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In the case of maize farmers, access to seeds for planting is essential. We describe access to and exchange of maize seed in three sub-regions (central, eastern and western) in the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala, in order to analyze the use of maize seed in a rain-fed plateau region, based on local diversity. In 2013, 86 local maize producers were interviewed, 43 of whom participated in the Custodian program for the National System of Plant Genetic Resources (Sistema Nacional de Recursos Fitogenéticos), and 43 others, who did not participate, but were chosen by non-probabilistic sampling. The 86 farmers maintain 193 lots of seeds, differentiated according to grain color (white, red, blue, yellow, pinto and moradillo) and the Cacahuacintle type. There were significant differences between sub-regions in terms of access, exchange and loss of seed lots. 92.7% of the seed used in the area is native maize derived from self-sufficiency within the community or family (81.9%), with a low replacement rate (79.8%) and when a new batch of seeds is required, this is acquired within the community itself (86.0%); there is limited exchange (55.9%), between family members or close social networks. A community seed supply system prevails, due to being very accessible and people's confidence in the adaptability of the acquired genetic material, promoting in situ conservation of native maize; even though farmers do have access to improved varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain, health competencies are decentralized, and each autonomous community implements its own plans. Our aim is to determine if the existence of regional palliative care plans implies an improvement in health care coverage. We reviewed regional palliative care plans published in Spain and analyzed the following variables: number and profile of palliative care resources, guidelines and objectives of implementation of resources of these plans, and compliance with European standards. The publication of regional plans is associated with an increase in specific resources in the following years. From 2004 to 2009, the implementation of plans in 6 autonomous communities was associated with an increase in palliative care resources compared to those without a strategy (odds ratio: 1.58, P =.02) or with a settled plan (odds ratio: 1.40, P =.07). The same phenomenon was observed between 2009 and 2015 in 4 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities compared with those without a strategy (odds ratio: 2.49, P =.001) and those that implemented a plan before 2009 (odds ratio: 2.62, P <.001). Updating and evaluating these regional plans are also associated with the growth of palliative care resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]