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The Philippine salt industry faces multifaceted challenges which led to high dependency on imports. This study deals with demographic characteristics and socio-economic factors driving salt production. Data collection was carried-out through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Findings reveal a predominantly male workforce, with substantial family involvement, limited education, and an ageing demographic that threatens long-term sustainability. The industry is fragmented and dominated by individual, small-scale producers reliant on traditional methods, with limited collective bargaining power. While there is a wealth of experience in salt production, this does not translate into regulatory compliance and modernization. Land tenure issues, which are common among tenants, impedes long-term investments in infrastructure and technology. Salt distribution and logistics are largely influenced by the country’s archipelagic geography and regulations on non-iodized salt trade. In terms of economic returns, the cooking method exhibited highest profitability despite higher labour and cost intensity, attributed to year-round production. Solar salt production using clay tiles entails high capital investment but provides long-term returns. The use of PEP sheets offers short-term investments with lower entry barriers, making it suitable for small producers. The lack of access to formal financial institutions exacerbates producers’ plight due to the investment required for salt farm development. Strategic solutions, including comprehensive educational and training programs, enhanced regulatory support, improved access to technology and financial services, and fostering cooperative models, will attract younger generations, empower producers, and create a more resilient and competitive industry.

The leaves of many palm species represent important non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which may be intensively harvested by local people in many tropical areas. Additionally, in some regions livestock graze in natural forests, and they may browse on palm leaves, especially during the dry season. Thus, harvesting and browsing can result in the loss of leaf area of individual palms, which may alter functional traits of individuals and change demographic patterns of populations. Currently, there are few studies that analyze the effects of multiple disturbances on these traits. The goals of this study were to evaluate the effects of browsing, leaf harvesting and the interaction between these two factors on individual traits and demographic patterns of the palm in northwestern Mexico. A browsing and leaf harvesting experiment was conducted on natural populations of the species. Individuals were subjected to different harvesting intensities and the presence or absence of cattle. Annual censuses were conducted from 2011 to 2014, and individual traits (leaf length, petiole length, and leaf production) and vital rates were monitored. At the individual level, the analyzed traits mostly increased as function of leaf harvest and browing, especially during the first two years. Palms experiencing leaf harvesting and browsing had 1.5 to 6.0 times higher levels of leaf production than control palms, especially juveniles and small adults. At the demographic level, the effects of browsing and leaf harvest were low or null, since survival was not affected by them. Browsing positively affected the growth of individuals in the first 2 years, while leaf harvesting had a negative effect in year three. There was a positive relationship between the probability of reproduction and leaf harvest; however, high leaf harvest resulted in two to three times fewer fruits produced. After 3 years of experimental management, multiple of the analyzed attributes decreased, suggesting that changed patterns of resource allocation. Based on our results, can be considered a species that tolerates high levels of defoliation and browsing for 2 years, but not likely longer. This study contributes basic ecological information useful for the conservation and management of , but overall it also highlights that different anthropogenic activities may act as drivers affecting the functional response and demography of NTFP species and they should be considered for the long-term integral management of these species.

Background: The COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus disease) pandemic is deeply concerning because of its massive mortality and morbidity, creating adverse perceptions among patients likely to impact on their overall medical care. Thus, we evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pattern of primary care consultations within a Shanghai health district. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed, with data analyzed concerning the pattern of patient visits to general practitioners within the Tongren Hospital network (the sole provider of general practice to the population of 700,000). Data from all general practice consultations for adults were collected for the first 6 months of 2020, which included a 60-day lockdown period (January 24–March 24, 2020) and compared to corresponding data from the first 6 months of 2019. We evaluated changes to the numbers and patterns of primary care consultations, including subgroup analysis based on age, sex, and primary diagnosis. Results: A substantial reduction in patient visits, associated with increased median age, was observed during the first wave of the pandemic in the first 6 months of 2020, compared to the same interval during 2019. Additionally, reduced reappointments and waiting times, but increased costs per visit were observed. When analyzed by primary disease diagnosis, patient visits were reduced for all the major systems. The most striking visit reductions were in cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and gastrointestinal diseases. However, psychological disorders were increased following lockdown, but there was also a dramatic fall in consultations for depression. Reduced monthly patient numbers correlated with both rate of reappointment and average waiting time during the first 6 months of both 2019 and 2020, but an inverse correlation was observed between cost per visit and monthly patient numbers. Specifically during the lockdown period, there was ~50% reduced patient visits. Conclusions: The lockdown has had a serious impact on patients' physical and psychological health. Our analysis provides objective health-related data that may inform the current controversy concerning the balance between the detrimental effects of the use of lockdown vs. the use of a more targeted approach to eliminate viral transmission. These data may improve decision-making in medical practice, policy, and education.

Cutaneous T‐cell lymohomas (CTCLs) are rare, but potentially devastating malignancies, with Mycosis fungoides and Sézary Syndrome being the most common. In our previous study, we identified and described regions of geographic clustering of CTCL cases in Texas by analyzing ~1990 patients using two distinct cancer registries. In the current work, we describe in detail demographic patterns for this malignancy in our study population and apply logistic regression models to analyze the incidence of CTCL by sex, race, age, and clinical stage at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, using Fisher's exact test, we analyze changes in incidence over time in the identified Houston communities with unusually high CTCL incidence. While CTCL primarily affects Caucasian individuals >55 years old, we confirm that it presents at a younger age and with more advanced disease stages in African‐American and Hispanic individuals. Also, we demonstrate a significant increase in CTCL incidence over time in the identified communities. Spring, Katy, and Houston Memorial areas had high baseline rates. Furthermore, a statistically significant disease surge was observed in these areas after ~2005. This report supplements our initial study documenting the existence of geographic clustering of CTCL cases in Texas and in greater detail describes demographic trends for our patient population. The observed surge in CTCL incidence in the three identified communities further argues that this malignancy may be triggered by one or more external etiologic agents. This study describes demographic trends of CTCL in Texas using two distinct cancer registries and highlights changes in incidence over time in identified communities with unusually high incidence rates.

Aim Previous research suggests that equatorward populations of the iconic arborescent succulent Aloe dichotoma Masson are contracting in response to recent anthropogenic climate change (ACC) in southern Africa. However, previous studies did not account for small-scale spatial heterogeneity, latitudinal climatic disjunctions or when mortality occurred. We reassess A. dichotoma's suitability as an indicator species and comment on pitfalls in the selection of species with similar life history characteristics. Location South-western Africa. Methods A 15,000 km distribution-wide roadside visual survey was conducted to capture demographic patterns and provide the means for extracting tightly coupled climate profiles for the species. Rainfall and temperature gradients were assessed for latitudinal discontinuities indicating distinct equatorward-poleward climate zones. Repeat photographs and reference individuals were used to develop an index for dating the approximate time-since-death of dead trees at 14 latitudinally spaced populations. Results The proportion of dead individuals was greatest within the southern third of the latitudinal distribution rather than at the equatorward range limit. The equatorward summer rainfall zone (SRZ) was significantly drier, rainfall more variable and temperatures hotter compared to the poleward winter rainfall zone (WRZ). This difference was associated with a generally greater proportion of dead individuals in the SRZ and greater proportion of juveniles in the WRZ. Furthermore, juveniles appeared more sensitive to drought stress while adults were more resilient. Most mortality occurred several decades ago, was not more recent at the equatorward limit and was drawn from the more drought resilient adult stage class. Main conclusions Aloe dichotoma mortality (and recruitment) patterns reflect prevailing differences in the SRZ and WRZ climate, while differing juvenile and adult drought stress tolerances and windthrow-mediated mortality reinforces this pattern. This and strong indications of non-recent death suggest that ACC is not responsible for observed mortality. An alternative hypothesis for current demographic patterns, which incorporates palaeoclimatic evidence and A. dichotoma life history characteristics is proposed. Long-term climate trends, recruitment-mortality dynamics and potential climatic discontinuities should be considered before advancing species as indicators of ACC.

Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), the Asian green mussel, belonging to the family Mytilidae is widely distributed along the Indian coast. The species is majorly found in southeastern countries and is considered an ideal candidate for aquaculture due to its high nutritional value and growth rate. Obtaining their genetic information is essential for their sustainable capture-based production. In the present study, genetic variation, population structure, and demographic processes of the populations across the distribution of this species were assessed using the mitochondrial DNA ATPase6 and cytb gene. In total, we selected 170 samples from five localities across the Indian subcontinent including Andaman Sea. Sequence analysis of partial cytb (885 bp) and ATPase6 (714 bp) genes revealed 45 and 58 haplotypes, respectively. The significant coefficient of genetic differentiation ( F ST : 0.255 for cytb and 0.252 for ATPase6) and analyses of molecular variance indicated three varieties of stocks, namely Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Andaman Sea. All the populations showed low nucleotide diversity, suggesting severe historical bottleneck events and high haplotype diversity, indicating population expansion. The genetic variation and demographic process reported in this study will form the baseline information for framing policies, which can be adopted while planning stock specific ranching and relaying programmes in the Indian subcontinent with view to enhance and manage the fishery.

We studied the distribution, size structure, growth, and diet of the freshwater prosobranch Melanopsis etrusca in experimental and natural population samples. This snail is endemic to isolated headwaters of thermal springs in central Italy. In recent times, several anthropogenic pressures such as water extraction and stream contamination have caused population declines and local extinctions of M. etrusca. Consequently, this species was included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The streams inhabited by M. etrusca had oligohaline waters; however, some physicochemical variability existed among sites. We found that the two variables most directly related to the patterns of distribution and life history of M. etrusca were water pH and temperature. In particular, individual growth was faster in streams with water temperatures constantly >30°C, which was reflected by a shorter life cycle than in cooler streams (13°–26°C), where snails showed a seasonal pattern of growth. Finally, we observed that individuals in a population that is exposed to extreme temperatures (>35°C) performed a peculiar behavior, spending long periods outside the water. We also found that the diet of M. etrusca reflected the local composition of the periphytic community and was dominated by macrophyte fragments. Our data suggest that heat-adapted populations of M. etrusca hold the greatest potential for recolonization after collapse events. From a conservation perspective, reintroduction programs could be useful to avoid local extinction or bottleneck effects but at the risk of the loss of evolutionary innovations that may have emerged at the population level.

Background A retrospective review of clinical manifestations and demographic pattern of patients diagnosed as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) from 7 hospitals in Malaysia. An analysis of the available database would establish clinical characteristics, diagnoses and outcome including microbiologic pattern. Studying the demography allows us to document the occurrence of CGD amongst multiethnic groups and its geographical distribution for Malaysia. Methods Data from the Malaysia Primary Immunodeficiency Network (MyPIN) with cases of CGD diagnosed from 1991 until 2016 were collated and analysed. Results Twenty patients were diagnosed as CGD. Males (N = 13, 65%) outnumber females (N = 7, 35%). CGD is commonest amongst the Malays (65%) followed by the Chinese (15.0%), Indians (10.0%) and natives of Borneo (10.0%), reflecting the ethnic composition of the country. The mean age of diagnosis was 3.7 years. There was a positive family history in 40% of the cases. Abscess was the main presenting feature in 16 patients (80%) with one involving the brain. Pneumonia occurred in 10 (50%) and one with complicated bronchiectasis. Catalase-positive bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogen with Chromobacterium violaceum predominating (N = 5, 25%) with consequent high mortality (N = 4, 80%). All CGD patients with C. violaceum infection displayed CD4 + (T helper cells) lymphopenia. Conclusion This study has shown CGD occurs in the major ethnic groups of Malaysia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first and the largest series of chronic granulomatous disease in South East Asia which may be reflective of similar clinical pattern in the region. C. violaceum infection is associated with a higher mortality in CGD patients in Malaysia. All the CGD patients with C. violaceum infection in this patient series displayed CD4 + (T helper) lymphopenia. We recorded rare clinical manifestation of CGD viz. brain abscess and bronchiectasis.

The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of demographic potential, its relationship with demographic security, as well as to analyze the influence, including environmental processes on the components of demographic potential. The work methodically substantiates the selection of indicators for calculating demographic potential and demographic security. In accordance with this, integrated indices of demographic potential were calculated for the EAEU countries. In general, the demographic potential for the EAEU countries according to their indices can be assessed as follows: 1. Kazakhstan (5.75); 2. Kyrgyzstan (5.51); 3. Belarus (5.07); 4. Armenia (4.86). 5. Russian Federation (4.06). The analysis showed that each country has the potential for its further development by improving the indicators included in the integral index. As a result, the presented methodological approaches made it possible to calculate integral indices to determine the position of each EAEU country in terms of demographic potential, determine the indicator of demographic security in Kyrgyzstan, and link the processes of external migration from Kyrgyzstan with the shortage of water resources in the country. The methodology we presented for determining the state of demographic potential and demographic security allows us to carry out calculations of this phenomenon for any country.

Abstract Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes one of the most common malignancies in the world. The geographic location influences the etiologic factors and site of tumor. Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out to illustrate the clinicopathologic profiles of HNSCC patients since data regarding these tumors from eastern region of India are scarce. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was undertaken for 2 years in which patients with histologically proven HNSCC were included. The clinicopathologic features of each case were analyzed. Results: A total of 108 cases were included in the study, among which 79 (73.15%) were male and 29 (26.85%) were female. Mean age of the patients was 53.21 (±12.17) years. The most common risk factor was smoking (63 cases, 58.33%) followed by tobacco or betel nut chewing (41 cases, 37.96%). The common patterns of presentation included ulcerated lesion (51 cases, 47.22%), whitish lesion (28 cases, 25.93%), and hoarseness of voice (11 cases, 10.19%). The most common sites involved were buccal mucosa (36 cases, 33.33%) and dorsal surface of the tongue (26 cases, 24.07%). The most common site for exophytic tumors was buccal mucosa (9 out of 23, 39.13%) and that for ulceroproliferative lesions was tongue (9 out of 17, 52.04%). Microscopically, well-differentiated (Grade I) tumors were most common (67 cases, 62.04%) followed by moderately differentiated (Grade II) tumors (38 cases, 35.19%). A statistically significant correlation was obtained between anatomic site and grade of the tumor. Conclusion: Patients of HNSCC from the eastern region of India have distinctive features with regard to macroscopic appearance and microscopic grade of their tumors.