Search Results (711)

Plant domestication has led to a series of morphological and physiological changes aimed at making species more suitable for human use and consumption. In Vitis vinifera ssp. sativa, these changes include increased sugar content and berry size, modifications in seed morphology, and the transition from dioecy to hermaphroditism. This process, which began approximately 6000–8000 years ago in the Transcaucasian region, unfolded in multiple stages and involved the natural abandonment of wild Vitis populations. While it contributed to the phenotypic diversification of modern grapevine cultivars, it also came at the expense of biodiversity. Selection for yield and quality has resulted in the loss of resilience traits in cultivated grapevines. In this study, 23 Vitis species of American origin were examined, analyzing for each their native range, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, and their suitability for propagation. The study, characterization, and compilation of these American Vitis species provide a valuable resource for consultation and use in targeted grapevine breeding programs. These efforts aim to recover adaptive traits from wild progenitors, enhance the resilience of cultivated grapevines, and address the challenges posed by modern agriculture and sustainability. Full article

Contemporary data on coccidioidomycosis death rates are sparse. Death certificate data for 2018–2023 from the US National Vital Statistics System were evaluated. Coccidioidomycosis deaths were identified using diagnosis codes B38.x listed anywhere on certificates. Deaths and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs)/1,000,000 people, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were determined. We identified 1760 coccidioidomycosis-attributable deaths (AAMR = 0.75; 0.72–0.79). Most occurred in 55–74-year-olds (43.9%; corresponding AAMR = 1.72; 1.59–1.84). Males had a 2.69-fold increased AAMR versus females and American Indian or Alaska Native individuals had a 4.28-fold increased rate versus White individuals. Hispanics had a higher AAMR than the overall population (AAMR = 1.92; 1.76–2.08). AAMRs increased from 0.52 in 2019 to 0.79–0.94 in later years. Most (89.7%) death certificates were from endemic states, with Arizona having the highest AAMR. Seven hundred and thirteen certificates (40.5%) listed coccidioidomycosis as the primary cause of death, with 43.8% coded for pulmonary, 34.9% coded for disseminated, and 21.3% coded for unspecified coccidioidomycosis. Diabetes, COVID-19, and human immunodeficiency virus were more frequent on certificates with coccidioidomycosis versus without (RR range = 1.47–17.20). Mortality remained closely tied to demographic and geographic factors identified in prior studies, with county-level mapping revealing high-burden areas for targeted intervention. Coccidioidomycosis-attributable AAMRs rose over time, possibly influenced by concurrent COVID-19 infection. Only 40% of death certificates listed it as the primary cause, indicating that most patients experience chronic infection rather than death directly from the disease. These findings suggest the need for heightened clinical awareness of coccidioidomycosis, along with earlier diagnosis and prompt initiation of antifungal treatment in these high-risk groups. Full article

Objectives: The misuse of pain relievers has been linked to mental and behavioral disorders. This study aims to determine the associations between pain-reliever misuse, severe psychological distress (SPD), suicidal ideation, and difficulties in performing daily activities. Additionally, it seeks to identify the socio-demographic factors associated with pain-reliever misuse across different racial and ethnic groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilizes data from the 2022 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Participants were categorized into four groups: non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic/Latino (Hispanic), and Other (American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, and two or more races) groups. Comparisons were made between individuals regarding pain-reliever misuse, socio-demographic characteristics, SPD, suicidal thoughts, and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) scores, using Rao–Scott Chi-square tests. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify socio-demographic factors associated with pain-reliever misuse. Results: The study included 45,451 participants, with 27,551 (62.00 wt%) identified as NHW, 5186 (11.98 wt%) as NHB, 7795 (17.15 wt%) as Hispanic, and 4919 (8.87 wt%) as other racial and ethnic groups. The rate of pain-reliever misuse was 2.90% among NHWs, 3.40% among NHBs, 3.61% among Hispanics, and 2.05% among individuals of other races and ethnicities (p = 0.043). Among those who misused pain relievers, a significantly higher proportion experienced SPD (36.00% vs. 14.05%), suicidal thoughts (15.51% vs. 4.91%), and difficulties in performing daily activities (73.77% vs. 52.84%) compared to those who did not misuse pain relievers (p < 0.001). Socio-demographic factors associated with a lower risk of misuse included being female (AOR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.95, p = 0.013), being employed (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.48–0.90, p = 0.010), and having a college or higher education (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.37–0.79, p = 0.002). Conclusions: The prevalence of pain-reliever misuse varies across racial and ethnic groups, with Hispanic individuals demonstrating the highest rates of misuse. Pain-reliever misuse is strongly associated with SPD, suicidal thoughts, and impaired daily functioning. Socio-demographic factors are crucial in predicting the likelihood of pain-reliever misuse. These findings highlight the importance of culturally tailored prevention strategies and public health policies aimed at mitigating misuse, especially among vulnerable populations. Full article

Facial expressions and body language play crucial roles in communication by conveying emotional and contextual information. In signed languages, facial expressions also serve linguistic functions. While previous research on autistic individuals’ facial expressions has focused primarily on affective expressions in hearing people, studying deaf autistic individuals offers insight into how autism affects linguistic and affective facial expressions. This case study examines the nonmanual expressions of “Brent,” a Deaf autistic adolescent natively exposed to American Sign Language (ASL). Five video recordings (four monologues and one conversation, totaling 35 m) were coded for nonmanual expressions, including affective facial expressions, question marking, negation, and other functions. Across 590 coded utterances, Brent showed absent or reduced facial expressions for both linguistic and affective purposes. However, he frequently used alternative communicative strategies, including additional manual signs, sign modification, and body enactment. Use of body movement to convey negation, affirmation, or emphasis was observed but inconsistently applied. These findings expand the current understanding of how autistic individuals use facial expressions by including linguistic functions in a signed language and support a broader view of autistic communication that embraces diverse and effective languaging strategies beyond neurotypical norms. Full article

Background: Health disparities between racial groups continue to exist. There is a paucity of data regarding presentation severity for acute diverticulitis (AD) and surgery need by race. This study’s aim was to evaluate outcomes of AD in United States racial groups. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2016–2019 National Inpatient Sample of adult patients discharged for AD. Patients were classified into six racial and ethnic groups: Caucasian, African American (AA), Hispanic, Asian, Native American (NA), and other. Multivariate regression analysis adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics was performed for primary and secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 647,119 admissions with acute diverticulitis (AD) were identified. Most patients were Caucasian (about three-quarters), followed by Hispanics (11%), AA (9%), Asians (1%), Native Americans (<1%), and other (2%). Minority groups were generally younger than Caucasians and less likely to undergo colonoscopy or surgical procedures such as partial or total colectomy. In the multivariable analysis, both Hispanics and AA were less likely to present with complicated diverticulitis. Despite this, their hospitalizations were associated with higher overall charges and costs. No significant differences were found across groups in terms of inpatient mortality or the need for percutaneous abscess drainage. Conclusions: Hispanic and AA have higher healthcare- related charges and costs compared to Caucasians when admitted with AD. Further studies are needed to understand the healthcare-related spending variations seen in these groups despite them often having less complicated AD. Full article

This paper examines the theological, historical, and sociopolitical contours of American nationalism through a comparative study of Roman Catholics and Native Americans—two groups historically positioned as outsiders to the United States’ national self-conception, but into which Catholicism has successfully entered. It enquires into this success by establishing that American nationalism possesses a tripartite logic: (1) selective racial and religious superiority, (2) economic and military success read as divine blessing; and (3) advancing a teleological mission of global salvation. While white Roman Catholics were once viewed as anti-messianic threats, they eventually achieved integration by finding common enemies and warring to protect the American project and hierarchies, while Native Americans, by contrast, remain largely excluded, their presence disrupting foundational myths of nationalism. To evaluate this phenomena, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is deployed, using the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity to critique nationalism’s pillars of race, wealth, and militarism with a vision of the universal common good. In doing so, CST challenges any theological justification for exceptionalism, reclaims a global moral horizon, and refuses the role that Catholicism might play in US—or any—nationalisms. Full article

Short sleep duration (≤6 h) is a public health concern linked to cardiometabolic disease and premature mortality. However, persistent disparities across sociodemographic, psychosocial, and structural domains remain underexplored in recent nationally representative samples. We analyzed 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data, including 228,463 adults (weighted N ≈ 122 million). Sleep duration was dichotomized as short (≤6 h) versus adequate (≥7 h). Complex samples logistic regression estimated associations between sociodemographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and structural determinants and short sleep, accounting for survey design. The weighted prevalence of short sleep was 33.2%. Non-Hispanic Black (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.46–1.65) and American Indian/Alaska Native adults (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.29–1.65) were disproportionately affected compared with non-Hispanic White adults. Psychosocial factors contributed strongly: life dissatisfaction, limited emotional support, and low social connectedness increased odds, whereas high connectedness was protective. Food insecurity and smoking were significant structural and behavioral risks, while binge drinking and urbanicity were not. One-third of U.S. adults report short sleep, with marked disparities across demographic, socioeconomic status, psychosocial stressors, and structural barriers. Findings highlight the multifactorial nature of sleep health inequities and the need for multilevel interventions addressing both individual behaviors and upstream determinants. Full article

Importance: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have traditionally been considered rare (orphan) diseases; however, improvements in diagnostic methods and heightened awareness about NETs may have altered their epidemiologic profile in the U.S. Objective: To evaluate trends in incidence, prevalence, and survival of NETs in the United States from 2000 to 2021 using updated data from the SEER-22 registry. Method: This population-based, retrospective cohort study used the SEER-22 database for incidence, prevalence, and survival analyses. Data included 231,659 patients diagnosed with NETs between 2000 and 2021. Age-adjusted incidence, limited-duration prevalence, 5-year overall survival (OS), and hazard ratios (HRs) for survival by grade, stage, year of diagnosis, race, and primary site were investigated. Results: From 2000 to 2021, NET incidence nearly doubled, from 4.6 to 8.2 per 100,000 persons. The prevalence in 2021 reached 0.064%, with grade 1 tumors showing the steepest increase. Five-year OS was 77.4% overall and highest among localized NETs (82.3%) and grade 1 tumors (80.0%). Multivariable analysis showed improved survival over time (HR for 2015–2021 vs. 2000–2004, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89–0.95). Black and American Indian/Alaska Native patients had significantly worse outcomes than White patients. Conclusions and Relevance: NETs are no longer orphan diseases based on current U.S. incidence and prevalence trends. With increasing survival and patient numbers, there is an urgent need for expanded multidisciplinary NET care and research efforts focused on survivorship and quality of life. Full article

Background: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) follow divergent incidence trajectories in the United States. Rising use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and evolving demographic risk profiles may be reshaping these trends. We aimed to characterize national incidence patterns of EAC and ESCC from 2000 through 2022—stratified by age, sex, and race/ethnicity—and to place these in the context of changing behavioral exposures. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results SEER 21 registry data (covering 48% of the U.S. population). We included first-primary, histologically confirmed EAC (ICD-O-3 codes 8140–8576) and ESCC (8050–8084) in individuals aged ≥ 15 years diagnosed between 2000 and 2022. Age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years; 2000 U.S. standard) and annual percent changes (APCs) were estimated via Joinpoint regression models. Results: A total of 90,290 EAC and 47,916 ESCC cases were identified. EAC incidence increased from 2.3 to 2.8 per 100,000 (APC +0.90%; 95% CI, 0.45–1.35), with the largest relative rises in ages 15–39 years (APC +1.50%) and among women (APC +2.65%). Non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations experienced the most pronounced EAC increases. Overall ESCC incidence declined (APC −0.78%; 95% CI, −1.10 to −0.46), though Asian/Pacific Islander (+3.59%) and American Indian/Alaska Native (+1.58%) groups saw rising rates. Conclusions: EAC incidence continues to climb—especially in younger adults, women, and select racial/ethnic minorities—while ESCC declines are uneven. These histology-specific patterns highlight the urgency of tailored prevention, targeted early-detection efforts, and mechanistic studies on emerging exposures such as vaping. Full article

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), an oncogenic retrovirus of the genus Deltaretrovirus, causes enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), the most prevalent neoplastic disease in cattle and a major source of economic loss. While BLV prevalence has been studied in commercial breeds, data on native Latin American cattle remain limited. This study assessed BLV infection and proviral load in 244 animals from six native breeds: Argentine Creole (CrAr), Patagonian Argentine Creole (CrArPat), Pampa Chaqueño Creole (CrPaCh), Bolivian Creole from Cochabamba (CrCoch), Saavedreño Creole (CrSaa), and Siboney (Sib), sampled across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Cuba. BLV-CoCoMo-qPCR-2 assay detected BLV provirus in 76 animals (31.1%), with a mean load of 9923 copies per 10⁵ cells (range: 1–79,740). Infection rates varied significantly by breed (9.8% in CrAr to 83.8% in CrPaCh) and country (15.6% in Argentina to 83.8% in Paraguay) (p = 9.999 × 10⁻⁵). Among positives, 57.9% exhibited low proviral load (≤1000 copies), and 13.2% showed moderate levels (1001–9999), suggesting potential resistance to EBL progression. This is the first comprehensive report of BLV proviral load in Creole cattle across Latin America, offering novel epidemiological insights and highlighting the importance of native breeds in BLV surveillance. Full article

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing health inequities for Native American communities, intensifying the challenges faced in accessing addiction and recovery services. As part of a tribal-university collaborative effort in Arizona, our team explored the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental well-being and resilience among the Indigenous substance use recovery community. (2) Methods: We conducted qualitative analysis of transcribed individual interviews (n = 19) to understand the factors of resilience and mental well-being for providers of Western addiction treatment services and Indigenous community members who were in addiction recovery or engaged in addiction treatment during the pandemic. (3) Results: Four major themes that impacted mental well-being among the Indigenous recovery group during the pandemic were identified: (1) healthcare barriers; (2) culture in recovery; (3) the impact of colonization/historical trauma; and (4) the importance of relationships. (4) Conclusions: This work provides insight into the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous communities and vulnerable populations such as the recovery community. Findings from this study highlight the need for Indigenous-grounded and culturally informed recovery interventions. Full article

Child growth in South America results from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The region’s high ancestral diversity—stemming from Native American, European, and African admixture—shapes growth patterns in ways not fully captured by international standard curves such as World Health Organization (WHO) charts, which are primarily based on European population. This mismatch may cause misclassification, especially among Native American and other underrepresented groups, and reduce the effectiveness of interventions like growth hormone (GH) therapy. Evidence from national surveys, cohort studies, and genetic analyses reveals persistent ethnic and socioeconomic disparities, with Native American children showing higher stunting prevalence even after adjusting for wealth and residence. Differences between WHO and national growth curves further contribute to inconsistent prevalence estimates due to methodological and contextual variants. Regional genomic studies, although limited, have identified population-specific variants, such as FBN1 (E1297G) in Peru, and modulators of GH therapy response, including GHR exon 3 deletion, ACAN, and NPR2, highlighting the role of genetic background, treatment timing, and adherence in height outcomes. These findings underscore the need to move toward precision growth medicine, integrating anthropometry, genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic data to design population-specific growth references, optimize pharmacogenetic approaches, and reduce inequities in pediatric growth care. Full article

Allotment—the division of Native American reservations into individually-owned plots of land—has been extensively studied; yet there exists a paucity of reservation-level studies at granular geospatial scales, i.e., at the level of examining the impacts of allotment on individuals, families, and clan or tribal groups. In previous research, we described a new semi-automated method for creating detailed GIS allotment databases and discussed the policies and processes that that lay behind allotment at the Standing Rock Reservation. In this study, we employed our Standing Rock database to map and explore allotment patterns in detail. We primarily focused on patterns of clustering versus dispersion of allotment parcels for individuals, families, and tribal groups by calculating median distance (and other descriptive statistics) and standard distance in GIS. Throughout, we used mapped representations of allotment patterns as visualization tools, both for confirming hypotheses and raising new questions. As anticipated, we discovered patterns of both gain and loss. On the one hand, as we had found earlier, the people at Standing Rock gained land through their insistence on allotments for married women and for children born after the beginning date of allotment (“later-born children”), land they otherwise would not have received. We also confirmed that married women only received half the land that their husbands received and that the early sale of “surplus” reservation lands deprived a future generation of children of the opportunity to receive their own land. Perhaps most importantly, however, we discovered that the belated timing of allotments to married women and later-born children caused their allotments to be located at some distance from those of their husbands or fathers, creating disjunct and dispersed patterns of family land holdings that would have significantly hampered the creation of viable farming and ranching operations. Full article

Emerging evidence reveals that cadmium exposure is associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and anemia, among others. Toxic metal exposure poses a particular threat to American Indian/Alaska Native populations, particularly given their proximity to mining waste. This review aims to summarize and organize evidence explaining the cardiovascular and hematologic consequences of cadmium exposure in children, including specific data on this exposure in AI/AN people, and strategies and policy actions to mitigate these consequences in AI/AN children. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sanfilippo Syndrome type B or Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB (MPS IIIB, OMIM 252920) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficiency of alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU, E.C. 3.2.1.50) due to pathogenic variants in the NAGLU gene (17q21.2). The disease is characterized by progressive neurological manifestations, marked by cognitive decline, with relatively mild somatic involvement. We aim to present relevant information on a cluster of MPS IIIB identified in Ecuador, particularly regarding their clinical, biochemical, genetic, demographic, and ancestry characteristics. Methods: We present a characterization of a clinical, biochemical, genetic and demographic cluster of MPS IIIB patients in Ecuador, located in four main regions: Manabí, Guayas, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. The patients included were diagnosed due to increased levels of urinary glycosaminoglycans (uGAG), plus deficient activity of NAGLU, and/or identification of biallelic pathogenic mutations in the NAGLU gene. Patients’ charts were reviewed for biochemical findings, medical history, clinical manifestations and assessments. Results: We present the results of clinical, biochemical, genetic and demographic characterization of a cluster in Ecuador with 24 patients identified with Sanfilippo syndrome type IIIB, resulting in an estimated incidence of 1.5/100,000. The mean age at diagnosis was 8.8 years, with symptom onset at 4.5 years on average. All patients exhibited elevated levels of uGAG and undetectable NAGLU activity, and all of them presented the c.1487T>C (p.Leu496Pro) variant in the NAGLU gene in homozygosis, indicating a possible founder effect, with the exception of one heterozygous one (p.Leu496Pro/p.Arg482Gln). A positive correlation between age of diagnosis and the concentration of one isoform of heparan sulfate (HS-OS) was found (p < 0.05). Clinical findings included neuropsychomotor developmental delay (75%), neurological regression (65%), hepatomegaly (55%), growth deficiency (50%), coarse facies (45%) and hernia (40%). Male patients presented earlier onset of symptoms. Maternal ancestry was successfully determined for 21 of the 24 patients. The majority were of Native American ancestry (71.4%), followed by European (19%), African (4.8%), and Asian (4.8%) lineages. Haplogroup A was the most prevalent (42.9%), followed by haplogroups D (19%), C, U, and H (each 9.5%), and R and L2 (each 4.8%). Conclusions: Ancestry can indicate a possible mechanism to explain the heterogeneous symptomatic presentation. These findings highlight the need for further research on genetic and environmental influences on disease severity in this population. Full article