Plasma HMGB1 levels were noted to be higher in an African American cohort compared to a Caucasian one [77], while the relative risk of developing postoperative delirium may be greater (1.3) for non-whites; the 95% confidence intervals crossed unity (0.8–2.1) [84]; the entire effect may reflect social disadvantage. The gene discussed is HMGB1; the disease is delirium.