African Blacks Research Articles

Prevalence of occipitalisation in a South African Black population: An original study of 1119 skulls with a review of the literature

BackgroundOccipitalisation is the most prevalent congenital abnormality at the craniovertebral junction; however, it is rare in the general population. There is a paucity of literature on osteological prevalence studies within the South African Black and broader African populations. This study aimed to establish baseline data for the prevalence of occipitalisation in the South African Black population group. MethodsOne thousand two hundred thirteen skulls from a South African Black population were initially sampled, and after exclusion criteria were applied, the sample was reduced to 1119 skulls (male 766; female 353). A morphological description of the skulls that exhibited occipitalisation was included in this study. ResultsOccipitalisation was observed in three skulls (3/1119; 0.27 %); two of the skulls were female (2/353; 0.57 %), and one was male (1/766; 0.13 %). The three occipitalised skulls exhibited fusion in three areas of the atlas: the anterior arch, lateral masses, and transverse processes. No skulls exhibited posterior arch fusion of the atlas. ConclusionThis study established a baseline prevalence of occipitalisation in the South African Black population at 0.27 % and found no significant association between sex and occipitalisation (p = 0.236). This study highlights the need for further studies in the other African population affinity groups.

Exploring Correlates of Resource Insecurity Among Older Black or African Americans with HIV in Ohio.

Resource insecurity is a social determinant of health that can impact people with HIV (PWH), in particular older African Americans (AA) or blacks with HIV. The purpose of this study was to identify resource insecurities among older Blacks or AA PWH specifically related to food and housing. Secondary focus was to find associations between resource insecurity and substance use history, stigma, and various forms of discrimination. Eligible participants (N = 52) of this cross-sectional study were 50years old or older, identified as Black or AA, diagnosed with HIV, and living in Ohio. Food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and housing insecurity was defined as not having stable housing. Resource insecurity was categorized into food and housing secure, food or housing insecure, and food and housing insecure. Almost half (48.1%) of participants reported housing insecurity, with approximately 58.0% experiencing food insecurity, and 38.5% facing both. Current substance use, particularly opiates, showed significant association with resource insecurity (OR = 5.54; 95% CI = 1.91-17.30). Moreover, experiences of everyday (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.10-1.30) or major forms (OR = 1.75; 95% CI = 1.33-2.39) of discrimination, as well as HIV stigma (OR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.01-1.55), were also linked to increased odds of resource insecurity among participants. Findings highlight how social factors contribute to resource insecurity among older AA PWH. Understanding the factors offers insight for targeted intervention in the fight against HIV transmission.

Black Family Members' Experiences and Interpretations of Supportive Resources for Them and Their Relatives With Substance Use Disorders: A Focused Ethnography.

While previous research explored the utilization of culturally supportive resources in multiethnic communities, there is a paucity of information regarding culturally relevant resources for Black Canadian family members. The study explored Black family members' experiences and interpretations regarding access to culturally supportive resources for family members and their relatives who suffer from substance use disorders. Black family members are defined as African Canadians, Caribbean Canadians, or Caribbean Blacks. A focused ethnography was conducted with a purposive sample of 26 Black family members in Ontario, Canada. The interviews were conducted from June to September 2021. Seventeen participants originated from parts of Africa, and nine were from different parts of the Caribbean. The participants comprised mothers (n = 5), fathers (n = 2), step-fathers (n = 1), husbands (n = 1), wives (n = 2), uncles (n = 5), aunties (n = 2), siblings (n = 5), in-laws (n = 2), and guardians (n = 1). Leininger's four Phases of Ethnonursing Qualitative Data Analysis were used for data analysis. Three themes were generated: (1) Navigating Existing Options and Resources for Families and Their Relatives; (2) Drawing upon Religion and Spirituality as Perceived Resources; and (3) Call for Culturally Relevant Programs for Substance Use Disorders Harm Reduction. Participants described experiencing a lack of culturally relevant resources and subsequently opting to navigate other resources. One such option was to send their relatives back to their country of origin to access cultural rehabilitation treatment options. There is a significant need for guidelines and policies regarding creating timely access to culturally relevant resources in Canada that support families and their relatives towards harm reduction and recovery outcomes.

Epidemiologic Analysis of a Postelimination Measles Outbreak in Central Ohio, 2022-2023

Postelimination outbreaks threaten nearly a quarter century of measles elimination in the US. Understanding these dynamics is essential for maintaining the nation's measles elimination status. To examine the demographic characteristics and transmission dynamics of the 2022 to 2023 central Ohio measles outbreak. This cross-sectional study used electronic medical records and publicly available measles reports within an extensive central Ohio primary care network involving inpatient and outpatient settings. Participants included 90 children in Ohio with confirmed measles cases in 2022. The exposure of interest was confirmed measles cases in Ohio in 2022. This included 5 internationally imported cases and 85 locally acquired cases. The primary outcome involved documenting and analyzing confirmed measles cases in Ohio in 2022, focusing on demographic characteristics, immunization status, and transmission links in outbreak-related cases. This study analyzed 90 measles cases (47 [52.2%] male participants) in Ohio during 2022. Most participants self-identified as African or American Black (72 [80.0%]), with additional race categories including Asian, Hispanic, multirace (6 [6.7%]), White, and unknown (6 [6.7%]). Most participants were of Somali descent (64 [71.1%]), with additional ethnicity categories including American (16 [17.8%]), Guatemalan, Nepali, and unknown (6 [6.7%]). Participants were predominantly younger than 6 years (86 [95.5%]), unimmunized (89 [98.9%]), and resided in Franklin County, Ohio (83 [92.2%]). Prior to November 20, 2022, all cases occurred among unimmunized children of Somali descent in the Columbus area. Nosocomial superspreading events expanded the outbreak beyond the initially affected community. This cross-sectional study of measles cases in Ohio during 2022 found that the outbreak primarily affected unimmunized children of Somali descent, highlighting the necessity for culturally tailored public health strategies to maintain measles elimination in the US. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions and enhancing community engagement to increase vaccination rates.

Raising awareness about physical activity’s role in reducing cancer risk: qualitative interviews with immigrant women and community agency managers

ObjectivesTo explore how to reach immigrant women through community agencies to raise awareness of the role of physical activity (PA) in reducing cancer risk.Study designQualitative description.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with immigrant women and community agency managers to discuss the ideal design of an education session on PA and cancer risk, and identified themes using content analysis.ResultsParticipants included 22 women (6 African or Caribbean Black, 4 Chinese, 3 Filipino, 5 Indian, 4 Pakistani) and 16 agency managers from across Canada. Women were not familiar with Canada’s PA guidelines, and few were aware that PA reduces the risk of cancer. All expressed interest in education about PA and cancer. Diverse women and managers expressed similar preferences for education session design including content (e.g. PA amount/type), format (e.g. in person preferred but virtual more practical), personnel (external expert plus agency staff), cultural tailoring (e.g. translated supplemental take home information) and reinforcing (e.g. follow-up with participants) strategies. Women and managers identified few barriers to participating in education sessions, chiefly, that women lacked time due to work and family responsibilities; and noted several enablers of participation (e.g. emphasize social aspect, provide gift cards or recreation centre passes).ConclusionsWe generated insight on the ideal characteristics of a community-based education session that could raise awareness among immigrant women of the importance of PA in reducing cancer risk. Further research is needed to assess the feasibility and impact of PA education sessions designed based on these findings.

Message Factors Affecting the Recruitment of Black Caribbean and African American Participants for Clinical Trials

The need for effective and ethical recruitment of Black Caribbean and African American individuals for participation in research studies and clinical trials is urgent; without adequate representation, findings cannot be generalized to these populations. The factors affecting recruitment are complex, including many systems-based issues. However, communication issues have received relatively little attention. To advance knowledge of communication behaviors that impact recruitment of research participants from Black communities, we describe the findings from a study of 48 participants in 9 focus groups. Participants included 31 African American and Black Caribbean individuals who described their experiences being recruited for research studies and clinical trials as well as 17 (primarily Hispanic and African American) clinical research coordinators who described how message factors impacted recruitment and retention of Black Caribbean and African American participants. Using the lens of the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), which describes the communication factors that help motivate the cognitive processing of information, we describe how the amount of information provided, the accessibility of information, and the complexity of information all impact study recruitment. Participants offered insights about the adequacy (and excess) of information provided, tensions related to deviation from consent form language when simplifying complex terminology, preemptively addressing common conspiracy theories during recruitment, the importance of using metaphors and analogies, and communicating complex information using multiple communication modalities.

INCARCERATION HISTORY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH COGNITION AND ISOLATION AMONG OLDER BLACK AMERICANS

Abstract Incarceration is a risk factor for adverse health and disproportionately affects Black Americans. Little is known about its implications for later life functioning. This study investigated the associations between incarceration and social isolation and cognition among older Black Americans. Sample included African American and Caribbean Black respondents aged 50+ from the National Survey of American Life, 2001-2003 (N=1,561; 12.6% with incarceration history). Lifetime incarceration history (yes/no) was defined as having been in jail, prison, or juvenile detention. Continuous cognitive score was measured using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule-II, with higher scores indicating higher cognitive difficulty. Binary isolation was assessed by combining two indicators of frequency of contact and feelings of closeness, for friends and family, using a 4-point Likert scale. Multivariable weighted linear and logistic regressions were fit for the associations between cognitive score and social isolation, respectively. All models adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, poverty, education, marital status, and drug use; model for cognition further adjusted for mental health and traumatic experiences and models for isolation further adjusted for discrimination. Moderation by nativity (U.S. versus foreign born) was assessed using interaction. History of incarceration was associated with worse cognition (β = 0.09, 95% CI: -1.48, 1.66) and higher odds of social isolation for frequency (AOR: 1.48 95% CI: 0.89, 2.46) and closeness (AOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.15). Results not moderated by nativity. Findings suggest contexts surrounding incarceration, like social supports, may be important engagement points for successful transitions and promotion of psychological and cognitive health in this population.

THE MODERATING ROLE OF RACE AND ETHNICITY BETWEEN NEGATIVE FAMILY INTERACTIONS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Studies generally show that negative social interactions are detrimental to mental health for older adults. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that negative interactions may function differently in relation to mental health across racial/ethnic groups given their unique life circumstances and social conditions. This study examines whether the association between negative family interactions and mental health outcomes varies by race and ethnicity. Samples of older African Americans, Caribbean Blacks, and non-Latino Whites aged 55 and older were drawn from the National Survey of American Life (N = 1,439). Mental health variables included depressive symptoms, any lifetime disorder according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), and number of lifetime DSM-IV disorders. Regression models were used to test the study aim. Analyses indicated that negative interactions with family were positively associated with all 3 mental health outcomes. Several racial/ethnic differences emerged. The association between negative family interactions and depressive symptoms was stronger among Whites than African Americans. While negative family interactions were positively associated with number of disorders among Caribbean Blacks, negative interactions were unrelated to number of disorders among African Americans. This study demonstrates the racial and ethnic differences in diverse aging populations and the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity of the Black American population in minority research. Clinical practice should focus on reducing negative family interactions, and future research should examine whether psychosocial resources (e.g., stress appraisals, neighborhood social cohesion) can attenuate the association between negative family interactions and mental health for older African Americans.

Asthma morbidity measures across Black ethnic subgroups

Black adults are disproportionately affected by asthma and are often considered a homogeneous group in research studies despite cultural and ancestral differences. We sought to determine if asthma morbidity differs across adults in Black ethnic subgroups. Adults with moderate-severe asthma were recruited across the continental United States and Puerto Rico for the PREPARE (PeRson EmPowered Asthma RElief) trial. Using self-identifications, we categorized multiethnic Black (ME/B) participants (n= 226) as Black Latinx participants (n= 146) or Caribbean, continental African, or other Black participants (n= 80). African American (AA/B) participants (n= 518) were categorized as Black participants who identified their ethnicity as being American. Baseline characteristics and retrospective asthma morbidity measures (self-reported exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids [SCs], emergency department/urgent care [ED/UC] visits, hospitalizations) were compared across subgroups using multivariable regression. Compared with AA/B participants, ME/B participants were more likely to be younger, residing in the US Northeast, and Spanish speaking and to have lower body mass index, health literacy, and <1 comorbidity, but higher blood eosinophil counts. In a multivariable analysis, ME/B participants were significantly more likely to have ED/UC visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR]= 1.34, 95% CI= 1.04-1.72) and SC use (IRR= 1.27, 95% CI= 1.00-1.62) for asthma than AA/B participants. Of the ME/B subgroups, Puerto Rican Black Latinx participants (n= 120) were significantly more likely to have ED/UC visits (IRR= 1.64, 95% CI= 1.22-2.21) and SC use for asthma (IRR= 1.43, 95% CI= 1.06-1.92) than AA/B participants. There were no significant differences in hospitalizations for asthma among subgroups. ME/B adults, specifically Puerto Rican Black Latinx adults, have higher risk of ED/UC visits and SC use for asthma than other Black subgroups.

Exploring the deep layers of black motherhood in Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Long Song by Andrea Levy

This article aims to explore the deep layers of motherhood in the literary masterpieces Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Long Song by Andrea Levy. It is a comparative analysis of the selected novels that share a common background; the history of slavery. The trauma of slavery has an impact both on the literature and on the transfer of cultural memory. African American and Black British women's writings are connected to the malfunctioning results of slavery in their past which also haunts their present. Using certain narrative forms, their neo-slave narratives reflect the trauma of slavery and cultural memory. It uncovers the centrality of motherhood to cultural memory in African American and Black British women’s neo-slave narratives. This article engages with the transfer of cultural memory in black women’s neo-slave narratives through motherhood. It aims to encapsulate the relationships between colonization, historical injustices, slavery, and gender discrimination to investigate motherhood. Black women are recognized as bearers of cultural memory; therefore, the relationship between a mother and a daughter is used to analyze cultural memory and the trauma of slavery. Morrison and Levy’s neo-slave narratives are seen as a means of struggle against forgetting. Despite sharing some features, African American and Black British women’s neo-slave narratives have differences. Reading these two neo-slave narratives in a comparative approach, this study presents a renewed point of view for cultural memory studies in literature through black mothering. It will contribute to debates about the importance of maternal ancestry upon black women to construct cultural memory.

The Human Toll of Collective Trauma: The Ravages of War and Persecution

This paper explores the concept of historical trauma (HT) as an extension of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), expanding the definition to encompass the accumulated emotional and psychological trauma across generations and lifespans. Coined by Lakota social work professor Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart, HT refers to the enduring impact of abuse and displacement on marginalized groups, such as enslaved African Blacks, Native Americans, Indigenous people in Canada, and others globally. HT becomes ingrained in cultural memory, impacting individuals with symptoms including depression, survivor guilt, anger, substance abuse, hypervigilance, and more.Examining the distinction between history and collective memory, the paper delves into the effects of persecution and oppression on specific groups, emphasizing chronic and severe stress. The focus extends to genocides worldwide, exploring maternal stress's impact on fetal development, drawing insights from events like the Ice Storm in Quebec, the Leningrad siege, and the Dutch famine. The paper concludes by questioning whether interventions can mitigate the maternal/paternal transmission of stress-induced pathologies, providing avenues for further research and potential solutions to alleviate the enduring effects of historical trauma.

Why unending? Migrations and the political economy of the xenophobic conflict in South Africa: a systematic review

The object of the research is the interaction between unending migrations and the political economy as significant drivers of xenophobic conflicts. The phenomenon of xenophobic conflict in South Africa has garnered increasing attention due to its recurrent violent nature and socio-political implications. This study delves, systematically, into the intricate connection between migration and the politics of xenophobia in South Africa. It examines how migrations, both internal and external, have influenced the development of xenophobic conflict within South Africa, alongside the historical context of the entrenched apartheid system. It further explores the underlying motives of those engaging in xenophobic acts while examining the responses of civil society and the government. By analyzing existing literature and conducting qualitative reviews of the experiences of the victims of xenophobic violence, this study contends that xenophobia in South Africa, among other factors, is a lasting legacy of the apartheid era that has created unequal economic power relations between the South African blacks and the few dominant whites. Findings further underscore the significance of understanding contemporary migration patterns in the 21st century from the context of entrenched economic inequalities, economic disenfranchisements, rising poverty among the indigenous black South African community in South Africa. In addition, economic disparities, resource scarcity, and competition for employment opportunities have emerged for being pivotal catalysts of conflict, thereby exacerbating tensions between native black South Africans and the African immigrant populations in South Africa. Relying on findings, this study thus argues that xenophobia remains an ongoing and persistent challenge that demands urgent attention from policymakers in South Africa. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity of addressing the xenophobic conflict in South Africa through a multidimensional approach. Policymakers, civil society, and academia must collaborate to formulate strategies that target both the economic and socio-political drivers of such conflicts. By acknowledging the historical context, rectifying inequalities, and promoting accurate narratives, it becomes possible to foster a more inclusive and harmonious society, thereby mitigating the unending cycle of xenophobic tensions, phobia and violence.

Integrating Study Abroad Research and Practice: African American and Black Students in Focus

Integrating Study Abroad Research and Practice: African American and Black Students in Focus

The Parable of the Sower: Rooting out White Supremacy and Institutionalized Racism in the church

This article highlights the parallels between Camara Jones’ Gardener's Tale allegory and Jesus’ Parable of the Sower to invite reflection regarding White Evangelical Christians’ approach to addressing institutionalized racism faced by African Americans and Blacks in the US and the church. Using an interdisciplinary lens that engages sociology, politics, history, theology and biblical exegesis, this article presents a compelling case for the church to cease the practice of compartmentalizing anti-racist movements as “political” and lead the charge through a missional goal to root out institutionalized racism both within the church and American society.

The role of perceived expertise and trustworthiness in research study and clinical trial recruitment: Perspectives of clinical research coordinators and African American and Black Caribbean patients.

This study investigates the role of source credibility on minority participant recruitment, particularly African American and Black Caribbean patients. A total of nine focus groups (N = 48 participants) were conducted with both patient groups and clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Using the elaboration likelihood model as a guiding framework for analysis, this study found that the credibility of research coordinators (or other professionals who recruit for research studies and clinical trials) was instrumental in shaping attitudes of prospective participants. The perspectives of patients and CRCs aligned closely, with few exceptions. For both groups, professionalism and professional displays (clothing, institutional artifacts) enhanced perceived expertise, a core component of credibility. Trustworthiness, another important component of credibility, was fostered through homophily between recruiter and patient, expressions of goodwill and assuaging anxiety about CRCs' financial motivations for recruitment. Additionally, CRCs believed that credibility was supported when CRCs could emphasize transparency and truthfulness in communication. The importance of these findings for the development of empirically-based training programs to improve communication practices in recruitment contexts is discussed.

Ethnic-Racial Socialization, Teacher Discrimination, and Black Youth’s School Engagement and Achievement

Ethnic-racial socialization is one strategy Black parents use to support their children’s school engagement and academic achievement given the occurrence and toxic effects of discrimination. Egalitarianism and preparation for bias socialization messages have yielded mixed evidence of promotive and protective effects for Black youth's school outcomes, and effects may vary according to ethnicity. Thus, this research examined associations between ethnic-racial socialization messages and school engagement and achievement, and whether these messages protected against teacher discrimination effects on academic achievement transmitted through school engagement, among a nationally representative sample of Black adolescents who participated in the National Survey of American Life Adolescent supplement study. Ethnic-racial socialization message content and the frequency of communication about race demonstrated different associations with engagement (i.e., school bonding, aspiration-expectation discrepancy, and disciplinary actions) and achievement (i.e., grades) for African American and Caribbean Black youth. However, the benefits were not sufficient to combat the adverse effects of teacher discrimination on school engagement and, in turn, achievement. These findings highlight the utility of integrating ethnic-racial socialization into prevention programs to support Black youth’s school experiences; demonstrate the importance of attention to heterogeneity within Black youth; and underscore the critical need for prevention programs to address teacher discrimination.

Examining factors that influence African‐Americans and Blacks’ participation in Alzheimer’s biomarker research

AbstractBackgroundAfrican Americans and Blacks in the US are less likely to engage in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research studies, despite having two to three times higher risks of developing AD compared to Whites. Understanding the various factors influencing African Americans and Blacks’ participation in AD research, especially studies that involve biomarkers, is important for increasing equity in AD research, and advancing AD diagnosis and treatment for diverse populations.MethodStudy participants included 164 community‐dwelling African Americans and Blacks in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, aged 55 and older, and who had no prior participation in AD research. Participants were administered a 24‐item survey to examine their knowledge of AD, willingness to participate in biomarker research procedures (genetic testing, brain MRI, and PET Scan), and views of incentives for participation.ResultMost participants were female (68%) and had less than 16 years of education (71%). About half were 65 years old or older. Most participants (84%) reported that they did not know what caused AD or how to manage it, and only 43% were aware that “Black people are at higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, compared to Whites.” Most participants were willing to do or consider participating in biomarker procedures common in AD research studies (90% genetic testing, 86% MRI, and 82% PET scan).The majority (85%) were agreeable to future contact for research participation. Most participants viewed return of test results, particularly from cognitive testing (81%) and brain scans (82%), and information about brain health (72%) as incentives to participate in research.ConclusionOur findings revealed that older African‐American and Black participants are willing to engage in Alzheimer’s disease biomarker research study procedures. They also viewed knowledge (in the form of return of results and information about brain health) as a major incentive for participation. Our findings suggest that future outreach and recruitment strategies tailored towards African Americans and Blacks may benefit from focusing on the value of knowledge these studies can provide to participants. We also identified opportunities to educate African Americans and Blacks about their increased risk for AD and the causes and prevention of AD.

Reducing Health Disparities Among African American and Black Caribbean Patients by Improving the Communication Practices of Clinical Research Coordinators

ABSTRACT This manuscript focuses on the communication factors that affect the willingness of African Americans and Black Caribbean patients to participate in clinical trials and research studies. Low rates of research participation by members of communities of color have long been linked to health disparities. While there are many factors that contribute to low rates of accrual of African American and Black patients to clinical trials, a lack of attention to communication factors that enhance or inhibit the recruitment process is central to the problem. In this study, we describe results from the analysis of six focus groups (N = 31) consisting of African American (k = 3) and Black Caribbean (k = 3) participants. Our analyses focus on verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors and how they affect participants’ willingness to participate in clinical trials. Specifically, when clinical research coordinators (CRCs) had a professional appearance, made the effort to explain a study in detail, made eye contact, took the time to listen and answer questions patiently, and gave the sense that the CRC was being truthful and transparent, patients felt respected and valued. Additionally, participants emphasized the importance of the process of developing and maintaining a trusting relationship between study participants and CRCs. The results of this study will be used to develop a clinical trial communication training program designed to enhance the communication skills of clinical research coordinators who discuss research participation with African American and Caribbean Black patients.

Urinary proteomics combined with home blood pressure telemonitoring for health care reform trial-First progress report.

High blood pressure (BP) and type-2 diabetes (T2DM) are forerunners of chronic kidney disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Home BP telemonitoring (HTM) and urinary peptidomic profiling (UPP) are technologies enabling risk stratification and personalized prevention. UPRIGHT-HTM (NCT04299529) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial with blinded endpoint evaluation designed to assess the efficacy of HTM plus UPP (experimental group) over HTM alone (control group) in guiding treatment in asymptomatic patients, aged 55-75 years, with ≥5 cardiovascular risk factors. From screening onwards, HTM data can be freely accessed by all patients and their caregivers; UPP results are communicated early during follow-up to patients and caregivers in the intervention group, but at trial closure in the control group. From May 2021 until January 2023, 235 patients were screened, of whom 53 were still progressing through the run-in period and 144 were randomized. Both groups had similar characteristics, including average age (62.0 years) and the proportions of African Blacks (81.9%), White Europeans (16.7%), women 56.2%, home (31.2%), and office (50.0%) hypertension, T2DM (36.4%), micro-albuminuria (29.4%), and ECG (9.7%) and echocardiographic (11.5%) left ventricular hypertrophy. Home and office BP were 128.8/79.2mmHg and 137.1/82.7mmHg, respectively, resulting in a prevalence of white-coat, masked and sustained hypertension of 40.3%, 11.1%, and 25.7%. HTM persisted after randomization (48 681 readings up to 15 January 2023). In conclusion, results predominantly from low-resource sub-Saharan centers proved the feasibility of this multi-ethnic trial. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays and differential recruitment rates across centers.

Analysis of Y-STR diversity and DNA methylation variation among Black and Indian males from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Y-chromosome short tandem repeats (Y-STRs) are essential in understanding genetic structure and diversity of human populations and, most importantly, in identification of male perpetrators in criminal investigations. DNA methylation differences have been reported in human populations and methylation pattern at the CpG sites found within or flanking the Y-STR sites could also aid in human identification. Studies based on DNA methylation (DNAm) at Y-STRs are currently limited. The current study aimed to analyze the Y-STR diversity in South African Black and Indian individuals living in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, with the Yfiler™ Plus Kit and to analyze DNAm patterns in Y-STR markers CpG sites. DNA from 247 stored saliva samples were isolated and quantified. Across the 27 Y-STR loci in the Yfiler™ Plus Kit, 253 alleles were observed in 113 South African Black and Indian males, 112 unique haplotypes were observed, and one haplotype appeared twice (two Black individuals). No statistically significant differences were observed in the genetic diversity between the two population groups (Fst = 0.028, p-value ≥ 0.05). The kit showed a high discrimination capacity (DC) of 0.9912 and an overall haplotype diversity (HD) = 0.9995 among the sampled population groups. DYS438 and DYS448 markers displayed 2 and 3 CpG sites, respectively. Based on the two-tailed Fisher’s Exact test, there were no statistically significant differences in the DNAm levels at DYS438 CpGs of Black and Indian males (p > 0.05). The Yfiler™ Plus Kit can be considered highly discriminatory among South African Black and Indian males. Studies on the South African population using Yfiler™ Plus Kit are scarce. Hence, accumulating Y-STR data on the diverse South African population will enhance the representation of South Africa in STR databases. Knowing which Y-STR markers are significantly informative for South Africa is essential for developing Y-STR kits better suited for the different ethnic groups. And to the best of our knowledge, DNA methylation analysis in Y-STR for different ethnic groups has never been done before. Complementing Y-STR data with methylation knowledge could provide population-specific information for forensic identification.