Population Status Research Articles

Validating a portable device for groundwater iron measurement in Bangladesh

The mineral iron is essential for health at an optimum level. In Bangladesh iron is obtained from the drinking source groundwater, attributing largely to the good iron status in population. This groundwater iron poses two scenarios—predominantly high in many areas and predominantly low in other areas. Despite good iron status, burden of anemia in population is high. To control anemia, iron supplementation programs are operational against the backdrop of high iron status. This often leads to iron-associated side effects, plausibly due to excess iron, especially among the individuals exposed to high amount of iron from the drinking water. This geological phenomenon warrants the supplementation program to deliver different doses depending on the groundwater iron level. To enable that, the country needs an area-representative “mapping” of groundwater iron. However, such a mapping using the gold standard laboratory methods is expensive and logistically intensive. The aim of the study is to validate Handheld Colorimeter (HI721 Checker® HC), a portable device (“spot kit” device) to measure iron concentration in the drinking groundwater. The study was carried out in the rural Belkuchi upazila of the Sirajganj district in the Rajshahi division. In the study 25 tubewells were selected and categorized into five groups. Among them, four were categorized based on their iron concentration, low iron conc. (0-<1 mg/L), medium iron conc. (1-2 mg/L), high iron conc. (2-10 mg/L), very high iron conc. (>10 mg/L). One additional group was included for tubewell water that was used after filtering. The study compared the iron estimates measured in groundwater samples of the selected tube wells by the spot kit device and the same samples measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). There was a high agreement between the estimates by the spot kit and AAS (Kappa coefficient= 0.72, p <0.001; Lin’s concordance = 0.829, p < 0.001). Pitman's test of difference in variance exhibited that the two methods produced equally precise results (r=0.227, p=0.275). The study concluded that the Handheld Colorimeter (HI721 Checker® HC) was valid to measure the iron concentration of groundwater under field conditions. This device can facilitate testing processes, particularly in remote or resource-constrained areas where sophisticated testing methods (i.e: AAS) are unavailable and thus may help the re-design of the anemia control program in settings like Bangladesh with high and variable level of iron in the drinking groundwater.

Estimates of Effective Number of Breeders Identify Drivers of Decline in Mid-Atlantic Brook Trout Populations.

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations have experienced marked declines throughout their native range and are presently threatened due to isolation in small habitat fragments, land use changes, and climate change. The existence of numerous, spatially distinct populations poses substantial challenges for monitoring population status (e.g., abundance, recruitment, or occupancy). Genetic monitoring with estimates of effective number of breeders (N b) provides a potentially powerful metric to complement existing population monitoring, assessment, and prioritization. We estimated N b for 71 Brook Trout habitat units in mid-Atlantic region of the United States and obtained a mean N b of 73.2 (range 6.90-493). Our modeling approach tested whether N b estimates were sensitive to differences in habitat size, presence of non-native salmonids, base flow index, temperature, acidic precipitation, and indices of anthropogenic disturbance. We found significant support for three of our hypotheses including the positive influences of available habitat and base flow index and negative effect of temperature. Our results are consistent with presently observed and predicted future impacts of climate change on populations of this cold-water fish. Importantly, these findings support the use of N b in population assessments as an index of relative population status.

Brief Report on The Population Survey Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis [Raffles,1821]) in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Survey on the population and distribution of long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis [Raffles, 1821]) in the administrative areas of West Nusa Tenggara Province have been conducted during June-July 2024 to examine the distribution and population status on the macaque. The on-road reconnaissance survey, interview and literature studies have applied to collect data. We recorded 6146 individuals from 307 groups of long-tailed macaques in eight regencies. Of the 6146 individuals of long-tailed macaques, 1532 individuals are recorded living in conservation area, while 4614 individuals live in outside conservation area, respectively. The number of individuals and troops of the monkey showed us the minimum number that can be recorded. Further study needs to be conducted in addressed to dig more information on the existence of long-tailed macaque in West Nusa Tenggara. Furthermore, population information and distribution of long-tailed macaques could be the basic knowledge on the population management efforts in the future.

Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) population status, reasons for decline and potential conservation measures from Western and Central Europe to Fennoscandia: a literature review

The long-term decline of the black grouse population throughout Europe is influenced by many factors that affect populations differently depending on the distribution range, from Central Europe to the Scandinavian countries. Therefore, we analyzed available literature sources to describe the main reasons for the population decline of this species and to suggest conservation measures. In total, 228 pieces of literature from 1955 to 2024 were analyzed for this study. Based on the literature analysis, it is clear that the drivers of population decline differ across the distributional range. In Central Europe, where the population is declining rapidly, habitat loss and forest fragmentation are crucial factors, as is the negative impact of tourism. In Scandinavia, where the population is gradually declining, decreasing breeding success and increasing chick mortality rates are generally considered the main negative factors. However, these factors also affect black grouse populations in Central Europe. It is crucial to acknowledge that a significant proportion of the contributing factors, such as predation and habitat loss, can be attributed to human activities. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize that environmental protection should work hand in hand with wildlife managers to improve the situation.

Resequencing reveals population structure and genetic diversity in Tibetan sheep

BackgroundThe Tibetan sheep is one of the three major primitive sheep breeds in China, representing a unique and high-quality genetic resource in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and neighboring high-altitude regions, exhibiting exceptional adaptability to high-altitude climatic environments. However, research on the genetic relationships among different populations of Tibetan sheep at the whole-genome level remains insufficient. This study aims to explore the population structure and historical dynamics among 11 Tibetan sheep populations, accurately assess the genetic diversity within the populations, and providing a theoretical basis for the development of targeted genetic breeding strategies for Tibetan sheep.ResultsIn this study, a total of 10,884,454 high-quality SNPs were obtained. All Tibetan sheep populations exhibited varying degrees of linkage disequilibrium, with similar decay rates; among them, the WT population showed the fastest decay, while the TS population exhibited the slowest decay rate. Analyses using Tajima’s D and π indicated that the genetic diversity levels of the Tibetan sheep populations are generally low. Fst results revealed that most populations exhibited moderate to low levels of genetic differentiation. The effective population size among Tibetan sheep populations showed an increasing trend over time. The evolutionary relationships among Tibetan sheep populations reflect the correlation between their geographical locations and genomic genetic distances, while also indirectly confirming the impact of historical activities such as early human migration, admixture, fusion, and expansion on the population sizes and distributions of Tibetan sheep.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the genetic diversity levels and genetic differentiation among Tibetan sheep populations are relatively low. In this study, we identified the genetic characteristics of Tibetan sheep populations, which exhibit low levels of diversity, genetic differentiation, and a strong population structure. A deeper genomic exploration of the population structure and diversity status of Tibetan sheep populations will provide theoretical support for subsequent genetic breeding and diversity conservation efforts.

Guardians of the clams: a decadal monitoring effort of endangered giant clams by citizen scientists

ABSTRACT Giant clams are highly conspicuous marine bivalves in the tropical oceans because of their large shells and colourful outer mantle tissues. This makes them an appropriate iconic species for both trained and untrained citizen science surveys. In Singapore, because of good public awareness of giant clams, they are often reported by citizen scientists, who document marine species using photography. Furthermore, these opportunistic records are captured in a comprehensive public blog (Wild Shores of Singapore; https://wildshores.blogspot.com) with specific details of the field surveys. This study presents the first feasible effort in establishing a long-term dataset based on citizen science observations to report giant clam species-level population status and trends over time. Between 2011 and 2020, citizen scientists covered 8.53 km2 of intertidal reef areas and consistently recorded only two giant clam species (Tridacna squamosa and T. crocea) annually. Despite the more comprehensive coverage and sampling of reef areas, the citizen scientists did not encounter the other native species: Hippopus hippopus, T. gigas and T. maxima. Also, the respective densities of T. squamosa and T. crocea were 0.00120 and 0.00034 individuals per 100 m2, which makes them the smallest known giant clam populations in the Indo-Pacific region. Regardless, the sampling efforts of citizen scientists were generally similar across the years, but future surveys could adapt different survey protocols for the respective giant clam species. Findings from this study also support the marine conservation efforts in Singapore, such as using active intervention measures to protect their giant clams. Additionally, lessons learnt from these citizen science observations can be harnessed to encourage monitoring of giant clams throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Hygienic characteristics of changes in the nutritional status of adult population in the Omsk region during the implementation of Demography national project

Aim. To evaluate changes in nutritional status parameters among the adult population of the Omsk region during.Materials and Methods. The comparison of nutritional status parameters was conducted as a part of an experimental epidemiological study using a "before-after" design. The intervention consisted of activities carried out in the region from 2019 to 2023 under the federal project "Strengthening Public Health." In 2018, a representative sample (n = 241) was formed, stratified by age, gender, and residential area; in 2023, a similar sample (n = 506) was used. Nutritional status was assessed using somatometric, clinical, and laboratory methods.Results. We have documented a significant reduction in the prevalence of severe obesity (grades II-III, from 7.1 ± 1.1% to 2.4 ± 0.9%), and a trend towards a decrease in prevalence of underweight (from 5.4 ± 1.4% to 3.0 ± 0.8%; p = 0.078). In 2023, the proportion of individuals with overweight was 36.0 ± 2.1%, and 16.4 ± 2.4% of the adult population suffered from obesity. The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In 2023, deficiencies in vitamin D (61.8 ± 1.7%), folates (50.0 ± 3.2%), vitamins B1 (26.6 ± 2.8%), B6 (36.7 ± 3.1%), and E (28.5 ± 2.9%), magnesium (32.0 ± 2.0%), zinc (27.2 ± 2.8%), copper (36.0 ± 3.1%), iron (25.0 ± 1.7%), and selenium (31.2 ± 3.9%) were the most common. Compared to 2018, the prevalence of deficiencies in vitamins D, E, B1, B6, and folates significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while the provision of essential elements remained unchanged.Conclusion. The prevalence of various nutritional disorders among the adult population of the Omsk region reduced, as the implementation of the federal project «Strengthening Public Health» under the national project "Demography" improved the provision of vitamins.

The Impacts of Urban Population Growth and Shrinkage on the Urban Land Use Efficiency: A Case Study of the Northeastern Region of China

In the context of rapid urbanization, urban population differentiation has become increasingly pronounced. Regional development strategies based on growth scenarios often lead to continuous expansion, regardless of urban population status. Such “one-size-fits-all” models exacerbate resource waste and negatively impact urban land use efficiency (ULUE). This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which urban population growth and shrinkage (UPGS) affect ULUE, with the goal of enhancing ULUE and promoting sustainable urban development. We analyzed 34 prefecture-level cities in China’s three northeastern provinces. First, we identified UPGS using population data. We then employed a three-stage SBM-DEA model to measure ULUE from 2000 to 2020. Spatial analysis methods were used to examine the spatiotemporal characteristics and correlations between UPGS and ULUE. Additionally, mediating effect models and spatial Durbin models were utilized to empirically test the impact processes, mechanisms, and spatial heterogeneity. Our findings reveal that: (1) Over the past 20 years, urban population shrinkage in northeastern China has intensified, and significant regional disparities in urban development are evident. (2) Population growth positively influences ULUE, while population shrinkage inhibits its improvement. (3) Economic development, technological innovation, and industrial structure upgrading are key factors in enhancing ULUE in this region, while the impact of public services on ULUE varies significantly at different stages of urban development. (4) Economic development, technological innovation, and industrial structure upgrading exhibit spatial spillover effects, whereas public services are constrained by regional limitations, resulting in minimal spatial spillover effects. To foster coordinated regional development, this study proposes policy recommendations, including strengthening support for resource-dependent cities, optimizing the allocation of public resources, and promoting technological innovation and industrial diversification.

A review of small cetacean hunts in Greenland

Seven odontocete species are targeted by hunters in Greenland. Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhal (Monodon monoceros) are hunted under annual quotas. Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus), white beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), killer whale (Orcinus orca) and long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) are hunted without quotas. From 1993–2023, 109, 645 small cetaceans have been recorded in the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO) catch database as hunted in Greenland. The hunt follows the scientific advice in 3 out of 25 populations considered: the hunt is higher than the advice for 12 and there has been no assessment or advice for 10. Population trends are unknown for 14 populations, while numbers are stable or increasing in 6 and decreasing in 4. One population has been extirpated by hunting. Catches of all small cetaceans have increased since data records are available, including for narwhal and beluga since quotas have been in place. In some cases, insufficient monitoring and inaccurate reporting occur and there is a lack of data to assess struck and lost rates and times to death. Narwhals are experiencing significant declines in abundance due to hunting, particularly in East Greenland, where recovery may be compromised. To ensure the protection of small cetaceans in Greenland, management is required for all hunts, consistent with international conservation management recommendations. Measures should ensure sustainability, include stuck and lost and additional anthropogenic threats, be precautionary, based upon up-to-date knowledge of population status and trends and consider welfare aspects and recovery rates.

The role of protected areas in the Balkan freshwater biodiversity conservation: The case of Blidinje Nature Park (Southwestern Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Freshwaters of the Balkan Peninsula show high levels of endemism and relict species, which are still little studied and are threatened by numerous anthropogenic stressors. Protected areas could give special opportunities to improve knowledge of their biodiversity and develop proper conservation measures for the most at-extinction risk species. The aims of this research were to: i) fill the knowledge gap regarding fish and crustaceans occurring in the main water bodies of the Blidinje Nature Park (Southwestern Bosnia-Herzegovina); ii) assess the population abundance and growth, for the species of conservational interest; iii) identify fish biodiversity hotspots in Bosnia-Herzegovina; iv) identify anthropogenic pressures and suggest proper conservation measures. Fish and crayfish data were collected in four sampling sites located on the main water bodies, using electrofishing and gillnets, in three sampling phases over the period July 2022-August 2023. The presence of three species at high extinction risk has been detected: Squalius tenellus, Aulopyge huegelii and Astacus astacus. Their populations were abundant, with balanced age structure and good growth performance. A spatial analysis allowed to quantify the fractions of the endemic species range covered by the Blidinje Nature Park, which were 6.1% and 2.3% for S. tenellus and A. huegelii, respectively. The presence of invasive Atlantic trout and overharvesting of crayfish seem to represent the main anthropogenic pressures on freshwater biota. The obtained information allowed to expand the knowledge on the distribution and population status of threatened species and to highlight diversity hotspots as valuable tools for their conservation and management.

Ultrasound for assessing paediatric body composition and nutritional status: Scoping review and future directions.

This scoping review aims to assess the utility of ultrasound as a prospective tool in measuring body composition and nutritional status in the paediatric population. We provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature, identify gaps, and propose future research directions. We conducted a systematic scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. This involved screening titles and abstracts of relevant studies, followed by a detailed full-text review and extraction of pertinent data. We identified and synthesised 34 articles. The review revealed that while ultrasound has been used to assess body composition and bone properties in children, significant gaps remain in the literature. These include limited studies on ultrasound performance, insufficient attention to relevant sample characteristics, reliance on manual image measurements, and limited sample diversity. Point-of-care ultrasound shows significant promise for assessing paediatric body composition and nutritional status. To validate and enhance its effectiveness, further research is needed. Future studies should include larger and more diverse patient cohorts and conduct longitudinal investigations to evaluate nutritional interventions. Additionally, developing artificial intelligence (AI) for standardising and automating data interpretation will be crucial in improving the accuracy and efficiency of ultrasound assessments.

Insights into Population Status and Habitat Patches of Conservation Concern for the Endangered Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Nowshera District, Northwestern Pakistan.

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) stands out among the four surviving species of Asian pangolins, being the sole species present in Pakistan and listed as endangered owing to trafficking and illicit commerce. In the present study, we explored the population status of the Indian pangolin and the existing suitable habitats in Nowshera district, Pakistan. We employed the line transect method to confirm the species presence and subsequent population estimation. In a survey effort of 156 km2, a total of 56 signs of Indian pangolin were recorded within the research area. Amongst the 56 signs, 46 were burrows (living burrows (53.57%) and feeding burrows (28.57%)). Digging was observed nine (16.07%) times, along with one direct sighting (1.7%). Our results revealed a population estimate of only 29 pangolins in the Nowshera district, with a population density of 0.013 individuals/km2. Later, MaxEnt was applied to the species' presence points, along with climatic and topographical variables. The MaxEnt model accuracy was good (AUC = 0.811). Of the total area studied, 210 km2 (12.01%) were highly suitable and 238 km2 (13.61%) were moderately suitable habitat for the Indian pangolin. To safeguard the fragile population and habitat of the Indian pangolin, we highly suggest strengthening watch and ward and law enforcement in the study area. By adopting a comprehensive approach that addresses both the direct threats to Indian pangolins and the underlying factors driving their decline, we can effectively protect this endangered species and ensure the preservation of its essential habitats for robust conservation.

Health Promoting Behaviors among Reproductive Age Women in Serbia: The Results from a National Health Survey.

Certain lifestyle characteristics, such as dietary patterns, physical activity, and maintenance of recommended body weight, low-risk alcohol consumption and non-smoking are associated with the lower likelihood for the development of chronic-non communicable disease in the general population. These lifestyles are called health promoting behaviors (HPBs). We aimed to examine the prevalence of the HPBs among the women of reproductive age in Serbia and the factors associated with the compliance with four or more of these behaviors. The study was the secondary analysis of the data from the National Health survey in Serbia from 2019 that examined social, health status, mental health (using PHQ-8) and lifestyle characteristics of the general population in Serbia. The prevalence of compliance with four or more HPBs was 22%. Among the HPBs the most frequent was a non-risky alcohol consumption reported by 2585 participants (99.2%), followed by normal weight (2018-69.2%) and non-smoking (1469-69%), daily fruit and vegetables intake (969-33.2%) and sufficient aerobic PA (216-7.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with four or more HPBs as an outcome variable showed that the association of compliance with four or more HPBs with tertiary education (OR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.32-2.76) use of prescription medications (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.44-0.87) and score on PHQ-8 (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.98). There is a need for deeper promotion of health-related behaviors among all educational and vocational groups, including health promotion activities at the primary health care level, which is available to the entire population.

Inclusion, reporting and analysis of demographic variables in chronobiology and sleep research.

Many aspects of sleep and circadian physiology are sensitive to participant-level characteristics. While recent research robustly highlights the importance of considering participant-level demographic information, the extent to which this information is consistently collected, and reported in the literature, remains unclear. This article investigates study sample characteristics within the published sleep and chronobiology research over the past 40 years. 6,777 articles were identified and a random sample of 20% was included. The reporting of sample size, age, sex, gender, ethnicity, level of education, socio-economic status, and profession of the study population was scored, and any reported aggregate summary statistics for these variables were recorded. We observed a significant upward trend in the reporting and analysis of demographic variables in sleep and chronobiology research. However, we found that while > 90% of studies reported age or sex, all other variables were reported in < 25% of cases. Reporting quality was highly variable, indicating an opportunity to standardize reporting guidelines for participant-level characteristics to facilitate Meta analyses.

Using marine protected areas to assess the status and recovery of the spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii fishery in the Hauraki Gulf, Aotearoa New Zealand

The value of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) in providing fisheries-independent information to evaluate the status of adjacent fish stocks is increasingly being recognised. However, to ensure robust assessments of fisheries using this approach, MPAs need to be representative of the wider fished area and sampling should include multiple MPA and fished locations spanning the area of interest. The spiny lobster Jasus edwardsii fishery in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf has been in decline since the late 1990s, but latest stock estimates suggest a dramatic recovery following catch reductions in 2018. We compared J. edwardsii populations on shallow reefs (&amp;lt;20 m depth) in three marine reserves with six fished locations across the Hauraki Gulf to provide a fisheries-independent assessment of this important fishery and the degree of recovery following catch reductions. Region-wide surveys found that J. edwardsii populations within protected areas were dominated by large, legal-size individuals, whereas lobster in fished locations were mostly below or around legal-size. Total, vulnerable, and spawning stock biomass was 12-43 times higher within MPAs compared to fished locations. Overall, biomass at fished locations was &amp;lt;10% of that in reserves and there was little evidence of recovery following catch reductions. Our fisheries-independent data suggest that recent stock assessments have severely overestimated the recovery and state of lobster populations in the Hauraki Gulf and that populations on shallow reefs remain depleted. These findings highlight the critical need for fisheries-independent data and the value of MPA monitoring data in evaluating population status and recovery following fisheries management actions.

POPULATION STUDY AND REASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION STATUS OF AN ENDEMIC DIPTEROCARP, Hopea bilitonensis

Hopea bilitonensis is a rare, endemic Dipterocarp species in the Malesian Region. It has a disjunct distribution pattern, where main populations occur on the sandy soils of Bangka Belitung Islands of Indonesia and some on limestone forest in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. Current global status of this species based on the IUCN Red List is Critically Endangered (CR) A1c+2c, B1+2c (1998) whilst in Malaysia it is assessed as CR A4c, B1ab(iii) (2010). A reassessment of the conservation status of this species is needed to provide the most current population status and its extinction risk, especially in Indonesia using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 3.1. This study was conducted to survey and assess the current populations of this species in Belitung Island where most population occurred and subsequently to recommend its current conservation status. The species is in fact still common in the island, stretching along the main roads and surrounding forests. Using the purposive sampling method, we developed a total of 16 plots of 20x20m each in 10 different locations across the Belitung Island. A total of 730 individuals were found with stem diameter at breast height ranged from 2cm to more than 30cm. For global reassessment, based on the current distribution and herbarium records, the calculated extent of occurrence (EOO) is 108,128.642km2, whilst the area of occupancy (AOO) is 84 km2. However, the species clearly has a restricted distribution and is facing high threats due to frequent timber harvesting and continuing decline of the EOO and AOO. The species extinction risk was then assessed by using five quantitative criteria of the IUCN. Therefore, we propose H. bilitonensis category is considered to be Endangered (EN) based on A2c, B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) and C2a(i) criteria.

Population status and ecology of the globally threatened liverwort Marsupella profunda Lindb. in Britain

ABSTRACT Introduction Marsupella profunda Lindb. is known from Britain, Portugal and Macaronesia. Its population status and ecology in Britain were investigated. Methods An inventory of records of Marsupella profunda was prepared, and surveys were conducted at a subset of sites. Population size was measured by counts of ‘individual-equivalents’, defined as occupied 1 m grid cells. Habitat and community composition were recorded by relevés. Key results and conclusions Marsupella profunda is confined to habitat created by china clay quarrying, and mostly occurs on kaolinised granite. It is one of the earliest colonists of this substrate. The longevity of habitat patches is limited mainly by competitive exclusion by other bryophytes and excessive shade from scrub development. It has been recorded from six sites in West Cornwall but presently survives at only one of these, where it will likely become extinct within the next 20 years due to vegetation succession. In East Cornwall, an enormous complex of active and disused quarries within the St Austell China Clay Region supports a large population (10,000–20,000 individual-equivalents), but this is declining because china clay production has decreased greatly over the past 30 years. Attempts to conserve the species by the special protection of areas of land have failed because the quarrying process that originally supplied fresh suitable substrate no longer operates in these areas, habitat management measures have been insufficient, and scrub development has progressed. The future of the species in Britain depends on the uncertain future of commercial quarrying in areas of kaolinised granite in Cornwall.

Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae) Density, Distribution, and Habitat Use in Texas

Seagrass beds are composed of foundation species, providing essential nursery grounds, feeding areas, and refuge for various marine life. Several species of fish and invertebrates utilize seagrasses as essential habitat. The Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae) is an understudied species in Texas, and little is known about its density, distribution, and habitat associations in this area of their range. Physicochemical water parameters, nekton community data, habitat data, and Dwarf Seahorse catch data were collected at 80 sites in Texas. The highest catch per unit effort (CPUE) of the target species was in Aransas Bay (0.038/m2). There was a positive relationship between the presence and percent cover of turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and the presence and CPUE of Dwarf Seahorses. Dwarf Seahorses were detected more often and at a higher CPUE in locations with a higher seagrass community diversity and richness. The nekton community at sites where Dwarf Seahorses were detected was also more abundant, diverse, and species rich. This is the first comprehensive study of the distribution of the Dwarf Seahorse along the Texas coast. Dwarf Seahorses were generally found in higher abundances in association with mature, stable, and diverse seagrass beds. Recommended conservation strategy to protect Dwarf Seahorses should prioritize the protection of established and mature seagrass beds. Continued directed monitoring of this species is recommended to better understand their distribution and population status.

The Natural Habitats, Nutrients, and Heavy Metal Status of Wild Steppe Peony Populations in Serbia

Steppe peony (Paeonia tenuifolia L.) is a strictly protected herbaceous species in Serbia, yet its growing conditions, nutrient needs, and heavy metal status are under-researched. This research is vital for conservation, as it supports sustainable cultivation, genetic diversity, and habitat restoration. This study addresses the gap in understanding how climate and soil characteristics affect P. tenuifolia, particularly regarding nutrient availability and heavy metal accumulation. Despite its recognized medicinal value, insufficient data on environmental impacts limit effective conservation and cultivation strategies. Addressing this gap will help determine optimal growth conditions and ensure the species’ survival and medicinal use. Data on P. tenuifolia natural habitats in Serbia were collected following the Descriptor List for medicinal plants. Field and laboratory analyses assessed climatic and soil characteristics, as well as macro- and microelement contents and heavy metals in soil and plant organs. In Serbia, P. tenuifolia thrives in a semi-arid steppe climate on light, sandy loam soils with a pH of 6.9–7.4. The soils are rich in humus (4.36–5.76%) and nitrogen (0.34–0.37%), but low in phosphorus (1.16–3.50 mg/100 g) and variable in potassium (12.5–52.4 mg/100 g). Soil microelements are abundant, and harmful heavy metals are below critical levels. Plant organs, including flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems, show high phosphorus and magnesium levels, while potassium, manganese, and copper are generally low. The levels of potentially harmful elements like cadmium and chromium are near the maximum-allowed limits, suggesting avoidance of highly acidic soils for the cultivation of P. tenuifolia. Among the examined soils, Arenic chernozem is recommended for preserving the species’ natural resources.

Effect of coercive measures on mental health status in adult psychiatric populations: a nationwide trial emulation.

Healthcare staff use coercive measures to manage patients at acute risk of harm to self or others, but their effect on patients' mental health is underexplored. This nationwide Swiss study emulated a trial to investigate the effects of coercive measures on the mental health of psychiatric inpatients at discharge. We analysed retrospective longitudinal data from all Swiss adult psychiatric hospitals that provided acute care (2019-2021). The primary exposure was any coercive measure during hospitalization; secondary exposures were seclusion, restraint and forced medication. Our primary outcome was Health of the Nations Outcome Scale (HoNOS) score at discharge. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to emulate random assignment to the exposure. Of 178,369 hospitalizations, 9.2% (n=18,800) included at least one coercive measure. In patients exposed to coercive measures, mental health worsened a small but statistically significant amount more than in non-exposed patients. Those who experienced at least one coercive measure during hospitalization had a significantly higher HoNOS score (1.91-point, p<.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73; 2.09) than those who did not experience any coercive measure. Results were similar for seclusion (1.60-point higher score, p<.001, 95% CI: 1.40; 1.79) and forced medication (1.97-point higher score, p<.001, 95% CI: 1.65; 2.30). Restraint had the strongest effect (2.83-point higher score, p<.001, 95% CI: 2.38; 3.28). Our study presents robust empirical evidence highlighting the detrimental impact of coercive measures on the mental health of psychiatric inpatients. It underscores the importance of avoiding these measures in psychiatric hospitals and emphasized the urgent need for implementing alternatives in clinical practice.