Geographic Groups Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 on health risk behaviors in northern California: A cross-sectional survey

The COVID-19 pandemic has been disruptive, unevenly impacting health behaviors in different geographical regions and population groups. We examined how COVID-19 affected perceived changes in physical activity, sleep, and diet and the impact of socio-demographic variables on a calculated health risk behavior score. In this cross-sectional study, 505 residents of northern California completed a web-based survey from August to November of 2020. Chi-square and multivariable linear regression analyses examined the association between socio-demographic variables and the health risk behavior score. Approximately 84 % of respondents experienced at least one unfavorable behavior change after the pandemic, with 49.5 % indicating a reduction in physical activity, 29.7 % a decrease in sleep, 33.1 % an increase in sugary snack consumption, and 29.3 % a decrease in fruit and vegetable intake. Multivariate analyses indicated a higher health risk behavior score (less favorable) for females compared to males (male beta = -0.815, p < 0.0001) and Hispanics compared to Whites (Hispanics beta = 0.396, p = 0.033). The negative changes in health behavior observed in females could be attributed to a higher reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption, and a larger increase in sugary and salty snacks when compared to males. A higher reduction in exercise, sleep, and fruit and vegetable intake were the main drivers of the unfavorable results seen for Hispanics when compared to Whites. Findings highlight the detrimental behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and the disproportionate impact on Hispanics and women. These results are valuable to policymakers to identify ways to support those most affected by the pandemic and its potential long-term effects.

Evaluation of grain yield performance and its stability in various spring barley accessions under condition of different agroclimatic zones of Ukraine

Two extremely urgent problems of biological and agronomic research nowadays are ensuring an optimal balance between usage of natural resources to meet rapidly growing needs for food production and preservation of biodiversity. It is also important to extend the genetic diversity of the main crop varieties in agroecosystems. At the same time, modern varieties should be characterized by a combination of high yield and preserving yield stability under variable conditions. Solving the outlined tasks requires comprehensive research and involvement in breeding process of the genetical diversity concentrated in genebanks of the world. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one of the most important crops that satisfy the various needs of humanity. In respect to this, in 2020–2022, a multi-environment trial was conducted in three agroclimatic zones of Ukraine (Forest-Steppe, Polissia, and Northern Steppe). We studied 44 spring barley collection accessions of different ecological and geographical origin, different subspecies and groups of botanical varieties which were obtained from the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine. Statistical indices (Hom, Sc) and graphical models (GGE biplot, AMMI) were used to interpret the yield performance and its stability. Both individual ecological sites in different years and combinations of different sites and years of trials were characterized for productivity, discriminating power and representativeness. The environments differed quite strongly among themselves in terms of these indicators. It was established that most of the genotypes were characterized by higher adaptability to individual environmental conditions (stability in different years), compared to adaptability for all agroclimatic zones (wide adaptation). A strong cross-over genotype by environment interaction was found for most studied accessions. Nevertheless, both genotypes with very high stability in only one agroclimatic zone (Amil (UKR), Gateway (CAN)) and genotypes with a combination of high adaptability to one or two ecological niches and relatively higher wide adaptability (Stymul (UKR), Ly-1064 (UKR), Rannij (KAZ), Shedevr (UKR), and Arthur (CZE)) were identified. There were also the accessions which did not show maximum performance in the individual sites, but had relatively higher wide adaptability (Ly-1059 (UKR), Ly-1120 (UKR), Diantus (UKR), and Danielle (CZE)). In general, the naked barley genotypes were inferior to the covered ones in terms of yield potential and wide adaptability, but at the same time, some of them (CDC ExPlus (CAN), CDC Gainer (CAN), and Roseland (CAN)), accordingly to the statistical indicators, had increased stability in certain ecological sites. Among naked barley accessions relatively better wide adaptability according to the graphical analysis was found in the accession CDC McGwire (CAN), and by the statistical parameters CDC ExPlus (CAN) was better than standard. The peculiarities of yield manifestation and its variability in different spring barley genotypes in the multi-environment trial revealed in this study will contribute to the complementation and deepening of existing data in terms of the genotype by environment interaction. Our results can be used in further studies for developing spring barley variety models both with specific and wide adaptation under conditions of different agroclimatic zones of Ukraine. The disitnguished accessions of different origin and botanical affiliation are recommended for creating a new breeding material with the aim of simultaneously increasing yield potential and stability, as well as widening the genetic basis of spring barley varieties.

Cervical cancer survival times in Africa.

Accessibility to quality healthcare, histopathology of tumor, tumor stage and geographical location influence survival rates. Comprehending the bases of these differences in cervical cancer survival rate, as well as the variables linked to poor prognosis, is critical to improving survival. We aimed to perform the first thorough meta-analysis and systematic review of cervical cancer survival times in Africa based on race, histopathology, geographical location and age. Major electronic databases were searched for articles published about cervical cancer survival rate in Africa. The eligible studies involved studies which reported 1-year, 3-year or 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and/or locoregional recurrence (LRR) rate of cervical cancer patients living in Africa. Two reviewers independently chose the studies and evaluated the quality of the selected publications, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA-P). We used random effects analysis to pooled the survival rate across studies and heterogeneity was explored via sub-group and meta-regression analyses. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was undertaken, as well as the reporting bias assessment. Our findings were reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA-P). A total of 16,122 women with cervical cancer were covered in the 45 articles (59 studies), with research sample sizes ranging from 22 to 1,059 (median = 187.5). The five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 40.9% (95% CI: 35.5-46.5%). The five-year OS rate ranged from 3.9% (95% CI: 1.9-8.0%) in Malawi to as high as 76.1% (95% CI: 66.3-83.7%) in Ghana. The five-year disease-free survival rate was 66.2% (95% CI: 44.2-82.8%) while the five-year locoregional rate survival was 57.0% (95% CI: 41.4-88.7%). To enhance cervical cancer survival, geographical and racial group health promotion measures, as well as prospective genetic investigations, are critically required.

Chemometric Screening of Oregano Essential Oil Composition and Properties for the Identification of Specific Markers for Geographical Differentiation of Cultivated Greek Oregano

The present study investigated the potential interconnection between the place of cultivation of Greek oregano samples and the composition and properties of their essential oils (EOs). In addition, it attempted to identify characteristic chemical features that could differentiate between geographical origins with the use of chemometric tools. To this end, a total of 142 samples of commercially available Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) plants harvested during the calendar years 2017–2018 were obtained for this study. The samples came from five different geographical areas of Greece and represented twelve localities. After appropriate processing, the oregano samples were subjected to hydrodistillation (HD), and the resulting EOs were analyzed for their total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and chemical composition. The acquired data were subjected to the chemometric methods of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to investigate the potential of classifying the oregano samples in terms of geographical origin. In addition, stepwise LDA (SLDA) was used as a final step to narrow down the number of variables and identify those wielding the highest discriminatory power (marker compounds). Carvacrol was identified as the most abundant component in the majority of samples, with a content ranging from 28.74% to 68.79%, followed by thymol, with a content ranging from 7.39% to 35.22%. The TPC values, as well as the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values, showed no significant variations among the samples, ranging from 74.49 ± 3.57 mg GAE/g EO to 89.03 ± 4.76 mg GAE/g EO, and from 306.83 ± 5.01 μmol TE/g EO to 461.32 ± 7.27 μmol TE/g EO, respectively. The application of the cross-validation method resulted in high correct classification rates in both geographical groups studied (93.3% and 82.7%, respectively), attesting to a strong correlation between location and oregano EO composition.

Study on the Change of Oroqen People’s Identity Consciousness based on the Perspective of Geographical Names

Geographical names are the components of ethnic culture, while ethnic culture is the symbol of ethnic identity. This study comparatively analyzes the characteristics of Oroqen geographical names more systematically from two dimensions: horizontal (spacial) and vertical (temporal). The methods of the study include linguistic analysis method, historical comparison method, geographical names group method, statistical method, and inductive method. The objective of the study is to analyze the characteristics of Oroqen geographical names, explore the characteristics of their community consciousness, and find the path of cultural preservation. The results of the study revealed that the ethnic (Oroqen) identity of Oroqen people is still concrete and the national (Chinese nation) identity has been visualized, and the visualization of both is not contradictory. In the current situation that Oroqen language is endangered, preserving the toponymic culture is a basic path to respond the current situation of culture.

Genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships of Begonia multangula based on atpB-rbcL non-coding spacer of cpDNA sequences

Abstract. Warseno T, Efendi M, Chasani AR, Daryono BS. 2022. Genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships of Begonia multangula based on atpB-rbcL non-coding spacer of cpDNA sequences. Biodiversitas 23: 5491-5501. Begonia (Begoniaceae) belongs to Section Platycentrum-Sphenanthera Group which has a wide distribution from Sumatra to the Lesser Sunda Islands and Sulawesi. Information on B. multangula genetic variability and intraspecies relationships based on molecular characters is critical for developing appropriate strategies in conservation biology, breeding activities, and many other applied fields. The genetic variability and interspecific relationships of B. multangula in Indonesia were investigated using sequence data from the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer (IGS) cpDNA regions. The atpB-rbcL IGS fragment was amplified using atpB-1 as the forward primer and rbcL-1 as the reversed primer. Genetic variations were found in the length of the sequence and nucleotide divergences in the atpB-rbcL IGS region. The genetic distance between 822 fixed sites ranged from 0 to 0.61%. Eighteen of the 822 sites (99.27%) analyzed were invariable, six sites (0,73%) were variable consisting of 4 singleton variable sites and two parsimony informative sites, and twelve sites were gaps. The phylogenetic relationships generated by B. multangula based on the atpB-rbcL IGS sequence analysis indicated the genetic variation and divided it into two clades. However, the clustering pattern of B. multangula specimens resulting from molecular analysis based on atpB-rbcL IGS sequences did not show the geographic clustering grouping pattern.

Genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships of Begonia multangula based on atpB-rbcL non-coding spacer of cpDNA sequences

Abstract. Warseno T, Efendi M, Chasani AR, Daryono BS. 2022. Genetic variability and phylogenetic relationships of Begonia multangula based on atpB-rbcL non-coding spacer of cpDNA sequences. Biodiversitas 23: 5491-5501. Begonia (Begoniaceae) belongs to Section Platycentrum-Sphenanthera Group which has a wide distribution from Sumatra to the Lesser Sunda Islands and Sulawesi. Information on B. multangula genetic variability and intraspecies relationships based on molecular characters is critical for developing appropriate strategies in conservation biology, breeding activities, and many other applied fields. The genetic variability and interspecific relationships of B. multangula in Indonesia were investigated using sequence data from the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer (IGS) cpDNA regions. The atpB-rbcL IGS fragment was amplified using atpB-1 as the forward primer and rbcL-1 as the reversed primer. Genetic variations were found in the length of the sequence and nucleotide divergences in the atpB-rbcL IGS region. The genetic distance between 822 fixed sites ranged from 0 to 0.61%. Eighteen of the 822 sites (99.27%) analyzed were invariable, six sites (0,73%) were variable consisting of 4 singleton variable sites and two parsimony informative sites, and twelve sites were gaps. The phylogenetic relationships generated by B. multangula based on the atpB-rbcL IGS sequence analysis indicated the genetic variation and divided it into two clades. However, the clustering pattern of B. multangula specimens resulting from molecular analysis based on atpB-rbcL IGS sequences did not show the geographic clustering grouping pattern.

Molecular and biometric data on Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) from Mid Mediterranean areas.

The present study was carried out using molecular and biometric data of Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus from mid-Mediterranean areas to determine additional information on basal relationships among its representative subspecies. To this aim, two different kinds of approach were employed, including a morphometric analysis of four morphological parameters (i.e., elytra length, elytra width, pronotum length, pronotum width) of 128 specimens, and a Bayesian genetic analysis of 44 cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) partial sequences (i.e., 38 examined for the first time and six retrieved from GenBank database). Representative populations of C. (M.) morbillosus were sampled in four countries, namely Italy, Malta, Spain, and Tunisia. The present findings support the validity of four C. (M.) morbillosus subspecies, specifically C. (M.) m. alternans, C. (M.) m. bruttianus, C. (M.) m. constantinus, and C. (M.) m. macilentus, and redefine these subspecies' distributions. Notably, within the C. (M.) m. constantinus clade, two (i.e., Sardinia/Tuscany and Lampedusa) out of the three subgroups appear as homogeneous geographical groupings.

Discrimination of genetic and geographical groups of grape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) based on their volatile organic compounds.

Grape volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play an important role in the winemaking industry due to their contribution to wine sensory characteristics. Another important role in the winemaking industry have the grapevine varieties used in specific regions or countries for wine production. Due to the high variability of grapevine germplasm, grapevine varieties are as classified based on their genetic and geographical origin into genetic-geographic groups (GEN-GEO). The aim of this research was to investigate VOCs in 50 red grapevine varieties belonging to different GEN-GEO groups. The study included varieties from groups C2 (Italy and France), C7 (Croatia), and C8 (Spain and Portugal). The analysis of VOCs was performed by SPME-Arrow-GC/MS directly from grape skins. The analyzed VOCs included aldehydes, ketones, acids, alcohols, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. The most abundant VOCs were aldehydes and alcohols, while the most numerous were sesquiterpenes. The most abundant compounds, aldehydes and alcohols, were found to be (E)-2-hexenal, hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, and 1-hexanol. Using discriminant analysis, the GEN-GEO groups were separated based on their volatile profile. Some of the individual compounds contributing to the discrimination were found in relatively small amounts, such as benzoic acid, (E,E)-2,4-hexadienal, 4-pentenal, and nonanoic acid. The groups were also discriminated by their overall volatile profile: group C2 was characterized by a higher content of aldehydes and alcohols, and group C8 was characterized by a higher content of sesquiterpenes and acids. Group C7 was characterized by all low amount of all classes of VOCs.

Diploid chromosome-level reference genome and population genomic analyses provide insights into Gypenoside biosynthesis and demographic evolution of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Cucurbitaceae).

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is a perennial creeping herbaceous plant in the family Cucurbitaceae, which has great medicinal value and commercial potential, but urgent conservation efforts are needed due to the gradual decreases and fragmented distribution of its wild populations. Here, we report the high-quality diploid chromosome-level genome of G. pentaphyllum obtained using a combination of next-generation sequencing short reads, Nanopore long reads, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The genome is anchored to 11 pseudo-chromosomes with a total size of 608.95Mb and 26 588 predicted genes. Comparative genomic analyses indicate that G. pentaphyllum is estimated to have diverged from Momordica charantia 60.7 million years ago, with no recent whole-genome duplication event. Genomic population analyses based on genotyping-by-sequencing and ecological niche analyses indicated low genetic diversity but a strong population structure within the species, which could classify 32G. pentaphyllum populations into three geographical groups shaped jointly by geographic and climate factors. Furthermore, comparative transcriptome analyses showed that the genes encoding enzyme involved in gypenoside biosynthesis had higher expression levels in the leaves and tendrils. Overall, the findings obtained in this study provide an effective molecular basis for further studies of demographic genetics, ecological adaption, and systematic evolution in Cucurbitaceae species, as well as contributing to molecular breeding, and the biosynthesis and biotransformation of gypenoside.

Studying grain color diversity in the barley collection of VIR

Background. Dark color of barley grain (Hordeum vulgare L.) can be caused by the synthesis and accumulation of two types of polyphenolic pigments – anthocyanins and melanins, which perform important functions in plant life, participating in the regulation of growth and development, and protecting plants from adverse environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of barley in the VIR collection in the context of grain color.Materials and methods. To analyze the pigment composition of the grain, 150 barley accessions with colored grains were selected from the VIR collection. Anthocyanins and melanins in grain husk were identified using qualitative reactions.Results and discussion. It was shown that in 60% of the accessions the dark color of their grain was induced by independent accumulation of melanin, while the accessions characterized by accumulation of only anthocyanins, and those with combined accumulation of anthocyanins and melanins, were 14.6% and 14%, respectively. For 11.3% of the accessions the presence of anthocyanins and melanins in grain husk was not found; their pigmentation could presumably be associated with an increased content of other polyphenolic pigments – proanthocyanidins. Accessions with melanin in grain predominated in all identified geographic groups, while other types of pigmentation were most evenly represented in the regions with the widest genetic diversity of barleys – Africa, East Asia, and the Middle East.Conclusion. Dark pigmentation of barley grain was shown to be mainly associated with the accumulation of melanin, and this type of pigmentation prevails in all geographical regions identified. The results obtained made it possible to describe the barley collection more fully and expand the possibilities of its utilization.

Guest Editorial: Yorkshire and Humber FPOP Geographical Group Sub-Committee

Guest Editorial: Yorkshire and Humber FPOP Geographical Group Sub-Committee

Изменения структуры и биоразнообразия лиственничных лесов в верхнем течении р. Хилок (бассейн оз. Байкал) под воздействием пожаров

The study results of changes in the larch forests’ structure and biodiversity in the upper Khilok River basin (right tributary of the Selenga River) affected by the climate change and forest fires in the period from 1996 to 2018 are presented. It was found that the area of closed forests decreased by an average of 51 %, the burnt forest area and burnt timber increased by 46%, dwarf birches decreased by 12 %, the natural reforestation of the sample areas is 90 % poor and unsatisfactory. It was revealed that due to fires in forest communities, the total number of plant species and lichens decreases, indices of species wealth and biodiversity concentration decrease in plant communities, and the ratio of species of latitudinal geographical groups (forest, steppe and meadow) changes. It is shown that with further climate aridization, an increase in the area of dwarf birches communities after fires can lead to the replacement of forests with shrubby, and later grassy communities. It is recommended to continue research on changes in the structure and biological diversity of plant communities in the selected model areas due to an increase in the amount of spring-summer precipitation in the region.

Use of the peroxidase enzyme to diagnose the resistance of grape varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) to low temperatures

Despite the global trend of the increase in average annual air temperatures observed in recent years, the recurrence of stressful negative temperatures in winter has increased in the southern region of the Russian Federation, and, therefore, the problems of grape frost resistance remain relevant. Low-temperature stresses lead to serious damage and a decrease in vine yields. In order to distinguish the most resistant grape varieties, it is necessary to carry out plant research on the physiological and biochemical level. The paper presents the results of research related to the study of resistance to low negative temperatures of grape varieties of different ecological and geographical groups according to the activity of peroxidase enzyme and its isoforms. The research objects were grape varieties (interspecific hybrids) of European-American origin – Dostoyny, Krasnostop AZOS, Vostorg; of Western European origin – Aligote; of Eastern European origin – Zarif; of Euro-Amur-American origin – Kristall. The study was aimed at exploring the activity of peroxidase and its isoforms and, based on the research results, identifying grape varieties most resistant to low temperatures under the conditions of the southern region of Russia. According to the obtained data on peroxidase activity and electrophoretic separation of peroxidases in polyacrylamide gel, most resistant and less resistant grape varieties to low negative temperatures were identified. The resistant varieties Kristall, Krasnostop AZOS, Vostorg were characterized by a weak increase in peroxidase activity during autumn-winter period (1.1-1.4 times), higher number of isoforms, and their qualitative composition. The less resistant grape varieties Dostoyny, Aligote, and Zarif were characterized by a greater increase in peroxidase activity (1.7- 2.4 times), a small number of isoforms, and their disappearance under conditions of artificial stress. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the study of peroxidase activity and changes in isoperoxidase spectrum in grapevine shoots can be used as diagnostic criteria for assessment of grape varieties for their resistance to low negative temperatures in winter period.

Evaluation of introduced blackcurrant varieties for production and breeding

Thus far, the world’s blackcurrant range comprises about 1,200 varieties and is constantly being improved. The most successful breeding programs for black currant have been implemented in Poland, England, Belarus, Ukraine, Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, China and Russia. However, the climatic conditions of several regions of the Russian Federation make it difficult to fully realize the biological potential of foreign varieties and they often do not correspond to the characteristics declared by the breeder. The study is aimed at making comprehensive assessment of the introducers to establish their selection potential and the possibility of industrial cultivation. The study was conducted in 2018-2021 in the black currant collection site of the Kokino station of Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Bryansk region). 20 varieties of black currant of foreign breeding from different ecological and geographical groups were explored. A new local variety Kudesnik with average maturation time was taken for comparison. It was included in the State Register for Selection Achievements in 2022. An assessment of introduced black currant varieties by morphological character of plants revealed the features of their growth in the south-western conditions of the central Non-Black Earth region. Varieties that do not meet the requirements of modern intensive mechanized technologies have been established. In terms of plant height, the varieties Mriya, Nympha, Kupalinka, Cheryshneva, Amethyst, Sofiyivska and Triton do not meet the parameters appropriate for mechanical harvesting. It will be difficult to use berry harvesting equipment with the varieties Sofievskaya, Amethyst and Klussonovskaya due to the wide base of their bushes (&gt;0.3 m). The varieties Sofievskaya and Klussonovskaya, with the highest yield (10 t/ha) do not meet the requirements of modern production in terms of bush mien and berries tearaway force. The best introducers (Sofievskaya, Klussonovskaya, Nympha, Mriya, Cheryshneva, Triton, Belorusochka, Kupalinka) with a yield of 8.3-10.0 tonnes/ha can be recommended for home gardening. A number of foreign varieties as genetic sources in breeding for berry strength (Cheryshneva, Ben Hope, Black Magic, Tiben); fruit size (Nympha); number of fruits in the claster (Triton, Cheryshneva); taste qualities (Mriya); high content of soluble solids (Ben Tirran, Sofievskaya, Mriya) and other characteristics of interest have been identified.

Poverty mapping in Latin America: ECLAC experiences on small area estimation

Poverty mapping is a valuable tool for governments and international organizations to identify the geographical areas and population groups that are most deprived or vulnerable. This approach can lead to designing and monitoring development policies more effectively. This article presents the recent experience of the Statistics Division of the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in using Small Area Estimation (SAE) methods to combine information from household surveys, censuses and satellite imagery to deliver poverty estimates at the provincial and municipal levels, which could not be attained using the household surveys alone.

Age-Class Difference in Wintering Distribution of Broad-Winged Hawks

Abstract The Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) is one of the most easily observed North American raptors during migration, yet little is known about its distribution during the nonbreeding season. To better understand the winter distribution of Broad-winged Hawks by age, we compiled 2164 Broad-winged Hawk sightings with age data and 25,797 sightings without age data reported to eBird during the nonbreeding period from 2000–2020. The mean latitude of adult birds was significantly farther south than the mean latitude of immatures, with broad overlap in the distribution of both age classes from the United States through South America. The distribution of birds that were not aged overlapped the distribution of both age classes. A higher proportion of immatures was observed in the United States through Central America, with a mean latitude of 15.69°N, whereas adults were concentrated in Central and South America (with a mean latitude of 9.93°N). When only birds wintering south of the United States were analyzed, immatures were still found farther north than adults, although the latitude difference was less. The winter age class distribution for Broad-winged Hawks could result from short-stopping behavior occurring more often in immatures than adults. Further research is needed to understand how geographic, sex, and age class groups may differ in winter distributions and the implications of these patterns. Citizen science data from eBird proved useful in examining broad-scale patterns in Broad-winged Hawk winter distribution and is a valuable resource to scientists evaluating avian distributions.

Patterns of variation in canal and root number in human post-canine teeth.

Descriptive morphology of tooth roots traditionally focuses on number of canals and roots. However, how or if canal and root number are related is poorly understood. While it is often assumed that canal number is concomitant with root number and morphology, in practice canal number and morphology do not always covary with external root features. To investigate the relationship between canal and root number, fully developed, adult post‐canine teeth were examined and quantified from computerized tomography scans from a global sample of 945 modern humans. We tested the hypotheses that root and canal number do not follow a 1:1 ratio, that canal to root ratios differ between teeth, and that canal to root ratios differ across major human geographical groups. Results indicate that not only is root number dependent on canal number, but that this relationship becomes more variable as canal number increases, varies between individual teeth and by major geographical group, and changes as these groups increase in geographical distance from Sub‐Saharan Africa. These results show that the ratio of canal number to root number is an important indicator of variation in dental phenotypes.

Parameters of the Infrastructure of the Residential Area and Their Relationship with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Aim. This study determined the level of public satisfaction with neighborhood design features in Kemerovo Oblast and their connection to cardiovascular disease risk factors.Subjects and methods. The study population included 1,598 respondents aged between 35 and 70, with 491 living in rural areas and others living in Kemerovo (1,221 women and 477 men). The assessment of neighborhood environment was done according to residents' subjective opinions about infrastructural features (the Neighborhood Environmental Walkability Scale). Depending on how participants responded to the questionnaire, some of these parameters were identified as adverse.Results. The residents of Kemerovo and rural areas of Kemerovo Oblast identified the following neighborhood design features as adverse: the lack of interesting places in neighborhood environment, the remote location of parks and restaurants, the absence of pavement, busy traffic, and a long distance between home and workplace. In the city, arterial hypertension prevalence was high among men, when grocery, fruit and clothing stores were distant, and among women, when banks, public transport stops were distant and the traffic was heavy. Lipid metabolism disorders were more common among women in urban areas, when there were no interesting places around. Obesity prevalence was high among urban female population, when the following adverse factors were present: the remote location of grocery stores, fruit stores, bank, pharmacy and public transport stops and the absence of pavement. Among rural male population, this risk factor was common when there were no pavements. The highest rate of carbohydrate metabolism disorders was found among women living in villages where the traffic is heavy and public transport stops are far away.Conclusion. The impact of infrastructure on the health status of the living population is a new direction of scientific research. Epidemiological studies in different geographic areas and population groups show significant differences in health status, morbidity and mortality from chronic noncommunicable diseases. To reduce the risks of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system, the formation of a socially comfortable health-saving environment is of great importance.

Ecological Quality Assessment of Greek Lowland Rivers with Aquatic Macrophytes in Compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive

Aquatic macrophytes are one of the four biological quality elements (BQE) used for assessing the ecological status of inland waters according to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60). With this article, we present the methodological approach for the implementation of a WFD compliant macrophyte index to the riverine systems of Greece. In addition to the definition and harmonization of the ecological quality class boundaries, the results from the pilot application of the index and the ecological classification of the monitored river reaches are also presented. Aquatic plants and environmental parameters were sampled from 93 river reaches between 2012 and 2015. A multivariate analysis with optimal scaling (MVAOS) was conducted to define the main stressor gradient and to identify the least disturbed sites and the reference conditions that are required for the derivation of the ecological quality classes. The Macrophyte Biological Index IBMR for Greek rivers (IBMRGR) was calculated for all the sites and the boundaries for the five quality classes were derived according to the methodology proposed by the Mediterranean Geographic Intercalibration Group (MedGIG). The main findings showed that the hydromorphological modifications were the main environmental stressors that correlated strongly with the IBMRGR, whereas physicochemical stressors were of lesser importance. More specifically, the first principal component explained 51% of the total variance of the data, representing a moderately strong gradient of hydromorphological stress, whereas the second component explained 22.5%, representing a weaker gradient of physicochemical stress. In addition, the ecological assessment showed that almost 60% of the sites failed the WFD target of the “Good” ecological quality class, which agrees with classification assessments based on other BQEs for Greece and many Mediterranean countries. Overall, this work provides a first assessment of the ecological classification of Greek rivers with the BQE of aquatic macrophytes with significant implications for ecological monitoring and decision making within the frame of the WFD implementation.