A survey of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was conducted to examine genetic diversity in 146 individuals of British, native black poplar (Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia) and three individuals considered by collectors to be non‐betulifolia poplars. Using two primer pairs, a total of 147 bands were detected of which 82 (56%) were polymorphic in at least one individual. Cluster analysis and principal coordinates analysis of the calculated similarity matrix revealed a low level of genetic diversity, although a loose clustering into five groups could be identified, one of which contained the non‐betulifolia individuals. Examination of the spatial distribution of the other four groups (all betulifolia) revealed a general correlation between geographic proximity and genetic similarity. On the basis of the polymorphism observed, it was possible to identify a small number of individual plants which exhibit maximum diversity and might therefore be suitable for inclusion in a replanting programme designed to maintain at least the existing low level of polymorphism observed within British black poplar.

Background Social vulnerability correlates with frailty and is associated with mortality and disability. However, few studies have investigated this relationship outside of high-income country settings. This study aimed to produce and analyse a culturally-adapted social vulnerability index (SVI) to investigate the relationship between social vulnerability, frailty, and mortality in older adults in Tanzania. Methods A SVI was produced using data from a cohort study investigating frailty in older adults in Tanzania. Variables were selected based on previous SVI studies using the categories established by Andrew et al. from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, and National Population Health Survey. The SVI distribution was examined and compared with a frailty index (FI) produced from the same sample, using mutually exclusive variables. Cox regression survival analysis was used to investigate the association between social vulnerability, frailty and mortality. Results A stratified-cohort of 235 individuals were included in the study at baseline, with a mean age of 75.2 (SD 11.5). Twenty-six participants died within the follow-up period, with a mean of 503 days (range 405-568) following the initial assessment. The SVI had a median score of 0.47 (IQR 0.23, range 0.14-0.86). Social vulnerability significantly predicted mortality when adjusting for age and gender, but not when also adjusting for frailty. Conclusions Social vulnerability can be successfully operationalised and culturally adapted in Tanzania. Social vulnerability is associated with mortality in Tanzania, but not independently of frailty.

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