Search Results (2,177)

Wisteria vein mosaic virus (WVMV, Potyvirus wisteriae), a virus belonging to the genus Potyvirus, is responsible for Wisteria vein mosaic disease (WMD), a severe disease that affects Wisteria, a genus of garden plants acclaimed worldwide. Although probably originating in the Far East, WVMV infection was first reported in the US, and subsequently in numerous countries. Following the first molecular detection of an Italian isolate, WVMV Bari, its full-length genome was achieved using NGS barcoding technology. A PhyML phylogenetic analysis, supported by clustering algorithm validation, identified a clear separation between two phylogroups. One major clade comprised WVMV strains isolated from Wisteria spp. A second clade grouped three highly divergent strains, at the borderline species threshold, all found in non-wisteria hosts. Relying on a Relative Time Dated Tips (RTDT) molecular clock, the first emergence of WVMV clades has been traced back to around the 17th century. A network inference analysis confirmed the sharp separation between the two host-related phylogroups, also highlighting the presence of potential intermediate variants. Inter-population genetic parameters revealed a very high genetic differentiation in both populations, which was made reliable by statistically significant permutation tests. The migrant number (Nm) and fixation index (F_ST) evidenced a restricted gene flow and strong population structures. According to the dN/dS ratio and negative neutrality tests, it was derived that purifying selection at the expense of non-silent variants is underway within WVMV populations. Targeting WVMV evolutionary traits, the present effort raised interesting questions about the underestimated potential of this culpably neglected species to spread in economically relevant crops. The main intention of our study is, therefore, to propose an evolution-based analysis approach that serves as a case study to investigate how other potyviruses or newly emerging viruses may spread. Full article

Migrant adolescents face unique emotional and relational challenges that can hinder their well-being and development. While prior research has identified many of these challenges, there is limited work exploring migrant adolescents’ perspectives on their needs. This study aims to bridge that gap by adopting a participatory approach to investigate the emotional and relational needs of migrant adolescents in Spain and the solutions they propose to address them. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory as the theoretical framework, we conducted qualitative participatory research with migrant adolescents. They identified their emotional and relational needs, which were categorised into six thematic areas distributed across the ecological levels. The themes include supporting their families, receiving recognition and emotional support from relatives, improving school and societal experiences, learning the host language, gaining empathy from the local population, and regularising their legal status. The key actors identified to help meet their needs include parents, teachers, peers, society, and policymakers. The participants proposed self-directed solutions to these challenges, such as fostering peer relationships and advocating for policy reforms. The findings suggest that migrant adolescents have valuable insights into their emotional and relational needs, emphasising the importance of involving them in shaping interventions that support their inclusion and mental health. Full article

Functional assessment approaches were used to identify the responses of fish to environmental change in the San Antonio Bay System (Texas, USA). Using a 26-year coastal fisheries dataset (1993–2018), multivariate analyses revealed relationships between functional group abundance and freshwater inflows in the upper segments (Hynes Bay and Guadalupe Bay), but the patterns were decoupled from inflows in the lower bay segments (San Antonio Bay, Ayres Bay and Espiritu Santo Bay). In Hynes and Guadalupe Bays, freshwater migrant carnivores accounted for a significant fraction of the community irrespective of the gear, year or flow. Freshwater stragglers (omnivores and carnivores) were often present in the upper reaches of the bay. In the lower reaches, marine migrant omnivores were present during high and low flows in Espiritu Santos Bay, but only during low flows in Ayres Bay. Marine migrant carnivores were more important in gill nets irrespective of the flow conditions. The five most abundant fish were estuarine resident carnivores and omnivores, accounting for 53.5% of the community. Declines in the abundance of functional groups occurred during the 2011–2014 drought, with rebounds in 2015–2018. Functional methodologies provide insights into estuarine ecosystems and can serve as management tools to assess changes in fish assemblages. Full article

Despite their higher risk of mental health conditions, migrants often face barriers to accessing mental health care. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on interventions to improve mental health care access for migrants (protocol CRD42024556575). PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for experimental and observational studies on this topic. A narrative summary and a meta-analysis of the study findings are presented, along with a GRADE quality assessment. Eighteen reports, accounting for 3285 migrants, were included in the final selection. There were six randomized controlled trials, nine non-randomized clinical trials, and three observational studies. The interventions consisted of psychoeducation (27.8%), digital tools (22.2%), outreach programs, counseling, peer support (each 11.1%), and miscellaneous approaches (16.7%). There was marked heterogeneity in the intervention structure and outcome measure across the studies. Nevertheless, all studies reported a positive effect of the interventions on mental health care access. Still limited by few studies providing data suitable for the pooled estimate, the meta-analyses found a significant effect in reducing stigma and improving mental health literacy. Overall, this review identified promising interventions for improving migrant mental health care access. Future research is needed to validate interventions that can be applied sustainably across different contexts and migrant populations. Full article

This paper explores the challenges of measuring and classifying the East African Asian population in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a particularly diverse country, New Zealand has a significant and varied population of immigrants from South Asia, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, along with immigrants of South Asian origin, from Fiji, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and East Africa. New Zealand’s system of ethnic classification relies on self-identification, with a broad definition of ethnicity encompassing heritage, ancestry, culture, language and feelings of belonging. However, the collection of this information at a granularity that enables detailed analysis is constrained for the South Asian population, regardless of origin or identification. People are typically presented with the choice of selecting “Indian” ethnicity as a tick box, or providing ethnicities under “Other” as write-in descriptors, which in turn are coded to a limited set of categories within the classification being used. This practice potentially conceals a diversity of ethnicities, which can only partially be hinted at by responses to questions relating to religions, languages and birthplaces, especially for second or third-generation descendants of migrants. Ethnic classification at the highest level, moreover, includes East African Indians as Asian, rather than African, reflecting diasporic heritage as a shorthand for ancestry and overlooking the relevance of layers of identity associated with the double diaspora. Drawing on Peter J. Aspinall’s work on collective terminology in ethnic data collection and categorizing the “Asian” ethnic group in the UK, this paper looks at the overlaps and disconnects between heritage, ethnicity and national belonging in classifying less clearcut identities. We explore the strengths and limitations of New Zealand’s self-identification approach to ethnic identity, and query what exactly is being asked of groups on the margins: when self-identification does not match external perception, are we looking for geographic, cultural, or genetic origins? A focus on the East African Asian population in Aotearoa highlights the complexity of identity for diasporic groups with distant ancestral links with India, as lived experience of cultural connection extends far beyond the bounds of ethnicity, language and even ancestry. Full article

Since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, millions of Syrians have sought refuge globally, with thousands resettling in the UK. Despite their displacement, Syrians have brought with them a rich array of inherited knowledge and traditions, collectively known as intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The construction of domestic spaces by these settlers and their struggle to feel at home have emerged as important topics in migration studies, particularly when housing issues are considered as a critical aspect of their transcultural social engagement and the evolving boundaries of their identity and belonging. However, the role of ICH, along with the related crafts and movable objects, in the home-making practices of forced migrants remains under-researched. This gap is especially significant given that the UK recently ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the safeguarding of ICH after a decade-long delay. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in the interviewees’ native Arabic within their home environments and supported by an observational study, this research explores how resettled Syrians in Liverpool integrate traditional ICH practices into their new homes, focusing on the dynamic relationship between the intangible and built heritage. By examining how intangible knowledge and movable objects interplay in creating a ‘Syrian home’, this study contributes to discussions on community engagement and the role of memory in conservation. The findings underscore the importance of ICH in maintaining cultural continuity and identity in the diaspora, providing insights into the inclusive heritage conservation practices in migrant contexts. This research highlights two key insights: first, the essential role that ICH, along with the associated crafts and movable objects, plays in constructing new homes in the diaspora, particularly in how these items serve as the carriers of cultural identity and continuity; and second, the symbolic significance of Syrian homes, especially their interior designs and decorations, as reflections of a blend of sociocultural practices that Syrians are committed to preserving. Full article

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease accounting for a significant number of deaths due to the infectious nature of the disease on the global platform. Migrant workers need special attention as these population groups live in substandard and crowded environmental conditions with poor ventilation, which play a crucial role in augmenting the risk of acquisition of infection. The global vision to ensure the delivery of effective TB control-related services for migrant workers has been influenced by a wide range of barriers. This issue is further complicated by the limited knowledge of migrant workers about tuberculosis, their rights, the kind of services available in healthcare facilities, and the ways to prevent the acquisition and transmission of infectious disease. By acknowledging the role of predisposing factors and the potential barriers that impact accessing timely healthcare services, it can be seen that the need of the hour is to plan and implement a comprehensive package of services for the benefit of migrant workers. Full article

Apart from being an economic struggle, migration is first of all a societal challenge; most migrants come from different cultural and social contexts, do not speak the language of the host country, and are not familiar with its societal, administrative, and labour market infrastructure. This leaves them in need of dedicated personal assistance during their reception and integration. However, due to the continuously high number of people in need of attendance, public administrations and non-governmental organizations are often overstrained by this task. The objective of the Welcome Platform is to address the most pressing needs of migrants. The Platform incorporates advanced Embodied Conversational Agent and Virtual Reality technologies to support migrants in the context of reception, integration, and social inclusion in the host country. It has been successfully evaluated in trials with migrants in three European countries in view of potentially deviating needs at the municipal, regional, and national levels, respectively: the City of Hamm in Germany, Catalonia in Spain, and Greece. The results show that intelligent technologies can be a valuable supplementary tool for reducing the workload of personnel involved in migrant reception, integration, and inclusion. Full article

As gender-based violence, obstetric violence is a complex phenomenon that represents a matter for debate worldwide. The main objective of this exploratory study is to understand the experiences of obstetric violence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period of racialised Brazilian women in the Portuguese National Health System. Using a qualitative case study research approach, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with ten racialised Brazilian women who gave birth in Portugal. A thematic qualitative analysis was used. The findings reveal significant cases of obstetric violence, which include the complexities and lack of support, assistance and monitoring networks, structural inequalities, neglect, and intersectional discriminatory practices based on racial and cultural prejudices, as well as reflection. These experiences not only affect the physical health of mothers but also have profound psychological and emotional consequences. This study highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive care and the implementation of policies to prevent obstetric violence, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrant mothers are upheld. By highlighting these critical issues, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on maternal health care and promote social justice for these historically marginalised groups. Full article

The relationship between humans and donkeys has ancient origins. In recent years, donkeys’ involvement in Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) has grown, raising major concerns about their welfare during these activities. We investigated the factors affecting donkeys’ behaviour during an AAI programme for migrants. We observed an effect of human distance from the animal, the interaction mode, and food presence on the animals’ behaviours and attitudes toward humans. Moreover, we provide preliminary evidence of the effect of AAI on migrants’ welfare and prosocial behaviours and offer insights into the issues to address in future studies. Full article

(1) Background: Migrant and refugee youth’s (MRY’s) sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) are a global health issue. MRY encounter adverse SRH experiences due to limited access to and knowledge of SRHRs services. Using a socioecological framework, this study examined the barriers affecting MRY’s SRHRs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising a participatory action research design was used. A total of 87 MRY (ages 16–26, from 20 cultural groups within Greater Western Sydney, Australia) completed seventeen focus group discussions on their SRHRs experiences. The focus groups were co-facilitated by youth project liaisons to ensure their authenticity and validity. The data were analysed thematically and interpreted using socioecological theory. (3) Results: The findings identified socioecological barriers, a lack of awareness about and access to services, and sociocultural dissonance as leading to the under-implementation of SRHRs services. These barriers included cultural disconnects, language barriers, remote service locations, intergenerational cultural conflicts, and ineffective SRHRs services. The key themes identified included traditional and institutional stigma, lack of SRH education, reliance on social media for SRH information, and privacy concerns. (4) Conclusions: There is a limited consideration of MRY’s SRHRs and the impact of intergenerational discordance and stigma on MRY’s rights. The findings suggest the necessity for a collaborative SRHRs strategy and policy design that empowers MRY’s agency across multicultural contexts. Full article

Many gender differences in mental and physical health, along with accompanying social needs have been reported by those suffering with schizophrenia. The goal of this review is to explore the literature on migrant and culturally diverse women suffering with schizophrenia to develop and implement effective strategies in specialized clinics. In general, we found higher rates of mental health symptoms among migrant and refugee women when compared to men. Several factors contribute to this vulnerability, suggesting that women may experience more pre- and post-migration-related trauma. In clinical populations, migrant status, region of origin, age at the time of migration, migration with family or alone, and migration to join family determine the risk of schizophrenia and the clinical course of the illness. Refugee migrant women have a higher risk of schizophrenia than non-refugee migrants and native-born populations. Migration is associated with poor access to mental health services; low social support, lack of awareness of services, and language barriers may mediate this association. These findings call for specific assessments on migrant women, interventions (e.g., focus groups), and improvement in current programs. In our clinics, we have recently incorporated assessment and intervention strategies that may be effective in our programming. Full article

Background: Living in the city is associated with a higher risk of suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression. Due to an increase of migration to the city, the association between mental health and city life is highly relevant to society. Methods: We analyzed data of 9573 participants (Ø 55.3 years, SD = 7.4) of the Paracelsus 10,000 study (Salzburg, Austria) who were classified into having or not having depressive symptoms. Population density, green space, and noise around the home address of the participants were collected and tested for correlations with mental health defined by depressive symptoms. We additionally tested whether migration status influenced the effect of urbanization on mental health. Results: There is a positive correlation between degree of urbanization and the probability of suffering from depressive symptoms (p = 0.011), yet this effect is independent of the migration background (p = 0.581). Participants in areas with high residential density were significantly more likely to suffer from poor mental health (p = 0.006 unadjusted). No significant association could be found between mental health and noise (p = 0.126 unadjusted) or green space neither regarding distance to closest green space (p = 0.549 unadjusted), nor size of green space (p = 0.549 unadjusted). Conclusions: In the Paracelsus 10,000 cohort, living in the city is associated with lower mental health, especially in participants with a high population density in the direct neighborhood. This might be due to social stress yet does not reflect minority stress in migrants. However, the influence of noise pollution and green space on mental health is limited in this cohort. Full article

Our study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Venezuelan refugee/migrant women and girls with disabilities to guide humanitarian assistance. The data analysed was part of a larger cross-sectional study whereby refugees and migrants in Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil were asked to share the migration experiences of a Venezuelan woman or girl. The sample for this analysis was drawn from one of the survey questions that asked participants whether the woman/girl in the narrative identified as a person with a disability. Thematic analysis using inductive coding was performed. A total of 126 narratives were included in the final analysis, of which four major themes were identified. Venezuelan refugees and migrants with disabilities described experiences of discrimination, violence, and physical challenges, such as exacerbation of symptoms while in transit. In host countries, refugees and migrants experienced a lack of disability-related accommodations in the workplace and long wait times when trying to obtain healthcare. Since discrimination is a cross-cutting issue, human rights awareness highlighting the dignity of persons with disabilities is imperative. Resources and support for Venezuelan refugee and migrant women and girls with disabilities should aim to create accessible employment opportunities, safe and timely access to medical care, and prioritise violence prevention. Full article