Prevalence of Myocilin Gene Mutation in Adult-Onset Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Non-Glaucoma Subjects Who Are Indigenes of Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness incapacitating over 80 million people worldwide. Several pathogenetic mechanisms have been postulated to explain the optic nerve damage that occur in POAG among which genetic predisposition is prominent. Gene-Linkage-based studies have identified genes associated with POAG: Myocilin, Optineurin, WDR36, Tank-Binding Kinase (TBK1) and APbb-2. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of myocilin gene mutation in adult-onset POAG patients and non-glaucoma subjects who are indigenes of Rivers State. Methodology: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 393 POAG patients attending the Glaucoma Clinic of UPTH were compared with 393 age and sex-matched phenotypically normal participants. Clinical assessment combined with findings from clinical records was used. Venous blood was obtained for genomic analyses. Extracted DNA was sequenced with specific primers for myocilin and polymerase chain reaction. Zymo-Bead Genomic DNA kit protocol was used to detect allelic differences. Results: Total of 786 participants participated in the study. The mean age was 59.8 ± 11.8 years. The prevalence of myocilin gene mutation (MYOC) in the study population was 5.3%, in the POAG group was 8.4%, and 2.3% in the non-glaucoma group. This observed difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Location of the mutant myocilin gene was in GLC1A 171638779, 171638703, 171638610 and 171638608. Conclusion: Mutations in myocilin gene are associated with adult-onset POAG in Rivers State. Its relevance as a biomarker for diagnosis of adult-onset POAG needs further investigations.

Potential Benefits of Bioactive Compounds of Traditional Rice Grown in South and Southeast Asia:A Review

Traditional rice varieties have been widely cultivated and popularly consumed by Asian people for a very long time and have recently garnered increased consumer concern.Traditional or indigenous rice varieties are known to be rich in a wide range of bioactive compounds,particularly phenolic compounds,flavonoids,tannins,anthocyanins,proanthocyanidins,phytic acids,andγ-oryzanol.We have identified 32 phenolic acids,including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives,and 7 different flavonoids in rice varieties.These bioactive compounds have unique physiological effects on human health.Additionally,rice grains exhibit nutraceutical potential for antidiabetic,antiarthritic,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,and antitumor activities.In this review,we critically analyzed the bioactive components of traditional rice and their nutraceutical potential in protecting against harmful microbial activities.To ensure that future generations have access to these beneficial substances,it is crucial to preserve traditional rice varieties.

Nutritional and nutraceutical variability in neglected niger(Guizotia abyssinica(L.f.)Cass.)accessions from Eastern Ghats of India

The exploitation of neglected niger accessions plays a crucial role in future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality.Present study evaluated the genetic variation in nutritional and nutraceutical compositions of 30 indigenous niger accessions originating from Eastern Ghats of India,and compare them with three improved varieties of the locality.The proximate compositions(g/100 g)showed significant variations,with moisture ranging from 1.36 g to 4.95 g,ash from 1.06 g to 5.45 g,fat from 28.53 g to 44.11 g,protein from 8.84 g to 18.18 g,carbohydrate from 11.21 g to 35.09 g,fiber from 16.32 g to 26.62 g,and energy from 407.32 kcal to 526.84 kcal.Niger seeds are rich in phenol 41.10–82.20 mg/g,flavonoid 5.32–15.98μg/g,antioxidant 13.59–31.08%across the accessions.Principal component analysis revealed that the first two axis explained 41.8%of the total variation,indicating significant differences among genotypes.The heritability and genetic advance in percent of mean(GAM)ranged from 61.11%to 99.91%and 12.5%–89.1%among the traits across the populations.High heritability and GAM recorded in vitamin C,ash content,antioxidant capacity,flavonoid and phenol suggests that these traits may be important for niger breeding program.Altogether,some indigenous niger accessions such as Mangardora,Ganjeipadar and Kolabnagar had exceptionally rich in fat,protein and energy contents and are nutritionally superior compared to improved variety of the locality.Further,exceptional rich in flavonoid,antioxidant capacity and vitamin C was recorded in Manahar,Badapada and Mahadeiput.These nutrition rich accessions have ample opportunities for future breeding programs aimed to enhance the quality and hold great potential in food industry for making high value functional food.

Socio-Psychological Factors of Rising Trend of Suicidal Ideation among Indigenous Workforce: Evidence from Himalayan Range

Apart from socio-economic disparities,indigenous people of the Himalayan range in Asia face an increasing trend of suicides.The tragic suicidal events usually go unaddressed,and no strategies are presently in place to mitigate suicides in the future.This study aims to explain the prevailing causes of suicidal ideation to come up with some policy recommendations.Through a preliminary survey,we identified social stigma,social isolation,lack of healthcare facilities,and domestic violence as the potential reasons for suicidal ideation.We identified individuals with suicide ideation for further data collection to test the relationships between the identified variables and suicidal ideation.A quantitative,explanatory and cross-sectional design was used to test the hypotheses.Inferential statistics were applied to the data containing 314 responses,and the results revealed that all the predictive variables influence the formation of suicidal ideation.The study uncovered some new dimensions of social stigma and social isolation that are common among the indigenous people.The results also indicate that some domestic violence is socially acceptable and considered a normal familial matter.Thefindings have theoretical and practical implications.We have identified new dimensions of social stigma,social isolation,and domestic violence that are new additions to the existing bank of literature.It provides insights to encourage public authorities,healthcare providers,and NGO managers to play their role in the right direction to mitigate the problem.This study opens further venues for researchers to investigate the complex issue of suicide more deeply.

Breast Cancer Treatment (Mastectomy Experiences) May Initiate Individuation Process That Redefines Identities: A Systematic Review

This systematic literature review examines the impact of breast cancer treatment experiences, with a focus on mastectomy, on the psychosocial well-being of women. While previous studies have shown that mastectomy is associated with negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and a loss of femininity, a new body of literature suggests that it can also be a catalyst for post-traumatic growth and personal transformation. The article argues that mastectomy experiences can initiate an individuation process that leads to a more empowered sense of self and a higher quality of life. The review identified 25 studies that employed qualitative methods and analyzed data from interviews, focus groups, and surveys. The article discusses the application of Jung’s individuation theory to categorize the experiences of women with breast cancer and links breast cancer diagnosis and treatment to the death-experience stage of the theory. The content highlights the importance of movement, contemplation, and spirituality in the healing process, and how they can help women connect with their bodies and develop a new sense of identity. Additionally, the content discusses the role of spirituality in enhancing growth and healing among indigenous native women patients with breast cancer. Overall, this article provides insights into how breast cancer treatment experiences can shape women’s identity, enhance resilience, and provide opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

Malaria Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors among Batwa Indigenous People of Kanungu District in Southwestern Uganda: Does “Place” Matter?

Introduction: Malaria is an important disease, causing high morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Measuring malaria prevalence using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), particularly among a vulnerable population sub-group, is a vital public health step in discovering effective methods of prevention and control. This study set out to examine the association between “place” and other risk factors with malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People (IP). Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was implemented. Two surveys January 2014 (n = 572) and April 2014 (n = 541) involving interviews and testing for malaria using mRDTs were conducted in 10 Batwa settlements where a total of 1113 Batwa of all ages were surveyed and tested. The data were first compiled in MS Excel and then imported and analyzed using STATA ver.14. Descriptive statistics, were generated, followed by bivariable and multivariable regression model analysis to establish associations between the predictor and outcome variables with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Overall prevalence was 13.94% (n = 146). There is a significant relationship between settlement (place) and malaria prevalence AOR 11.7, 95% CI (1.38 - 98.93), p-value = 0.02. More males 16.97% (n = 84) tested positive compared to females 11.23% (n = 62) but there was no statistically significant association between gender and mRDT (p-value > 0.005). Children less than 5 years registered high prevalence and there was a significant relationship between age and mRDT (p-value ≤ 0.005). Wealth proxy indicators showed no association with prevalence p-value = 0.390. Season had no association with prevalence (p-value = 0.80). However, the proportion of the day spent in the forest/woodlands was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 12.83, 95% CI (1.14 - 143.73) p-value = 0.04. Low elevation was significantly associated with malaria prevalence COR 2.42, 95% CI (1.32 - 4.41), p = 0.004 but sleeping under a net and level of education did not show any association with malaria prevalence. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of place in predicting malaria prevalence among Batwa Indigenous People a marginalized and remortely located sub-population. This study has shown that place matters in determining malaria prevalence. However, other factors like age, elevation and gender also contribute to malaria prevalence. Batwa have higher prevalence than the national and even non-indigenous populations in the same district. We recommend targeting hotspots intervention approach since it has proven reasonable impact on reducing malaria prevalence.

Perception of Local Populations of Bouba-Ndjidda National Park on Indigenous Knowledge and the Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity Conservation

This study deals with the perceptions of indigenous knowledge in the field of conservation and the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the peripheral villages of the Bouba-Ndjidda National Park (PNBN), Department of Mayo-Rey, Cameroon. To this end, 23 out of 70 villages in the study area were selected, for a sample of 368 households surveyed through a questionnaire addressed to the heads of households. Data collection took place from August 27 to December 22, 2022. The results reveal that 70.7% of the population living near the PNBN practice agriculture as their main income-generating activity, followed by livestock (23.3%) and trade (6%). Knowledge in the field of the conservation of natural resources is rooted in occultism through rituals and sacrifices (99.50%) offered to the geniuses of nature and prohibitions on the felling of trees and sacred animals (13.00%). The populations perceive climate change through the variation of the seasons (97.60%), the increase in temperature (84.80%), the reduction in the duration of the rainy seasons (54.60%), the drop in agricultural yield (84.80%) and floods (74.70%). The consequence of these changes on wildlife is the disappearance of animal species such as the Rhinoceros, the Wild Dog, the Cheetah and the Ostrich. In order to cope with climate change, the natives have developed strategies such as the adoption of early crop varieties (maize, millet, soybeans, etc.), the reorganization of the agricultural calendar, the practice of reforestation, extension of field surfaces, the cessation of excessive deforestation and uncontrolled bush fires, the construction of fired brick houses, the practice of irrigation, seasonal migration and occultism. This indigenous knowledge is a perfect adaptation to climate change and makes it possible to better take into account the vision of local populations in the conservation of biodiversity.

Indigenous Breeding Practices in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) as Influenced by Plumage Features in Northern Cameroon

The objective of this work was to draw up an inventory of environmental and anthropogenic factors linked to indigenous breeding practices of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) influenced by plumage characteristics. The information was collected using the snowball technique and using a formal questionnaire developed (AU-IBAR, 2015). The dominant plumage is pearl gray with a frequency of 38.89% followed by black (13.85%). In total, 154 adult animals were lost by operators with a frequency of 22.95%. According to plumage, white comes first with a frequency of 51.61% followed by Lavender plumage (36.58%). Predation is the major constraint with a frequency of 35.72%. The guinea fowl most targeted by predators are the white guinea fowl with a frequency of 56.25%, while predation is low for black plumage (25%), royal purple (33.34) and pearl gray (34.69). The pearl gray guinea fowl and the royal purple guinea fowl appear to have a more developed wild instinct, which explains the frequency of recorded escapes. White plumage is perceived as being more docile during breeding and tends to exhibit better resistance to heat stress compared to other phenotypes, making it more valued for traditional rituals. Dark plumage seems more sought after in breeding for its supposed prolificacy, its resistance to infections and its weight. According to breeders, the dominance relationship mainly depends on the number of individuals of the same plumage. Dark plumage in significant numbers in most flocks seems to have dominance in terms of food and choice of sexual partners, which would explain their large numbers.

Towards Inclusive Development: Situating the Socio-Economic Wellbeing and Environmental Issues of an Indigenous Cultural Community in the Philippines

The Municipality of Carranglan is a rural community where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. The Kalanguya Ancestral Domain (KAD) is also located in the area, and it provides a home for the Kalanguya indigenous cultural community. They have fled to the area for a variety of reasons. Despite its rural setting, Carranglan is regarded as a first-class municipality and the largest municipality in Nueva Ecija. This study described and documented the socio-economic profile, and existing issues and problems the Kalanguya Indigenous Peoples (IPs) experienced in their milieu, especially in terms of environmental protection. Recognizing and valuing their perspectives is vital for inclusive development. This study also situated the current status and conditions of the IPs, who generally live below the poverty line and face a range of plights and challenges. As part of safeguarding indigenous rights and interests, this study was undertaken after series of consultations with community elders and leaders. Key informant interviews, household surveys, semi-structured interviews, focused-group discussion (FGD), and direct observations were used to elicit information. Many of the respondents are elementary undergraduates which show that the community had lacked access to education. The following are the primary socioeconomic issues confronting IPs: insufficient access to potable water, suboptimal agricultural productivity, meager monthly income, and a dearth of supplementary and alternative livelihood opportunities. Forest fires, landslides, encroachment of illegal loggers, and concerns about wildlife resources are some of the current environmental issues they have encountered. The local population was supportive of plans and actions targeted at improving the environment. This reveals that the IPs possess unique indigenous forest expertise that enables them to properly manage natural resources.

Towards an Effective Communication in the Care of Patients with Long Term Disease in Kenya via Cybernetic—A Systematic Review

In this paper, to effectively treat chronic disorders and improve the standard of care, effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals was essential. The aim of the study was to review the literature on how good communication might improve treatment outcomes for Kenyan patients with chronic and terminal illnesses and to determine whether Cybernetic electronic communication can improve those outcomes even more. We uncovered the history of treatment outcomes for chronic and terminal diseases in this research study, both with and without communication at the core of the patient’s care plan. We discussed the importance of good communication in the treatment of patients with chronic and terminal illnesses and why it is a momentous endeavor comparable to medical diagnosis and treatment for the long-term health of patients. To locate pertinent material for the background literature study, we carried out a comprehensive literature search. Although the preliminary literature review was a continuation of the introduction research, it also highlighted the paucity of local Kenyan literature and suggested that improved communication might help patients with chronic and terminal illnesses have better treatment outcome. Methodology maintained the literature search, as a systematic literature review focused on core of the study, making separate sections of the same body necessary. This ensured that a methodological literature search section is as comprehensive as possible. We used an integrated PRISM model to limit a comprehensive literature search and a systematic literature review design as part of the overall process. Non-probability sampling and snowball approaches on literary papers over the previous 17 years were used in this arrangement. Since this was a multidisciplinary study, the four experts who also serve as authors were chosen from within their respective fields of expertise to design the study. They created search strategies, generated key words, looked up keywords in database engines, assessed the results of the literature using the PRISMA logical model, looked over successful literature, and triangulated their findings. The conclusions of the experts individually revealed a convergence of thoughts, beliefs, and practices across. The study concluded that even though there isn’t much research done in Kenya on the same subject;what is available illustrates how crucial good communication is for patients with chronic illnesses. The study’s findings also highlighted the positive effects of effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals on treatment plan adherence, patient satisfaction, and overall health outcomes. The results also noted that in order to improve patient care and outcome, Kenyan healthcare workers should underscore developing their communication skills. The study also found that the incorporation of cybernetics is crucial if a truly effective communication is required so as to enable centered care for patients with long-term diseases in Kenya. The goal of the Cybernetics is to activate genuinely effective communication in the care of Patients with long-term disease in Kenya. This study is organized to begin with an abstract, followed by keywords, an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and finally conclusions.

现代城市广场设计中本土化景观的表达(英文)

Modern urban square landscapes have been evolved to be with more regional and cultural features, yet the phenomenon of duplication is serious in urban square landscapes in China. In this study, the connotation of indigenous landscape is analyzed from the perspectives of local culture, integration of Chinese and western cultures, folk cultures and modern marketing, the causes of duplicated urban square landscapes are thoroughly elaborated. In view of the deficiencies of modern urban square landscapes, it is proposed that local plants, local ornamental materials and patterns should be fully applied in square designs, and the expression of detail landscapes should be attached sufficient importance, to completely demonstrate regional features of landscapes and better apply indigenous landscapes into the design of modern urban squares.

乡土植物在城市生态园林设计中的分析应用(英文)

Concept of indigenous plant and ecological landscape was introduced.Ecological role of indigenous plants in urban ecological landscape design was analyzed,visual beauty,beautiful seasonal aspect,fragrance and charm of these plants were stressed.Moreover,the role of indigenous plants in creating landscape spaces,landscapes of time sequence and also regional landscapes was enhanced,and it was proposed that application of indigenous plants accorded with requirements of the conservation-minded ecological landscape construction.Scientific selection of indigenous plants for the ecological landscape design was discussed,then the following points stressed:right trees should be selected for right land according to the actual eco-environment conditions;properties and functional needs of urban green spaces satisfied;indigenous plants with outstanding landscape ecological attributes selected;historical and cultural features of the city highlighted.Finally,attentions in the configuration of indigenous plants were given as(a) maintaining species diversity and simulating natural community structure;(b) coordinating relationship among plants according to the principle of "mutualism",focusing on color combination and changeful seasonal aspects.

高速公路边坡不同乡土灌木建植模式的产流·产沙特征研究(英文)

[Objective] Indigenous plants with favorable water and soil conservation effects were screened for the shrub planting.[Method] Suining-Ziyang-Meishan Highway in the hilly areas of central Sichuan Province was taken for example,through sorting out plant species investigated in the route planning,3 indigenous shrub species(Neosinocalamus affinis,Vitex negundo and Coriaria nepalensis) and 3 indigenous herbaceous species(Setaria viridis,Miscanthus floridulus,Artemisia argyi) were selected.Rainfall simulation experiment was adopted to compare runoff and sediment yields of different combination modes and ratios under constant rainfall intensity(20 mm/min).[Result] Different combination modes under constant rainfall intensity all showed better water and soil conservation effects than that of control group did.For example,runoff appeared 1'-4'05"later,sediment yield reduced by 6.56-33.86 g respectively.Among all combination modes,runoff and sediment yield showed great difference after 20 min of constant rainfall,V.negundo+S.viridis had the lowest runoff(1,700 ml) and sediment yield(60.71 g);C nepalensis+A. argyi had the highest runoff(1,920 ml) and sediment yield(84.02 g).[Conclusion] Given the same planting conditions such as side slope and seeding quantity,and also the same planting techniques,in the hilly areas of central Sichuan Province,the combination of V.negundo and S.viridis can greatly improve the water and soil conservation capacity of highway.

埃塞俄比亚加里农业示范区生态恢复树种选择的思考(英文)

Environmental degradation and deforestation in Jari Demonstration Plot needed forestation and reforestation,and the plant species selection was a key issue in the ecological recovery.Ecological information was fully considered regarding each species in various agro-climatic zones,altitude ranges,specific niches in different landscapes,soil preference,drought resistance and certain other important ecological factors.The species selection model represents an idea of ecological recovery and soil erosion control in the demonstration plot.

Les indigènes à la Grande Guerre dans Le Mensonge de dieu de Mohamed Benchicou

《La Grande Guerre》 a été le basculement de l’Humanité toute entière d’une dimension vers une autre, jusque-là inconnue. Des armes d’extermination massive apparurent et s’ enclencha la marche des peuples vers la mort. Ainsi débuta le siècle des grandes découvertes. Les historiens ont relaté les faits, les écrivains aussi, les rescapés et les invalides ont raconté leurs supplices à ceux qui ont consenti à les écouter. Cependant les passions demeurent aussi inébranlables que fut grand le désastre d’une 《 Guerre 》 déclenchée 《Pour venger la mort d’un archiduc et d’une duchesse assassinés des mains d’un étudiant fou…. 》. C’est ainsi que Lakhdar, Belaid, Amadou, Saidou…, indigènes des colonies des puissances, moururent pour de mauvaises humeurs royales. Les auteurs de ce siècle en parlent toujours avec le même ressentiment que celui suscité chez leurs prédécesseurs, dépeignant des personnages aussi variés que furent diverses leurs origines et leurs douleurs, livrant une guerre à des peuples qu’ils n’ont jamais connus pour les hair. Qui sont ces apatrides ? Pour quelle cause ont-ils mené cette guerre ? Auraient-ils été en quête d’une Patrie ou d’un honneur abusé ? Cette quête a-t-elle abouti ? N’aurait-elle pas été léguée à leur postérité ? Quelle a été leur influence dans cette 《 Grande Guerre 》, sur l’autre et quelle a été la sienne sur eux ? Sont-ils quelque part héros ? Ont-ils plut?t servi de cobayes dans des laboratoires à ciel ouvert, dans un siècle de grandes expérimentations scientifiques ? Nous tenterons de répondre à ces interrogations à travers Le Mensonge de dieu de Mohamed Benchicou.

Crop rotation-dependent yield responses to fertilization in winter oilseed rape(Brassica napus L.)

Differences in soil physical, chemical and biological properties between paddy–upland and continuous upland rotations will influence nutrient relations and crop growth. With the aim of estimating rapeseed yield performance in response to fertilization in rice–rapeseed(RR) and cotton–rapeseed(CR) rotations, on-farm experiments were conducted at 70 sites across Hubei province, central China. The economically optimal fertilizer rates of winter oilseed rape in different rotations were determined. Field experiments showed that previous crops significantly influenced seed yields. Without N fertilization,seed yields were significantly lower for the RR rotation than for the CR rotation. The average yield increase ratio and agronomic efficiency associated with nitrogen(N)fertilization in the RR rotation were 96.6% and 6.56 kg kg- 1, significantly higher than those in the CR rotation. No seed yield differences were detected between the two rotations under phosphorus(P) and potassium(K) fertilization. In contrast to the CR rotation, N fertilizer played a more vital role in maintaining high seed yields in the RR rotation owing to the lower indigenous soil N supply. Compared with local N fertilizer recommendation rates for the RR rotation, on average an additional 18 kg N ha- 1was recommended according to the economically optimal N fertilizer rate(EONFR). In contrast, the EONFR was 14 kg N ha- 1lower than the locally recommended N fertilizer rate for the CR rotation. There were no differences between the two rotations for the average economically optimal P and K fertilization rates. Consequently, the average EONFR of winter oilseed rape could be reduced if cotton rather than rice preceded the winter oilseed rape.

cDNA Cloning of Heat Shock Protein Genes and Their Expression in an Indigenous Cryptic Species of the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Complex from China

Thermal adaptation plays a fundamental role in shaping the distribution and abundance of insects,and heat shock proteins(Hsps)play important roles in the temperature adaptation of various organisms.To better understand the temperature tolerance of the indigenous ZHJ2-biotype of whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex,we obtained complete cDNA sequences for hsp90,hsp70,and hsp20 and analyzed their expression profiles under different high temperature treatments by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The high temperature tolerance of B.tabaci ZHJ2-biotype was determined by survival rate after exposure to different high temperatures for 1 h.The results showed that after 41°C heat-shock treatment for 1 h,the survival rates of ZHJ2 adults declined significantly and the estimated temperature required to cause 50% mortality(LT50)is 42.85°C for 1 h.Temperatures for onset(Ton)or maximal(Tmax)induction of hsps expression in B.tabaci ZHJ2-biotype were 35 and 39°C(or 41°C).Compared with previous studies,indigenous ZHJ2-biotype exhibits lower heat temperature stress tolerance and Ton(or Tmax)than the invasive B-biotype.

Ethnobotany and diversity of medicinal plants used by the Buyi in eastern Yunnan, China

The Buyi are a socio-linguistic group in Yunnan Province of southwest China that have a long history of using medicinal plants as part of their indigenous medical system.Given the limited written documentation of the Buyi indigenous medical system,the objective of this paper is to document the medicinal plants of the Buyi and associated traditional knowledge and transmission.Field research was conducted in four villages in Lubuge Township of Luoping County in Yunnan Province using ethnobotanical methodologies including participatory observation,semi-structured interviews,key informant interviews,and focus group discussions to elicit information on medicinal plants.In total,120 informants(including 15 key informants who are healers)were interviewed.This study found that a total of 121 medicinal plant species belonging to 64 families are used by the Buyi including by local healers to treat different diseases.Among the medicinal plants recorded in this study,56 species(46%)have not previously been documented in the scientific literature as having medicinal value,highlighting the pressing need for ethnobotanical documentation in indigenous communities.The most frequently used medicinal part was the leaf(24.9%of documented plants),and the most common preparation method was decoction(62.8%of medicinal).Medicinal plants were mainly used to treat rheumatism(12.4%of plants),trauma and injuries(9.6%).The documented plants are also used for other non-medicinal purposes including food,fodder,fencing,and ornamental.In addition,35 of the medicinal plants are considered poisonous and are used by local Buyi healers for medicine.The traditional Buyi beliefs and practices associated with the documented medicinal plants likely contributes to their conservation in the environments and around Buyi communities.This study further highlights that ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Buyi is at risk of disappearing due to increased introduction and use of modern medicine in Buyi communities,livelihood changes,rapid modernization,and urbanization.Research,policy,and community programs are urgently needed to conserve the biocultural diversity associated with the Buyi medical system including ethnobotanical knowledge towards supporting both environmental and human wellbeing.

Comparative Study on Growth and Developmental Model of Indigenous Chicken Breeds in China

The growth and development regularity and genetic parameters were described in three types of indigenous chicken in China, Shaobo, Huaixiang and Youxi Chicken, by 3 nonlinear mathematics models, Logistics, Gompertz and Bertalanfy, according to the data of Body Weight from 1 week to 10 weeks. The results showed that the growth process of the three breeds could be illustrated well by three models, and the indices of fitness were very high (more than 0.99). Among the 3 models, Gompertz model was the best for its less bias from practice. The inflexions of growth were 5.98, 5.11 and 6.16 weeks of age, and body weights were 2115.77 g, 1499.08 g and 1409.62 g, respectively in Shaobo Chicken, Huaixiang Chicken and Youxi Chicken.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy

AIM: To perform a systematic review of reported neonatal and pregnancy outcomes of Indigenous Australians with diabetes in pregnancy(DIP).METHODS: Electronic searches of Pub Med and Web of Science were carried out. Articles were selected if they contained original data on DIP outcomes in Indigenous Australians. There were no specific exclusion criteria.RESULTS: A total of eight articles, predominantly from Queensland and Western Australia were identified once inclusion criteria were applied. Birth data from midwifery registries or paper charts encompassing years 1985-2008 were used. A total of 465591 pregnant women with and without DIP were included in the eight studies, with 1363 being Indigenous women with DIP. Indigenous Australians experienced increased rates of many known adverse outcomes of DIP including: macrosomia, caesarean section, congenital deformities, low birth weight, hypoglycaemia, and neonatal trauma. There were regional differences among Indigenous Australians, particularly regional/remote vs metropolitan populations where the regional/remote data showed worse outcomes. Two of the articles did not note a difference between Aboriginals and Caucasians in the rates of measured adverse outcome. Studies varied significantly in size, measured outcomes, and subsequent analysis.CONCLUSION: The health disparities between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are further evidenced by poorer outcomes in DIP. This has broader implications for Indigenous health in general.