On the track of the bog people

The amount of radiographically detectable cortical bone, as determined by measurements of the second metacarpal, was evaluated in 42 male and 45 female Guamanian Chamorros and compared with the degree of bony demineralization in U.S. Caucasians participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging of the Gerontology Research Center. All Chamorros were individually matched to the Caucasian participants for age, sex, and menopause status. Chamorros of both sexes showed bilateral asymmetry in bone measurements and in the amount of cortical bone. Both Chamorro and Caucasian males had longer second metacarpals and more cortical bone than females. Caucasian males, however, had longer and larger second metacarpals than Chamorro males. Despite differences in the length and total width, Chamorro and Caucasian participants generally showed no significant differences in the amount of cortical bone or percent cortical area in the second metacarpal, suggesting that larger bones may not always indicate greater cortical mass. Although cross-sectional data suggested apparent age differences in the onset and rate of bone loss between Chamorros and Caucasians, the numbers of participants were too small to allow meaningful age-by-age statistical comparisons.     

Respiratory illness and home environment of ethnic groups

Factors contributing to differences in the prevalences of respiratory symptoms and diseases among ethnic groups were studied in primary schoolchildren living in 20 inner city areas of England in 1983. The raised prevalences of respiratory symptoms in these groups were compared with results from a national representative sample of children studied in 1982. Data on age, sex, respiratory illness, and social and environmental variables were obtained by questionnaire for 4815 children living in inner cities. The children were classified as white, Afro-Caribbean, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, other Asian, or “other.” Significant differences in the prevalence of respiratory conditions were found among the ethnic groups after allowance was made for the effects of interfering variables. Except for asthma all conditions were most prevalent in Afro-Caribbeans and whites. In these two ethnic groups respiratory illness was significantly associated with belonging to a one parent family and the combined use of gas cookers and paraffin heaters at home.Respiratory illness was found to vary in prevalence among ethnic groups but may be perceived differently by different groups. Further studies, measuring lung function, are necessary.     

Mitochondrial DNA genetic diversity among four ethnic groups in Sierra Leone

Although there are numerous ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, the Mende and Temne together account for approximately 60% of the total population. To see if genetic differences could be observed among ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, the nucleotide sequence of the hypervariable 1 (HV1) region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was determined from samples of the two major ethnic groups, the Mende (n=59) and Temne (n=121), and of two minor ethnic groups, the Loko (n=29) and Limba (n=67). Among these 276 HV1 sequences, 164 individual haplotypes were observed. An analysis of molecular variance indicated that the distribution of these haplotypes within the Limba sample was significantly different from that of the other ethnic groups. No significant genetic variation was seen between the Mende, Temne, and Loko. These results indicate that distinguishing genetic differences can be observed among ethnic groups residing in historically close proximity to one another. Furthermore, we observed some mitochondrial DNA haplotypes that are common among the Sierra Leone ethnic groups but that have not been observed in other published studies of West African ethnic groups. Therefore, we may have evidence for mtDNA lineages that are unique to this region of West Africa.     

Within‐ and across‐group dating in Hawaii

Abstract

224 subjects from 5 different racial/ethnic groups responded to a dating questionnaire. There are both sex and racial/ethnic differences in frequency of cross‐ethnic dating in Hawaii and in attitudes (as reported by Ss) of parents and close friends toward within‐and across‐ethnic dating. Females date within their own groups more frequently than males and also report stronger support of within‐ and lesser support of across‐group dating by significant others. Racial/ethnic differences are substantial, with groups higher in mean income being more supportive of within‐group dating, being more accepted by other groups, and being less accepting of dating other groups. Amount of actual intergroup dating was related, in part, to group differences in income, with the two groups lowest in income (Filipinos and Hawaiians/Part Hawaiians) showing the highest amount of cross‐ethnic dating, but with the association breaking down in the upper income groups, possibly because of group differences in group size and in length of residence. The results are remarkably similar to those reported earlier on within‐ and across‐group marriage in Hawaii.     

Preliminary study of the urinary proteome in Li and Han ethnic individuals from Hainan

Biomarkers indicate changes associated with disease. Blood is relatively stable due to the homeostatic mechanisms of the body;however, urine accumulates metabolites from changes in the body, making it a better source for early biomarker discovery. The Li ethnic group is a unique minority ethnic group that has only lived on Hainan Island for approximately 5,000 years. Studies have shown that various specific genetic variations are different between the Li and Han ethnic groups. However, whether the urinary proteome between these two ethnic groups is significantly different remains unknown. In this study, differential urinary proteins were identified in the Li and Han ethnic groups using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).In total, 1,555 urinary proteins were identified. Twenty-five of the urinary proteins were statistically significantly different, 16 of which have been previously reported to be biomarkers of many diseases, and that these significantly different proteins were caused by ethnic differences rather than random differences. Ethnic group differences may be an influencing factor in urine proteome studies and should be considered when human urine samples are used for biomarker discovery.     

Racial/ethnic variations in male testosterone levels: a probable contributor to group differences in health.

Racial and ethnic variations in serum testosterone levels were investigated among a large sample of male Vietnam era veterans. Based on geometric means, significant average differences were found between 3,654 non-Hispanic white and 525 black individuals. The geometric mean for testosterone levels among 200 Hispanic individuals was similar to that of non-Hispanic white individuals. Regarding two other racial/ethnic groups (Asian/Pacific Islanders and Native Americans), no significant differences were found, due perhaps to small sample sizes. Results were interpreted as having considerable potential for explaining some of the race differences in the incidences of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and prostate cancer.     

The African development dilemma revisited: Theoretical and empirical explorations

This article considers the issue of ethnic diversity in black Africa. In the first part of the article we discuss the various implications and possible consequences of the extensive ethnic diversity that characterizes most African countries, paying special attention to the relationship between the multi‐ethnic state and socio‐economic development. In the second part of the article we delve more deeply into the nature of ethnic diversity in contemporary Africa by examining in detail the cultural differences between two particular ethnic groups, the Kipsigis and Kikuyu of Kenya. Our empirical analyses indicate that some of the historic differences between these groups disappeared during the course of modernization. However, our findings also show that certain traditional aspects of both Kipsigis and Kikuyu culture remain. We conclude by noting the persisting importance of ethnicity as African states continue to struggle with the ‘development dilemma’.     

Genotypic Differences of Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis Isolates Related to Ethnic/Racial Differences within the Same Geographic Area

Candida albicans and C. dubliniensis genotype differences among Israeli ethnic groups were assessed. Isolates from Jews (51), Arabs (35) and Druze (25) were genotyped. The distributions among ethnic groups were not different, however they differed (p = 0.002) from global populations. Therefore, C. albicans and C. dubliniensis genotype distribution differences in Israel are related to changes in all ethnic groups.     

Differences in rate of uptake of immunisation among ethnic groups.

In the Bradford health district ethnic origin is associated with appreciable differences in morbidity and mortality. In view of these differences a study was undertaken to determine whether there were differences among the ethnic groups in utilisation of the National Health Service, as reflected in the rate of uptake of immunisation, which is offered to all children. Significant differences were found between the British group and some other ethnic groups--notably Pakistani, Indian, and half Negro groups. The rate of uptake of immunisation was nearer the optimum in the Indian group than in the British group. The most unsatisfactory rate of uptake of immunisation overall was found in the half Negro group. No clear explanation of the differences has been shown, they are likely to be due to various factors in the National Health Service and in the community.     

The interaction of waist-hip ratio and conicity index with subcutaneous adiposity in two ethnic groups: native British and migrant Pakistani men

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the relationship between two indices of abdominal fatness, the waist-hip ratio (WHR) und conicity index (CI), with subcutaneous adiposity (5 trunk and 4 extremity skinfolds) in adult native British (n = 262) and migrant Pakistani (n = 100) men, resident in Peterborough, East Anglia, England. Both groups had similar body mass index (BMI), WHR and CI. Significant ethnic differences (age controlled) were observed in mean values for all trunk as well as forearm skinfolds between the two groups. The results indicated that, in general, there was no ethnic heterogeneity in the relationship (age controlled) of both the indices of abdominal adiposity with the skinfolds. However, the distributions, age, age2 and WHR controlled; and age, age2 and CI controlled, of subscapular (SUBSF), suprailiac (SUPSF), abdomen (ASF), midaxillary (MIDSF), chest (CSF), forearm (FSF) and medial calf (MCSF) skinfolds were significantly different between the two groups. Multiple regression analyses revealed that Pakistanis had significantly higher mean SUBSF, SUPSF, ASF, MIDSF, CSF and significantly lower mean FSF and MCSF than Whites, after controlling the effect of WHR. Similar significant ethnic differences were observed when the effect of CI was controlled for. This significant association of ethnicity remained even when the combined effects of WHR and CI were removed.     

Excavating Culture: Summary of Results

This is a companion paper to the seven articles also published in this special issue of Applied Developmental Science. This paper summarizes and discusses the results from common analyses that were conducted on different datasets. The common analyses were designed to disentangle contextual and ethnic influences on parenting. Initial ethnic group differences were found in many of the datasets with multiple ethnic groups. Although certain ethnic group differences were explained by contextual influences, some ethnic group differences remained after contextual influences were controlled. Follow-up analyses with datasets containing cultural variables revealed within group differences in the degree to which ethnic differences in parenting may be accounted for by contextual factors versus culturally-specific processes. Methodological and theoretical implications are discussed and future directions are offered.     

Balanced angular profile analysis

To evaluate current preferences and ethnic differences of female soft-tissue profiles, 71 profile photographs of famous female models were collected from Internet Web pages and divided into four groups (Korean, 22; Japanese, 15; Chinese, 16; and Western, 18). Eleven soft-tissue landmarks were recorded on each photograph and 16 angular measurements were made by using V-ceph (CyberMed, Inc., Seoul, Korea). Data from each group are presented to show the means, ranges, p and F values, standard deviations, and standard errors of each measurement. In addition, individual measurements for each group were compared with those of the other groups by one-way analysis of variance using a p value corrected for multivariable testing. Between-group mean value differences were calculated using a Tukey's studentized range test (HSD), at a significance level of p = 0.05. Most of the variables were similar in the groups. Significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) were found for angle of alar curvature point, profile convexity, interlabial contour, and nasolabial contour. In addition, we divided all data into two groups (Western and Asian). The t test (with significance level set to p = 0.05) was performed to compare the two. Significant between-group differences (p < 0.05) were found for angle of alar curvature, angle of labiale inferius, profile convexity, and lower lip projection angle, but no significant racial differences were found in terms of several profile angles. These findings suggest that point of ala curvature point, subnasale, and the labiale inferius of Asian models may differ from those of Western models. These peculiar angular patterns of Asian models led the authors to create a new characteristic angular concept, termed the "ethnic pyramid," which is composed of soft-tissue profile points of alar curvature point, subnasale, pronasale, and labiale inferius. This ethnic pyramid describes the characteristic patterns of the ethnic differences. The results of this study suggest that the soft-tissue profiles of famous female models have some common features but also show differences among ethnic groups and races. This simple method of profile analysis may provide aesthetic surgeons with a simple formula and reference data for creation and application of an attractive face. On the basis of their balanced angular profile analysis data, the authors suggest that appropriate and harmonious aesthetic operations reflecting these differences should be considered.     

Ethnic diversity in Punjab as based on finger dermatoglyphics

Four ethnic groups of Punjab having same dialect viz. Khatris, Jats, Brahmins and Muslims were taken to see ethnic differences in regards to the distribution of whorls, loops, and arches of finger dermatoglyphics. The results show that there is a great diversity in the four groups for these parameters. These groups were compared with similar ethnic groups of other places having different dialect. The results reveal that there seems to be ethnic affinity between the group known by same name and which is true for all the four groups.     

Ethnic difference in osteoporosis-related phenotypes and its potential underlying genetic determination

Osteoporosis is a serious health problem in both Caucasians and Asians. Caucasians and Asians are two distinct major ethnic groups, which may have differential genetic determination underlying complex genetic diseases such as osteoporosis. However, to date, there has been no systematic review focusing on the aspect of ethnic difference in risk to osteoporosis and its potential underlying genetic determination between Asians and Caucasians. Here, we firstly review diverse aspects of osteoporosis-related differences, including the differences of epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures, peak bone mass, bone loss, bone area, bone geometry and drug treatment response between Asians and Caucasians. Then, we provide some potential genetic evidence on the different heritability and inheritance mode of bone phenotypes, the different osteoporosis candidate genes and the differential results in related molecular studies between them, to explain the above osteoporosis-related phenotypic differences. The results suggest that the osteoporosis-related phenotypic differences between Asians and Caucasians may be partially the result of the different ethnic genetic background. The present review may increase our understanding of potential different mechanisms related to ethnicity in pathogenesis of osteoporosis for effective and potentially customized treatments in different major ethnic groups.     

We all Appreciate the Same Animals: Cross-Cultural Comparison of Human Aesthetic Preferences for Snake Species in Papua New Guinea and Europe

We examined the aesthetic perception of animal species in two culturally contrasting societies. Students from the Czech Republic and villagers from Papua New Guinea were asked to rank photographs of the python and boa species according to the perceived beauty of the depicted snake. The ranking of the species in Europe and Papua tightly correlated in spite of ethnic differences that were significant in the case of six species. This result suggesting basic similarity in animal beauty perception between two distant ethnic groups is not only a partial argument for perceptual unity of humankind. This cross-cultural congruence may be important for conservation policies as humans may be predetermined to appreciate and thus support some species more than others.     

不同群体中ATXN2基因编码区CAG重复的变异研究

在中国6个生活环境差异较大的少数民族群体中进行ATXN2基因编码区CAG重复的变异研究,以衡量其是否受到正选择的作用以及寻找推动选择作用的因素。采集6个民族群体共291个健康无关个体,对其进行STR分型,直接计数其等位基因及等位基因型频率,计算其线性Fst值,构建针对该基因的系统进化树,并对各群体进行MDS分析。线性Fst值结果显示:回族和彝族群体间ATXN2基因STR位点进化的差异具有显著性,其他4个群体相互间无显著性差异。结合已报道的其他群体进一步分析,回族、哈尼族、云南蒙古族以及内蒙古自治区蒙古族每个人群都与日本人群有显著性差异;回族、内蒙古自治区蒙古族与汉族具有显著性差异。6个群体中ATXN2基因STR的等位基因频率有各自的分布特点,稀有等位基因频率变化产生的原因可能是选择作用的结果。     

Ethnicity and naturalization

This article examines whether or not ethnicity has an independent effect on the likelihood of immigrant naturalization using the Public Use Microdata Sample [PUMS] data from the 1980 US Census. Ethnic differences in the propensity to become naturalized US citizens were analysed among four panethnic groups and across thirty‐three major ethnic groups. The results point to the continuing significance of ethnicity in the naturalization process. However, the effect of ethnicity is not as strong as the effects of other structural factors. Three hypotheses that attempt to explain ethnic differences in the propensity for naturalization were also tested. The evidence lends strong support to the forced self‐protection hypothesis, but it provides no support for the discrimination hypothesis and the cultural differences hypothesis.     

A cross-cultural study of depressive symptomology

Black (N = 26), white (N = 26) and Overseas Chinese (N = 32) college students were surveyed with Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). With the exception of two items where marginally significant differences were found, there were no quantitative differences in the results across these ethnic groups. Inter-item analyses, factor analyses and comparison of factor profiles indicated that the items clustered in different configurations for the three groups. The factors contributing the most variances differed in their item contents across the ethnic groups: a mixture of affective and somatic complaints characterizes the black group; existential and cognitive concerns characterize the white group and somatic complaints characterize the Overseas Chinese group.Discussion was focused on issues concerning cultural conception of psychological difficulties, communication styles used to communicate these difficulties and situational variables affecting performances on psychological diagnostic tests.     

Local Values, Social Differentiation and Conservation Efforts: The Impact of Ethnic Affiliation on the Valuation of NTFP-Species in Northern Benin, West Africa

Non-timber forest products contribute significantly to rural livelihoods in the West African savannas. This study investigates differences in use preferences for native woody species in six categories of plant use and their economic returns among five ethnic groups in Northern Benin. Ethnobotanical survey data from 230 households revealed that both ethnic affiliation and location significantly impact species’ valuation. Of a total of 90 species, 61 % were used for medicinal applications, 41 % as firewood, 39 % for construction, and 32 % as human foods. While certain plant species were used by all rural dwellers, others were used exclusively by particular ethnic groups. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Adansonia digitata are key economic species for all groups. Conservation measures should consider multi-purpose trees fulfilling subsistence and cash needs while taking into consideration cultural differences in use preferences.     

Ethnic differences in key candidate genes for spontaneous preterm birth: TNF-alpha and its receptors

OBJECTIVES: Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) has a significant ethnic disparity with people of African descent having an almost 2-fold higher incidence than those of European descent in the United States. This disparity may be caused by differences in the distribution of genetic risk factors. The objective of this study is to examine genetic differences between African-Americans and European Americans for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes for PTB. METHODS: We examined patterns of variation in 19 SNPs in 3 candidate genes for preterm birth: TNF-alpha, TNF-receptor 1 and TNF-receptor 2. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were compared between African-Americans (AA) and European-Americans (EA) in cases and controls separately. Both maternal and fetal genotypes were studied, as it is unclear whether one or both of these are important in the etiology of PTB. RESULTS: The vast majority of the SNPs differed significantly between ethnic groups, although there are only a few suggestive results comparing cases and controls within an ethnic group. For TNF-alpha, four of six SNPs; for TNF-R1, 5/6; and for TNF-R2, 6/7 showed significant differences between ethnic groups in either allele and/or genotype frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate highly significant genetic differences between ethnic groups in genes that may play a role in the risk of PTB.