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ABSTRACT Plants exposed to hypoxic conditions have been suggested to produce more biologically active phytochemicals than those exposed to normal oxygen levels. Previously, we investigated 314 highland crop species and showed that the flavonoid kaempferol extracted from a highland quinoa grain markedly increased mitochondrial metabolism and ATP production in a hypoxic environment in vitro. Thus, we hypothesized that kaempferol would be effective during exercise under harsh conditions, in which anaerobic metabolism occurs. This study adopted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover design to investigate the effect of a single oral dose of kaempferol (10 mg) on the athletic performance‐related indicators of 13 male university athletes (20.8 ± 0.7 years) who performed two consecutive 400‐m runs with the shortest 90‐min interval assuming qualifying and main races. Although no significant differences were observed in the 400‐m race times between the placebo and kaempferol groups, kaempferol intake markedly reduced the respiratory and heart rates during the second run (p < 0.05). In addition, kaempferol intake reduced the levels of muscle damage markers, myoglobin, and aspartate transaminase (p < 0.05). A single oral dose of kaempferol reduced the cardiopulmonary burden and muscle damage in individuals participating in 400‐m runs. Kaempferol may be a useful supplement for relieving the physical load, particularly in individuals performing strenuous exercises with high oxygen demand.Trial Registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry in Japan: UMIN000049588 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine: i) differences in general intelligence students in the urban, highland, and coastal, ii) scholastic differences students in the urban, highland and coastal, and iii) the relationship of general intelligence and scholastic students urban, highland and coastal. Samples were taken by using purposive sampling techniques as many as 670 students from the urban, 764 people from the highland and 604 students from the coastal. Analysis data used descriptive analysis, analysis of variance followed by Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) analysis, and regression. The results showed that 31.4% of students in the highland have a general intelligence above the average of their age students, while students who live in the urban with a general intelligence above average age is only 23.3%, while on the coastal is only 8.1%. It was found that; i) there are differences in general intelligence of students, ii) there are differences in scholastic ability of students, and iii) there is a general intelligence effect to scholastic ability students in the urban, highland and coastal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The updated status of hypertension and its risk factors are poorly evaluated in Tibetan highland areas. We initiated a large-scale cross-sectional survey to provide updated status of hypertension and its risk factors (especially salt intake) in the Ganzi Tibetan Plateau, China. Methods Stratified multistage random sampling was performed to obtain a representative sample of 4,036 adult residents from 4 counties in the Ganzi Tibetan area. The whole survey population was used to present the epidemiology and risk factors of hypertension. The participants with blood and urine biochemistry data were used to analyze the relationship between salt intake parameters and hypertension. Results Stratified multistage random sampling was performed to obtain a representative sample of 4,036 adult residents. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 33.5% (the age-adjusted prevalence rate was 28.9%). A total of 50.9% of the hypertensive patients knew their conditions; 30.1% of them received antihypertensive treatment; and 11.2% of them had their blood pressure controlled. Age, male sex, living altitude ≥ 3500 m, overweight and abdominal obesity were positively correlated with hypertension. In addition, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hypertension was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.01–1.74) for drinking tea with salt, and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.32–1.72) for per SD increase in the estimation of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (e24hUSE). Furthermore, per 100mmol/day increase in e24hUSE was associated with elevation of blood pressure (+ 10.16, 95% CI: 8.45–11.87 mmHg for SBP; +3.83, 95% CI: 2.74–4.93 mmHg for DBP) in this population. Conclusions Our survey suggests a heavy disease burden of hypertension in the Ganzi Tibetan Plateau. Age, male sex, altitude of residence ≥ 3500 m, overweight, abdominal obesity, and excessive salt intake (shown as drinking tea with adding salt and a higher level of e24hUSE) all increased the risk of hypertension in this highland area.

Abstract Background The protective effectiveness of vector control in malaria relies on how the implemented tools overlap with mosquito species-specific compositions and bionomic traits. In Ethiopia, targeted entomological data enabling strategic decision-making are lacking around high-risk migrant worker camps in the lowlands and resident communities in the highlands—resulting in suboptimal malaria control strategies for both populations. This study investigates spatial and temporal mosquito behavior, generating baseline evidence that will improve malaria control for both migrant workers in the lowlands and their home communities in the highlands. Methods Hourly Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light trap collections were performed indoors and outdoors during the peak (October to December 2022) and minor (March to May 2023) malaria transmission seasons. These seasons coincide with the post-long rain and post-short rain seasons, respectively. Eight resident households were sampled from each of four villages in the highlands and eight households/farm structures on and near farms in four villages in the lowlands. The sampling occurred between 18:00 and 06:00. Spatiotemporal vector behaviors and hourly indoor and outdoor mosquito capture rates, used as a proxy for human biting rates, were calculated for overall catches and for individual species. Adult mosquitoes were identified using morphological keys, and a subset of samples were confirmed to species by sequencing ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) and/or mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1). Results In the highlands, 4697 Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to 13 morphologically identified species were collected. The predominant species of Anopheles identified in the highlands was An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (n = 1970, 41.9%), followed by An. demeilloni (n = 1133, 24.1%) and An. cinereus (n = 520, 11.0%). In the lowland villages, 3220 mosquitoes belonging to 18 morphological species were collected. Anopheles gambiae s.l. (n = 1190, 36.9%), An. pretoriensis (n = 899, 27.9%), and An. demeilloni (n = 564, 17.5%) were the predominant species. A total of 20 species were identified molecularly, of which three could not be identified to species through comparison with published sequences. In highland villages, the indoor Anopheles mosquito capture rate was much greater than the outdoor rate. This trend reversed in the lowlands, where the rate of outdoor captures was greater than the indoor rate. In both highlands and lowlands, Anopheles mosquitoes showed early biting activities in the evening, which peaked between 18:00 and 21:00, for both indoor and outdoor locations. Conclusions The high diversity of Anopheles vectors and their variable behaviors result in a dynamic and resilient transmission system impacting both exposure to infectious bites and intervention effectiveness. This creates gaps in protection allowing malaria transmission to persist. To achieve optimal control, one-size-fits-all strategies must be abandoned, and interventions should be tailored to the diverse spatiotemporal behaviors of different mosquito populations. Graphical Abstract

It remains debatable how many genes and how various the mechanisms are behind human adaptation to extreme environments, such as high altitudes. Despite extensive studies on Tibetans, Andeans and Ethiopians, new insights are expected to be provided with careful analysis of underrepresented highlanders living in a different geographical region, such as the Tajiks, who reside on the Pamir Plateau at an average altitude exceeding 4000 meters. Moreover, genetic admixture, as we observed in the current whole-genome deep-sequencing study of Xinjiang Tajiks (XJT), offers a unique opportunity to explore how admixture may facilitate adaptation to high-altitude environments. Compared with other extensively studied highlanders, XJT showed pronounced admixture patterns: most of their ancestry are derived from West Eurasians (34.5%–48.3%) and South Asians (21.4%–40.0%), and some minor ancestry from East Asians and Siberians (3.62%–17.5%). The greater genetic diversity in XJT than in their ancestral source populations provides a genetic basis for their adaptation to high-altitude environments. The admixture gain of functional adaptive components from ancestral populations could facilitate adaptation to high-altitude environments. Specifically, admixture-facilitated adaptation was strongly associated with skin-related candidate genes that respond to UV radiation (e.g. HERC2 and BNC2) and cardiovascular-system-related genes (e.g. MPI and BEST1). Notably, no adaptive variants of genes showing outstanding natural selection signatures in the Tibetan or Andean highlanders were identified in XJT, including EPAS1 and EGLN1 , indicating that a different set of genes contributed to XJT's survival on the Pamir Plateau, although some genes underlying natural selection in XJT have been previously reported in other highlanders. Our results highlight the unique genetic adaptations in XJT and propose that admixture may play a vital role in facilitating high-altitude adaptation. By introducing and elevating diversity, admixture likely induces novel genetic factors that contribute to the survival of populations in extreme environments like the highlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase in the establishment and spread of invasive alien plant species (IAPS) poses significant socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This study aimed to detect potential variations in the density, biomass, and fruit and seed production of Argemone mexicana L. IAPS along with land uses and agroecologies in south Wollo, Ethiopia. Using a stratified sampling method, eight kebeles, which are Ethiopia's small administrative divisions, were sampled. The data were collected from four land use types covering two agroecology. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test, and an independent t-test were used to examine the differences between land use and agroecology respectively. The associations of density, biomass, fruit, and seed density with slope and elevation were assessed using simple linear regression, using R4.2.1 program software. The mean A.mexicana ha−1 s' varied, significantly from 19,000 to 82,416 and 35,079 to 47,062, the aboveground dry biomass in kg m−2 was 0.032 to 1.59 and 0.1395 to 0.689, and the belowground dry biomass in kg m−2 was 0.048 to 0.506 and 0.0988 to 0.2408 between land use and agroecology respectively. The mean fruit per A. mexicana varied from 19 to 97 and 35 to 56, and seed per fruit of A. mexicana was 330 to 400 and 351 to 378 between land use and agroecology, respectively. As the slope and elevation increased, the values of all the measured variables decreased. Grazing land and highland agroecology had the lowest mean values, whereas farmlands and agroecology in the midlands had the highest values. Intervention should began in farmland and midland agroecology to prevent A. mexicana invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The writer muses on a past life in which piobaireachd – the most serious and complicated form of highland bagpipe music – played an important role in educating her literary sensibility. She now wonders if it is for this reason – the echo of the pipes' sound and scale still playing in her imagination – that she finds it hard to hear the music in Burns's poetry. She poses the question: Can a poet be said to be speaking for a nation when aspects of that nation are absent from his scale and sensibility? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The updated status of hypertension and its risk factors are poorly evaluated in Tibetan highland areas. We initiated a large-scale cross-sectional survey to provide updated status of hypertension and its risk factors (especially salt intake) in the Ganzi Tibetan Plateau, China. Methods: Stratified multistage random sampling was performed to obtain a representative sample of 4,036 adult residents from 4 counties in the Ganzi Tibetan area. The whole survey population was used to present the epidemiology and risk factors of hypertension. The participants with blood and urine biochemistry data were used to analyze the relationship between salt intake parameters and hypertension. Results: Stratified multistage random sampling was performed to obtain a representative sample of 4,036 adult residents. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension was 33.5% (the age-adjusted prevalence rate was 28.9%). A total of 50.9% of the hypertensive patients knew their conditions; 30.1% of them received antihypertensive treatment; and 11.2% of them had their blood pressure controlled. Age, male sex, living altitude ≥ 3500 m, overweight and abdominal obesity were positively correlated with hypertension. In addition, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for hypertension was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.01–1.74) for drinking tea with salt, and 1.51 (95% CI: 1.32–1.72) for per SD increase in the estimation of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (e24hUSE). Furthermore, per 100mmol/day increase in e24hUSE was associated with elevation of blood pressure (+ 10.16, 95% CI: 8.45–11.87 mmHg for SBP; +3.83, 95% CI: 2.74–4.93 mmHg for DBP) in this population. Conclusions: Our survey suggests a heavy disease burden of hypertension in the Ganzi Tibetan Plateau. Age, male sex, altitude of residence ≥ 3500 m, overweight, abdominal obesity, and excessive salt intake (shown as drinking tea with adding salt and a higher level of e24hUSE) all increased the risk of hypertension in this highland area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The protective effectiveness of vector control in malaria relies on how the implemented tools overlap with mosquito species-specific compositions and bionomic traits. In Ethiopia, targeted entomological data enabling strategic decision-making are lacking around high-risk migrant worker camps in the lowlands and resident communities in the highlands—resulting in suboptimal malaria control strategies for both populations. This study investigates spatial and temporal mosquito behavior, generating baseline evidence that will improve malaria control for both migrant workers in the lowlands and their home communities in the highlands. Methods: Hourly Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light trap collections were performed indoors and outdoors during the peak (October to December 2022) and minor (March to May 2023) malaria transmission seasons. These seasons coincide with the post-long rain and post-short rain seasons, respectively. Eight resident households were sampled from each of four villages in the highlands and eight households/farm structures on and near farms in four villages in the lowlands. The sampling occurred between 18:00 and 06:00. Spatiotemporal vector behaviors and hourly indoor and outdoor mosquito capture rates, used as a proxy for human biting rates, were calculated for overall catches and for individual species. Adult mosquitoes were identified using morphological keys, and a subset of samples were confirmed to species by sequencing ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) and/or mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (Cox1). Results: In the highlands, 4697 Anopheles mosquitoes belonging to 13 morphologically identified species were collected. The predominant species of Anopheles identified in the highlands was An. gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (n = 1970, 41.9%), followed by An. demeilloni (n = 1133, 24.1%) and An. cinereus (n = 520, 11.0%). In the lowland villages, 3220 mosquitoes belonging to 18 morphological species were collected. Anopheles gambiae s.l. (n = 1190, 36.9%), An. pretoriensis (n = 899, 27.9%), and An. demeilloni (n = 564, 17.5%) were the predominant species. A total of 20 species were identified molecularly, of which three could not be identified to species through comparison with published sequences. In highland villages, the indoor Anopheles mosquito capture rate was much greater than the outdoor rate. This trend reversed in the lowlands, where the rate of outdoor captures was greater than the indoor rate. In both highlands and lowlands, Anopheles mosquitoes showed early biting activities in the evening, which peaked between 18:00 and 21:00, for both indoor and outdoor locations. Conclusions: The high diversity of Anopheles vectors and their variable behaviors result in a dynamic and resilient transmission system impacting both exposure to infectious bites and intervention effectiveness. This creates gaps in protection allowing malaria transmission to persist. To achieve optimal control, one-size-fits-all strategies must be abandoned, and interventions should be tailored to the diverse spatiotemporal behaviors of different mosquito populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains and highlands are not what scholars have conventionally imagined them to be: environments that limit and constrain their inhabitants in deterministic ways. Rather, mountains and highlands provide unique opportunities for people to engage in creative transformation of their societies. Highland communities are connected to a wider world, and they radically remake and experiment with their landscapes, settlements, and societies. Mountains serve as birthplaces and testing grounds for statecraft, urbanism, irrigation, and monumental landscape engineering. Here we explore the diversity of highland communities by analysing the latest archaeological and historical discoveries from three regions across Southeast Asia: the Kulen mountains (Cambodia), the volcanoes of central Java (Indonesia), and the Ifugao highlands (the Philippines). We find that, far from being a negative image of the 'civilized' lowlands, mountains were creative, diverse, dynamic, and well-connected places. This compels us to change the way we conceive of today's highland communities and their relationships to modern nation-states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC., commonly referred to as mountain papaya, belongs to the Caricaceae family and is native to the Andean highlands. In Indonesia, mountain papaya can be found on the Dieng Plateau and has become one of the typical processed products from the Dieng area. The aim of the study is to explore the diversity and phenetic relationship of mountain papaya from the Dieng Plateau based on morphological markers. This study is important to provide information in guiding future conservation efforts. 18 samples were collected from three areas with different altitudes in the Dieng Plateau. In addition, it proved valuable results by elucidating patterns of variation, enabling the identification of distinct groups. A total of 18 samples were collected from three areas with varying altitudes in the Dieng Plateau. Morphological analysis used 22 characters with The Clustering Analysis Method, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Diversity Analysis using Multivariate Statistical Package (MVSP) software version 3.1A. The results of cluster analysis showed that mountain papaya accessions were grouped into two main clusters and five sub-clusters. Cluster grouping based on sex distribution characters, flower stalk length, and inflorescence density; there is no grouping based on geographical location or altitude. The Shannon's Index Value (H') for mountain papaya shows moderate phenetic diversity. This suggests that the mountain papaya community remains stable within its substrate and its environmental parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High mountains harbor a considerable proportion of biodiversity, but we know little about how diverse plants adapt to the harsh environment. Here we finished a high-quality genome assembly for Dasiphora fruticosa , an ecologically important plant distributed in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and lowland of the Northern Hemisphere, and resequenced 592 natural individuals to address how this horticulture plant adapts to highland. Demographic analysis revealed D. fruticosa underwent a bottleneck after Naynayxungla Glaciation. Selective sweep analysis of two pairs of lowland and highland populations identified 63 shared genes related to cell wall organization or biogenesis, cellular component organization, and dwarfism, suggesting parallel adaptation to highland habitats. Most importantly, we found that stronger purging of estimated genetic load due to inbreeding in highland populations apparently contributed to their adaptation to the highest mountain. Our results revealed how plants could tolerate the extreme plateau, which could provide potential insights for species conservation and crop breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and ischemic stroke in young patients in the Ganzi Tibetan plateau area. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken from January 2020 to June 2023 involving young patients (age: 15-45 years) diagnosed with ischemic stroke. The survey was conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine of the People's Hospital of Derong County, Ganzi Prefecture. The participants underwent a comprehensive assessment, including questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and head computed tomography (CT) examinations. Based on the tertiles of serum uric acid (SUA) levels, the patients were stratified into three groups. Furthermore, stroke severity was classified into mild (1-4 points), moderate (5-15 points), and severe (>15 points) categories using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Results: The severe stroke group exhibited higher levels of age, glucose, systolic blood pressure, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum uric acid (SUA) compared to the mild stroke group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the likelihood of male sex, advanced age, smoking, and a family history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease were significantly elevated in the severe stroke group compared to the moderate stroke group (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis conducted on young adults residing in highland areas revealed a significant association between SUA levels and the risk of stroke. Conclusion: Elevated SUA levels serve as a distinct risk factor for the development of a major stroke in young patients in highland areas. At SUA levels of 320.56 mol/L, the risk of a moderate-to-severe stroke is noticeably elevated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predominant cultivation of Eucalyptus globulus in the highlands of the Amhara region poses a significant risk, as any disease/insect outbreak affecting this species could result in extensive barren lands across the country. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the adaptability of various Eucalyptus species to diversify and safeguard against potential ecosystem disruptions. Six different Eucalyptus species (E.globulus, E.camaldulensis, E.grandis, E.saligna, E.viminalis, and E.citiodora) were subjected to a Randomized Complete Design with three replications. All the required parameters were measured and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with R version 4.3.1. Statistically significant variations were observed between Eucalyptus species at P

Vasconcellea pubescens A. DC., commonly referred to as mountain papaya, belongs to the Caricaceae family and is native to the Andean highlands. In Indonesia, mountain papaya can be found on the Dieng Plateau and has become one of the typical processed products from the Dieng area. The aim of the study is to explore the diversity and phenetic relationship of mountain papaya from the Dieng Plateau based on morphological markers. This study is important to provide information in guiding future conservation efforts. 18 samples were collected from three areas with different altitudes in the Dieng Plateau. In addition, it proved valuable results by elucidating patterns of variation, enabling the identification of distinct groups. A total of 18 samples were collected from three areas with varying altitudes in the Dieng Plateau. Morphological analysis used 22 characters with The Clustering Analysis Method, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Diversity Analysis using Multivariate Statistical Package (MVSP) software version 3.1A. The results of cluster analysis showed that mountain papaya accessions were grouped into two main clusters and five sub-clusters. Cluster grouping based on sex distribution characters, flower stalk length, and inflorescence density; there is no grouping based on geographical location or altitude. The Shannon's Index Value (H') for mountain papaya shows moderate phenetic diversity. This suggests that the mountain papaya community remains stable within its substrate and its environmental parameters.

Turkey plays a significant role in the world's greenhouse vegetable production. In Antalya Province, the leader of greenhouse production in Turkey, greenhouse cultivation in the highland area beside the coast has shown an outstanding increase. The current study, which was conducted to determine the pest and beneficial species in greenhouse cucumber cultivation in highland conditions, was carried out in three different locations in 2018–2019 two in Elmalı district and one in Korkuteli district. Using sticky traps and plant samplings, the pest species, population densities, and natural enemies were identified during weekly surveys of the greenhouses. According to the study results, 21 pest species belonging to 5 orders and 9 families and 25 beneficial species belonging to 7 orders and 13 families were identified. One pest species, Tetranychus solanacearum Çobanoğlu & Ueckermann, was reported for the first time on cucumber plants in the world in this study. The predators Lestodiplosis urticae Nijveldt, 1951 and Chrysoperla agilis Henry et al., 2003 were recorded for the first time in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden houses can potentially contain high levels of Particulate Matter (PM), which can cause lung disease in residents. Wooden houses have advantages in terms of maintaining the sustainability of building materials. Building design needs to pay attention to PM predictions in residential homes to avoid sick building syndrome. This study aimed to investigate and find predictive models for PM 10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 in wooden houses based on PM content in outdoor spaces. The study used quantitative methods by measuring PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 indoors and outdoors in wooden houses in Wonosobo Regency. The number of samples is 100 wooden houses. Measurements were carried out for one full day for each residential house. Data recording is done every 15 minutes--prediction model development using linear regression test and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results obtained three equations based on PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0. PM10indoor = 53.202 + 0.406 PM10outdoor; PM2.5indoor = 36.865 + 0.373 PM2.5outdoor; PM1.0indoor = 34.143 + 0.194 PM1.0outdoor. The difference with the results from SEM is PM10indoor = 52.89 + 0.41 PM10outdoor, PM2.5indoor = 38.31 + 0.37 PM2.5outdoor, PM1.0indoor = 26.58 + 0.19.PM1.0outdoor. There is no significant difference in the prediction results, so it can be concluded that the Prediction Model is valid. The implications of this research can provide input for improving the standard of PM content in wooden houses. The study results become input for the government in monitoring PM content in simple houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centuries of cultivation in the Highland Aynoka of Puno, Peru, have endowed indigenous crops such as potato and quinoa with rich cultural and nutritional value deeply ingrained in local traditions. This study meticulously evaluates their economic viability, environmental implications, and cultural importance by employing a mixed-methods research approach involving surveys, interviews, and observations. The outcome reveals that while the Economic Sustainability Index (EKI) moderately supports potato and quinoa production sustainability, with a value of 2.98, it falls short of significant impact. Conversely, the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) and the Social Sustainability Index (SSI) exhibit moderate levels of sustainability, recording values of 4.04 and 3.38 for ESI and SSI, respectively. These crops demonstrate acceptable economic feasibility, marked by consistent sales, income generation, and manageable production expenses. The findings underscore the urgency of endorsing sustainable farming methods to safeguard cultural heritage, boost market prospects, and fortify regional ecological robustness. Rooted in ancestral sustainability, potato and quinoa cultivation is a cornerstone in local food systems. Recognizing the cultural, economic, and environmental significance inherent to these crops, efforts can be channeled towards nurturing sustainable agricultural systems that uphold community well-being, conserve biodiversity, and facilitate cultural resilience in Puno's Highland Aynoka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-altitude rangelands support the economies of mountain communities in the Himalayas. This article highlights institutions and policy initiatives for good governance of rangelands in Bhutan and draws lessons from previous efforts to mainstream rangeland development. Both formal and informal institutions support the rangeland governance in Bhutan. The article elaborates on critical rangeland-related amendments to the Bhutanese Land Act. Rangeland stewardship and access rights are outlined, along with alternative governance approaches that rely on pastoralists' traditions and indigenous knowledge. It highlights concerns and disputes about using and managing rangelands and explains traditional institutions and practices of conflict resolution. The article's final section discusses the challenges of rangeland governance and the aspirations of herding communities under the new Land Act. Rangeland owners have reconciled with the amendments to the Act. They are willing to work with the government to implement the Act's provisions and bring the desired reforms in rangeland governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study in Bale administrative zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, aimed to investigate the vulnerability of livelihoods of highlanders and lowlanders to global environmental and socioeconomic changes and how highland–lowland linkage could function as a coping strategy. Multistage cluster sampling techniques were employed to select 403 sample respondents from the 2 agroecological regions. The primary data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions. The results indicated that both the highlanders and lowlanders were vulnerable to stresses, seasonality, and shocks due to natural hazards. The highlanders were vulnerable to crop failure and occasional floods, while the lowlanders were more vulnerable to drought, livestock disease, and conflict. However, they had devised various coping strategies, such as diversifying income sources and increasing mobility. Some of the coping strategies that were adopted necessitated a mutual understanding between the highlanders and lowlanders. Hence, strengthening complementarities between them by broadening their resource base could contribute to building resilient livelihoods for both communities, particularly the highly vulnerable lowlanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Yarlung Zangbo river extends through the southern area of the Tibet Plateau at the highest elevation of any large river in the world. It supports many unique and endemic species, but global warming, proposed and existing hydropower developments, and the invasion of non-native species are significant threats to its native aquatic biodiversity. Some endemic species, including fishes (Glyptosternum maculatum, Schizothorax oconnori, Schizothorax macropogon, Schizophygopsis younghusbandi, Ptychobarbus dipogon and Oxygymnocypris stewartii), water birds (Grus nigricollis and Haliaeetus albicilla) and mammals (Lutra lutra), have experienced great ecological and physical challenges. To ensure a sustainable development pathway, some specific conservation measures should be undertaken, including the establishment of natural reserves in sensitive areas, and more research and ecological monitoring. This study is a significant reference and example for managers developing strategies to conserve aquatic biodiversity in large, highaltitude river basins within mountainous settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria transmission dynamics and entomological indices on highlands have been a subject of interest due to their altitude. Until now, no data exist on malaria entomological indices for Mambilla Plateau; a highland region prone to malaria epidemics in Taraba, North-East Nigeria. We studied malaria entomological indices across five localities (Nguroje, Yelwa, Gembu, Kakara and Mayo Selbe) on the Plateau. Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using Pyrethrum Spray Catch method (PSC) from nineteen (19) households per locality. Anopheles mosquitoes collected were identified morphologically using standard keys. Members of Anopheles gambiae sl. were further identified molecularly. All samples were tested for Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A total of 569 Anopheles mosquitoes comprising four species; An. gambiae, An. coustani, An. funestus, and An. pharoensis were collected. Mosquito abundance and species diversity reduced with increase in altitude. An. gambiae ss. (93.92%) was the most predominant sibling species of An. gambiae complex on the highland. The presence of sporozoites was detected in 24 (4.22%) samples and all the samples were An. gambiae sl. Man biting rate of Anopheles spp. ranged between 0.02 and 2.56. Entomological inoculation rate (EIR) decreased with increase in altitude with the lowest EIR at Nguroje (0.007 bites/person/night). Results revealed that malaria transmission is ongoing on Mambilla Plateau albeit at a low rate, therefore, efforts should be geared towards malaria vector control at this time when the entomological indices suggest low malaria transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to determine the diversity of anurans and the distribution of their helminth parasites at Fraser's Hill and Sungai Jeriau, Pahang. Anurans were captured at night, and their organs (i.e., lungs, liver, heart and digestive tract) were collected for parasite isolation. Parasite identification was performed using iodine staining under a light microscope. Ranidae were the dominant anuran family at both study sites, and their distributions were significantly different (p<0.05) between sites. A total of 97 anurans were captured and 63% were infected with helminth parasites. Nematodes were the most common parasite identified. A positive correlation between the weight of anurans and the number of parasites was observed. The study showed that Fraser's Hill and Sungai Jeriau have a diverse population of anurans and helminth parasite distribution. This finding is essential for insights into anuran ecology and infection to monitor their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study in Bale administrative zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, aimed to investigate the vulnerability of livelihoods of highlanders and lowlanders to global environmental and socioeconomic changes and how highland–lowland linkage could function as a coping strategy. Multistage cluster sampling techniques were employed to select 403 sample respondents from the 2 agroecological regions. The primary data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions. The results indicated that both the highlanders and lowlanders were vulnerable to stresses, seasonality, and shocks due to natural hazards. The highlanders were vulnerable to crop failure and occasional floods, while the lowlanders were more vulnerable to drought, livestock disease, and conflict. However, they had devised various coping strategies, such as diversifying income sources and increasing mobility. Some of the coping strategies that were adopted necessitated a mutual understanding between the highlanders and lowlanders. Hence, strengthening complementarities between them by broadening their resource base could contribute to building resilient livelihoods for both communities, particularly the highly vulnerable lowlanders.

The study analyzed the socioeconomic variables of the dairy entrepreneurs of Kerala (India) and their relationship with economic motivation; specifically, in the three physiographical regions of highland, midland and lowland. Data were collected through survey using structured interview. The results revealed that maximum number of dairy entrepreneurs were male and belonged to elderly group. They were educated mostly up to secondary level and had dairying experience of fewer than 13 years. Largely herd size was between 12-22 animals; and possession of farm assets was weaker than household assets. Majority of the entrepreneurs had gross annual income of below ₹25 lakh from sale of milk and milk products; and local/private sales were more beneficial than co-operative sales. The results showed variance in the socioeconomic variables among the three divisions and hence demands exclusive entrepreneurship development strategies. Regression analysis showed that while milk production and household assets were positively related; experience and sales to dairy cooperatives were negatively related to the economic motivation of the dairy entrepreneurs.

The ethnic groups inhabiting the lowland and highland terrain in far northern Pakistan have recently been suggested to have served as middlemen in an interregional exchange network between Turkestan and the Indus Valley -- an exchange network that may have involved populations at the northern end of the Inner Asian Mountain Corridor or populations of the Bactrian Margianan Archaeological Complex (BMAC) of southern Central Asia. Alternatively, it may be that waves of Pathan immigration during the mediaeval period into northern Pakistan introduced such extensive gene flow from the west that all trace of contacts north has been lost. Patterning of morphological trait frequencies of the permanent tooth crown are known to correlate closely with DNA patterns and are largely free of natural selection making them ideal for tracing patterns of past gene flow and genetic drift. Dental morphometric trait frequencies from living members of 11 ethnic groups of the lowlands of Hazarewal and the highlands of Chitral-Gilgit-Baltistan, along with nine archaeologically-derived samples from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Indus Valley, and southern Central Asia (n= 2576 individuals), were analysed. Varying operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and data reduction techniques reveal a striking absence of evidence for interactions with populations to the north, meagre evidence of Pathan-related gene flow from the west or northwest, and little support for a genetic contribution from Chalcolithic era populations from the Indus Valley, signaling long-term local biological continuity in this region of northern Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The Scottish Highlands face unique prehospital care challenges due to population dispersity, mountainous terrain, seasonal weather, and higher trauma burden compared to the nearest Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) as highlighted by the Scottish Trauma Audit Group (STAG). Primary road/air transfer from scene to nearest designated MTC averages 1-5 hours, making prompt and informed utilisation of prehospital and in-hospital resources within the Highlands critical - comparative to other UK metropolitan regions where the trauma population majority lay within 20-45 minute transfer windows. This paper reviews the Highland pre-hospital immediate care and trauma (PICT) Team's trauma response through a retrospective review of PICT patient report forms (PRFs)., Methods and Results: The analysis highlighted increased trauma response by the team in the nature of attended callouts and interventions utilised. Improving trends of patient outcomes, increased advanced analgesia and medico-surgical intervention utilisation, and relative increase of road traffic collision attendance and trauma-specific calls were noted., Conclusion: Results highlight the Scottish Highlands' trauma burden and PICT's added value; with increased trauma response and improving outcomes. Despite the rate and ratio of major trauma not reducing PICT Team utilisation has, potentially led to fewer patients over narrower geography at later stages in emergency calls accessing the enhanced care doctor and advanced physician team than was achieved previously., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background. Owing to intermittent/acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia, highland miners may often suffer, the physiological characteristics between highland and lowland miners, however, are rarely reported. The objective of this study was to compare the physiological characteristics of coal miners working at disparate altitudes. Methods. Twenty-three male coal mining workers acclimating to high altitude for 30 = 6 days in Tibet (highland group; approx. 4500 m above sea level; 628.39 millibar), and 22 male coal mining workers in Hebei (lowland group; less than 100 m above sea level; 1021.82 millibar) were recruited. Tests were conducted to compare ventilatory parameters, circulation parameters, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and heart rate variability (HRV) indices between the two groups in resting state. Results. Ventilation volume per minute (VE) of the highland group was markedly raised compared to that of the lowland group (11.70 = 1.57 vs. 8.94 ± 1.97 L/min, pD0:000). In the meanwhile, O2 intake per heart beat (VO2/HR) was strikingly decreased (3.54 = 0.54 vs. 4.36 = 0.69 ml/beat, pD0:000). Resting metabolic rate relevant to body surface area (RMR/BSA) was found no significant difference between the two groups. Evident reduction in standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) and remarkable increase in ratio of low- and high-frequency bands (LF/HF) were manifest in highland miners compared to that of lowland ones (110.82 = 33.34 vs. 141.44 = 40.38, pD0:008 and 858.86 = 699.24 vs. 371.33 = 171.46, pD0:003; respectively). Conclusions. These results implicate that long-term intermittent exposure to high altitude can lead miners to an intensified respiration, a compromised circulation and a profound sympathetic-parasympathetic imbalance, whereas the RMR in highland miners does not distinctly decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To determine the prevalence of dental caries in primary and permanent teeth and identify factors associated with dental caries among secondary school children in rural highland Vietnam. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 1985 secondary schoolchildren. Dental examination was performed at school using World Health Organization criteria. Data collection on demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitude, and practices related to dental caries was conducted by interviewing children. Descriptive and inferential statistics using a multivariate logistic regression model were applied. Results Prevalence of caries in primary and permanent teeth was 41.1 and 68.9 %, respectively. Prevalence of caries in primary teeth in the age group 11–12 years old (59.4 %) was significantly higher than in children in the age group of 13–14 years (27.8 %; p

Tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is one of the most important pests that cause yield and quality loss in tomato cultivation in greenhouse and open field. T. absoluta, has spread rapidly in tomato production areas after emerging to Turkey in 2009. The pest is widely found along growing season in greenhouses and open fields in the coastal part of Antalya, where suitable climatic conditions are present. However, the population status of T. absoluta in tomato cultivation in greenhouses under high altitude highland conditions is not known and the study has been handled for this purpose. this study were conducted in 2018-2019 in Elmali and Korkuteli districts of Antalya province. In the study the population density of immature stage of T. absoluta were determined by leaf sampling and adult population density were determined by using pheromone traps for two years at four different locations. In addition, the natural enemies of the pest were also determined. As a result of the study, the pest was found widespread throughout the season in tomato greenhouses under highland conditions. Bracon concolorans Marshall, 1900, (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) Bracon variegator Spinola, 1808 (Hymenoptera:Braconidae) and Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter, 1895) (Hemiptera: Miridae) have been identified as natural enemies. As for parasitoid of T. absoluta, B. variegator was determined as the first time in Turkey with present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underwater calls of frogs are poorly documented, probably because they are usually weak and difficult to detect out of water because the impedance contrast at the water–air interface limits sound transmission. The tympanic middle ear and vocal sacs, which may not be essential for underwater acoustic communication, are often reduced in high‐elevation anurans. In addition to the Andean Telmatobius and Sierra Nevada Rana sierrae, many other highland frog species may vocalize underwater rather than be mute as previously thought. We report evidence from the eastern Tibetan Plateau supporting this speculation. In two species of the megophryid genus Scutiger, breeding males emitted trill‐like calls in series under submerged rocks at elevations of approximately 3700 m a.s.l. Because the few high‐elevation anurans known to vocalize underwater are all highly aquatic, this strategy is possibly used because the signal receivers usually remain in water during the breeding season. The finding of underwater calling in Scutiger characterized by reduced middle ears was partly guided by co‐occurrence of loose skin and underwater vocalization in some frog species and constitutes another independent case of such co‐occurrence. We suggest that the presence/absence of loose skin folds should be routinely included in the morphological descriptions of anurans, because an increased surface/volume ratio facilitates effective cutaneous respiration that is required for metabolically costly underwater behaviors which are usually cryptic to human observers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promotion of sustainable maize production in Northern Thailand, the country's largest maize-producing region, is crucial to securing the supply of the nation's feed manufacturing, as well as protecting environmental resources, enhancing social welfare, and improving the livelihoods of farmers and communities. This study aimed to investigate the various sustainable practices of the smallholder highland maize farmers and determine their environmental perceptions of sustainable practices. Face-to-face interviews with local maize farmers in two northern villages of Thailand showed that the farmers performed more sustainable cultivation practices i.e., avoiding the use of prohibited chemicals, but less post-management practices, i.e., managing residues and disposing of agrochemical waste. In addition, the Chi-square test was employed to determine the correlation between various socio-demographic factors and the farming practices. The surveyed farmers perceived the positive environmental impacts of organic fertilizer application and alternative management methods of residues to slash-and-burn, but they did not perceive the same positive impacts for proper agrochemical waste management on the environment. The results of the constraints to the environmental practices identified by the farmers suggested that additional tangible support from the government, such as agrochemical waste disposal facilities and engagement of policymakers and development practitioners, would result in more local-specific interventions that would promote a sustainable highland agriculture system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of Big Data, Latin American countries and biomes remain underrepresented. To remediate this issue, promoting repositories for biodiversity data focused on Latin America is a main priority. VegAndes -Dpt the vegetation database for the Latin American highlands (GIVD: SA-00-005), is a novel dataset for georeferenced and standardized information on vascular pants in the region. The database compiles 5,340 vegetation plots sampled above the montane treeline and below the permanent snowline in 11 Latin American countries and spanning over seven decades. VegAndes currently encompasses 5,804 taxon names, corresponding to 3,858 accepted names, as well as 136 syntaxon names. The database is nested within a scientific consortium of Latin American experts on highland vegetation and piloted from the University of the Andes (Colombia). Because the VegAndes data can support multi-scale studies in botany, ecology and biogeography, the database makes an essential contribution to biodiversity research and management perspectives in Latin America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa has been cultivated since centuries in the Andean region as a seed crop by indigenous communities. The crop has gained renewed interest because of its highly nutritious grain with high-quality protein rich in essential amino acids, and several bioactive compounds, along with its ability to grow under stress conditions. Despite the importance of the crop, limited research work on breeding aspects has been undertaken, leading to lack of information on the understanding of levels of variability of genotypes for different traits and their interactions. The aim of the present study was to assess and quantify the early response to mass selection in two quinoa landraces in highland conditions. Mass selection experiments were conducted during two successive crop seasons using eleven morphological traits. Correlation, genetic gain (gg) per selection cycle and principal component analysis was carried out. Only plant height (PH) and number of branches (NB) presented changes between selection cycles in both germplasm lines. Grain yield per plant (GYP) was positively correlated with inflorescence length (IL), stem diameter (SD) and plant weight (PW) for both quinoa lines. The results obtained would be useful to facilitate selection of the most relevant variables of quinoa considering its variation and interactions in the highland environment in Chile.

The low production of true seed of shallot (TSS) is mostly caused by a low flowering rate. The research was aimed to increase the flowering rate and seed yield in lowland (240 masl) and highlands (1250 masl) by vernalization and submersion of the seed bulbs in GA3 before planting. The research was arranged in a completely randomized block design with 2 factors and replicated four times. The first factor was vernalization, i.e. without and with vernalization at 10±2°C for 30 days, and the second factor was the submersion of the seed bulbs following vernalization in GA3 at the concentrations of 0, 100, and 200 ppm for 1 h. Parameters measured were time of 50% flowering (days after planting), percentage of flowering plants, number of umbel per plant, number of floret per umbel, fruitset, seed weight per umbel and per plant, as well as the percentage of seed germination. The result suggested that when production of TSS of var. Bima is to be carried out in the lowland then the seed bulbs had to be vernalized at 10±2°C for 30 days which will increase the flowering percentage and seed yield. If the production of TSS is to be carried out in the highland then vernalization at 10±2°C for 30 days will increase the flowering percentage and seed yield. However, if for any reason vernalization is impossible to proceed then the submersion of the seed bulbs in 100 ppm GA3 for 1 h was sufficient to increase the flowering percentage and seed yield. The produced seeds (TSS) either in the low as well as in the highlands had high germination percentages.

Objective: To explore the barriers of accessing emergency medical services among several ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Lisu, Lahu and Akha people. Material and Methods: The qualitative study was conducted to interview 43 participants, including the Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Hmong people. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for in-depth interviews, from February to March, 2019. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: The results show that the barriers of using emergency medical service (EMS) can be divided into the following five categories: the barrier to effectively communication, response to the symptoms of emergency illnesses, transportation facilities to support patients with emergency illnesses, fear to contact healthcare providers and the individual’s perception of emergency medical symptoms. Conclusion: The barriers of using EMS among different cultures, ethnicities and languages are a concern and obstacles to the increase appropriate pre-hospital management and reducing pre-hospital delay. A community collaboration partnership should be the goal of improving pre-hospital care among ethnic people.

PurposeThis cross-sectional study investigated the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration and myopia in two groups of Chinese children aged 6–14 years from different geographic and economic locations.MethodsA total of 294 children from a lowland area and 89 from a highland area were enrolled as two groups of study subjects. The visual acuity, ocular biometry, and automated refraction were measured. The serum level of 25(OH)D was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Near vision and outdoor exposure durations were assessed with a questionnaire interview. Data were analyzed for differences using Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. The risk factors were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe found that the serum level of 25(OH)D of the subjects from lowland area was 20.9 ng/mL which was higher than that of subjects from highland area (16.9 ng/mL). The median spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was −0.25 diopters(D) in lowland subjects and −0.63D in highland subjects. The prevalence of myopia was 45.2% in lowland subjects and 55.1% in highland subjects. The average axial length was similar, 23.6 mm and 23.1 mm in lowland and highland subjects, respectively. We found no statistical difference between the average SER and serum 25(OH)D concentration in subjects of either lowland or highland area. The ratio of myopia to non-myopia was also similar in subjects with three levels (sufficient, deficient, and insufficient) of serum 25(OH)D in these two areas.ConclusionsThere is no association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and myopia in the 6–14 years old Chinese children.

Background: Potato seed production with aeroponic technology can produce a large number of seeds, besides that it is also healthy because it uses plant seeds from tissue culture. However, how the quality of aeroponic seeds produced to become the next seed (growth capacity) has not been studied and scientifically informed. This research aimed to obtain the effect of aeroponic seed yields from the low and high plains based on their size on the growth and yield into advanced seeds. Potato seeds used were from the highland and lowland using aeroponic technology. Methods: This research was conducted in the highland (1000 m above sea level) from April to July 2017. Seeds were classified as S ≤ 1 mg, 1 ≤ Md ≤ 10 g and L ≤ 10 g. This research used a randomized block design with seven repetitions. The tried factors were as follows: 1. The origin of aeroponic seeds (A): A1 (lowland), A2 (highland); 2. The size of aeroponic seeds (U): U1 (S), U2 (M), U3 (L). Plant growth parameters included plant height, number of leaves and number of tubers. Result: The data obtained were analyzed using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level. Seeds of aeroponic yields of various sizes that are planted using drip irrigation have the potential to become advanced seeds. The L-size aeroponic seeds from the lowland produced an average of 5.9 tubers with an average weight of 68.4 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the traditional sense, the highlands are temporary rural settlements in the summer, with the aim of grazing animals or engaging in agricultural activities. In recent times, the highlands have changed a little shape and have been transformed into summer cottages where both animals are grazed and animals are rested. There are even a number of highlands used for recreate oneself. Transhumance activities are performed mostly in the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions in our country. In the Black Sea Region, the highlands are mostly used for tourism and animal husbandry purposes, and in the Mediterranean Region, for the summer seaside, to get rid of the suffocating heat of the coastal zone, tourism and animal husbandry. Ecotourism is gaining increasing importance among alternative tourism types in recent years. Highland tourism is one of the most demanded among ecotourism activities. Gümüşhane is among the regions where traditional transhumance is common in the Eastern Black Sea Region. In the province, some of the dozens of plateaus in the district of Kürtün have recently started to gain tourism function. In this study, it is aimed to discuss the current problems and solution proposals by drawing attention to the increasing tourism potential of Kadırga, Kazıkbeli, Erikbeli and Güvende highlands. In addition to field surveys, 1 / 25.000 scale topography maps and semi-structured interview technique were used. Some data related to the study area were obtained by using GIS techniques. Kürtün highlands, suitable climatic features, superior landscape values, traditional life style and rural climbing, mountain climbing / climbing, horse-drawn nature trip, trekking, paragliding, flora / fauna review, jeep safari and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The northern part of Ethiopia is endowed with local and exotic breeds of chicken; however, their morphometric characterization needs to be done to support future improvements and conservation. Hence, the study was conducted in three agro-ecologies (lowland, midland, and highland) of Northern Ethiopia to assess the morphometric traits of local and exotic (Naked-neck) chicken genotypes. The experiment was designed as 4×2 factorial with Chicken genotype (4 levels: local from each of lowland, midland and highland, and exotic from lowland) and Sex (2 levels: female and male) being the factors. ANOVA was conducted to determine the main and interaction effects of these factors on 21 morphometric traits. The results revealed significant interaction of Chicken genotype and Sex on all morphometric traits other than skull length, skull width, skull index and neck length highlighting the presence of vast sex specific differences among the genotypes. Apart from comb, earlobe and beak indices and wattle width, male Naked-neck (from lowland) have significantly higher values than the other seven combinations. The morphometric variations of chicken genotypes unveiled in this study are good indicators of genetic diversity of chicken population in Northern Ethiopia and calls for designing community based genetic improvement program to maximize desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]