Injury mortality in New Mexico's American Indians,Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites, 1958 to 1982.

New Mexico has extraordinarily high injury mortality rates. To better characterize the injury problem in New Mexico, we calculated proportionate injury mortality and age-adjusted and age-specific injury mortality rates for the state''s 3 major ethnic groups--American Indians, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic whites. According to death certificate data collected from 1958 to 1982 and US population census figures, age-adjusted mortality rates for total external causes varied widely between the sexes and among the ethnic groups. Males in each ethnic group consistently had higher average annual age-adjusted external mortality rates than females. Injury mortality rates for American Indians of both sexes were 2 to 3 times higher than those for the other New Mexico ethnic groups. Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death from injury for all 3 groups. Homicide accounted for twice the proportion of injury death in Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic white males (12.5% and 6.1%, respectively), while the proportion of males dying of suicide was highest in non-Hispanic whites. Deaths from excessive cold and exposure were leading causes of injury mortality for American Indians, but these causes were not among the leading causes of injury mortality for Hispanics or non-Hispanic whites. We conclude that the minority populations in New Mexico are at high risk for injury-related death and that the major causes of injury mortality vary substantially in the state''s predominant ethnic populations.     

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.     

Canadian Indian mortality during the 1980s

This study concerns itself with an investigation of general and cause-specific mortality differentials between Canadian Registered Indians (a subset of all aboriginals) and the larger Canadian population over two points in time, 1981 and 1991. Multivariate analyses are executed separately across four segments of the life cycle: adulthood, infancy, early childhood and late childhood. With respect to adults, Indians share relatively high rates of suicide, homicide and accidental causes of death; over time, their conditional risks of death due to cancer and circulatory afflictions have gone up significantly. Mortality disadvantages for the Indians are also pronounced in infancy, early childhood (ages 1-4) and late childhood (ages 5-14). Suicide, accidents, and violence constitute serious problems among 5-14 year olds, while infectious/parasitic, respiratory and circulatory complications, plus accidents and violence, are principle killers in infancy. For children aged 1-4, respiratory problems and accidents/violence are prime causes of premature death. This less-than-optimal mortality profile is reflective of persistent problems associated with prolonged socioeconomic marginalization. The temporal pattern of change in chronic/degenerative disease mortality among adult Indians suggests a movement of this population toward a mature stage of epidemiological transition.     

Canadian Indian mortality during the 1980s

Abstract

This study concerns itself with an investigation of general and cause‐specific mortality differentials between Canadian Registered Indians (a subset of all aboriginals) and the larger Canadian population over two points in time, 1981 and 1991. Multivariate analyses are executed separately across four segments of the life cycle: adulthood, infancy, early childhood and late childhood. With respect to adults, Indians share relatively high rates of suicide, homicide and accidental causes of death; over time, their conditional risks of death due to cancer and circulatory afflictions have gone up significantly. Mortality disadvantages for the Indians are also pronounced in infancy, early childhood (ages 1–4) and late childhood (ages 5–14). Suicide, accidents, and violence constitute serious problems among 5–14 year olds, while infectious/parasitic, respiratory and circulatory complications, plus accidents and violence, are principle killers in infancy. For children aged 1–4, respiratory problems and accidents/violence are prime causes of premature death. This less‐than‐optimal mortality profile is reflective of persistent problems associated with prolonged socioeconomic marginalization. The temporal pattern of change in chronic/degenerative disease mortality among adult Indians suggests a movement of this population toward a mature stage of epidemiological transition.     

Ethnic differences in mortality from acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart disease in New Mexico, 1958-1982.

To examine time trends and differences in mortality rates from acute rheumatic fever and chronic rheumatic heart disease in New Mexico''s Hispanic, American Indian, and non-Hispanic white populations, we analyzed vital records data for 1958 through 1982. Age-adjusted mortality rates for acute rheumatic fever were low and showed no consistent temporal trends among the three ethnic groups over the study period. Age-adjusted and age-specific mortality rates for chronic rheumatic heart disease in Hispanic and non-Hispanic whites decreased over the 25-year period, although rates were higher among Hispanics than among non-Hispanics during most of the time period. In American Indians, age-adjusted mortality rates for chronic rheumatic heart disease increased between 1968 and 1977 to twice the non-Indian mortality rates during the same period. Despite this increase in mortality from chronic rheumatic heart disease among New Mexico''s American Indians from 1968 to 1977, the New Mexico data generally reflect national trends of decreasing mortality from chronic rheumatic heart disease.     

Accidental Deaths Among British Columbia Indians

A statistical and epidemiological review of British Columbia native Indian and non-Indian mortality revealed that accidents were the leading cause of death among Indians but ranked only fourth among non-Indians. Comparison of accidental death rates by age and sex showed that, without exception, the rates among Indians were considerably higher than the corressponding rates for non-Indians. While the Indians represented some 2% of the total population of British Columbia, they accounted for over 10% of the total accident fatalities, 29% of drownings, and 21% of fatal burns.Socioeconomic, environmental and psychosocial factors and excessive drinking are considered the chief causes responsible for this rather unusual epidemiological phenomenon.This study revealed certain hazardous conditions which are specific to the Indian''s present way of life. In the authors'' opinion the recognition of these specific hazards is imperative for the planning of effective preventive campaigns.     

Genomic Structure of the Immigrant Siddis of East Africa to Southern India: A Study of 20 Autosomal DNA Markers

The Siddis are a tribal group of African origin living in Karnataka, India. They have undergone considerable cultural change due to their proximity to neighboring population groups. To understand the biological consequences of these changes, we describe the genomic structure of the Siddis and the contribution from putative ancestral populations using 20 autosomal DNA markers. The distribution of Alu indel markers and a genetic distance analysis reveals their closer affinities with Africans. The levels of genomic diversity and heterozygosity are high in all the populations of southern India. Genetic admixture analysis reveals a predominant contribution from Africans, a lesser contribution from south Indians, and a slight one from Europeans. There is no evidence of gametic disequilibrium in the Siddis. The genetic homogeneity of the Siddis, in spite of its admixed origin, suggests the utility of this population for genetic epidemiological studies.     

Multiple identifications and the dialogical self: urban Maori youngsters and the cultural renaissance

The renaissance of Maori culture and tradition has played a significant role in the political campaigns of New Zealand's indigenous population over the past few decades. At the same time, however, it has brought to light that many Maori youngsters are unable to construct a cultural identity in terms of the discourses of culture and tradition that dominate the political arena. This article analyses the experience of urban Maori youngsters in ceremonial settings ( marae ) by examining the question of how they mediate different representations of their cultural identity within the self. It demonstrates that many young Maori people are engaged in a psychological dialogue between, on the one hand, the classic model for a Maori identity that prescribes them to embrace traditional culture and, on the other hand, their personal identification as outcasts in daily practices of New Zealand society.     

Maori Sport and Cultural Identity in Australia

Sport is an important aspect of cultural identity for New Zealand Maori migrants living in Australia. Maori sporting endeavours, especially at festivals such as the Taki Toa Tournament in New South Wales, often reveal distinctive Maori features of cultural performance, in the rituals prior to a game, in the spirited manner with which a game is played, and in the whânau (large/extended family) spirit of belonging and celebration that is encouraged after a game. However, notwithstanding the occasional Maori tournament or festival, Maori sporting participation in Australia is not restricted to an ‘ethnic ghetto’. Widespread Maori involvement in sport has provided an important avenue for Maori migrants to mix socially with Aboriginal and other Australians in their local communities, and to gain acceptance, respect and, in some cases, economic advancement. Many first‐generation Maori migrants display a keen sense of a New Zealand rather than an Australian identity when it comes to trans‐Tasman international sport. Transnational links are also important for Australian Maori who visit New Zealand with sporting teams and stay on various marae (tribal meeting places). The experience of ‘Maori culture’ and hospitality offered by their New Zealand kinsfolk may have a significant influence upon the sporting visitors' subsequent development of Maori cultural identity.     

Intestinal helminths in lowland South American Indians: some evolutionary interpretations

Data on intestinal parasite infections for South American Indians in prehistoric times as revealed by coprolite analysis are being used to support transoceanic migration routes from the Old World to the New World. These same findings on modern semi-isolated aborigines, considered persisting prehistoric patterns, are also of great importance as indicators of pre-Columbian peopling of South America. This is the case for the Lengua Indians from Paraguay, studied in the 1920s, and the Yanomami and the Salum? from Brazil, studied in the 1980s. The intestinal parasitic profile of these groups can be empirically associated with culture change, but no clear correlations with the population biology of their hosts can be made at present because of scarcity of data.     

Trends in myeloma incidence,mortality and survival in New Zealand (1985–2016)

BackgroundMyeloma, one of the most common haematological malignancies worldwide arises in the bone marrow. Incidence rates vary by age and ethnicity but reasons behind these trends are unknown. Treatment of myeloma has changed significantly over recent decades, resulting in longer survival and decreased mortality.MethodsFrom data supplied by the Ministry of Health, all new registrations of and deaths from myeloma between 1985 and 2016 were extracted. Trends in age-specific rates were assessed using the method of Armitage. Age-standardised rates were calculated, and trends in age-adjusted rates analysed using the Mantel-Haenszel extension chi-square test. Age-adjusted incidence and mortality rate ratios were calculated. Myeloma-specific survival was visualised using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable hazard ratios calculated using Cox regression.ResultsBetween 1985 and 2016, 7826 New Zealanders were registered with myeloma. Over this time the age-specific incidence of myeloma increased significantly for men, who had higher rates than women. Myeloma mortality was highest in Maori men. Men had higher mortality rates than women in all time periods. Since 1995–1999, mortality has decreased in women whereas in men it has declined since about 2000–2004. Survival has increased significantly since 1990 but Maori still have a higher risk of death than non-Maori.ConclusionThe patterns of variation in myeloma incidence, mortality and survival, as well as their trends over time may be used to assist research into the causes and management of myeloma in New Zealand.     

Growth and skeletal maturation in British Columbia Indian Populations

Stature and skeletal maturation in childhood, mature stature, and calorie and protein intakes were studied in two populations of British Columbia Indians. Although mature stature was similar in both groups, one population (Anaham) showed delayed stature achieved for age and delayed skeletal maturity in childhood, compared with the other population (Ahousat). Analysis of growth data suggests that environmental factors are probably the predominant cause of the differences, which coincide with differences in nutritional status. Mean calorie intakes at Ahousat approximate or exceed the Canadian Dietary Standards, but those at Anaham are consistently below the standards for all age groups. Although mean protein intakes are well above the standards for all age groups, except teen-age girls at both reserves, they are consistently lower at Anaham than at Ahousat.     

Genetic demography of the amazonian Ticuna Indians

The Ticuna Indians of Brazil are now a largely acculturated and integrated tribe, situated for the most part in villages along the Solimões river. Demographic information collected in eight of their villages is reported here. For five of them detailed data concerning migration, fertility and mortality were obtained. They are characterized by a relatively large mobility, high fertility (mean number of livebirths per female of age 40 or more: seven), low (2·5%) frequency of sterile couples, and relatively low mortality for groups living at this cultural stage (25% of deaths before the age of reproduction). This low mortality, and a relatively small variance in the number of live-born children in completed families, lead to the lowest index of opportunity for selection obtained thus far in populations of South American Indians (0·54).     

Three-rooted mandibular first permanent molars and the question of American Indian origins

Three-rooted mandibular first molars (3RM1) are characteristic of Asian and Asian-derived populations, particularly Aleuts (whose 3RM1 frequency is the highest in the world) and Eskimos. Similarities in the frequency of these teeth between American Indians and contemporary peoples of southeastern Asia indicate a closer relation between these groups than between American Indians and Aleut-Eskimos. Three-rooted mandibular first molar frequency does not differ significantly in males and females except in Aleut-Eskimos. Bilateral asymmetry of 3RM1 is relatively frequent in both sexes and all groups. All American Indian groups examined have a low frequency of 3RM1 pointing to a single Asian origin, except Athabaskan-speaking Arizona Navajos, whose 3RM1 frequency approaches that of Aleut-Eskimos. There is no evidence at present of any significant local microevolution of 3RM1 in two testable prehistoric American Indian groups, although genetic drift had possibly occurred in a few series of 3RM1-deficient southwestern U. S. prehistoric Western Pueblo Indians. No adaptive value can be found for 3RM1 in Indians. In prehistoric western U. S. Indians geographic frequency variation is only slightly greater than the very slight (and non-significant) testable temporal variation. Three migrations from Asia seem best to explain New World 3RM1 frequency variation.     

An extended survey of the genetic polymorphism at the human coagulation factor XIII: a subunit structural locus

The distribution of the three previously reported alleles, with normal products at the factor XIII A subunit structural locus, FXIIIA*1, FXIIIA*2 and FXIIIA*4 has been studied in populations from the region extending from the Indonesian archipelago through Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand to the Pacific Islands of Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia. In addition a population from the Caspian Littoral of Iran and a population of South American Indians were studied. The FXIIIA*1 and FXIIIA*2 alleles were polymorphic in all populations studied. The distribution of the FXIIIA*4 allele suggests that it may be a Melanesian marker.     

Maori Customary Use of Native Birds, Plants and Other Traditional Materials

Submission to the New Zealand Conservation Authority on their discussion paper on Maori customary use.[Selected paragraph...]This submission is in three parts. The first has comments on the discussion paper itself, often of a clarifying nature. The second addresses the issues of harvesting. It emphasises ecological aspects relevant to proposals for the joint management of natural resources. It was felt more useful to offer members' expertise on these matters, rather than advocate one specific management option. At the outset, however, it is important to caution on the critically-stressed nature of many of New Zealand's species and ecosystems; and also to point out the immense scientific, as well as heritage value of the off-shore island reserves, and the international concern for the continued maintenance of the largely pristine condition of some of the sub-Antarctic islands. These considerations imply that a very cautious approach be taken to any proposal to harvest species or further modify ecosystems. The final part of the submission is individual commentaries on the final draft, invited from two members of the Society who are Maori. These commentaries have been modified and are included in this issue as an article (Wright, Nugent and Parata, 1995).     

Genetic variability in two Brazilian ethnic groups: A comparison of mitochondrial and protein data

Sequence data from the first hypervariable segment of the mitochondrial DNA control region of 124 subjects belonging to three African-Brazilian and three Brazilian Indian populations were compared with information related to 12 protein genetic loci from 601 persons living in the same localities. There is high diversity among the mtDNA sites, and the most variable in one ethnic group are not the most variable in the other. No differences in gene diversity between populations within ethnic groups were observed, but the Indians showed a reduced variability. Much more interpopulation variation was observed in the mtDNA data than in the protein set. The relationships obtained for the six populations, however, are the same regardless whether mtDNA or protein loci are considered. African-Brazilians from Porto Alegre and Salvador, situated 3,000 km apart, are more similar to each other than both are to Paredão, despite the geographical proximity between Porto Alegre and Paredão, which are just 50 km apart. The tree topology in relation to the three Indians groups, on the other hand, is that expected when languages, culture, and geography are considered. Am J Phys Anthropol 103:147–156, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Economic distress and cause-of-death patterns for black and non-black men in Chicago: reconsidering the relevance of classic epidemiological transition theory

The mortality disadvantage of African Americans is well documented, but previous studies have not considered its implications for population theory in the general case of industrialized nation states with high levels of income inequality. This paper examines the relevance of classic epidemiological theory to the extremes of income and mortality observed in Chicago, one of America's most racially divided cities. We analyze cause-specific death rates for black and non-black male populations residing in Chicago's community areas by using linked data from the 1990 Census and from 1989-1991 individual death certificates. The same cause-of-death patterns explain much of the mortality of black and non-black men. These two major structures include one, degenerative diseases, the other, "tough-living" causes (accidents, homicides, and liver disease). Community socioeconomic status is strongly related to tough-living deaths within each racial group, and to degenerative deaths for African Americans. Black men's tough-living mortality is much greater than non-blacks', but their younger age structure suppresses their degenerative death rates. Aggregate unemployment and social disorganization account for the most salient disparities in mortality across racial groups. This patterning of mortality along a socioeconomic continuum supports epidemiological theory and extends its applicability to highly unequal populations within industrialized countries.     

Cross-hemisphere migration of a 25 g songbird

The northern wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) is a small (approx. 25 g), insectivorous migrant with one of the largest ranges of any songbird in the world, breeding from the eastern Canadian Arctic across Greenland, Eurasia and into Alaska (AK). However, there is no evidence that breeding populations in the New World have established overwintering sites in the Western Hemisphere. Using light-level geolocators, we demonstrate that individuals from these New World regions overwinter in northern sub-Sahara Africa, with Alaskan birds travelling approximately 14 500 km each way and an eastern Canadian Arctic bird crossing a wide stretch of the North Atlantic (approx. 3500 km). These remarkable journeys, particularly for a bird of this size, last between one to three months depending on breeding location and season (autumn/spring) and result in mean overall migration speeds of up to 290 km d(-1). Stable-hydrogen isotope analysis of winter-grown feathers sampled from breeding birds generally support the notion that Alaskan birds overwinter primarily in eastern Africa and eastern Canadian Arctic birds overwinter mainly in western Africa. Our results provide the first evidence of a migratory songbird capable of linking African ecosystems of the Old World with Arctic regions of the New World.     

Traditional CVD risk factors and socio-economic deprivation in Roma minority population of Croatia

Researches into health inequalities consistently show disadvantages in health status, morbidity and mortality for various ethnic minority groups. Current knowledge about prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) mainly derives from studies carried out in populations of European origin while the evidences involving Roma population are scarce. Roma, an ethnic minority of northern Indian origin, live in many countries throughout the world and are well known for preserved traditions and resistance to assimilation. They are most often marginalized economically, spatially, politically and in terms of culture. In order to assess the health status and health-related lifestyle attributes, a multidisciplinary anthropological and epidemiological community-based study was carried out including a total of 423 members of the Bayash Roma minority population living in two regions of Croatia (144 men and 279 women, aged 18-84 yrs). Hypertension (HT) was found in 24.8% Bayash Roma (21.5% men and 26.5% women) using standard diagnostic criteria (i.e. BP > or = 140/90 mm Hg or taking antihypertensive therapy). The prevalence increases from 5.9% in the age group 18-34 yrs; 35.0% in the age group 35-64 yrs, and 51.4% in the age group 65+ yrs. The prevalence of hypertension in the Bayash Roma is almost half of the magnitude of what is usually reported for the general population of Croatia. It is also lower when compared with other European populations and this finding is not due to comparatively younger average age of the Bayash sample. The significant association of hypertension with age and BMI was confirmed in this study and the importance of non-traditional SES-related CVD risk factors was highlighted. Smoking is a part of traditional Roma life-style and with 70% of smokers almost the entire population is equally exposed to this risk factor in their family environment. Since homogenously distributed, this risk factor did not show to be a significant predictor of hypertension. The extent to which hypertension is influenced by traditional CVD risk factors as well as by some SES indicators was also assessed using a forward stepwise method of the multivariate logistic analysis. Each risk factor was explored as quantitative variable as well as qualitative one using various cut-offs. The best model showed to be the one having age and BMI presented as quantitative variables and sex, region, smoking status, income and schooling years as categorical ones; with cut-off 3 for number of income sources and 8 for the number of schooling years. In spite of the low prevalence of hypertension, the presented results are showing that Bayash Roma are bearing a high CVD risk factors load. We expect that with westernization of their life-style and along with increase of the economic power, the proportion of CVD in population of Bayash Roma will also increase. Therefore, it is important to recognize the need for early cardiovascular disease risk factors prevention in this minority population.