European Backgrounds Research Articles

Genetic comparison of sickle cell anaemia cohorts from Brazil and\xa0the United States reveals high levels of divergence

Genetic analysis of admixed populations raises special concerns with regard to study design and data processing, particularly to avoid population stratification biases. The point mutation responsible for sickle cell anaemia codes for a variant hemoglobin, sickle hemoglobin or HbS, whose presence drives the pathophysiology of disease. Here we propose to explore ancestry and population structure in a genome-wide study with particular emphasis on chromosome 11 in two SCA admixed cohorts obtained from urban populations of Brazil (Pernambuco and São Paulo) and the United States (Pennsylvania). Ancestry inference showed different proportions of European, African and American backgrounds in the composition of our samples. Brazilians were more admixed, had a lower African background (43% vs. 78% on the genomic level and 44% vs. 76% on chromosome 11) and presented a signature of positive selection and Iberian introgression in the HbS region, driving a high differentiation of this locus between the two cohorts. The genetic structures of the SCA cohorts from Brazil and US differ considerably on the genome-wide, chromosome 11 and HbS mutation locus levels.

Gut microbiota composition explains more variance in the host cardiometabolic risk than genetic ancestry

ABSTRACTCardiometabolic affections greatly contribute to the global burden of disease. The susceptibility to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes, conditions that add to the cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS), was associated with the ancestral genetic composition and gut microbiota. Studies explicitly testing associations between genetic ancestry and gut microbes are growing. We here examined whether the host genetic ancestry was associated with gut microbiota composition, and distinguished the effects of genetic ancestry and non-genetic factors on human cardiometabolic health. We performed a cross-sectional study with 441 community-dwelling Colombian mestizos from five cities spanning the Andes, Pacific, and Caribbean coasts. We characterized the host genetic ancestry by genotyping 40 ancestry informative markers; characterized gut microbiota through 16S rRNA gene sequencing; assessed diet intake, physical activity, cigarette, and medicament consumption; and measured cardiometabolic outcomes that allowed calculating a CMS risk scale. On average, each individual of our cohort was 67 ± 6% European, 21 ± 5% Native American and 12 ± 5% African. Multivariable-adjusted generalized linear models showed that individuals with higher Native American and African ancestries had increased fasting insulin, body mass index and CMS risk, as assessed by the CMS risk scale. Furthermore, we identified 21 OTUs associated to the host genetic ancestry and 20 to cardiometabolic health. While we highlight novel associations between genetic ancestry and gut microbiota, we found that the effect of intestinal microbes was more likely to explain the variance in CMS risk scale than the contributions of European, Native American and African genetic backgrounds.

The unified chart of mobility services: Towards a systemic approach to analyze service quality in smart mobility ecosystem

Local transportation services are an essential component of urban infrastructures. The constantly growing requirements and expectations from several stakeholders, ranging from public authorities, operators and passengers, demand a deep rethinking of the entire system. Such services must be oriented towards sustainability in everyday life, requiring systemic approaches capable of fostering Quality of Service (QoS) improvements.This paper aims at highlighting the main facets of QoS from different perspectives (service providers’, stakeholders’, passengers’ and commuters’) and proposes a systemic modeling approach that supports the design, implementation and monitoring of a QoS system in smart mobility. The whole architectural framework is described and UCoMS, the platform for analyzing QoS, is proposed. The approach has been validated in the Apulia region in the South of Italy, using taxonomy of quality indicators and service levels on the basis of the European and Italian regulatory backgrounds.

The training and practice of crew resource management: recommendations from an inductive in vivo study of the flight deck

Crew resource management (CRM) is credited with saving 185 lives at Sioux City. While the theory behind CRM is well documented, there are few studies of how CRM manifests on the line. This inductive in vivo study had three objectives. First, to describe how CRM manifests. Secondly, to evaluate the efficacy of CRM vis-à-vis flight safety. Thirdly, to suggest improvements to the CRM training syllabus. The study produced five conclusions: First, CRM is durable under conditions of moderate strain. Secondly, crews embed and refine CRM through reflection and action. Thirdly, CRM facilitates and shapes social relations. Fourthly, mindlessness (Langer 1989) undermines CRM. Finally, the interruption of flight-deck routines by third-parties poses a threat to flight-safety. The paper recommends multi-profession CRM training as a means of improving communication and co-ordination in and around aircraft. The study’s limitations include a monocultural flight-deck: flights were operated by pilots with European backgrounds. Mindful of Hofstede’s (1980), Engle's (2000) and Helmreich and Merritt's (2001) examination of the relationship between culture and performance, the author suggests the study be repeated with carriers that employ pilots from a variety of cultures.Practitioner Summary: This in vivo study evaluates the efficacy of CRM vis-à-vis flight safety and supports a critique of the CRM syllabus. The author observed twenty sectors and attended a CRM training day. To improve safety and efficiency, it is recommended that airlines run multi-profession (inclusive) CRM training courses.

Trends in overweight, obesity, and waist-to-height ratio among Australian children from linguistically diverse backgrounds, 1997 to 2015

ObjectiveTo report the cross-sectional prevalence and 18-year trends in overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity among Australian children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.Subjects/MethodsFour cross-sectional population health surveys conducted among children (age 4-16 years; n=26, 449) in 1997-2004-2010-2015 in New South Wales, (NSW) Australia. Adiposity outcomes were measured by trained field staff using standard procedures. Binomial regression models with a robust error variance were used to estimate prevalence ratio (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overweight and obesity, obesity, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ≥ 0.5 for children from Asian, European, and Middle Eastern language backgrounds compared with children from English-speaking backgrounds, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsOver time, children from Middle Eastern language backgrounds were consistently more likely to be overweight-obese (PR: 1.29–1.42), obese (PR: 1.49–1.65), and have WHtR ≥ 0.5 (PR: 1.42–1.90), compared with children from English-speaking backgrounds. Children from European language backgrounds generally had higher prevalence and children from Asian language backgrounds had lower prevalence, compared with children from English-speaking backgrounds. Between 1997 and 2015, there were significant trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity combined among children from English-speaking (PR: 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09), Middle Eastern (PR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.24), and Asian language backgrounds (PR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.24). The prevalence of WHtr ≥ 0.5 increased among children from English-speaking (PR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.13, 1.31) and Middle Eastern (PR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.16, 1.56) language backgrounds.ConclusionsOverall, the prevalence of overweight and obesity and abdominal obesity is high among NSW children from CALD backgrounds and has increased over time. This suggests that there is a greater scope in understanding, developing, and implementing interventions across the early life-course of children from CALD backgrounds.

OBESITY TRENDS AND RISK FACTORS AMONG REFUGEE CHILDREN/YOUTH: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract BACKGROUND Overweight and obese children are at a heightened risk of adult-onset health complications including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and psychosocial complications. These disorders can begin in childhood, which increases the likelihood of early morbidity and mortality. In parallel, over the past two decades, the global population of refugees has grown substantially. OBJECTIVES Given the rapid increase of refugee populations in Canada, it is important to understand how obesity and overweight patterns for refugee children and youth differ from those of native-born populations. To date, no review has comprehensively documented weight gain trends and risk factors in paediatric refugee populations. DESIGN/METHODS A scoping review of the literature was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, and EMBASE for publications in English from August 1991 to April 2017. A total of 11 articles were identified relating to prevalence and risk factors for becoming overweight/obese in refugee children and youth aged 0 to 18 years old after arrival in a high-income setting. RESULTS Paediatric refugees were at increased risk of rapid weight gain after migration. After living in a HIC for 1.5 to 9 years, refugee children demonstrated a prevalence of obesity that ranged from 1.4 to 21%. The prevalence of overweight children and youth ranged from 5.7 to 22.8%. Refugee children and youth had a steeper increase in their BMI compared with non-refugees (P < 0.001). Younger children (< 2 years) experienced an increase in BMI at a slower rate (P = 0.002) than older children and youth. A longer length of stay in HICs was associated with an increase in BMI percentile among refugee children. Populations of Eastern European, African, and Middle Eastern ethnic backgrounds demonstrated a higher risk of becoming overweight/obese in comparison to other paediatric refugees or non-refugee children. CONCLUSION This review demonstrates that despite methodological differences between the 11 included studies, 6 of them consistently demonstrate a direct relationship between increased BMI and length of residence in HICs among refugee children. Multiple studies (n=7) emphasize the need for culturally tailored prevention strategies including timely orientation to nutrition in HICs. Preventing the development of obesity among refugee children is crucial for reducing the short and long-term health consequences associated with childhood obesity.

Autosomal and Mitochondrial Adaptation Following Admixture: A Case Study on the Honeybees of Reunion Island.

The honeybee population of the tropical Reunion Island is a genetic admixture of the Apis mellifera unicolor subspecies, originally described in Madagascar, and of European subspecies, mainly A. m. carnica and A. m. ligustica, regularly imported to the island since the late 19th century. We took advantage of this population to study genetic admixing of the tropical-adapted indigenous and temperate-adapted European genetic backgrounds. Whole genome sequencing of 30 workers and 6 males from Reunion, compared with samples from Europe, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rodrigues, and the Seychelles, revealed the Reunion honeybee population to be composed on an average of 53.2 ± 5.9% A. m. unicolor nuclear genomic background, the rest being mainly composed of A. m. carnica and to a lesser extent A. m. ligustica. In striking contrast to this, only 1 out of the 36 honeybees from Reunion had a mitochondrial genome of European origin, suggesting selection has favored the A. m. unicolor mitotype, which is possibly better adapted to the island’s bioclimate. Local ancestry was determined along the chromosomes for all Reunion samples, and a test for preferential selection for the A. m. unicolor or European background revealed 15 regions significantly associated with the A. m. unicolor lineage and 9 regions with the European lineage. Our results provide insights into the long-term consequences of introducing exotic specimen on the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of locally adapted populations.

The prevalence of monogenic diabetes in Australia: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase II.

To determine the prevalence of monogenic diabetes in an Australian community. Longitudinal observational study of a cohort recruited between 2008 and 2011. Urban population of 157 000 people (Fremantle, Western Australia). 1668 (of 4639 people with diabetes) who consented to participation (36.0% participation). Prevalence of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and permanent neonatal diabetes in patients under 35 years of age, from European and non-European ethnic backgrounds, who were at risk of MODY according to United Kingdom risk prediction models, and who were then genotyped for relevant mutations. Twelve of 148 young participants with European ethnic backgrounds (8%) were identified by the risk prediction model as likely to have MODY; four had a glucokinase gene mutation. Thirteen of 45 with non-European ethnic backgrounds (28%) were identified as likely to have MODY, but none had a relevant mutation (DNA unavailable for one patient). Two patients with European ethnic backgrounds (one likely to have MODY) had neonatal diabetes. The estimated MODY prevalence among participants with diagnosed diabetes was 0.24% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08-0.66%), an overall population prevalence of 89 cases per million; the prevalence of permanent neonatal diabetes was 0.12% (95% CI, 0.02-0.48%) and the population prevalence 45 cases per million. One in 280 Australians diagnosed with diabetes have a monogenic form; most are of European ethnicity. Diagnosing MODY and neonatal diabetes is important because their management (including family screening) and prognosis can differ significantly from those for types 1 and 2 diabetes.

Hope in Hard Times: Norvelt and the Struggle for Community during the Great Depression, The Mutual Housing Experiment: New Deal Communities for the Urban Middle Class

Hope in Hard Times: Norvelt and the Struggle for Community during the Great Depression, The Mutual Housing Experiment: New Deal Communities for the Urban Middle Class

THE RELEVANCE OF APOE4 TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN THE PRESENCE OF LOCAL ANCESTRY DIFFERENCES

Variants at the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) are major risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Strong associations between E4 and AD risk and E2 and AD protection have been confirmed worldwide, but there is variability in the effect size across populations. The Puerto Rican (PR) population is highly admixed and the individual ancestries are highly variable. We have collected a set of PR AD and control samples (who represents the second largest Hispanic/Latino population in the continental US) to assess the relevance of ApoE4 and other genetic risk factors to AD in the presence of admixture and local ancestry variability. To date we have ascertained 170 unrelated individuals including 108 AD cases and 62 cognitively intact controls with additional ascertainment ongoing. The percentage of females is 71.3% and 54.8% in cases and controls, respectively, with mean age at exam is 77.7 + 8.41and 71.6 +7.3 for cases and controls, respectively. ApoE4 genotyping and genome-wide genotyping (with Illumina MEGA and GSA arrays) was performed. Global ancestry was assessed using Eigenstrat. To assess local ancestry phasing was performed using SHAPEIT (with 1kGP reference) followed by RFMix (using HGDP reference panels). Association between affection status and ApoE4 genotype was analyzed using logistic regression, adjusting for age at exam, gender, PC1 and PC2. The E4 allele frequency in the PR cases and controls was 29.2% and 14.5% respectively (p-value=0.0145, OR=2.36). Global ancestry was only nominally associated with disease, when adjusting for sex (p=0.048; p=0.17 without sex adjustment). However, when accounting for local ancestry, E4 alleles on an European background were more associated with disease than those on an African background (p-value=0.031; OR=5.71). This study confirms the effect of ApoE4 in the PR population, but notes an attenuated effect, similar to that seen in other Hispanic or African populations. While global ancestry was only nominally associated, the ApoE4 allele on an African background shows less effect than on European backgrounds. These results suggest the APOE region from non-European populations may harbor protective factors that help mitigate the effect of the detrimental E4 allele.

Sex Differences in the Presentation of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in a Community Sample of Adolescents

The current study sought to explore sex differences in the presentation of probable full-syndrome and subthreshold body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in adolescents from an Australian community sample. Specifically, it examined sex differences in the types of BDD symptoms endorsed, body areas of concern, and the association with elevated symptoms of comorbid disorders. In male participants, it also compared the presenting features of those with and without muscle dysmorphia. Of 3,149 adolescents assessed using self-report questionnaires, 162 (5.1%) reported probable BDD (57.4% male, M age = 14.89 years, SD = 1.33, primarily from Oceanian or European cultural backgrounds). All participants completed measures of BDD symptoms; past mental health service use; and symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Male participants completed additional measures of quality of life, drive for muscularity, hyperactivity, conduct disorder, peer problems, and emotional symptoms. Controlling for demographic variables that varied by sex, male and female participants reported similar BDD symptom severity, rates of most elevated comorbid symptoms, and mental health service use. Concerns regarding muscularity, breasts/nipples, and thighs differed by sex. Female participants were more likely than male participants to report elevated generalized anxiety symptoms. In male participants, muscle dysmorphia was not associated with greater severity across most measures. The presenting features of BDD were broadly similar in male and female participants, and in male participants with and without muscle dysmorphia. Future research should seek to increase mental health service use in adolescents with BDD and to improve rates of disorder detection in clinical settings.

Explaining the political under-representation of Asian Australians: geographical concentration and voting patterns

ABSTRACTIn terms of Asian Migrant and Ethnic Minority (MEM) representation, the Australian Parliament is one of the most unrepresentative when compared to other similar settler societies such as Canada and the United States. This article examines why the Australian Parliament still predominantly comprises members of parliament from British and European Backgrounds despite Australia’s rich multicultural heritage involving a long history of non-British and European migration. One of the main reasons put forward for the low participation of Asian migrant and ethnic minorities in the Australian Parliament is the lack of geographical concentration of Asian migrants and the declining importance of the ‘ethnic vote’, which in other similar settler countries has led to the selection and recruitment of MEM candidates to competitive seats. This article explores the geographical concentration of Asian migrants in competitive seats as well as voting patterns among Asian Australians using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Election Studies. In doing so, this research considers whether there is potential for the incorporation of MEM interests in the future through descriptive and substantive representation.

Diverse Outcomes: Social Citizenship and the Inclusion of Skilled Migrants in Australia

The sociology of citizenship is concerned with the social and economic conditions of citizens of a national community. Drawing on T. H. Marshall’s contribution to the theory of social citizenship this article argues that some groups of migrants and ethnic minorities in Australia, particularly those from non-British and European Backgrounds, face a number of social and institutional barriers which prevent them from reaching their full potential as members of Australia’s multicultural community. Evidence from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data shows different socioeconomic outcomes for migrants from British and European backgrounds compared with migrants from Asian backgrounds, despite having similar educational qualifications and length of time living in Australia. As such, it is argued that achieving social membership and inclusion continues to be a struggle for particular groups of migrants. A deeper commitment to the core principles of citizenship that is beyond mere notions of formal equality is needed if Australia is to address this important social issue.

Higher bone resorption excretion in South Asian women vs. White Caucasians and increased bone loss with higher seasonal cycling of vitamin D: Results from the D-FINES cohort study

Few data exist on bone turnover in South Asian women and it is not well elucidated as to whether Western dwelling South Asian women have different bone resorption levels to that of women from European ethnic backgrounds. This study assessed bone resorption levels in UK dwelling South Asian and Caucasian women as well as evaluating whether seasonal variation in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with bone resorption in either ethnic group.Data for seasonal measures of urinary N-telopeptide of collagen (uNTX) and serum 25(OH)D were analysed from n=373 women (four groups; South Asian postmenopausal n=44, South Asian premenopausal n=50, Caucasian postmenopausal n=144, Caucasian premenopausal n=135) (mean (±SD) age 48 (14) years; age range 18–79years) who participated in the longitudinal D-FINES (Diet, Food Intake, Nutrition and Exposure to the Sun in Southern England) cohort study (2006–2007).A mixed between-within subjects ANOVA (n=192) showed a between subjects effect of the four groups (P<0.001) on uNTX concentration, but no significant main effect of season (P=0.163). Bonferroni adjusted Post hoc tests (P≤0.008) suggested that there was no significant difference between the postmenopausal Asian and premenopausal Asian groups. Season specific age-matched-pairs analyses showed that in winter (P=0.04) and spring (P=0.007), premenopausal Asian women had a 16 to 20nmolBCE/mmol Cr higher uNTX than premenopausal Caucasian women.The (amplitude/mesor) ratio (i.e. seasonal change) for 25(OH)D was predictive of uNTX, with estimate (SD)=0.213 (0.015) and 95% CI (0.182, 0.245; P<0.001) in a non-linear mixed model (n=154). This showed that individuals with a higher seasonal change in 25(OH)D, adjusted for overall 25(OH)D concentration, showed increased levels of uNTX. Although the effect size was smaller than for the amplitude/mesor ratio, the mesor for 25(OH)D concentration was also predictive of uNTX, with estimate (SD)=−0.035 (0.004), and 95% CI (−0.043, −0.028; P<0.001).This study demonstrates higher levels of uNTX in premenopausal South Asian women than would be expected for their age, being greater than same-age Caucasian women, and similar to postmenopausal Asian women. This highlights potentially higher than expected bone resorption levels in premenopausal South Asian women which, if not offset by concurrent increased bone formation, may have future clinical and public health implications which warrant further investigation. Individuals with a larger seasonal change in 25(OH)D concentration showed an increased bone resorption, an association which was larger than that of the 25(OH)D yearly average, suggesting it may be as important clinically to ensure a stable and steady 25(OH)D concentration, as well as one that is high enough to be optimal for bone health.

Integrated high-density consensus genetic map of Pyrus and anchoring of the 'Bartlett' v1.0 (Pyrus communis) genome.

Genetic maps are essential tools for pear genetics and genomics research. In this study, we first constructed an integrated simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based consensus genetic map for pear based on common SSR markers between nine published maps. A total of 5,085 markers, including 1,232 SSRs and 3,853 SNPs, were localized on a consensus map spanning 3,266.0 cM in total, with an average marker interval of 0.64 cM, which represents the highest density consensus map of pear to date. Using three sets of high-density SNP-based genetic maps with European pear genetic backgrounds, we anchored a total of 291.5 Mb of the ‘Bartlett’ v1.0 (Pyrus communis L.) genome scaffolds into 17 pseudo-chromosomes. This accounted for 50.5% of the genome assembly, which was a great improvement on the 29.7% achieved originally. Intra-genome and inter-genome synteny analyses of the new ‘Bartlett’ v1.1 genome assembly with the Asian pear ‘Dangshansuli’ (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) genomes uncovered four new segmental duplication regions. The integrated high-density SSR and SNP-based consensus genetic map provided new insights into the genetic structure patterns of pear and assisted in the genome assembly of ‘Bartlett’ through further exploration of different pear genetic maps.

Does Time Perspective Predict Life Satisfaction? A Study Including Mindfulness as a Measure of Time Experience in a Sample of Catalan Students

Previous studies have reported that life satisfaction (LS) is positively associated with time perspective (TP) and mindfulness and that mindfulness may provide a holistic TP that integrates and helps to balance different time frames. However, studies performed to date have only been conducted in Eastern and Central Europe. Given the important cultural differences in time management between these regions and Mediterranean countries, the purpose of the present study was to replicate those studies to assess the association between mindfulness, TP, and LS in a sample of young adults living in the province of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain). A total of 377 undergraduate university students (65.25% women) were recruited and completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results show significant positive relationships between LS, mindfulness, and past positive, as well as negative associations between LS, past negative, and an unbalanced TP. Mindfulness also correlated inversely with an unbalanced TP. Regression analyses showed that 27% of variance in LS could be explained by the past negative and past positive ZTPI measures together with the MAAS. These results confirm the conclusions of previous studies conducted in culturally different populations and reinforce the hypothesis that mindfulness provides a holistic TP that intrinsically balances TP and increases LS. These findings suggest that a mindful attitude might be a key component of TP regulation that transcends different European cultural backgrounds.

Testing the relationship between mimicry, trust and rapport in virtual reality conversations.

People mimic each other’s actions and postures during everyday interactions. It is widely believed this mimicry acts as a social glue, leading to increased rapport. We present two studies using virtual reality to rigorously test this hypothesis. In Study 1, 50 participants interacted with two avatars who either mimicked their head and torso movements at a 1 or 3 second time delay or did not mimic, and rated feelings of rapport and trust toward the avatars. Rapport was higher towards mimicking avatars, with no effect of timing. In Study 2, we aimed to replicate this effect in a pre-registered design and test whether it is modulated by cultural ingroup-outgroup boundaries. Forty participants from European or East Asian backgrounds interacted with four avatars, two of European appearance and two of East Asian appearance. Two avatars mimicked while the other two did not. We found no effects of mimicry on rapport or trust ratings or implicit trust behaviour in a novel maze task, and no effects of group status or interactions. These null results were calculated in line with our pre-registration. We conclude that being mimicked does not always increase rapport or trust, and make suggestions for future directions.

COMMENT: IS RACE REALLY SO FLUID? REVISITING SAPERSTEIN AND PENNER'S EMPIRICAL CLAIMS.

COMMENT: IS RACE REALLY SO FLUID? REVISITING SAPERSTEIN AND PENNER'S EMPIRICAL CLAIMS.

Identifying and Mapping Ethnicity in Philadelphia in the Early Republic

This essay focuses on issues of ethnicity and race in Philadelphia during the final decade of the eighteenth century. It draws on an older methodology of name identification to determine the ethnic background of thousands of the inhabitants and then maps those people to explain how and why Europeans and African Americans arranged themselves in the city. In residential and commercial terms, integrated rather than segregated neighborhoods characterized the urban center. The diverse urban population scattered across neighborhoods—living, shopping, drinking, and sharing housing with people from various European backgrounds and, more than occasionally, even across racial lines. All figures are available at http://hsp.org/publications/pennsylvania-magazine-of-history-biography/pmhb-october-2016.

“He Does Not Profess, Until Today, any Religion”: Catholic Clergy and Intermarriage in Paso del Norte during the Nineteenth Century

During the nineteenth century, the Mexican clergy of Paso del Norte (now Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico and El Paso, Texas) witnessed the imposition of new borders, the redrawing of diocesan boundaries, and an influx of newcomers with Protestant or European Catholic backgrounds. Despite these changes, Mexican priests continued to exercise leadership over parishes in western Texas and southern New Mexico after these areas became part of the United States. They granted dispensations to Catholic foreigners, confirmed former Protestants, and performed interethnic marriages. This study examines how the clergy enabled the emergence of a “structure of peace” in the borderlands that drew from familial as well as economic ties between Euro-American settlers and Mexican landholders. The clergy’s oversight of family life also allowed for the continued governance of church affairs across international borders during an age largely marked by U.S. expansionism. At times, the clergy subverted conquest by exercising power over the personal and religious lives of settlers. This period of accord was short-lived, however, and the rapid growth of the Euro-American population near Paso del Norte after 1870 brought an end to most formal Mexican authority over Catholics in this section of the Southwestern United States.