Ethnic Groups Research Articles

Ethnic Density and Mental Health: Does it Matter Whether the Ethnic Density is Co-ethnic or Multi-ethnic and How Important is Change in Ethnic Density?

The ethnic density thesis suggests a protective health benefit for ethnic minorities living in places with higher concentration of co-ethnic residents. This paper aims to make a step change in the examination of this thesis by proposing ethnic diversity rather than co-ethnic density will be more protective for mental health. The paper proposes ethnic diversity could be a community asset that benefits the health of all people in a neighbourhood regardless of their own ethnic group. Individual data is taken from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, 2009-2019 linked to aggregate data from the 2001 and 2011 Censuses to test the association between co-ethnic density, ethnic diversity and mental health using the General Health Questionnaire 12-item scale. The paper takes a novel approach by measuring pre-existing (in 2001) and change in (2001-2011) co-ethnic density and ethnic diversity. Moderating effects of individual ethnic group, neighbourhood deprivation and perceived social cohesion are tested. Results show lower pre-existing co-ethnic density is related to lower mental health amongst the White British ethnic group but not in most ethnic minority groups. Greater pre-existing ethnic diversity in more deprived neighbourhoods is associated with better mental health regardless of individual ethnic group. A point of contention in the findings is no association between change in ethnic diversity and mental health.

Racial and Ethnic Underserved Populations Prescription Analgesic Use Before and After Lower Extremity Amputation in US Medicare.

Racial disparities exist in access to health care and management of multiple health conditions including chronic pain; however, racial disparities in pre- and postoperative pain management in lower extremity amputation are not well-studied. Our objective was to examine the association between different racial and ethnic groups and prescription opioid and other analgesics use before and after lower extremity amputation. We hypothesize prescription opioid and other analgesic use among Black, Hispanic, and Native American US Medicare beneficiaries undergoing lower extremity amputations will be lower compared to White US Medicare beneficiaries. This retrospective cohort study included a 5% national sample of all Medicare beneficiaries from 2011 to 2015 and 15% national sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries from 2016 to 2018 undergoing nontraumatic, lower extremity amputations. The exposure of interest was racial and ethnic group membership (ie, Black, Hispanic, Native American, White, and others-with others being the combination of the categories Asian and other) as provided in Medicare claims data. Using multivariable generalized estimating equations with a logistic link to account for repeated measurements over time, we estimated the odds of prescription opioid use within 6 months before and after lower extremity amputation across different racial and ethnic groups separately, adjusting for sociodemographic and health status factors (eg, Elixhauser index). Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. Among 16,068 eligible beneficiaries who underwent major and minor amputations (mean age = 65.1 ± 12.7 years; female = 36.1%), 10,107 (62.9%) were White, 3462 (21.5%) were Black, 1959 (12.2%) were Hispanic, 247 (1.5%) were Native American, and 151 (2.9%) were beneficiaries of other races. During the 6 months before lower extremity amputation, Hispanic beneficiaries (aOR, 0.71, 95% CI, 0.65-0.78) and beneficiaries of other races (aOR, 0.60, 95% CI, 0.47-0.76) had significantly lower odds of using prescription opioids compared to White beneficiaries. Similarly, Hispanic beneficiaries (aOR, 0.78, 95% CI, 0.71-0.84) and beneficiaries of other races (aOR, 0.63, 95% CI, 0.51-0.78) were associated with lower odds of opioid use in the 6 months after amputation compared to White beneficiaries. Among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries, Hispanic and other (eg, Asian) fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries had lower odds of prescription opioid use than their White counterparts before and after nontraumatic, lower extremity amputations. Efforts to determine the underlying reasons are needed to ensure equitable health care access.

Employment in personal subsidiary farm: ethnic and regional features (the case of Khakassia)

Employment in a personal subsidiary farm (PSF), aimed at providing products for own subsistence, becomes an alternative to job for hire in conditions of high unemployment in rural areas. At the same time, the role of personal subsidiary farms varies in differing climatic, economic and socio-cultural conditions. The purpose of the article is to compare the practices of personal subsidiary farms in multiethnic region of Khakassia in order to identify the ethnoregional features of household farmsteads. Surveyed ethnic groups (566 respondents) are living in Russians, Khakass and Shors rural areas. Khakass people turned out to be the most active in the management of personal economy, the Shors were the least involved, and the Russians occupy a “middle” position. The differentiation of household plots is due to the fact that the motives for farming among these ethnic groups are not the same. Russians are engaged in economic activities mainly to provide themselves with food, although many of them just like this activity. The value of land and livestock is high for Khakass people and Shors, but most of them lead personal subsidiary farming rather as a habit.

Практики хозяйствования народов Республики Хакасия в современных условиях

In today’s limited conditions of the Russian rural labour market, the role of economic activity of the population as an additional or even the main means of subsistence gains an increasing importance. This problem is relevant for people who live primarily in rural areas. The specifics of the existing management of local ethnic communities are established in the culture and presented in the form of ethno-economic structures. Today, their preservation and development is considered to be an opportunity for the growth of regional economies. To what extent have peoples preserved elements of the traditional economic structure at the present stage? The given study was conducted in the Republic of Khakassia, where the Khakass (the titular ethnic group of the republic), the Shors (small-numbered indigenous people), and the Russians (the ethnic majority in the region) live. The article compares the economic practices of these ethnic communities. The results of the study showed that indigenous peoples retain their orientation towards traditional types of economic activities. Khakassians are actively involved in livestock breeding. Compared to Russians and Shors, they have a more numerous and more varied livestock farmstead. Shors are focused primarily on wild capture activities; for many, it is the main type of employment. Russians are less involved in economic activities, but in villages where the Khakass population predominates, they keep a lot of livestock. They are less inclined to consider economic activity as a significant source. Khakassians are oriented towards economic activity; they mainly associate their life strategies with the village. Shors try to preserve traditional crafts, which are the most accessible source of subsistence for them in taiga conditions. In the current conditions, it is difficult to talk about the significant influence of the ethno-economic structures of indigenous peoples on the development of the economy of Khakassia, since these ethnic groups constitute a numerical minority on the territory of the republic.

Constructivism Effects of the Project Planning Discourses Used in the Maasai Pastoral Community

In literature, the Maasai community has been identified as the dominating ethnic group among the multiple pastoral communities in Tanzania. The Maasai socio-cultural practice is under external pressure in meaning negotiation and interpretation. The literature identifies globalization and modernity elements as the most influential external factors. Furthermore, project planning is considered as inseparable from globalization and modernity elements as all are focused on social change processes. Different literatures consider discourses as the core of the change process, and that pastoral development projects are associated with discursive practices through its communicative dimensions that entail social interactions whereby discourses are produced, distributed, and consumed. Although studies in development projects are fundamental in understanding discursive practices of such projects, this paper found a very limited body of knowledge on discursive practices in development planning specifically in the Maasai community. Therefore, this paper uses Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to underscore constructive effects of the used discourses in project documents targeted to the Maasai community on its wider socio-cultural context. This paper employed Fairclough three dimensional model of CDA as its underpinning theoretical and methodological approach. This model guided analyses of the data retrieved from eight (8) project strategic documents that were targeted to the Maasai community. Analyses involved three analytical levels which are textual analysis, discursive practices analysis and socio-cultural practices analysis level as depicted in the used model. Analysis was eclectic in nature as it involved forth and back analyses between the three levels, whereby the first two levels informs socio-cultural constructivism effects of the used discourses. Generally, the study revealed construction of Maasai’s identity, social relations and varying ideologies as the major three categories of constructivism effects of the underscored project planning discourses in the Maasai community. Furthermore this paper found devastating misconceptions and domination of negative portrayals of the Maasai community within the analyzed documents. Finally this paper recommends radical shift on the conveyed meanings and misrepresentation of the indigenous communities specifically the Maasai community in the global and national strategic and developmental process or frameworks.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and the Beginning of World War II as Perceived by Soviet Citizens: New Sources and Interpretations

Abstract After the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed, a new historical phase began for the whole of Europe, marked by a sharp escalation of international conflict and the imminent outbreak of World War II. For Soviet citizens, these events were particularly traumatic because they also meant a sudden turn toward peace with Germany. The news of the signing of the Soviet-German Non-Aggression pact was received by Soviet citizens with mixed feelings. Many of them did not understand why yesterday’s Enemy No. 1 was suddenly turned into Ally No. 1, and what to expect from this partnership. In searching for the rationale for this agreement, the Soviet people were inclined to take a positive view of the pact, and then a negative one. A detailed analysis of the transformation of the public mood makes it possible to identify the internal problems of Soviet society, which manifested themselves expressively in the first weeks of World War II. This study also draws attention to the problem of Soviet people’s trust in official sources of information; to the impact of war scares of the interwar period on Soviet society; and to the influence of the ideas of the world proletarian revolution on the perception of the events of late August and early September 1939. The study is based on the accounts of the predominantly Russian population of the Soviet Union and presents the perspective of this ethnic group.

Exploring ethnicity and gender discrimination in judging resume fraud and counterproductive workplace behavior

AbstractThe impact of ethnicity and gender on employment and income disparities in the labor market has been extensively studied, revealing patterns of discrimination. We focus on these specific attributes as potential influencers of perceptions regarding resume fraud and counterproductive behavior in the workplace. In our research, 1002 participants reviewed CVs of prospective job candidates and were subsequently informed about various instances of resume fraud and counterproductive behavior exhibited by the candidates. The names of the candidates were selected to reflect distinct ethnic origins and genders. Our findings indicate the presence of ethnic discrimination. Specifically, individuals within each ethnic group tended to evaluate candidates from their own group with less severity compared to candidates from the opposite group. We did not uncover any indications of gender bias; both male and female candidates were assessed in a similar manner. Our findings uncover ethnicity‐based discrimination in the evaluation of negative behavior within the workplace.

Relationship between serum iron, zinc, calcium, and HIF-1a-comparative analysis of 2 regions and 4 ethnic groups in China.

Altitude illness has serious effects on individuals who are not adequately acclimatized to high-altitude areas and may even lead to death. However, the individualized mechanisms of onset and preventive measures are not fully elucidated at present, especially the relationship between altitude illness and elements, which requires further in-depth research. Fresh serum samples were collected from individuals who underwent health examinations at the two hospitals in Xining and Sanya between November 2021 and December 2021. The blood zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca) concentrations, as well as hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) concentrations, were measured. This study conducted effective sample size estimation, repeated experiments, and used GraphPad Prism 9.0 and IBM SPSS version 19.0 software for comparative analysis of differences in the expression of elements and HIF-1α among different ethnic groups, altitudes, and concentration groups. Linear regression and multiple linear regression were employed to explore the relationships among elements and their correlation with HIF-1α. This study included a total of 400 participants. The results from the repeated measurements indicated that the consistency of the laboratory test results was satisfactory. In terms of altitude differences, except for Fe (p = 0.767), which did not show significant variance between low and high altitude regions, Zn, Ca, and HIF-1α elements all exhibited notable differences between these areas (p < 0.0001, p = 0.004, and p < 0.0001). When grouping by the concentrations of elements and HIF-1α, the results revealed significant variations in the distribution of zinc among different levels of iron and HIF-1α (p < 0.05). The outcomes of the linear regression analysis demonstrated that calcium and zinc, iron and HIF-1α, calcium and HIF-1α, and zinc and HIF-1α displayed substantial overall explanatory power across different subgroups (p < 0.05). Finally, the results of the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that within the high-altitude population, the Li ethnic group in Sanya, and the Han ethnic group in Sanya, the multiple linear regression model with HIF-1αas the dependent variable and elements as the independent variables exhibited noteworthy overall explanatory power (p < 0.05). The levels of typical elements and HIF-1α in the blood differ among various altitudes and ethnic groups, and these distinctions may be linked to the occurrence and progression of high-altitude illness.

Are ethnic inequalities in adult oral health-related quality of life modified by immigration status?

To explore ethnic inequalities in oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the role of nativity status on them. Data from 1868 adults (16-65 years) of 9 ethnic groups participating in a community-based health survey in East London. Participants completed a supervised questionnaire including the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) to calculate prevalence, extent and severity of oral impacts. Associations between ethnicity and nativity status (individually and combined) with OHRQoL were assessed in regression models, crude and adjusted for socio-demographic factors and clinical oral health indicators. Black others showed higher prevalence (OR: 1.91; 95%CI 1.05-3.46), severity (IRR: 2.87, 95%CI 1.63-5.06) and extent of oral impacts (IRR: 1.86, 95%CI 1. 35-2.59). Oral impacts were more severe among Black Caribbeans (IRR: 2.85, 95%CI 1.31-6.18) and Bangladeshis (IRR: 3.08, 95%CI .07-8.91); whereas impacts were more extensive among Pakistanis (IRR: 1.54, 95%CI 1.05-2.25) and Bangladeshis (IRR: 1.87, 95%CI 1.16-3.00). Nativity status individually showed no association with OHRQoL, although when combined with ethnicity resulted in many minority groups showing worse OHRQoL than White British participants. Ethnicity and nativity status have a combined and important role in OHRQoL: ethnic minority groups showed worse OHRQoL even when controlling for clinical oral status.

Early-phase factors associated with pediatric severe dengue in the Thai–Myanmar cross-border region

BackgroundDengue disease is caused by dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Although most infected individuals have benign febrile illness or no apparent symptoms, a small percentage develop severe dengue, a potentially fatal condition that occurs after a febrile stage. Many studies have identified factors predicting dengue severity among different populations and time courses. To help find practical approaches applicable in remote settings, we focused on the investigation of early factors associated with severe dengue in Thai–Myanmar cross-border region.MethodsThis retrospective case-control study was performed to determine factors contributing to severe dengue in the pediatric population. We reviewed the hospital records of patients with dengue infection aged 0–19 years who were admitted to Maesot General Hospital, situated near the Thai–Myanmar cross-border region, between 2017 and 2022. Medical data during the first 5 days of illness and outcomes were collected and analyzed.ResultsThis study included 144 patients with a serologically confirmed diagnosis of dengue infection, with 43 severe and 101 non-severe cases. Among biological factors, being an infant and belonging to an ethnic group in Myanmar showed a significant association with severe dengue in the univariable analysis. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the presence of mucosal bleeding (adjusted OR 5.39, 95% CI 1.06–27.52, P = 0.043), a change in hematocrit ≥ 10% (adjusted OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.15–11.74, P = 0.028), and serum albumin < 35 g/L (adjusted OR 8.10, 95% CI 2.55–25.72, P < 0.001) during the first 5 days of illness were significantly associated with developing severe dengue.ConclusionsThis study supports the use of certain WHO warning signs and hematocrit change during febrile phase to predict pediatric severe dengue in low-resource settings. Potential factors such as very young age and ethnic groups warrant further exploration to identify risks contributing to severe dengue infection.

Urinary Incontinence Care-Seeking Barriers Among Latina Patients: What Are We Missing?

The Latina population is the largest growing ethnic group in the United States with high levels of health disparities in urinary incontinence (UI) treatment and complications rates, which may be due to disproportionately high barriers to UI care-seeking among Latinas. The objectives of this study were to compare barriers to UI care-seeking among Latina, non-Latina Black, and non-Latina White patients by utilizing the Barriers to Incontinence Care Seeking Questionnaire (BICS-Q) total scores, and to compare specific barriers utilizing BICS-Q subscales. In this cross-sectional study, patients accessing primary care were recruited to complete the BICS-Q, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence. The BICS-Q total and subscale scores were compared among ethnic/racial groups. A total of 298 patients were included in the study with 83 Black, 144 Latina, and 71 White participants per self-identified ethnicity/race. The total BICS-Q score was highest for Latina participants, followed by White and Black participants (11.2 vs 8.2 vs 4.9, respectively, P < 0.0001). Latina participants had significantly higher BICS-Q subscale scores compared with Black participants with no significant differences between Latina and White participants. After controlling for potential confounders, Latina ethnicity/race was still associated with a higher BICS-Q score when compared to Black ethnicity/race (P = 0.0077), and lower Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence scores remained independently associated with higher BICS-Q scores (P = 0.0078). In our study population, Latina patients and patients with lower UI knowledge experience higher barriers to UI care-seeking compared with Black patients and patients with higher UI knowledge. Addressing these barriers may increase care-seeking and improve health equity in the field.

Forensic Characterization, Genomic Variability and Ancestry Analysis of Six Populations from Odisha Using mtDNA SNPs and Autosomal STRs.

Located on India's eastern coast, Odisha is known for its diverse tribes and castes. In the early days of genome sequencing technology, researchers primarily studied the Austroasiatic communities inhabiting this region to reconstruct the ancient origins and dispersal of this broad linguistic group. However, current research has shifted towards identifying population and individual-specific genome variation for forensic applications. This study aims to analyze the forensic efficiency and ancestry of six populations from Odisha. We assessed the SF mtDNA-SNP60™ PCR Amplification Kit by comparing it with PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System, a widely used autosomal STR (aSTR) kit, in an Indian cohort. Although the mtDNA SNP kit showed low discriminating power for individuals of a diverse population, it could identify deep lineage divergence. Also, we utilized mitochondrial and autosomal variation information to analyze the ancestry of six endogamous ethnic groups in Odisha. We observe two extremities-populations with higher West Asian affinity and those with East Asian affinity. This observation is in congruence with the existing information of their tribal and non-tribal affiliation. When compared with neighbouring populations from Central and Eastern India, multivariate analysis showed that the Brahmins clustered separately or with the Gopala, Kaibarta appeared as an intermediate, Pana and Kandha clustered with the Gonds, and Savara with the Munda tribes. Our findings indicate significant deep lineage stratification in the ethnic populations of Odisha and a gene flow from West and East Asia. The artefacts of unique deep lineage in such a diverse population will help in improving forensic identification. In addition, we conclude that the SF mtDNA-SNP60 PCR Amplification Kit may be used only as a supplementary tool for forensic analysis.

Ultrasonographic threshold of ovarian structure in premenopausal women of different ethnicity

The polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) is a generally accepted ultrasound marker for ovulatory dysfunction, is one of the criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and is established based on the assessment of ovarian volume (OV) and the follicle number per ovary (FNPO), taking into account the upper normal values determined in healthy premenopausal women. However, there is a necessity for regular revision of the PCOM characteristics depending on ethnic and age characteristics.The aim. To develop differentiated standards for assessing the ultrasonographic ovary structure in premenopausal women of various ethnicity.Materials and methods. From March 2016 to December 2019, a multicenter cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in Eastern Siberia (Irkutsk region) and in the neighboring Republic of Buryatia. The study included 1134 participants: 715 women of Caucasian origin, 312 Asian women, 107 women of mixed ethnic subpopulation.Results. It has been established that for Caucasians, it is advisable to diagnose PCOM when the ovarian volume is 9 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 12; for women of the Asian population – when the ovarian volume is 7 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 11; for women of mixed ethnicity – when the ovarian volume is 8 cm3 and/or FNPO ≥ 9. An important advantage of our study is that all participants were recruited from a non-selective multi-ethnic population of women with comparable socio-demographic characteristics living in the same geographical conditions.Conclusion. Differentiated approach for identifying the polycystic ovarian morphology in premenopausal women of different ethnic groups requires using ethnically differentiated normative readings

Practice and Experience of Corps Colleges and Universities in the New Era of the Communist Party of China's Unity and Stabilisation of the Borderlands

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out when attending the Fifth Session of the 13th National People's Congress that "national unity is the lifeline of all ethnic groups in our country, and the sense of community of the Chinese nation is the basis of national unity". Based on this, this study takes the creation of national unity and progress in colleges and universities as the main line, selects the national national unity and progress in the creation of demonstration units - Shihezi University as the object of study, comprehensively applies the comprehensive social survey research methods such as literature research, participant observation, interviews, etc., sums up the specific practice of Shihezi University in practicing unity and stabilisation of Xinjiang, and puts forward targeted, comprehensive, and effective measures for the creation of Xinjiang's national unity and progress in Xinjiang. The study will summarise the concrete practice of Shihezi University, put forward targeted and exemplary opinions on the creation of national unity and progress, promote the implementation and development of the concept of "unity and stability" in the whole territory, and offer suggestions for the realisation of social stability and long-term peace and stability in Xinjiang.

Diet and Culture Exchange between Central Plains and Turpan during Tang Dynasty

The culinary culture of the Tang Dynasty was extremely prosperous, with a wide variety of food and a meticulous production process. Moreover, due to the development of the Silk Road and cultural exchange between the central plains and Turpan, the diet communication between the central plains and western regions are especially frequent. The phenomenon of dietary Hu Feng in the Tang Dynasty is one of the main examples of Cultural exchange between China and the West and the absorption of foreign culture by Han ethnic group. According to the researches on the diet communication between central plains and western regions, it can be a different perspective to learn about the history and culture of Tang Dynasty. This paper mainly expounds the communication between the Central Plains and Turpan in the Tang Dynasty in terms of diet, which is analyzed and studied from three aspects: the overview of differences, the influence of blending and the possibility and inevitability of cultural exchange. This paper probes into the types and structural differences of staple food and non-staple food between the Central Plains and Turpan. And the spread of Hu food, such as Hu cakes and grapes, in the Central Plains, and the spread of the Central Plains special diet in Turpan. This paper analyzes the blending of food culture from the description of food culture by literati in Tang Dynasty. Finally, it analyzes the possibility and inevitability of food exchange between the Central Plains and Turpan in terms of geographical environment, historical reasons and phenomena.

Adult mortality from non-communicable diseases in Fiji's major ethnic groups 2013–17

BackgroundSustainable Development Goal 3.4.1 (SDG3.4.1) targets a one-third reduction in non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality in ages 30–69-years by 2030 (relative to 2015). Directing interventions to achieve this aim requires reliable estimates of underlying cause of death (UCoD). This may be problematic when both cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and diabetes are present due to a lack of consistency in certification of such deaths. We estimate empirically 2013–17 NCD mortality in Fiji, by sex and ethnicity, from CVD, diabetes, cancer, and chronic lower respiratory diseases (CRD), and aggregated as NCD4. MethodsUCoD was determined from Medical Certificates of Cause-of-Death (MCCD) from the Fiji Ministry of Health after pre-processing of mortality data where diabetes and/or hypertension were present in order to generate internationally comparable UCoD. If no potentially fatal complications from diabetes or hypertension accompanied these causes in Part I (direct cause) of the MCCD, these conditions were re-assigned to Part II (contributory cause). The probability of a 30-year-old dying before reaching age 70-years (PoD30–70), by cause, was calculated. FindingsThe PoD30–70 from NCD4 over 2013–17 differed by sex and ethnicity: in women, it was 36% (95%CI 35–37%) in i-Taukei and 27% (26–28%) in Fijians of Indian descent (FID); in men, it was 41% (40–42%) in both i-Taukei and FID.PoD30–70 from CVD, diabetes, cancer and CRD in women was: 18%, 10%, 13% and 1·0% in i-Taukei; 13%, 10%, 5·6% and 1·1% in FID; in men was: 28%, 8.4%, 7·6% and 2·2% in i-Taukei; 31%, 8.3%, 3.5% and 3·1% in FID. InterpretationTo achieve SDG3.4.1 goals in Fiji by 2030, effective population wide and ethnic-specific interventions targeting multiple NCDs are required to reduce PoD30–70 from NCD4: from 36% to 24% in i-Taukei, and 27% to 18% in FID women; and from 41% to 27% in i-Taukei and FID men. FundingNot applicable.

LIFE IN THE HEART OF SOUTHWEST ETHIOPIA: PRELIMINARY REFLECTIONS ON THE PASTORAL LIFE OF THE HAMAR PEOPLE

Ethiopia is a country with a rich cultural history spanning thousands of years, where diverse ethnic groups coexist. This study focuses on one example of this diversity, the rural Hamar people in the Lower Omo Valley, which is internationally recognised for its unique cultural practices and ecological richness. The Hamar community is among the diverse ethnic groups in the Southern Omo Region and embodies a pastoral lifestyle closely linked to agro-pastoralism, in which cattle play a central role both culturally and economically. This lifestyle is particularly notable in the region due to its specific cultural practices and economic reliance on cattle. This study presents an in-depth examination of the pastoral lifestyle and traditional practices of the Hamar people in the Lower Omo Valley in southwestern Ethiopia. The aim is to understand the cultural, economic and environmental dynamics underlying the lifestyle of the Hamar and to explore the unique socio-economic structure and ecological adaptation of these villages. The study is also intended to contribute to the sustainability of pastoralism and to the preservation of cultural diversity at both a regional and global level. The use of observer and participant observation techniques also constitutes a preliminary study of the biological aspects of dietary habits, which I intend to examine in dept through the daily practices of the society and to carry out in the field of physical anthropology in the future. Through this research, the paper contributes to the wider discourse on the preservation of Ethiopian culture, highlighting the need to protect the rich heritage of the Hamar community amidst evolving external influences.

COVID-19–related hospitalizations among Aotearoa, New Zealand children during the Omicron era of SARS-CoV-2

ObjectivesThis multicenter cohort study describes Aotearoa New Zealand children hospitalized during the country's first wave of sustained SARS-CoV-2 transmission, Omicron variant. MethodsChildren younger than 16 years, hospitalized for >6 hours with COVID-19 across New Zealand from January to May 2022 were included. Admissions for all Māori and Pacific and every second non-Maori non-Pacific children were selected to support equal explanatory power for ethnic grouping. Attribution of hospital admission, demography, clinical presentation, comorbidity, treatment, and outcome data were collected. ResultsOf 444 hospitalizations of children positive for COVID-19, 292 (65.5%) from 290 children were considered admissions attributable to COVID-19. Of these admissions, 126 (43.4%) were aged under 1; 118 (40.7%), 99 (34.1%), and 87 (30.0%) were children of Māori, Pacific, and non-Maori non-Pacific ethnicity, respectively. Underlying respiratory disease was the most common comorbidity, present in 22 children (7.6%); 16 children (5.5%) were immunosuppressed. Median length of stay was 1 day (interquartile range 0.0-2.0). Four children received antiviral, 69 (24%) antibacterial, and 24 (8%) supplemental oxygen. Although eight children required intensive care, there were no deaths. ConclusionsChildren hospitalized during the first significant wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in New Zealand presented with a multi-system viral illness and rarely with severe disease.

Generation of an induced pluripotent stem cell line (BIORTCi001-A) from a healthy adult indigenous Nigerian participant

Genetic backgrounds influence cellular phenotypes, drug responses, and health outcomes, yet most human iPSC lines are derived from individuals of European descent, with lines from indigenous Africans particularly scarce. Addressing this gap, we generated iPSCs from dermal fibroblasts of a healthy 60-year-old indigenous Nigerian male of the Babur ethnic group using Sendai virus. The iPSC line displayed a normal karyotype, was characterized for pluripotency markers and differentiated into neural progenitor cells and astrocytes. To enhance African representation in research, this iPSC line will be available to the scientific community, with ongoing efforts focused on creating an open-access African iPSC biobank.Resource Table:

Self-Esteem Among U.S. African American and Latinx Adolescents With Depressive Symptoms and Overweight and/or Obesity.

To examine the concept of self-esteem among African American and Latinx adolescents with overweight and/or obesity and depressive symptoms in the United States. Using key terms in CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases, an initial search yielded 371 articles; after examining title, abstract, and full text, 33 articles remained. The concept of adolescent self-esteem was analyzed using Rodger's evolutionary method. Several antecedents of self-esteem in this context were identified, including bullying, negative portrayal in the media, stressors and hassles, low socioeconomic status, dieting, and family dietary influences. Attributes identified were body image and misperception, body image dissatisfaction, diminished social status, and isolation. Consequences included stigma, somatic complaints, decreased earnings over a lifetime, decreased quality of life, lower educational attainment over a lifetime, and increased substance use. Increased self-esteem, increased number of friends, and in-depth friendships were associated with a lower risk of being overweight or obese. Adolescent self-esteem varied based on gender, racial and ethnic group, and changed over time in the African American population but remained static in the Latinx population. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].