Limited Awareness of Long COVID Despite Common Experience of Symptoms Among African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Indigenous Adults in Arizona.

OBJECTIVES: Communities of color might disproportionately experience long-term consequences of COVID-19, known as Long COVID. We sought to understand the awareness of and experiences with Long COVID among African American/Black (AA/B), Hispanic/Latino (H/L), and Indigenous (Native) adults (18 + years of age) in Arizona who previously tested positive for COVID-19. METHODS: Between December 2022 and April 2023, the Arizona Community Engagement Alliance (AZCEAL) conducted 12 focus groups and surveys with 65 AA/B, H/L and Native community members. Data from focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging issues. Survey data provided demographic information about participants and quantitative assessments of Long COVID experiences were used to augment focus group data. RESULTS: Study participants across all three racial/ethnic groups had limited to no awareness of the term Long COVID, yet many described experiencing or witnessing friends and family endure physical symptoms consistent with Long COVID (e.g., brain fog, loss of memory, fatigue) as well as associated mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, worry, post-traumatic stress disorder). Participants identified a need for Long COVID mental health and other health resources, as well as increased access to Long COVID information. CONCLUSION: To prevent Long COVID health inequities among AA/B, H/L, and Native adults living in AZ, health-related organizations and providers should increase access to culturally relevant, community-based Long COVID-specific information, mental health services, and other health resources aimed at serving these populations.

Socioeconomic inequities in care experienced by women with breast cancer in England: An intersectional cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Guided by the Intersectionality Framework, we examined the differential in breast cancer care experience across population subgroups in England. METHODS: Secondary data analysis using the 2017/2018 National Cancer Patient Experience Surveys. We used disaggregated descriptive statistics (mean, standard errors, 95% confidence interval) to analyse 26,030 responses from female breast cancer patients to a question relating to overall care experience categorised by age, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in their intersection with social position. We then used logistic regression to investigate the odds (Odds Ratio (OR), 95% confidence intervals) of reporting positive care experience adjusting for patient, clinical, and Trust level factors. RESULTS: Poorer care experience was predominantly reported by the most deprived younger and minoritised ethnic groups. Statistically significant findings were observed in adjusted multivariable analyses. Compared to patients aged 65-74 years, younger respondents were less likely to rate their care favourably (16-34 years old ORadj. = 0.55 (0.36-0.84). Compared to White British, Asian (ORadj. = 0.51 (0.39-0.66)) and Black African women (ORadj. = 0.53 (0.33-0.88)) were less likely to rate their care favourably. The least affluent respondents were less likely to rate their care favourably (ORadj. = 0.79 (0.64-0.97)). CONCLUSION: There is evidence of inequity in overall cancer care experience among female breast cancer patients in England, particularly among women living at the specific intersection of age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic position. Future research is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying breast cancer inequities. Policymakers, commissioners, and providers should consider the existence of multiple forms of marginalisation to inform improvement initiatives targeting patients at higher risk of vulnerability.

Variability and forensic efficiency of 12 X-STR markers in Namibian populations.

STR loci localized on the X chromosome provide information additional to the autosomal markers routinely analyzed in forensic genetics, integrating genetic systems as Y-STRs and mitochondrial DNA in the investigation of complex kinship scenarios and mass disaster cases.In this study we genotyped 12 X-STR loci in 251 male samples from four populations of Namibia in southern Africa using the Investigator Argus X-12 kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Forensic efficiency parameters indicated high power of discrimination in the considered populations. As part of our investigation, we highlighted partial linkage associations between loci within known linkage groups (LGs) and identified several occurrences of previously unreported out-of-ladder (OL) alleles.Genetic distances between the Namibian populations here investigated and other African (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Guinea, Cape Verde) and non-African (Germany, China, Philippines) populations using loci grouped in LGs mirrored their biogeographical distribution differently for each linkage group. Haplotype sharing within each LG revealed a high degree of population-specific types, hinting to the potential of these markers for ancestry applications.These results highlight the importance to produce specific and freely available population databases especially for multi-ethnic countries. This novel dataset is expected to be of interest for population studies that need an accessible reference dataset of African regions not currently well represented, as well as possible relevance for forensic applications focusing on the biogeographic origin of samples.

Black-White Differences in The Effects of Parental Education on College Students' Beliefs about Racial Discrimination.

Background: Racial discrimination remains a significant issue in the United States, particularly affecting Black individuals. Understanding how beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination are shaped by race and parental education among college students is crucial for developing strategies to address these inequities. Objectives: This study aims to examine the multiplicative effects of race and parental education on beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination among Black and White college students. We hypothesize that Black students, particularly those with highly educated parents, will exhibit stronger beliefs in the persistence of racial discrimination as a significant issue compared to their White peers. Methods: Data were drawn from the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) study, which includes a national sample of Black and White young adults on college campuses across the United States. We conducted statistical analyses to explore the influence of race and parental education on students' beliefs about racial discrimination. Results: Black students demonstrated stronger beliefs in the persistence of racial discrimination compared to White students. Additionally, students with higher parental education levels were more likely to recognize racial discrimination as a significant issue than those with lower parental education. The impact of parental education on these beliefs was more pronounced for Black students compared to White students. Discussion: Black college students, especially those from higher SES backgrounds, exhibit a heightened awareness of racial discrimination due to their lived experiences and educational exposure. High SES Black individuals often face increased visibility and prejudice in predominantly White environments, further reinforcing their beliefs about the persistence of discrimination. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support Black students in higher education and promote awareness of racial discrimination. Policy solutions should include comprehensive anti-discrimination policies, increased diversity and inclusion efforts, and educational curricula that address systemic racism and social justice. The cross-sectional nature of the data limits causality inference, and self-reported measures may be subject to bias. Despite these limitations, the study's large and diverse sample enhances the generalizability of the findings. Race and parental education have multiplicative effects on college students' beliefs about the persistence of racial discrimination. Black students, particularly those from high SES backgrounds, are more likely to perceive racial discrimination as a continuing problem. Addressing these disparities through targeted policies and interventions is essential for creating equitable and inclusive educational environments.

Reconsideration of the alar base cinch suture technique involving the perinasal musculature: an in-depth review.

Orthognathic surgery affects both function and aesthetics. An important aesthetic complication is the nasal alteration that can result from Le Fort I osteotomy. A common method for countering this complication is the alar base cinch suture technique. Although the method for this suture has been standardized, the results vary and are inconsistent; further improvements are therefore required. The objective of this study was to review the literature data on the alar base cinch suture technique and associated results. In this review, the PubMed, Ovid, and Ichushi-Web electronic databases were searched using logical combinations of keywords related to the perinasal musculature and alar base cinch suture technique. Following screening of the results, 42 publications were included. The review findings prompted several conclusions. The anatomy of the myrtiformis muscle and depressor septi nasalis may differ between ethnicities, and it is essential to take certain factors related to ethnicity into account when implementing the alar base cinch suture technique. It is also important to consider factors such as the patient's aesthetic preferences.

Palliative Care Experiences Among Adults From Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups in the United States: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Patients from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups (URGs) in the United States (US) experience disparities in accessing palliative care (PC) at the end of life (EOL). Additionally, little effort has been made to understand their experiences with PC. OBJECTIVES: To identify and synthesize existing literature on PC experiences among adults from URGs in nursing homes, community settings, and hospitals in the US. METHODS: Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological recommendation and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews, we conducted a scoping review. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global from inception to January 2024. RESULTS: We included five studies representing Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, African/Black American, and Chinese individuals. Data were organized around two themes: navigating PC pathway and choices and practices during PC. Navigating PC pathway theme highlights that despite the several barriers URGs face when accessing PC, they seek PC services due to their limited formal family assistance in managing their chronic conditions and pain. The choices and practices during PC theme emphasize the roles URG family members play in EOL care, the patient's care preferences, and their spiritual practices and beliefs related to EOL care. CONCLUSION: This scoping review reveals limited literature about URG experiences with PC and highlights the need for more studies to focus on making PC services more accessible to URGs and providing culturally sensitive care to meet the needs of the diverse growing US population.

Incarceration's lingering health effects on Black men: impacts persist into retirement.

Background: The unique challenges Black men face within the criminal justice system underscore structural and systemic factors driving widespread inequalities. The long-term effects of these challenges on economic, health, and social outcomes as individuals transition to retirement remain poorly understood, highlighting a critical gap in our knowledge of life trajectories long after justice system involvement. Objectives: This study investigated the enduring health impacts of incarceration on Black men, particularly focusing on the transition into retirement. It aimed to explore the influence of race and gender on experiences of incarceration before age 50, and how such experiences affected self-rated health during the retirement transition. Methods: Utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study, which followed individuals aged 50-59 for up to thirty years, this research examined the interplay of race, gender, incarceration history, and self-rated health during the retirement transition. Logistic regression and path modeling were employed for data analysis. Results: Logistic regression results indicated that being Black, male, and having lower educational attainment significantly increased the likelihood of experiencing incarceration before the age of 50 (p < 0.05). This suggests that Black men with lower levels of education are at the greatest risk of incarceration. The path model revealed a correlation between incarceration experiences before age 50 and poorer self-rated health at the time of retirement. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the disproportionately high risk of incarceration among Black men, especially those with lower educational attainment, and its persistent negative impacts on health decades later, including during the transition into retirement. Addressing structural racism and the mass incarceration of Black men is crucial for achieving racial health equity as individuals retire.

The Art, Microbial Quality, Safety, and Physicochemical Characteristics of Jikita: A Traditional Ethiopian Fermented Beverage.

Jikita is a traditional fermented beverage popular among the Oromo ethnic groups in Ethiopia. It is made from cereal and has a high alcohol content and thick texture. Jikita is widely consumed in the Western Oromia region of Ethiopia and holds significant socioeconomic and cultural importance. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the microbial quality and safety of Jikita, as well as its physicochemical and proximate composition. This study is aimed at assessing the current state of Jikita production and consumption. Samples were collected from two districts in the West Shewa Zone, where Jikita is most prevalent. A survey was conducted to gather information on production methods, sanitary conditions, ingredient composition, and the socioeconomic importance of Jikita. The samples were then analyzed for microbial counts, identification, and dynamics, as well as for pH, titratable acidity (TA), moisture, total solid, alcohol, carbohydrate, fat, and protein contents. The results showed that the majority of producers and sellers were middle-aged women who did not use protective clothing. Microbial counts revealed that the levels of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were below the WHO/FDA standards, and no Salmonella spp. were detected. The samples exhibited varying pH, TA, moisture, total solid, alcohol, carbohydrate, fat, and protein contents. The microbial dynamics during fermentation showed that different groups of bacteria and yeasts dominated different stages. The overall microbial quality of Jikita was indicative of spoilage microorganisms. However, the duration of fermentation inhibited the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and extended the shelf life of the product to more than 2 months. This study provides valuable insights into traditional fermented beverages and their implications for public health. It also suggests the need for improved hygiene practices and quality control measures in Jikita production and consumption.

Trends in cigarette smoking and the risk of incident cardiovascular disease among Asian American, Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, and rates of CVD incidence vary widely by race and ethnicity. Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of CVD. The purpose of the study was: 1) to examine smoking prevalence over time across Asian and Pacific Islander (API) and multi-race API subgroups; 2) to determine whether the CVD risk associated with smoking differed among these subgroups. Methods: We identified patients belonging to 7 single race/ethnicity groups, 4 multi-race/ethnicity groups, and a non-Hispanic White (NHW) comparison group at two large health systems in Hawaii and California. We estimated annual smoking prevalence from 2011 through 2018 by group and gender. We examined incidence of CVD events by smoking status and race/ethnicity, and computed hazard ratios for CVD events by age, gender, race/ethnicity, census block median household income, census block college degree, and study site using Cox regression. Results: Of the 12 groups studied, the Asian Indian and Chinese American groups had the lowest smoking prevalence, and the Asian + Pacific Islander multiracial group had the highest smoking prevalence. The prevalence of smoking decreased from 2011 to 2018 for all groups. Multi-race/ethnicity groups had higher risk of CVD than the NHW group. There was no significant interaction between race/ethnicity and smoking in models predicting CVD, but the association between race/ethnicity and CVD incidence was attenuated after adjusting for smoking status. Conclusions: There is considerable heterogeneity in smoking prevalence and the risk of CVD among API subgroups.

Racial and economic segregation and diabetes mortality in the USA, 2016-2020.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between racial and economic segregation and diabetes mortality among US counties from 2016 to 2020. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional ecological study that combined county-level diabetes mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and sociodemographic information drawn from the 2016-2020 American Community Survey (n=2380 counties in the USA). Racialized economic segregation was measured using the Index Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) for income (ICEincome), race (ICErace) and combined income and race (ICEcombined). ICE measures were categorised into quintiles, Q1 representing the highest concentration and Q5 the lowest concentration of low-income, non-Hispanic (NH) black and low-income NH black households, respectively. Diabetes was ascertained as the underlying cause of death. County-level covariates included the percentage of people aged ≥65 years, metropolitan designation and population size. Multilevel Poisson regression was used to estimate the adjusted mean mortality rate and adjusted risk ratios (aRR) comparing Q1 and Q5. RESULTS: Adjusted mean diabetes mortality rate was consistently greater in counties with higher concentrations of low-income (ICEincome) and low-income NH black households (ICEcombined). Compared with counties with the lowest concentration (Q1), counties with the highest concentration (Q5) of low-income (aRR 1.96; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.11 for ICEincome), NH black (aRR 1.32; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.47 for ICErace) and low-income NH black households (aRR 1.70; 95% CI 1.56 to 1.84 for ICEcombined) had greater diabetes mortality. CONCLUSION: Racial and economic segregation is associated with diabetes mortality across US counties.

Health literacy and associated factors in China: findings from the Wa ethnic group.

Background: The health literacy of ethnic groups in remote areas of China is far from satisfactory. However, the health literacy of ethnic groups in China remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the health literacy of the "advancing directly" ethnic group and its influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a staged sampling method among the Wa ethnic group, who have rapidly transitioned directly from the traditional lifestyle of slash-and-burn cultivation to modern societies. We used the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) to assess health literacy. We defined low health literacy as less than 60% of the total score and adequate health literacy as more than 80% of the total score. Results: A total of 668 individuals met the inclusion criteria and the mean age was 42.19 (SD 10.56) years. The mean HLQ total score was 29.9 (SD 10.56). The prevalence of adequate health literacy was 0.89%. There were significant differences between the low and the non-low health literacy groups in terms of gender, age, education, marital status, occupation, residing place, current smoking status, and waist circumference (all p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that women (t = 9·418, p < 0.001), older age (B = -0.0091, t = -2.644, p = 0.008), low educational level (B = 0.766, t = 6.018, p < 0.001), current smoking (B = -2.66, t = -3.038, p = 0.008), and residence far from township (B = -5.761, t = -4.1, p < 0.001) were associated with low HLQ total score. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the health literacy of the Wa ethnic group is far from favorable. It indicates the need for increased efforts in improving the health literacy of "advancing directly" ethnic groups.

Eye care following pre-school vision screening: Data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study.

AIM: This study aimed to determine adherence with follow-up from the New Zealand pre-school vision screening programme. The study also examined associations between pre-school vision screening outcomes and cognitive measures assessed at the 54-month follow-up in the Growing Up in New Zealand study cohort. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective record review of pre-school vision screening outcomes and hospital ophthalmology records with linkage to Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study data. RESULTS: Of 176 children referred from vision screening, 21.6% did not attend a referral appointment. Of 138 children who attended a referral appointment, 21.0% did not attend one or more follow-up appointments. Ethnic differences were observed in attendance at referral appointments (attended Maori 13%, Pacific 22.5%, European/Other 64.5%; not attended Maori 26.3%, Pacific 28.9%, European/Other 44.7%; P = 0.04) and follow-up appointments (attended Maori 11.9%, Pacific 15.6%, European/Other 72.5%; not attended Maori 17.2%, Pacific 48.3%, European/Other 34.5%; P = 0.001). Vision screening outcome was significantly associated with letter naming fluency scores (P = 0.01) but not name and numbers scores (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Non-attendance at referral and follow-up appointments limits the efficacy of vision screening, particularly for children of Maori and Pacific ethnicity. Children referred from vision screening achieve lower scores on letter naming fluency, a key predictor of reading ability in later childhood. Equity-based improvements are required to ensure that all children referred from vision screening receive appropriate follow-up eye care.

The Assessment of C-shaped Canal Prevalence in Mandibular Second Molars Using Endodontic Microscopy and Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vivo Investigation.

Background Understanding root canal anatomy variations, particularly C-shaped canals, is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. This study used clinical and radiographic methods to assess the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars in Western Maharashtra. Materials and methods This prospective study was conducted in the western region of Maharashtra, India. The samples included patients requiring endodontic treatment for mandibular second molars. Clinical evaluation was conducted using a surgical endodontic microscope and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured the selection of a focused and homogeneous sample. Data analysis included assessment of unilateral/bilateral occurrence, canal distribution, and cross-sectional characteristics. Results Out of 200 mandibular second molars, 7.5% exhibited C-shaped root canals, with no significant gender differences. Canal distribution varied across coronal, middle, and apical levels, with prevalent configurations being C1, C2, C3, and C4. No significant differences were observed in canal distribution based on root levels. No significant gender differences were found in the presence of grooves on the root surfaces. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars in Western Maharashtra. Further research into histological and genetic aspects can enhance our understanding, leading to improved treatment strategies for complex root canal anatomy variations.

Medicinal plants used by minority ethnic groups in China: Taxonomic diversity and conservation needs.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Indigenous communities have long relied on medicinal plants (MPs) for primary healthcare. The ethnomedicinal knowledge are different among ethnic groups since the local flora and people's health beliefs generally vary among biocultural backgrounds. China with its diverse biocultural environment is rich in culturally important plant species including MPs. They are also essential in the context of conservation of plant resources and the related traditional medical knowledge, requiring an integrated perspective on these MPs. AIM OF THE STUDY: Focusing on the MPs used by the minority ethnic groups, this study assesses the diversity of MPs in China used in local indigenous traditions, as well as their conservation needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MPs used by the 18 selected minority ethnic groups were extracted from an ethnic MP dictionary. After standardizing, the names then were compiled as an inventory. Next, following statistics were computed: the number of species in each order and family, species used by each ethnic group, species documented in the national herbal resource dataset, species adopted in drug standards, and species at different levels of conservation lists. The overall similarity of the MPs used by the ethnic groups included was achieved using a cluster and principal component analysis. RESULTS: In total 5886 vascular plant species are reported as medicines in the 18 ethnic groups, which belong to 1657 genera and 243 families. It is found that 3195 species are used exclusively by one ethnic group, indicating their cultural salience and potential restrictedness in ecological terms. Moreover, 1159 species are included in national/regional drug standards, indicating their importance in the national medical flora. However, only 3541 species of them are documented in the national herbal resource dataset, and 761 species are at different levels of threatened status, highlighting the conservation needs of Chinese MPs and the related traditional medical knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Using a quantitative approach, for the first time the present study reveals the high level of taxonomic diversity of MPs used by minority ethnic groups of China. However, of these species, 40% are still not inventoried in the national herbal resource dataset, and more than half are used exclusively by one ethnic group, and around 13% are included in the conservation lists of different levels. These together urge the conservation of MP resources and related traditional medical knowledge. Additionally, we recommend fostering the cross-cultural communication the regional ethnomedicinal knowledge, for the purpose of maximizing the benefits of regional plants to human.

Alcohol Consumption Patterns for Excessive Drinkers in a Multi-Ethnic Society Short Running Title: Drinking Patterns and Health Education.

Objective: Culture and eating habits, which vary greatly across different ethnic groups, have a substantial impact on drinking behavior. This study aimed to examine whether the drinking patterns and reasons differ by ethnic groups, and provide useful insights for multi-ethnic areas that seek to cut down alcohol intake. Methods: We recruited excessive drinkers and collected the drinking patterns and motivations by questionnaire in a multi-ethnic society. Multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the variations in drinking characteristics among different ethnic groups. Results: We recruited 1287 participants through convenience sampling (a non-probability sampling technique used in research where the researcher selects participants or units for a study based on their accessibility and proximity), among whom 439 excessive drinkers were eligible. The mean age was 38 years for the 439 participants, 92.9% were men, 36.0% were Han, and 64.0% were minorities mainly composed of the Yi. The majority of the participants were married (75.9%) and did physical work (58.1%). Ethnic minorities consumed more alcohol on a single occasion than Han people did (47.3 vs 41.8g/session) while drinking less frequently. For the minority and Han participants, 67% and 42% were not used to drinking with food, respectively. Peer pressure and fostering a good atmosphere were the most common drinking reasons for the minority and Han, respectively. Conclusion: We found substantial differences in drinking patterns and reasons between ethnic minorities and Han ethnicity, attributable to their culture and customs. Findings highlight the importance of drinking habits and motivations in exploring alcohol control education strategies in the context of ethnic integration and population immigration.

Diasporas as a linchpin in local and international humanitarian action: a case study of the Chinese in Aceh following the 2004 tsunami.

Chinese humanitarian actors have worked frequently with the Chinese diaspora in disaster-affected areas, but little, if any, research has been conducted into the important role of the diaspora in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. This paper investigates what local knowledge the Chinese diaspora has offered to humanitarian actors from the People's Republic of China (PRC), and how this has contributed to their effectiveness. Based on a case study of the semi-autonomous Indonesian province of Aceh in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, this paper argues that the diaspora can serve as a linchpin in local and international humanitarian action. It can do so by strengthening networks and bringing together local ethnic communities, local governments, and the PRC's humanitarian actors, while also offering local knowledge in the form of contextual memory. Such local knowledge may have to be fully utilised to address any underlying ethnic tensions in disaster-affected areas.

A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Germline BRCA mutations in North Asia Breast Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The BRCA1/2 mutation status testing is the global standard of care for breast cancer patients with a family history of cancer. BRCA1/2 mutations are known to be ethno-specific. For some ethnic groups of the Northern Asia (Buryats, Yakuts, Altaians, Tuvans, Khakasses, etc.) the founder mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes have not been revealed. This systematic review was conducted to assess the prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutation in breast cancer patients inhabiting Eastern Europe and Northern Asia (or Siberia). METHODS: A total of 23,561 studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, of which 55 were included in the review. The literature search was conducted using RusMed, Cyberleninka, Google Scholar, eLibrary, NCBI databases (n=5) and conference papers. RESULTS: The founder mutations (c.5266dupC and/or c.181T>G) of BRCA1 gene that were frequently observed in the Slav peoples were also identified in Chechens, Armenians, Bashkirs, Ukrainians, Mordovians, Mari, Kabardians, Tatars, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Ossetians, Khanty indigenous peoples and Adygs. For Chechens, Kabardians, Ingush, Buryats, Khakasses, Sakha, Tuvans and Armenians, rare pathogenic variants of the BRCA1/2, ATM, СНЕК2, BRIP1, NBN, PTEN, TP53, PMS1, XPA, LGR4, BRWD1 and PALB2 genes were found. No data are available about the frequency of pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations for ethnic groups, such as the Udmurts, Komi, Tajiks, Tabasarans, and Nogais indigenous people. CONCLUSION: This is the first systematic review that provides the spectrum of BRCA mutations in ethnic groups of breast cancer patients inhabiting Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It has been shown that the mutations are ethnospecific (varied widely within groups) and not all groups are equally well studied. Further studies on the ethnic specificity of BRCA gene mutations are required.

Exome Sequencing: the Search for Mutations Associated with Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancers in the Tuvan Ethnic Group (A Pilot Study).

Whole exome sequencing of peripheral blood samples from Tuvan females diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers (BC/OC) was performed to search for new genes involved in BC/OC pathogenesis. Considering the high cost of whole exome sequencing and study material requirements, 9 samples were selected from 61 genomic DNA samples. A mutation in the LGR4 gene (rs34804482) involved in the tumor-mediated Wnt signaling pathway and a mutation in the BRWD1 gene (rs147211854) involved in chromatin remodeling were identified in BC patients. A mutation in the CITED2 gene (rs77963348) involved in the pathogenesis of primary ovarian insufficiency was identified in a patient with OC and a history of infertility. A mutation in the PDGFRA gene (rs2291591) was identified in two BC/OC patients. LRG4, BRWD1, PDGFRA, and CITED2 germline pathogenic mutations were discovered in Tuvan women diagnosed with BC/OC for the first time.

Black Americans' Diminished Health Returns of Professional Occupations: A Thirty-Year Follow-Up Study of Middle-Aged and Older Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational classes exert substantial effects on both subjective and objective health outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether the health impact of similar occupational classes varies across racial groups among middle-aged and older adults in the United States. AIM: Grounded in the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs), which posits that health benefits from resources such as employment are systematically weaker for racial minority populations, particularly Non-Latino Black individuals, this study tested Black-White disparities in the effects of similar occupational classes on health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we employed a 30-year longitudinal design with a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States. Six occupational classes-operator, managerial, professional specialty, sales, clerical/admin, and service-served as the key predictor variables (independent variables), with race as the moderator. Various health outcomes, including self-rated health, chronic disease, body mass index (BMI), activities of daily living (ADL), and cognitive function, were measured longitudinally from wave 1 to wave 15 (from baseline to 30 years later). Statistical analyses, incorporating logistic regression models, were conducted to assess associations between occupational class and health outcomes overall and based on race. RESULTS: Our analysis included 7538 Non-Latino White or Non-Latino Black participants followed for up to 30 years. Initial findings revealed positive health effects of professional occupations on cognitive function and self-rated health over 30 years of follow-uWe also identified significant interactions between race and professional occupational class on all health outcomes, indicating notable racial differences in the effects of professional occupations on health outcomes across domains. The effects of professional occupational class were weaker for Non-Latino Black individuals than for Non-Latino White individuals. CONCLUSION: Consistent with the Minorities' Diminished Returns theory, our findings indicated less pronounced positive effects of professional occupations on a wide range of health outcomes for Non-Latino Black individuals compared to Non-Latino Whites. These disparities emphasize the critical need to address structural factors that contribute to the diminished returns of prestigious occupations for Non-Latino Black populations.

Racial Differences in Biopsychosocial Pathways to Tobacco and Marijuana Use Among Youth.

BACKGROUND: The influence of socioeconomic disparities and multidimensional stressors on youth tobacco and marijuana use is recognized; however, the extent of these effects varies among different racial groups. Understanding the racial differences in the factors influencing substance use is crucial for developing tailored interventions aimed at reducing disparities in tobacco and marijuana use among adolescents. AIMS: This study aims to explore the differential effects of socioeconomic disparities and multidimensional stressors on tobacco and marijuana use between Black and White adolescents. METHODS: Utilizing longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, this research includes a cohort of pre-youth, monitored from the age of 9-10 years for a period of up to 36 months. We examined the impact of various socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and multidimensional stressors, including trauma, financial stress, racial discrimination, and family stress, alongside baseline average cortical thickness and the subsequent initiation of tobacco and marijuana use over the 36-month follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 10,777 participants entered our analysis. This included 8263 White and 2514 Black youth. Our findings indicate significant differences in the pathways from SES indicators through stress types to cortical thickness between Black and White youths. Notably, cortical thickness's impact on the future initiation of tobacco and marijuana use was present in both groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that compared to White adolescents, Black adolescents' substance use and associated cortical thickness are less influenced by stress and SES indicators. This discrepancy may be attributed to the compounded effects of racism, where psychosocial mechanisms might be more diminished for Black youth than White youth. These findings support the theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns rather than the cumulative disadvantage or double jeopardy hypothesis, highlighting the need for interventions that address the unique challenges faced by Black adolescents.