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Background: Falls are common in the elderly and can lead to adverse consequences, like injuries, hospitalization, disability even mortality. Successful ageing emerged in sight to assess physical, psychological and social status of older adults. This study is conducted to explore the association between them in a large Indian community-dwelling population. Methods: Data were based on the wave 1 survey of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). People aged 60 and above with complete information were included. The elderly met five standards including absence of chronic diseases, freedom from disability, high cognitive ability, free from depressive symptoms and active social engagement, were classified into successful agers. The assessment of falls, fall-related injuries and multiple falls depended on interview. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to find the associations between falls, fall-injury, multiple falls and successful ageing after adjusting both socio-demographic and biological covariates. The log-likelihood ratio test was calculated interactions in subgroups. Results: 31,345 participants in LASI were finally included in our study. Of them, 20.25% reported fall, and 25% were classified into successful agers. After full adjustment, successful ageing was negatively associated with falls (OR 0.70; 95%CI 0.65–0.76) and multiple falls (OR 0.70; 95%CI 0.63–0.78). And the association did not show the significance in older adults with fall-related injuries (OR 0.86; 95%CI 0.72–1.04). Conclusions: Successful ageing was negatively associated with falls and multiple falls, but not fall-related injuries in older people in India. Future studies are demanded to explore the causal relationship and to reveal the underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Our blood is becoming white." This was a constant lament I heard from siddis in contemporary Hyderabad, India—third‐ and fourth‐generation descendants of East African slaves and soldiers recruited by the local ruler or Nizam in the 1860s to form the African Cavalry Guard in his army. The article explores this siddi lament and the multivalent symbols—of color, blood, affect, belonging—latent in it. It draws on fieldwork conducted over the course of the last decade among siddis in Hyderabad, ambivalently situated as Indian citizens who are racialized as "Black" in an Indian and global order that denigrates Blackness and marked by their religious identification as Muslim in a virulently Hindu nation. The article unpacks these contexts, exploring the forces of empire and region and constructions of race, gender, and religion that have prodded and inflected siddi processes of becoming. In so doing, it unearths the ways in which Blackness, Muslimness, and masculinity are constituted as (intersecting) social and political categories, caught in the dialectics of alienation and intimacy, belonging and otherness, with enduring effects on the lives and cosmologies of siddis in Hyderabad and on the contemporary politics of race, gender, and religion in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the historical trade relationships between American, Indian, and Zanzibari merchants in the 19th century. American merchants recognized the commercial potential of Zanzibar and formed close ties with Indian businessmen, such as Jairam Shivji, to establish a mutually beneficial trade system. Zanzibar served as a gateway for American ventures across the Western Indian Ocean. The article emphasizes the significance of Indian commercial networks and the complexities of cross-cultural trade. It also discusses the theoretical frameworks of trade networks and circulation societies in understanding these interactions. The text further delves into the relationship between American traders and Indian merchants in the Indian Ocean region, the challenges faced in establishing commercial relationships on Zanzibar, and the role of the Omani Empire. It also highlights the development of bilingual commodity contracts and the expansion of American trade to other ports, including Bombay. Despite obstacles, the close relationship between American and Indian merchants remained crucial in facilitating trade in the Western Indian Ocean. [Extracted from the article]

The present study attempts to understand what happens to conventional values like obedience in a changing socio-cultural milieu. There are two possible courses. Either the society tends to move towards the values of autonomy, independence, and individuality from the conventional values of obedience and interdependence (Lerner in The passing of traditional society: modernizing the middle east, Press Identifier Glencoe, 1958 and Schramm in Mass media and national development. The role of information in developing countries, Stanford University, California, 1964), or old values are aptly modified by interacting with new values (Trommsdorff, in: Noack (Ed) Psychological responses to social change: Human development in changing environments, de Gruyter, Berlin, 1995). Indian studies demonstrate that co-existence is a preferred strategy of Indians to accommodate cultural changes (Mishra, In: Sharan and Suar (Eds) Psychology matters: development, health, and organization, Allied Publishers, New Delhi, 2007, Mishra, Sinha and Berry in Ecology, acculturation, and psychological adaptation: a study of Adivasis in Bihar, Sage Publication, New Delhi, 1996, Chaubey in Psychol Dev Soc 14:201–220, 2002, Mishra and Sinha in Soc Sci Int 28:159–175, 2012). Testing these ideas regarding obedience, a study was conducted in Varanasi, with 30 participants (15 boys, 15 girls) aged 18–19 years randomly selected for the sample. They were given a questionnaire with ten open-ended questions assessing obedience's meaning, significance, flexibility, and context. Thematic analysis showed that the value of obedience is very significant in the lives of young people. It serves four functions, viz., knowledge function, self-enhancement function, harmonising function, and other miscellaneous functions for them. However, signs of acculturation are also evident in increased demands for autonomy and independence. This makes obedience more flexible and context-bound than before. In an attempt to balance autonomy with relatedness, a guided autonomy model has emerged in India which helps Indian youth accommodate cultural change without getting uprooted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: MODY (maturity onset diabetes of the young) is a rare, monogenic, autosomal dominant form of diabetes occurring in young (< 25 years) individuals. It has a wide phenotypic variability and can be misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Appropriate detection of MODY has therapeutic and genetic implications. This study aimed to detect MODY among long standing, clinically diagnosed T1DM patients with preserved C-peptide levels. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study from central South India which included 100 clinically diagnosed T1DM patients (according to ADA criteria), with a duration of > 3 years. MODY probability score, urinary C-peptide to creatinine ratio (UCPCR), and relevant biochemical investigations were performed. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) for MODY-related genes (13 genes) was done for individuals with UCPCR > 0.2. Results: A UCPCR value of > 0.2 (suggestive of preserved endogenous insulin secretion) was observed in eight individuals. The mean HbA1c values were lower, and the MODY probability score was higher in individuals with preserved endogenous insulin (8.07% vs 9.53% and 2.8% vs 1.5%; p-value: 0.005 and 0.004 respectively). One of the eight individuals (12.5%) had a non-pathogenic gene variant in KLF11. Conclusion: In a South Indian cohort of T1DM with preserved C-peptide, we could not find any case of MODY through targeted NGS. UCPCR can be used as a screening tool to identify cases needing genetic testing for MODY. Larger studies utilizing whole exome sequencing should be conducted to know the actual prevalence of MODY among T1DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the role of Black West Indian women in the construction of the Panama Canal and their contributions to the U.S. imperial project. These women played a crucial role in sustaining the Black male canal workers and caring for white families through their domestic and care labor. Despite their essential contributions, they faced discrimination and disparagement from both officials and white female employers. The author highlights the resilience and agency of these women, as well as their ability to navigate between the social reproduction of imperial racial capitalism and the social reproduction of West Indian lives. The book provides a more accurate account of the Panama Canal by utilizing non-U.S. based sources and contextualizing women's migration to Panama within their preexisting traditions and practices. Overall, the book makes significant contributions to the scholarship of the Panama Canal, Caribbean diaspora, post-emancipation labor in the Caribbean, and imperial history. [Extracted from the article]

J.S. Mill is considered one of the most influential figures of the classical political economy. In attempting to reconcile Ricardian and non-Ricardian political economy, Mill developed radical views on various matters, including the distribution of wealth and his political economy of small proprietorships. Mill, as an Examiner of the East India Company, was inclined towards defending imperialism and British rule in India. His support for British imperialism aimed at promoting the material and moral improvement of British colonies while, at the same time, he believed that the harm principle sets limits to coercion, as people in India were not savages but enslaved people to despots. This article points out that the Indian land case provides a crucial link to connect Mill's political economy of small proprietorships with his tolerant imperial political thought. It is argued that this conjunction is necessary to our understanding of Mill's political economy and political theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 4.8 million Asian Indians were documented by the US Census Bureau in 2023. Members of this population follow different religious practices, speak a multitude of languages, and belong to different socioeconomic classes. Asian Indians immigrated to this country in different waves, leading to transgenerational diversity. Immigration, financial, religious, and cultural factors uniquely impact how Asian Indians interact with their healthcare providers. Asian Indians have settled throughout the country, and it is important that clinicians familiarize themselves with the specific health concerns that affect this rapidly growing population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the patterning of multiple long‐term conditions (MLTCs) by age, ethnicity and across conceptualisations of MLTCs (e.g. MLTCs with/without mental health conditions [MHCs]). We examined ethnic inequalities in age‐related patterns of MLTCs, and combinations of physical and MHCs using the English GP Patient Survey and Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We described the association between MLTCs and age using multilevel regression models adjusting for sex and area‐level deprivation with patients nested within GP practices. Similar analyses were repeated for MLTCs that include MHCs. We observed ethnic inequalities from middle‐age onwards such as older Pakistani, Indian, Black Caribbean and Other ethnic people had increased risk of MLTCs compared to white British people, even after adjusting for area‐level deprivation. Compared to white British people, Gypsy and Irish Travellers had higher levels of MLTCs across the age groups, and Chinese people had lower levels. Pakistani and Bangladeshi people aged 50–74 years were more likely than white people to report MLTCs that included MHCs. We find clear evidence of ethnic inequalities in MLTCs. The lower prevalence of MLTCs that include MHCs among some minoritised ethnic groups may be an underestimation due to underdiagnosis and/or inadequate primary care and requires further scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on the authors' joint activism on the rights of refugees and stateless people in India and Myanmar, this article considers how digital ID systems can be used to exclude minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and unfair treatment can negatively affect the health and well-being of many women, especially women of color. Few studies have investigated the mental health impact of both forms of victimization together. Unlike most research on Asian Indian women, which has used aggregated samples of women of various Asian Indian or South Asian descent, this study focused on a specific group of Asian Indians. Data were collected from a probability sample of Gujarati residents, aged 18–65 years, in a midwestern state of USA via computer-assisted telephone interviews. One third of married women reported having experienced IPV and two thirds received unfair treatment during the previous 6 months. Respondents overall reported a low level of depressive symptoms. Analyses using negative binomial regression models found that while both IPV and unfair treatment were positively associated with depressive symptoms, their interaction effect was not statistically significant. When IPV victimization and support from family were included in the model, the incidence rate ratio for unfair treatment became nonsignificant, but the significant effect of IPV remained. Findings suggest that practitioners not only in mental health and IPV programs but also in alternative settings frequented by Gujarati women should inquire about these types of interpersonal victimization and assist women in connecting with and cultivating supportive networks. More research on the mental health impact of IPV and other types of interpersonal victimization is needed for underresearched yet growing population groups to inform socioculturally responsive assistance programs. Public Policy Relevance Statement: This study documented that experiencing violence in intimate relationships and being exposed to unfair treatment in the public sphere were associated with greater depressive symptoms among a group of Asian Indian women, a growing but underserved population group. Our study findings suggest a need for socioculturally responsive policies and programs for women experiencing intimate partner violence and unfair treatment, moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article revisits the concept of empowerment that has underpinned the global movement to address gendered violence. Using a critical praxis lens, the article explores different understandings of empowerment that arose in interviews with front-line domestic violence workers who support refugee and migrant women experiencing gendered violence in Queensland, Australia. Two-thirds of the participants are from refugee and migrant backgrounds themselves. The findings reflect the shift in the service sector from more macro understandings of empowerment, grounded in feminist activism, to more micro understandings. In a context of neoliberal, bureaucratic service delivery, and limited means to address gendered violence that focus on women leaving and legal interventions, empowerment is sometimes viewed in individualistic, therapeutic terms of self-help. There is evidence that domestic violence services, founded on theories of empowerment, are now implicated in the surveillance and risk tracking role of social work as a profession, which has implications for survivor centeredness, agency, and equal participation. However, there is also evidence that front-line workers are aware of structural failings and questioning individualistic conceptions of empowerment amid broader concerns of social justice. Empowerment is viewed as transformative, with possibilities for more collective models aimed at addressing social justice. Outlining implications for feminist scholarship and practice, I suggest empowerment might be revisited by considering the differences between and within groups; structural violence and the consequences of interventions for marginalized groups; collective strategies aimed at broader structural change, such as poverty and race; and by strengthening the capacity of communities to respond to violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India, the past two decades have been crucial for the growing popularity of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). This is largely due to the burgeoning presence and significance of EDM festivals as a performative site of a contemporary Indian youth culture. A salient feature capturing the zeitgeist of twenty-first century, urban, modern Indian youth is EDM's gradual permeation into the cultural fabric of India through crucial collaborations with cultural industries like Bollywood. It is a truism that the legacy of Goa Trance remains a dominant point of reference in the global imagination of the Indian EDM scene. This article, however, argues that the contemporary mode of Indian Electronic Dance Music Culture (EDMC) has largely developed independently of this legacy. The main proponent of contemporary EDMC in urban India has been the multiple greenfield EDM festivals held annually all over the country. This article draws on fieldwork data collected between 2016-2018 at Indian EDM festival sites. Using this empirical data, the article examines the 'performance' of Indian EDMC and considers whether it is viable to speak in terms of an Indian way of raving, as a variation of other 'local' ways of performing EDMC that may exist elsewhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status, oral health behaviours and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands and how they compare with the host population. Based on a random sample from Dutch municipalities, cross-sectional data were obtained for the Indian migrants living in the Netherlands (n = 148) and the host population (n = 244). A questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic, self-reported oral health status, oral health behaviours and oral healthcare utilization. The distribution of self-reported oral health variables for both groups were tabulated and compared using logistic, ordinal and multinomial regression analysis. When adjusted for covariates such as age, gender, marital status, education, income, occupation and dental insurance, regression analysis for oral health status showed that the odds of reporting oral impact on daily performances (OIDP) was 5.87 times higher for Indians compared to the host population (95%CI:3.45;9.65). In contrast, the odds of Indians reporting bleeding gums [OR = 0.44 (95%CI:0.27;0.73)] and diagnosed with gum diseases [OR = 0.23(95%CI:0.13;0.39)] were lower than the host population. Also, the odds of consuming alcohol and cakes or chocolates was significantly lower among Indian migrants compared to the host population [(OR = 0.15(95%CI:0.09;0.25)] and [OR = 0.33(95%CI:0.21;0.52)], respectively. But the odds of consuming sugar in hot beverages were significantly higher among Indians [OR = 10.44(95%CI:5.99;18.19)]. The odds of Indians visiting a dental professional were 9.22 times (95%CI:4.62;18.40) lower compared to the host population. We found that oral health status and behaviours among Indian migrants were different in certain aspects compared to the host population. However, their oral healthcare utilization remained overall lower. The underlying determinants for such observations merit further research. Migrant friendly approach from both the dental professionals and policy makers can encourage dental visits and improve the utilization patterns among Indians migrants in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article challenges the prevailing belief that Indian print culture emerged in the nineteenth century by exploring the participation of Indians in print culture in the late eighteenth century. It reveals that Indians were actively involved in print culture as both readers and patrons, contributing to periodicals, reading newspapers, and handling official documents. Subscription publishing, a method that limited risk and raised funds in advance, gained popularity in India, with Indian names appearing on almost half of the extant lists of subscribers to books published in India during the eighteenth century. The article argues that this early Indian experience with print laid the foundation for its later proliferation, contradicting the notion that Indian print culture only emerged after the arrival of foreign institutions. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Tuberculous meningitis is a major public health issue, despite showing low incidence, tuberculous meningitis causes substantial mortality. For better clinical management, identification of prognostic factors is crucial to reduce health risk of Malaysian society. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors of adult tuberculous meningitis in peninsular Malaysia. Materials & methods: Initially, a retrospective cohort study and one-year of follow-up period was carried out. In addition, a total of 217 adult tuberculous meningitis patients treated or had follow-up in four tertiary hospitals in peninsular Malaysia were recruited. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to perform multivariable analysis. Results: The overall survival probability of adult tuberculous meningitis was 36.8% with median survival time 244 days. Significant prognostic factors were Glasgow coma scale score (aHR=0.71, 95% CI=0.65, 0.76; p<0.001), HIV status (aHR=1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.19, 3.15; p=0.008), headache (aHR=0.48, 95% CI=0.31, 0.76; p=0.002) and meningeal enhancement (aHR=0.47, 95% CI=0.30, 0.74; p=0.001), nausea (aHR=2.21, 95% CI=1.33, 3.66; p=0.002), and vomit (aHR=0.58, 95% CI=0.36, 0.93; p=0.023). Conclusions: Evidently, the survival of among adults with tuberculous meningitis was low. Since HIV positive has a significant influence in mortality; early screening, diagnosis, and prompt treatment in this subgroup of patients play a key role in survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous plants have therapeutic and pharmacological significance in the traditional system of medicine. Plants and their products, which are extremely helpful for a variety of animals and humans, are the primary source of food and medicine. Local names for the tree Melia azedarach (family: Meliaceae) include "bakain" or "drek" in Hindi, "Persian lilac" or "China tree" in English, and "Fleurs lilas" in French. It is widely referred to as "paraiso" or paradise in South America and as Indian lilac or white cedar in the US. Indigenous and tribal people in India have traditionally used the entire plant or specific parts of it (the leaves, stem, and roots) for medicinal purposes. Melia azedarach is used as an ayurveda and unani medicine in India and Arab nations, respectively, for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, insecticidal, rodenticidal, anti-diarrheal, deobstruent, diuretic, antidiabetic, cathartic, emetic, antirheumatic, and antihypertensive properties. It is employed in the production of furniture, plywood, boxes, poles, tool handles, and fuel wood. It is frequently grown as a shade tree in abaca (Musa textilis) and coffee plantations. The tree is a well-known ornamental. Therefore, the current study aims to provide a thorough overview of the literature on its botanical information, phytochemical reports, pharmacological research, and therapeutic significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substantial comorbidity exists between posttraumatic stress disorder and sleep disturbances/disorders. Such comorbidities are understudied in minority groups, including Asian Indians residing in countries outside India. Thus, we synthesized the existing literature specific to this group of Asian Indians to determine (a) prevalence estimates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disturbances/disorders; and (b) PTSD-sleep comorbidity estimates. For this systematic review, we searched four databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, PTSDpubs, Web of Science) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Of 3,796 screened articles, 9 articles (10 studies) met inclusion criteria. Study sample sizes ranged from 11 to 2,112 Asian Indians; studies were conducted in Singapore or Malaysia. No reviewed study examined PTSD. All studies examined sleep disturbances/disorders among Asian Indians; prevalence estimates were: 8.3% to 70.4% for short sleep duration, 2.0% to 22.9% for long sleep duration, 25.9% to 56.3% for poor sleep quality, 3.4% to 67.5% for insomnia diagnosis or probable insomnia, 7.7% for excessive daytime sleepiness, 3.8% to 54.6% for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis or high OSA risk, and 5.1% to 11.1% for sleep-disordered breathing. Specific to Asian Indians residing in countries outside India, this review advances PTSD-sleep literature by (a) suggesting substantial prevalence of sleep disturbances/disorders; (b) highlighting the need for culturally relevant sleep interventions; and (c) highlighting research gaps (e.g., no PTSD-focused research). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological behavior and prognosis of breast cancer is often unpredictable with a number of factors contributing to the outcome. Nottingham's Prognostic Factor (NPI) takes into account the tumor size, nodal status, and histological grade of tumor. The receptor status considers the hormone receptor and HER2 status. The aim of the study was to correlate the NPI score with the receptor status expression in Indian women with breast cancer. A total of 78 breast cancer patients who underwent upfront modified radical mastectomy were recruited. NPI score and receptor status assessment was done at histopathological examination of the specimen. Hormone receptor negative breast cancer tended to have a higher NPI score compared to hormone receptor positive patients. However, this difference did not achieve statistical significance. NPI score parameters except for the histological grade are a reflection of the duration or time span of the tumor. On the contrary, the receptor status is indicative of the tumor biology and not of its time duration. A scoring system which incorporates the three parameters of the NPI as well as the receptor status would be the best prognostic index as well as predictive regarding the choice of adjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parental practices and neighbourhood environmental factors may influence children's movement behaviours. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional and prospective associations of parental practices and neighbourhood environmental factors with accelerometer-measured 24-hour movement behaviours (24 h-MBs) among school-aged children in Singapore. Methods: The Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study collected information on dimensions of parental practices and neighbourhood environment at age 5.5 years. Confirmatory factor analyses were performed to generate latent variables and used to compute overall parental practices [involvement in PA + support for PA + control of screen viewing context] and environmental scores [facilities for active play + active mobility facilitators + barriers*-1]. Children wore an accelerometer on their non-dominant wrist for seven consecutive days at ages 5.5 and 8 years. The R-package GGIR 2.6 was used to derive moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), inactivity, and total-sleep (napping+night sleep) minutes per day. Associations were determined using compositional data analysis with multivariate linear regression models, taking into account potential confounders. Results: Among 425 children (48% girls, 59% Chinese), higher parental involvement in PA, parental support for PA and overall parental practices were associated with 24 h-MBs at ages 5.5 and 8 years, specifically with greater time spent in MVPA and less time being inactive relative to the remaining movement behaviours. The corresponding mean changes in the overall 24 h-MB for increasing parental practices from lowest to highest scores (− 2 to + 2 z-scores) indicated potential increases of up to 15-minutes in MVPA, 20-minutes in LPA, 5-minutes in sleep duration, and a reduction of 40-minutes in inactivity at age 5.5 years. At age 8 years, this could translate to approximately 15-minutes more of MVPA, 20-minutes more of LPA, a 20-minute reduction in sleep duration, and a 20-minute reduction in inactivity. Parental control of screen viewing contexts and neighbourhood environmental factors were not associated with 24 h-MBs. Conclusions: Parental practices but not environmental factors were associated with higher MVPA and lower inactivity among Singaporean children, even at a later age. Further research may provide insights that support development of targeted public health strategies to promote healthier movement behaviours among children. Study registration: This study was registered on 4th August 2010 and is available online at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01174875. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National — and local — conversations about immigration are often centered on immigrants' integration into the US society. One factor that shapes immigrants' integration is their pre-migration work experience, skills, and training and a series of studies have used "channeling" as a concept to identify immigrants who have worked in the same occupation and/or industry in the destination labor market as they had in the origin labor market, prior to migration. Using the New Immigrant Survey (NIS) and a simultaneous equation model (SiEM) approach, this article expands on this research by exploring the impact of channeling on wages for Asian Indians, Filipino/as, and Mexicans with lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Contrary to prior findings on the effects of channeling within specific industries, we find that channeling is associated with lower, not higher, immigrants' wages. The findings are robust to different definitions of channeling, as the negative effects of channeling hold within industrial sectors and occupational groups. Moreover, the results indicate that channeling is not exclusive to the Mexico–US migration stream, but instead may be a feature of various US-bound immigration streams, including those from India and the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the women-centric development schemes and programs launched by the government for the tribal people in India in general and the female members of the Lodha community in particular, and the impact of the development schemes on the livelihood of these women. This microstudy was carried out on the Lodha, a particularly vulnerable tribal group for their extreme backwardness among the tribal communities of India, living in a village named Goaldihi in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal. The women in this community seem to carry a triple burden of backwardness, firstly for being women, secondly as Scheduled Tribe and thirdly as PVTG, and to remove which the government has planned certain schemes for their development. The realization of the aims of development from the perspectives of millennium development goals reveals a dismal picture. This paper examines the dominant paradigms of development and the state's role in it to understand the trajectory of development practices among a denotified (earlier branded as criminal tribe), traditionally foraging tribe in contemporary India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research has been conducted in Malaysia on the characteristics of patients with aphasia. To address this gap, a retrospective study was conducted at Hospital Rehabilitasi Cheras (HRC). The study aimed to profile the demographic, clinical, and language characteristics of patients who underwent speech therapy for aphasia. Medical records from 2014 to 2017 were reviewed, focusing on 1,259 adult patients who were referred to the Speech Therapy Unit. Analysis included demographics, clinical aspects, and linguistic features. The Western Battery of Aphasia-Revised (WAB-R), a comprehensive assessment tool, was used to evaluate the language abilities. Among the patients' files analysed, a total of 211 contained WAB-R test results. The demographic profile revealed a higher proportion of male patients compared to females, with Malay patients comprising the majority, followed by Chinese and Indians. Age distribution included 41.7% older adults (aged 55 and above), 37.9% middle-aged (aged 36-55), and 20.4% younger adults (aged 18-35). Notably, 44.5% had completed high school education. Clinically, right-sided hemiparesis was prevalent as noted with 67.8% of patients, while 14.7% had left-sided hemiparesis. The primary cause of aphasia was stroke, accounting for 71.1% of cases, with ischemic stroke being the dominant subtype (56.9%). Fluent aphasia was presented in 50.2% of the cases, compared to 49.3% of non-fluent aphasia. Anomic aphasia was the most common subtype (35.5%), followed by global aphasia (27.5%) and Broca's aphasia (17.5%). The language profile provided a detailed description, encompassing linguistic aspects relevant to different aphasia types. These preliminary findings yielded valuable insights and hold significant implications for the clinical management of aphasia patients in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Asian Indians (AIs), the second largest immigrant population in the United States, are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at a lower age and body mass index (BMI). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and the diagnosis of T2DM among AIs in New Jersey (NJ). Methodology: This was a secondary data analysis of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in NJ from 2013 to 2017. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Among 1,132 AIs, 16% had T2DM or prediabetes (PDM) and 69.2% were overweight or obese. The risk for T2DM was significantly associated with internet use, older age, having medical check-ups, and having a personal doctor (p ≤.05). Discussion: These findings inform culturally congruent care by underscoring the importance of weight management, earlier screening, and provider involvement in diabetes prevention strategies for AIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Short stature homeobox (SHOX) haploinsufficiency underlies idiopathic short stature (ISS) and Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis. The worldwide prevalence of SHOX variations in ISS varies from 2.5% to 15.0%. The aim of this study was to assess the implication of SHOX variation in ISS in North Indians and compare this with other cases of SHOX variations from Asian population. Methods: SHOX gene analysis was carried out by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification followed by Sanger sequencing in 54 patients with variable phenotypes. Comparison with other reports in a meta-analysis comprising the current study and 11 previous studies (n=979) was performed. Results: SHOX analysis resulted in 12.9% positivity (7.4% deletions and 5.5% duplications). SHOX association was seen significantly related to gender, with predominance in females (p=0.047). Short arms and forearms were the only significantly associated trait seen in 51.9% of children. The overall prevalence of SHOX variation was 15.2% in Asians with ISS. No significant difference was found in geographical region-specific analysis. Conclusion: This study summarises findings from the last decade and provides an updated picture of the prevalence of SHOX variations in Asians, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets in ISS patients. Further high quality, large investigations including functional validation is warranted to validate this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting a person's chronological age (CA) from visible skin features using artificial intelligence (AI) is now commonplace. Often, convolutional neural network (CNN) models are built using images of the face as biometric data. However, hands hold telltale signs of a person's age. To determine the utility of using only hand images in predicting CA, we developed two deep CNNs based on 1) dorsal hand images (H) and 2) frontal face images (F). Subjects (n = 1454) were Indian women, 20–80 years, across three geographic cohorts (Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore) and having a broad variation in skin tones. Images were randomised: 70% of F and 70% of H were used to train CNNs. The remaining 30% of F and H were retained for validation. CNN validation showed mean absolute error for predicting CA using F and H of 4.1 and 4.7 years, respectively. In both cases correlations of predicted and actual age were statistically significant (r(F) = 0.93, r(H) = 0.90). The CNNs for F and H were validated for dark and light skin tones. Finally, by blurring or accentuating visible features on specific regions of the hand and face, we identified those features that contributed to the CNN models. For the face, areas of the inner eye corner and around the mouth were most important for age prediction. For the hands, knuckle texture was a key driver for age prediction. Collectively, for AI estimates of CA, CNNs based solely on hand images are a viable alternative and comparable to CNNs based on facial images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hindus and Muslims represent the two largest religions in India, and also differ in nutritional status, health-related habits and standard of living associated with economic disparities. In this context, the present study considered estimated secular changes in body size, proportions, and weight status among Hindu and Muslim Indian men. The data are from anthropological surveys in the 1970s which included measurements of height, weight and sitting height of 43,950 males 18–84 years (birth years 1891–1957). Leg length was estimated; the BMI and sitting height/height ratio were calculated. Heights of men 35 + years were adjusted for estimated height loss with age. Weight status was also classified relative to WHO criteria for the BMI. Anthropometric characteristics of the two groups were compared with MANCOVA with age and geographic region as covariates. Linear regression of height on year of birth was also used to estimate secular change in each group. Heights, weights, and BMIs tended to be, on average, greater among Muslim than Hindu men at most ages, while distributions by weight status between groups were negligible. Sitting height was greater among Muslim men but estimated leg length did not differ between groups; the sitting height/height ratio thus suggested proportionally shorter legs among Muslim men. Results of the regression analyses indicated negligible differences in secular change between groups across the total span of birth years but indicated a decline in adjusted heights of men in both groups born between 1891 through 1930s and little secular change among those born in the 1930s through 1957. The variation in heights, weights and BMIs between Muslim and Hindu men at most ages suggested variation in socio-economic status and dietary habits between the groups, whereas the negligible estimated secular changes in height between groups likely reflected economic, social, and nutritional conditions during the interval of British rule and the transition to independence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary mental healthcare (PMHC) allows for complex mental health issues in old age to be addressed. India has sought to improve PMHC through legislation, strategies and programmes. This study analyses the challenges and opportunities involved in strengthening PMHC for older persons in India from the perspectives of key stakeholders. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 stakeholders selected from the PMHC system in India and analysed using thematic analysis. First, the analysis was organizationally structured in accordance with the six WHO mental health system domains: (1) policy and legislative framework, (2) mental health services, (3) mental health in primary care, (4) human resources, (5) public information and links to other sectors, and (6) monitoring and research. Second, for each building block, challenges and opportunities were derived using inductive coding. Results: This study highlights the numerous challenges that may be encountered when attempting to strengthen age-inclusive PMHC. Among these challenges are poor public governance, a lack of awareness and knowledge among policy-makers and other stakeholders, and existing policies that make unrealistic promises to weak primary healthcare (PHC) structures with an excessive focus on medicalizing mental health problems. Thus, the mental health system often fails to reach vulnerable older people through PHC. Established approaches to comprehensive, family- and community-oriented PHC support attempts to strengthen intersectoral approaches to PMHC that emphasize mental health promotion in old age. Targeting the PHC workforce through age-inclusive mental health education is considered particularly necessary. Experts further argue that adequate monitoring structures and public spending for mental health must be improved. Conclusions: In this study, we aim to elaborate on the mental healthcare developments that may serve to achieve equity in access to mental healthcare in India. Coordinated and collaborative efforts by public and private stakeholders involved in the care of older persons, both with and without lived mental health experiences, as well as their families and communities, are necessary to bring the vision of those policies for PMHC to fruition. The findings presented in this study can also inform future research, policies and practice in other low- and middle-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brief but powerful intersectional protest at Shaheen Bagh in 2020 against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) passed by India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government presented a paradox: as the immobile and visibly Muslim Indian women protesters, emblematized by the dadis or grandmothers of Shaheen Bagh, formed a blockade, their images quickly went viral. Inspired by their example, many makeshift 'Shaheen Baghs' cropped up across the nation, the name of this neighborhood in South Delhi exceeding its location to become a metonym of dissent in a country hurtling toward fascism. This article argues that the protest performative of Shaheen Bagh marked a significant narrative break in representation of Indian women's iconized mobility after liberalization. Reading Shaheen Bagh along with Anita Desai's 'The Rooftop Dwellers' and Deepti Kapoor's A Bad Character, I examine the politics of representing women's mobility in Delhi, and its gendered constraints as well as strategies to overcome and subvert them within the larger context of both Hindutva and liberalization. I conclude by locating a hopeful feminist counternarrative in Shaheen Bagh against the prevalent discourse of marketized Hindutva that melds the cultural and economic logic of both neoliberalism and Hindu nationalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amrita Narayanan's book, "Women's Sexuality and Modern India: In a Rapture of Distress," explores the sexual experiences, roles, and identities of contemporary Indian women. The book addresses the challenges women face due to societal expectations, traditional gender roles, and taboos surrounding female sexuality. Narayanan uses personal narratives, poetry analysis, and psychoanalytic sessions to delve into the complexities of women's sexuality in India. The book also examines the contradictions and tensions that shape the lives of Indian women, drawing on psychoanalytic theories and historical and sociological perspectives. The article discusses the complexities of Indian women's sexuality and identity within the Me Too movement, arguing that the movement has focused too much on victimization and has overlooked the empowered aspects of Indian women's sexual experiences. The article also explores the role of male narcissism and absent fathers in shaping Indian women's experiences of aggression and desire. It calls for a comprehensive and open dialogue about these issues and emphasizes the need for a more holistic and equitable understanding of Indian femininity. [Extracted from the article]

Given the importance of cultural continuity within the Indian culture, numerous studies have highlighted the challenges second-generation, Indian women endure, particularly in relation to decisions around romantic relationships. These challenges can have a psychological impact on the women, including an impact on their romantic relationship and with their families. The current study aimed to explore the lived experience of second-generation, Indian, Hindu (IH) women, living in the United Kingdom, who are in a heterosexual, cross-cultural, romantic (CCRR) relationship. Seven participants aged between 24 and 40 years were recruited. The participants were interviewed, and the data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). From the data, three superordinate themes were identified: (1) "Predetermined Identity," (2) "The Two Worlds don't Meet," (3) "Enduring Challenges." Implications of the findings for clinical practice are discussed. The research explored the experiences of second-generation, Indian, Hindu women who were in a cross-cultural, romantic relationship. The results highlighted various tensions experienced by the women due to the opposing cultural systems they live in. The research adds to the limited research in the UK and can develop understanding in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study found that ~80 million people in India, ~60 million people in Pakistan, ~70 million people in Bangladesh, and ~3 million people in Nepal are exposed to arsenic groundwater contamination above 10 µg/L, while Sri Lanka remains moderately affected. In the case of fluoride contamination, >120 million in India, .2 million in Pakistan, and ~0.5 million in Sri Lanka are exposed to the risk of fluoride above 1.5 mg/L, while Bangladesh and Nepal are mildly affected. The hazard quotient (HQ) for arsenic varied from 0 to 822 in India, 0 to 33 in Pakistan, 0 to 1,051 in Bangladesh, 0 to 582 in Nepal, and 0 to 89 in Sri Lanka. The cancer risk of arsenic varied from 0 to 1.64× 1-1 in India, 0 to 1.07 × 10-1 in Pakistan, 0 to 2.10 × 10-1 in Bangladesh, 0 to 1.16 × 10-1 in Nepal, and 0 to 1.78 × 10-2 in Sri Lanka. In the case of fluoride, the HQ ranged from 0 to 21 in India, 0 to 33 in Pakistan, 0 to 18 in Bangladesh, 0 to 10 in Nepal, and 0 to 10 in Sri Lanka. Arsenic and fluoride have adverse effects on animals, resulting in chemical poisoning and skeletal fluorosis. Adsorption and membrane filtration have demonstrated outstanding treatment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder and is closely linked to stress. Psychiatric morbidities such as anxiety and depression are common in IBS. Long-term follow-up studies on anxiety and depressive symptoms in IBS and the impact of treatment are lacking in the Indian scenario. Aims: This study aimed to assess the various subtypes of IBS according to the Rome IV criteria, assess anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with IBS at baseline and also at various phases of follow-up over one year, and see the impact of the treatment of both IBS and associated anxiety and depressive symptoms if present, in the severity of IBS and other psychiatric symptoms. Materials and Methods: Patients with IBS, aged between 18 and 65 years, were enrolled for the study. Subtypes and severity of IBS were assessed. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), respectively. The patients were treated with conventional treatment of IBS with concomitant treatment of anxiety and depressive symptoms and were followed up for 1 year. Results: Thirty-seven patients completed a 1-year follow-up. The mean age was 38.4 ± 11.6 years. The majority were males (81%), and IBS-D (84%) was the most common subtype. Stressful life events (67.6%) and chronic stressors (64.9%) were present in the majority of the patients. The patients had moderate-to-severe anxiety at baseline (HAM-A score 27.8 ± 6.4) and moderate-to-severe depression at baseline (HAM-D score 19.7 ± 6.6). The improvement over 1 year was statistically significant (P = 0.000, two tailed). A positive correlation between the severity score of IBS and HAM D (r = 0.604) and HAM A (r = 0.536) scores was present. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of anxiety and depression in patients with IBS. With adequate treatment of both IBS and concomitant anxiety depressive symptoms, there is a significant decrease in the severity of IBS, anxiety, and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The book "Food Anthropology in India" by Partho Pratim Seal provides an overview of the development of food culture in India and its historical roots. The author explores topics such as the relationship between Indian food and religion, the influence of rituals and festivals on food practices, and the impact of the environment on Indian cuisine. The book also discusses the political and socio-cultural aspects of food, as well as the globalization of food culture. While the book covers a wide range of topics, some readers may find that it lacks in-depth descriptions. [Extracted from the article]

The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), the source of grains for around 40% Indian population, is known as the breadbasket of India. The Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) plays a vital role in the agricultural activities in this region. The rapid urbanization, land use and land cover change have significantly impacted the region's agriculture, water resources, and socioeconomic facets. The present study has investigated the observed and regional modeling aspects of ISMR characteristics, associated extremes over the IGP, and future perspectives under the high-emission RCP8.5-scenario. Future projections suggest a 10–20% massive decrease during pre-monsoon (March–May) and earlier ISM season months (i.e., June and July). A significant 40–70% decline in mean monsoon rainfall during the June–July months in the near future (NF; 2041–2060) has been projected compared to the historical period (1986–2005). An abrupt increase of 80–170% in mean monsoon rainfall during the post-monsoon (October–December) in the far future (FF; 2080–2099) is also projected. The distribution of projected extreme rainfall events shows a decline in moderate or rather heavy events (5 or more) in NF and FF. Further, an increase in higher rainfall category events such as very heavy (5–10) and extremely heavy rainfall (5 or more) events in NF and FF under the warmer climate is found. However, the changes are less prominent during FF compared to the NF. The mean thresholds for extremely heavy rainfall may increase by 1.9–4.9% during NF and FF. Further, the evolution patterns of various quantities, such as tropospheric temperature gradient (TG), specific humidity, and mean sea level pressure, have been analyzed to understand the physical processes associated with rainfall extremes. The strengthening in TG and enhanced atmospheric moisture content in NF and FF support the intensification in projected rainfall extremes over IGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a book review from the Journal of Religious History. The first part of the review discusses a book about a Protestant minister named Drew in Belfast who had strong anti-Catholic views and played a role in inciting violence during the Belfast riots of 1857. The second part of the review discusses a book about the history of Buddhism in modern India, challenging the prevailing narrative that Buddhism disappeared in India between the Middle Ages and the nineteenth century. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of Buddhism in India during the colonial and early postcolonial eras, highlighting the contributions of various individuals and networks. The review acknowledges some limitations of the book, such as the lack of focus on women's perspectives and the absence of analysis on the impact of historical events on Indian Buddhism. Overall, the review praises the book for its thorough research and valuable insights into the lesser-known aspects of modern Indian history. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the importance of integrating Indian knowledge systems (IKS) into higher education. IKS encompasses a wide range of knowledge and practices in various disciplines, such as mathematics, medicine, and ecology, that have been accumulated over centuries in India. By studying and applying scientific methodologies to IKS, its underlying principles can be unlocked and its potential contributions to contemporary science can be explored. Integrating IKS with modern approaches can lead to the development of sustainable technologies, innovative healthcare solutions, and urban planning approaches that prioritize environmental balance and human flourishing. The article highlights the efforts of Indian higher education institutions in incorporating IKS into their curricula and the need for comprehensive teacher training programs to ensure accurate and culturally inclusive education. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the establishment of Camp Wallen in southeastern Arizona in 1866, which was intended to protect settlers, farmers, travelers, and miners from hostile Indian attacks. It mentions that the U.S. Army was ordered to reduce its size following the Civil War, but military leaders realized that defending the thinly settled frontier was an impossibility, so they considered all Indians as hostiles and aimed to control them.

Climate change poses grave challenges to global peace and stability. Nowhere is the relation between the climate crisis and the increased threat of nuclear war clearer than in South Asia, where approximately 700 million people in India, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh depend on the shared waters of the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river basins. These river systems, fed by Himalayan glaciers, are diminishing markedly due to climate change. As geopolitical tensions in the region intensify, it becomes even more crucial to address and eliminate the two intertwined existential threats of water scarcity (caused by climate change) and the risk of nuclear war. This paper analyses the Indus River conflict and the Brahmaputra conflict in turn and offers effective strategies and recommendations for dealing with the threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Health Organization, 19.4 million people in India had diabetes in 1995, and this figure is projected to rise to 57.2 million by 2025, accounting for one-sixth of the global total. Saliva is referred to as the "mirror of the body" since it functions as a health indicator in the mouth and throughout the body. Since diabetes has been declared a pandemic of non-communicable diseases, a chair-side, non-invasive, less technique-sensitive, cost-effective approach should be considered. The study evaluated the association between salivary glucose levels and oral health status of healthy individuals. After obtaining the informed consent, an oral cavity was examined per the WHO oral health status form for adults (Annexure 1). The standard salivary glucose level was measured using the O-Toluidine reagent method using a double-beam spectrophotometer. The blood glucose levels were measured using an electronic blood glucose meter. On comparison of glucose levels according to CPI score and DMFT experience using ANOVA, a p-value of 0.08 (>0.05) and 0.95 (>0.05) was obtained, which was statistically non-significant. The bivariate correlation between Salivary Glucose Level (SGL) (ug/ml) and blood Glucose Level (BGL) (mg/dl) was checked using the Pearson correlation coefficient. There was a statistically significant moderate and positive correlation between Blood Glucose Levels (mg/dl) and salivary Glucose Levels (ug/ml). Within the limitation of the study, the study concluded that there is no significant association between salivary glucose levels and oral health status of healthy individuals. However, a positive correlation exists between salivary glucose levels and blood glucose levels in healthy individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cheating is harmful to others and society at large. Promises have been shown to increase honesty in children, but their effectiveness has not been compared between different cultural contexts. In a study (2019) with 7‐ to 12‐year‐olds (N = 406, 48% female, middle‐class), voluntary promises reduced cheating in Indian, but not in German children. Children in both contexts cheated, but cheating rates were lower in Germany than in India. In both contexts, cheating decreased with age in the (no‐promise) control condition and was unaffected by age in the promise condition. These findings suggest that there may exist a threshold beyond which cheating cannot be further reduced by promises. This opens new research avenues on how children navigate honesty and promise norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and monopolar radiofrequency (MRF) are common treatment modalities that have shown significant results in skin tightening. Nevertheless, the novel combination of these two treatments is new to the Malaysian landscape. Thus, this study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of this novel combination treatment for the Malaysian population. Methods: This retrospective study included data on HIFU and MRF combination therapy for skin tightening collected from an aesthetic clinic in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from June 2018 to May 2021. Efficacy was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) and Glogau classification, while the safety of the treatment was analysed using pain scores and adverse events (AEs). Results: A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 47.7 years old (SD 10.00) were included in this study. The majority of the patients had Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV. Most of the patients were Chinese, followed by Malay, Indian and others. Most patients (96.4%) showed clinically significant improvement in skin tightening after treatment, with 15 patients scoring 1 (very much improved) and 39 scoring 2 (improved). All patients reported transient mild erythema, with no serious AEs, such as burn, swelling, numbness or muscle weakness. Among the patients, 80% reported a pain score of 5, while 10% reported pain scores of 4 and 6. Conclusion: Combining HIFU with MRF therapy improved GAIS scores by 96.4%, indicating a secure and efficient skin-tightening method. Transient erythema was shown to be the most common side effect of this combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The concomitant impact of visual impairment (VI) and cognitive impairment (CI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults is unclear. We aimed to determine the synergistic effect of baseline VI and CI on HRQoL decline at 6 years in multiethnic Asians. Methods: We included Chinese, Malay, and Indian adults aged ≥60 years who participated in baseline (2004–2011) and 6-year (2011–2017) follow-up visits of the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study, a population-based cohort study in Singapore. Visual acuity (VA) was objectively measured at both visits, with VI defined as presenting VA >0.3 LogMAR in the better eye. CI was defined as Abbreviated Mental Test scores of ≤6 and ≤8 for individuals with ≤6 and >6 years of formal education, respectively. HRQoL was measured using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire. HRQoL decline was defined as the difference in the composite EQ-5D scores at baseline and 6-year follow-up and deemed clinically meaningful if the reduction was equal to or larger than the minimal clinically important difference. Multivariable linear regression assessed the independent associations and synergism (β interaction) between baseline VI and CI on EQ-5D decline. Results: Of the 2,433 participants (mean [SD] age: 67.6 [5.5]) at baseline, 559, 120, and 151 had VI only, CI only, and both impairments, respectively. HRQoL decline in individuals with baseline comorbid VI-CI was clinically meaningful and was 2.0 times (β = −0.044, 95% confidence interval: −0.077 to −0.010) and 3.7 times (β = −0.065, 95% confidence interval: −0.11 to −0.022) larger than those with VI only and CI only, respectively. Importantly, there was a significant synergism (β interaction = −0.048, 95% confidence interval: −0.095 to −0.001) between baseline VI and CI as predictors of HRQoL decline, suggesting that individuals having both conditions concurrently had a greater HRQoL reduction than the sum in those with VI alone and CI alone. The affected HRQoL domains included mobility and usual activities. Conclusions: Concomitant VI-CI potentiated HRQoL decline to a greater extent than the sum of individual contributions of VI and CI, suggesting synergism. Our results suggest that rehabilitative interventions such as the use of mobility aids and occupational therapy are needed to maintain HRQoL in older adults with concomitant VI-CI. Moreover, preventive interventions targeting at early detection and management of both VI and CI may also be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease, vaccine hesitancy remains a primary barrier to attaining full population inoculation. Numerous factors related to vaccine hesitancy have been identified. The aim of this study was to explore associations between select demographic variables and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Asian Indians in the United States. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design. The sample consisted of 363 Asian Indians living in the United States who were 18 years of age or older and were literate in English. Vaccine hesitancy was assessed using an online survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted. Inferential tests included t tests, regression analyses, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results: As participant age increased, there was a statistically significant proportionate increase in the total vaccine hesitancy score (P = 0.01). There were also statistically significant differences in the vaccine hesitancy scores of participants with no more than a high school degree compared to those with associate or bachelor's degrees, although this finding was based on just six participants. Although most participants had already been vaccinated, many identified reasons for feeling some degree of vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: The reasons for vaccine hesitancy vary by individual and are often complex. The results of this study will help guide public health agencies and health care personnel in developing vaccination strategies tailored to the specific requirements of Asian Indians in the United States, which could reduce vaccine hesitancy in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To identify the relation between central corneal thickness and corneal curvature with refractive errors. To find out whether there is any relation between central corneal thickness and corneal curvature with variables such as age and refractive error mainly myopia and hypermetropia. Material and Methods: This is an Observational cross- sectional study done on hospital based population. Data collected from patient with refractive error visiting our outpatient department. 70 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Following examination were performed for all the patients, measuring best corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, corneal curvature by topography, subjective refraction done using retinoscopy. All patients underwent a complete slit-lamp examination. Correlation identified using Karl Pearson's and spearman correlation coefficient. Data analysis done with SPSS 20.0 software. Results: The mean central corneal thickness of our population is 536.9 microns. The mean age of our study population was 41.7 years. The mean corneal curvature is 44.82 D. Astigmatism and Hypermetropia has significant correlation with central corneal thickness and corneal curvature. Conclusion: CCT has got a negative correlation with age that is as age progress CCT decreases. Astigmatism has a negative correlation with central corneal thickness and corneal curvature. Hypermetropia has a positive correlation between CCT and corneal curvature. There is also no significant association between central corneal thickness and corneal curvature in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To understand a collaborative learning model for developing 'training the trainer' courses • To develop training programmes on indigenising systematic reviews to local contexts • To gain insights into adult learning and teaching strategies Background: Developing a workforce with the skills to produce and make judicious use of evidence for policy and practice decisions requires trainers who can tailor evidence and training to policy and practice priorities. Aim: To describe how a collaborative learning model adapted a systematic review course to suit Indian nurse educators and research scholars in the conduct and use of systematic reviews. Discussion: A collaborative learning team of academics and research scholars brought together expertise in nursing education in India, and evidence synthesis in India and the UK. Participants found the course was highly beneficial, enhanced independent and critical thinking, and instilled them with the confidence and skills to deliver such courses to Indian researchers, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Contextualising materials and methods to participants' experiences made learning more relatable. The use of adult learning approaches enabled participants to apply the same approaches when leading training in their own institutions and underpinned long-term sustainable working relationships between facilitators and learners, leading to new studies and new resources to support evidence-informed decision-making. Implications for practice: An educational intervention on 'indigenising systematic reviews' with online collaborative learning can produce improvements in the knowledge and skills of participants. Advantages of this educational approach include its flexibility, active involvement of participants and sustainable partnership building. The principles and methods used could be replicated in any setting to train trainers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis has become an important part of the initial workup of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients. This study is attempted as South Indians population is comprised of ethnic groups with diverse genetic makeup and only very limited data on EGFR mutation is available from south India. A detailed understanding of EGFR mutation profile will help in better planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation. Methods: A retrospective analysis of EGFR mutation frequency in 350 patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of lung and its association with pathological characteristics was done. Results: Out of 350 cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, within an age group ranging from 30 to 86 years. EGFR mutations were identified in 34.8% (n = 122) cases, out of which 35.24% (n = 43) were in non-smoker females (P = 0.001). Of the 14 cases with resistant type of EGFR mutations, nine were in smoker males and the remaining five in non-smoker females. Interpretation and Conclusion: Overall EGFR mutation frequency observed in our study was similar to other Indian studies. However, in our study, we observed that mutation in exon 21 was less frequent compared to other studies. A similar slightly increased frequency of rare mutations and double mutations were observed in our study. A detailed study of the molecular epidemiology of lung cancer and its association with different geographical zones of India is needed. This understanding will help in better planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Boule, DAZLA, and DAZ are members of the Deleted in Azoospermia family of genes, which play signifi- cant roles in gametogenesis and are important fertility factors in humans. In a few studies, deletion of the Y chromosomal DAZ cluster and single nucleotide polymorphisms in the DAZLA gene were reported to affect male fertility, although this is paradoxical because they were found in both control and fertile men. As a result, the goal of this study was to check if Y chromosomal DAZ cluster deletion and SNPs in the DAZLA gene on chromosome 3 of humans are associated to male infertility in the population. For computational analysis, different bioinformatics tools such as SIFT, PolyPhen2, Mutation Taster, FATHMM, and PROVEAN were used to analyse mutations. Results Within the studied population, we found no association between DAZ deletion and the most prevalent DAZLA SNPs A260G (rs11710967) and A386G (rs1219183446). We also discovered two new deleterious genetic variations in exon 3 of the DAZLA gene, one nonsynonymous mutation that replaced Valine with Glutamate at the 66 codon position and the other a stop gain mutation at the 74 amino acid position. These genetic changes are found in the RRM domain of the DAZLA gene, which is confirmed by Motif scan analysis and results in a change in the DAZLA protein's secondary structure. The RRM domain is a highly conserved regulatory domain for mRNA transport and translation. Azoospermia and necrospermia infertility phenotypes were shown in infertile male samples with these genotypes. Conclusion We can conclude that further investigation of the aforesaid new mutations in the DAZLA gene may be valuable in understanding their significance in male infertility in different populations due to the multifactorial nature of male infertility and arrays of gene expression required at every stage of spermatogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]