Regional Population Research Articles

Quality of life issues in rural settlements: Assessment by social media users

Disparity in the quality of life of people living in rural and urban areas is among the major problems, often leading to greater depression among the rural population compared to those in urban areas who have access to a high standard of living. The goal of this study was to identify the issues of the quality of life that are fundamental from the point of view of rural settlements and typical for the rural population in various regions of the Russian Federation with diverse geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic characteristics. The practical relevance of our study is based on the identification of the scope of typical problems related to the quality of life in rural areas. The fundamental value of this study is the significance of digital tracks, which can serve as a source of information.The data sources included messages and posts discussing various quality of life aspects of the rural population published by VKontakte. For this study, we used messages and posts with negative implications from communities in rural settlements in ten Russian regions. These issues include housing infrastructure and utilities, transportation, the environment, telecommunications, banking, healthcare, and education.

A rapid analysis method for regional population distribution safety based on societal risk assessment

The population distribution within areas potentially impacted by major accidents is crucial for societal risk analysis. Population data are essential for land use planning activities related to major accident hazards. However, repeated quantitative risk assessments (QRA) and diverse planning scenarios complicate planning decisions in Major Hazard Installation (MHI) areas. This study introduces an analysis method for the safety of population distribution in potential impact zones of major accidents. By combining accident simulation and population distribution characteristics analysis, we established standardized indicators that succinctly indicate safety thresholds for societal risks, addressing the challenge of rapidly assessing off-site population safety. A rapid formula meeting practical needs is provided for urban managers and planners, enabling them to easily evaluate how population density and distribution affect societal risks in MHI areas. Finally, we applied this method to the flammable and explosive hazardous material enterprises in Shijiazhuang, China, demonstrating its functionality and practicality. The application results suggest its potential as a useful decision-support method for guiding urban planning and emergency management. This work offers new insights and valuable demonstrations for enhancing vulnerability and land use risk assessments in MHI regions.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease among diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertensive individuals in the general population of the northern region of Senegal

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely linked to high blood pressure (HBP) which is its leading cause in developing countries. Hypertension affect 1.2 billion people worldwide. However, a significant portion of individuals with HBP are undiagnosed and their kidney function is even less known. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of chronic kidney disease among three sub-groups of blood pressure status (normotensive, diagnosed hypertension and undiagnosed hypertension) individuals. Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the general population of three northern regions in Senegal using a two-level cluster sampling method. The sample was constituted with a precision of 5% and a power of 80%, with an additional 10% attrition margin. Individuals aged 18 – 80 years were included in the study after consent. Pregnant women, hospitalized persons within the past three months, patients with general or urinary symptoms within the past seven days and individuals undergoing renal replacement therapy were excluded. Investigators collected Clinical and biological data at participants' homes using a modified version of the WHO's STEPwise questionnaire. Samples were collected for biochemical analysis (serum creatinine, lipid profile and blood sugar). Estimated GFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI 2021 formula. Results: A total of 2441 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 45.4 +/- 16.0 years and a sex ratio M/F of 0.4. The Overall prevalence of HBP and CKD were respectively 52.0% and 17.8%. Three out of every five hypertensive patients were undiagnosed. Chronic kidney disease was more frequent among known hypertensive patients (30.5%) compared to individuals with undiagnosed hypertension (19.1%) and normotensive individuals (10.9%). Multivariate analysis showed that CKD was associated with older age and female sex. Conclusion: Undiagnosed hypertension is common among populations in northern Senegal. A high prevalence of CKD was found among both diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals with hypertension. Extending strategies for early detection and management in the general population could help prevent or reduce morbidity and mortality associated with CKD.

Genetic differentiation and precolonial Indigenous cultivation of hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta , Betulaceae) in Western North America

Cultivation studies evaluating land-use histories and coevolutionary dynamics between humans and plants focus predominantly on domesticated species. Traditional anthropological divisions of “foragers” and “farmers” have shaped our understanding of ancient cultivation practices but have several limitations, including how people stewarded and managed nondomesticated species. To investigate the long-term effects of plant management in the Pacific Northwest, this study focuses on beaked hazelnut ( Corylus cornuta ) which has a long, precolonial history of management, transportation, and cultivation in British Columbia (BC, Canada). In particular, isolated hazelnut populations in northwestern BC are thought to be the result of historical transplanting and management. We sampled individual hazelnuts (n = 219) representing three distinct regions in and assessed 9,650 genome-wide SNPs identified with nextRAD genotyping-by-sequencing libraries to test for population genetic structure. We used linear measurements of individuals to assess morphological phenotypes and to identify variation between individuals and lineages. These data reveal shared genetic clusters in distant and disjunct northwestern and interior regions consistent with the movement of humans across the landscape. We also find several small genetically distinct populations in the northwestern region. The Genetic structure of hazelnut in the previously labeled “disjunct” region in Gitxsan, Ts’msyen, and Nis g a’a homelands is consistent with the enduring influence of people on the distribution of purportedly “wild” plant species. Our results support the hypothesis that hazelnut was likely transplanted long distances and also managed in situ. This study highlights the often-overlooked agency of Indigenous Peoples in shaping species range distributions in North America.

Drinking water is the urolithiasis development factor among the rural population of a single region

BACKGROUND: The urolithiasis incidence in the Nizhny Novgorod Region exceeds the national average that determines the importance of analyzing the causes of its development and creating preventive measures. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and drinking water composition consumed by the rural population of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chemical analysis of drinking water was performed in 50 rural districts of the Nizhny Novgorod Region (a total of 61 samples). Water was taken from centralized water supply sources, artesian wells and boreholes, and springs. The relationship between the urolithiasis incidence and chemical composition measures of drinking water was assessed. RESULTS: Differences in the impurity content of drinking water were found between districts with different values of urolithiasis incidence. Exceeding the standard values for impurities specified in the Sanitary regulations and standards (SanPin) was most commonly detected in water from districts with the highest incidence of urolithiasis. An increase in the calcium/magnesium ratio was the most commonly noted in drinking water from these districts. In 41 (67.2%) of 61 samples, an increase of calcium level was detected. The hardness of drinking water was higher than the standard in 33.3–38.8% of samples depending on the water intake source. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water with a high level of hardness and mineralization is one of the etiological factors for the development of urolithiasis in Nizhny Novgorod Region. In rural areas of this region with a high incidence of urolithiasis, the monitoring of the state of central water supply sources and the impurity content in drinking water should be intensified.

Abstract B047: Understanding the role of cancer-associated adipocytes in breast tumor microenvironment to delineate the relationship between obesity and cancer

Abstract Obesity has emerged as a prominent risk factor for the development of malignant tumors. However, the existing literature on the role of adipocytes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) to elucidate the correlation between obesity and cancer remains insufficient. Here, we aim to investigate the formation of cancer-associated adipocytes (CAAs) and their contribution to tumor growth using mouse models harboring dysfunctional adipocytes. Our results reveal that the activation of YAP/TAZ signaling in CAAs induces adipocyte dedifferentiation and the formation of a malignant TME. The additional deletion of YAP/TAZ significantly led to tumor regression by mitigating adipokine secretion such as Lipocalin2 and TNFα. Furthermore, mice fed a high- fat diet exhibit increased YAP/TAZ expression in their adipose tissues. Treatment with the YAP/TAZ inhibitor, verteporfin, suppressed tumor progression, highlighting its efficacy against mice with metabolic dysregulation. These findings provide insights into the key mediators of CAA transformation and their significance in developing a TME. Our study extends to the impact of maladaptive adipocytes as a TME component. We gather multi-omics results including single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics (Xenium) to identify the CAA population in the peritumoral region. CAAs are found to modulate the TME via interacting with multiple immune cells, especially macrophages. Xenium result visualizes the proximity between CAAs and macrophages, indicating their cellular interaction. Additionally, our in-vitro co- culture system shows that CAAs recruit macrophages more effectively compared to normal adipocytes. Overall, we strive to understand the importance of adipocyte quality in forming a malignant TME and ultimately introduce therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment, especially adipocytes. Citation Format: Yaechan Song, Hee Ju Na, Han Woong Lee. Understanding the role of cancer-associated adipocytes in breast tumor microenvironment to delineate the relationship between obesity and cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Tumor-body Interactions: The Roles of Micro- and Macroenvironment in Cancer; 2024 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(22_Suppl):Abstract nr B047.

Potential Adverse Drug Events Identified with Decision Support Algorithms from Janusmed Risk Profile—A Retrospective Population-Based Study in a Swedish Region

Adverse drug events (ADEs) occur frequently and are a common cause of suffering, hospitalizations, or death, and can be caused by harmful combinations of medications. One method used to prevent ADEs is by using clinical decision support systems (CDSSs). Janusmed Risk Profile is a CDSS evaluating the risk for nine common or serious ADEs resulting from combined pharmacodynamic effects. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of potential ADEs identified using CDSS algorithms from Janusmed Risk Profile. This retrospective, cross-sectional study covered the population of a Swedish region (n = 246,010 inhabitants in year 2020) using data on all medications dispensed and administered. More than 20% of patients had an increased risk of bleeding, constipation, orthostatism, or renal toxicity based on their medications. The proportion of patients with an increased risk varied from 3.5% to almost 30% across the nine categories of ADEs. A higher age was associated with an increased risk of potential ADEs and there were gender differences. A cluster analysis identified groups of patients with an increased risk for several categories of ADEs. This study shows that combinations of medications that could increase the risk of ADEs are common. Future studies should examine how this correlates with observed ADEs.

Interplay of human ABCC11 transporter gene variants with axillary skin microbiome functional genomics.

The human armpit microbiome is metabolically entangled with skin cell physiology. This "meta-organism" symbiotic mutualism results in sweat either with or without odor (osmidrosis), depending on host ABCC11 gene haplotypes. Apocrine metabolism produces odorless S-glutathione conjugate that is transferred by ABCC11 transporters into secretory vesicles, deglutamylated to S-Cys-Gly-3M3SH thiol, and exuded to skin surface. An anthropogenic clade of skin bacteria then takes up the thiol and bioconverts it to malodorous 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (3M3SH). We hypothesized a familial meta-organism association of human ABCC11 gene non-synonymous SNP rs17822931 interplaying with skin microbiome 3M3SH biosynthesis. Subjects were genotyped for ABCC11 SNPs, and their haplotypes were correlated with axilla microbiome DNA sequencing profiles and predicted metagenome functions. A multigeneration family pedigree revealed a Mendelian autosomal recessive pattern: the C allele of ABCC11 correlated with bacterial Cys-S-conjugate β-lyase (PatB) gene known for Staphylococcus hominis biosynthesis of 3M3SH from human precursor; PatB was rescinded in hosts with homozygous TT alleles encoding ABCC11 loss-of-function mutation. We posit that a C allele encoding functional ABCC11 is key to delivering host conjugate precursors that shape heritable skin niche conditions favorable to harboring Staphylococcus having genomics of odor thiol production. This provides existential insights into human evolution and global regional population ancestries.

Global burden associated with rare infectious diseases of poverty in 2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Rare infectious diseases of poverty (rIDPs) involve more than hundreds of tropical diseases, which dominantly affect people living in impoverished and marginalized regions and fail to be prioritized in the global health agenda. The neglect of rIDPs could impede the progress toward sustainable development. This study aimed to estimate the disease burden of rIDPs in 2021, which would be pivotal for setting intervention priorities and mobilizing resources globally. Leveraging data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, the study reported both numbers and age-standardized rates of prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years lived with disability, and years of life lost of rIDPs with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) at global, regional, and national levels. The temporal trends between 1990 and 2021 were assessed by the joinpoint regression analysis. A Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to project the disease burden for 2050. In 2021, there were 103.76 million (95% UI: 102.13, 105.44 million) global population suffered from rIDPs with an age-standardized DALY rate of 58.44 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 42.92, 77.26 per 100,000 population). From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized DALY rates showed an average annual percentage change of - 0.16% (95% confidence interval: - 0.22, - 0.11%). Higher age-standardized DALY rates were dominated in sub-Saharan Africa (126.35 per 100,000 population, 95% UI: 91.04, 161.73 per 100,000 population), South Asia (80.80 per 100,000 population, 95% UI: 57.31, 114.10 per 100,000 population), and countries with a low socio-demographic index. There was age heterogeneity in the DALY rates of rIDPs, with the population aged under 15years being the most predominant. Females aged 15-49years had four-times higher age-standardized DALY rates of rIDPs than males in the same age. The projections indicated a slight reduction in the disease burden of rIDPs by 2050. There has been a slight reduction in the disease burden of rIDPs over the past three decades. Given that rIDPs mainly affect populations in impoverished regions, targeted health strategies and resource allocation are in great demand for these populations to further control rIDPs and end poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Non-returning factors from an interview survey of 16 residents of Katsurao village 12years after the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident.

People generally wish to return home after being evacuated due to disaster situations. Evacuation orders have now been lifted in the Fukushima region following the nuclear accident in 2011, and the Japanese government is promoting a return policy. However, many residents who wish to return home remain unable to and continue living in evacuation sites or other areas. Sixteen residents of Katsurao village were interviewed after evacuation orders were lifted in 2016 who have not yet returned. Concerns were cited regarding radiation, prolonged evacuation, health problems, buying a house in the evacuation area and schooling. The problems identified were primarily due to the rapid ageing and decline of the regional population, reflecting similar issues throughout Japan. In particular, health problems and intention to return were thought to be closely related. Over 10 y have passed since the evacuation, and many residents have experienced familial separation and divided living situations.

Mobile outreach clinics for improving health care services accessibility in vulnerable populations of the Diffa Region in Niger: a descriptive study.

Niger is a large country with many distant locations that can be difficult to access because the Sahara Desert covers 80% of the country's land. In Niger, just 49% of residents have access to a health centre within 5km of their house. Health care may be difficult to access in the Diffa region of Niger, as non-state armed groups strike on a regular basis and floods cause a high rate of vulnerability. This study looked at how mobile clinics can improve healthcare accessibility for vulnerable populations in the Diffa region. This was a descriptive-comparative study conducted over the period from 15 August 2022 to 15 October 2022, using three months' mobile outreach clinic to improve health outcomes in five districts of the Diffa region, including Bosso, Diffa, Goudoumaria, Mainé Soroa, and N'guigmi. During the three months of mobile outreach clinic, 42,251 people were sensitized about mobile outreaches and 12,004 were treated. A total of 18,708 vaccine doses were delivered to children aged 0-11months, with Maine Soroa, Goudoumaria, Bosso, Diffa, and N'guigmi districts accounting for 29.24%, 24.62%, 18.54%, 18.05%, and 9.5%, respectively. In the same line, Goudoumaria, Bosso, and Maine Soroa districts recorded relatively high antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance percentages of 27.85%, 25.62%, and 21.89%, respectively. Furthermore, mobile clinic outreach provided a variety of healthcare treatments, both curative and preventative. Mobile Clinic 2 increased vaccine dose received among children aged 0-11months by 1.11% (95%CI: 0.15%-2.06%, P = 0.023) when compared to Mobile Clinic 1. In the same line, mobile clinic showed a statistically significant increase of ANC between the three clinical rotations (P = 0001), showing an increased ANC update over time. This study found that mobile outreach clinic can play an important role in improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations in the Diffa region. However, well-designed, and frequent mobile clinic outreach should be planned and included in the country's public health policy.

Dynamic and thermodynamic contribution to the October 2019 exceptional rainfall in western central Africa

Abstract. Exceptional rainfall hit western central Africa in October 2019. To understand its underlying mechanisms, we examined the regional moisture and moist static energy (MSE) budgets, intending to highlight the importance of the dynamic and thermodynamic effects associated with this historic event. Analysis of the moisture budget reveals that the precipitation anomalies in October were mainly controlled by dynamic effects. Horizontal moisture advection induced by horizontal wind anomalies controls extreme precipitation north of western central Africa, while vertical moisture advection induced by vertical velocity anomalies controls extreme precipitation south of western central Africa. Changes in the thermodynamic effect, although not the key factor responsible for the events of October 2019, contribute up to 35 % of the total effect on the northern part and 15 % on the southern part of the domain. The residual term on the northern part is important and provides a caveat when estimating dynamic and thermodynamic processes. Diagnosis of the MSE balance averaged over the northern part of western central Africa shows that the anomalous vertical motion is dominated by the dynamic effect, i.e., the wet enthalpy advection induced by the horizontal wind anomalies. This is confirmed by the high spatial correlation (r=0.6) between the two terms compared to the other terms, whereas to the west of the Congo Basin, the increase in the net energy balance dominated the changes in vertical motion (r=0.51). The horizontal advection of the MSE induced by the anomalies of the wet enthalpy and the vertical advection of the MSE induced by the anomalies of the MSE seem less important (r=0.29 and −0.19 to the north and −0.17 and 0.03 to the south). The strong anomalies in the MSE balance in the north are linked to its meridional component, in particular the meridional wind anomalies in the dynamic effect and the meridional anomalies in latent heat in the thermodynamic effect. Our results suggest that dynamic and thermodynamic effects should be jointly considered for adequately anticipating this kind of extreme event. Understanding the associated mechanisms could help us improve our forecasts and projections and increase the region's population resilience to these extreme weather events.

Spectro-photometry and radial distribution of multiple stellar populations in globular clusters from gaia XP spectra

Abstract Understanding the formation of multiple populations in globular clusters (GCs) represents a challenge for stellar population studies. Nevertheless, the outermost cluster regions, likely to hold clues about the initial configuration of GC stars, remain underexplored. We use synthetic spectra reflecting the chemical compositions of first- and second-population (1P, 2P) stars in 47 Tucanae to identify spectral regions sensitive to these populations. This led us to define new photometric bands that effectively distinguish 1P and 2P giant stars using Gaia XP spectra. Testing these filters, we constructed the pseudo two-color diagrams dubbed chromosome maps (ChMs) and, for the first time, identified 1P and 2P stars in the cluster’s outermost regions and beyond its tidal radius. We constructed similar diagrams for NGC 3201, NGC 6121, NGC 6752, and NGC 6397, thus exploring GCs with different metallicities. The ChMs effectively distinguished multiple populations in the outer regions of all clusters, except for the metal-poor NGC 6397. Our findings, together with literature results from more-internal regions, show that the 2P stars of 47 Tucanae are more-centrally concentrated than the 1P. A similar pattern is seen for 2P stars with extreme chemical composition of NGC 3201. The multiple populations of NGC 6121, and NGC 6752 share the same radial distributions. These radial behaviors are consistent with the GC formation scenarios where 2P stars originate in the central regions. Noticeably, results on NGC 3201 are in tension with the conclusion from recent work that its 1P is more centrally concentrated than the 2P and might form with more central concentration.

Contrasting patterns of Asaia association with Plasmodium falciparum between field-collected Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii from Cameroon.

The widespread prevalence of Asaia in mosquitoes makes it a potential candidate for paratrangenic control in Anopheles. To better understand whether this bacterium could be used for malaria control, we quantified Asaia in An. gambiae s.l populations in malaria endemic regions examining co-infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected across two different eco-geographical localities in Cameroon, during both the dry and wet seasons. DNA was extracted from whole individual mosquitoes, and real time-qPCR amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA was used to quantify Asaia in both An. gambiae and An. coluzzii samples. We also detected and quantified P. falciparum infection in the same mosquitoes. The density of Asaia was successfully quantified in a total of 864 field mosquitoes, comprising of 439 An. gambiae from Bankeng and 424 An. coluzii collected from Gounougou. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of Asaia in An. gambiae (88.3%) compared to An. coluzzii (80.9%) was observed. Moreover, the density of Asaia in both species was significantly affected by seasonal changes in the two localities. Furthermore, a significant difference between the infection densities of Asaia and the Plasmodium infection status in the two species was recorded. However, no correlation was observed between the number of Asaia and P. falciparum infections. This study provides evidence that naturally occurring Asaia infection is not correlated to P. falciparum development within An. gambiae and An. coluzzii. Nevertheless, further studies incorporating experimental infections are required to better investigate the correlation between Anopheles mosquitoes, Asaia, and Plasmodium.IMPORTANCEThe symbiont Asaia has emerged as a promising candidate for paratransgenic control of malaria, but further analysis of its biology and genetics across Africa is necessary. In this study, we investigated and quantified the influence of Asaia in naturally infected An. gambiae s.l. populations with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole individual mosquitoes collected from two localities, and Asaia was quantified using real-time qPCR by amplification of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. We also detected and quantified Plasmodium falciparum infection in the same mosquitoes and established the correlation between Asaia and Plasmodium coinfection. This study provides evidence that naturally occurring Asaia infection is not correlated with P. falciparum development within An. gambiae and An. coluzzii mosquitoes.

Genetic screening of α-thalassemia fusion gene using routine flow-through hybridization

ObjectiveThe fusion gene is a rare form of α-thalassemia. Patients carrying the fusion gene could be misdiagnosed as normal or -α4.2deletion by the conventional thalassemia detection methods. The aim of this study was to present the detection of fusion genes using routine flow-through hybridization, as well as to analyze hematological and molecular characteristics.MethodsSamples were collected at our hospital from January 2019 to January 2024. Common thalassemia mutations in the Chinese population were conducted by flow-through hybridization. Samples showing faint coloration at the -α4.2 mutation site on hybridization membrane were considered suspicious. Samples detected as suspicious for -α4.2deletion were rechecked by conventional Gap-PCR. Those samples suspected of having -α4.2deletions were finally confirmed with specific primers for Gap-PCR and Sanger sequencing.ResultsOf the 32,083 samples, 25 samples (0.08%) were detected as suspected of having -α4.2 deletion by flow-through hybridization. However, upon reevaluation wtih conventional Gap-PCR reagents capable of detecting -α4.2 deletion, all were found to be negative for the deletion. Specific primers for Gap-PCR were designed, and fusion gene fragments were amplified. DNA sequencing of the HBA gene showed a 7-base mutation corresponding to the α-thalassemia fusion gene. Among the 25 samples, 22 were heterozygous carriers. Three samples were combined: one with Hb QS, one with β-thalassemia, and one with Hb G-Honolulu.Most hematological indices and capillary electrophoresis results were in the normal reference range.ConclusionThe fusion gene was present in 0.08% of the population in the Guangzhou region of Guangdong province, southern China. Conventional genetic methods tend to misdiagnose the fusion gene but can be effectively screened with flow-through hybridization.

Mercury Levels in Hair of Pregnant Women in Tumbes, Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Mercury, a potent toxin that poses serious risks to human health, particularly for pregnant women and young children, is widely present due to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which impacts water quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate methylmercury exposure among pregnant women in communities downstream from ASGM sites. We characterized hair total mercury (THg) concentrations among 148 pregnant women across 24 communities in the Tumbes region of Peru, downstream from ASGM sites in Ecuador. Using purposeful sampling, we classified communities into three exposure risk zones: Puyango-Tumbes River watershed, Coast, and Zarumilla. The mean THg concentration was 2.08 µg/g ± 1.36, with 45% of participants (67/148) exceeding UNEP/WHO exposure limits (>2.0 µg/g). The median was 1.84 with an interquartile range (IQR) from 1.01 to 2.83. Median THg levels were significantly higher in the Puyango-Tumbes River region (2.72 µg/g; IQR: 1.66-3.55) compared with Zarumilla (1.61 µg/g; IQR: 0.67-2.63; P = 0.001) and to the Coast (1.71 µg/g; IQR: 1.13-2.50; P = 0.01), suggesting that living close to the Puyango-Tumbes River may be associated with a higher mercury exposure risk. After controlling for potential confounders, individuals in the Puyango-Tumbes watershed exhibited a significant 57% higher expected geometric mean of hair THg compared with Zarumilla (95% CI: 0.1-146.2%). These findings underscore the importance of identifying high-risk regional populations and ongoing biomonitoring of the Puyango-Tumbes River watershed.

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the population of the Arctic region of Russia

Relevance. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most significant contributor to the global disease burden. CVDs are still the top leader in the nosology of death causes among the population of most countries and globally. Specific climate and geographical conditions in the Russian Arctic are responsible for high CVD risks; poor transport accessibility of some northern territories lead to restricted availability of sophisticated medical care to patients.The objective of the study is to characterize the epidemiology and dynamics of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the population of the Komi Republic (KR) throughout 2009 to 2022.Methods. For 2009 through 2022, an epidemiological analytical study (ecological study) was carried out regarding cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among the KR population (in the North-West Russia) using federal statistical observation formats; statistical data were recruited from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Unified Interdepartmental Information Statistical System (EMISS). Statistical analysis included calculation of mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) and incidence-to-prevalence ratio.Results and discussion. For 2009 through 2022, the average annual CVD incidence rate among the KR population stood at (23.1 ± 0.5) ‰, with (277.3 ± 5.9) ‰ prevalence rate. A significant increase (from 21.0 to 29.3 %) in the proportion of coronary heart diseases (CHDs) in the nosology of primary morbidities was noted. The incidence-to-prevalence ratio showed multidirectional dynamics, with positive (growth rate in 2009–2022: +64.5 %) values for arterial hypertension (AH) vs. negative (growth rates: +31.8 and +23.7 %) values for CHDs and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs). The cardiovascular mortality rate in 2003–2017 decreased by 29.1 %showing an upward trend since 2018. MIR for CHDs, AH and CCVDs decreased by 33.4, 52.9 and 23.7 % respectively.Conclusion. CVDs remain the main cause of the disease burden in the KR population. The registered trends in morbidity and mortality rates due to major CVDs shows efficient performance of regional cardiology care.

Virulence and Diversity of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Populations in Northwestern and Southwestern Oversummering Regions of China.

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is the most devastating fungal disease affecting wheat in China, particularly in the northwestern (Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia) and southwestern (Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou) oversummering regions. In this study, 302 isolates collected from these six provinces were analyzed using virulence testing and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Virulence testing on 19 Chinese differentials identified 38 previously reported and 49 novel races. CYR34 was the most prevalent race in both the northwestern and southwestern oversummering regions, with frequencies of 24.00% and 21.05%, respectively. In the northwestern oversummering region, the prevalence of CYR32 (10.70%) and G22-14 (10.67%) was nearly identical, whereas in the southwestern oversummering region, CYR32 (13.20%) and G22-14 (9.87%) exhibited significant differences. Additionally, 112 races were identified using 18 Yr single-gene differentials, although none of the isolates showed virulence to either Yr5 or Yr15. The virulence diversity of Pst populations was greater in the southwestern than in the northwestern oversummering region, as indicated by the differential sets. Further molecular analysis with 20 pairs of polymorphic KASP-SNP markers confirmed that the southwestern Pst population exhibited higher genetic diversity than the northwestern population. Both virulence phenotypes and genotype data demonstrated that the Pst population was more diverse in the southwestern oversummering region, despite presence of the exchange of Pst sources between regions. In addition, mutant isolates indicating resistance to tiadimefon fungicide were detected in both regions. This study provides a systematic comparison of Pst populations in the northwestern and southwestern oversummering regions based on virulence phenotyping and SNP marker genotyping, and the findings are crucial for the integrated management of wheat stripe rust in these regions and across the country.

THE FUNCTIONING OF COMONYMS IN MODERN SONG TEXTS OF THE TATAR AND MARI PEOPLES

The article is devoted to the analysis of the modern musical and song tradition of the contacting ethnic groups of the Middle Volga region. The main attention is focused on the study of song texts in the Tatar and Mari languages contained in the names of rural settlements of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Republic of Mari El. The preservation of a common trend for all ethnic groups, expressed in the unification of thematic groups, the preservation of common features of national and cultural specificity in the performance of musical works, has been established. An archaic pentatonic characteristic of the Tatar song model, borrowed into the Mari folk song, has been recorded. It is confirmed that the basis of the modern Tatar and Mari musical and song culture of the village is the genre of village chant, marking the place of existence of the song and informing about the attribution of the song to a certain locality. There is a direct connection between the village and the rustic motif (chant). The implementation of the village tune is carried out mainly in everyday languages through lyrical songs and “takmak”. “Takmak” (analogous to Russian chastushka), as a legacy of the musical influence of the Turkic-Tatar population of the Middle Volga region, retained its influence on the musical tradition of the Cheremis (Mari) people, which allowed to establish a certain kinship of modern folkish songs of these peoples in rural society. The marking of the geographical affiliation of the song works is provided by toponyms describing the location of a particular locality. Song collections of a consolidated type in the Tatar and Mari languages are presented in printed and electronic versions. A comparative analysis of modern songs, including comonyms, revealed the manifestation of similar features when they are implemented in a natural cultural environment. Most modern folkish songs, both Tatar and Mari, are based on traditional motifs of the small homeland, nostalgia for the rural nativity, love of nature, autobiographical history, memories of past youth and childhood, indicating the characteristic features of the geo-landscape for this territory, as well as linguistic and cultural images based on the motives of sociocommunication – the presentation of the settlement, its residents, outstanding natives, self-presentation, promotion of village traditions, relationships of the multiethnic composition of the village, etc.

COMPARISON OF LASER AND PNEUMATIC LITHOTRIPSY FOR MID AND LOWER URETERAL STONES: “AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW” AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Objectives: Management of large lower and mid ureteric stones represents a treatment challenge. The main objective of stone treatment is to achieve the highest stone-free rate with minimal morbidity. Available modalities are medical therapy, open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, endoluminal surgery and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). After the invention of uretero-renoscopy (URS) and ESWL in 1980s, there has been a paradigm shift in the treatment modality of ureteric calculus from open surgery to endoluminal and non-invasive method. There are various modalities for stone fragmentation in URS – electrohydrolic lithotripsy, pneumatic. Ultrasonic, laser and dual energy source (Ultrasound+Pneumatic) Lithotripsy. Both laser lithotripsy (LL) and pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) have favourable outcomes The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of pneumatic versus laser lithotripters for Mid and lower ureteric calculi in regional population at KIMS, Hubballi. Methods: This was a prospective comparative study done in 116 cases of mid and lower ureteric calculi (58 in PL and 58 in LL) at karnataka institute of medical sciences, Huballi from May 2022 to November 2022. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 had PL, while Group 2 had lithotripsy using a laser energy source. For PL group, 0.8 and 1 mm probe was passed through working channel of URS. LL was performed using a 100- W holmium:yttriumaluminium-garnet (YAG)-pulsed laser machine, with 365 μm fibres. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Grading System. Results: In all, 116 patients (78 male and 38 female) with a mean age of 36.21 years were included in the study, Varying from 18 to 75 years. In group one 58 patients under went PL out of which 41 were males and 17 were females. In group two 58 patients under went LL out of which 37 were males and 21 were females. In group one (PL) mean operative with SD was 42.10±(10.16) min, and in group two (LL). Mean operative with SD was 46.78±(9.36) min, with p=0.011, which was statistically significant. Mean hospital stay ±SD (days) in PL group was 2.69±(0.730) days, and in group two LL mean hospital stay ±SD (days) was 2.40±(0.591) with p=0.019, which was statistically significant. In group one out of 58 patients, 11 patients had stone migration with % of an 18.96% and in group two out of 58 patients 2 patient had stone migration of, with % of 3.44%, with p=0.008, which is statistically very significant. Post operatively 7 patients in group one needed auxillary procedures, 3 patients needed ESWL, 3 patients needed. Re URSL and one patient needed bladder clot evacuation with DJ stenting, In all these patients stone size was larger than 15 mm, In Group 2 no patient needed Auxillary procedure, with p=0.003 which is statistically significant. Conclusion: Both pneumatic and LL are standard and safe techniques for the management of lower and mid ureteric calculi. Our study showed LL had less stone migration, and no need for reintervention.