Florida Populations Research Articles

Relationship between predation and maternal investment In Curly-Tailed Lizards

The Northern Curly-tailed Lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus armouri) is invasive in Florida, where it has establishedmultiple populations. Like most animals, the species faces various environmental pressures, including predation,which influences reproductive strategies. To test the hypothesis that a correlation exists between predation rates onfemales and offspring-resource allocation, we examined specimens from 11 populations in Florida, assuming that thosewith broken tails had encountered a potential predator. To quantify offspring-resource allocation, we used the numberof ovarian follicles in each female and the ratio of number to average size of the largest follicles. We predicted that thosetraits would differ between lizards with and without broken tails. We did not detect the expected correlation, suggestingthat predation pressure did not affect the number or size of follicles. Consistent with other lizard species, we did findthat larger body size was correlated with a greater number of follicles.

Regional changes of maximum dose insecticide responses in diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) populations from Georgia and Florida, USA.

Maximum dose bioassays were conducted to assess the efficacy of multiple registered active ingredients for diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), control in Georgia and Florida from 2021 to 2023 as a follow-up to an earlier study. Low efficacy (<40% mortality) was recorded for the highest labeled rate of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki strain ATBS-351 in Georgia, as well as chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, and cyclaniliprole in Georgia and Florida. The active ingredients with the highest efficacy (>80% mortality) in both states were naled, emamectin benzoate, and spinetoram. Independent analysis of data by state indicated that the efficacy of bifenthrin, chlorantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole, tolfenpyrad, and methomyl was higher in Florida populations than in Georgia populations. In addition, a comparison of these data to a recent DBM maximum dose survey in the same region suggested that these DBM populations have rapidly developed high levels of resistance to cyantraniliprole and cyclaniliprole. This work provides growers in the region with a recent ranking of insecticide efficacy that documents the loss of control for certain active ingredients, which assists pest managers in the planning of ongoing insecticide rotations for DBM resistance management.

EP.16G.01 Ready, Set, Screen: Evaluating Community Readiness for Lung Cancer Screening Among Non-Hispanic Black Populations in Florida

EP.16G.01 Ready, Set, Screen: Evaluating Community Readiness for Lung Cancer Screening Among Non-Hispanic Black Populations in Florida

Autoimmune Metaplastic Atrophic Gastritis (AMAG): Regional Demographics and Their Effect on Prevalence.

Autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG) is a chronic immune-mediated form of gastritis characterized by damage to oxyntic cells, ultimately resulting in both iron deficiency with or without anemia and pernicious anemia. The current dogma is that AMAG is a disease of White Northern European women of advanced age. We, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of AMAG in biopsies obtained from populations enriched for self-identified Hispanics for cross-comparison against data from previously reported populations enriched for self-identified White, non-Hispanic patients. To that end, we prospectively collected 1708 sequential gastric biopsies performed at the University of Miami Hospitals/Jackson Health Systems clinics from 1692 patients over a 1-year period as well as pertinent clinical parameters. These Florida data were then compared against data previously collected from the Baltimore population, which has far lower numbers of Hispanic patients. Self-identified race and/or ethnicity were used. From these 1692 patients, we identified 79 patients (4.6%) with AMAG. These included 60 women (76%) and 19 men (24%), with a F:M ratio of 3.1:1. Patients had a median age of 60 years (range: 15-83). Self-identified race and/or ethnicity were: 60 (76.0%) Hispanic, 9 (11.4%) Black, 9 (11.4%) White, and 1 Asian (1.2%). The median age at initial presentation was: 51 years (range: 15-83) in Hispanics, 77.2 years (range: 46-74) in Blacks, 59 years (range: 49-79) in Whites, and 58 years in the only Asian patient. The overall demographics of AMAG largely mirrored the Florida population, with an over-representation of Hispanics (Florida inhabitants self-report as 70% Hispanic). The overall 4.6% prevalence of AMAG in the Florida population differed significantly from the 1.1% in Baltimore (p < .00001), a finding that presumably reflects the large Hispanic population. In fact, the prevalence of AMAG is far higher in Hispanic patients. Awareness of these data should increase recognition of AMAG in this population.

Healthcare Utilization and Geographic Distribution of Advanced Therapy in Minority Race and Ethnic Groups With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Biases in healthcare pose challenges for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients from underrepresented races and ethnicities. Our study aimed to assess the quality of and access to care among underrepresented racial and ethnic populations using a diverse database. We used the OneFlorida Data Trust, representing over half of Florida's population. We performed a retrospective study from 2012 to 2020. Advanced IBD therapies included a prescription of at least 1 biologic agent or tofacitinib. Disease activity markers included C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hgb), albumin, and white blood cell (WBC). Regression analyses compared the rates of medication use, healthcare utilization, and disease severity by race and ethnicity. Geographic distribution of advanced IBD therapy was analyzed at the county level. Our study included 10 578 patients. Hispanic patients utilized more biologics than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.3, P<.0001). Non-Hispanic Black patients utilized more steroids than NHW (OR: 1.2, P=.0004). Hispanics had fewer visits to emergency departments (EDs) and fewer admissions compared with NHW (OR: 0.7 and 0.6, respectively; P<.0001). Non-Hispanic Black patients visited ED more frequently than NHW patients (OR: 1.3, P<.0001). Hispanics had lower disease activity markers than NHW based on CRP (OR: 0.5, P=.005), Hgb (OR: 0.4, P<.0001), albumin (OR: 0.7, P<.0001), and WBC (OR: 0.5, P<.0001). Geographic distribution of advanced IBD therapy showed clustered areas in southern and northern Florida. Our data show an improved access to care pattern in Hispanic patients. However, disparities still exist, and this is evident in the healthcare utilization trends observed among non-Hispanic Black patients.

Limited population structure but signals of recent selection in introduced African Fig Fly (Zaprionus indianus) in North America.

Invasive species have devastating consequences for human health, food security, and the environment. Many invasive species adapt to new ecological niches following invasion, but little is known about the early steps of adaptation. Here we examine population genomics of a recently introduced drosophilid in North America, the African Fig Fly, Zaprionus indianus. This species is likely intolerant of subfreezing temperatures and recolonizes temperate environments yearly. We generated a new chromosome-level genome assembly for Z. indianus. Using resequencing of over 200 North American individuals collected over four years in temperate Virginia, plus a single collection from subtropical Florida, we tested for signatures of recolonization, population structure, and adaptation within invasive populations. We show founding populations are sometimes small and contain close genetic relatives, yet temporal population structure and differentiation of populations is mostly absent across recurrent recolonization events. Although we find limited signals of genome-wide spatial or temporal population structure, we identify haplotypes on the X chromosome that are repeatedly differentiated between Virginia and Florida populations. These haplotypes show signatures of natural selection and are not found in African populations. We also find evidence for several large structural polymorphisms segregating within North America populations and show X chromosome evolution in invasive populations is strikingly different from the autosomes. These results show that despite limited population structure, populations may rapidly evolve genetic differences early in an invasion. Further uncovering how these genomic regions influence invasive potential and success in new environments will advance our understanding of how organisms evolve in changing environments.

Supragingival Plaque Microbiomes in a Diverse South Florida Population.

Trillions of microbes comprise the human oral cavity, collectively acting as another bodily organ. Although research is several decades into the field, there is no consensus on how oral microbiomes differ in underrepresented groups such as Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations living in the United States. Here, using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, we examine the bacterial ecology of supragingival plaque from four quadrants of the mouth along with a tongue swab from 26 healthy volunteers from South Florida (131 total sequences after filtering). As an area known to be a unique amalgamation of diverse cultures from across the globe, South Florida allows us to address the question of how supragingival plaque microbes differ across ethnic groups, thus potentially impacting treatment regiments related to oral issues. We assess overall phylogenetic abundance, alpha and beta diversity, and linear discriminate analysis of participants based on sex, ethnicity, sampling location in the mouth, and gingival health. Within this cohort, we find the presence of common phyla such as Firmicutes and common genera such as Streptococcus. Additionally, we find significant differences across sampling locations, sex, and gingival health. This research stresses the need for the continued incorporation of diverse populations within human oral microbiome studies.

Potential Gaps in Eye Care Based on Evaluation of Federally Qualified Health Centers

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are federally funded community health clinics that provide comprehensive care to underserved populations, making them potential opportunities to offer eye care and address unmet health care needs. Evaluating the presence of eye care services at FQHCs in Florida is important in understanding and addressing possible gaps in care for the state's large uninsured and underserved populations. To determine whether FQHCs in Florida are currently offering eye care services, where they are available, what services are being offered, and who provides them. This study used a cross-sectional design conducted within 1 year (from November 2023 to February 2024). FQHCs listed in the US Health Resources and Services Administration database were contacted by telephone to inquire about the presence of eye care services. The FQHCs were located in both urban and rural areas in Florida to assess accessibility of eye care services in the state. School-based health centers and nonophthalmic specialty care health centers were excluded. A total of 437 FQHCs were included. Primary outcomes included the presence of eye care services, types of services offered, clinician type (optometrists or ophthalmologists), frequency of services, and availability of pediatric services. Among 437 FQHCs contacted, only 39 (8.9%) reported offering eye care services. These services primarily included vision examinations, glasses prescriptions, and dilated eye examinations. Optometrists were the primary providers of services at all clinics, with no clinics reporting care by ophthalmologists. The frequency of services varied considerably, ranging from daily to bimonthly. Thirty-seven (94.9%) of the 39 clinics offered pediatric eye care services. The low prevalence of FQHCs with eye care services and the absence of ophthalmologist-provided care highlight a gap in access to eye care for underserved populations in Florida. These findings support investigations into implementing eye care services and interventions at FQHCs that might enhance access and equity in eye care.

Phylogeography of apomictic and outcrossing individuals in invasive and native populations of Ardisia crenata (Primulaceae)

AbstractPhylogeography of invasive exotic plant species is crucial for identifying the source population from which a given invading population has originated. Ardisia crenata Sims, a shade tolerant shrub native to East Asia, is one of the most serious invasive exotic plants in Florida, North America. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic differentiation and phylogeographical relationships among A. crenata native populations in Japan and invasive populations in Florida. We analyzed DNA from 188 individuals gathered from eight populations in Japan and four subpopulations in Florida using double‐digestion restriction‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD‐seq) and estimated a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree among them. The results revealed four genetic clusters, with a striking dominance of genetically identical clonal individuals within the invading populations in Florida and four Honshu populations in Japan. These groups were genetically close to each other and to one cultivated individual sampled in Japan. In contrast, the individuals from Miyazaki, Yakushima, Kochi, and Iriomote in southwestern Japan were genetically distinct from Honshu and Florida individuals, showing high genetic diversity indicative of outcrossing. Given that A. crenata does not exhibit a vegetative clonal habit and all wild and cultivated plants regenerate from seeds, these results suggest that Honshu and Florida populations exclusively reproduced with seeds produced by apomixis.

Applying sequential adaptive strategies for sampling animal populations: An empirical study

AbstractTraditional sampling methods may prove inadequate when dealing with spatially clustered populations or when studying rare events or traits that are not easily detectable across the target population. When both scenarios occur simultaneously, adaptive sampling strategies can represent a viable option to enhance the detectability of cases of interest. This paper delves into the application of a novel class of sequential adaptive sampling strategies to animal surveys. These strategies, originally proposed for human population tuberculosis prevalence surveys, allow oversampling of the rare interest variables while managing on‐field constraints. This ensures that the unfixed sample size, typical of adaptive sampling, does not compromise overall cost‐effectiveness. We explore a strategy within this class that integrates an adaptive component into a Poisson sequential selection. The aim is twofold: to intensify the detection of cases by exploiting the spatial clustering and to provide a flexible framework for managing logistics and budget constraints. To illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of this Poisson‐based sequential adaptive sampling strategy compared to traditional sampling methods, a simulation study was conducted on a blue‐winged teal population in Florida, USA. The results showcase the benefits of the proposed strategy and open avenues for future methodological and practical improvements.

Asian swamp eels (Synbranchidae, Monopterus) in Florida: distribution, spread, and range of hydrologic tolerance over twenty-seven years (1997–2023)

Asian swamp eels (Monopterus albus/javanensis) were first reported as introduced to Florida waterbodies in 1997 near Tampa and Miami; a third population was recorded by 1999 in Homestead. Initial assessments, published soon after swamp eels in southern Florida were first recorded in wetlands beyond canals and ponds (in 2007), concluded there was little threat to Florida’s aquatic ecosystems. Long-term data now suggest they precipitated population crashes of crayfishes and small fishes in the eastern Everglades. We used records from continuous long-term monitoring programs, sporadic monitoring studies, and online databases to reconstruct swamp eel presence across Florida. Monitoring studies provided wetland hydrologic variables to assess limits for swamp eels. From 1997–2007, populations in southern Florida remained restricted to canals; initial spread from 2007–2017 across southern Everglades National Park proceeded slowly and the two populations covered ~1500 km2 of southern Florida. From 2017–2022, the rate of spread increased as they spread west and north (~5800 km2 range). Through 2014, the Tampa population occurred only along southern/eastern Tampa Bay (~60 km2) but has since spread south along the Gulf Coast, east into central Florida, and south along the Lake Wales Ridge (~11,000 km2). We found evidence of two potentially new introductions, in Palm Beach County and Orlando. There was no clear evidence of limitation of wetland drying on swamp eel occurrence in the Everglades; they were captured in marshes that dried for 1–5 months during the previous dry season, but short-hydroperiod wetlands may have slowed spread. In the Everglades, evidence suggests swamp eels may have been inadvertently spread into marshes from canals used to deliver water for flood control and hydrologic restoration. Swamp eels are currently spreading unchecked across Florida, and there should be great concern about continued spread in this region and their establishment and spread elsewhere.

Abstract 4805: Identifying neighborhood hot spots of HPV-associated cancers for targeted interventions of HPV vaccination uptake in underserved communities of South Florida

Abstract Background: Although the incidence of cervical cancer in the US has declined, the incidences of other HPV-associated cancers are on the rise. HPV vaccination is an important primary prevention strategy for reducing the burden of HPV-associated cancers. In South Florida (population over 6 million), the percentage of adolescents aged 13-15 years who completed the recommended HPV vaccine series is 54%, which lags significantly behind the Healthy People 2030 target of 80%. In addition, vaccination disparities exist in South Florida by races/ethnicities and sexes, with non-Hispanic black males having the lowest rate at 27%. To address HPV cancer disparities, we performed a geospatial analysis on the incidence of HPV-associated cancers by sex and races/ethnicity to identify communities in South Florida with high incidence of HPV-associated cancer to target interventions that may improve HPV-vaccine uptake via community outreach and engagement. Methods: The average annual (2010-2019) incidence of HPV-associated cancers in women (cervical, oropharyngeal, vulva, vaginal, and anal) and men (oropharyngeal, penile, and anal) were calculated for Hispanics, Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) and Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) at the census tract level across South Florida using data from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), the state incident cancer registry. Geospatial hot spot analyses were used to identify clusters of census tracts with high HPV cancer incidence by sex and race/ethnicity. Socioeconomic and cervical screening data of the hot spots were analyzed to identify other neighborhood risk conditions that may be associated with high HPV cancer risk. Results: For Hispanics and NHBs in South Florida, census tract hot spots for male and female HPV cancers appear to overlap in low-income neighborhoods; however, hot spots for NHW males are mostly in medium to higher income areas and do not overlap with hot spots observed for NHW females, likely given that NHW females generally report higher cervical screening rates. Conclusion: There is a positive association between male and female HPV cancer incidence in Hispanic and NHB communities of South Florida, justifying the need for increased HPV vaccination and screening programs in these neighborhoods. While increasing cervical screening rate in the hot spot neighborhoods is urgent for cervical cancer control, increasing gender-neutral HPV vaccination uptake in these communities will not only reduce the incidences of male HPV cancers but also help to accelerate cervical cancer elimination by reducing HPV infection. Citation Format: Ming Lee, Sara Parrott, Rebecca Kaiser, Ridhi Vyas, Danielle Gabuzda, Arianna Vazquez, Daniela Flores Quetant, Nancy Elliott, Valerie Bethel, Amanda Rivera, Brandon Mahal, Raymond Balise, Elizabeth Franzmann, Erin Kobetz. Identifying neighborhood hot spots of HPV-associated cancers for targeted interventions of HPV vaccination uptake in underserved communities of South Florida [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4805.

Access to Total Knee Arthroplasty in Medicare Advantage Patients

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in Medicare patients in the United States. Among this population, enrollment in Medicare Advantage (MA) plans is rising but rates of elective TKA are 10-20% lower in MA health maintenance organization (HMO) plans compared to Traditional Medicare (TM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Medicare type on patient access to TKA within the large population in Florida. Methods: The AAOS directory was queried for total joint surgeon practices within five Florida counties. Each office was called to assess the response to four insurance scenarios (Traditional Medicare, Blue Medicare Select PPO, Humana Gold Plus HMO, and commercial Cigna). Investigators used a Secret Shopper methodology with a standardized script to request a TKA. Data was gathered on insurance types accepted and number of business days to the next available appointment. Results: Of the 133 orthopaedics clinics called, 63 were accepting new TKA patients. Of those accepting new TKA patients, 91.7% accepted commercial Cigna, 96.8% accepted TM, 70.5% accepted MA HMO Humana Gold Plus, and 50.8% accepted MA PPO Blue Medicare Select. Compared to TM and commercial Cigna, both MA plans had significantly lower appointment success rates (all p&lt;.003). Time to earliest appointment did not significantly vary by insurance type or county (p&gt;.14). Conclusions: Patients in Florida with MA have decreased access to TKA compared to those with TM or commercial insurance, possibly explaining the lower rates of TKA utilization in the MA population.

The L1014F Knockdown Resistance Mutation Is Not a Strong Correlate of Phenotypic Resistance to Pyrethroids in Florida Populations of Culex quinquefasciatus.

Culex quinquefasciatus is an important target for vector control because of its ability to transmit pathogens that cause disease. Most populations are resistant to pyrethroids and often to organophosphates, the two most common classes of active ingredients used by public health agencies. A knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation, resulting in an amino acid change from a leucine to phenylalanine in the voltage gated sodium channel, is one mechanism contributing to the pyrethroid resistant phenotype. Enzymatic resistance has also been shown to play a very important role. Recent studies have shown strong resistance in populations even when kdr is relatively low, which indicates that factors other than kdr may be larger contributors to resistance. In this study, we examined, on a statewide scale (over 70 populations), the strength of the correlation between resistance in the CDC bottle bioassay and the kdr genotypes and allele frequencies. Spearman correlation analysis showed only moderate (-0.51) or weak (-0.29) correlation between the kdr genotype and permethrin or deltamethrin resistance, respectively. The frequency of the kdr allele was an even weaker correlate than genotype. These results indicate that assessing kdr in populations of Culex quinquefasciatus is not a good surrogate for phenotypic resistance testing.

First report of Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) resistance to spirotetramat in Florida

One of the most destructive invasive pests worldwide is the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1. The Florida vegetable crop market, worth millions of dollars annually, suffers major losses because of whitefly injury. Spirotetramat is frequently used by Florida vegetable crop growers to control whitefly nymphs. A previous study based on maximum dose bioassays indicated that MEAM1 populations in Florida may be developing resistance to spirotetramat. Thus, the long-term efficacy of this active ingredient depends on the development of baseline susceptibility data and the continued monitoring of MEAM1 populations' susceptibility. In the present study, 16 populations of whiteflies collected in south Florida were tested for resistance to spirotetramat through serial dilution bioassays designed to test whitefly nymphs. The field populations’ responses were compared with a susceptible MEAM1 laboratory colony. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) and resistance ratios (RRs) were quantified to determine MEAM1 resistance levels. Among the populations tested, 12.5% remained relatively susceptible (3–4 RR) to spirotetramat. Low to moderate resistance was found in 56% of the populations (16–58 RR). Over 30% of the populations tested were highly or extremely resistant (126–795 RR). Overall, the variable susceptibility of spirotetramat in some field populations indicates that resistance to this insecticide has developed in certain regions of south Florida. This is the first report of spirotetramat resistance in the United States. These results will directly refine management recommendations for spirotetramat use in areas where MEAM1 populations exhibit resistance.

Potential bottom‐up control of Metamasius callizona in Florida, USA

AbstractMetamasius callizona (Chevrolat) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive weevil destroying Tillandsia utriculata L. (Bromeliaceae) populations in Florida, USA. A T. utriculata population in Belize coexists with M. callizona without adverse effects. Tillandsia utriculata and M. callizona from Belize and Florida were studied in the laboratory to determine how Belize T. utriculata can coexist with Belize M. callizona, using Florida and Belize T. utriculata, as well as pineapple, Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae), as host plants. Florida M. callizona on pineapple leaves produced more eggs per female per day and had a shorter developmental time and pupation period, as well as a smaller adult width, than Belize M. callizona. Florida and Belize weevils did not differ significantly in rates of egg hatch, pupation, and adult emergence. Florida M. callizona laid similar numbers of eggs per day on Florida and Belize T. utriculata. Egg hatch rates were similar on pineapple and Florida and Belize T. utriculata. Pupation rates were similar on pineapple and Florida T. utriculata leaves; no larvae on Belize T. utriculata attained fourth instar. Field and laboratory observations revealed that Belize and Florida M. callizona mined Belize T. utriculata without destroying the meristem, allowing plants to survive, but Belize M. callizona destroyed the core of pineapple tops. Soluble solids were greatest in pineapple and least in Belize T. utriculata. Leaf toughness was greatest in pineapple and least in Florida T. utriculata. Metamasius callizona biology and behavior and T. utriculata plant characteristics may drive the severity of weevil damage on populations of T. utriculata. The discovery of a T. utriculata population in Belize coexisting with M. callizona offers a possible way to control M. callizona in Florida.

Effect of Cucurbit Host, Production Region, and Season on the Population Structure of Pseudoperonospora cubensis in Florida.

Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), is one of the most important diseases affecting cucurbit production in the United States. This disease is especially damaging to Florida production areas, as the state is a top producer of many cucurbit species. In addition, winter production in central and south Florida likely serves as a likely source of P. cubensis inoculum for spring and summer cucurbit production throughout the eastern United States, where CDM is unable to overwinter in the absence of a living host. Over 2 years (2017 and 2018) and four seasons (spring 2017, spring 2018, fall 2017, and fall 2018), 274 P. cubensis isolates were collected from cucurbit hosts at production sites in south, central, and north Florida. The isolates were analyzed with 10 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to establish population structure and genetic diversity and further assigned to a clade based on a qPCR assay. Results of population structure and genetic diversity analyses differentiated isolates based on cucurbit host and clade (1 or 2). Of the isolates assigned to clade by qPCR, butternut squash, watermelon, and zucchini were dominated by clade 1 isolates, whereas cucumber isolates were split 34 and 59% between clades 1 and 2, respectively. Clade assignments agreed with isolate clustering observed within discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) based on SSR markers, although watermelon isolates formed a group distinct from the other clade 1 isolates. For seasonal collections from cucumber at each location, isolates were typically skewed to one clade or the other and varied across locations and seasons within each year of the study. This variable population structure of cucumber isolates could have consequences for regional disease management. This is the first study to characterize P. cubensis populations in Florida and evaluate the effect of cucurbit host and clade-type on isolate diversity and population structure, with implications for CDM management in Florida and other United States cucurbit production areas.

Sunny-Day Flooding and Mortality Risk in Coastal Florida

Sea-level rise is likely to worsen the impacts of hurricanes, storm surges, and tidal flooding on coastal access to basic services. We investigate the historical impact of tidal flooding on mortality rates of the elderly population in coastal Florida using administrative records of individual deaths, demographics, and residential location combined with tidal gauge and high-resolution elevation data. We incorporate data capturing storm and precipitation events into our empirical model to distinguish between disruptions from routine sunny-day flooding and less predictable tropical storm–induced flooding. We find that a 1-standard-deviation (20-millimeter) increase in tidal flooding depth increases mortality rates by 0.46% to 0.60% among those aged 65 or older. Our estimates suggest that future sea-level rises may contribute to an additional 130 elderly deaths per year in Florida relative to 2019, all else being equal. The enhanced risk is concentrated among residents living more than nine minutes away from the nearest hospital. Results suggest that tidal flooding may augment elderly mortality risk by delaying urgent medical care.

American crocodile nesting in sediment-nourished habitats on Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Florida, USA

Abstract The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is the most widely distributed New World crocodile. However, the species has experienced severe declines due to overexploitation. In South Florida, loss of nesting habitat, with coastal degradation from sea level rise and urban development has prompted American crocodiles to nest in novel habitats. Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge (CLNWR) serves as an important nesting site for the South Florida population of American crocodiles and more recently nesting habitat has been supplemented to manage coastal erosion. The goal of this study was to investigate the internal nest biology of American crocodile nests laid in sediment nourished sand mounds on CLNWR. We monitored internal nest temperature and volumetric water content of five live and two control sand nests in 2021 (N = 73 eggs) and 2022 (N = 84 eggs). The metabolic heat generated by incubating eggs in internal nest temperatures ranged from 0.8°C to 2.0°C warmer and more stable than ambient temperatures and reflecting a seasonal pattern. Average clutch size was 31.4 ± 7.09 eggs and incubation period ranged from 78 to 114 days until hatching. These data provide the first insight into thermal regimes of nests laid in novel/supplemented nesting habitat as is the case for a significant proportion of nests in the South Florida population of American crocodiles. Here we provide an opportunity to evaluate the importance of creating artificial nesting habitat for American crocodiles where habitat degradation from climate change threatens species survival.

After a Decade of Decline, the US Undocumented Population Increased by 650,000 in 2022

Executive Summary This report describes estimates of the undocumented population residing in the United States in 2022 compiled by the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS). The estimates are based on data collected in the American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the US Census Bureau ( Ruggles et al. 2023 ). The report finds that the undocumented population grew from 10.3 million in 2021 to 10.9 million in 2022, an increase of 650,000. The increase reverses more than a decade of gradual decline. The undocumented populations from 10 countries increased by a total of 525,000: Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and India; El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras in Central America; and Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela in South America. The undocumented population in Florida increased by about 125,000 in 2022, Texas increased by 60,000, New York by 50,000, and Maryland by 45,000. The report explains why undocumented population growth is much less than the number of apprehensions by DHS. Finally, the Appendix provides a detailed description of the CMS methodology.