Comparative analysis of dermatoglyphic traits in Hungarian and Gypsy populations

We examined dermatoglyphic prints of children in 11 Hungarian and 5 Gypsy population samples (collected from 1,998 children). We compared Hungarian and Gypsy populations based on 22 finger and 24 palmar traits. In univariate comparisons the two ethnic groups differed significantly in half of the studied variables (9 finger and 14 palmar traits). We used several types of multivariate analyses of the studied traits to separate the population samples. Homogeneity analysis and discriminant analysis proved to be the most appropriate method to distinguish the populations, whereas a principal components analysis was less adequate. Multivariate analyses were conducted separately for both finger and palmar traits. Although the differences between the populations were more pronounced for palmar traits, in our study Hungarian and Gypsy populations showed the best separation when finger and palmar traits were combined for analysis, except in the principal components analysis. As expected, the Hungarian and Gypsy populations separated definitely in most statistical analyses; the main reason for this is the different origins of the two ethnic groups. The existence of the difference also shows that admixture between Hungarians and Gypsies has been small despite their living beside one another for several centuries.     

Predictors of ratio of placental weight to fetal weight in multiethnic community.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether placental ratio is influenced by maternal ethnic origin, obesity, hypertension, and haematological indices of iron deficiency anaemia. DESIGN--Observational study. SETTING--District general hospital in Birmingham. SUBJECTS--692 healthy nulliparous pregnant women, of whom 367 were European, 213 Asian, 99 Afro-Caribbean, and 13 of other or undocumented ethnic origin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Placental ratio and maternal body mass index, blood pressure, and haematological indices. RESULTS--Though birth weight and placental weight were lower in Asian women than in other groups, mean placental ratio was similar in Asian (19.5% (SD 3.3%)), European (20.0% (4.0%)), and Afro-Caribbean women (20.4% (5.3%)). Gestational age at birth was the main predictor of placental ratio in the univariate analysis (r = -0.34, P < 0.001) and multivariate analysis. The only other significant predictor of placental ratio in multivariate analysis was maternal body mass index, which was positively associated with placental ratio (r = 0.1, P = 0.01). Mean (SD) placental ratio was not significantly higher in women who developed gestational hypertension (20.4% (4.5%)) and pre-eclampsia (23.3% (7.3%)) than in normal women (19.8% (3.8%)). No evidence of a relation between placental ratio and first antenatal visit haemoglobin concentration or mean cell volume was detected, and placental ratio was not associated with change in mean cell volume during pregnancy or with third trimester serum ferritin concentration. CONCLUSIONS--These data do not support the proposed association between poor maternal nutrition and increased placental ratio. The association between high placental ratio and adult hypertension may be confounded by genetic and environmental factors associated with maternal obesity (and possibly maternal hypertension).     

How does farmer connectivity influence livestock genetic structure? A case‐study in a Vietnamese goat population

Assessing how genes flow across populations is a key component of conservation genetics. Gene flow in a natural population depends on ecological traits and the local environment, whereas for a livestock population, gene flow is driven by human activities. Spatial organization, relationships between farmers and their husbandry practices will define the farmer's network and so determine farmer connectivity. It is thus assumed that farmer connectivity will affect the genetic structure of their livestock. To test this hypothesis, goats reared by four different ethnic groups in a Vietnamese province were genotyped using 16 microsatellites. A Bayesian approach and spatial multivariate analysis (spatial principal component analysis, sPCA) were used to identify subpopulations and spatial organization. Ethnic group frequencies, husbandry practices and altitude were used to create cost maps that were implemented in a least-cost path approach. Genetic diversity in the Vietnamese goat population was low (0.508) compared to other local Asian breeds. Using a Bayesian approach, three clusters were identified. sPCA confirmed these three clusters and also that the genetic structure showed a significant spatial pattern. The least-cost path analysis showed that genetic differentiation was significantly correlated (0.131–0.207) to ethnic frequencies and husbandry practices. In brief, the spatial pattern observed in the goat population was the result of complex gene flow governed by the spatial distribution of ethnic groups, ethnicity and husbandry practices. In this study, we clearly linked the livestock genetic pattern to farmer connectivity and showed the importance of taking into account spatial information in genetic studies.     

Demographic behaviour of adults of mixed ethnic ancestry: Jews in Israel

We examine demographic behaviour of Jewish adults of mixed ethnic ancestry, relative to those of the two major Jewish ethnic groups in Israel. Research has shown that for measures of socioeconomic status, such as educational attainment, outcomes for multi-ethnics are in between – and very close to the middle of – those associated with the two major ethnic groups. We find that, in contrast, the marriage and fertility behaviour of multi-ethnic adults is nearly identical to that of the more socially advantaged ethnic group and quite distinct from that of the less advantaged ethnic group. Through multivariate analyses, we explore factors associated with families of origin, including socioeconomic status and cultural indicators of family norms, which are associated with these patterns. We discuss interpretations of our findings.     

Multivariate statistical analysis of quantitative serum protein data in populations of Rwanda

Data on serum protein levels of four populations from Rwanda were analyzed by multivariate statistical methods to assess their utility as an anthropological tool. These populations consisted of two ethnic groups in two different environments. Seven proteins were considered in the analysis. The total concentration of proteins is intermediate between Italian levels and those of the Binga pygmies of the Republic of Central Africa (RCA). Discrimination between the populations was possible with a 25% misclassification. The major principal components can be interpreted from a medical viewpoint, and show significant differences between the populations.     

Linkage disequilibrium pattern and age-at-diagnosis are critical for replicating genetic associations across ethnic groups in leprosy

One of the persistent challenges of genetic association studies is the replication of genetic marker-disease associations across ethnic groups. Here, we conducted high-density association mapping of PARK2/PACRG SNPs with leprosy and identified 69 SNPs significantly associated with leprosy in 198 single-case Vietnamese leprosy families. A total of 56 associated SNPs localized to the overlapping promoter regions of PARK2/PACRG. For this region, multivariate analysis identified four SNPs belonging to two major SNP bins (rs1333955, rs7744433) and two single SNP bins (rs2023004, rs6936895) that capture the combined statistical evidence (P = 1.1 × 10^?5) for association among Vietnamese patients. Next, we enrolled a case–control sample of 364 leprosy cases and 370 controls from Northern India. We genotyped all subjects for 149 SNPs that capture >80 % of the genetic variation in the Vietnamese sample and found 24 SNPs significantly associated with leprosy. Multivariate analysis identified three SNPs (rs1333955, rs9356058 and rs2023004) that capture the association with leprosy (P < 10^?8). Hence, two SNPs (rs1333955 and rs2023004) were replicated by multivariate analysis between both ethnic groups. Marked differences in the linkage disequilibrium pattern explained some of the differences in univariate analysis between the two ethnic groups. In addition, the strength of association for two promoter region SNP bins was significantly stronger among young leprosy patients in the Vietnamese sample. The same trend was observed in the Indian sample, but due to the higher age-at-diagnosis of the patients the age effect was less pronounced.     

Ethnic Variations in Central Corneal Thickness in a Rural Population in China: The Yunnan Minority Eye Studies

Purpose

To describe the ethnic differences in central corneal thickness (CCT) in population-based samples of ethnic Bai, Yi and Han people living in rural China.

Methods

6504 adults (2119 ethnic Bai, 2202 ethnic Yi and 2183 ethnic Han) aged 50 years or older participated in the study. Each subject underwent standardized ocular examinations and interviewer-administered questionnaires for risk factor assessment. CCT was measured for both eyes using an ultrasound pachymeter. Regression and principal component analysis were performed to examine the relationship of ethnicity and other factors with CCT.

Results

The mean CCT readings were 536.4 ± 34.2 μm in ethnic Bai, 532.1 ± 32.1 μm in ethnic Yi and 529.6 ± 32.7 μm in ethnic Han adults (P<0.001), respectively. There was a decreasing trend of mean CCT with increasing age across all ethnic groups. In multivariate linear regression models, increasing CCT was associated with younger age (P<0.001), male gender (P<0.001), Bai (P<0.001) or Yi (P<0.001) ethnicity, greater body mass index (P<0.001), higher systolic blood pressure (P<0.001), greater corneal curvature (P<0.001), deeper anterior chamber (P < 0.001), and thicker lens (P<0.001). Ethnicity contributed significantly to presence of thin cornea (60%; P< 0.001) compared with other factors. CCT had similar impact on intraocular pressure readings across all ethnic groups.

Conclusions

This study of more than 6500 multiethnic participants demonstrates significant ethnic variations in CCT, with Han ethnicity having the thinnest cornea compared with ethnic minorities. These data are essential to guide future multiethnic clinical trials on CCT-related ocular conditions such as glaucoma.     

Risk Factors for Low Receptive Vocabulary Abilities in the Preschool and Early School Years in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Receptive vocabulary development is a component of the human language system that emerges in the first year of life and is characterised by onward expansion throughout life. Beginning in infancy, children''s receptive vocabulary knowledge builds the foundation for oral language and reading skills. The foundations for success at school are built early, hence the public health policy focus on reducing developmental inequalities before children start formal school. The underlying assumption is that children''s development is stable, and therefore predictable, over time. This study investigated this assumption in relation to children''s receptive vocabulary ability. We investigated the extent to which low receptive vocabulary ability at 4 years was associated with low receptive vocabulary ability at 8 years, and the predictive utility of a multivariate model that included child, maternal and family risk factors measured at 4 years. The study sample comprised 3,847 children from the first nationally representative Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate risks for low receptive vocabulary ability from 4–8 years and sensitivity-specificity analysis was used to examine the predictive utility of the multivariate model. In the multivariate model, substantial risk factors for receptive vocabulary delay from 4–8 years, in order of descending magnitude, were low receptive vocabulary ability at 4 years, low maternal education, and low school readiness. Moderate risk factors, in order of descending magnitude, were low maternal parenting consistency, socio-economic area disadvantage, low temperamental persistence, and NESB status. The following risk factors were not significant: One or more siblings, low family income, not reading to the child, high maternal work hours, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ethnicity. The results of the sensitivity-specificity analysis showed that a well-fitted multivariate model featuring risks of substantive magnitude does not do particularly well in predicting low receptive vocabulary ability from 4–8 years.     

Mortality differentials in Canada, 1951–1971: French,British, and Indians

Mortality differentials reflect in part the social and economic conditions of groups in society. In this paper, the relationship between ethnic origin and mortality is investigated from the point of view of convergence and minority group status hypotheses. Multivariate methods are used to study differences among the French, the British and Native Indian (includes Metis and Eskimos) populations of Canada over three census periods from 1951 to 1971. A significant downward trend in the death rates of all three subpopulations is noted, but substantial differences persist, as the pace of mortality decline over time varies across the three ethnic groups. In the twenty-year interval between 1951 and 1971, Native Indians have experienced spectacular reductions in their overall death rates, but in comparative terms, their mortality levels still exceed those of the French (who show intermediate levels) and the British ethnic groups. The multivariate analysis provides strong support for the minority status effect, which is taken to suggest that the roots of inequalities in survival probabilities are partly a result of social and economic disparities. The convergence thesis received some support: over time the general pattern is one of declining mortality with some narrowing of the differences. An examination of four broad causes of death (neoplasms, cardiovascular, accidents-violence, and "other") suggests that Native Indians are characteristic of populations undergoing epidemiologic and demographic transitions. Their elevated risk of accidents-violence reflects social disruption in the process of modernization. Causes of death of the French and British populations are characterized by higher risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, typical of advanced societies.     

Collaboration between Sami and non-Sami formal and family caregivers in rural municipalities

The aim of this study was to explore how caregivers experience collaboration in rural municipalities in northern Norway. We conducted fieldwork with a dementia team in addition to seventeen qualitative in-depth interviews with formal and family caregivers. The caregivers had ethnic Sami and ethnic Norwegian affiliation. The theme ‘negotiating ethnic and ethno-political positions’ was identified through thematic analysis and developed using positioning theory. Ethnicity involves dynamic and situated personal affiliations, and participants negotiate each other's ethnic positions in practice. Negotiations of ethnic positions hamper collaboration between formal and family caregivers, and ethno-political positions reinforce stereotyped ethnic positions. This study contributes to the understanding of and the debate over positions on ethno-cultural collaboration in health care. In practice, participants negotiate the health policy concept of ‘cultural facilitation’, which must be broadened to ensure equal healthcare services.     

Ethnicity and suicide in Hawaii

Abstract

A multivariate model was built to investigate the effect of ethnicity on suicide in Hawaii. To provide the model with enough flexibility, both linear and nonlinear functions were employed. The three ethnic groups studied were Japanese, Caucasians, and Filipinos. The results show that Japanese have the highest tendency to commit suicide while the Filipinos have the lowest. However, the suicide rates of the three groups appear to be approaching a common value. While age and sex proved to be highly significant in explaining suicides, the magnitude and the form of their effect differ between one ethnic group and another. The trends of suicide rates for each ethnic group seem to be the least uniform. Suicide rates are decreasing for Japanese males and females and for Caucasian males. They are increasing for Caucasian females and Filipino males, while not changing for Filipino females.     

A multivariate morphometric study of the Cardamine amara group (Cruciferae) in the Carpathian and Sudeten mountains

MARHOLD, K., 1992. A multivariate morphometric study of the Cardamine amara group (Cruciferae) in the Carpathian and Sudeten mountains. A multivariate morphometric study of the Cardamine amara group based on 55 population samples, collected throughout the Carpathian and Sudeten mountains in Czechoslovakia, Poland, Ukraine and Romania, is presented. Among the multivariate methods, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, classificatory, canonical and stepwise discriminant analysis were used. The analysis of chromosome numbers from all studied populations showed the same diploid chromosome number: 2n = 16. Together with the results of multivariate morphometric analysis this led to the conclusion that the best way of classifying this group in the area studied was to divide it into two subspecies– Cardamine amara subsp. amara and C. amara subsp. opicii. Tetraploid populations of this group occurring in the Alps require further study.     

Physical anthropology and ethnicity in Asia: the transition from anthropometry to genome-based studies

Initial physical anthropology studies into ethnic diversity were largely dependent on comparative whole body and craniometric measurements, and through time assessments of ethnic diversity based on these measures exhibited increasing statistical sophistication. Since the 1990s, in Asia as elsewhere in the world, human diversity studies have increasingly utilized DNA-based analyses, with Y-chromosome and mtDNA markers providing complementary perspectives on the origins and gene pool structures of different ethnic groups. This approach is illustrated in a study of population genetic structure in PR China, in which DNA samples from the Han majority and eight ethnic minorities were analyzed. The Y-chromosome and mtDNA data showed multiple paternal geographical and ethnic origins but restricted maternal ancestries. However, interpretive problems were apparent in the definition of a number of the ethnic study populations, which appear to reflect political as well as genetic influences. In all anthropological studies, whether based on anthropometry or genomic analysis, unambiguous and appropriate community identification is a prerequisite.     

Dermatoglyphics from All Chinese Ethnic Groups Reveal Geographic Patterning

Completion of a survey of dermatoglyphic variables for all ethnic groups in an ethnically diverse country like China is a huge research project, and an achievement that anthropological and dermatoglyphic scholars in the country could once only dream of. However, through the endeavors of scientists in China over the last 30 years, the dream has become reality. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive analysis of dermatoglyphics from all ethnic groups in China. Using cluster analysis and principal component analysis of dermatoglyphics, it has been found that Chinese populations can be generally divided into a southern group and a northern group. Furthermore, there has been considerable debate about the origins of many Chinese populations and about proper assignment of these peoples to larger ethnic groups. In this paper, we suggest that dermatoglyphic data can inform these debates by helping to classify a Chinese population as a northern or southern group, using selected reference populations and quantitative methods. This study is the first to assemble and investigate dermatoglyphics from all 56 Chinese ethnic groups. It is fortunate that data on population dermatoglyphics, a field of physical anthropology, have now been collected for all 56 Chinese ethnic groups, because intermarriage between individuals from different Chinese ethnic groups occurs more frequently in recent times, making population dermatoglyphic research an ever more challenging field of inquiry.     

青海撒拉族侧面部几何形态测量分析

采用基于标志点的几何形态学测量方法对青海循化撒拉族自治县的撒拉族男性82人侧面轮廓形状进行了分析。撒拉族人群额部的变异主要体现在第7、8特征点区域(鼻凹点之上区域),额部其他区域的形态变异较小,而鼻区、嘴唇及下巴区域的形态变异较大,这些特征与土族较相似。同时,撒拉族也显示出明显区别于土族、藏族的形态。如撒拉族额部比较突出,显得前倾,额部相对较长,唇部相对土族较回缩。撒拉族额部特征点集的面积较大,可能反映了撒拉族额部的变异大于土族、藏族。聚类分析显示,男性两类侧面轮廓的差异主要集中在额部,与土族的类别间差异有相似之处。异速生长分析显示,尺寸大小能够解释形状变异的5.51%,随着CS值的增大,额部和下巴部变化明显,额度由陡直趋向于变得平缓,下巴部也随CS值的增大由较突出变为明显回缩。土族、藏族也是随着CS值的增大,额部由陡直趋向于变得平缓,下巴部由较突出变为明显回缩,似乎提示撒拉族、土族、藏族有相似的面部形态变化规律:长面型者的额部较低平,下巴部较回缩。     

Gender differences and regionalization of the cultural significance of wild mushrooms around La Malinche volcano, Tlaxcala, Mexico

The purpose of this study was to determine the cultural significance of wild mushrooms in 10 communities on the slopes of La Malinche volcano, Tlaxcala. The frequency and order of mention of each mushroom species in interviews of 200 individuals were used as indicators of the relative cultural significance of each species. A X(2) analysis was used to compare the frequency of mention of each species between males and females, and a Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference in the total number of fungi mentioned by either gender. Traditional names for mushroom species were documented and frequency of mention assessed through multivariate statistics. The fungi with highest frequency of mention were Amanita basii, Lyophyllum decastes, Boletus pinophilus, Gomphus floccosus and Cantharellus cibarius complex. We found significant differences in the frequency of mention of different fungi by males and females but no significant difference was found for the total number of fungi mentioned by either gender. Principal component analysis suggested a cultural regionalization of La Malinche volcano communities based on preferences for consumption and use of traditional names. We observed two groups: one formed by communities on the eastern part of the volcano (with mixed cultures) and the other including communities on the western slope (ethnic Nahua towns). San Isidro Buensuceso is the most distinct community, according to the criteria in this study.     

Urban begging and ethnic nepotism in Russia

Ethnic nepotism theory predicts that even in times of communal peace altruism is more pronounced within than between ethnic groups. The present study tested the hypothesis that altruism in the form of alms giving would be greater within than between ethnic groups, and greater between more closely related groups than between more distant groups. The three groups chosen for study were ethnic Russians, Moldavians, and Gypsies. Russians are genetically closer to Moldavians than to Gypsies. Observations were made of 128 ethnic Russian, 25 Moldavian, and 25 Gypsy beggars receiving gifts from ethnic Russians in Moscow trains. The Gypsies were mainly girls, contrary to the Russian sample. Multivariate analysis identified three main strategies: active, personified, and appeasing-undirected. Russian strategies were most variable. Gypsies presented strong charity releasers: 84% were children who played music and sang and showed appeasing-undirected behavior. The few adults were highly submissive or friendly. Nevertheless, their success was limited compared with that of ethnic Russians despite the latter’s demanding behavior and their being mostly mature or elderly persons. Moldavians received an intermediate amount of charity. The hypothesis was supported.     

VNTR polymorphism of the DRD4 locus in different Pakistani ethnic groups

The present study was designed to investigate the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) locus variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) allelic distribution in different Pakistani ethnic groups. DNA samples from nine different ethnic groups of Pakistan were analyzed. Greek and Somali samples were included as representatives of the European and African populations, respectively. Pakistani, Greek, and Somali populations were also compared to the published data on different world populations. The allelic distribution revealed that the four-repeat allele was the most common allele in all the Pakistani ethnic groups as is in different other world populations, followed by the seven- and two-repeat alleles. To study the evolutionary relationship of the Pakistani ethnic groups among themselves and with a few other world populations, multidimensional scaling based on the allelic frequencies of the DRD4 VNTR was obtained. This analysis grouped most of the Pakistani ethnic groups together and closer to the European and Middle Eastern populations, except for the Mohanna from Sindh, who grouped with the African populations. In addition, the Somali and the Greek samples analyzed in this study grouped closer to the previous data obtained on the African and European populations, respectively.     

从体型特征来探讨中国夏尔巴人的族源

中国夏尔巴人是未识别民族。本文研究中国夏尔巴人体型特点,并通过夏尔巴人与中国其他族群体型比较,从体质人类学角度为夏尔巴人的族源研究提出新的证据。测量夏尔巴人的体质数据,采用Heath-Carter法计算夏尔巴人的体型值,通过主成分分析法分析夏尔巴人与其他族群体型的特点和相似程度,从体质人类学方面对夏尔巴人的族源提出看法。西藏夏尔巴人男性平均体型为均衡的中胚层体型,体脂发育水平中等,骨骼、肌肉比较发达,身体线性度中等。女性平均体型为偏内胚层的中胚层体型,夏尔巴人女性的体型特点是体脂欠发达,骨骼和肌肉含量中等,身体线性度中等。夏尔巴人男性、女性与怒族、木雅人、尔苏人体型接近。体部特征分析不支持夏尔巴人是藏族分支的观点。体型特征支持夏尔巴人源于党项羌的观点。     

Cross-ethnic variation in dental, sensory and perceptual traits: a nonmetric multibivariate derivation of distances for ethnic groups and traits

The central concern of this paper is to illustrate how four apparently unrelated classes of variables — dental, perceptual, ethnic origin, and other — can be comprehended within a single parsimonious space, even though some of the measures were qualitative, others quantitative. Thirty-five hundred Israeli villagers of varied ethnic origin were examined on several aspects of oral epidemiology, a battery of tests relating to estimation of number, and miscellaneous traits, including eye colour, tasting PTC, tongue rolling, etc. Significant differences between the six Jewish groups — Yemen, Cochin, Kurdistan, Libya, Berber, and Djerba — were found in the scores of most variables. By the use of the Smallest Space Analysis, distances were established between the different ethnic groups which took into account the complex interrelations in each of 3,500 individual subjects of all 45 categories of 16 variables. A three-dimensional model of the interrelations between the ethnic groups and the trait categories was constructed from the 45 sets of coordinates which resulted from the iterative computer procedure. The ethnic group pairs at greatest distance from each other were found to be Kurdistan:Cochin, then Kurdistan:Djerba, followed by Djerba:Yemen. It is suggested that multivariate analyses of the type presented here, and including interrelations between genetic markers, anthropometric and behavioral variables, would deepen our understanding of the present structure and possible backgrounds of populations of diverse origins.