Polymorphism of the genetic determinants of bone mineral metabolism in various groups of the Komi people

The subject of the study is autochthonous population of the Northern and Middle Cis-Urals: Komi-Permyaks, Komi (Zyryans), and Komi-Izhems. The aim of the study is to compare the population frequencies of the LCT (rs4988235) and VDR (FokI rs2228570 and BsmI rs1544410) genes and to consider the contribution of environ-mental and cultural factors to the formation of differences in the genetic determinants of bone tissue metabolism. In total, 181 Komi-Permyak, 223 Komi, and 200 Komi-Izhem subjects were tested clinically and genetically. The evaluation consisted of the determination of polymorphic loci of VDR and LCT genes variants and assessment of clinical and laboratory lactase activity. The information on traditional diet and food composition was obtained from ethnographic materials. The study group of Komi-Izhems differs by a high proportion of C*LCT carriers (0.85) from the other two groups (p < 0.05). The prevalence of hypolactasia, i.e., limited lactase production, is also higher (p < 0.05) in Komi-Izhems (0.64) than in Komi-Permyaks (0.47) and Zyryans (0.41). The T*BsmI allele frequency is higher in Komi-Izems (0.493) in hetero- CT* (0.463) and homozygote TT* (0.261) genotypes, as compared to Zyryans (p < 0.05, where the frequencies are 0.377, 0.329 and 0.212, respectively). The values of BsmI allele and genotype frequencies in Komi-Permyaks are intermediate and do not differ significantly from those in Komi-Izhems and Zyryans. The concentration of T*FokI is highest in Komi-Permyaks (0.528). They are followed by Zyryans (the difference is insignificant, p > 0.05). Komi-Izhems have the smallest proportion of T*FokI allele carriers (0.400) and significantly differ from Komi-Permyaks (p = 0.01). The genotype distributions in FokI locus of VDR in the groups of Komi-Permyaks and Zyryans do not differ, but both show higher CT*FokI genotype frequencies than Komi-Izhems (0.549 and 0.569 against 0.288; p < 0.001). Poor livestock production and a lack of milk in the traditional subsistence economy of the Komi-Permyaks weakened the selection in favor of T*LCT allele and lactase persistence. The low intake of calcium with milk was compensated by an increase in the sensitivity of the target organs to calciferol, the regulator of mineral metabolism, by maintaining the high frequency of carriers of T*BsmI and T*FokI alleles of VDR gene in the population. The more productive dairy farming of Zyryans stimulated selection in favor of lactase persistence. The possibility of continuous consumption of calcium from milk eased the selection pressure on VDR loci. The regulation by T*FokI produced a physiologically sufficient effect and T*BsmI carriership remained low. The diet of the Komi-Izhems, who were accustomed to high-latitude regions, comprised low-lactose dairy products. The population preserved a high carriage of C*LCT and the phenotype of hypolactasia. Moderately intensive selection for vitamin D receptor sensitivity showed up in the increase of VDR T*BsmI frequency only. The high D-vitamin status of the Izhem people was leveraged by the traditional diet with a considerable intake of ergocalciferol-rich venison and fish. The Komi-Permyaks, Komi (Zyryans) and Komi-Izhems occupied different ecological niches and the groups found different ways to adapt to the unfavorable bone-homeorhesis conditions. The flexible responses to the pressure of the environmental factors were imple-mented by the selection of variants of LCT, VDR FokI and VDR BsmI genes, which are located in different chro-mosomes and determine different stages of mineral metabolism. We contend that modern interpopulation differences in distribution of the genotypes and alleles are the manifestations of different strategies of ecological adaptation of anthropologically related groups.

HIV Prevalence in Migrant Groups Based on Country of Origin: A Systematic Review on Data Obtained between 1993 and 2020

The prevalence of internationally displaced people has been rising steadily within the last decade, creating enormous groups of migrants vulnerable to communicable diseases. This study aims to investigate HIV prevalence in migrant groups based on country of origin and present these results as weighted estimates on HIV prevalence based on geographical origin. Furthermore, HIV prevalence by country of origin is compared to WHO estimated prevalence in these countries. A systematic literature search has been conducted, and risk of bias in the included studies has been assessed. A ratio termed the Migration/Origin ratio, expressing weighted estimates on HIV prevalence among migrants by country of origin compared to the WHO estimated HIV prevalence in the country of origin, was constructed to compare the yields of this study to WHO prevalence estimates. Based on the search strategies covering the years 1990 to February 2021, 2295 articles were identified. The articles were screened by title and/or abstract, and retrieved articles were screened by full manuscript, leading to a final inclusion of 49 studies. HIV prevalence among migrants originating from the Middle East was 0.11%, Southeast Asia 1.50%, Eastern Europe 0.44%, Latin America 0.74%, North-, East-, West-, Central- and Southern Africa 1.90%, 3.69%, 2.60%, 3.75% and 3.92%, respectively. The overall Migration/Origin ratio was 2.1. HIV prevalence among migrants originating from countries with a high HIV prevalence was generally higher than among the autochthonous population. Several HIV prevalence estimates among migrants according to country of origin varied from WHO estimates.

Differences in Incidence of Acute Viral Hepatitis between Foreigners and Autochthonous Population in Italy

Background: In European countries, the prevalence of HBV and HCV in refugees and migrants tends to reflect the prevalence in their countries of origin. The aim of this study is to analyse acute viral hepatitis cases diagnosed in Italy among foreign citizens and to compare incidence rates in foreigners and Italians. Methods: We analysed the cases of each viral hepatitis type among foreigners. Standardised incidence rates were compared between natives and foreigners. Results: Between 2004 and 2019, 15,872 cases of acute viral hepatitis were notified by 10 Italian regions, 14.8% among foreign citizens. Until 2012, the percentage increased gradually, while a fluctuating trend set in from 2013 onwards; in 2019, 23.9% of cases were foreigners. Data from the SEIEVA surveillance show higher standardised incidence rates of hepatitis A and B among foreign citizens; no significant difference emerged between Italians and foreigners in terms of their hepatitis C incidence. Conclusions: foreign citizens have an increased incidence of hepatitis A and B. Regarding hepatitis A, vaccination is strongly recommended to foreigners travelling to their countries of origin. Screening tests for hepatitis B and C infection should be offered to newly arrived migrants from high prevalence countries, or having specific risk factors.

FEMALE RELIGIOSITY IN POST-SECULAR SOCIETY: ISLAM IN KAZAKHSTAN

Today, religious renaissance across the post-Soviet space has moved into the center of academic attention mainly because post-Soviet countries have found themselves at the crest of religious awareness in the form of revived traditional religions. In Kazakhstan, this process has taken the form of Islamic revival, the religion of the autochthonous population, which lived in the territory of the contemporary state. According to many authors, the family is the main religious socialization institution: mothers as its main agents play the key role in raising the younger generation. This means that female religiosity requires close attention and detailed studies. With this aim in view, we carried out an online opinion poll among women 18 years and older in all regions of Kazakhstan to identify the interconnection between religious practices and involvement in religious life, on the one hand, and confessional self-identity, on the other, as well as the role of demographic statistical data (age, in particular) in shaping religious consciousness. We paid a lot of attention to the correlation between the degree of religiosity and the presence of Islamic dogmas in everyday life. Our studies brought us to a conclusion that the faithful generally tend to overestimate the extent of their religiosity. This means that the majority of our respondents can be described as conventional believers whose knowledge of the main Islamic dogmas is weak and who do not observe religious practices. Religious holidays and fasting are the two most frequently observed practices; praying and religious clothes are the two frequently avoided practices. Their performance requires a lot of time and the need to change appearance and lifestyle.

The image of enthroned goddess in coroplast of the Early Hellenistic Bosporus

The subject of this research is the analysis of the composition of Bosporan terracotta with the image of enthroned goddess of the Early Hellenistic period (the late IV century BC &ndash; the late II century BC). The research material involves the figurines from the collection of the East Crimean Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve of this type of iconography. Terracotta from the prewar excavations of the museum, as well as a number of figurines from the excavations in Porfmy are being published for the first time. The goal of this work is to highlight and analyze the characteristic traits of iconography of the enthroned goddess in the Bosporan coroplast, as well as their reveal their sacred meaning. Special attention is given to interpretation of the depicted attributes, which allow identifying the deity. Analysis of iconography testifies to the spread of the cult of Cybele in the III &ndash; II centuries BC. In the ancient coroplast, the image of this goddess is associated with such attributes as a tympanum, a young lion, and a cup. Such details can be traced in the Bosporan terracotta. However, by the turn of the III &ndash; II centuries, perhaps under the influence of the ideas of autochthonous population of the region, emerges a specific local iconography: new attributes, such as medallion with the head of a young line and a cone). Replication of the new image in the coroplast works underlines the popularity of the cult of the syncretic female deity among the overall population of the Bosporus.

PECULARITIES OF INDIGENIZATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS OF KABARDINO-BALKARIA IN THE LIGHT OF NEWLY FOUND ARCHIVAL DOCUMENTS

The problems of indigenization in the North Caucasus in domestic historiography are considered in the chronological framework of 1920-1930., although these processes really began in the imperial period. After the end of the Caucasian war, the royal government is looking for ways to adapt the mountain peoples into the Russian socio-cultural space, turning the region that absorbing huge material and human resources to the region enriching the country. The imperial experience of managing the region in the end led to awareness of the need to attract the authorities of representatives of the elite from the number of indigenous people. The Bolsheviks took into account the mistakes of their predecessors, and were able to give acceleration to the pace of integration of the Highlanders to the Soviet social and cultural space. They did not fail to take advantage of the experience of the imperial administration in terms of attracting representatives of the autochthonous population into local governments. At the same time, without becoming his class approach, the Bolsheviks opened access to the social elevators to most Highlanders, which cut off representatives of the pre-revolutionary elite. In modern Russia, against the background of strengthening the challenges of globalization, leveling ethnic cultures, individual events of the Soviet nationality are of interest so far, for example, the practice of indigenization. Kabardino-Balkaria more than once turned out to be in the forefront of the Sovietization of the North Caucasus. Part of the events, of course, found the support of the main part of the population. But, in most of them, the population participated voluntarily forcibly, as a direct refusal would be more expensive. The article is based on new archival sources identified in the Funds of the State Archives of the Russian Federation (which are submitted below in this issue), documents from other archives and the latest research on the issue. In general, this made it possible to understand the origins of the process in the imperial period, its logical continuation and national-regional features of the implementation of the indigenization policy in the Soviet Kabardino-Balkaria. Multi-valued for the purposes and objectives, methods of implementation and specific results, this policy is characterized by unprecedented efforts to strengthen state and cultural institutions by national personnel. But much less researchers talk about the shadow side of the problem, which in modern conditions it is necessary to know for accounting in practical activities both positive and negative lessons to solve the Soviet rule of tasks associated with the national issue.

Recent History, Use and Forgetfulness of the Cypress Forest of Fontegreca (Southern Italy)

The cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is characterized by a very ancient history linked to the wide employment for the technological properties of its wood and for its symbolic value. Although this tree was often considered as a species introduced in Italy, the first genetic studies showed, instead, the presence of an autochthonous population of C. sempervirens in the forest of Fontegreca (Matese massif, Southern Italy), which constitutes the unique autochthonous cypress woodland present in Southwestern and Western Europe. Therefore, investigations were carried out in selected (using geomorphological criteria) areas of the forest, through soil chemical analysis, identification and 14C dating of soil charcoals. Indeed, we hypothesize that these analyses allow clarifying the history of this woodland characterized by the dominance of the cypress in the forest cover. Areas at medium-low (17–29°) slope gradient on the eastern and southern slopes of the forest were investigated and sampled, following pedological criteria (soil horizons order). Soil morphological and chemical analysis showed humus-rich surface horizons, thin (15–30 cm) and poorly developed (young) soils, overlapping the bedrock limestones. The first soil charcoal analysis data highlighted the presence of a previous landscape characterized by several species (e.g., Pistacia, Ostrya carpinifolia, Juniperus sp. and Pinus sp.) and, probably, by a different forest structure. Ongoing charcoal identification and 14C dating will likely give a better understanding of both (1) the cypress history and (2) the development of this forest landscape.

Main factors in the transformation of regional and ethnic identity

Aim. To identify the most important factors in the transformation of ethnocultural space and population identity through the example of a multicultural trans-border region.Materials and Methods. This research vector provides possibilities to consider this issue in line with the well-known ideas of L. N. Gumilyov regarding the adaptation of ethnic groups to landscapes, as well as to apply an analysis algorithm based on the study of various forms of interethnic contacts and ethnic processes. The author's data from field expedition research, including sociological surveys of the population (more than three thousand people on both sides of the Russian-Kazakh border), interviews, expert assessments, including observation, mapping, etc. have been used. Historical sources, as well as archival documents and existing cartographic materials from various times, have been analysed.Results. Ethno-cultural groups interact with each other and adapt to landscapes, as a result of these processes ethnic cultures acquire common features and regional specificities. These factors have been evaluated and features of interethnic interaction between migrants and the autochthonous population as well as transformation of the ethno-cultural space are revealed. The speed of transformation is influenced by historical, geopolitical, psychological and economic factors. The article is illustrated with specific examples. Geographical aspects of transformation of ethno-cultural identity as the main marker of ethnic culture in trans-border regions have been consideredConclusion. The most important factors of ethno-cultural space and regional identity transformation are adaptation in landscapes, intercultural interaction, migration, change of ethnic composition of the population and divergence as a consequence of delimitation.

The Languages of the Invaders of 711, Invasion and Language Contact in Eighth–Century Northwestern Iberia*

SummaryA number of disparate onomastic phenomena occurring in northwestern Iberia have long puzzled scholars: the abundance of Arabic personal names in early medieval Christian communities, often fossilised as place–names; the extraordinarily profuse Romance toponym Quintana; and a surprisingly high number of hypothetical Amazigh (i.e. Berber) demonyms. In this paper we argue that these seemingly disparate onomastic phenomena can all be explained if it is accepted that following the Islamic invasion of Iberia in 711, the Amazigh settlers of the Northwest were at least partially latinophone. The internal history of the Maghreb suggests this would have been the case at least in the sense of Latin as a lingua franca, a situation which the speed and superficiality of the Islamic conquest of said region would have been unlikely to have altered significantly. In this context, all of the puzzling onomastic elements encountered in the Northwest fall into place as the result of the conquest and settlement of a Romance– speaking region by Romance–speaking incomers bearing Arabic personal names but retaining their indigenous tribal affiliations and logically choosing to interact with the autochthonous population in the lan-guage they all shared.