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Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity especially because of their influence on native species. Their behaviours, including those in nonsocial contexts, significantly influence species fitness, drive invasion processes and can result in the competitive exclusion of less dominant species. Understanding these behavioural patterns is vital for the protection of native species and the control of invasive species spread. There is still a controversy regarding the success of invasive species, whether it is attributed to inherent behavioural traits or to adaptations to new environments. This study focused on native populations of two sympatric lizard species in Croatia: a lizard known for its invasiveness, Podarcis siculus , and the eastern Adriatic endemic Podarcis melisellensis. We evaluated nonsocial behaviour associated with competition, including food consumption, exploratory behaviour and risk-taking behaviours, using two primary apparatuses: an open field and a radial maze. Podarcis siculus exhibited higher levels of exploratory behaviour, reduced risk-taking behaviours and greater food consumption than P. melisellensis. These behavioural traits are consistent with behaviour observed in invasive populations of P. siculus , suggesting that they may be intrinsic to the species. Our results indicate that a successful invader is more likely to explore and at the same time be more cautious. Research on behavioural traits in native populations sheds light on preadaptive features of invasive species that could characterize a successful invader, highlighting the importance of researching invasive species in their native range. • Invasion by a species is often linked to its behavioural traits. • Determining whether these behaviours are adaptive or innate poses a challenge. • Similar behaviours are reported for invasive P. siculus and for a native population. • Research indicates that traits linked to invasiveness are likely to be inherited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Caltha palustris L. is known as a medicinal, food, and ornamental plant. It is a circumboreal species, and hygrohelophyte. Due to its ecological specificity, this plant can be used to study the response to an abrupt change in environments. The goal was to assess the variance in phenological and morphological features of C. palustris in the forest steppe of Western Siberia.Materials and methods. Phenotypic characters of the native population and the accessions introduced from Kemerovo Province and Altai Territory were studied. Phenological observations followed a well-known technique for herbaceous perennials. Morphometric data were processed in the PAST program using statistical indicators: the arithmetic mean with an error (M ± mM), minimum and maximum values of the trait (lim), and coefficient of variation (Cv). Significance of differences was assessed using Student’s t-test (Pt) at a 5% significance level. For traits deviating from the normal distribution, the significance of differences was assessed using the Mann–Whitney criterion (PMW) by median values of the trait (Me) at the same 5% level.Results and conclusions. The accessions varied significantly in the timing and duration of phenophases. Plants in the native population grew later and bloomed for a long time because of the variation in microconditions. Ex situ plants produced the second generation of rosette shoots and were capable of long vegetating, but the Altai accession differed in later growth and shorter phenophases. All accessions significantly differed in morphological characteristics of the shoot, except for flower size. The introduced accessions were inferior to the native ones in shoot height, leaf size, and number of flowers due to non-optimal cultivation environments. Since C. palustris demonstrated high individual and interpopulation variability, it is promising to study this species in different natural populations and select the most ornamental and sustainable accessions.

Apis mellifera pomonella is one of two subspecies that represent the eastern limits of honey bee (Apis mellifera) distribution, and it is important to understand its biogeography and evolution. Despite this, A. m. pomonella was not investigated after its discovery 20 years ago. In particular, it is not known if it was hybridized or not with exotic subspecies introduced by beekeepers. In this study, we analysed the variation in honey bee forewing shape in Kazakhstan. Bees were collected from apiaries, where the origin of the queens was not controlled by beekeepers; they formed a group called "local bees", and apiaries where queens declared as either A. m. carnica or A. m. mellifera were obtained from queen breeders. The two later groups were called "exotic bees". We showed that local bees are still distinct from exotic ones. However, some samples showed signs of introgression with exotic subspecies from lineage C. In terms of wing shape, the local bees were most similar to lineage O. We concluded that the local bees most likely represented A. m. pomonella. We provided wing images and identification data, which can help to identify A. m. pomonella and protect it in the future. It is interesting that the nearby honey bee population sourced from China, which is not separated by any clear barrier to gene flow, belonged to lineage M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison with other areas of modern Bosnia and Herzegovina, the area of middle Podrinje had the highest population in Roman Ages. That led to the creation of different social strata. By analyzing the epigraphic and archaeological material, we try to answer the following questions: how did the Roman society look like and what was the social status of some social categories; in what position was the indigenous population compared to immigrants; what marks were left behind by the merchants, craftsmen,miners, and slaves?

Walnut (Juglans regia) populations are considered a valuable genetic resource for genetic variability conservation and walnut cultivar improvement. In the current study, two walnut selections from Central Greece, "FM3" and "FM6", were evaluated for their characteristics to determine their perspective as new cultivars. Their main phenological and pomological characteristics were assessed according to IPGR (1994) and UPOV-TG/125/6 (1999) criteria for 10 consecutive years and compared with "Chandler". Results revealed that "FM3" presents high lateral flowering (70–80%), whereas "FM6" is 30–35%. Although the date of bud break and male blooming of both selections did not differ from "Chandler" (p > 0.05), the female blooming phase of "FM6" occurred earlier (p < 0.05) than "Chandler" and nut harvest was earlier than both "Chandler" and "FM3" (p < 0.05). Nut dimensions of both selections were higher than "Chandler" (p < 0.001). The mean in-shell nut weight and kernel weight of "FM3" were higher than "FM6" and "Chandler", and those of "FM6" were higher than "Chandler" (p < 0.001). Other positive nut characteristics were their light kernel color, the well kernel fill, and the easy removal of the kernel halves. Thus, the current results indicate that "FM3" and "FM6" could be considered promising gene pools in crossbreeding activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syed M Shah,1,2 Layla M AlMarzouqi,1,3 Romona Devi Govender,4 Javaid Nauman,1,5 Moien AB Khan4,6 1Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; 2Department of Family Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; 3Medical Tourism Centre, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 4Health and Wellness Research Group, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates; 5Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; 6Primary Care, NHS Northwest London, London, TW3 3EB, UK Correspondence: Moien AB Khan, Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, Email moien.khan@uaeu.ac.aeBackground: Increased blood pressure (BP) is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of hypertension and its awareness and control among parents of school-aged children in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Methods: A total of 605 parents participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on socio-demographics, lifestyle factors, and history of chronic disease were collected through an adapted version of the World Health Organization STEPS questionnaire. Fasting blood glucose samples, BP measurements, body mass index (BMI), and waist and hip circumference were obtained using standard measurement protocols. Prevalence of hypertension was identified in the cohorts by defining hypertension using the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines (BP≥ 130/80 mmHg) and the World Health Organization-International Society of Hypertension Guidelines Orchid (BP≥ 140/90 mmHg) in association with antihypertensive medication use.Results: The mean age of participants was 42.9± 7.9 years. The prevalence of hypertension was 37.2% (95% CI: 33.5– 41.2) and 18.0% (95% CI: 15.2– 21.3), using the 2017 and the previous WHO definitions, respectively. Little over half of the sample (51.5%) who were aware of having hypertension reported using antihypertensive medications. Of those reporting the use of antihypertensive medications in the past two days, 13 of 33 patients (39.4%) had their hypertension under control (< 140/90 mmHg). The independent correlates of hypertension included age [(adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.09 (1.05– 1.13], male sex [AOR: 2.48 (1.41– 4.34], college or higher education [AOR: 0.22 (0.09– 0.56)], family history of hypertension [AOR: 2.03 (1.17– 3.53)], obesity [AOR: 3.15 (1.24– 7.12)], and moderate or vigorous physical activity [AOR: 0.50 (0.26– 0.98)].Conclusion: Hypertension is prevalent among parents of school-going children. Improving lifestyle, health literacy, and introducing innovative models to raise awareness and education about hypertension are essential to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs).Keywords: blood pressure, sustainable development goals, medication adherence, United Arab Emirates, primary care, parents, native population, Arabs

In the present study the genetic variation of different Peruvian populations was investigated. The samples for this study were obtained from 669 individuals distributed among 11 populations from Peru. All samples were analyzed using 23 autosomal STR markers. The Arlequin v3.5.2.2 software was used to determine the genetic distances (Fst) of the studied populations. Notable population substructure was detected between some populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, two successive generations of queens belonging to a native Bombus terrestris population in the Central Black Sea Region of Türkiye were reared under controlled laboratory conditions to examine its developmental characteristics and suitability for mass production. The first generation was formed by a hundred Bombus terrestris queens which were caught from native fauna in Ordu Province, Türkiye. Young queens and males produced at the end of the life cycle in different colonies of first generation were mated in laboratory conditions. Mated queens were placed in a refrigerated incubator for their two months diapause period. After the diapause period, all queens were raised under the same conditions, and second generation colonies were reared. Some characters such as first egg-laying time, the timing of switch point, the timing of competition point, and total numbers of individuals produced in colonies of the first and second generation were determined. In these characteristics, the total numbers of workers and queens were found to be statistically significant between generations (p < 0.05). According to the findings of this study, some of the features such as first egglaying time, the timing of switch point, and the number of young queens produced may be unsatisfactory for mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Migration background is an important predisposing characteristic of health service use (HSU). In this cross-sectional survey, we aim to explore the association between migration background and HSU in the context of sexual health. Methods: In a population-representative sample of 4,955 persons from all German federal states (data collection 2018/2019), we examined the HSU of first-generation (15.9% of the total sample) and second-generation migrants (9.8%) compared to non-migrants (74.3%). Outcomes of sexual HSU ranged from primary and secondary prevention measures such as human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccination and chlamydia test to HSU due to sexual problems in the relationship, and consultations on contraceptives, and HIV or other STIs. Results: Generally, first-generation migrants used sexual health services less often than non-migrants. Notably, first-generation migrant women had lower odds of being vaccinated against HPV (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.14; 0.38), of a lifetime use of both a chlamydia test in the context of a screening program for young women (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.11; 0.39), and a HSU due to contraceptives (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.28; 0.58). Second-generation migrants resembled more closely the non-migrants, only showing differences regarding the use of the HPV vaccination (OR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.30; 0.76). Policy Implications: First-generation migrants showed remarkable differences in the HSU compared to non-migrants. Therefore, this group should be targeted with the aim of a more equitable HSU that is mainly based on the needs for health services and not restricted due to formal or informal barriers. Both migration generations had lower odds of being vaccinated against HPV indicating the need for a better education regarding the benefits and risks of vaccinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut (Juglans regia) populations are considered a valuable genetic resource for genetic variability conservation and walnut cultivar improvement. In the current study, two walnut selections from Central Greece, “FM3” and “FM6”, were evaluated for their characteristics to determine their perspective as new cultivars. Their main phenological and pomological characteristics were assessed according to IPGR (1994) and UPOV-TG/125/6 (1999) criteria for 10 consecutive years and compared with “Chandler”. Results revealed that “FM3” presents high lateral flowering (70–80%), whereas “FM6” is 30–35%. Although the date of bud break and male blooming of both selections did not differ from “Chandler” (p > 0.05), the female blooming phase of “FM6” occurred earlier (p < 0.05) than “Chandler” and nut harvest was earlier than both “Chandler” and “FM3” (p < 0.05). Nut dimensions of both selections were higher than “Chandler” (p < 0.001). The mean in-shell nut weight and kernel weight of “FM3” were higher than “FM6” and “Chandler”, and those of “FM6” were higher than “Chandler” (p < 0.001). Other positive nut characteristics were their light kernel color, the well kernel fill, and the easy removal of the kernel halves. Thus, the current results indicate that “FM3” and “FM6” could be considered promising gene pools in crossbreeding activities.

Invasive alien plants threaten biodiversity across the world. Erigeron canadensis (horseweed) is one of the most problematic agricultural weeds and represents a classic example of intercontinental invasion. Here, we studied the genetic diversity and population structure of invasive alien populations from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces in China and native populations from Alabama, in the USA. We used 10 polymorphic SSR loci to genotype 312 individuals from 5 native and 5 invasive populations to estimate the genetic diversity and structure. Invasive populations from Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces showed, on average, similar genetic diversity to native populations from Alabama, indicating no severe genetic bottlenecks during the invasion. STRUCTURE revealed that low population differentiation occurred, and that only two genetic groupings were detected in both native and invaded ranges. The high diversity observed in the invasive populations suggested multiple introductions and/or the introduction of genetically diverse propagules during initial colonization. Our study provides new insights toward understanding the invasion dynamics of this globally noxious weed in Eastern China. Preventing gene flow via seed dispersal between invasive and native populations should be examined to prevent the introduction and dispersal of herbicide-resistant individuals and inform management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores the impacts of the bi-demographic structure on the current account and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Using structural vector autoregressive modeling (SVAR), we track the dynamic impacts on these underlying variables. New insights about the dynamic interrelation between bi-population age dependency rate, current account, and GDP growth have been developed. In the short and medium terms, the reactions of GDP growth to both shocks of native and immigrant working-age populations move unsteadily in opposite directions. However, in the long run, both effects become moderately positive. Additionally, the positive long-run contribution of immigrant workers to the current account growth largely compensates for the negative contribution of the native population. We find a negative hump-shaped reaction of Saudi Age Dependency Rate to immigration policy shocks during a generation. When the shocks emanate from immigrants' working age, there is a complex mechanism from the complementarity process to the substitutability process between immigrants and the Saudi workforce. In the short and medium term, the immigrant workers are more complement than substitutes for native workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Justicia (0124-7441) is the property of Universidad Simon Bolivar and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Dayaks, despite being the majority population in Sarawak, were unable to avoid involvement in the communist movement in the 1960s in East Malaysia. Faced with difficulties in obtaining aid and support in the First Division of Sarawak, Kuching, the communists moved to the Third Division of Sarawak (Rajang) which was inhabited by many Dayaks, with the objective of obtaining help for their activities. The current study, based on a qualitative method of collecting and analysing primary and secondary archival sources, found that the communists realised the Dayaks were important in mobilising their activities in Sarawak. The Dayak settlements, concentrated in the rural areas, were not easily detected by the authorities. And it was difficult for the government and security forces to be in contact with the Dayaks due to communication system problems. The study also found that the communists used various strategies to attract Dayaks' attention and participation in their movement. They befriended the Dayak people by learning their language and culture, by establishing family ties with them, by championing their interests and by promoting their integration with other races. Despite this, the communist movement was not well-received by the Dayaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Highlands Aksay of Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan has specific natural and climatic conditions and located at altitude of 3000 m above sea level. We aimed to study 10-years risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the native population of highlands Aksay of Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan. Methods: Overall, 152 indigenous people (50 men and 102 women) of highlands Aksay of Naryn region (3260-3680 m) were studied using one-step sampling. The study was random, subjected to the conditions of singleness and territoriality. FINDRISС questionnaire was used to calculate the risk of T2DM. Results: Women of highlands Aksay had a significantly higher prevalence of waist circumference (WC) &qt;80 cm, body mass index (BMI) &qt;25 kg/m2 and irregular intake of fruits and vegetables, whereas men showed irregular intake of fruits and vegetables, BMI&qt;25 kg/m2, and WC&qt; 94 cm. Conclusion: The features of the 10-year-old risk of developing T2DM in the indigenous people of the highlands of Kyrgyzstan include the predominance of abdominal obesity and the irregular intake of fruits and vegetables. When stratifying the risks of developing T2DM, low risk predominates, and a very high risk does not occur. The prognosis of the indigenous people of the highlands of Kyrgyzstan regarding the risk of developing T2DM depends on phenotypic factors and living conditions in the highlands, with hypoxia playing the leading role. Among the mountain people of Kyrgyzstan, metabolic factors are dominated by abdominal obesity and, probably, to reduce the risks of developing diabetes, along with the fight against other negative factors, regular intake of vegetables and fruits is effective.

Few studies have examined the differences between immigrant and native‐born homeless populations. Our aim was to conduct an exploratory study to examine the differences in health status, health behaviour and healthcare utilisation in a sample of Spanish immigrant and native homeless people. Study was conducted in eight different temporary accommodations in the Valencia region in August 2018. Overall, 86 participants were included in the analysis who answered questionnaires concerning socio‐demographic characteristics, immigration status, health status and behaviour, healthcare utilisation and experienced discrimination in healthcare and health literacy. In total, 76.7% were men with a mean age of 41.91 (14.17) years, with 60.4% having immigration background with an average of 4.8 (4.2) years since arrival in Spain. No differences were found in the subjective health status, however, native homeless participants reported significantly higher prevalence of heart disease (87.5% vs. 12.5%), hypertension (84.6% vs. 15.4%), psychological illness (63.6% vs. 36.4%) and were also more often smokers (73.5% vs. 28.8%), reported smoking more cigarettes per day (12.0 vs. 7.4) and were more often illegal drug users (17.6% vs. 2.0%). Immigrant participants were significantly more often not insured, reported more problems in healthcare access and had lower rates of visits to general practitioners and less hospital admissions. Differences were also observed in social status with the native homeless more often reporting receiving income, and living in less crowded accommodations. Our results show a variety of issues that the immigrant homeless population in Spain is confronted with that also prevents adequate social inclusion and achieving good health. However, the immigrant population engaged less often in risky health behaviour. More, and continuous, monitoring of social, mental and physical health of the homeless population is necessary. Public health interventions aiming at health promotion in the immigrant homeless populations need to focus on increasing overall social integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Southwestern Region of the Brazilian Amazon is formed by forests dominated by bamboos. The genus Guadua is endemic to the Americas, and little is known about the genetic diversity and structure of species of this genus. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and structure of two native Guadua species in natural populations in the Southwestern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Therefore, the genetic diversity and structure of Guadua aff. chaparensis and Guadua aff. lynnclarkiae were evaluated with the use of microsatellite molecular markers (SSR). It was verified that the average genetic diversity for the populations studied was considered high ( H ^ e =0.5) compared to other species of bamboo. All populations had rare and private alleles, and none of them presented significant values of inbreeding. The populations were divergent ( G ^ ST = 0.46), resulting in a low apparent gene flow. The Bayesian analysis showed that among the 350 individuals analyzed, five groups (K=5) were formed, with little similarity among the groups (Populations), although two of them presented clonal individuals. According to the results obtained, it can be conclude that populations should be treated as having unique characteristics, mainly when accessed for management and for in situ and ex situ conservation studies.

Objective: In diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2, there is a very high risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) events. We aimed to study the total CV risk of the indigenous people of Kyrgyzstan with impaired carbohydrate metabolism (DM type 2 and impaired glucose tolerance, IGT), depending on the region of residence (low and high altitudes), and to develop targeted preventive measures. Methods: Overall, 248 families (992 people) in the Naryn (high-altitude) (study group) and 260 families (1041 people) in the Chui region (low-altitude) (control group) were surveyed and 363 people with DM type 2 and IGT were identified, of which: 138 people in the study group and 225 people in the control group. Results: In patients with DM type 2 and IGT, moderate CV risk was found in the low-altitude and high-altitude in men and women aged 46–65 years, the leading risk factor in men is BMI&qt;25 kg/m2; in women, hypertension (HT) and hypercholesterolemia. A high risk of CV complications was detected only in the low-altitude in men aged 46–65 years, the leading risk factor is HT. High and very high risk of CV complications are rarely found both in the low-altitude and in the high-altitude. Conclusion: During stratification of total CV risk, 363 people with carbohydrate metabolism disorders (DM type 2 and IGT) of 2033 native population living in 2 regions of Kyrgyzstan revealed features of the total CV risk: BMI&qt;25kg/m2 for men of high- altitude and low-altitude, HT and hypercholesterolemia for women of high-altitude, and for men, low-altitude only HT. Both in the high-altitude and in the low-altitude, low and moderate CV risk are predominantly expressed, and high and very high CV risk are rare.

Copyright of Historical Thought / Historijska Misao is the property of Society of Historians of Tuzla Canton and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In our study, two aggressive-invasive species, Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. and Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden. from Russia and Ukraine, were investigated. The success in naturalization of both species is associated with human activities, since they have been used in agriculture and floriculture and both have qualities such as environmental tolerance, high fertility and phenotypic plasticity. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of genetic diversity of both species. For Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., genetic diversity was compared in invasive and native populations. For Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., the genetic diversity was compared in variety, feral and invasive populations. A genetic diversity was formulated using RAPD, ISSR and REMAP. For Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., the average genetic diversity within the invasive population was similar (0.432), but slightly less (0.502) than within the native Caucasian population. This may suggest the successful naturalization of invaders and almost complete reconstruction of their genetic diversity. For Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., the genetic diversity for the invasive population was the highest, with an average of 0.294, while for variety, it was the lowest, with an average of 0.194. The feral population had an intermediate place with an average of 0.248, which could suggest an increase of diversity in the process of naturalization.

Identification of the spatial extent of genetic structuring that may be influenced by evolutionary, ecological and historical factors is critical for effective conservation or management strategies. Masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou is commonly distributed in Far East, however, many local populations have been under threats of decline due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, and genetic introgression. To reveal the spatial genetic structure of native masu salmon populations in Hokkaido, masu salmon samples were collected from 16 rivers in which there was no official record of artificial releases of any masu salmon stock and were analyzed using 15 microsatellite loci. A Bayesian assignment test revealed that masu salmon populations were divided into two genetically distinct groups: the northeastern and southwestern groups. For within-group genetic structure, all populations, except for geographically proximate populations, were significantly different from each other. AMOVA revealed that genetic variation at among-group level based on groups identified assignment test was greater than that of groups based on geographic locations. There was no significant IBD for the 16 populations. However, the Mantel test revealed significant IBD for the northeastern group, but did not for the southwestern group. This study suggested that native masu salmon populations in Hokkaido exhibit a hierarchical genetic structure that is largely a result of their precise homing behavior. The results of this study also highlight the importance of defining populations by using genetic data rather than by using predefined populations based on geographic locations for the correct determination of genetic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confluence of ethnomedical experiences and use of medicinal plants of practitioners native to Translasierra Valley (San Javier Department), Córdoba, Argentina. The valley named as Valle de Traslasierra extends over the western mountainside of the Sierras de Los Comechingones hills. Its characteristic distance from large cities changed qualitatively due to major migration flows. This study aims at characterizing the ethnomedicine and natural pharmacopoeia in the region. We followed qualitative and quantitative methods representative of the ethnobotanical approach. We evidenced a vast and varied therapeutics exerted by native practitioners with a total of 676 medicinal uses corresponding to 231 taxa and 84 botanical families. An analysis of frequency of uses and taxa was also carried out through descriptive statistics. The families with higher number of cited taxa and medicinal use are Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Verbenaceae. The most commonly found applications were those related to gastrointestinal disorders, followed by those related to pneumology and cardiology. From the taxa with the largest number of applications, 60% comprise introduced species and 40% consist of wild native species. Finally, the narratives show that native practitioners, while keeping alive practices based on popular medical knowledge, they have incorporated various therapeutic practices and representations, especially from alternative medicine, thus forming a vast natural pharmacopoeia with multiple meanings, typical of multicultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be underestimated among high-risk individuals in regions of low HBs antigenemia. This study aimed to assess HBV serological markers, genotypes, and risk factors in Mexican patients with risk of HBV infection and low socioeconomic status. Demographics, clinical, and risk factor data were collected in patients with HIV ( n = 289), HCV ( n = 243), deferred blood donors (D-BD) ( n = 83), and two native populations, Mixtecos ( n = 57) and Purepechas ( n = 44). HBV infection was assessed by HBsAg, anti-HBc, and HBV-DNA testing. Overall, patients had low education and very-low income. Totally, HBsAg prevalence was 16.5% (113/684) ranging from 0.7% (HCV) to 37.3% (D-BD), while anti-HBc was 30.2% (207/684). Among 52 sequences, genotypes H ( n = 34, 65.4%), G ( n = 4, 7.7%), subgenotypes F1b ( n = 7, 13.5%), A2 ( n = 6, 11.5%), and D4 ( n = 1, 1.9%) were detected. Surgeries, sexual promiscuity, and blood transfusions had a differential pattern of distribution. In HCV patients, single (OR = 5.84, 95%Cl 1.91-17.80, P = 0.002), MSM (OR = 4.80, 95%Cl 0.75-30.56, P = 0.097), and IDU (OR = 2.93, 95%CI 1.058-8.09, P = 0.039) were predictors for HBV infection. While IDU (OR = 2.68, 95%CI 1.08-6.61, P = 0.033) and MSM (OR = 2.64, 95%CI 1.39-5.04, P = 0.003) were predictors in HIV patients. In this group, MSM was associated with HBsAg positivity (OR = 3.45, 95%CI 1.48-8.07, P = 0.004) and IDU with anti-HBc positivity (OR = 5.12, 95%CI 2.05-12.77, P < 0.001). In conclusion, testing with a combined approach of three different HBV markers, a high prevalence of HBV infection, a differential distribution of HBV genotypes, including subgenotypes F1b, A2, and D4, as well as risk factors in low-income Mexican risk groups were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although studies argue that invasive species can cause biotic differentiation, some cases show that biological invasions actually decrease biodiversity through biotic homogenization. The concept of biotic homogenization through the invasion of a certain serious invasive plant species merit more studies. Hence, we used field surveys to quantitatively compare invasive populations of Solidago canadensis (SC) in China with the control sites (adjacent sites to SC present sites yet without the species) and SC native populations in the USA. We found that plant communities in SC invaded habitats shared similarities with those in SC native ranges. Bray-Curtis similarity clearly showed that the composition of plant communities in SC invaded habitats were similar to those in SC native ranges. Both in the native and introduced range, plant communities with SC present were characterized by SC being dominant, significantly lower species richness, α-diversity and β-diversity, as well as a decrease in the correlation coefficient between geographic distance and floristic similarities. SC favors fertile and moist loam habitat, while it dominated in various habitats in China, where more than 20 different dominants should have occurred. In conclusion, serious invasive species can quickly remodel and homogenize diverse communities by dominating them.

This paper reviews the problem of forest capital reproduction in the value concept from the standpoint of multi-functional model of forest management in terms of the lease relations. The theoretical formation of forest regeneration funding mechanism is based on its market organization. The concept of forest resources reproduction based on the definition of gross income is proposed. The funding mechanism of forest resources reproduction in terms of their lease is described. The proposed concept of forest capital reproduction remains one of the central ideas of Marx's economic theory that is nowadays commonly called "double-system approach" or "dual system approach", within which value and price categories are used simultaneously. The notion of forest reproduction policy is formulated. The author concludes on the need for forest reproduction policy in the Russian Federation to receive independent legal regulation with pragmatic and responsible steps to create the investment potential for the reproduction of forest resources.