Island Populations Research Articles

Silent Diabetes: Key Risk Factors Among the Low-Income Population of Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia (2022-2023).

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a growing global health challenge, contributing to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. In Malaysia, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing, especially among low-income populations with limited access to healthcare. Many cases remain undiagnosed, increasing the risk of severe complications and further straining healthcare resources. Island populations, such as those in Langkawi, are particularly vulnerable due to geographical isolation, socioeconomic constraints, and inadequate healthcare services. To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed DM and identify the associated risk factors among the low-income population on Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia. We conducted a cross-sectional study from January 2022 to December 2023, involving 1,070 participants aged 40 years and above, all eligible under the low-income scheme. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle, and medical history were collected through a structured proforma from four local health clinics. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of undiagnosed DM. The model's predictive accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The prevalence of undiagnosed DM among the low-income population on Langkawi Island was 6.7%. Multiple logistic regression found three important predictors: having a higher BMI (overweight: adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40-5.30; p = 0.003; obese: AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.19-5.00; p = 0.015); living on a smaller island (AOR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.03-2.85; p = 0.039); and having a medical history (AOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.12-0.36; p < 0.001). The model demonstrated good predictive accuracy with an area under the ROC curve of 0.758 and correctly classified 93.3% of cases. This study reveals a significant burden of undiagnosed DM within Langkawi's low-income population, especially among individuals with higher BMI and those residing in geographically isolated areas. The findings highlight the urgent need for enhanced, context-specific screening programsand early detection efforts tailored to this vulnerable population. Effective public health strategies should prioritize regular health check-ups, obesity management, and improved access to healthcare services in isolated communities to reduce the prevalence and complications associated with undiagnosed diabetes.

Associations between loot box purchasing and gambling behaviours, financial problems, and low mental wellbeing in a household sample from a British island, a cross-sectional study

Abstract Aim This study estimated the prevalence of loot box purchasing and associated sociodemographic factors in a general population of a British island, and explored relationships between loot box purchasing and gambling behaviours, financial problems, and mental wellbeing. Subject and methods A cross-sectional survey was undertaken using representative household and supplementary convenience samples with (n = 1,234) residents of a British island aged 16 + years. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used to assess gambling harm. Financial problems in the past year were defined as having been behind with payments for expenses. The Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale was used to measure mental wellbeing. Purchasing loot boxes in the past year was measured via self-report as: ‘In the last 12 months, have you purchased in-game loot boxes (e.g. weapons, armour, players for a virtual sports team)?’. Analyses were performed using χ2 and binary logistic regressions. Results 5.9% of participants purchased loot boxes in the past year. There was no significant association between purchasing loot boxes and PGSI score. After controlling for sociodemographics and PGSI score, those who purchased loot boxes in the past year were 3.39 (1.42–8.11; p &lt; 0.01) times more likely to experience financial problems, and 2.99 times (1.46–6.13; p &lt; 0.01) more likely to have low mental wellbeing, compared to those who didn’t purchase loot boxes. Conclusion Findings in the current study suggest that purchasing loot boxes is associated with increased odds of experiencing financial problems and low mental wellbeing, independently of gambling behaviours.

Application of otolith morphometrics in delineating population structure of Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Teleostei: Aphaniidae) in southern Iranian waters

AbstractWidely distributed Species in different geological and ecological environments often exhibit great intraspecific diversity. Aphaniops stoliczkanus (Day, 1872) is an endemic species of Middle East occurring over a vast geographic range in different basins. This species has been observed in freshwater, brackish water and hot sulphur springs; therefore, its populations are known to exhibit considerable morphological variation. In the present study, we have investigated the poorly studied populations of A. stoliczkanus of the Hormuz and Makran basins of Iran in terms of otolith morphology and morphometrics. According to the results, these populations can be divided into two distinct groups including east and west of the Strait of Hormuz. Our results also provide evidence that there is a relationship between otolith morphology and the environment, serving as environmental factors that may influence the formation of specific regions in the otolith shape. Despite the remarkable morphological similarities among otoliths in geographically close populations of Charak and Chiruyeh, our data purposed that geographically these populations have different dorsal tip shapes in their otolith. In comparison to the data from other studies, the otoliths of Qeshm Island appear to resemble the overall shape of otolith found in Oman very closely. However, it is believed that Qeshm Island population was separated from the Hormuz basin populations during the Holocene Sea level rise. Also, the outcomes of this study provide insights into the potential role of environmental factors in shaping intraspecific diversity and the migration patterns of this species within the Persian Gulf.

The Slithering Dead: Does locomotor performance affect post-capture death feigning in dice snakes (Natrix tessellata, Laurenti 1768)?

Abstract Functional constraints between different types of antipredator behavior should be common, especially if they are on the opposite sides of the behavioral spectrum such as flight and post-capture immobility. We examined a potential compromise between post-capture immobility displays and sprint speed in dice snakes (Natrix tessellata), using a field-based approach. We sampled snakes (N = 238) from two populations: from a dense island population free of mammal predators, and from a less dense mainland population, preyed upon by both bird and mammal predators. We explored the effects of sexual maturity, temperature, body size, presence of palpable food in the gut, and injuries on the occurrence and duration of post-capture immobility as well as sprint speed. Our results confirm the existence of functional constraints between locomotor performance and post-capture immobility in dice snakes. Faster dice snakes start escaping promptly after release, while slower individuals utilize more passive antipredator behaviors such as death feigning. Local adaptations seem to have great influence on behavioral compromise, since the mammal-free island population exhibited a higher incidence of post-capture immobility and a significantly lower sprint speed, compared to the less dense mainland population. Additionally, immature individuals tended to avoid death feigning and their post-capture immobility lasted shorter compared to adult individuals. It remains to be seen how individuals adjust their behavior to accomodate locomotor constraints, and in which specific phases of the predator-prey interaction these adjustments occur.

Profiling genetically driven alternative splicing across the Indonesian archipelago

One of the regulatory mechanisms influencing the functional capacity of genes is alternative splicing (AS). Previous studies exploring the splicing landscape of human tissues have shown that AS has contributed to human biology, especially in disease progression and the immune response. Nonetheless, this phenomenon remains poorly characterized across human populations, and it is unclear how genetic and environmental variation contribute to AS. Here, we examine a set of 115 Indonesian samples from three traditional island populations spanning the genetic ancestry cline that characterizes Island Southeast Asia. We conduct a global AS analysis between islands to ascertain the degree of functionally significant AS events and their consequences. Using an event-based statistical model, we detected over 1,500 significant differential AS events across all comparisons. Additionally, we identify over 6,000 genetic variants associated with changes in splicing (splicing quantitative trait loci [sQTLs]), some of which are driven by Papuan-like genetic ancestry, and only show partial overlap with other publicly available sQTL datasets derived from other populations. Computational predictions of RNA binding activity reveal that a fraction of these sQTLs directly modulate the binding propensity of proteins involved in the splicing regulation of immune genes. Overall, these results contribute toward elucidating the role of genetic variation in shaping gene regulation in one of the most diverse regions in the world.

Diversity and differentiation of the Chelonus (Microchelonus) species of the Galapagos archipelago (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae)

Despite the significance of the Galapagos archipelago, the richness of diverse groups such as braconid wasps remains poorly studied. Seven species of chelonine Braconidae are recorded for the Galapagos islands for the first time: Chelonus buscki Viereck, 1912, Chelonus carinatus Provancher, 1881, Chelonus johni Marsh, 1979, Chelonus refluus (Papp, 2010), Chelonus sulcifera (Papp, 2016), Chelonus topali (Papp, 1999), and Chelonus turgoclarus (Papp, 2010). No endemic species were identified for the islands. We also explore island population differences with respect to island area, age, and distance between islands. The populations of C. buscki and C. carinatus were statistically differentiated between islands. Morphological differences were associated with island area only for C. buscki while no relationship was found between differentiation and age or geographic distance between islands for any species. These results could be a consequence of recent colonization events.

Evaluation of alternative methods for forecasting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia

Assessing future demand for a wide range of services requires good quality population forecasts. Unfortunately, many past forecasts of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) population of Australia have proved highly inaccurate. This is due to poor data quality, missing data, and demographers’ incomplete understanding of Indigenous population change. In addition, because Indigenous population estimates are published only every 5 years and long after the reference date, forecasts are often used as preliminary population estimates. These form the denominators of various metrics used to monitor programmes aimed at improving health and social outcomes. The aim of this paper is to present an evaluation of alternative forecasting models and forecasts of the Indigenous population of Australia’s States and Territories by age and sex. Four models, differing substantially in complexity, were evaluated: (1) the simple Hamilton–Perry method, (2) the synthetic migration cohort-component model, (3) a uniregional cohort-component model with net migration, and (4) a bi-regional cohort-component model. The population forecasting methods were evaluated against several criteria, including forecast accuracy over the 2016–21 period, input data requirements, conceptual adequacy, output detail, time required to prepare, ability to create scenarios and select alternative assumptions, and ease of implementation. The Hamilton–Perry and synthetic migration cohort-component models provided greater forecast accuracy and scored well against the evaluation criteria. In the challenging data environment for modelling Indigenous populations, simpler forecasting methods offer several practical advantages and are likely to produce more accurate forecasts than more data-intensive models.

An anatomical analysis of liver volume and quality by ethnicity in a New Zealand population.

Post-hepatectomy liver failure is a major cause of mortality, where future liver remnant (FLR) is the key controllable factor. Recommended minimum FLR is influenced by quality of liver parenchyma. Historical research has often failed to include Māori and Pacific Island (PI) populations despite worse health outcomes. Liver analysis by ethnicity is one such example of this. The aims were to determine digital FLR for various anatomical hepatectomies, investigate any correlations between computed tomography (CT) hepatic textural analysis and body mass index (BMI); and assess the variance of these relationships for different ethnicities. One hundred and fifty-one patients who underwent abdominal CT scans at Burwood Hospital, Christchurch were retrospectively analysed. Māori and PI patients were selectively recruited to represent New Zealand's diversity. Liver volumetry, segmental ratio, and intra-hepatic fat deposits (IHFD) per ethnicity were examined. Median age of the cohort was 66 (19-95) and 75 (50%) were males. 68%, 23% and 9% patients identified as being European, Māori/PI and Asian, respectively. No statistically significant difference in volume or segment/total volume ratio were noted across different ethnicities. Obese patients had higher IHFD compared with overweight and normal BMI groups. When stratified across ethnic groups, higher IHFD were observed in Asian compared with Māori/PI populations, despite lower BMI. No significant variances in liver volumetry were found across different ethnic groups in New Zealand. However association between BMI and IHFD varied across different ethnic cohorts. Consequently, knowledge of liver volumetry is not enough; patient liver quality and ethnicity should considered for hepatic-surgery planning.

Abstract A025: Trends in liver cancer mortality by sex, race, and ethnicity in California from 2000-2019

Abstract Background: Liver cancer disproportionately affects foreign-born individuals and racial and ethnic minoritized groups, with higher incidence among Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Hispanic populations than non-Hispanic (NH) White populations. California has one of the highest overall mortality rates from liver cancer and a large proportion of AAPI and Hispanic residents compared to other U.S states. While prior studies have examined racial and ethnic disparities in liver cancer incidence and treatment, few studies have examined trends in liver cancer mortality in California by sex, race, and ethnicity. Methods: Adults aged 20+ years diagnosed with first primary malignant liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer from January 2000 through December 2019 were identified through the California Cancer Registry, a statewide population-based cancer registry. We used SEER*Stat software to compute age-adjusted mortality rates (per 100,000 population; standardized to the 2000 U.S. standard million population) by sex, race, and ethnicity. To analyze temporal trends of mortality rates, we calculated annual percent change (APC) using Joinpoint regression. Results: Overall, the mortality rate of liver cancer increased from 8.05 to 10.75 per 100,000 (average APC=1.53, 95% CI 1.23, 1.82) from 2000-2019. For males, rates increased from 11.39 in 2000 to 15.77 until 2013 (APC=2.53, 95% CI 2.07, 3.21), and stabilizing thereafter (APC=-0.74, 95% CI -2.37, 0.30). In contrast, for females, mortality rates increased continuously from 2000-2019 from 5.27 to 7.17 (APC=1.63, 95% CI 1.27, 2.04). Across racial and ethnic groups, the mortality rate for liver cancer was highest for the AAPI adults at 16.77 in 2000, and this decreased over time to 12.29 in 2019 (APC=-3.17, 95% CI -5.36, -2.24). Similarly, the liver cancer mortality rate among Hispanic adults increased initially and then decreased. Mortality among non-Hispanic Black adults increased from 10.98 in 2000 to 12.99 in 2019 (APC=0.89, 95% CI -0.07, 2.02), though this did not reach statistical significance. The liver cancer mortality rate was lowest among non-Hispanic White adults from 5.65 in 2000 but increased over time to 7.87 in 2019 (APC=1.76, 95% CI 1.39, 2.08), which is still the lowest compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Discussion: In contrast to studies that show a decline in liver cancer mortality in recent years, liver cancer mortality rates have continued to increase in California, particularly for females. Liver cancer mortality rates initially increased for AAPI and Hispanic populations but have started to stabilize. Next steps are to understand multilevel drivers contributing to these trends in liver cancer mortality in California, including individual sociodemographic and clinical factors, healthcare system factors, and neighborhood factors, including neighborhood socioeconomic status and ethnic enclaves. Citation Format: Janet N. Chu, Meera Sangaramoorthy, Meg Mckinley, Stephen Li, Mindy C. DeRouen, Alice Guan, Michele M. Tana, Ma Somsouk, Caroline A. Thompson, Chanda Ho, Hashem B. El-Serag, Iona Cheng, Scarlett L. Gomez, Salma Shariff-Marco. Trends in liver cancer mortality by sex, race, and ethnicity in California from 2000-2019 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A025.

Abstract A072: Lung cancer survival disparities: A disaggregated AANHPI study of the SEER database

Abstract Cancer is the overall leading cause of death in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations, with lung cancer specifically being the leading cause of cancer- related mortality. The AANHPI population has historically been treated as a "monolith" in scientific literature. However, an accurate understanding of AANHPI communities is needed to address disparities in cancer outcomes. Thus, it is necessary to analyze disaggregated data to identify unique factors and barriers for each unique subpopulation. Our study aims to explore lung cancer survival disparities between Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) subpopulations and non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) using SEER Research Data from 2000-2020. Cohorts were developed in order to disaggregate the AANHPI population. Due to the small sample size between nationalities, cohorts were grouped by geographical similarity. Cox regression analysis revealed a generally lower risk of death for AANHPI individuals compared to NHW. However, notable differences were observed within AANHPI subpopulations. South Asians demonstrate a 34.2% lower likelihood of lung cancer mortality compared to NHW, while East Asians show an 18.3% reduced risk. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders saw similar survival, though it was not statistically significant. These disparities could indicate the influence of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors and differences in offered treatment on lung cancer prognosis. Our study highlights the importance of recognizing the diversity within AANHPI groups when assessing cancer risk and survival and the necessity for further investigation into the specific factors influencing survival differences. A more nuanced understanding will facilitate more targeted healthcare strategies to address the unique needs of each subpopulation. Citation Format: Christopher Huy Doan, James Chen, Peter Wang, David Wang, Brian Mai. Lung cancer survival disparities: A disaggregated AANHPI study of the SEER database [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A072.

Abstract A069: Leading causes of death among Asian American individuals compared with Pacific Islander individuals in the United States, 2018-2020

Abstract Background: Asian American and Pacific Islander races are two distinct groups that continue to be aggregated in many large, national mortality statistics in the United States (US), which leads to structural biases encoded into databases and inaccurate health implications that may deprive Pacific Islander individuals from opportunities for interventions aimed at reducing health disparities. Examining mortality rates for disaggregated Asian American and Pacific Islander populations across all 50 states was not possible until 2018. We compared the leading causes of death between Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals in the US during 2018-2020, stratified by sex and age. Methods: Cause of death among non-Hispanic Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals aged ≥20 years who died during 2018-2020 were obtained from the US National Center for Health Statistics. Age-standardized all-cause mortality rates (MRs) and the 5 leading causes of death were reported per 100,000 person-years separately for Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, by sex (female/male) and age (20-54/55-64/65-74/75- 84 years). MR ratios (MRRs) were calculated by comparing MRs among Pacific Islander with Asian American individuals (reference group), by sex and age. Results: During 2018-2020, 63,338 female and 85,601 male deaths occurred among Asian American adults, and 4,116 female and 5,512 male deaths occurred among Pacific Islander adults. Compared to Asian American individuals, all-cause mortality was higher for Pacific Islander females (MRR=2.50,95%CI=2.43-2.59) and males (MRR=2.10,95%CI=2.04-2.16). Cancer was the leading cause of death for Asian American (MR=93.8) and Pacific Islander females (MR=181.6) and second for Asian American (MR=100.4) and Pacific Islander males (MR=185.2) after heart disease. Death rates for leading causes were substantially higher for Pacific Islander compared to Asian American females: cancer (MRR=1.93,95%CI=1.82-2.06), heart disease (MRR=3.18,95%CI=2.95-3.42), stroke (MRR=2.41,95%CI=2.13-2.73), diabetes (MRR=4.03,95%CI=3.55-4.56), and COVID-19 (MRR=2.60,95%CI=2.25-3.01) and for Pacific Islander compared to Asian American males: heart disease (MRR=2.56,95%CI=2.42-2.71), cancer (MRR=1.52,95%CI=1.42-1.62, diabetes (MRR=3.14,95%CI=2.81-3.50), accidental death (MRR=2.60,95%CI=2.33-2.88), and COVID-19 (MRR=2.04,95%CI=1.82-2.27). The largest relative cancer mortality rate disparity occurred in those aged 20-54 years and declined with older age among women (MRR range=1.37-2.67) and men (MRR range=1.16-2.26). Conclusion: Cancer was among the leading cause of death for both Asian American and Pacific Islander individuals, but cancer mortality rates were twice as high among Pacific Islander women and men compared to Asian American women and men. These disparities persisted among Pacific Islander individuals for nearly all leading causes of death, regardless of sex and age, underscoring the need to disaggregate Pacific Islander from Asian American race data to improve tailored health equity-focused interventions. Citation Format: Jacqueline B. Vo, Jazmyn L Bess, Kekoa Taparra, Paloma R. Mitra, Amy Berrington de Gonzalez, Neal D. Freedman, Meredith S. Shiels, Jaimie Z. Shing. Leading causes of death among Asian American individuals compared with Pacific Islander individuals in the United States, 2018-2020 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A069.

Increasing Oncology Nurse Cultural Knowledge, Sensitivity, and Humility in Caring for the Native Hawai'ian and Pacific Islander Population.

Stress affects people's physiologic and mental well-being. Compounded stress from natural disasters, intergenerational trauma, stigma, and mistrust of the dominant society may lead to illness and potential oncologic disorde.

Influence of geographic isolation and the environment on gene flow among phenotypically diverse lizards

Lizards in the genus Anolis comprise hundreds of species that display a wide range of phenotypic variation closely related to their environment. One example is the Guadeloupean anole (Anolis marmoratus ssp.) that display extreme phenotypic variation, primarily in adult male color and pattern, with twelve described subspecies on the archipelago. Here we examine the relationship between phenotypic and genetic divergence among five subspecies on the two main islands and test the role of geographic isolation and the environment in reducing gene flow. We also examined two offshore island populations to assess the impact of complete geographic isolation on gene flow. We analyzed color phenotypes by measuring spectral reflectance and genomic diversity using SNPs. Genetic divergence was correlated with dorsolateral head and body color phenotypes, and slope and geographic distance were nearly equivalent at explaining this divergence. There was minimal genome-wide divergence at neutral loci among phenotypically disparate subspecies on the two main islands and their differentiation is consistent with a model of divergence with gene flow. Our spatial visualization of gene flow showed an impact of environmental features consistent with a hypothesis of ecologically driven divergence. Nonetheless, subspecies on the two main islands remain interconnected by substantial gene flow and their phenotypic variation is likely maintained at selection-gene flow equilibrium by divergent selection at loci associated with their color phenotypes. Greater isolation, such as inhabiting a remote island, may be required for reducing gene flow. Our findings highlight the role of the environment, adaptation, and geographic isolation on gene flow.

The importance of the informal food economy to food access and security: An examination of the Western Isles of Scotland

In many countries the informal food economy (IFE) plays an essential role in ensuring food access and security. In addition, IFEs can improve choice, have a positive impact upon diet as well as generate household income and employment. While studies have primarily focused upon the role of IFEs in developing economies, their importance within more developed rural markets warrants further attention. This paper draws upon key learnings from the existing literature and examines how IFEs operate within a developed, rural economy. Framed within a social economy framework, it examines the role and function of IFEs across the Western Isles of Scotland. Despite being part of an advanced market economy, food access and security in this region has previously been identified as problematic for particular consumer groups and communities. The research identifies that due to the continued expansion of the formal retail sector and the growth of on-line delivery, food access has become less of an issue for many island residents. This is not to suggest that IFEs are inconsequential. Apart from their role in strengthening social and community linkages, for certain segments of the island population they continue to play a key role in providing food access. The research also identified an increasing reliance upon a small number of national retail chains. This suggests, that in future, food security in remote and rural communities could become increasingly vulnerable to market externalities.

Robust immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in the island population of Greenland

BackgroundIn Greenland, the COVID-19 pandemic was characterised by a late onset of community transmission and a low impact on the healthcare system, hypothesised as being partly due to a high uptake of vaccinations. To underpin this description, we aimed to assess the SARS-CoV-2 immune response post-vaccination in a Greenlandic population.MethodsIn this observational cohort study, we included 430 adults in Greenland who had received a complete two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at enrolment. The total plasma SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein Ig antibodies (S-Ab) induced by either the BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccine, was measured up to 11 months after the second vaccine dose. In addition, total salivary S-Abs were examined in 107 participants, and the T-cell response to the spike glycoprotein was assessed in 78 participants out of the entire study cohort.ResultsHere we demonstrate that two months after the second vaccine dose, 96% of participants have protective plasma S-Ab levels. By 11 months, 98% have protective levels, with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection particularly enhancing S-Ab levels by 37% (95% CI 25–51%). Among individuals aged 60 years and older, we observe a 21% (95% CI 7–33%) reduction in antibody response. Total salivary S-Ab levels are detectable in all participants and significantly correlate with plasma levels. Moreover, all participants exhibit a robust SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell response 11 months post-primary vaccination.ConclusionsOur findings show that Greenlanders exhibit a robust and lasting immune response, both humoral and cellular, comparable to other population groups up to at least 11 months after the second vaccine dose. These results corroborate the hypothesis that vaccines contributed to the mild impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Greenlandic population.

Genetic patterns reveal geographic drivers of divergence in silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis)

Identifying mechanisms that drive population divergence under varying geographic and ecological scenarios can inform our understanding of evolution and speciation. In particular, analysis of genetic data from island populations with known colonisation timelines allows us to identify potential source populations of diverging island subspecies and current relationships among populations. Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) are a small passerine that have served as a valuable study system to investigate evolutionary patterns on both large and small geographic scales. We examined genetic relatedness and diversity of two silvereye subspecies, the mainland Z. l. cornwalli and island Z. l. chlorocephalus, and used 18 077 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to compare locations across southeast Queensland, Australia. Although silvereyes are prolific island colonisers our findings revealed population divergence over relatively small spatial scales was strongly influenced by geographic isolation mediated by water barriers. Strong genetic connectivity was displayed between mainland sites, but minimal inter-island connectivity was shown despite comparable sampling distances. Genetic diversity analysis showed little difference in heterozygosity between island and mainland populations, but lower inbreeding scores among the island populations. Our study confirmed the range of the Z. l. chlorocephalus subspecies throughout the southern Great Barrier Reef. Our results show that water barriers and not geographic distance per se are important in driving incipient divergence in island populations. This helps to explain the relatively high number of phenotypically differentiated, but often geographically proximate, island silvereye subspecies compared to a lower number of phenotypically less well-defined Australian continental subspecies.

Multiple glacial refugia during Pleistocene climatic oscillations shape the genetic pattern of Machilus thunbergii across East Asia

Abstract Pleistocene climatic oscillations caused periodic decline and rise of sea levels, leading to dispersion and retraction cycles of island flora. Yet, the role of island refugia in the current Sino-Japanese Floristic Region remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure of the widespread Sino-Japanese Floristic Region tree Machilus thunbergii to infer the potential impact of island refugia. We collected 1378 samples from 64 locations across the distribution ranges. Using chloroplast DNA and microsatellite markers, we found a pronounced genetic differentiation between mainland and island populations, which can be divided further into two and three groups, respectively. Furthermore, comparable numbers of private alleles and haplotypes are present in both mainland and island populations. No essential current gene flow was detected between mainland and island populations after their separation 14 000 years ago. Such patterns are hypothesized to result from the influence of multiple glacial island refugia during Pleistocene climatic oscillations, with limited pollen and seed dispersal of the species. Our findings underscore that the islands and submerged land bridge can act as refugia for plants during glacial periods and have essentially shaped the genetic structure of M. thunbergii populations.

Extreme heat and cardiovascular mortality among structurally marginalized populations in the United States: A scoping review

IntroductionExtreme heat and heat waves have long been recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease exacerbations and death. Differential outcomes among structurally marginalized populations are less well understood, and in particular, the impact of this environmental hazard on cardiac mortality deserves further exploration for these populations. MethodsA scoping review was conducted to characterize the scientific literature examining the impact of extreme heat on cardiovascular mortality among structurally marginalized populations in the United States. Using relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) and key terms, a systematic search of the indexing databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science for English-language manuscripts published from inception to July 2023 for primary research, systematic reviews, meta analyses, and narrative reviews was performed. Results4674 articles were screened, of which 33 which met inclusion criteria. The majority (73 %) of these were primary quantitative research studies, all of which were observational in nature. Half of the research designs were cohort studies. The most common marginalized group described was that of older adults (79 % of manuscripts), while race/ethnicity (42 %), sex/gender (42 %), and lower socioeconomic status (49 %) were also commonly explored. Most studies assessed aggregated composite cardiovascular mortality as the primary end point, with only four fractionating myocardial ischemia/infarction as the cause of death. ConclusionsFuture directions of study for the field include additional analyses of other marginalized groups including differently-abled, immigrant, outdoor laborers, incarcerated peoples, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and Asian American/Pacific Islander populations, as well as determining the impact of diverse socioeconomic parameters, and examining disaggregated cardiac outcomes.

Evaluation of Mortality Rate Disparities for Cardiac Arrest Between Urban and Rural Cohorts in the United States Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) Database.

Introduction The United States includes diverse geographic areas with distinct urban and rural settings. Urban areas served with higher health services and the rural regions with restricted facilities. This disparity results in higher rural mortality rates. Thus, the study uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database to assess the disparities in cardiac arrest mortality rates in urban versus rural areas. Methods This is a retrospective study to assess trends in overall mortality rates for urban versus rural areas in the United States between 1999 and 2020, using the CDC WONDER data for cardiac arrest (ICD-10 CODE I46), extracted on May 25, 2024. Urban/rural classification was based on the Metropolitan 2013 scheme. Statistical analysis was done via RStudio v.4.3.3 and included measures of central tendency, mortality rates per 100,000, and plotting of temporal trends. Results Between 1999 and 2020, the total number of deaths due to cardiac arrest in rural and urban areas was 103,115 and 262,505, respectively. Among the age groups, infants <1 year and elderly >85 years showed a high mortality rate in rural areas compared to urban areas.Gender analysis revealed both males (3.3 per 100,000) and females (3.52 per 100,000) had a high rural mortality rate, compared to urban rates of 1.51 and 1.54 per 100,000, respectively. Racial analysis showed that American Indian or Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islander populations had higher mortality in rural areas, with rates of 1.1 and 1.81 per 100,000, respectively, compared to the urban rates of 0.34 and 0.8 per 100,000. Conclusion Trends in mortality rate showed a general decline over time but the gap between urban and rural mortality persists, highlighting the need for continued efforts in rural areas.

Genotoxic effects in island populations of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia due to environmental exposure to mercury and cadmium

Background Contamination of Cartagena Bay, Colombia with heavy metals such as mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) presents a major environmental and public health concern, particularly for human communities residing on nearby islands and coastal areas. These populations face enhanced exposure risks owing to their traditional fishing practices and continuous interactions with polluted marine environments. This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effects of environmental exposure to Hg and Cd in populations from the island zone of the Cartagena district, Bolívar. Methods Ninety-four individuals from the four island communities (study group) and 30 individuals from the urban area of Cartagena (control group) participated in this study. The blood samples were collected to measure total mercury (T-Hg) and Cd concentrations, and a Buccal Micronucleus Cytome (BMCyt) assay was used to evaluate exposure effects. Results Cadmiun levels in the blood of the study group were within the normal range and comparable to those of the control group (p &gt; 0.05). However, the study group exhibited significantly higher T-Hg levels (7.34 μg/L) compared to the control group (2.01 μg/L), surpassing the accepted limit. Moreover, the study group showed a higher incidence of DNA damage and cell death biomarkers (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, significant correlations were observed between total blood Hg levels and the frequencies of micronuclei, karyorrhexis, and karyolysis. Conclusion These results suggest that island populations of Cartagena are exposed to high levels of Hg and exhibit genotoxic damage, indicating a problem that must be addressed.