective method that can be useful for this purpose. Report hematologic reference intervals in free-living King vultures (Sarcoramphus papa), one of the least studied New World vulture species. Red blood cell concentration, packed cell volume, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC concentration, differential count and absolute WBC concentration, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and total protein concentration were determined. We used a non-parametric method to calculate the reference intervals. In addition, we compared our results with the hematologic measurands reported for the Black vulture (Coragyps atratus), the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) and the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). With the exception of Hb, monocyte, basophil, and eosinophil concentrations, the mean hematologic measurands observed in the King vulture were similar to those recorded for the other New World vulture species, and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio was lower in the King vulture compared to the Black vulture. In this study, we have reported for the first time the hematologic reference intervals in a free-living population of King vultures in Costa Rica. Future research should consider comparison among free-living New World vulture species.

Comparing voluntary and government-mandated management measures for meeting sustainable fishing targets.

Management of natural resources and environmental systems has often involved top-down approaches in which government agencies set and enforce regulations on extractive activities. More recently, market-driven approaches were introduced to incentivise producers to voluntarily engage in practices that align with management objectives and support regulations. For the first time, we compare government and voluntary approaches within fisheries management systems and quantify their relative influences on the sustainability status of fish populations. Voluntary measures include eco-certification against the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) Fisheries Standard and Fishery Improvement Projects (FIP). Government-mandated measures are implemented for individual populations, or else at national and international levels. Using a hierarchical time series analysis, we treated each of these measures as independent interventions potentially affecting trends in fishing pressure and biomass of nearly 300 populations. Supporting earlier findings, we confirmed a strong effect of government rebuilding plans in sharply reducing fishing pressure and allowing population biomass to recover. Other government-mandated measures further contributed to reducing fishing pressure. While simultaneously accounting for government measures, we found that biomass increases were associated with stronger incentives generated by voluntary measures. This influence was attributed to the opening of conditions of certification or suspension of certification for MSC fisheries, while no clear influence was attributed to FIPs. MSC certification was rarely observed in the absence of strong government-mandated measures, however, suggesting that sustainability-related incentives associated with voluntary measures can promote more desirable environmental outcomes for target stocks if used in parallel with more conventional approaches to management of natural resources.

Acute and chronic detrimental effects induced by short-chain chlorinated paraffins in the marine mysid Neomysis awatschensis.

To determine the potentially detrimental impacts of short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), we conducted assessments of acute effects on 96-h survival rate and biochemical markers, as well as chronic and multigenerational impacts on growth and reproduction over three generations in the marine mysid, Neomysis awatschensis. Dose-dependent increase of mortality was measured in both juvenile and adult mysids for 96 h. Exposure to the LC10 value (derived from the 96-h acute toxicity value) significantly reduced feeding activity in juveniles, accompanied by a significant elevation in oxidative stress and a reduction in acetylcholinesterase activity. When juvenile and adult mysids were exposed to 1/10 of the NOEC and NOEC values for four weeks, mortality significantly increased in juveniles. Furthermore, mysids subjected to constant exposure to 1/10 of the NOEC and NOEC values across three generations, F0-F2, displayed more pronounced growth retardation, an extended intermolt duration, and a reduced rate of reproduction. These results collectively indicate that even sublethal concentrations of SCCPs can have harmful effects on the health status of mysid populations when they are consistently exposed.

Abstract TP123: Physician perspectives on acute evaluation and determining goals of stroke care for people living with dementia or disability: Results from the SEED mixed-methods study

Background: Around one in three strokes are experienced by people living with disability or dementia (PLWD), yet there is currently no consensus to guide physicians in evaluating baseline status in this patient population and determining goals of care. We sought to understand how physicians currently approach this complex issue and what challenges they encounter as a critical step towards informing evidence-based best practices for PLWD. Methods: Through separate recruitment strategies, we invited physicians involved in stroke care to participate in semi-structured, in-depth interviews and an online survey, inquiring into perspectives on evaluation and management of PLWD. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed applying an interpretive grounded theory approach, using constant comparison throughout the coding process to establish themes and subthemes. Results were triangulated with findings from a descriptive analysis of survey responses. Results: Twenty-eight physicians participated in interviews, while 134 provided survey data, representing 17 countries and 10 medical specialties. Among factors most frequently rated as extremely important in stroke care decision-making (by ≥40% of respondents) were severity of pre-existing dementia/disability and baseline quality of life. Concurrently, interviews highlighted considerable challenges in assessing these factors given time constraints in the acute setting and crudeness of popular screening measures, which fail to capture relevant nuances in patients’ baseline status. Participants further spoke to uncertainties in determining goals of care that align with patients’ best interest. Here, emphasis was placed on the inappropriateness of a mainstream conceptualization of a favorable outcome as maintaining independence, and the need to consider variability in personal and cultural values, support networks, and the broader socioeconomic context. In navigating the complexities of patient-centric care for PLWD who are often unable to voice their wishes, family input and advanced care directives were identified as key facilitators. Conclusions: This mixed-methods study highlights the need for creating evidence-based, tailored strategies for assessing pre-stroke status and defining favourable outcomes for PLWD. Achieving these goals relies on future research co-production with PLWD and their families, ensuring integration of patient priorities and appropriate operationalization of relevant post-stroke outcomes.

Prevalence of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity in Punjab: A Comparison between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 Surveys.

Diseases that are caused by a person's everyday habits are known as lifestyle diseases. Habits that devoid people of their daily activities and direct them towards a sedentary lifestyle cause numerous health problems that can lead to non-communicable diseases. Noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs, kill more than 41 million individuals per year, accounting for 74% of all deaths worldwide. In India, 63% of all fatalities were attributed to NCDs in 2016, with 23% of those deaths being early. Compared to the current state of various lifestyle diseases, the prevalence of adult obesity, hypertension, and other lifestyle disorders in Punjab was determined by the National Family Healthcare Surveys (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5). NFHS-5 survey conducted in Punjab was used to examine the general distribution of these disorders. The National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5), the fifth survey in the NFHS series, provides information on the population, health, and nutritional status of all states and union territories (UT) in India. NFHS-5 also gives district-level estimates for several crucial variables, similar to the NFHS-4 survey 2015-16.

Effects of water temperature on zooplankton abundance and biomass in the southwestern Barents Sea: Implications for Arctic monitoring and management

Zooplankton exhibit rapid responses to environmental changes owing to predominantly short life cycles. However, at higher latitudes, the maximum age of mesozooplankton organisms can reach 2 and even 5 years, with such organisms potentially comprising a substantial proportion of communities. Despite this, there is limited understanding of the prolonged responses of zooplankton to temperature fluctuations in the southern Barents Sea. To address this gap, zooplankton were sampled during analogous seasons over a two-year period (2011 and 2012) characterized by an increasing water temperature trend. Our findings revealed a spatial shift from a community with lower abundance and biomass, situated within the area dominated by Coastal Water and Atlantic Water, to a community with higher abundance and biomass in colder waters influenced by the Arctic Water mass. Within the latter community, we identified 17 species as relevant indicators, with significant differences in both fidelity and specificity observed for Triconia borealis and Aglantha digitale. Redundancy analysis indicated water temperature recorded 10 months prior as the sole significant predictor of population characteristics in both years. Relationships between water temperature and abundance/biomass were computed for the 2011 dataset and the resultant equations used to predict 2012 zooplankton parameters. No significant differences were found between predicted and observed data. These findings suggest the utility of our data for forecasting autumn zooplankton population status, which, given ongoing Arctic warming and the critical trophic role of zooplankton for fish, could aid ecosystem monitoring and inform fisheries management in the Barents Sea from a short-term perspective.

Clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures among patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion procedures with varying insurance payor status: a propensity score-matching study.

Posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) is a routinely used procedure for treatment of spinal pathology. Several studies have highlighted disparities in reoperation and postoperative complications and demonstrated associations between differing insurance providers, complication rates, and hospital resource utilization in spine surgery. Previous studies have examined broad spinal procedures but have not extended to uninsured patients, or adjusted for sociodemographic factors or comorbidity history. Understanding relationships between payor status and outcomes following fusion procedures is vital to promoting healthcare equity. The objective of this study was to assess whether patients' insurance impacts postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction following PLF procedures. The Stanford University Medical Center inpatient registry was used to retrospectively analyze patients who underwent PLF procedures between 2016 and 2022. Propensity score matching was used to compare privately insured with Medicaid patients, as well as comparing uninsured patients with Medicaid patients based on age, sex, and comorbidities. Outcomes data, including 90-day postoperative complications, reoperation, and patient-reported outcome measures scores (Oswestry Disability Index and Patient Health Questionnaire) were collected. A total of 1904 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In unmatched comparisons, statistically significant differences existed within specific types of complications including altered mental status, delirium, neurological complications, and pulmonary complications. A total of 292 privately insured patients were matched to 292 Medicaid patients. Within matched patient groups, the Medicaid group had higher rates of altered mental status (6.2% vs 2.7%, p = 0.042); delirium (9.9% vs 5.1%, p = 0.035); renal dysfunction (6.9% vs 4.1%, p = 0.020); and pulmonary complications (8.9% vs 3.8%, p = 0.049) compared to privately insured patients. Privately insured patients had lower postoperative Oswestry Disability Index scores (30.2 vs 34.4, p = 0.018) compared to Medicaid patients. Following propensity score matching of 88 Medicaid patients to 88 uninsured patients, large but not statistically significant differences existed for neurological complications (12.5% vs 5.7%, p = 0.165) and 5-year revision rates (3.4% vs 1.1%, p = 0.353). The findings indicate that the treatment outcomes, care quality, and patient satisfaction following PLF procedures differ between Medicaid and privately insured patients. Further investigation is warranted to explore relationships between insurance payor status and clinical outcomes in multicenter populations.

Un caso di encefalopatia posteriore reversibile a tre giorni dalla diagnosi di leucemia linfoblastica acuta B

Posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical radiographic syndrome of heterogeneous etiologies characterised by acute neurological symptoms of brain dysfunction with MRI abnormalities, primarily in posterior cerebral white and grey matter. In most cases, symptoms resolve without neurological consequences. The paper reports the case of a 13-year-old teenager who showed hypertension and altered consciousness with status epilepticus at the electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring three days after Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia diagnosis. The only therapy she went through was prednisone. At the diagnosis of PRES hypertension is frequent but not invariable. The hypertensive crisis may precede the neurologic syndrome by 24 hours or longer. In the paediatric population seizures and/or status epilepticus are often the presenting manifestation. Neuroimaging is essential to the diagnosis of PRES; typical findings are bilateral areas of white matter oedema in the posterior cerebral hemispheres, particularly the parieto-occipital regions, but variations do occur. Treatment is a symptomatic and supportive therapy. In many cases, PRES seems to be fully reversible within a period from days to weeks, after removal of the inciting factor and control of the blood pressure. Radiologic improvement is slower than clinical recovery.

Status, trends and conservation of global sea turtle populations

Status, trends and conservation of global sea turtle populations

Export volume trends and the conservation status of commonly targeted ornamental fishes from Malawi

Abstract The export of ornamental fishes from Malawi has received limited attention regarding its sustainability or the conservation status of any threatened species involved in this trade. To identify any species that require specific management actions, we used a negative binomial regression model to examine the relationship between the number of exported fish and year of export, adjusted for fish prices and the number of fish exporters. We also examined the correlation between export volume trends and the conservation status of fish species. We identified three groups of fish species based on their export volume trends: species with no trends, with decreasing trends and with increasing trends. There was no significant correlation between export volume trends and the conservation status of fish species. The export volume trends of individual species appear to be related to the number of exporters, price and, potentially, anthropogenic factors affecting fish populations. Based on our findings we recommend the inclusion of ornamental fishery management issues in a revised Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy. This should include strategies to control overexploitation of species with declining export volume trends, and conservation of threatened species and a ban on their export. We recommend further research to establish the population status of the exploited fish species and to identify any other factors linked to the volume trends of ornamental fish exports.

Estimated baseline density of a spotted hyaena population in a post-war landscape

Abstract The spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta is relatively understudied across its range despite evidence of widespread declines. It is therefore essential that robust baseline population density assessments are conducted to inform current management and future conservation policy. In Mozambique this is urgent as decades of armed conflict followed by unchecked poaching have resulted in large-scale wildlife declines and extirpations. We conducted the first robust population density estimate for a spotted hyaena population in Mozambique using spatially explicit capture–recapture methodologies. We recorded a relatively low population density of 0.8–2.1 hyaenas/100 km2 in the wildlife management area Coutada 11 in the Zambezi Delta of central Mozambique in 2021. These densities are well below the estimated carrying capacity for the landscape and are comparable to published densities in high human-impact, miombo woodland-dominated and arid environments. The combination of historical armed conflict, marginal trophy hunting and bushmeat poaching using wire snares and gin traps (with physical injuries evident in 9% of identified individuals) presents persistent anthropogenic pressure, limiting the post-war recovery of this resident hyaena population. We provide insights into the dynamics of hyaena population status and recovery in such post-war landscapes, adding to mounting evidence that the species is less resilient to severe anthropogenic disturbances than previously believed. We recommend long-term monitoring of this and other carnivore populations in post-war landscapes to ascertain demographic trends and implement effective conservation interventions for population recovery.

Recovering the American horseshoe crab through a commitment to collaboration

ABSTRACT American horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus populations are recovering because of cooperation among diverse stakeholders and data-driven collective action. Limulus polyphemus is one of four extant species facing common threats, and conservation successes and limitations hold lessons applicable to all the species. We review the advancement in management and monitoring over recent decades, discuss the current population status throughout the species’ range, and describe the potential future status and recovery based on recent assessments. In retrospect, L. polyphemus conservation has followed the frameworks promoted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature: mobilize networks to increase assessment capacity, engage diverse stakeholders, measure impacts, and amplify successes. Data show significantly increased populations in the Delaware Bay region and improved status in the Northeast. The average abundance of adults in Delaware Bay over the recent decade (2013–2022) is more than twice that in the previous decade (2003–2012). In 2022, the abundances for adult females and males in the Delaware Bay population were estimated to be 16 million and 40 million, respectively. However, reversing persistent poor conditions in some regions and mitigating the widespread threat of habitat loss from coastal development and sea level rise will rely on collaboration among diverse stakeholders to build upon the current conservation successes. Scientists and conservationists working on the horseshoe crab species indigenous to Asia are advancing along a similar track, establishing a monitoring network and mobilizing diverse stakeholders. However, there is a need for capacity building for robust assessment of the species in Asia to measure the impact of conservation, just as that need remains unmet for L. polyphemus in the Gulf of Mexico. The importance of partnerships and collaborations is apparent in their absence. The regions where partnerships and collaborations among researchers, conservationists, and agency scientists do not exist are those where the capacity for monitoring and assessment is notably lacking.

Immunoblot evaluation of rubella humoral immunity in Portuguese women with negative or low-positive rubella IgG.

Despite its low incidence in Europe, rubella's immune status is still routinely assessed using commercial immunoassays. However, some discrepancies have been observed between these tests and the Immunoblot. The main objective of this study is to evaluate, by a commercial immunoblot, the immune status of a female population that had previously presented negative, low-positive, or equivocal rubella IgG with a commercial immunoassay. In total, 146 serum samples were reevaluated. The results demonstrated that 81 % and 73 % of the samples, were positive by Immunoblot (Immunoblot interpretation criterion 1 and criterion 2, respectively). Our results confirm previous studies, showing that Immunoblot can significantly reduce the false negatives for rubella in the female population. This application by avoiding unnecessary revaccinations represents a potential gain for health. However, it is pertinent to conduct an extended multidisciplinary discussion to analyse the pros and cons of this algorithm.

Determining the status of small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in women undergoing menopausal transition.

Research on small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and menopausal status remains scarce. Our aim is to evaluate the relationship between serum sdLDL-C level and different menopausal status in a Chinese women population. In 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted including electronic standardized questionnaire surveys, anthropometric measurements, and biological specimen examinations based on communities. Permanent resident adults aged 30-69 years who lived in two communities in Zhejiang Province and participated in a community health examination from May 26 to September 17 were recruited. According to their menopausal status, the eligible women subjects were divided into premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause. Logistic regression model by SAS software was used to explore the association with sdLDL-C level and different menopausal status. A total of 2,062 women subjects were included with a median age of 57 (51, 63) years. There were 451 (21.9%) premenopause, 87 (4.2%) perimenopause, and 1,524 (73.9%) postmenopause women. The median sdLDL-C level was 0.937 (0.685, 1.209) mmol/L, and the sdLDL-C levels showed a gradually and significantly upward trend in premenopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause women, and this peaked in the postmenopause women. Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling the confounding factors, compared with premenopause, postmenopause was significantly associated with increased sdLDL-C concentration (OR = 1.514, 95% CI: 1.025-2.238), while no significant association was observed either between serum sdLDL-C and perimenopause (compared with premenopause) or between serum sdLDL-C and postmenopause (compared with perimenopause). An elevated sdLDL-C level was significantly associated with postmenopause and independent of chronological aging. The study supports that sdLDL-C is a promising risk biomarker for menopausal transition. Future studies should consider a broader population and a more rigorous and thorough study design to validate these findings.

Breeding pair and reproductive estimates of a recently expanded Red-necked Grebe (&lt;i&gt;Podiceps grisegena&lt;/i&gt;) population in parkland Manitoba

Conservation of wildlife populations requires reliable information on population size, trends, and demographic processes.Such information is sparse for Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena), a species that is vulnerable to changing wetland conditions in the prairie pothole region. During 2008–2019, I collected breeding pair and reproductive estimates of a recentlyexpanded Red-necked Grebe population on 109 semi-permanent and permanent wetlands (mean ± SE: 2.92 ± 0.41 ha, range 0.01–24.2) in agriculturally-dominated habitat in southwestern Manitoba, Canada, to determine population status and reproductive success. I also looked for effects of changing wetland water levels and the presence of conspecifics and/or wetland size on productivity. Red-necked Grebe breeding densities were the highest reported for solitary-nesting pairs in North America and the breeding population currently appears to be stable. I found that chicks/breeding pair are mostly lower but chicks/successful pair are similar or greater than values reported from other studies. Pairs breeding with conspecifics appeared to be as productive as those on single-pair wetlands. Productivity was positively associated with wetland water levels suggesting that prolonged drought or climate change leading to warmer, drier summers on the prairies could reduce Rednecked Grebe breeding populations.

Iron deficiency anemia: A global public health concern

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant global public health concern, affecting populations across both developing and developed nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2019, approximately 1.62 billion people were affected by anemia, with iron deficiency being the most common cause. This condition disproportionately impacts vulnerable groups, including women, children, and populations in low- and middle-income countries. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a substantial prevalence of IDA, particularly among certain demographic groups, including pregnant women and young children (CDC, 2020). The impact of IDA is particularly evident in regions like India, where the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) highlights concerning trends and the need for targeted interventions to address iron deficiency, particularly among women and children. Studies suggest that improved iron status in populations is essential for reducing the prevalence of IDA and its associated complications, such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, and weakened immune function. Recent advances in diagnostics, including point-of-care testing, have improved the identification and management of anemia in primary healthcare settings. Addressing IDA involves comprehensive strategies such as iron supplementation, dietary improvements, and public health initiatives like the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program in India. The global efforts to combat nutritional anemia underscore the importance of multifaceted approaches to prevention and control. Ultimately, tackling IDA in India will require a multi-sectoral approach, with collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, research institutions, and local communities to ensure the widespread success of interventions in reducing iron deficiency and improving overall health outcomes.

Evaluating the prognostic role of glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in first line: a study by the Turkish Oncology Group Kidney Cancer Consortium (TKCC).

Identifying prognostic indicators for risk stratification in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and follow-up plans. This study aims to investigate the prognostic role of the glucose-to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR) in patients with mRCC receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line therapy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Turkish Oncology Group Kidney Cancer Consortium Database. GLR was calculated by dividing the fasting glucose (mmol/L) by the lymphocyte count (×109/L). We categorized patients into two categories based on their median GLR level. The analysis included a total of 598 patients. We found that progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the GLR-low group, with a median PFS of 15.05 months (95% CI 12.7-17.4) compared to 7.79 months (95% CI 6.6-9.0) in the GLR-high group (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified GLR as an independent risk factor for poor PFS (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12-1.72; p = 0.003). Overall survival (OS) was also significantly longer in the GLR-low group, with a median OS of 38.47 months (95% CI, 30.9-46.0) compared to 24.15 months (95% CI 18.0-30.2) in the GLR-high group (p = 0.001). GLR was an independent predictor for OS in multivariate analysis (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12-1.86; p = 0.004). The GLR can be a valuable prognostic marker for glucose metabolism and systemic inflammatory status in this patient population. Our research highlights the potential prognostic value of GLR in patients with mRCC receiving TKIs, indicating its potential as a useful tool for clinical decision-making.