Population Status Research Articles

Sea ice influence on male polar bear survival in Hudson Bay

Environmental variability and seasonality of resources influence species distribution and demographic parameters such as survival. We quantified the spatiotemporal dynamics of sea ice that remains in Hudson Bay during break-up (remnant ice) and assessed relationships with apparent survival for three age classes of male polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774): subadult (1–4 years), prime age (5–19 years), and senescent (≥20 years) captured in Western Hudson Bay in 1980–2019. Remnant ice distribution varied annually, and we identified ice-related covariates that were correlated with detection probabilities and male apparent survival. Apparent survival declined by 10% for prime age males during the earliest retreat dates within Hudson Bay. Apparent survival for senescent bears declined during earlier sea ice retreat within western Hudson Bay. Subadult apparent survival was time constant and not significantly influenced by sea ice; however, detection probability was higher when remnant ice occurred in the west compared to the eastern half of Hudson Bay. Our results suggest that spatiotemporal sea dynamics at varying spatial scales affected males based on age class, had important impacts on estimating apparent survival, and has implications for assessing population status.

Anthropogenic pressure limits the recovery of a postwar leopard population in central Mozambique

AbstractThe population size and conservation status of wildlife in post‐conflict areas is often uncertain. In Mozambique, decades of armed conflict resulted in large‐scale wildlife population depletion with limited conservation and research opportunities. The African leopard (Panthera pardus) is a large carnivore with great ecological and economic significance, yet their population status is largely unknown within Mozambique. Using camera trapping in conjunction with robust spatially explicit capture‐recapture modeling, we estimated leopard density in 2021 for Coutada 11, a wildlife management area in the postwar Zambezi Delta landscape of central Mozambique. Leopard density was relatively low (1.57 ± 0.37 SE [latent‐mixture‐model] and 1.84 ± 0.41 [sex‐mixture‐model] leopards/100 km2), occurring in the bottom fourth of 161 range‐wide leopard densities, and similar to those from semiarid and human‐dominated landscapes. Prey‐based carrying capacity estimates suggested that leopard density should be at least twice as large. Despite a recent and substantial reduction in poaching activity, evidence of snared leopards indicates that sustained bushmeat poaching, combined with sustainable, but additional legal offtake is suppressing leopard population recovery. This study provides important baseline insight into leopard population density in Mozambique and joins mounting evidence indicating that anthropogenic pressures limit large carnivore populations which is of major national and global concern. We suggest long‐term monitoring of this leopard population to determine trends over time and implement effective conservation interventions in response to population changes. This population clearly has the capacity to recover if hunting quotas are reduced to account for illegal offtake and, more importantly, if anti‐poaching efforts are redoubled to reduce unsustainable anthropogenic mortality of leopards.

Spatially explicit models reveal rodents rapidly colonize soybean fields regardless of pre-planting chemical treatment timing for cover crop removal

Soybean (Glycine max) is among the most important field crops in the world, and the USA is a top global producer, but USA soybean losses have increased because of multitude of factors, including wildlife damage. Although small, terrestrial rodents (Order: Rodentia) are capable of causing substantial damage to soybean and other field crops. Consequently, methods need to be developed that can provide agricultural producers and wildlife managers with accurate information about rodent populations at the field-level. We conducted a multi-site, before-after-intervention study in the midwestern USA to evaluate the effectiveness of varying treatment timings for cover crop reduction/removal prior to soybean planting, which was previously posited as an effective non-lethal approach for reducing rodents in soybean fields and mitigating crop damage. We chemically treated cover crops immediately (control), at two-weeks, and at four-weeks in four fields prior to soybean planting and used hierarchical, spatially explicit models to examine the effects of treatment timing on rodent density from pre-treatment through post-emergence. The control, two-weeks, and four-weeks treatment timings resulted in 81%, 125%, and 189% average increases in rodent densities post-treatment. The number of unique individuals of each detected species also increased post-treatment for all three treatment timings. Thus, varying chemical treatment timing for reducing/removing cover crops prior to soybean planting may be an ineffective non-lethal approach for rodent population management in agroecosystems. Nonetheless, our study provides an illustrative example of an effective, multi-site methodlogy that could be used to reliably evaluate the status of rodent populations and the potential effectiveness of other rodent management methods.

Assessment of the global population size of the Mongolian gazelle Procapra gutturosa

Abstract The Mongolian gazelle Procapra gutturosa is a wild ungulate ubiquitous across the largest remaining temperate grasslands of Mongolia, Russia and China. The species is nomadic and ranges over long distances, resulting in widely fluctuating abundance in any given location. Therefore, a comprehensive and range-wide survey is required to accurately estimate its global population size, but challenges are posed by the expansive geographical distribution and the political boundaries across the species’ vast range. To obtain an estimate of the total population, we compiled data from recent range-wide surveys. During 2019–2020, we estimated the population size in Mongolia by conducting line transect distance surveys and total counts, and by deriving numerical predictions for unsurveyed areas through data analysis. The gazelle's population in Russia was surveyed in 2020 across its summer range using simultaneous counts, transect surveys and expert knowledge. The distance sampling surveys in Mongolia revealed that slightly more than half of the gazelles along the transects were detected. Our assessment of the gazelle population, although probably an underestimate, suggests there are c. 2.14 million individuals in Mongolia and c. 30,000 in Russia. These results confirm that the Mongolian gazelle is the most abundant nomadic ungulate in the open plains across its range. However, to obtain more accurate estimates across all range states and effectively monitor the gazelle's population status, it is essential to implement standardized survey protocols that correct for imperfect detection. At present, the management of the Mongolian gazelle is inadequate, as there is a lack of regular monitoring to identify any adverse population changes that could necessitate conservation interventions.

Development and implementation of ambulatory care pharmacy services at an internal medicine clinic.

This report describes the step-by-step process that led to expansion of ambulatory care pharmacy services at a newly established internal medicine clinic within a patient-centered medical home in North Carolina. Implementation of clinical pharmacist services at the clinic was led by a postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy resident and guided by the 9 steps described in the book Building a Successful Ambulatory Care Practice: A Complete Guide for Pharmacists. After a needs assessment and review of the demographics and insurance status of the clinic's target population, it was determined that pharmacist services would focus on quality measures including diabetes nephropathy screening, diabetes eye examination, blood glucose control in diabetes, discharge medication reconciliation, annual wellness visits, and medication adherence in diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension. Clinic appointments were conducted under 3 models: a pharmacist-physician covisit model, a "floor model" of pharmacist consultation on drug information or medication management issues during medical resident sign-out sessions with supervising physicians (medical residents could also see patients along with the pharmacist at a covisit appointment), and a covisit model of stacked physician and pharmacist appointments. The pharmacist's services were expanded from 2 half-day clinic sessions per week initially to 5 or 6 half-day clinic sessions by the end of the residency year. By the fourth quarter of the first PGY2 residency year in which ambulatory care pharmacy services were provided in the clinic, the clinical and financial impact of those services justified the addition of a second full-time pharmacist to the clinic team.

Association between Blood Parameters of Nutritional Status and Functional Status in Extreme Longevity.

The relationship between functional and nutritional status in the geriatric population remains an issue of debate and there is a gap in the knowledge regarding this field in long-lived individuals. The main aim of this study was to assess the association between selected blood parameters of nutritional status and functional status in extreme longevity. The inclusion criteria were centenarians above 100 years of age who were examined at their homes, and blood samples were collected. The study group consisted of 170 individuals (25 men and 145 women, median age 100.75 years [100.29-101.58]). Total protein and albumin serum concentration was significantly lower in long-lived individuals with severe functional decline compared to individuals with preserved functional status, p = 0.000001 and p = 0.0000, respectively. Iron serum level was significantly higher in the group with preserved functional status, p = 0.04. Preserved functional status was positively correlated with total protein serum concentration (p = 0.000), albumin concentration (p = 0.000), and iron serum level (p = 0.029). A negative correlation was stated between c-reactive protein (CRP) and functional status (p = 0.032). Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the functional status of long-lived individuals depends on total protein (OR 2.89, CI 95% [1.67-5.0]) and albumin concentrations (OR 2.34, CI 95% [1.39-3.92]). Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that a total protein concentration was the only variable independently related to the preserved functional status (OR 3.2, 95% Cl [1.8-5.67]). In long-lived individuals, the total serum protein and albumin levels are lower in centenarians with severe functional decline, and they correlate with functional status. Total protein serum concentration is the only factor independently related to the preserved functional status in extreme longevity.

Analysis of influenza vaccination status and immunization strategy in high-risk population

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses, and the burden of severe disease is commonly seen in high risk populations. Influenza vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, especially for high risk populations. Although some countries have included influenza vaccine in their national immunization programs, influenza vaccination rates remain low globally in high risk populations. The influenza vaccine in China is still a non-immunization program vaccine that is voluntarily vaccinated at its own expense, and the influenza vaccine immunization strategy is different across the country. There is still a gap between the vaccination rate of the influenza vaccine and that of developed countries. It is an urgent problem to further optimize the whole population immunization strategy of influenza vaccine in China, strengthen the publicity of the whole population immunization strategy of influenza vaccine, and reduce the disease burden of influenza in China.

Association of circulating biomarkers with illness severity measures differentiates myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and post-COVID-19 condition: a prospective pilot cohort study.

Accumulating evidence suggests that autonomic dysfunction and persistent systemic inflammation are common clinical features in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID. However, there is limited knowledge regarding their potential association with circulating biomarkers and illness severity in these conditions. This single-site, prospective, cross-sectional, pilot cohort study aimed to distinguish between the two patient populations by using self-reported outcome measures and circulating biomarkers of endothelial function and systemic inflammation status. Thirty-one individuals with ME/CFS, 23 individuals with long COVID, and 31 matched sedentary healthy controls were included. All study participants underwent non-invasive cardiovascular hemodynamic challenge testing (10min NASA lean test) for assessment of orthostatic intolerance. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between outcome measures and circulating biomarkers in the study participants. Classification across groups was based on principal component and discriminant analyses. Four ME/CFS patients (13%), 1 with long COVID (4%), and 1 healthy control (3%) presented postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) using the 10-min NASA lean test. Compared with matched healthy controls, ME/CFS and long COVID subjects showed higher levels of ET-1 (p < 0.05) and VCAM-1 (p < 0.001), and lower levels of nitrites (NOx assessed as NO2- + NO3-) (p < 0.01). ME/CFS patients also showed higher levels of serpin E1 (PAI-1) and E-selectin than did both long COVID and matched control subjects (p < 0.01 in all cases). Long COVID patients had lower TSP-1 levels than did ME/CFS patients and matched sedentary healthy controls (p < 0.001). As for inflammation biomarkers, both long COVID and ME/CFS subjects had higher levels of TNF-α than did matched healthy controls (p < 0.01 in both comparisons). Compared with controls, ME/CFS patients had higher levels of IL-1β (p < 0.001), IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-6 (p < 0.01), IL-10 (p < 0.001), IP-10 (p < 0.05), and leptin (p < 0.001). Principal component analysis supported differentiation between groups based on self-reported outcome measures and biomarkers of endothelial function and inflammatory status in the study population. Our findings revealed that combining biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation with outcome measures differentiate ME/CFS and Long COVID using robust discriminant analysis of principal components. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive characterization of these underlying pathomechanisms, which could be promising targets for therapeutic and preventive strategies in these conditions.

Distribution and survival of medicinal and aromatic plants is threatened by the anticipated climate change

Changing climatic scenarios has been recognized as a prominent threat to biodiversity globally. Given the decline in biodiversity, there are more and more local, national, and global awareness campaigns as well as legislative initiatives devoted to biodiversity conservation. The present study aims to increase our knowledge and understanding of the distribution of six medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Jammu Kashmir, India under present and future climatic scenarios using an ensemble species distribution modelling approach. Results of the present study revealed changes in the habitat range of the plant species due to changing climatic scenarios leading to the expansion or contraction of their distribution range. A significant decline in the suitable habitats of Arisaema jacquemontii, Lamium album, Phytolacca acinosa and Urtica dioica is predicted. Podophyllum hexandrum and Thymus linearis are predicted to expand their distribution ranges, however, losing their currently suitable habitats. Thus, the present study recommends that these MAPs should be prioritized for conservation and abrupt appraisal of their present population status and updated IUCN categorization should be carried out. Furthermore, to provide more reliable information for conservation decision-making under future climate scenarios, more thorough models that take into account both the biotic and abiotic factors contributing to species persistence should be used.

Histopathological findings in stranded Caretta caretta (Linnaeus, 1758) on the Paraná coast, Southern Brazil

Caretta caretta, one of the five sea turtle species in Brazil, is currently listed as globally endangered. While health assessments are crucial for monitoring population status, they are infrequent and lack systematic implementation. Evaluating the health condition of sea turtles can occur through examinations of both live and deceased animals. Carcasses play a pivotal role in identifying diseases and potential threats impacting the species. Therefore, this study presents the histopathological findings from 20 dead stranded C. caretta along the Paraná coast between 2015 and 2021. All individuals underwent measurements, and necropsies were conducted. The mean curved carapace length (cm) was 67.3 ± 6.9 (49.4 – 81.5). Body condition was classified as good in 13 animals, fair in four, poor in two, and undetermined in one. Fourteen females, four males, and two undetermined sexes were registered, with a mean age of 15.8 ± 3,89 (ranging from 9 – 24) years. Evidence of anthropogenic interaction (10 bycatch interactions, 6 marine debris, 2 oil interactions combined with marine debris) was noted in 80.0% of the animals. Histological changes primarily affected the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys, with prominent alterations such as inflammatory infiltrate (interstitial pneumonia, heterophilic splenitis, nephritis, endocarditis), congestion, and hepatic and renal hydropic degeneration. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of pathological findings in stranded wild C. caretta on the Paraná coast, offering valuable insights into the health of these animals and aiding in the conservation efforts to protect their populations.

Analysis of the influence of educational level on the nutritional status and lifestyle habits of the young Spanish population.

This study aims to analyze some nutrition and health habits of young people and the impact of educational attainment on health. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out using surveys. Using non-probabilistic snowball sampling, a previously validated questionnaire was disseminated through networks, collecting a sample of 9,681 people between 18 and 30 years old. Comparative analyses between groups were obtained by clustering and the corresponding statistical tests. The results showed how young people with higher education generally have a lower BMI, a higher healthy nutrition index, less frequent consumption of sugary drinks, and less smoking than their peers with basic education. These healthier habits are reflected in the higher self-perceived health status of the higher-educated group. While for all the educational levels analyzed, the minutes of physical activity practice are above the 150 min recommended by the WHO. Our findings suggest that young people's education level is of fundamental importance for health, particularly for nutritional habits. In general, the lifestyle habits of the young Spanish population are healthy, but there is a need for improvement in those aspects related to nutrition and food.

Population Viability Analysis on Chinese Goral Indicates an Extinction Risk for a Local Population in Beijing, China.

The Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) is identified as a vulnerable species on the Red List of China's Biodiversity and listed as a national second-class key protected wild animal in China. It is a representative flagship ungulate in Beijing. Its distribution range is fragmented and small populations are separated by dense infrastructures and tourism sites. Understanding its population status provides a foundation to plan effective conservation strategies. In this study, a population viability analysis was conducted with VORTEX (10.5.6.0) on a Chinese goral population in Beijing Yunmengshan Nature Reserve with the data collected by camera trapping and parameters referenced from other goral populations. The results show that this population will initially increase in the next 20 years and then decrease with a 32% probability of extinction risk. Supplementation with four adults, two females and two males, every 10 years would help minimize the extinction risk of this population. The results highlight the vital limiting factors for Chinese goral, including the initial population size, sex ratio at birth and mortality of infants (especially female infants). To improve the protection efficiency, detailed population parameters should be further acquired through continuous monitoring of this population. A thorough large-scale study should be carried out on other segregated goral populations in Beijing to facilitate the recovery of this endangered species.

Higher levels of virulence to multiple resistance genes were detected in Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) populations from Texas

AbstractHessian fly is an important pest of wheat worldwide and is of particular importance in Texas and the southeastern United States. Texas is the highest wheat‐producing state that is severely impacted by this insect. The most effective control in these areas is an integrated pest management program, including resistant varieties of wheat. Hessian fly populations are genetically diverse and can rapidly become virulent to specific resistance genes once they are widely deployed in a region. Knowing the current virulence status of regional fly populations is important for wheat breeders and producers. In this study, a virulence analysis was conducted on populations sampled in the northeastern and central Texas regions. This analysis showed that resistance genes H12, H13, H20, H22, H25, H26, H28, H29, H32, H33, H34, and Hdic are still highly effective in these regions. However, it is also evident that Texas fly populations have become more virulent to existing genes in the past 10 years, with very high levels of virulence to resistance genes H3, H5, vH6, H7/H8, H9, H10, H14, H15, H23, H24, H31, and H35/H36.

A study into the current state of Saiga tatarica L. populations with the use of retrospective data

The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica tatarica L., 1766, S) is a prominent ungulate mammal species inhabiting Central Asia. Over the latter half of the 20th century, saiga populations, including the Volga-Ural (Kazakhstan) population, experienced a continuous decline. However, there was a resurgence in their numbers in the 1980s. This study aims to assess the present status of saiga populations, particularly the Volga-Ural (V-U) population, by analyzing existing retrospective data. Our findings reveal that during the 21st century, the saiga population has increased in two key regions: the Volga-Ural and Betpak-Dala (B) populations. Notably, the Northern-Western Population (NWP) habitat saw a drastic 50-fold decline in population, while other populations decreased by 2.0-5.0 times. Despite this decline, the NWP habitat exhibited higher juvenile saiga yields compared to other regions. The resurgence of saiga populations has been significantly influenced by the support of the Government of Kazakhstan, along with the effective efforts of international wildlife conservation organizations and local community engagement.

A new species of Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae) from the pre-Andean regions of Mendoza Province, Argentina

Abstract The genus Ctenomys (Rodentia: Hystricomorpha) includes an impressive diversity of species, all of which have evolved in southern South America. The number of recognized species is currently approaching 70. During the last few decades, taxonomic revisions and new field collections have resulted in both the description of new species and the synonymization of others, suggesting that much of the alpha taxonomy of Ctenomys remains unresolved, particularly when considering the vast areas of distribution that are still unsampled. Both phylogeographic patterns and the fossil record suggest that the Andean Cordillera has played a critical role in the diversification of the genus. Building upon recent, intensive field sampling in the Andean and pre-Andean regions of southern Mendoza Province, I integrated molecular and morphological data to evaluate the taxonomic status of populations of Ctenomys in this region. These analyses revealed a taxonomically-diverse Ctenomys assemblage within which here I provide the description for a new species. Available data indicate that this new species is endemic to southern portions of Mendoza Province, a geographic region that represents the confluence of 3 lineages ‘magellanicus,’ ‘maulinus,’ and ‘mendocinus,’ and that it is thus an area of particular importance for the conservation of these rodents.

Population ageing and national healthcare systems sustainability. A review of world practices

By 2050, the proportion of people over 60 years of age worldwide is expected to be 22 %, and the number of people over 80 is expected to triple by that time, reaching 426 million. Population aging threatens the sustainable functioning of national health care systems, since the increase in the proportion of the elderly population is accompanied by increased costs for the health care system and a decrease in the availability of medical care for other age groups. Based on the analysis and synthesis of data from foreign publications on the impact of population aging on the sustainability of the functioning of national healthcare systems, proposed measures and models of medical care that take into account changes in the age structure of the population are systematized. Analysis of foreign publications made it possible to identify the following challenges for the healthcare system associated with the aging population: rising costs of providing medical care, the need to increase emphasis on preventive measures, increasing prevalence and severity of chronic non-communicable diseases and comorbidity, inequality in access to medical care, expressed in territorial (regional), age and gender aspects, as well as determined by the socio-economic status of a person. Experts suggest that the most obvious and realistic solution to the problem is active prevention of chronic diseases and more intensive monitoring of the health status of the population. Digital solutions that provide disease prevention and remote monitoring of the health status of the elderly population, based on the use of machine learning technologies, artificial intelligence and telemedicine technologies, are identified as promising areas for limiting healthcare costs.

Survey of a snow petrel nesting site in a remote high mountain region to inform designation of an Antarctic Specially Protected Area

Despite the sensitivity of ecosystems in extreme conditions, only 0.029% of the Antarctic continent is currently granted special protection as Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA). Additionally, protected areas are unevenly distributed and unrepresentative of the biodiversity of Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties are thus striving to establish a more coherent network of protected areas. In this context, the Otto-von-Gruber-Gebirge was identified as an area highly worthy of protection due to its unique ecosystem including one of the largest snow petrel breeding sites, and relative pristine nature. However, in the process of designation, an update of knowledge, particularly of the population status of snow petrel in the area, was recognized to be needed. This study was aimed at estimating a population census of snow petrel breeding pairs in the Lake Untersee catchment, an important subarea of the potentially protected area. Investigations were severely limited by the remoteness and harsh conditions of the area, enabling only a short fieldwork period with limited resources. Thus, a combination of remote sensing and traditional methods was applied. We conducted a ground survey of a smaller reference area, including locating nest sites and assessing nest site characteristics. Snow petrels usually nest in the cavities of large boulders and we thus classified habitat suitability based on boulder presence. To do so, the study area was remotely surveyed by unpiloted aerial vehicles to gain orthophotomosaics in sufficient resolution to distinguish on-ground conditions for breeding. We then calculated nest site densities for the reference area. We also studied nest site data such as nest cavity depth, orientation, and attendance to gain basic knowledge of the characteristics of the breeding site. Finally, we measured a sample of four live snow petrels to determine which morph was present at the site. We were able to obtain nest site data and to extrapolate it, which produced population numbers of 11,765 breeding pairs for the whole study area. This underpins the size of the breeding site and thereby its importance for the species.

Successful conservation translocation: Population dynamics of tiger recovery in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India

Abstract Tiger (Panthera tigris) is an indicator species of ecological health and conservation efforts. Due to poaching and other causes, the tiger became locally extinct in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India. Subsequent reintroduction efforts have brought the species back from the extinction and have demonstrated the success of conservation translocations in response to such critical situations. We studied the demographic characteristics of the reintroduced tiger population based on an ensemble approach of different sampling techniques and direct observations from a long‐term dataset spanning more than 10 years. We evaluated different demographic indicators (population status, growth rate, mean litter size, inter‐birth interval and survival probability). Since reintroduction in 2009 and until the reporting period, 18 females have recruited 120 cubs from 45 litters. This led to 59 individuals in 2021 with a growth rate of ~26%. The mean litter size was 2.66 (SE 0.1), and the inter‐birth interval was 19.16 months (SE 0.5). The high survival rate of the reintroduced population (0.82 ± 0.2) helped to achieve the success of reintroduction. We observed non‐constant mortality trajectories for both sexes (higher survival probabilities for females) with a moderately higher risk of death in younger (&lt;1 year) and older (&gt;10 years) individuals. Our results showed the effectiveness of translocation and conservation efforts. The recovered population can be used as a founder for augmentation in other recovering tiger populations. A long‐term tiger‐centric management plan should be implemented in the area adjacent to Panna Tiger Reserve to conserve and secure the habitat of the entire landscape for the long‐term survival of the reintroduced population in a metapopulation framework.

Anoikis-related gene signatures predict prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients and reveal immune infiltration.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), a type of lung cancer, is one of the most aggressive and deadly malignancies worldwide. Malignant tumor cells exhibit strong anti-anoikis properties to achieve distant metastasis through the circulatory system. However, more research is needed to understand how anoikis is involved in the progression, metastasis and especially the prognosis of LUAD. We obtained anoikis-related genes (ARGs) from two websites, Harmonizome and Genecards, and integrated them to select and model the genes associated with LUAD prognosis. In addition, we investigated differences in the immune cell microenvironment and pathways of enrichment analysis between subtypes. We finally constructed a nomogram based on ARGs and used decision curve analysis (DCA) to demonstrate that this model could help clinicians make clinical decisions. Sixty-four differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be associated with survival, and of these, six were chosen to build a prognostic model. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the model had a satisfactory predictive ability. Enrichment analysis and immune microenvironment analysis revealed that the immune status and drug sensitivity of populations at high and low risk were different. We integrated the clinicopathological features of LUAD with the risk score to build the nomogram. The nomogram was shown to be a good predictor of short- and long-term survival in LUAD patients through DCA analysis. This new model based on six ARGs and nomograms in our study could help patients with LUAD develop personalized treatment plans.

Preventing multi-resistance: New insights for managing fungal adaptation.

Sustainable crop protection is vital for food security, yet it is under threat due to the adaptation of a diverse and evolving pathogen population. Resistance can be managed by maximising the diversity of selection pressure through dose variation and the spatial and temporal combination of active ingredients. This study explores the interplay between operational drivers for maximising the sustainability of management strategies in relation to the resistance status of fungal populations. We applied an experimental evolution approach to three artificial populations of Zymoseptoria tritici, an economically significant wheat pathogen, each differing in initial resistance status. Our findings reveal that diversified selection pressure curtails the selection of resistance in naïve populations and those with low frequencies of single resistance. Increasing the number of modes of action most effectively delays resistance development, surpassing the increase in the number of fungicides, fungicide choice based on resistance risk, and temporal variation in fungicide exposure. However, this approach favours generalism in the evolved populations. The prior presence of multiple resistant isolates and their subsequent selection in populations override the effects of diversity in management strategies, thereby invalidating any universal ranking. Therefore, the initial resistance composition must be specifically considered in sustainable resistance management to address real-world field situations.