Indigenous Origin Research Articles

Ossetic Boar

Abstract The article deals with the Ossetic word for ‘boar’ against the backgrounds of modern Ossetic porcine terminology. The Common Iranian name of the beast has survived in Ossetic anthroponymy only. Due to taboos many descriptive names for ‘boar’ are in use, such as ‘forest pig’, etc. The standard term (Digorian) tusk’a ‘boar’ was discussed by V. Abaev on a number of occasions, and the doyen of Ossetic studies considered it among Ossetic-European isoglosses in view of Eng. tusk, etc. The paper adds Iron evidence never mentioned before in its discussion and reassesses several questions regarding its alleged borrowing from Gothic. It is shown that the currently accepted approach to the pre-history of the Ossetic word as a linguistic loan at least requires adjustments, and that the term may well be of indigenous origin.

Indigenous Experiences and Contributions to Western Scientific Knowledge Systems: An Ethnographic Exploration

Knowledge systems are embedded in sets of values, worldviews, and cosmologies that affect the whole process of knowledge production. Employing an ethnographic method that integrates participant observation, interviews, and focus groups, I explore the contributions, ideas, points of view, and metaphors that individuals of Indigenous origins introduce to the scientific method when they enter Western scientific knowledge systems. This ethnographic exploration focuses on a group of students with a variety of Indigenous backgrounds participating in a field course on introduction to Ecology. Native-born students contribute innovations to the knowledge production process by shaping research questions, methodologies, and result interpretations. These innovations stem from diverse worldviews and epistemologies, and while they could significantly impact scientific knowledge production, the students may not fully appreciate their own relevance. This work may serve as a testimony of the processes of reflection and negotiation with the scientific methods, practices, and values that native students undergo when participating in a Western scientific context.

ҚАРЖЫ-САУДА ЛЕКСИКАНЫҢ СЕМАНТИКАЛЫҚ ДАМУЫ: ҚОР, ҚҰН ЖӘНЕ ТАУАР СӨЗДЕРІ

The richness of the vocabulary of the Kazakh language can be traced in the abundance and diversity of the vocabulary. Especially the large number of words related to finance and economics in the Kazakh language indicates that the Kazakh people have long been well versed in economics and finance. Among the Turkic peoples and languages, the Kazakh language is distinguished by the rich variety of skins and wool, a variety of names for clothing, food, ores, minerals, expensive fabrics, materials, jewelry and the preservation of words of indigenous Turkic origin. The article analyzes the terms and individual names of the financial and economic sphere used in the active vocabulary of the Kazakh language. The very first meaning and etymology of some financial, economic and trade terms in the Kazakh language is given on the basis of data from modern Turkic languages, starting from ancient and medieval Turkic written monuments. Materials from unrelated languages were also used for semantic connections between words and for additional evidence. In this research paper, among the Kazakh financial and economic vocabulary, native words are presented, mainly common to the Turkic languages. In particular, the history of semantic change of active words such as “kor”, “kun” and “tauar” is considered, conclusions about their origin are made.

Identification and confirmation of powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) resistance in pea germplasm

Erysiphe polygoni DC, the causative agent of powdery mildew, poses a significant threat to pea crop, resulting in substantial yield and economic losses. To address this menace, an exploration of intrinsic resistance within pea germplasm becomes imperative for effective disease management. In our study, phenotyping of 1095 pea accessions, sourced from both indigenous and exotic origins, under natural epiphytotic conditions during Rabi 2021-22, revealed a prevailing susceptibility, with over 60 per cent disease severity in majority of accessions. Remarkably, only 22 accessions, including IC208327, IC220109, IC220378, IC258401, IC262762, IC262849, IC267140, IC267174, IC267727, IC274039, IC274040, IC310074, IC311066, IC345548, IC424898, IC552779, IC613133, IC629544, IC629687, NC57793, IC220193 and EC598669, exhibited resistance with a disease score of <1. Subsequent, pot screening of these 22 resistant accessions under artificial epiphytotic conditions during Rabi 2022-23 confirmed their resistance showing disease severity ranging from 5.83 - 17.50 per cent. Recognizing the pivotal role of resistant varieties in disease management, these identified accessions hold immense potential as resistant donors in crop improvement programs.. KEYWORDS :Germplasm, pea, powdery mildew, resistance

Indigenous emergence and spread of kelch13 C469Y artemisinin-resistant Plasmodium falciparum in Uganda.

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) were introduced as the standard of care for uncomplicated malaria in Africa almost two decades ago. Recent studies in East Africa have reported a gradual increase in kelch13 (k13) mutant parasites associated with reduced artesunate efficacy. As part of the Community Access to Rectal Artesunate for Malaria project, we collected blood samples from 697 children with signs of severe malaria in northern Uganda between 2018 and 2020, before and after the introduction of rectal artesunate (RAS) in 2019. K13 polymorphisms were assessed, and parasite editing and phenotyping were performed to assess the impact of mutations on parasite resistance. Whole-genome sequencing was performed, and haplotype networks were constructed to determine the geographic origin of k13 mutations. Of the 697 children, 540 were positive for Plasmodium falciparum malaria by PCR and were treated with either RAS or injectable artesunate monotherapy followed in most cases by ACT. The most common k13 mutation was C469Y (6.7%), which was detected more frequently in samples collected after RAS introduction. Genome editing confirmed reduced in vitro susceptibility to artemisinin in C469Y-harboring parasites compared to wild-type controls (P < 0.001). The haplotypic network showed that flanking regions of the C469Y mutation shared the same African genetic background, suggesting a single and indigenous origin of the mutation. Our data provide evidence of selection for the artemisinin-resistant C469Y mutation. The realistic threat of multiresistant parasites emerging in Africa should encourage careful monitoring of the efficacy of artemisinin derivatives and strict adherence to ACT treatment regimens.

THE MALAY EPISTEMOLOGICAL BACKGROUND IN THE ISLAMIC WRITINGS OF HAMZAH FANSŪRĪ

The study of Hamzah Fansūrī’s writings has long been focused on understanding its connection to Islamic philosophy rather than its indigenous philosophical origins. The objective of this study is to identify and expose the traditional Malay epistemological background behind Hamzah Fansūrī’s writings. This objective is achieved through the evidence and analysis methods of historical linguistics on the one hand, and by judging these analytical conclusions based on Buddhist Yogācāra’s epistemology of Śrīvijaya on the other hand. Three important research findings are as follows: 1) the overall style of Hamzah Fansūrī’s writings is the logical tradition of Dignāga, 2) all the metaphors of Hamzah Fansūrī’s writings, which are of the type of pariṇāma theory, can be understood in the epistemological tradition of Vasubandhu, which was influential in the writings of Śrīvijaya from the end of the seventh century to the beginning of the eleventh century, and 3) Hamzah Fansūrī’s works are also influenced by the recent Malayu-Singapura philosophy of Saṃkhyā, mainly the distinction between śabda and katā, which is used to receive the new Islamic epistemological distinctions and traditions. In other words, to say that the Śrīvijaya period had no major impact on philosophy, and that pre-Islamic Malay mind was more aesthetic than philosophical cannot be supported by the writings of Hamzah Fansūrī.

Unraveling popping quality through insights on kernel physical, agro-morphological, and quality traits of diverse popcorn (Zea mays var. everta) inbreds from indigenous and exotic germplasm

Popcorn is a specialty corn with worldwide popularity as a snack. Despite having great market demand, genetic improvement in popping quality is limited, which is caused by the limited germplasm utilization and narrow genetic base. An assortment of diverse germplasm, their effective characterization, and integration into popcorn breeding pipeline is the foundation for an efficient breeding program. Here, kernel characteristics, popping quality traits, and agro-morphological traits were evaluated across three locations on a diverse panel of 48 popcorn inbreds derived from diverse landraces and populations of exotic and indigenous origin. The variations due to genotypes, locations, and genotype × location interaction were highly significant. The popping quality traits recorded wide variation with a high coefficient of genotypic determination. The kernel dimensions, kernel density, test weight, and grain yield were negatively correlated with popping quality traits. Genotypes with rice-type kernels exhibited better popping quality than pearl-type kernels. Analysis of genotype × location (G×L) interaction identified two target locations for the key popping quality trait, popping expansion volume. PMI-PC-175, PMI-PC-187, PMI-PC-188, and PMI-PC-189 were identified as superior genotypes over checks for desirable popping quality, agronomic performance, and high grain yield. The contrasting inbreds for popping quality and flake shape (mushroom vs. butterfly) can be utilized for developing mapping populations to enhance our understanding of molecular aspects of popping quality traits. Further, the promising inbreds can be utilized in the genetic improvement of popcorn and crossed to develop superior popcorn hybrids. The results suggest a potential opportunity to establish an efficient popcorn breeding program.

El Hierro Genome Study: A Genomic and Health Study in an Isolated Canary Island Population.

El Hierro is the smallest and westernmost island of the Canary Islands, whose population derives from an admixture of different ancestral components and that has been subjected to genetic isolation. We established the "El Hierro Genome Study" to characterize the health status and the genetic composition of ~10% of the current population of the island, accounting for a total of 1054 participants. Detailed demographic and clinical data and a blood sample for DNA extraction were obtained from each participant. Genomic genotyping was performed with the Global Screening Array (Illumina). The genetic composition of El Hierro was analyzed in a subset of 416 unrelated individuals by characterizing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome haplogroups and performing principal component analyses (PCAs). In order to explore signatures of isolation, runs of homozygosity (ROHs) were also estimated. Among the participants, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes were the most prevalent conditions. The most common mtDNA haplogroups observed were of North African indigenous origin, while the Y-chromosome ones were mainly European. The PCA showed that the El Hierro population clusters near 1000 Genomes' European population but with a shift toward African populations. Moreover, the ROH analysis revealed some individuals with an important portion of their genomes with ROHs exceeding 400 Mb. Overall, these results confirmed that the "El Hierro Genome" cohort offers an opportunity to study the genetic basis of several diseases in an unexplored isolated population.

Lycium barbarum (Wolfberry) Branches and Leaves Enhance the Growth Performance and Improve the Rumen Microbiota in Hu Sheep.

The Lycium barbarum branches and leaves (LBL) are known to contain a range of active substances that have positive effects on animal immunity and antioxidation. This study aimed to examine how LBL impacts the growth and slaughter performance as well as rumen fermentation and microbiota in Hu sheep. A total of 50 male Hu sheep of indigenous origin, aged 3 months, were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 sheep each. The groups were given different levels of LBL supplementation (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) to evaluate growth performance and nutrient apparent digestibility. Rumen fluid samples were collected for analysis of the fermentation parameters and rumen chyme was examined to study the rumen microbiota. The slaughter performance, meat quality, and organ index were evaluated at the conclusion of the experiment. The results showed that the final body weight and average daily gain of the LBL1 group were significantly higher than those of the CON group, LBL3 group, and LBL4 group (p < 0.05). The average dry matter intake of the LBL4 group was significantly lower than that of other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of CP in the LBL1 and LBL2 groups was higher than that in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). At the same time, the eye muscle area and grade-rule (GR) value of Hu sheep in the LBL1 group significantly increased and the quality of Hu sheep meat improved (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in organ weight and organ index between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The pH of the rumen fluid in the LBL1 group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the NH3-N content between the experimental groups (p > 0.05). The propionate and valerate in the rumen fluid of Hu sheep in the LBL2 group were significantly higher than those in other experimental groups (p < 0.05). In addition, this had no significant effect on the structure and abundance of the rumen microbiota (p > 0.05). LBL is a promising functional feed. Adding an appropriate amount of LBL to the diet can improve the feed efficiency, growth performance, and meat quality of Hu sheep but has no adverse effects on the rumen. In this experiment, the appropriate supplemental level of LBL in the diet was 3%.

Trends in botanical exploration in Nigeria forecast over 1000 yet undescribed vascular plant species.

Taxonomists are primary actors of biodiversity assessment. At the same time, there is awareness by the taxonomic community at large that the field is going through a crisis, sometimes referred to as the 'taxonomic impediment'. Coupled with the ongoing biodiversity crisis, or 6th mass extinction, this biodiversity impedance puts at risk the target set in the Convention on Biological Diversity's (CBD) Global Biodiversity Framework vision 2050, which calls for urgent action to '… put biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030 for the benefit of planet and people'. This risk is particularly pronounced in tropical African countries where taxonomic studies are done on an ad hoc basis. In this study, our aim is to investigate the historical trends in botanical exploration of vascular plants in Nigeria and forecast the near-term (50-year) description of presently unknown species, which we use to discuss scenarios of taxonomic effort that may be necessary for a comprehensive biodiversity assessment in the country. The study is based on a dataset from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants, containing all vascular plant species reported to occur in Nigeria. We fit nested Bayesian time series regressions to estimate the long-term trend in the rate of description of vascular plant species in Nigeria. From these models, we use an ensemble forecast to estimate the number of species descriptions by the year 2070, and then evaluate the description rates per taxonomist required to meet this estimate under different totals of active taxonomists. We find a striking difference in species description between Nigerian botanists and their foreign counterparts, with the former contributing relatively small numbers. Additionally, only a fraction of the authors involved in describing Nigeria's vascular plants are of indigenous origin. Our study reveals that the number of new species described annually exhibits a long-term increasing trend, with an average of 19.5 species described per year. However, after taking into account year-to-year variability and the number of taxonomists active in a given year, the long-term trend in species descriptions credibly declines over time. While the number of authors involved in describing species has generally increased over time, it has remained stable since the 1950s. Predictions for the number of new species descriptions by 2070 vary by model, with an ensemble prediction estimating 1140 species descriptions, but ranging from 1004 to 2239 between individual models. The study estimates that current levels of taxonomic activity should lead to a 20 % increase in known species of vascular plants in Nigeria over the next 50 years, which is still probably an underestimate of the true, unknown species richness. Urgent action is needed to address the taxonomic impediment so that local taxonomic studies in tropical African countries can achieve the CBD's Global Biodiversity Framework vision 2050. Here, we outline some key pathways to achieving this goal.

A machine of the same: Repetition in the foundational discourse of the Argentinean “being” (1976–1983)

ABSTRACT Using the example of the military regime in Argentina (1976-1983) and relevant archival materials, this article demonstrates the prerequisite of exalted language in constructing an enemy and how a discursive ‘machine of the same’ was put into operation. The author argues that what made this operation unique is its structure of repetition that stimulated “the tendency to merge” what is “foreigner-to-the-ego”, and the “enemy outside” into a single concept in the Argentinian national psyche. As a theoretical lens, the author examines the military regime's language through Freud's understanding of groups and civilization and Laplanche's proposition that cultural narratives in the form of mytho-symbolic explanations help us translate the sexual drive and offer a “solution” to the helplessness of the infant-adult. The author further claims that at other times a cultural narration functions as an anti-translation device when set against the emergence of a new net of significations. The nation's founding narrative of an Occidental-Spanish-Catholic “being” that first effaced its indigenous origins and then its Arabic and Jewish inheritance was brought back by the military regime as a mytho-symbolic narration that formed a shield against the repressed remnants of the enigmatic message pressing for a new translation.

Aflatoxin and microbial safety in commercial confectionery peanut paçoca produced in São Paulo state – Brazil

Paçoca is a typical Brazilian confectionery of Indigenous origin prepared by mixing ground roasted peanuts, sugar, and salt. A total of 52 samples of paçoca (37 pressed, 15 cooked), produced and sold in the state of São Paulo, were evaluated for aflatoxin content (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2), moisture content and water activity. The microbiological quality was assessed by counting mesophilic aerobic bacteria, fungal and yeast counts, most likely number of thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp. The limit of quantification (LOQ) by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to the Mass Spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) ranged from 0.29 μg kg−1 for AFB1 and AFG2; 0.36 μg kg−1 for AFG1 and 0.37 μg kg−1 for AFB2. The recovery averages were 89.2, 83.5, 80.5 and 82.8% for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2. 71% of the samples showed aflatoxin contamination, ranging from 0.29 to 38.8 μg kg−1 (mean of 7.06 μg kg−1). Six samples (16%) exceeded the limit value tolerated by the Brazilian guideline for AFT (20 μg kg−1). The mean AFT content in cooked paçocas (19.55 μg kg−1) was higher than the levels in pressed paçocas (9.08 μg kg−1) (p < 0.05). AFB1 had a higher incidence in the two groups of paçocas (75% pressed and 60% cooked). The mean moisture content and water activity of cooked paçocas (8.86% and 0.7081) were higher than those of pressed paçocas (2.08% and 0.4863). Twenty-one samples (56%) showed fungal and yeast contamination ranging from 1.0 to 4.25 log CFU g−1. The total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria in cooked paçocas (4.85 log CFU g−1) was also higher than in pressed paçocas (2.77 log CFU g−1) (p < 0.05). E. coli was confirmed in these samples in the range of 3.0–160 NMP g−1. Salmonella sp. was detected in 2 samples of pressed paçocas, indicating poor hygiene, inefficient heat treatment or possible cross-contamination. The results of this study demonstrate the need for greater control of the paçoca production chain through the adoption of Good Manufacturing Practices and process control, to prevent exposure of the population to aflatoxins and possible pathogenic microorganisms.

Soviet and Russian Regimes of Spatial Inscription: A Critical Analysis of Indigenous versus Official Place Names on Maps in Siberia, 1920s–2000s

This article discusses Indigenous Evenki place names (hydronyms) on official topographic maps and handwritten sketches in a broader context of Soviet and Russian regimes of spatial inscription and toponymic policies and their legacies. The early Soviet policy of korenizatsia (indigenization) facilitated the incorporation of Indigenous place names into official nomenclature. As a result, a large number of Indigenous toponyms appeared on official maps. The aim of this article is to examine the evolving relationships between Indigenous place names and official place names of Indigenous origin across three historical periods (the 1920s, the 1950s, and the contemporary era) and in two politically distinct settings, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and the Amur region. The data sets for this research were extracted from official maps and Evenki archival sketch maps collected by Glafira Vasilevich in Siberia between the 1920s and the 1960s. Using Quantum GIS in conjunction with ethnographic fieldwork, statistical analysis, and qualitative linguistic assessment, this research further investigates the evolution of Indigenous names on maps, focusing on the most characteristic changes in their inscription over the past century. This article concludes by highlighting the power dynamics between different Indigenous place-naming traditions in Siberia, where various Indigenous communities have historically distinct opportunities to influence toponymic policies.

Linguistic Genocide of Minority and Mother Tongue Languages: Unravelling International Implications on Indian Laws Through a Critical Discourse

Language is an inherent and intrinsic form of human communication, and India is renowned for its extensive range of languages. Nevertheless, the languages that are spoken in India, which play a crucial role in fostering this diverse cultural landscape, have encountered obstacles stemming from the forces of globalisation and domestic prejudice over an extended period of time. This paper underscores the concerning phenomenon of language attrition throughout history, wherein numerous languages have become extinct, resulting in fragmented remnants of cultural heritage. The majority of extinct languages were of Indigenous origin, suggesting a discernible racial bias in their eradication. Many linguists see the current situation as linguistic genocide, the intentional destruction of languages to achieve cultural unity. This study assesses the laws and policies pertaining to minority languages in India and examines their compatibility with international standards. This paper examines the difficulties associated with the implementation of language preservation legislation and explores the potential consequences of linguistic genocide on cultural identity, social cohesion and human rights within the context of India.

Effectiveness of an indigenous Amazonian regional kit in neonatal auditory screening in Belém do Pará

Hearing loss can occur at different physiological levels and degrees, primarily affecting children. Law No. 12,303/2010, known as the ‘Otoacoustic Emissions Test Law,’ requires newborns to undergo auditory screening. Different non-calibrated sound instruments can be used to perform behavioral auditory screening: plastic harmonica, spoon tapping on a cup, rubber toys, drums, straw maracas, and gourd maracas, with the latter three being of indigenous origin. The objective of this study is to verify the effectiveness of an indigenous Amazonian regional kit in neonatal behavioral auditory screening in Belém do Pará. A quantitative descriptive study was conducted for this purpose. The evaluated auditory kit with regional instruments proved to be effective, assessing the newborn’s main reflexes. It also demonstrated the simplicity of a detection method and the feasibility of its inclusion in routine neonatal screening methods, enabling the early diagnosis and monitoring of deafness in newborns, which can be presented as an alternative, especially in locations that do not have traditional equipment.

"So called in America": Nationalism, Nativism, and the Representation of Indigenous Languages in Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Languag e (1828)

ABSTRACT: This study explores Noah Webster's representation of vocabulary derived from indigenous languages in the first edition of his American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). Previous scholarship on Webster has revealed much about how his lexicography reflected his nationalist politics, but the role that his treatment of indigenous languages plays in this narrative has not been explored. By analyzing words with indigenous origins as a distinct category within the Dictionary and bringing to light new evidence of Webster's etymological theories towards indigenous languages, this study emphasizes nativism as a tool in Webster's nationalist project and explores the historic treatment of indigenous languages and cultures in American dictionaries.

Anthroponyms in the Uzbek Worldview

This article explores the role of anthroponyms in the Uzbek linguistic worldview. According to the author, proper names of people are a result of secondary interpretation and represent a cultural and spiritual value that has been formed by representatives of an ethnic group over many centuries. This has survived to this day as a rich historical and linguistic heritage. Upon studying Uzbek anthroponymy, it was discovered that the majority are names of indigenous Turkic origin, many of which have become traditional. There are also direct Uzbek names, which have a high nominative value and pronounced national-linguistic specificity. Additionally, there are units of different linguistic nature such as names created in different ways, in different periods, and borrowed from other languages through tracing, morphological transfer, and other means.The text describes the contributions of several scholars to the study of Uzbek anthroponyms, such as E. Begmatov, G. Sattarov, S. Rakhimov, and R. Khudoyberganov. The author, following N. N. Boldyrev, considers interpretation as a cognitive activity that is based on the main functions of language — cognitive, communicative, and interpretive. The author divides Uzbek proper names into 14 thematic groups, based on the results of secondary interpretation. The text concludes that interpretation is a cognitive activity that involves the perception and expression of objects and phenomena through language. There are two types of interpretation — primary and secondary. In primary interpretation, a system of conceptualization and categorization is formed based on a general description of existing objects and events in language. In secondary interpretation, language units are formed, encoded in human cognition, and found in verbal expression in language. Thus, anthroponyms are formed as a result of secondary conceptualization and categorization.

Participation in Conditional Cash Transfer Program During Pregnancy and Birth Weight–Related Outcomes

There is limited evidence of the association of conditional cash transfers, an important strategy to reduce poverty, with prevention of adverse birth-related outcomes. To investigate the association between receiving benefits from the Bolsa Família Program (BFP) and birth weight indicators. This cohort study used a linked data resource, the Centro de Integracao de Dados e Conhecimentos Para Saude (CIDACS) birth cohort. All live-born singleton infants born to mothers registered in the cohort between January 2012 and December 2015 were included. Each analysis was conducted for the overall population and separately by level of education, self-reported maternal race, and number of prenatal appointments. Data were analyzed from January 3 to April 24, 2023. Live births of mothers who had received BFP until delivery (for a minimum of 9 months) were classified as exposed and compared with live births from mothers who did not receive the benefit prior to delivery. Low birth weight (LBW), birth weight in grams, and small for gestational age (SGA) were evaluated. Analytical methods used included propensity score estimation, kernel matching, and weighted logistic and linear regressions. Race categories included Parda, which translates from Portuguese as "brown" and is used to denote individuals whose racial background is predominantly Black and those with multiracial or multiethnic ancestry, including European, African, and Indigenous origins. A total of 4 277 523 live births (2 085 737 females [48.8%]; 15 207 among Asian [0.4%], 334 225 among Black [7.8%], 29 115 among Indigenous [0.7%], 2 588 363 among Parda [60.5%], and 1 310 613 among White [30.6%] mothers) were assessed. BFP was associated with an increase of 17.76 g (95% CI, 16.52-19.01 g) in birth weight. Beneficiaries had an 11% lower chance of LBW (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.88-0.90). BFP was associated with a greater decrease in odds of LBW among subgroups of mothers who attended fewer than 7 appointments (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.84-0.87), were Indigenous (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61-0.88), and had 3 or less years of education (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.81). There was no association between BFP and SGA, except among less educated mothers, who had a reduced risk of SGA (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88). This study found that BFP was associated with increased birth weight and reduced odds of LBW, with a greater decrease in odds of LBW among higher-risk groups. These findings suggest the importance of maintaining financial support for mothers at increased risk of birth weight-related outcomes.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in South American children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cardiometabolic risk factors (impaired fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia) cluster in children, may predict adult disease burden, and are inadequately characterized in South American children. To quantify the burden of cardiometabolic risk factors in South American children (0-21 years) and identify knowledge gaps. We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature via Virtual Health Library from 2000-2021 in any language. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted all data. 179 studies of 2,181 screened were included representing 10 countries (n = 2,975,261). 12.2% of South American children experienced obesity, 21.9% elevated waist circumference, 3.0% elevated fasting glucose, 18.1% high triglycerides, 29.6% low HDL cholesterol, and 8.6% high blood pressure. Cardiometabolic risk factor definitions varied widely. Chile exhibited the highest prevalence of obesity/overweight, low HDL, and impaired fasting glucose. Ecuador exhibited the highest prevalence of elevated blood pressure. Rural setting (vs. urban or mixed) and indigenous origin protected against most cardiometabolic risk factors. South American children experience high rates of obesity, overweight, and dyslipidemia. International consensus on cardiometabolic risk factor definitions for children will lead to improved diagnosis of cardiometabolic risk factors in this population, and future research should ensure inclusion of unreported countries and increased representation of indigenous populations.

Multilocus functional characterization of indigenous and exotic inbreds for dgat1-2, fatb, ge2 and wri1a genes affecting kernel oil and fatty acid profile in maize

Demand for maize oil is progressively increasing due to its diverse industrial applications, aside from its primary role in human nutrition and animal feed. Oil content and composition are two crucial determinants of maize oil in the international market. As kernel oil in maize is a complex quantitative trait, improving this trait presents a challenge for plant breeders and biotechnologists. Here, we characterized a set of 292 diverse maize inbreds of both indigenous and exotic origin by exploiting functional polymorphism of the dgat1-2, fatb, ge2, and wri1a genes governing kernel oil in maize. Genotyping using gene-based functional markers revealed a lower frequencies of dgat1-2 (0.15) and fatb (0.12) mutant alleles and a higher frequencies of wild-type alleles (Dgat1-2: 0.85; fatB: 0.88). The favorable wri1a allele was conserved across genotypes, while its wild-type allele (WRI1a) was not detected. In contrast, none of the genotypes possessed the ge2 favorable allele. The frequency of favorable alleles of both dgat1-2 and fatb decreased to 0.03 when considered together. Furthermore, pairwise protein-protein interactions among target gene products were conducted to understand the effect of one protein on another and their responses to kernel oil through functional enrichments. Thus, the identified maize genotypes with dgat1-2, fatb, and wri1a favourable alleles, along with insights gained through the protein-protein association network, serve as prominent and unique genetic resources for high-oil maize breeding programs. This is the first comprehensive report on the functional characterization of diverse genotypes at the molecular and protein levels.