Post-Austronesian migrational wave of West Polynesians to Micronesia.

This study examines Y-chromosome and mtDNA markers in the population of the island of Kiritimati in the context of geographically targeted reference populations from the Pacific. Kiritimati derives its population from the atoll islands of the Gilbert Archipelago and representsa geographicaltransitional region between Micronesia, Polynesia and Melanesia that likely played a critical role during theAustronesian expansion. The large presence(84.1%)of individuals withO-M175, O2a-M324 and O2a2b-P164 sub-haplogroups, 69.9% being O2a2b-P164, the Y-STR homogeneity within O2a2b-P164 and the very recent age of the sub-haplogroup(363-548 years ago)inKiritimati suggestthe arrival ofa genetically homogenous population to the Gilberteses followed by a population expassion.The close Y-STR haplotype affinities with profiles from the Samoa and Tonga Archipelagos point to an unprecedented massive post-Austronesian expansionexodus from West Polynesia.Contrasting the abundance of AustronesianO2a2b-P164 sub-haplogroup, the most abundantMelanesian/Papuansub-haplogroup,C-M130is present at a frequency of 13.5%. Thenetwork topology suggests that C-M130 arrived to theKiribati Archipelago from West Polynesia, specifically from West Samoa, Tonga and/or Tutuila subsequent to the Austronesian expansion about 832-1408 years ago. The haplotype affinities withinO2a2b-P164 argue for anoriginal source in Taiwan and its dispersal to West Polynesia and then to Southeast Micronesia. The present investigation provides an understanding of the genetic composition and complex migration history of an understudied region of the Pacific and provides evidence for recent dispersals towards Micronesia from West Polynesia subsequent to the initial Austronesian expansion.

Health policy versus kava (Piper methysticum): Anxiolytic efficacy may be instrumental in restoring the reputation of a major South Pacific crop.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kava (Piper methysticum G. Forst. f.) is by far the most important plant used in the islands of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia for its relaxing effects. Kava drinking is a pillar of South Pacific societies and is also the foundation of their economies. Preparations of kava extract as herbal medicinal drugs were banned in Germany in 2002 and again in 2019, with dramatic consequences for the South Pacific economies. In 2002, the major regulatory argument for the ban of kava was safety issues. In 2019, the assessment report of the European Medicines Agency's Herbal Medicinal Product Committee (HMPC) justified a negative benefit-to-risk ratio by a supposed lack of efficacy of ethanolic extracts for an indication of which kava extract preparations never had an approval. In this HMPC report the efficacy in the approved indications 'nervous anxiety, tension and restlessness' was attributed to the extract branded as 'WS 1490', which was assumed to have been prepared with acetone as an extraction solvent. In addition to this change of indication and the attribution of efficacy to acetone kava extract alone, the German health authorities and the HMPC still refuse to discuss quality issues as a likely factor impacting drug safety. The first case reports of liver toxicity were observed with an acetone extract in a timely relationship with the introduction of 'two-day kava' instead of 'noble kava' as used in ethanolic kava extracts. AIM OF THE STUDY: The correlation between clinical benefits and the type of extract preparation was examined. METHODS: In order to identify the types of kava material and extracts used in clinical trials, the respective publications were compared with regulatory databases and protocols of a German regulatory advisory board. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The comparison reveals inconsistencies in the regulatory decisions. In all studies with WS 1490, the evidence points to the use of an ethanolic extract. The efficacy of kava extract for the approved indication was clearly demonstrated. The HMPC report and the recent renewed German regulatory ban of kava therefore require major revision, which should include the impact of the use of "two-day kava" on drug safety. Such a revision could contribute to restoring the reputation of "noble kava" on the international markets.

Population-specific factors associated with fractional excretion of uric acid.

BACKGROUND: Reduced renal clearance of uric acid is a major contributor to hyperuricemia. The aim of this study was to examine clinical and genetic variables associated with fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA). METHODS: Participants (with and without gout) in the Genetics of Gout in Aotearoa study with available genotyping and FEUA data were included (n = 1713). Ten FEUA-associated loci detected within a genome-wide association study for serum urate in a European population were analysed. A polygenic score for FEUA was calculated in each ancestry group to model the cumulative effects of the genetic variants on FEUA. Associations between FEUA and both clinical variables and polygenic score were tested using linear regression models. RESULTS: The mean (SD) FEUA was 5.13 (2.70) % in Eastern Polynesian participants, 4.70 (5.89) % in Western Polynesian participants, and 5.89 (2.73) % in New Zealand European participants. Although association with FEUA was observed for SLC2A9 rs11942223 in New Zealand European participants (P = 2.39 × 10- 8), this association was not observed in Eastern or Western Polynesian participants. The polygenic score was positively associated with FEUA in all ancestry groups. In New Zealand European participants, body mass index, diuretic use, polygenic score, and male sex were associated with FEUA and explained 22% of FEUA variance in the regression model. In Eastern and Western Polynesian participants, the tested variables explained 10% and 4% of FEUA variance respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both clinical and genetic variables contribute to renal clearance of uric acid. SLC2A9 exerts effects on FEUA variance in people of European ancestry, but not in those of Polynesian ancestry. There is a large unexplained variance in FEUA, particularly in people of Polynesian ancestry.

Glosario anatómico etnográfico Rapa Nui / Rapa Nui ethnographic anatomical glossary

RESUMEN: La isla de Rapa Nui, también llamada Té Hé Pito o Té Henúa o el ombligo del mundo, alberga a uno de los pueblos hasta hace poco más aislados y enigmáticos del mundo con sus costumbres ancestrales caracterizados por la construcción de colosos llamados moai. Por ello, y como una forma de honrar a los pueblos originarios de nuestro país, los autores hemos querido acercar este pueblo en particular al conocimiento general de los anatomistas investigando sobre su vocabulario y lengua a través de la descripción de las palabras en diccionarios y entrevista directa con residentes de la isla, palabras que tienen relación con nuestra disciplina para la elaboración de este Glosario anatómico etnográfico, principalmente influenciado por lenguas polinésicas, así como francesa e inglesa, para finalizar con la influencia continental más recientemente. Iorana.

SUMMARY: The island of Rapa Nui, also called Té Hé Pito o Té Henúa or the navel of the world, is home to one of the, until recently, most isolated and enigmatic villages of the world, with their ancestral customs characterized by the construction of colossi called Moai. Therefore, as a way of honoring the native peoples of our country, the authors wanted to bring this particular people closer to the general knowledge of anatomists by researching their vocabulary and language through the description of words in dictionaries, and direct interview with residents of the island that have relationship with our discipline for the elaboration of this anatomical ethnographic Glossary, mainly influenced by Polynesian languages, as well as French and English, to finish with the more recent continental influence. Iorana. (Greeting Rapa Nui).

Typicality and Predictive Distributions in Discriminant Function Analysis.

While discriminant function analysis is an inherently Bayesian method, researchers attempting to estimate ancestry in human skeletal samples often follow discriminant function analysis with the calculation of frequentist-based typicalities for assigning group membership. Such an approach is problematic because it fails to account for admixture and for variation in why individuals may be classified as outliers or nonmembers of particular groups. This article presents an argument and methodology for employing a fully Bayesian approach in discriminant function analysis applied to cases of ancestry estimation. The approach requires adding the calculation, or estimation, of predictive distributions as the final step in ancestry-focused discriminant analyses. The methods for a fully Bayesian multivariate discriminant analysis are illustrated using craniometrics from identified population samples within the Howells published data. The article also presents ways to visualize predictive distributions calculated in more than three dimensions, explains the limitations of typicality measures, and suggests an analytical route for future studies of ancestry and admixture based in discriminant function analysis.

Discordant association of the CREBRF rs373863828 A allele with increased BMI and protection from type 2 diabetes in Maori and Pacific (Polynesian) people living in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The A (minor) allele of CREBRF rs373863828 has been associated with increased BMI and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in the Samoan populations of Samoa and American Samoa. Our aim was to test rs373863828 for associations with BMI and the odds of type 2 diabetes, gout and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Maori and Pacific (Polynesian) people living in Aotearoa/New Zealand. METHODS: Linear and logistic regression models were used to analyse the association of the A allele of CREBRF rs373863828 with BMI, log-transformed BMI, waist circumference, type 2 diabetes, gout and CKD in 2286 adults. The primary analyses were adjusted for age, sex, the first four genome-wide principal components and (where appropriate) BMI, waist circumference and type 2 diabetes. The primary analysis was conducted in ancestrally defined groups and association effects were combined using meta-analysis. RESULTS: For the A allele of rs373863828, the effect size was 0.038 (95% CI 0.022, 0.055, p = 4.8 × 10-6) for log-transformed BMI, with OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.47, 0.73, p = 1.9 × 10-6) for type 2 diabetes. There was no evidence for an association of genotype with variance in BMI (p = 0.13), and nor was there evidence for associations with serum urate (ß = 0.012 mmol/l, pcorrected = 0.10), gout (OR 1.00, p = 0.98) or CKD (OR 0.91, p = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results in New Zealand Polynesian adults replicate, with very similar effect sizes, the association of the A allele of rs373863828 with higher BMI but lower odds of type 2 diabetes among Samoan adults living in Samoa and American Samoa.

The use of home brew in Pacific Islands countries and territories.

This review examines what is known about the production and use of home brew in the Pacific Islands countries and territories. Data collection involved interviews of 78 men and women from the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Toga, and Tuvalu. The interviews were conducted in 2013 by local interviewers. The questions fell into four key areas: people's history of home-brew consumption, the reasons for home-brew use, the effects of home brew, and people's perceptions about home brew. An open ethnographic approach revealed that males are the main consumers of home brew, that home brew is consumed in private venues by those with low socioeconomic status, and that there are positive and negative outcomes associated with the use of home brew. Finally, policy implications of the findings are included in this article.

Surgical management of plunging ranulas: a 10-year case series in South East Queensland.

BACKGROUND: Plunging ranulas are rare mucous extravasation pseudocysts that arise in the floor of the mouth and pass into the submandibular space of the neck. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnosis, surgical management and outcomes of patients with a plunging ranula at our institution in South East Queensland over a 10-year period. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adult patients diagnosed with and treated for plunging ranula between 2006 and 2016 at Logan Hospital was conducted. Patient demographics, preoperative investigations, surgical management and post-operative outcomes were collected from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 18 adult patients were treated for plunging ranula. Of the 18 cases, 17 were treated via transoral excision of the sublingual gland. The mean age at presentation was 28.8 years with a 3:1 female to male predominance. Fifty-six percent of patients were of Polynesian descent. The success rate was 94% with only one patient experiencing recurrence and requiring re-excision of remnant sublingual gland tissue. Three patients (17%) developed complications related to post-operative bleeding. There was a slight predominance for right-sided disease (56%) compared with left and one case of bilateral plunging ranulas in this series. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that excision of the sublingual gland is an effective and safe treatment for plunging ranula. The majority of plunging ranulas occur in patients aged <30 years with a higher incidence in patients of Polynesian heritage, which is consistent with previous studies suggesting a possible underlying genetic predisposition for this condition.

Mitochondrial genetic variation and gout in Maori and Pacific people living in Aotearoa New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE: Mitochondria have an important role in the induction of the NLRP3 inflammasome response central in gout. The objective was to test whether mitochondrial genetic variation and copy number in New Zealand Maori and Pacific (Polynesian) people in Aotearoa New Zealand associate with susceptibility to gout. METHODS: 437 whole mitochondrial genomes from Maori and Pacific people (predominantly men) from Aotearoa New Zealand (327 people with gout, 110 without gout) were sequenced. Mitochondrial DNA copy number variation was determined by assessing relative read depth using data produced from whole genome sequencing (32 cases, 43 controls) and targeted resequencing of urate loci (151 cases, 222 controls). Quantitative PCR was undertaken for replication of copy number findings in an extended sample set of 1159 Maori and Pacific men and women (612 cases, 547 controls). RESULTS: There was relatively little mitochondrial genetic diversity, with around 96% of those sequenced in this study belonging to the B4a1a and derived sublineages. A B haplogroup heteroplasmy in hypervariable region I was found to associate with a higher risk of gout among the mitochondrial sequenced sample set (position 16181: OR=1.57, P=0.001). Increased copies of mitochondrial DNA were found to protect against gout risk with the effect being consistent when using hyperuricaemic controls across each of the three independent sample sets (OR=0.89, P=0.007; OR=0.90, P=0.002; OR=0.76, P=0.03). Paradoxically, an increase of mitochondrial DNA also associated with an increase in gout flare frequency in people with gout in the two larger sample sets used for the copy number analysis (ß=0.003, P=7.1×10-7; ß=0.08, P=1.2×10-4). CONCLUSION: Association of reduced copy number with gout in hyperuricaemia was replicated over three Polynesian sample sets. Our data are consistent with emerging research showing that mitochondria are important for the colocalisation of the NLRP3 and ASC inflammasome subunits, a process essential for the generation of interleukin-1ß in gout.

Neurological Complications in a Polynesian Traveler with Dengue.

In recent times, there has been an increased focus on mosquito-borne Flaviviruses, in particular dengue and Zika. With the reappearance of dengue in Hawai'i and the mainland United States (US), clinicians should be aware of both the common presentations of dengue, as well as other less common complications associated with the disease. Dengue can result in neurologic disorders such as encephalopathy, encephalitis, immune-mediated syndromes, neuromuscular dysfunction, and neuro-ophthalmologic disorders. We present an interesting case of dengue that initially presented with classic symptoms (arthropathy, biphasic fever, and rash) and subsequently developed into a neurologic movement disorder with muscle tightening and twitching of the face, chest, and extremities. We review and update the epidemiology, biology, the clinical presentations including the neurologic complications associated with dengue, as well as their management and areas of future study in this field.

Next-generation sequencing targeted disease panel in rod-cone retinal dystrophies in Maori and Polynesian reveals novel changes and a common founder mutation.

IMPORTANCE: This study identifies unique genetic variation observed in a cohort of Maori and Polynesian patients with rod-cone retinal dystrophies using a targeted next-generation sequencing retinal disease gene panel. BACKGROUND: With over 250 retinal disease genes identified, genetic diagnosis is still only possible in 60-70% of individuals and even less within unique ethnic groups. DESIGN: Prospective genetic testing in patients with rod-cone retinal dystrophies identified from the New Zealand Inherited Retinal Disease Database, PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen patients of Maori and Polynesian ancestry. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing of a targeted retinal gene panel. Sanger sequencing for a novel PDE6B mutation in subsequent Maori patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Genetic diagnosis, genotype-phenotype correlation. RESULTS: Thirteen unique pathogenic variants were identified in 9 of 16 (56.25%) patients in 10 different genes. A definitive genetic diagnosis was made in 7/16 patients (43.7%). Six changes were novel and not in public databases of human variation. In four patients, a homozygous, novel pathogenic variant (c.2197G > C, p.(Ala 733Pro)) in PDE6B was identified and also present in a further five similarly affected Maori patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Over half of the Maori and Polynesian patients with inherited rod-cone diseases have no pathogenic variant(s) detected with a targeted retinal next-generation sequencing strategy, which is supportive of novel genetic mechanisms in this population. A novel PDE6B founder variant is likely to account for 16% of recessive inherited retinal dystrophy in Maori. Careful characterization of the clinical presentation permits identification of further Maori patients with a similar phenotype and simplifies the diagnostic algorithm.

Racial discrimination and psychological health among Polynesians in the U.S.

OBJECTIVES: There is a dearth of research on the mental health of Polynesians residing in the United States. The aims of this study were to examine experiences of racial discrimination, self-esteem, trait anger, satisfaction with life, and psychological well-being among 628 Polynesians (e.g., Native Hawaiian, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Tahitian, Maori; 60% women (n = 378) and 40% men (n = 249); mean age = 28.7). METHOD: Measures were administered through an online survey to 628 Polynesians residing in the United States. Comparison analyses between men and women, correlations, and path analyses were analyzed for this Polynesian sample. RESULTS: Polynesian women showed higher levels of self-esteem and lower levels of depression and anxiety. Racial discrimination was inversely correlated with self-esteem and satisfaction with life, and positively linked to trait anger, depression, anxiety, and stress. Self-esteem had an indirect effect on the relationship between racial discrimination and satisfaction with life. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health professionals need to be aware of racial discrimination on psychological health and incorporate the value of self-esteem in the psychological treatment of Polynesians. Additional results are provided and implications of these findings are outlined. (PsycINFO Database Record

Genomic insights into the peopling of the Southwest Pacific.

The appearance of people associated with the Lapita culture in the South Pacific around 3,000 years ago marked the beginning of the last major human dispersal to unpopulated lands. However, the relationship of these pioneers to the long-established Papuan people of the New Guinea region is unclear. Here we present genome-wide ancient DNA data from three individuals from Vanuatu (about 3,100-2,700 years before present) and one from Tonga (about 2,700-2,300 years before present), and analyse them with data from 778 present-day East Asians and Oceanians. Today, indigenous people of the South Pacific harbour a mixture of ancestry from Papuans and a population of East Asian origin that no longer exists in unmixed form, but is a match to the ancient individuals. Most analyses have interpreted the minimum of twenty-five per cent Papuan ancestry in the region today as evidence that the first humans to reach Remote Oceania, including Polynesia, were derived from population mixtures near New Guinea, before their further expansion into Remote Oceania. However, our finding that the ancient individuals had little to no Papuan ancestry implies that later human population movements spread Papuan ancestry through the South Pacific after the first peopling of the islands.

Collectivistic coping strategies for distress among Polynesian Americans.

Previous research has shown that psychological services designed to assist clients in coping with stressful or traumatic events are more effective when aligned with clients' cultural values, practices, and worldviews. However, limited research is available regarding the preferred coping strategies of Polynesian Americans. In examining collectivistic coping styles and their association with previous distress among 94 Polynesian Americans, we found that participants were highly likely to use family support and religion/spirituality to buffer the initial and residual effects of impairment attributable to distressing events, and private emotional outlets, such as psychotherapy, very infrequently. The use of private emotional outlets was associated with lower impairment from distress, although family support was much more predictive of lower impairment and positive psychological well-being. Mental health professionals can align their services with the cultural values of Polynesian Americans by accounting for collectivistic coping styles and family dynamics.

Water and nutrient intake in pregnant New Zealand women: association with wheeze in their infants at 18 months.

The association between water and nutrient intake in pregnant women, and wheeze in their 18 month old infants, was investigated in a prospective study. Volunteers (n=369) recruited from northern New Zealand were visited in months 4 and 7 of pregnancy. At each visit anthropometric measurements were taken, diet assessed by 24-hour recall and 3-day food records and questionnaires determining personal details administered. Eighteen months after birth, infants were measured, and questions on infant feeding and wheeze asked. Overall, mothers reported 32% of their infants had wheezed in the last 12 months. After adjusting for significant covariates and energy intake, higher maternal intakes of dietary water (p=0.009) and manganese (p=0.024) were associated with decreased wheeze, and glucose (p=0.003) with increased wheeze. Prevalence of infant wheeze decreased 18.5% from the lower to the upper quartile of water intake, and 17.4% from the lower to the upper quartile of manganese intake. Wheeze was more common in Polynesian than European infants (41.8% vs 28.9%). Polynesian mothers consumed significantly less dietary water (median 451 g less) and manganese (median 1374 µg less) than European mothers per day. Glucose was only significant because of strong association with infant wheeze at extremely high maternal intakes of >40 g/day in ~10% of the subjects. There was no association between maternal dietary supplement intake and wheeze. Mothers estimated at high risk of infant wheeze consumed less tap water, whole grains, tea, fruit; and more fruit juice, soft drink, processed meat and fish products, and refined grain products. This is the first study to report an intergenerational association between maternal water, and glucose intake with infant wheeze.

Genome-wide ancestry patterns in Rapanui suggest pre-European admixture with Native Americans.

BACKGROUND: Rapa Nui (Easter Island), located in the easternmost corner of the Polynesian Triangle, is one of the most isolated locations on the planet inhabited by humans. Archaeological and genetic evidence suggests that the island was first colonized by Polynesians around AD 1200, during their eastward expansion. Although it remains contentious whether Polynesians reached South America, suggestive evidence has been brought forward supporting the possibility of Native American contact prior to the European "discovery" of the island in AD 1722. RESULTS: We generated genome-wide data for 27 Rapanui. We found a mostly Polynesian ancestry among Rapanui and detected genome-wide patterns consistent with Native American and European admixture. By considering the distribution of local ancestry tracts of eight unrelated Rapanui, we found statistical support for Native American admixture dating to AD 1280-1495 and European admixture dating to AD 1850-1895. CONCLUSIONS: These genetic results can be explained by one or more pre-European trans-Pacific contacts.

An extremely low-density human population exterminated New Zealand moa.

New Zealand moa (Aves: Dinornithiformes) are the only late Quaternary megafauna whose extinction was clearly caused by humans. New Zealand offers the best opportunity to estimate the number of people involved in a megafaunal extinction event because, uniquely, both the Polynesian settlement of New Zealand and moa extinction are recent enough to be dated with a high degree of precision. In addition, the founding human population can be estimated from genetic evidence. Here we show that the Polynesian population of New Zealand would not have exceeded 2,000 individuals before extinction of moa populations in the habitable areas of the eastern South Island. During a brief (<150 years) period and at population densities that never exceeded ~0.01 km(-2), Polynesians exterminated viable populations of moa by hunting and removal of habitat. High human population densities are not required in models of megafaunal extinction.

Frequency of CYP2C9 polymorphisms in Polynesian people and potential relevance to management of gout with benzbromarone.

OBJECTIVES: Gout is a major health problem in Polynesians and allopurinol, the drug of choice for the management gout, appears to be less effective in Polynesian patients. The uricosuric drug benzbromarone is an alternative treatment but CYP2C9 poor metabolisers (PMs) may be at a heightened risk of benzbromarone-induced hepatotoxicity. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of the PM alleles CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3 in New Zealand (NZ) Caucasian and Polynesian gout cohorts; and then to test for novel CYP2C9 polymorphisms in Polynesians. METHODS: Eight hundred and fifty-two Caucasians (537 controls, 315 gout patients) and 1072 Maori and Pacific Island (Polynesian) people (620 controls, 452 gout patients) were genotyped for CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3. Forty Polynesians were screened for novel CYP2C9 polymorphisms using whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: Frequency of CYP2C9 PM alleles was significantly higher in Caucasians compared to Polynesians (CYP2C9*2: 13.5% versus 3.1%; CYP2C9*3: 5.5% versus 1.6%, P<1.2E-11). Within Polynesians, CYP2C9 PM alleles were rarer in Western Polynesians (Samoa, Tonga) than Eastern Polynesians (NZ and Cook Island Maori; CYP2C9*2: 0.6% versus 2.5%; CYP2C9*3: 0.4% versus 2.0%; P<0.03). A total of 152 SNPs were found by sequencing. None of these variants were predicted by in silico analysis to significantly impact on CYP2C9 expression or activity. CONCLUSION: Prospective CYP2C9 genotyping of Caucasian gout patients may be warranted for benzbromarone, whereas the low frequencies of CYP2C9 PM alleles in Polynesians suggests that the CYP2C9 polymorphism may be of little or no relevance to benzbromarone prescribing in this population.