Balance Differences between North and South American Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional, Age and Sex Matched Study

This study aimed to characterize the risk of falling in low, moderate and high risk participants from two different geographical locations using a portable force-plate. A sample of 390 older adults from South and North America were matched for age, sex, height and weight. All participants performed a standardized balance assessment using a force plate. Participants were classified in low, moderate and high risk of falling. No differences were observed between South and North American men, nor comparing North American men and women. South American women showed the significantly shorter center of pressure path length compared to other groups. The majority of the sample was categorized as having low risk of falling (male: 65.69 % and female: 61.87 %), with no differences between men and women. Also, no differences were found between North vs. South Americans, nor for falls risk levels when male and female groups were compared separately. In conclusion, South American women had better balance compatible with the status of the 50-59 years’ normative age-range. The prevalence of low falls risk was ~ 61-65 % and the prevalence of moderate to high risk was ~ 16-19 %. The frequency of fall risk did not differ significantly between North and South Americans, nor between males and females.

Morphological variation of the deciduous second molars in the Baka Pygmies

The Baka Pygmies are known for their short stature resulting from a reduced growth rate during infancy. They are peculiar also for their teeth erupt earlier than in any other African population, and their posterior dentition is larger than in non-Pygmy populations. However, the Baka’s dental morphology, like several other aspects of their biology, is still understudied. Here, we explore the variation of the Baka’s deciduous upper and lower second molars (dm2s) in comparison to a geographically heterogeneous human sample by means of 3D geometric morphometrics and analysis of dental traits. Our results show that the different populations largely overlap based on the shape of their dm2s, especially the lower ones. Their distal region and the height of the dentinal crown differ the most, with the Baka showing the most extreme range of variation. Upper and lower dm2s covary to a great extent (RV = 0.82). The Baka’s and South Americans’ dm2s were confirmed among the largest in our sample. Despite the Baka’s unique growth pattern, long-lasting isolation, and extreme dental variation, it is not possible to distinguish them from other populations based on their dm2s’ morphology only.

Morphological Variation of the Deciduous Second Molars in the Baka Pygmies

The Baka Pygmies are known for their short stature resulting from a reduced growth rate during infancy. They are peculiar also for their teeth erupt earlier than in any other African population, and their posterior dentition is larger than in non-Pygmy populations. However, the Baka’s dental morphology, like several other aspects of their biology, is still understudied. Here, we explore the variation of the Baka’s deciduous upper and lower second molars (dm2s) in comparison to a geographically heterogeneous human sample by means of 3D geometric morphometrics and analysis of dental traits. Our results show that the different populations largely overlap based on the shape of their dm2s, especially the lower ones. Their distal region and the height of the dentinal crown differ the most, with the Baka showing the most extreme range of variation. Upper and lower dm2s covary to a great extent (RV=0.82). The Baka’s and South Americans’ dm2s were confirmed among the largest in our sample. Despite the Baka’s unique growth pattern, long-lasting isolation, and extreme dental variation, it is not possible to distinguish them from other populations based on their dm2s’ morphology only.

Morphological Variation of the Baka Pygmies’ Deciduous Second Molars

The Baka pygmies are known for their short stature resulting from a reduced growth rate during infancy. They are peculiar also for their teeth erupt earlier than in any other African population, and their posterior dentition is larger than in non-pygmies. However, the Baka’s dental morphology, as several other aspects of their biology, is still understudied. In this study we explore the Baka’s upper and lower second deciduous molars variation in comparison to a human sample including Africans, Asians, Europeans, and South Americans by means of 3D geometric morphometrics. We analyzed both the outer and inner aspect of the dental crowns, as well as their general size based on the natural logarithm of centroid sizes. Our results show largely overlapping morphologies between populations, especially for the lower molars. The distal region of the second molars is the most variable, with the Baka’s lower second molars showing the most extreme range of variation for this aspect and in terms of crown height. Upper and lower second molars showed high morphological covariation (RV=0.82). The Baka and South Americans’ second molars were confirmed among the largest in our sample. Despite of the Baka’s particular growth pattern, long-lasting isolation and extreme dental variation, it is not possible to distinguish them from other populations on the basis of their second molar morphology only.

Latino children's obesity risk varies by place of birth: Findings from New York City public school youth, 2006-2017

Introduction: Research showing Place of Birth (POB) predicts excess weight gain and obesity risk among Latino adults has not prompted similar research in Latino children, although childhood is a critical period for preventing obesity. Methods: Longitudinal cohort observational study on public school children self-identified by parent/guardian as Latino in grades K-12 for school years 2006-07 through 2016-17 with measured weight and height (n= 570,172students; 3,10,3642observations). POB reported by parent/guardian was categorized as continental US (not NYC) (n=295,693), NYC (n=166,361), South America (n=19,452), Central America (n=10,241), Dominican Republic (n=57,0880), Puerto Rico (n=9,687) and Mexico (n=9,647). Age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles were estimated based on established growth charts. Data were analyzed in 2020. Results: Prevalence of obesity was highest among US (non-NYC)-born girls (21%) and boys (27%), followed by NYC-born girls (19%) and boys (25%). Among girls, South Americans (9%) had the lowest prevalence of all levels of obesity, while Puerto Ricans (19%) and Dominicans (15%) had the highest prevalence. Among boys, South Americans also had the lowest prevalence of all levels of obesity (15%), while Puerto Ricans (22%) and Mexicans (21%) had the highest. In adjusted models, obesity risk was highest in US (non-NYC)-born children, followed by children born in NYC (p<0.001). Immigrant Latino children exhibited an advantage, particularly Dominicans, South Americans and Puerto Ricans, and even after controlling for individual and neighborhood sociodemographic features including linguistic isolation and poverty. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of obesity risk among Latino children highlights the importance of POB.

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF The HOMININ’s DPP4 GENE INHERITED from NEANDERTHALS to PANDEMIC of COVID-19

Background: According to preliminary sequences from 2010, 99.7% of the nucleotide sequences of the modern human and Neanderthal genomes are identical, compared to humans sharing around 98.8% of sequences with the chimpanzee. ... In contrast, the difference between chimpanzees and modern humans is approximately 1,462 mtDNA base pairs. Materials and Methods: Neanderthal-inherited genetic material is found in all non-African populations and was initially reported to comprise 1 to 4 percent of the genome. This fraction was later refined to 1.5 to 2.1 percent. We had gone through many researches of Neanderthals affected gene flow in humans. Results: It is estimated that 20 percent of Neanderthal DNA currently survives in modern humans. Modern human genes involved in making keratin, a protein constituent of skin, hair, and nails, have especially high levels of introgression. For example, approximately 66% of East Asians contain a POUF23L variant introgressed from Neanderthals, while 70% of Europeans possess an introgressed allele of BNC2. Our finding shines a light on an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase4 (DPP4). Scientists already know the protein allows another coronavirus, which causes Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS), to bind to and enter human cells. The new analysis, of DPP4 gene variants among COVID-19 patients, suggests the enzyme also provides SARS-CoV-2 with a second door into our cells, along with its usual infection route via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on cell surfaces. Conclusion: Most Europeans, Asians, and Native Americans harbor a handful of genes from Neanderthals, up 1.8% to 2.6% of their DNA. Studies of ancient DNA in Neanderthal fossils have shown the hominin's DPP4 gene subtly differs from the typical human one. Conclusion: The hominin's DPP4 gene inherited from Neanderthals plays a major role in Immune System Disorders and Lower Immune response in many diseases. This gene plays a major role in affecting humans with COVID-19 and spreading it through the world. All humans contain this gene from 1 to 4 percent. East Asians, Europeans, Middle and south Americans conveys more, hence; native Africans contain less amounts of hominin's DPP4 gene. Therefore; East Asians, Europeans, Middle and south Americans are prone to severe COVID-19.

The Negative Impact of the Hominin’s DPP4 Gene Inherited from Neanderthals to Pandemic of COVID-19

Background: According to preliminary sequences from 2010, 99.7% of the nucleotide sequences of the modern human and Neanderthal genomes are identical, compared to humans sharing around 98.8% of sequences with the chimpanzee. In contrast, the difference between chimpanzees and modern humans is approximately 1,462 mtDNA base pairs. Materials and Methods: Neanderthal-inherited genetic material is found in all non-African populations and was initially reported to comprise 1 to 4 percent of the genome. This fraction was later refined to 1.5 to 2.1 percent. We had gone through many researches of Neanderthals affected gene flow in humans. Results: It is estimated that 20 percent of Neanderthal DNA currently survives in modern humans. Modern human genes involved in making keratin, a protein constituent of skin, hair, and nails, have especially high levels of introgression. For example, approximately 66% of East Asians contain a POUF23L variant introgressed from Neanderthals, while 70% of Europeans possess an introgressed allele of BNC2. Our finding shines a light on an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4). Scientists already know the protein allows another coronavirus, which causes Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS), to bind to and enter human cells. The new analysis, of DPP4 gene variants among COVID-19 patients, suggests the enzyme also provides SARS-CoV-2 with a second door into our cells, along with its usual infection route via the angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on cell surfaces. Conclusion: Most Europeans, Asians, and Native Americans harbor a handful of genes from Neanderthals, up 1.8% to 2.6% of their DNA. Studies of ancient DNA in Neanderthal fossils have shown the hominin’s DPP4 gene subtly differs from the typical human one. Conclusion: The hominin’s DPP4 gene inherited from Neanderthals plays a major role in Immune System Disorders and Lower Immune response in many diseases. This gene plays a major role in affecting humans with COVID-19 and spreading it through the world. All humans contain this gene from 1 to 4 percent. East Asians, Europeans, Middle and South Americans conveys more, hence; native Africans contain less amounts of hominin’s DPP4 gene. Therefore; East Asians, Europeans, Middle and South Americans are prone to severe COVID-19.

Life without Milk

This op-ed article is a metaphor, bemoaning life without the cruelty, brutality, and murder of minorities by police. It indicates the similarities in not needing milk nor police when it is intolerant to survival. Milk is an important nutrient, staple, and a source of calcium for the purpose of supplementing the health in children’s development and for adults in need of additional, calcium-rich foods. Milk is known to build bone development and density. Milk has a long history in the “western diet” (Dalsgaard, Bertram 2015) (standard American diet), as an important nutrient, representative as a valuable source for the human body. In validating food “intake biomarkers (a measurable substance in an organism whose presence is indicative of some phenomenon, such as disease, infection, or environmental exposure), milk becomes part of the human biofluid (a generic term for bio-organic fluid produced by an organism such as, serum, plasma, urine, saliva, and so on” (Dalsgaard, Bertram 2015). We are taught by our parents and advised by natal-conscious doctors, that children cannot grow or maintain a healthy life as babies, pre-k, young adults or grown-ups, if we don’t drink milk or have a diet of milk by-products. But in 1972, early research found; “Negroes” (Paige, Bayless, Graham 1972), Asians, American Indians, Hispanic, South Americans and Black Heritage (American Family Physician, 2006), had trouble digesting an enzyme that breaks down the natural sugar in milk and the same intestinal intolerance arrives in significant numbers when this same group of people within the greater population are in the presence of police.

LINGUOCULTURAL ANALYSIS OF TOPONYMICAL PERIPHRASES IN PERU

This article focuses on linguistic and cultural aspects of Peruvian toponymical periphrases through the analysis of the linguistic material and surveying native speakers of the Peruvian national variant of Spanish language as informants. The motivation and structure of Peruvian toponymical periphrases is analyzed from the semiotic point of view. The most frequently used lexemes in the formation of the periphrases are classified by their meaning. The complex analysis of 70 toponymical periphrases for Peruvian cities shows the richness of motivating features and proves that they create emotional and evaluative parallels for traditional toponyms. Such components as ciudad, tierra, capital, sede, cuna, joya, perla are recognized as onomastic dominants in Peruvian toponymical periphrases. The authors also put emphasis on homonymic coincidences of toponymical periphrases in Peru and in the neighbouring countries like Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador and Brazil.The similarities in the motivation of South American toponyms are classified as: associations with ancient European cities (Rome, Athens, Sevilla, London); associations with climatic conditions (viento, eterno); signs of local industrial development, characteristics and achievements of the population; self-perceptions (loyalty and devotion, cordiality and hospitality, friendliness). The derivation of parameters of toponymical linguistic creativity of South Americans in general is considered as possible scientific perspective.