Understanding the genetic diversity of the guayabillo (Psidium galapageium), an endemic plant of the Galapagos Islands

Oceanic archipelagos are known to host a variety of endemic plant species. The genetic diversity and structure of these species is an important indicator of their evolutionary history and can inform appropriate conservation strategies that mitigate the risks to which they’re exposed, including invasive species and environmental disturbances. A comprehensive consideration of the role of their natural history, as well as the landscape features and the geological history of the islands themselves is required to adequately understand any emerging patterns. Such is the case for the guayabillo (Psidium galapageium), an understudied endemic plant from the Galapagos Islands with important ecological and economic roles. In this study we designed and evaluated 13 informative SSR markers and used them to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity of the guayabillo populations from San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz islands. A total of 208 guayabillo individuals were analyzed, revealing a strong population structure between islands and two distinct genetic lineages for the Santa Cruz population. Overall, the guayabillo genetic diversity is relatively high, an unusual pattern for an insular endemic species which is possibly explained by its polyploidy and the geographical features of the islands. These include their broad altitudinal ranges and habitat heterogeneity. For populations displaying a lower genetic diversity such as San Cristobal, the history of human disturbance could be an important factor explaining these observations. Some similarities between individuals in Santa Cruz and the San Cristobal population could be explained by population differentiation or distinct natural histories of separate lineages. Our findings highlight the complex population dynamics that shape the genetic diversity of species like the guayabillo and emphasize the need to explore the currently unresolved questions about this Galapagos endemic plant

Immigrant women’s experiences of maternity-care services in Canada: a systematic review using a narrative synthesis

Background: Canada’s diverse society and its statutory commitment to multiculturalism means that a synthesis of knowledge related to the healthcare experiences of immigrants is essential to realise the health potential for future Canadians. Although concerns about the maternity experiences of immigrants in Canada are relatively new, recent national guidelines explicitly call for the tailoring of services to user needs. We therefore assessed the experiences of immigrant women accessing maternity-care services in Canada. In particular, we investigated the experiences of immigrant women in Canada in accessing and navigating maternity and related healthcare services from conception to 6 months postpartum in Canada. Our focus was on (a) the accessibility and acceptability of maternity-care services for immigrant women and (b) the effects of the perceptions and experiences of these women on their birth and postnatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review using a systematic search and narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed reports of empirical research, with the aim of providing stakeholders with perspectives on maternity-care services as experienced by immigrant women. We partnered with key stakeholders (‘integrated knowledge users’) to ensure the relevancy of topics and to tailor recommendations for effective translation into future policy, practice and programming. Two search phases and a three-stage selection process for published and grey literature were conducted prior to appraisal of literature quality and narrative synthesis of the findings. Results: Our knowledge synthesis of maternity care among immigrants to Canada provided a coherent evidence base for (a) eliciting a better understanding of the factors that generate disparities in accessibility, acceptability and outcomes during maternity care; and (b) improving culturally based competency in maternity care. Our synthesis also identified pertinent issues in multiple sectors that should be addressed to configure maternity services and programs appropriately. Conclusions: Although immigrant women in Canada are generally given the opportunity to obtain necessary services, they face many barriers in accessing and utilising these services. These barriers include lack of information about or awareness of the services, insufficient supports to access these services and discordant expectations between the women and their service providers. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42012002185

Personality disorder services in England: findings from a national survey

Aims and method: We aimed to evaluate the availability and nature of services for people affected by personality disorder in England by conducting a survey of English National Health Service (NHS) mental health trusts and independent organisations. Results: In England, 84% of organisations reported having at least one dedicated personality disorder service. This represents a fivefold increase compared with a 2002 survey. However, only 55% of organisations reported that patients had equal access across localities to these dedicated services. Dedicated services commonly had good levels of service use and carer involvement, and engagement in education, research and training. However, a wider multidisciplinary team and a greater number of biopsychosocial interventions were available through generic services. Clinical implications: There has been a substantial increase in service provision for people affected by personality disorder, but continued variability in the availability of services is apparent and it remains unclear whether quality of care has improved

Evaluation of Moringa oleífera in the water treatment with high turbidity and organic

[ES] El presente trabajo evalúa la eficiencia del uso de la Moringa oleífera (M.O) como coagulante en el tratamiento de aguas de alta turbidez y carga orgánica. Inicialmente los resultados demostraron que el coagulante a base de las semillas de M.O pre-tratada con cloruro de sodio (NaCl 1.0 N) y usando una dosis de 0.74 g/L, alcanza remociones de 87.3% y 88.8% para turbidez y sólidos suspendidos totales (SST), asimismo valores de 25.9% y 26.3% para DBO5 y DQO respectivamente. En una segunda etapa, el coagulante, sometido a extracción Soxhlet y dosis de 0.5 g/L, muestran máximas eficiencia de 97.8%, 89.99%, 51.4% y 35.3% en la remoción de turbidez, SST, DQO y DBO5. Las más altas eficiencias obtenidas fueron alcanzadas mediante la previa extracción de aceites, grasas y otros componentes de la semilla de M.O. Estudios relacionados al reaprovechamiento de sub-productos de la extracción deben ser realizados.[EN] In this study, the removal efficiency of Moringa Oleifera (M.O) seed as coagulant in the treatment of highly loaded wastewater in terms of turbidity and organic matter was evaluated. Initially the results showed removals of 87.3% and 88.8% for turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) and 25.9% and 26.3% for BOD5 and COD respectively, when the seeds of M.O were pre-treated with sodium chloride (NaCl 1.0 N) and used as coagulant at a dose of 0.74 g/L. In a second stage, the natural coagulants previously subjected to Soxhlet extraction were compared, the results showed maximum efficiency with 0.5 g/L of the seed of M.O, with values of 97.8%, 9.99%, 51.4% and 35.3% in the removal of turbidity, TSS, COD and BOD5, respectively. The highest efficiencies were achieved through the prior extraction of oils, fats and other components of the M.O seed. Studies related to the reuse of extraction by-products should be performed.Mejía Carrillo, PW.; Urquia Collantes, K.; Cabello Torres, RJ.; Valdiviezo Gonzales, LG. (2020). Evaluación de la Moringa oleifera en el tratamiento de aguas con alta turbidez y carga orgánica. Ingeniería del agua. 24(2):119-127. https://doi.org/10.4995/ia.2020.12274OJS119127242Adinolfi, M., Corsaro, M. M., Lanzetta, R., Parrilli, M., Folkard, G., Grant, W., Sutherland, J. 1994. Composition of the coagulant polysaccharide fraction from Strychnos potatorum seeds. Carbohydrate research, 263(1), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-6215(94)00149-9Amran, A., Syamimi Zaidi, N., Muda, K., Wai Loan, L. 2018. Effectiveness of Natural Coagulant in Coagulation Process: A Review. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(3.9), 34. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i3.9.15269Bongiovani, M. C., Camacho, F. P., Nishi, L., Coldebella, P. F., Valverde, K. C., Vieira, A. M., Bergamasco, R. 2014. Improvement of the coagulation/flocculation process using a combination of Moringa oleifera lam with anionic polymer in water treatment. Environmental Technology. 35(17), 2227-2236. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2014.899398Camacho, F. P., Sousa, V. S., Bergamasco, R., Teixeira, M. R. 2017. The use of Moringa oleifera as a natural coagulant in surface water treatment. Chemical Engineering Journal. 313(1), 226-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2016.12.031Crapper, D. R., Krishnan, S. S., Dalton, A. J. 1973. Brain aluminum distribution in Alzheimer's disease and experimental neurofibrillary degeneration. Science, 180(4085), 511-513. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.180.4085.511Eman, N. A., Tan, C. S., Makky, E. A. 2014. Impact of Moringa oleifera Cake Residue Application on Waste Water Treatment: A Case Study. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 6(7), 677-687. https://doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2014.67065Fersi, C., Gamra, B., Bozrati, H., Gorgi, C., Irmani, A. 2018. Characterizing the performance of coagulation-flocculation using natural coagulants as pretreatment of tannery wastewater. Journal of Materials and Environmental Sciences, 9(8), 2379-2386. Obtenido de https://www.jmaterenvironsci.com/Document/vol9/vol9_N8/262-JMES-4022-Fersi.pdfFreitas, T. K. F. S., Almeida, C. A., Manholer, D. D., Geraldino, H. C. L., De Sousa, M. T. F., Garcia, J. C. 2018. Review of Utilization Plant-Based Coagulants as Alternatives to Textile Wastewater Treatment. In: Textile Science and Clothing Technology (MUTHU, S. ed.) Detox Fashion, Springer, Singapore, 27-47. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4780-0_2Garcia-Fayos, B., Arnal, J.M.., Sancho, M., Rodrigo, I. 2016. Moringa oleifera for drinking water treatment: influence of the solvent and method used in oilextraction on the coagulant efficiency of the seed extract. Desalination and water treatment, 57(48-49), 23397-23404. https://doi.org/10.1080/19443994.2015.1137144Keogh, M. B., Elmusharaf, K., Borde, P., McGuigan, K.G. 2017. Evaluation of the natural coagulant Moringa oleifera as a pretreatment for SODIS in contaminated turbid water. Solar Energy, 158, 448-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2017.10.010Kristianto, H. (2017). The Potency of Indonesia Native Plants as Natural Coagulant: a Mini Review. Water Conservation Science and Engineering, 2(2), 51-60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41101-017-0024-4Kumar, V., Othman, N., Asharuddin, S. 2017. Applications of Natural Coagulants to Treat Wastewater − A Review. MATEC web conferences, 103(06016), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201710306016Kwaambwa, H. M., Rennie, A. R. 2011. Interactions of surfactants with a water treatment protein from Moringa oleifera seeds in solution studied by zeta-potential and light scattering measurements. Biopolymers, 97(4), 209-218. https://doi.org/10.1002/bip.22014Lee, C. S., Robinson, J., Chong, M. F. 2014. A review on application of flocculants in wastewater treatment. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 92, 489-508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2014.04.010Lédo, P. G., Lima, R. F., Paulo, J. B., Duarte, M. A. 2009. Estudio Comparativo de Sulfato de Aluminio y Semillas de Moringa oleifera para la Depuración de Aguas con Baja Turbiedad. Información Tecnológica, 20(5), 3-12. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-07642009000500002Liew, A. G., Noor, J. M., Muyibi, S.A., Fugara, A. M., Muhammed, T. A., Iyuke, S. E. 2006. Surface water clarification using M. oleifera seeds. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 63(2), 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207230500117670Macías, M. R., Domínguez, Y. D., Y., Muñoz, S.R., Alvarez, B.G., B., Santana E, F., García, D.T. 2017. Empleo de semillas de Moringa oleifera en el tratamiento de residuales líquidos. Ingeniería Hidráulica y Ambiental, 38(2), 87-101. Obtenido de http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1680-03382017000200007&lng=es&tlng=es.Matilainen, A., Vepsäläinen, M., Sillanpää, M. 2010. Natural organic matter removal by coagulation during drinking water treatment: a review. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 159(2), 189-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2010.06.007MVCS. 2006. Reglamento Nacional de edificaciones, DS N° 011-2006- VIVIENDA: Ministerio de Vivienda Construcción y Saneamiento. Obtenido de http://www3.vivienda.gob.pe/Direcciones/Documentos/RNE_Actualizado_Solo_Saneamiento.pdfNdabigengesere, A., Narasiah, K. S. 1998. Quality of Water Treated by Coagulation Using Moringa oleifera Seeds. Water Research: 32(3), 781-791. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(97)00295-9Nkurunziza, T., Nduwayezu, J. B., Banadda, E. N., Nhapi, I. 2009. The effect of turbidity levels and Moringa oleifera concentration on the effectiveness of coagulation in water treatment. Water Science & Technology, 59(8), 1551-1558. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2009.155Okuda, T., Baes, A. U., Nishijima, W., Okada, M. 1999. Improvement of extraction method of coagulation active components from Moringa oleifera seed. Water Research, 33(15), 3373-3378. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1354(99)00046-9Petersen, H. H., Petersen, T. B., Enemark, H. L., Olsen, A., Dalsgaard, A. 2016. Removal of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in low quality water using Moringa oleifera seed extract as coagulant. Food and Waterborne Parasitology, 3, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fawpar.2016.03.002Pritchard, M., Craven, T., Mkandawire, T., Edmondson, A. S., O'neill, J. G. 2010. A comparison between Moringa oleifera and chemical coagulants in the purification of drinking water - An alternative sustainable solution for developing countries. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 35(13-14), 798-805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.014Sengul, A. B., Ersan, G., Tufekci, N. 2018. Removal of intra and extracellular microcystin by submerged ultrafiltration (UF) membrane combined with coagulation/flocculation and powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption. Journal of Hazard Materials. 343, 29-35, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.09.018SUNASS. 2008. Estudio Diagnostico situacional de los sistemas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en las EPS del Perú y Propuestas de solución: Superintendencia Nacional de Servicios de Saneamiento. Obtenido de https://www.sunass.gob.pe/doc/Publicaciones/libro_ptar_gtz_sunass.pdfSUNASS. 2015. Diagnóstico de las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales en el ámbito de operación de las entidades prestadoras de servicios de saneamiento: Superintendencia Nacional de Servicios de Saneamiento Obtenido de https://www.sunass.gob.pe/doc/Publicaciones/libro_ptar_gtz_sunass.pdfChoumane, F.Z., Benguella, B., Maachou, B., Saadi, N. 2017. Valorisation of a bioflocculant and hydroxyapatites as coagulationflocculation adjuvants in wastewater treatment of the steppe in the wilaya of Saida (Algeria). Ecological Engineering, 107, 152-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2017.07.01

"Oh! What a tangled web we weave": Englishness, communicative leisure, identity work and the cultural web of the English folk morris dance scene

In this paper, we consider the relationship between Englishness and the English folk morris dance scene, considering how the latter draws from and reinforces the former. Englishness is considered within the context of the cultural web; a tool more often applied to business management but linked to a sociological viewpoint here. By doing so, we draw the connections between this structured business model and the cultural identity of Englishness. Then, we use the framework of the cultural web and theories of leisure, culture and identity to understand how morris dancers see their role as dancers and ‘communicative leisure’ agents in consciously defending Englishness, English traditions and inventions, the practices and traditions of folk and morris, and the various symbolic communities they inhabit. We argue that most morris dancers in our research become and maintain their leisured identities as dancers because they are attracted to the idea of tradition – even if that tradition is invented and open to change

Food choices and practices during pregnancy of immigrant women with high-risk pregnancies in Canada: a pilot study

Background: Immigrant women may be regarded as a vulnerable population with respect to access and navigation of maternity care services. They may encounter difficulties when accessing culturally safe and appropriate maternity care, which may be further exacerbated by language difficulties and discriminatory practices or attitudes. The project aimed to understand ethnocultural food and health practices and how these intersect in a particular social context of cultural adaptation and adjustment in order to improve the care-giving capacities of health practitioners working in multicultural perinatal clinics. Methods: This four-phase study employed a case study design allowing for multiple means of data collection and different units of analysis. Phase one consists of a scoping review of the literature. Phases two and three incorporate pictorial representations of food choices with semi-structured photo-elicited interviews. This study was undertaken at a Prenatal and Obstetric Clinic, in an urban Canadian city. In phase four, the research team will inform the development of culturally appropriate visual tools for health promotion. Results: Five themes were identified: (a) Perceptions of Health, (b) Social Support (c) Antenatal Foods (d) Postnatal Foods and (e) Role of Health Education. These themes provide practitioners with an understanding of the cultural differences that affect women’s dietary choices during pregnancy. The project identified building collaborations between practitioners and families of pregnant immigrant women to be of utmost importance in supporting healthy pregnancies, along with facilitating social support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Conclusion: In a multicultural society that contemporary Canada is, it is challenging for health practitioners to understand various ethnocultural dietary norms and practices. Practitioners need to be aware of customary practices of the ethnocultural groups that they work with, while simultaneously recognizing the variation within—not everyone follows customary practices, individuals may pick and choose which customary guidelines they follow. What women choose to eat is also influenced by their own experiences, access to particular foods, socioeconomic status, family context, and so on. The pilot study demonstrated the efficacy of the employed research strategies and we subsequently acquired funding for a national study

Birthweight of babies born to migrant mothers - What role do integration policies play?

Birthweights of babies born to migrant women are generally lower than those of babies born to native-born women. Favourable integration policies may improve migrants’ living conditions and contribute to higher birthweights. We aimed to explore associations between integration policies, captured by the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX), with offspring birthweight among migrants from various world regions. In this cross-country study we pooled 31 million term birth records between 1998 and 2014 from ten high-income countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, Norway, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom (Scotland). Birthweight differences in grams (g) were analysed with regression analysis for aggregate data and random effects models. Proportion of births to migrant women varied from 2% in Japan to 28% in Australia. The MIPEX score was not associated with birthweight in most migrant groups, but was positively associated among native-born (mean birthweight difference associated with a 10-unit increase in MIPEX: 105 g; 95% CI: 24, 186). Birthweight among migrants was highest in the Nordic countries and lowest in Japan and Belgium. Migrants from a given origin had heavier newborns in countries where the mean birthweight of native-born was higher and vice versa. Mean birthweight differences between migrants from the same origin and the native-born varied substantially across destinations (70 g–285 g). Birthweight among migrants does not correlate with MIPEX scores. However, birthweight of migrant groups aligned better with that of the native-born in destination counties. Further studies may clarify which broader social policies support migrant women and have impacts on perinatal outcomes.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Major Radiodiagnostic Imaging in Pregnancy and the Risk of Childhood Malignancy: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Ontario

In a record-linkage study, Joel Ray and colleagues examine the association between diagnostic imaging during pregnancy and later childhood cancers

Shelter Projects 2015-2016

Spanning humanitarian responses from all over the world, Shelter Projects 2015-2016 is the sixth in a series of compilations of shelter case studies, overviews of emergencies and opinion pieces. The projects represent responses to conflict, natural disasters and complex or multiple crises, demonstrating some of the implementation and response options available. The book is intended to support learning by highlighting the strengths, weaknesses and some of the lessons that can be learned from different projects, which try to maximize emergency funds to safeguard the health, security and dignity of affected people, whilst – wherever possible – supporting longer-term shelter needs and sustainable recovery. The target audience is humanitarian managers and shelter programme staff from local, national and international organizations at all levels of experience. Shelter Projects is also a useful resource for advocacy purposes, showcasing the work done by the sector, as well as for research and capacity-building activities

The international Perinatal Outcomes in the Pandemic (iPOP) study: protocol

Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant death worldwide, but the causes of preterm birth are largely unknown. During the early COVID-19 lockdowns, dramatic reductions in preterm birth were reported; however, these trends may be offset by increases in stillbirth rates. It is important to study these trends globally as the pandemic continues, and to understand the underlying cause(s). Lockdowns have dramatically impacted maternal workload, access to healthcare, hygiene practices, and air pollution - all of which could impact perinatal outcomes and might affect pregnant women differently in different regions of the world. In the international Perinatal Outcomes in the Pandemic (iPOP) Study, we will seize the unique opportunity offered by the COVID-19 pandemic to answer urgent questions about perinatal health. In the first two study phases, we will use population-based aggregate data and standardized outcome definitions to: 1) Determine rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth and describe changes during lockdowns; and assess if these changes are consistent globally, or differ by region and income setting, 2) Determine if the magnitude of changes in adverse perinatal outcomes during lockdown are modified by regional differences in COVID-19 infection rates, lockdown stringency, adherence to lockdown measures, air quality, or other social and economic markers, obtained from publicly available datasets. We will undertake an interrupted time series analysis covering births from January 2015 through July 2020. The iPOP Study will involve at least 121 researchers in 37 countries, including obstetricians, neonatologists, epidemiologists, public health researchers, environmental scientists, and policymakers. We will leverage the most disruptive and widespread “natural experiment” of our lifetime to make rapid discoveries about preterm birth. Whether the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening or unexpectedly improving perinatal outcomes, our research will provide critical new information to shape prenatal care strategies throughout (and well beyond) the pandemic