KCNQ1 rs2237895 gene polymorphism increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asian populations

BACKGROUND The association of single nucleotide polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is currently controversial.It is unknown whether this association can be gene realized across different populations.AIM To determine the association of KCNQ1 rs2237895 with T2DM and provide reliable evidence for genetic susceptibility to T2DM.METHODS We searched PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Medline,Baidu Academic,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,China Biomedical Literature Database,and Wanfang to investigate the association between KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 and the risk of T2DM up to January 12,2022.Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyze the association of the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism with T2DM and to evaluate the publication bias of the selected literature.RESULTS Twelve case–control studies(including 11273 cases and 11654 controls)met our inclusion criteria.In the full population,allelic model[odds ratio(OR):1.19;95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.09–1.29;P<0.0001],recessive model(OR:1.20;95%CI:1.11–1.29;P<0.0001),dominant model(OR:1.27.95%CI:1.14–1.42;P<0.0001),and codominant model(OR:1.36;95%CI:1.15–1.60;P=0.0003)(OR:1.22;95%CI:1.10–1.36;P=0.0002)indicated that the KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 polymorphism was significantly correlated with susceptibility to T2DM.In stratified analysis,this association was confirmed in Asian populations:allelic model(OR:1.25;95%CI:1.13–1.37;P<0.0001),recessive model(OR:1.29;95%CI:1.11–1.49;P=0.0007),dominant model(OR:1.35;95%CI:1.20–1.52;P<0.0001),codominant model(OR:1.49;95%CI:1.22–1.81;P<0.0001)(OR:1.26;95%CI:1.16–1.36;P<0.0001).In non-Asian populations,this association was not significant:Allelic model(OR:1.06,95%CI:0.98–1.14;P=0.12),recessive model(OR:1.04;95%CI:0.75–1.42;P=0.83),dominant model(OR:1.06;95%CI:0.98–1.15;P=0.15),codominant model(OR:1.08;95%CI:0.82–1.42;P=0.60.OR:1.15;95%CI:0.95–1.39;P=0.14).CONCLUSION KCNQ1 gene rs2237895 was significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM in an Asian population.Carriers of the C allele had a higher risk of T2DM.This association was not significant in non-Asian populations.

Changes in the adult sex ratio of six duck species breeding populations over two decades

Despite all efforts,long-term changes in the adult sex ratios of breeding duck populations are still unclear;this uncertainty is especially true for male-bias populations,which are often under the scrutiny of researchers lacking convenient results for the active protection of endangered species.Species with male-bias populations are usually strongly affected by a decline in population size that leads to a higher extinction risk.In this study,we examined our long-term data of the abundance of breeding populations in six duck species(Mallard Anas platyrhynchos,Gadwall Mareca strepera,Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina,Common Pochard Aythya ferina,Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula,and Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula)from fishponds in South Bohemia,Czechia,between 2004 and 2022.This evidence was used to assess long-term changes in the adult sex ratio in these breeding populations and investigate the possible effects of the NAO index(North Atlantic Oscillation index)on them,indicating climate conditions in winter.We determined a long-term decrease of the proportion of females in the breeding season in two of the six examined species:Common Pochard and Red-crested Pochard,which is driven by the long-term increase in the number of males in contrast to the decreasing or stable number of females likely caused by different migration behaviours between females and males.In the case of Common Pochard,in breeding populations,we estimated 60-65%of males in the early 2000s rising to 75-80%in the early 2020s.However,we establish no significant effects linked to climate conditions of the previous winter in these species as a crucial cause of the changes of the proportion of females in the breeding population.

Comparative Study of Genetic Structure and Genetic Diversity betweenWild and Cultivated Populations of Taxus cuspidata,Northeast China

Taxus cuspidata is a rare plant with important medicinal and ornamental value.Aiming at the obvious differences between wild and cultivated populations of T.cuspidata from Northeast China,a total of 61 samples,that is,33 wild yews and 28 cultivated yews were used to analyze the differences and correlations of the kinship,genetic diversity,and genetic structure between them by specific length amplified fragment sequencing(SLAF-seq).Finally,470725 polymorphic SLAF tags and 58622 valid SNP markers were obtained.Phylogenetic analysis showed that 61 samples were classified into 2 clusters:wild populations and cultivated populations,and some wild yews were categorized into the cultivated populations;the genetic diversity analysis showed that the Nei diversity index of wild populations(0.4068)was smaller than that of cultivated populations(0.4414),and the polymorphic information content(PIC)of wild populations(0.2861)was smaller than that of cultivated populations(0.3309).The genetic differentiation analysis showed that the total populations of gene diversity(H_(t))of cultivated and wild populations were respectively 0.8159 and 0.5685,the coefficient of gene differentiation(G_(st))of cultivated and wild populations was respectively 0.3021 and 0.1068,and the gene flow(N_(m))(2.4967)of wild populations was larger than cultivated populations(0.8199).The molecular variance(AMOVA)revealed that inter-population variation accounted for 29.57%of the total genetic variation,while intra-population variation accounted for 70.42% of the total genetic variation(p<0.001),this suggested that the genetic variation in the T.cuspidata is mainly attributed to within-population factors.In conclusion,the genetic distance between geographical ecological groups of wild populations was generally smaller than that of cultivated populations,and the degree of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation was smaller than that of cultivated populations.As evident,the utilization of SLAF-seq technology enables efficient and accurate development of SNP markers suitable for genetic analysis of T.cuspidata species.These developed SNP markers can provide a molecular foundation for T.cuspidata breeding,construction of genetic maps,variety identification,and association analysis of agronomic traits.

Evolutionary game dynamics of combining two different aspiration-driven update rules in structured populations

In evolutionary games,most studies on finite populations have focused on a single updating mechanism.However,given the differences in individual cognition,individuals may change their strategies according to different updating mechanisms.For this reason,we consider two different aspiration-driven updating mechanisms in structured populations:satisfied-stay unsatisfied shift(SSUS)and satisfied-cooperate unsatisfied defect(SCUD).To simulate the game player’s learning process,this paper improves the particle swarm optimization algorithm,which will be used to simulate the game player’s strategy selection,i.e.,population particle swarm optimization(PPSO)algorithms.We find that in the prisoner’s dilemma,the conditions that SSUS facilitates the evolution of cooperation do not enable cooperation to emerge.In contrast,SCUD conditions that promote the evolution of cooperation enable cooperation to emerge.In addition,the invasion of SCUD individuals helps promote cooperation among SSUS individuals.Simulated by the PPSO algorithm,the theoretical approximation results are found to be consistent with the trend of change in the simulation results.

Dependence of Rydberg-atom-based sensor performance on different Rydberg atom populations in one atomic-vapor cell

The atomic-vapor cell is a vital component for Rydberg atomic microwave sensors,and impacts on overall capability of Rydberg sensors.However,the conventional analysis approach on effect of vapor-cell length contains two implicit assumptions,that is,the same atomic population density and buffer gas pressure,which make it unable to accurately capture actual response about effect of Rydberg-atom-based sensor performance on different Rydberg atom populations.Here,utilizing a stepped cesium atomic-vapor cell with five different dimensions at the same atomic population density and buffer gas pressure,the height and full width at half maximum of electromagnetically induced transparency(EIT)signal,and the sensitivity of the atomic superheterodyne sensor are comprehensively investigated under conditions of the same Rabi frequencies(saturated laser power).It is identified that EIT signal height is proportional to the cell length,full width at half maximum and sensitivity grow with the increment of cell length to a certain extent.Employing the coherent integration signal theory and atomic linear expansion coefficient method,theoretical analysis of the EIT height and sensitivity are further investigated.The results could shed new light on understanding and design of ultrahigh-sensitivity Rydberg atomic microwave sensors and find promising applications in quantum measurement,communication,and imaging.

Multi-environment BSA-seq using large F3 populations is able to achieve reliable QTL mapping with high power and resolution: An experimental demonstration in rice

Bulked-segregant analysis by deep sequencing(BSA-seq) is a widely used method for mapping QTL(quantitative trait loci) due to its simplicity, speed, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency. However, the ability of BSA-seq to detect QTL is often limited by inappropriate experimental designs, as evidenced by numerous practical studies. Most BSA-seq studies have utilized small to medium-sized populations, with F2populations being the most common choice. Nevertheless, theoretical studies have shown that using a large population with an appropriate pool size can significantly enhance the power and resolution of QTL detection in BSA-seq, with F_(3)populations offering notable advantages over F2populations. To provide an experimental demonstration, we tested the power of BSA-seq to identify QTL controlling days from sowing to heading(DTH) in a 7200-plant rice F_(3)population in two environments, with a pool size of approximately 500. Each experiment identified 34 QTL, an order of magnitude greater than reported in most BSA-seq experiments, of which 23 were detected in both experiments, with 17 of these located near41 previously reported QTL and eight cloned genes known to control DTH in rice. These results indicate that QTL mapping by BSA-seq in large F_(3)populations and multi-environment experiments can achieve high power, resolution, and reliability.

Photosynthetic response to a winter heatwave in leading and trailing edge populations of the intertidal red alga Corallina offi-cinalis(Rhodophyta)

Marine heatwaves(MHWs)caused by anthropogenic climate change are becoming a key driver of change at the ecosystem level.Thermal conditions experienced by marine organisms across their distribution,particularly towards the equator,are likely to approach their physiological limits,resulting in extensive mortality and subsequent changes at the population level.Populations at the margins of their species’distribution are thought to be more sensitive to climate-induced environmental pressures than central populations,but our understanding of variability in fitness-related physiological traits in trailing versus leading-edge populations is limited.In a laboratory simulation study,we tested whether two leading(Iceland)and two trailing(Spain)peripheral populations of the intertidal macroalga Corallina officinalis display different levels of maximum potential quantum efficiency(Fv/Fm)resilience to current and future winter MHWs scenarios.Our study revealed that ongoing and future local winter MHWs will not negatively affect leading-edge populations of C.officinalis,which exhibited stable photosynthetic efficiency throughout the study.Trailing edge populations showed a positive though non-significant trend in photosynthetic efficiency throughout winter MHWs exposure.Poleward and equatorward populations did not produce significantly different results,with winter MHWs having no negative affect on Fv/Fm of either population.Additionally,we found no long-term regional or population-level influence of a winter MHWs on this species’photosynthetic efficiency.Thus,we found no statistically significant difference in thermal stress responses between leading and trailing populations.Nonetheless,C.officinalis showed a trend towards higher stress responses in southern than northern populations.Because responses rest on a variety of local population traits,they are difficult to predict based solely on thermal pressures.

Risk factors and metabolic abnormality of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Either non-obese or obese Chinese population

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) occurs not only in obese individuals but also in non-obese ones. The aim of this study was to focus on the association between NAFLD and metabolic events in a non-obese or obese Chinese population.Methods: Data collected from subjects registered at Taichung Veterans General Hospital from January to December 2009 were analyzed. The exclusion criteria were alcoholics, chronic hepatitis B or C. Patients included in analyses were assigned to four groups according to sonography of their liver(normal or NAFLD), and body mass index(BMI) levels(non-obese if BMI < 25 kg/m~2 or obese if BMI ≥ 25 kg/m~2).Results: There were 745, 208, 770 and 285 patients enrolled in four groups labeled non-obese normal liver(group A), non-obese NAFLD(group B), obese normal liver(group C) and obese NAFLD(group D),respectively. The highest ratio of metabolic syndrome existed in the group B(26.9%), followed by group A(11.7%), group D(10.9%) and finally the group C(5.2%). The positive association with NAFLD in non-obese individuals was significant in triglyceride(OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02) and glucose(OR = 1.02; 95% CI:1.01–1.03), while the positive association with NAFLD in obese subjects was only significant in triglyceride(OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02). The positive association was most significant in all cases(adjusted OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.78–3.24), especially in non-obese individuals(OR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.92–4.12).Conclusions: Non-obese NAFLD subjects displayed a higher proportion of metabolic abnormality. Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia had the most positive strength association with NAFLD.

State of Local Populations of Aegilops triuncalis L. in Uzbekistan

The genus Aegilops L. is considered one of the important representatives of the wild relative of cultivated plants. The article presents the place of Aegilops triuncialis L. in plant communities and the status of populations in the flora of Uzbekistan. The research was carried out in various botanical and geographical regions of Uzbekistan during 2021-2023 years. During the research, the existing literature and geobotanical records, samples stored in the Institute of Botany (TASH) fund, and data on the GBIF international website were analyzed. Based on literary sources, more than 100 local points were recorded. The vitality structure of 11 cenopopulations was studied during field research. Various abiotic and biotic factors influencing the state of populations were analyzed. The main cenopopulations of the species were observed to spread in various grassy shrubland communities.

Comparative study of type 2 diabetes mellitus-associated gut microbiota between the Dai and Han populations

BACKGROUND The global prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is increasing.T2DM is associated with alterations of the gut microbiota,which can be affected by age,illness,and genetics.Previous studies revealed that there are discriminating microbiota compositions between the Dai and the Han populations.However,the specific gut microbiota differences between the two populations have not been elucidated.AIM To compare the gut microbiota differences in subjects with and without T2DM in the Dai and Han populations.METHODS A total of 35 subjects of the Han population(including 15 healthy children,8 adult healthy controls,and 12 adult T2DM patients)and 32 subjects of the Dai population(including 10 healthy children,10 adult healthy controls,and 12 adult T2DM patients)were enrolled in this study.Fasting venous blood samples were collected from all the subjects for biochemical analysis.Fecal samples were collected from all the subjects for DNA extraction and 16S rRNA sequencing,which was followed by analyses of the gut microbiota composition.RESULTS No significant difference in alpha diversity was observed between healthy children and adults.The diversity of gut microbiota was decreased in T2DM patients compared to the healthy adults in both the Dai and Han populations. There was a significant difference in gut microbiota between healthy children and healthy adults in the Hanpopulation with an increased abundance of Bacteroidetes and decreased Firmicutes in children. However, thisdifference was less in the Dai population. Significant increases in Bacteroidetes in the Han population and Proteobacteriain the Dai population and decreases in Firmicutes in both the Han and Dai population were observed inT2DM patients compared to healthy adults. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size analysis also showed that thegut microbiota was different between the Han and Dai populations in heathy children, adults, and T2DM patients.Four bacteria were consistently increased and two consistently decreased in the Han population compared to theDai population.CONCLUSION Differences in gut microbiota were found between the Han and Dai populations. A significant increase inBacteroidetes was related to the occurrence of T2DM in the Han population, while a significant increase in Proteobacteriawas related to the occurrence of T2DM in the Dai population.

Ozone pollution threatens bird populations to collapse:an imminent ecological threat?

While bird populations are declining,the factors associated with this decline are unclear.Based on laboratory experiments,air pollution has long been recognized as a factor causing oxidative stress and adversely aff ecting bird health.Recently,studies employing an epidemiological approach have reported signifi cant declines in avian populations in Central Europe and the United States due to air pollution,and ozone in particular.We advocate that urgent actions are needed to mitigate these eff ects,which threaten biodiversity and environmental health,and propose a series of measures which can enlighten the path toward mitigating air pollution eff ects on avian populations.

Control of epileptic activities in a cortex network of multiple coupled neural populations under electromagnetic induction

Epilepsy is believed to be associated with the abnormal synchronous neuronal activity in the brain,which results from large groups or circuits of neurons.In this paper,we choose to focus on the temporal lobe epilepsy,and establish a cortex network of multiple coupled neural populations to explore the epileptic activities under electromagnetic induction.We demonstrate that the epileptic activities can be controlled and modulated by electromagnetic induction and coupling among regions.In certain regions,these two types of control are observed to show exactly reverse effects.The results show that the strong electromagnetic induction is conducive to eliminating the epileptic seizures.The coupling among regions has a conduction effect that the previous normal background activity of the region gives way to the epileptic discharge,owing to coupling with spike wave discharge regions.Overall,these results highlight the role of electromagnetic induction and coupling among the regions in controlling and modulating epileptic activities,and might provide novel insights into the treatments of epilepsy.

Genome-wide recombination variation in biparental segregating and reciprocal backcross populations provides information for introgression breeding in Brassica napus

Variation in patterns of recombination in plant genomes provides information about species evolution,genetic diversity and crop improvement. We investigated meiotic crossovers generated in biparental segregating and reciprocal backcross populations of the allopolyploid genome of rapeseed(Brassica napus)(AACC, 2n = 38). A structured set of 1445 intercrossed lines was derived from two homozygous de novo genome-assembled parents that represented the major genetic clusters of semi-winter Chinese and winter European rapeseeds, and was used to increase QTL resolution and achieve genomic reciprocal introgression. A high-density genetic map constructed with 6161 genetic bins and anchored centromere regions was used to establish the pattern of recombination variation in each chromosome. Around 93%of the genome contained crossovers at a mean rate of 3.8 c M Mb^(-1), with the remaining 7% attributed to centromeres or low marker density. Recombination hotspots predominated in the A genome, including two-thirds of those associated with breeding introgression from B. rapa. Genetic background might affect recombination variation. Introgression of genetic diversity from European winter to Chinese semi-winter rapeseed showed an increase in crossover rate under the semi-winter environment. Evidence for an elevated recombination rate having historically contributed to selective trait improvement includes accumulation of favorable alleles for seed oil content on hotspots of chromosome A10. Conversely, strong artificial selection may affect recombination rate variation, as appears to be the case with a coldspot resulting from strong selection for glucosinolate alleles on A09. But the cold region would be promptly reactivated by crossing design indicated by the pedigree analysis. Knowledge of recombination hotspots and coldspots associated with QTL for 22 traits can guide selection strategies for introgression breeding between the two gene pools. These results and rich genomic resources broaden our understanding of recombination behavior in allopolyploids and may advance rapeseed genetic improvement.

Measuring stellar populations,dust attenuation and ionized gas at kpc scales in 10010 nearby galaxies using the integral field spectroscopy from MaNGA

As one of the three major experiments of the fourth-generation Sloan Digital Sky Survey(SDSS-IV),the Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apatch Point Observatory(MaNGA)survey has obtained high-quality integral field spectroscopy(IFS)with a resolution of 1–2 kpc for104galaxies in the local universe during its six-year operation from July 2014 through August 2020.It is crucial to reliably measure the physical properties of the different components in each spectrum before one can use the data for any scientific study.In the past years we have made lots of efforts to develop a novel technique of full spectral fitting,which estimates a model-independent dust attenuation curve from each spectrum,thus allowing us to break the degeneracy between dust attenuation and stellar population properties when fitting the spectrum with stellar population synthesis models.We have applied our technique to the final data release of Ma NGA,and obtained measurements of stellar population properties and emission line parameters,as well as the kinematics and dust attenuation of both stellar and ionized gas components.In this paper we describe our technique and the content and format of our data products.The whole dataset is publicly available in Science Data Bank with the link https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.j00113.00088.

An easy,convenient statistical method to analyze bark beetle populations

A non-invasive method to estimate the number of Trypodendron lineatum holes on dead standing pines(Pinus sylvestris L.)was developed using linear and nonlinear estimations.A clas sical linear regres sion model was first used to analyze the relationship between the number of holes caused by T.lineatum on selected stem units and the total number of holes on an entire dead stem of P.sylvestris.Then,to obtain a better fit of the regression function to the data for the stem unit selected in the first step,piecewise linear regression(PLR)was used.Last,in an area used to evaluate wood decomposition(method validation),the total and mean numbers of T.lineatum holes were estimated for single dead trees and for a sample(n=8 dead trees).Data were collected in 2009(data set D1),in 2010-2014(data set D2)and in 2020(data set D3)in forests containing P.sylvestris located within Suchedniow-Oblegorek Landscape Park,Poland.A model was constructed with three linear equations.An evaluation of model accuracy showed that it was highly effective regardless of the density of T.lineatum holes and sample size.The method enables the evaluation of the biological role of this species in the decomposition of dead standing wood of P.sylvestris in strictly protected areas.

Leadership,communication,and science:three pillars essential to public health emergency response and closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations

Globally,there have been multiple public health emergencies in recent decades.High rates of morbidity,occasionally mortality,and economic instability are usually associated with pandemics.One of the epidemics that has significantly increased morbidity and mortality worldwide is the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)pandemic.HIV has a disproportionately negative impact on key populations.Strong leadership,effective communication,and sound science are necessary for public health emergency(PHE)responses to be successful.These three PHE response pllars are also essential for bridging the HIV response gap among key populations in the setting of restrictive laws.In this review,we explored the importance of these three pillars of successful PHEs responses,and how they are essential to closing the gap in the HIV response among key populations.Leaders must make decisions and instil a sense of authority in the populace during PHEs to foster trust and confidence.Leaders should base their choices on scientific evidence.Effective communication during PHEs should be proactive,polite,imaginative,innovative,and constructive.To address gaps in the HIV response among key populations,leaders must create a supportive environment for effective communication and scientific research,communication should be used to raise awareness of HIV and to dispel stigma and discrimination,while science should provide evidence of efficacy and effectiveness of interventions amongkey populations.

Evaluating the performance of genomic selection on purebred population by incorporating crossbred data in pigs

Genomic selection(GS)has been widely used in livestock,which greatly accelerated the genetic progress of complex traits.The population size was one of the significant factors affecting the prediction accuracy,while it was limited by the purebred population.Compared to directly combining two uncorrelated purebred populations to extend the reference population size,it might be more meaningful to incorporate the correlated crossbreds into reference population for genomic prediction.In this study,we simulated purebred offspring(PAS and PBS)and crossbred offspring(CAB)base on real genotype data of two base purebred populations(PA and PB),to evaluate the performance of genomic selection on purebred while incorporating crossbred information.The results showed that selecting key crossbred individuals via maximizing the expected genetic relationship(REL)was better than the other methods(individuals closet or farthest to the purebred population,CP/FP)in term of the prediction accuracy.Furthermore,the prediction accuracy of reference populations combining PA and CAB was significantly better only based on PA,which was similar to combine PA and PAS.Moreover,the rank correlation between the multiple of the increased relationship(MIR)and reliability improvement was 0.60-0.70.But for individuals with low correlation(Cor(Pi,PA or B),the reliability improvement was significantly lower than other individuals.Our findings suggested that incorporating crossbred into purebred population could improve the performance of genetic prediction compared with using the purebred population only.The genetic relationship between purebred and crossbred population is a key factor determining the increased reliability while incorporating crossbred population in the genomic prediction on pure bred individuals.

Research Progress on Manglietia ventii,A Wild Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations

Manglietia ventii is a wild plant species with extremely small populations endemic to Yunnan,mainly distributed in southeast Yunnan.Due to the continuous deterioration of natural habitats,excessive felling and utilization of human beings,and the decline of breeding ability,the number of individuals in the population has decreased significantly.Through field investigation and literature review,the research status of M.ventii in systematics,conservation ecology,reproductive biology,genetic diversity,endangered mechanism and resource protection at home and abroad are systematically reviewed.And the future research direction is prospected.It is necessary to strengthen the research on the basic characteristics of M.ventii,explore the transmission route of M.ventii and deepen the development and utilization of resources,in order to provide a theoretical support for the protection and sustainable utilization of germplasm resources of M.ventii,and provide a reference for the protection of other wild plant species with extremely small populations.

Evolution and Determinants of Population Agglomeration in Less Developed Metropolitan Areas:A Case Study of the Taiyuan Metropolitan Area,China

It is of importance to enhance the urban areas'capacity for population aggregation in underdeveloped regions,aiming to rectify the imbalanced and insufficient pattern of economic development in China.Taking the Taiyuan Metropolitan Area(TMA)in central China as a case study,this paper examines the evolutionary process and characteristics of population agglomeration from 2000 to 2020,and identifies factors associated with agglomeration and their spatial effects.The findings indicated that:1)against the background of sustained population shrinkage in the provincial area,the TMA showed a demographic trend of steady increase,albeit with a decelerated growth rate.In the metropolitan area,urban population size continued to grow rapidly,whereas the rural areas endured sustained losses.Disparities in city size continued to widen,and the polarization of concentrated population in the core cities kept increasing.2)Agglomerations in both secondary and service industries had significant positive effects on local population agglomeration,with the former effect being stronger.Regional economic development,government fiscal expenditure,and financial advancement all contributed to facilitating local population clustering.From a spatial spillover perspective,service agglomeration and financial development promoted population agglomeration in surrounding areas.Conversely,fiscal expenditure inhibited such agglomeration.As for industrial agglomeration and regional economic development,their spatial spillover effects were non-significant.The results obtained reveal several policy implications aimed at enhancing the population agglomeration capacity of the metropolitan area in underdeveloped regions during the new era.

Mercury Levels Assessment in the Population of Aby and Frambo Villages in the Vinicity of Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. Considering age, the lowest concentrations were observed with children. However, when we take in account the age groups, data suggested that the most exposed sub-population of [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.