Reduction In Population Research Articles

Irrigation rates and frequency affect tall fescue color and weed encroachment

AbstractDrought tolerance in turfgrass species and optimal irrigation strategies are key to addressing the need for water conservation in our landscapes. Preliminary findings on tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinacea (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. Cons] in western Oregon have determined that this species can persist at a high‐quality level with very little evapotranspiration (ET) replacement. Research on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in western Oregon has suggested deficit ET replacement is also a viable weed management tool. Considering these preliminary findings, the objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of reference evapotranspiration (ETref) replacement levels, irrigation intervals, and a no irrigation control treatment on tall fescue appearance and weed encroachment. This research was conducted in western Oregon on a silty clay loam soil. Factors in this experiment included two irrigation frequencies (once or four times a week) and two ETref replacement rates (45% and 80%) compared to a control treatment (no irrigation). The 80% ETref replacement rate resulted in the greatest turf color, followed closely by the 45% ETref replacement treatment. The no irrigation control treatment was able to sustain acceptable turfgrass color for most of the year, with the exception during the month of August. Tall fescue will remain visually acceptable when soil volumetric water content is maintained around 15% or greater in a silty clay loam. The no irrigation control treatment also produced substantial reductions in weed populations (annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and annual grasses).

Behavioral and demographic response of small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) to experimental population reduction

Behavioral and demographic response of small Indian mongooses (<i>Urva auropunctata</i>) to experimental population reduction

Targeted dual biologic therapy for erythroderma of unknown etiology guided by high-parameter peripheral blood immunophenotyping

Erythroderma is a severe and heterogeneous inflammatory skin condition with little guidance on the approach to management in cases of unknown etiology. To guide therapeutic selection, we sought to create an immunophenotyping platform able to identify aberrant cell populations and cytokines in subtypes of erythroderma. We performed high-parameter flow cytometry on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and whole blood of a patient with refractory idiopathic erythroderma, erythrodermic patients with Sézary syndrome and pityriasis rubra pilaris, and healthy controls. We found that the index patient had a novel form of erythroderma characterized by increased interleukin (IL)-13- and IL-17-producing γVδ2 T cells, basophils, and activated platelets. Whole-genome sequencing of PBMCs and immunofluorescence staining of skin biopsies revealed increased expression of Th2- (IL-13, IL-4Rα) and Th17-associated markers (IL-17, IL-17Rα) and non-functional mutations associated with Th2 and Th17 signaling, demonstrating that PBMCs can reflect cutaneous disease pathology. Targeted intervention via dual dupilumab and secukinumab therapy resulted in complete disease control and reduction of immunopathogenic cell populations and cytokines. This study highlights a novel form of erythroderma with concomitant Th2 and Th17 dysregulation and introduces a minimally invasive peripheral blood-based immunophenotyping platform that offers a personalized medicine approach to the management of systemic inflammatory diseases.

Confirmation of glyphosate-resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) in New York

Abstract Waterhemp has become a serious management challenge for New York (NY) field crop growers. Two putative glyphosate-resistant (GR) waterhemp populations (NY1 and NY2) were collected in 2023 from two soybean fields in Seneca County, NY. The objectives of this research were to (1) confirm and characterize the level of glyphosate resistance in waterhemp populations from NY relative to a known glyphosate-susceptible Nebraska (NE_SUS) population and (2) evaluate the efficacy of various postemergence (POST) herbicides for GR waterhemp control. Based on the shoot dry weight reductions (GR50 values) in a dose-response study, the NY1 and NY2 populations exhibited 5.6- to 8.3-fold resistance to glyphosate compared with the NE_SUS population. In a separate study, POST herbicides such as dicamba, glufosinate, lactofen, and 2,4-D applied alone or in a mixture with glyphosate or glufosinate had provided 89% to 99% control and ≥ 97% shoot dry weight reduction of NY1 and NY2 populations 21 days after treatment (DAT). Greater than 98% control of the NE_SUS population was achieved with tested POST herbicides, except mesotrione (62% control). Furthermore, atrazine, chlorimuron + thifensulfuron, and mesotrione were the least effective in controlling NY1 and NY2 populations (42% to 59% control and 50% to 67% shoot dry weight reductions, respectively). These results confirm the first report of GR waterhemp in NY. Growers should adopt effective alternative POST herbicides tested in this study to manage GR waterhemp.

Low carryover risk of late-season soybean herbicides to newly planted sugarcane

Abstract Numerous annual and perennial weeds infest sugarcane. End-season weed infestations are managed before sugarcane is replanted by fallowing (cultivation and sequential glyphosate applications) or by rotating to glyphosate-tolerant soybean in Louisiana. With the occurrence of perennial grasses and glyphosate-resistant weeds, growers need to utilize alternative late POST (LPOST) herbicide programs in soybean to reduce weed infestations in newly planted sugarcane (soybean-sugarcane rotation). Current rotational restrictions limit the use of acifluorfen, clethodim, fomesafen, and quizalofop to control troublesome weeds before soybean harvest and the subsequent planting of sugarcane. However, there is a lack of information on the carryover effects of these soybean herbicides on newly planted sugarcane. Field experiments were conducted at Schriever and St. Gabriel, LA, in 2017-2018 and 2020-2021 to determine sugarcane injury and yield component response to herbicides labeled for LPOST applications in soybean, including acifluorfen, clethodim, fomesafen, lactofen, and quizalofop, applied at the field-use rates (1X) 45 d prior to or immediately after sugarcane planting. Separate field experiments were conducted at those two locations in LA in 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 to determine sugarcane injury and yield component response to five rates of fomesafen applied immediately after sugarcane planting. Results of the herbicide screening experiment showed no reductions in sugarcane shoot and stalk population, stalk height, sugarcane yield, sucrose content, or sucrose yield from the selected herbicides at either application timing. Fomesafen applied at 790 (2X) and 1,580 (4X) g ha-1 resulted in 7% and 13% average visible injury to sugarcane at 27 d after treatment (DAT), respectively; injury symptoms persisted until 62 DAT. Transient injury observed at 62 DAT did not correspond to reduced sugarcane stalk population, height, sucrose content, sugarcane yield, or sucrose yield. This research indicates a potentially low risk of carryover and yield losses in newly planted sugarcane from late-season applications of selected soybean herbicides.

Inclusion of Black Soldier Fly Larval Oil in Ruminant Diets Influences Feed Consumption, Nutritional Digestibility, Ruminal Characteristics, and Methane Estimation in Thai-Indigenous Steers.

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of black soldier fly larval oil (BSFO) on feed consumption, nutritional digestibility, ruminal characteristics and methane (CH4) estimation in Thai-indigenous steers. Four male Thai native steers (Bos indicus) weighing 383 ± 9.0 kg were used in this investigation. The experimental design employed was a 4 × 4 Latin square, involving four cattle assigned to four dietary treatments. These treatments included a basal diet (control group) and a concentrate diet containing varying levels of BSFO at 1%, 2% and 4% DM, respectively. Rice straw intakes, and total and nutritional intakes of organic matter (OM), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (and) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) decreased significantly and linearly with the amount of BSFO incorporated (p < 0.05). The digestibility of DM and OM changed quadratically (p < 0.05) across different BSFO inclusion doses, with the highest values of 65.6% and 69.0%, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of BSFO improved the EE digestibility (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. The addition of various BSFO doses did not result in significant changes in ruminal pH, temperature, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) levels or blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) (p > 0.05). However, the introduction of increasing amounts of BSFO into the diet led to a reduction in protozoal populations (p < 0.01). When rumen fluid was sampled at 0 and 4 h after feeding, the 2% BSFO-treated group had a greater propionic acid level (p < 0.05) than the no-BSFO-fed group. The CH4 estimate in the rumen of the steers exhibited notable variations among those administered different doses of BSFO (p < 0.05), with a linear decline observed as the oil dose increased. In conclusion, the inclusion of 2% BSFO in diets led to enhanced digestibility and higher propionic acid concentrations, along with reductions in protozoal population and CH4 emissions.

Inhibition of Salmonella enterica and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli by Ethanolic Extracts of Pomegranate Peels

This study compared the effect of phenolics extracted from four different types of pomegranate peels for controlling the growth of Salmonella enterica and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli. Cells of the two bacterial cultures (5 log CFU/mL) were treated in tryptic soy broth containing 0, 1, or 2% ethanolic extracts of four pomegranate peels for 5, 10, or 24 h at 25 °C. The surviving cells were recovered on a general-purpose agar and a selective medium. The extracts of three products were more effective (p ≤ 0.05) against E. coli than the extract of the remaining product, which had a similar activity to the extracts of two of the products used against S. enterica. Longer treatment time and higher extract concentration resulted in greater pathogen population reductions. The bacterial strains used had varied susceptibility to the extracts. Reductions in cell population positively correlated with the total contents of hydrolyzable tannins in the treatment systems. These findings suggested that ethanolic extracts of evaluated pomegranate peels had inhibitory activities against the two bacterial pathogens. This highlights the potential of pomegranate peels as a promising natural alternative to conventional antimicrobials for controlling foodborne pathogens like S. enterica and E. coli.

Semi-field experiments reveal contrasted predation and movement patterns of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators of Anopheles gambiae larvae

BackgroundMembers of the Anopheles gambiae complex are major malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. Their larval stages inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats in which, under natural circumstances, they are preyed upon by different taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators. Understanding the potential impact of predators on malaria vector larval population dynamics is important for enabling integrated local mosquito control programmes with a stronger emphasis on biocontrol approaches. This study experimentally evaluated the predation efficacy and foraging strategy of three common aquatic macroinvertebrate predators of An. gambiae, diving beetles (Coleoptera), backswimmers (Hemiptera), and dragonfly nymphs (Odonata) in a semi-field system in South-Eastern Tanzania.MethodsAn array of alternating small and large basins used as aquatic habitats was created in two compartments of a semi-field system and filled with well water. Field-collected adult diving beetles, backswimmers or dragonfly nymphs were randomly assigned to these habitats and Anopheles arabiensis larvae were added as prey in half of the habitats. The number of mosquito larvae consumed, predator mobility across habitats and mortality were recorded at 24, 48 and 72 h.ResultsThe presence of An. gambiae larvae in habitats significantly increased the survival of backswimmer and dragonfly nymphs, which are not mobile. In contrast, diving beetles survived well under any initial condition by preferentially flying away from habitats without prey to nearby larger habitats with prey. The larval predation rates of predacious diving beetle, backswimmer and dragonfly nymphs were stable over time at a mean of 3.2, 7.0 and 9.6 larvae consumed each day.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that aquatic macroinvertebrate predators display adaptive foraging behaviour in response to prey presence and aquatic habitat size. It also confirms the ability of these predators to significantly reduce An. gambiae larval densities in aquatic habitats, thus their potential for consideration as additional biocontrol tools for mosquito population reduction.

Sirt6, Deubiquitinated and Stabilised by USP9X, Takes Essential Actions on the Pathogenesis of Experimental Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis by Regulating CD4+ T Cells.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) presents with symptoms that significantly affect patients' daily lives. Long-term MG therapies may lead to substantial side effects, predominantly due to prolonged immune suppression. Sirt6, which plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and is recognised for its involvement in cytokine production in immune cells, has not yet been explored in relation to MG. PBMCs and CD4+ T cells were isolated from blood samples. RT-qPCR, western blot and ELISA were used to assess the expression of target genes and proteins. Flow cytometry was used to identify the subsets of T helper cells. Co-IP was conducted to investigate the interaction between USP9X and Sirt6. Finally, the experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) model was established. In MG patients, Sirt6 levels were downregulated compared to healthy controls. Sirt6 overexpression led to a reduction in Th1 and Th17 cell populations while augmenting Treg cells in PBMCs. USP9X interacted with Sirt6, leading to its deubiquitination and stabilisation. Elevated Sirt6 levels subsequently mitigated symptoms in the EAMG model. The stabilisation of Sirt6, mediated by USP9X, has been found to relieve symptoms of EAMG by influencing the subtypes of T helper cells. This highlights the promising potential of Sirt6 as a viable therapeutic target in the treatment of MG.

Knockout of the ING5 epigenetic regulator confirms roles in stem cell maintenance and tumor suppression in vivo.

INhibitor of Growth (ING1-5) proteins are epigenetic readers that target histone acetyltransferase (HAT) or histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes to the H3K4Me3 mark of active transcription. ING5 targets Moz/Morf and HBO1 HAT complexes that alter acetylation of H3 and H4 core histones, affecting gene expression. Previous experiments in vitro indicated that ING5 functions to maintain stem cell character in normal and in cancer stem cells. Here we find that CRISPR/Cas9 ING5 knockout (KO) mice are sub-fertile but show no decrease in lifespan or ability to heal wounds despite indications of depleted stem cell pools in several tissues. ING5 KO mouse embryo fibroblasts accumulate in G2 of the cell cycle, have high levels of abnormal nuclei and show high basal levels of the γH2AX indicator of DNA damage. KO animals also develop severe dermatitis at a 5-fold higher rate that wild-type littermates. Consistent with ING5 serving a tumor suppressive role, ING5 KO mice developed germinal centre diffuse large B-cell lymphomas at a rate 6-fold higher than control mice at 18 months of age. These data suggest that ING5 functions in vivo to maintain stem cell character in multiple organs, that reduction of stem cell populations is not limiting for murine lifespan and that like a subset of other ING family members, ING5 functions as a tumor suppressor in hematopoietic cells in vivo.

Особенности пространственного и экономико-демографического развития китайского города Хэйхэ

The trend for high-quality development in various areas of Chinese society is spreading to border areas under the modern border management model that combines security and economic empowerment. The leading role is given to the economic growth of cities on the border and attracting residents from internal Chinese regions to live in the border area. The purpose of the work is to determine the influence of spatial, economic and demographic factors on the development of the territory of the northeastern city of Heihe, bordering Russia, within the framework of the updated strategy for regional coordinated development and the strategy for transforming border areas. The study used a systematic method, which made it possible to identify patterns of spatial development of the border city of Heihe, and a statistical method, which contributed to the consideration of quantitative characteristics of the economic and demographic development of Heihe. The article draws attention to the fact that the spatial and economic development of border Heihe is based on the formation of an innovative industrial center, a modernized agricultural base, and a territory of ‘openness’ in Northeast Asia with a developed transport infrastructure. It is substantiated that the revival of the city of Heihe is due to transformations of the agricultural complex and mining industry with the introduction of high-tech innovations. The leading role is given to Chinese-Russian cooperation, which is expanding every year. All strategic projects of Heihe depend on the effective solution of such demographic problems as the reduction in the city's population, the outflow of population to other regions and the aging population. The materials of the article can be used by Russian authorities in the development of territories bordering China, and also serve as the basis for further research on this topic.

New formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for the control of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 (Diptera, Culicidae) in an effluent treatment pond

Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 (Diptera, Culicidae) has relevance in health due to their role in transmitting pathogens that cause diseases such as Bancroftian filariasis, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever, Saint Louis encephalitis, Zika virus and Mayaro virus. Subsequent monitoring and control of these vectors are crucial to minimize the circulation of these pathogens. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis de Barjac, 1978 (Bti) is a bacterium that produces toxins with specific entomopathogenic action, distinguishing it from synthetic insecticides due to its high specificity and lower susceptibility to resistance. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of new Bti-based formulations for controlling C. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes under field conditions. Product BR 101 demonstrated satisfactory efficacy for up to five days, achieving a peak population reduction of 94.97% on the third day post-application, followed by a gradual population recovery. The product proved effective for C. quinquefasciatus control without affecting abiotic factors, offering an efficient option for reducing vector density with minimal impact on non-target fauna due to its selectivity.

Eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from guajava leaves extract for controlling organophosphorus pesticides hazards, characterization, and in-vivo toxicity assessment

This study explores an eco-friendly approach to mitigate risks associated with organophosphorus insecticides, particularly Chlorpyrifos, by synthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Psidium guajava leaf extract and preparing a nanocomposite (AgNPs/S18) with Chlorpyrifos pesticide. The green-synthesized AgNPs and AgNPs/S18 nanocomposite were characterized using various analytical techniques, confirming the successful synthesis of AgNPs with an average size of 37 nm and forming a stable nanocomposite. Antibacterial assays demonstrated significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with AgNPs showing an 87.8% reduction and the nanocomposite achieving a 72% reduction in bacterial population. Cytotoxicity evaluations on normal liver and liver cancer cell lines revealed enhanced cytotoxicity of the nanocomposite compared to AgNPs alone, suggesting potential applications in targeted therapies. In vivo studies on rats revealed the protective effects of AgNPs and the nanocomposite against Chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity in liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses showed both treatments, particularly the nanocomposite, significantly mitigated cellular damage caused by Chlorpyrifos exposure. These findings suggest that green-synthesized AgNPs and their nanocomposite with Chlorpyrifos offer a promising approach to reducing pesticide hazards while maintaining efficacy. This research contributes to developing safer alternatives in pest management, addressing the need for more environmentally friendly agricultural practices while protecting human health and ecosystems.

Muscle Mass Index Decline as a Predictor of Lung Function Reduction in the General Population.

This study explores the link between muscle mass decline and lung function deterioration, which can worsen respiratory health by reducing exercise capacity and quality of life. The relationship between muscle mass index (MMI) changes and lung function in the general population remains unclear, especially as muscle mass fluctuates with aging. We aimed to clarify this dynamic relationship by examining how changes in muscle mass impact pulmonary function and the development of respiratory symptoms. We utilized the Ansan and Ansung Cohort Study of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) database, a large-scale prospective cohort, enrolling participants aged 40 to 69 years with lung function and body composition measurements. Over 12 years, data were collected biannually. The study assessed associations between changes in MMI and lung function trends, with cT1-T3 calculated using the linear regression coefficient and stratified by tertile. Survival analysis was then performed to examine differences in time to first airflow obstruction (AFO) and exacerbation among the tertiles. A total of 2956 participants were enrolled in this study. At baseline, participants with higher MMI tended to be younger, had fewer co-morbidities and exhibited better lung function. Those with a steeper MMI decline rate exhibited a more rapid forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decline over a 12-year follow-up (cT1: 43.3 mL/year, cT2: 38.4 mL/year, cT3: 33.2 mL/year, p < 0.001). Forced vital capacity (FVC) decline were more pronounced in groups with greater MMI decline rates (cT1: 38.5 mL/year, cT2: 32.8 mL/year, cT3: 26.0 mL/year, p < 0.001). Although, the time to first AFO did not differ significantly among T1-T3 groups, the time to first exacerbation related to wheezing event was significantly lower in cT3 group than in cT1 group (HR: 0.786, 95% CI: 0.629, 0.982). A faster decline in MMI was associated with more rapid decline of both FEV1 and FVC and a higher risk of developing exacerbations of respiratory symptom. Although AFO was not associated with changes in MMI, further research is needed to explore the long-term relationships between muscle mass and the effects of preventive interventions aimed at maintaining muscle mass and respiratory health.

Hyper-FDB-INFO Algorithm for Optimal Placement and Sizing of FACTS Devices in Wind Power-Integrated Optimal Power Flow Problem

In this study, firstly, the balance between the exploration and exploitation capabilities of the weighted mean of vectors (INFO) algorithm was developed using the fitness–distance balance (FDB) method. Then, the FDB-INFO algorithm was developed with a hyper-heuristic method to create the beginning optimal population by using Linear Population Reduction Success History-based Adaptive Differential Evolution (LSHADE) and a novel Hyper-FDB-INFO algorithm was presented. Finally, the developed Hyper-FDB-INFO algorithm was applied to solve the optimal placement and sizing of FACTS devices for the optimal power flow (OPF) problem incorporating wind energy sources. Moreover, determining the placement and sizing of FACTS devices is an additional problem to minimize the total cost of generation and reducing the power losses of the power system. The experimental results showed that the Hyper-FDB-INFO algorithm is a more effective solver than the SHADE-SF, INFO, FDB-INFO and Hyper-INFO algorithms for wind power and FACTS devices integrating the OPF problem.

Assessment of molluscicidal activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil against Eobania vermiculata under laboratory and field conditions.

The present study focused on assessing the impact of clove oil on adult snails, specifically Eobania vermiculata, due to their detrimental effects on plants and crops. Our investigation aimed to explore both the lethal and sub-lethal toxicity of clove oil under laboratory and field conditions, with the goal of elucidating the mechanisms underlying its toxic effects on E. vermiculata. Snails were exposed to various concentrations of clove oil for one week to determine the LC50, which was calculated to be 5.25% v/v (4.029-6.087). To investigate the molluscicidal effects of clove oil, snails were divided into three groups: control, vehicle-treated (1 % Tween 80), and treated group exposed to sub-lethal concentration (½ LC₅₀) of clove oil for one week. Compared to the control group, the exposure to ½ LC₅₀ of clove oil for 7 days resulted in significant increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Conversely, the level of acetylecholnstrase (AChE) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was decreased. Furthermore, testosterone (T) and estrogen (E) levels were significantly reduced. Histological and ultrastructural studies revealed significant tissue disorganization. Additionally, Comet assay results confirmed the genotoxic potential of clove oil on E. vermiculata. Field trials demonstrated a higher reduction in snail populations in plots treated with methomyl (80% and 92% reduction after 7 and 14 days, respectively) compared to those treated with clove oil (64% and 73% reduction, respectively). While slightly less effective than methomyl, clove oil offers a valuable, natural, and residue-free alternative for eco-friendly snail management.

The Survivability of Bacterial Contaminants on a Retracted Stainless-Steel Needle Within a Novel Vascular Access Device

Highlights Abstract Background: Over-the-needle (OTN) peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are crucial in modern medicine. However, the OTN design allows for direct catheter-to-skin contact during insertion, leaving the sterile catheter at risk for bacterial contamination from the skin. A novel through-the-needle (TTN) PIVC design aims to minimize this risk by shielding the sterile catheter during insertion with the introducer needle. This needle then permanently retracts into the device housing and remains with the patient. In this study, we evaluate the survivability of bacterial contaminants on the retracted needle to address concerns about potential infection risks associated with this design. Methods: Fifteen TTN PIVC devices were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (101 to 102 CFU) on the outer surface of the needle. After needle retraction, devices were stored for 0, 24, 72, and 120 hours. At each time point, devices were processed, and bacterial survival was quantified using standard microbiological techniques. Results: The initial bacterial load (105.1 ± 51.4 CFU per device) decreased significantly over time. By 72 hours, bacterial count had reduced to 1.4 ± 2.4 CFU per device, representing a 98.7% reduction (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant change was observed between 72 and 120 hours. The most substantial decline occurred within the first 72 hours, with the difference between 0 hours and both 72 and 120 hours being statistically significant (P = 0.016 for both). Conclusions: The significant reduction in bacterial population on the retracted needle over time suggests a low risk of bacterial propagation within the TTN PIVC device. These findings indicate that the TTN design effectively addresses catheter contamination concerns during insertion without introducing additional infection risks due to needle retention.

The Protective Effect of IL-17A in Pneumonic Plague Can Be Compensated by Effective Vaccines and Immunization Strategies in Mice.

Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, poses a public health threat not only due to sporadic outbreaks across the globe but also due to its potential as a biothreat agent. Ironically, among the seven deadliest pandemics in global history, three were caused by Y. pestis. Pneumonic plague, the more contagious and severe form of the disease, is difficult to contain, requiring either prophylactic antibiotic treatment or vaccination. However, no vaccine (live attenuated or subunit) is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, requiring rigorous preclinical studies in different animal models, thus forming the basis of this study. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and immune responses of two live attenuated vaccines (LAVs), LMA and LMP, either alone or in combination with a trivalent adenoviral vector-based vaccine (Ad5-YFV), in IL-17A-depleted and IgG control mice by using an anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody (mAb) or its matched isotype IgG, respectively. Methods: IL-17A mAb or IgG isotype control was administered to mice twice per week to their respective groups during the course of immunization. Serum, spleens, and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected for assessing immunological responses, and another cohort of mice was intranasally challenged with a lethal dose of parental Y. pestis CO92. Results: Robust humoral and cellular immune responses followed by complete protection were observed in all vaccinated animals against highly lethal intranasal challenge doses of parental Y. pestis CO92. Serum IgG titers to YscF and overall mucosal IgA titers to all three antigens of the Ad5-YFV vaccine were significantly lower, with slightly reduced serum LcrV-neutralizing antibodies when IL-17A was depleted compared to IgG control animals during the course of immunization. A remarkable reduction in Th1 (IFNγ or IL-2) and Th17 cell populations was observed in IL-17A-depleted mice compared to IgG controls in response to vaccination. On the other hand, B cell activities in germinal centers, overall activated antigen-specific T cells, and memory B and T cells remained at comparable levels in both vaccinated IL-17A-depleted and IgG control mice. Conclusions: These data demonstrated the effectiveness of our vaccines even under the reduced levels of both Th1 and Th17 responses and thus should be suitable for those individuals associated with certain immune deficiencies.

Pasture and diurnal temperature are key predictors of regional Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) distribution.

The Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale interrupta) is a small carnivore native to central North America that has experienced significant population reductions, and there is a lack of information about the species that could inform conservation. Our study aimed to address knowledge gaps about the distribution and habitat associations of the species in South Dakota using species distribution modeling. We used species location data collected from state natural resource managers, trappers, and members of online social media groups dedicated to hunting and wildlife conservation; environmental predictors; and 6 predictive modeling algorithms (i.e., artificial neural networks, artificial classification tree analysis, generalized boosting models, maximum entropy, multivariate adaptive regression splines, and random forests) to develop climate and landcover ensemble distribution models. The most important climate and landcover predictors were mean temperature diurnal range (i.e., average monthly differences between daily high and low temperatures) and proportion of area classified as pasture. Ensemble model concordance identified approximately 31,300 km2 of potential Plains Spotted Skunk habitat primarily in eastern South Dakota and between the watersheds of the Missouri and James rivers. Our results offer insights that can guide conservation and inform effective management strategies for conserving Plains Spotted Skunk populations in the northern Great Plains. The promotion of low-intensity agricultural practices such as maintaining pastures, farm buildings, fences rows, and the management of woodland encroachment may improve habitat suitability and facilitate the recovery of plains spotted skunks in the region.

Projected health benefits of air pollution reductions in a Swedish population.

A large part of the Swedish population is exposed to higher levels of air pollution than the health-centered air quality guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The aim of the study was to illustrate the potential health benefits of cleaner air in Sweden by conducting a comprehensive health impact assessment, using a population sample of 100,000 individuals representing the country's demographics. Exposure-response functions for various health outcomes were derived from epidemiological literature, mainly from systematic reviews and low-exposure settings. Two hypothetical scenarios were studied: a 1 µg/m3 decrease in particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5µm (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and a reduction in PM2.5 or NO2 from average exposure corresponding to Sweden's Clean Air objectives to WHO's air quality guidelines. The findings demonstrated that even a modest decrease in air pollution concentrations can yield significant health benefits. For example, reducing PM2.5 by 1 µg/m3 was projected to correspond to a 1% to 2% decrease in mortality, a 2% reduction in myocardial infarction cases, a 4% decrease in stroke incidence, a 2% decline in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a 1% decreases in lung cancer and type 2 diabetes annually. Moreover, this reduction is estimated to lower childhood asthma cases, incidences of hypertension during pregnancy, and premature births by 3%, 3% and 2%, respectively, each year. The results highlighted that even minor enhancements in air quality would lead to substantial improvements in public health.