Cardiovascular Health and Disease in the Pakistani American Population.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review seeks to elucidate clinical and social factors influencing cardiovascular health, explore the challenges and potential solutions for enhancing cardiovascular health, and identify areas where further research is needed to better understand cardiovascular issues in native and American Pakistani populations. RECENT FINDINGS: The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease is high not only in Pakistan but also among its global diaspora. This situation is further complicated by the inadequacy of current cardiovascular risk assessment tools, which often fall short of accurately gauging the risk among Pakistani individuals, underscoring the urgent need for more tailored and effective assessment methodologies. Moreover, social determinants play a crucial role in shaping cardiovascular health. The burden of cardiovascular disease and upstream risk factors is high among American Pakistani individuals. Future research is needed to better understand the heightened risk of cardiovascular disease among Pakistani individuals.

Cultural Influences on Making Nutritional Adjustments in Type 2 Diabetes in Pakistan: The Perspectives of People Living With Diabetes and Their Family Members.

In Pakistan, type 2 diabetes is widespread, and although dietary recommendations from healthcare professionals are critical to its treatment, cultural norms can have a great influence on the dietary habits of people living with diabetes (PLwD). Understanding the social aspects of the lives of PLwD is crucial when examining the effectiveness of nutritional recommendations and adjustments. This study investigated (1) how PLwD and their family members adjust their nutrition to the recommendations of healthcare professionals to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and (2) what do PLwD and their family members perceive as enablers and barriers to the necessary nutritional adjustments for managing T2DM. Prime consideration was given to experiences of living in Pakistan as the cultural context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 PLwD and 17 family members; the data were analysed thematically. Three themes emerged: (i) 'Influence of family system, gender, and age on meals prepared at home': family hierarchy and opinions based on gender and age can enable or hinder nutritional adjustment in meals prepared at home; (ii) 'Temptations of "unhealthy" foods, festivals, cultural interactions, and social etiquette': family/social interactions at home, gatherings, or festivities can affect PLwD's ability to resist temptations to eat foods prohibited by healthcare professionals; and (iii) 'Folk knowledge, folk remedy, and the balance between culture and Western medicine': PLwD and their family members in Pakistan hold strong beliefs concerning foods' medicinal properties. Power dynamics within families need to be considered when making nutritional recommendations. Medical guidelines should acknowledge personal agency and cultural beliefs.

Gender, culture, and migration: A qualitative study of the socioeconomic challenges facing Afghan women refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The research explores Afghan refugee women's challenges in accessing education, employment, and legal rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It seeks to inform policy changes to improve their socioeconomic circumstances and mitigate these hardships. The study employs qualitative methodologies, utilizing interviews, observation, and document analysis to capture rich, in-depth narratives from three Afghan refugee women. Each narrative provides unique insights into the women's struggles with education, employment, and securing legal rights. The research highlights challenges from forced migration, gender inequality, cultural norms, and socioeconomic marginalization, causing a holistic crisis for Afghan refugee women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. These issues hinder access to education, employment, financial vulnerabilities, and legal uncertainties. The study suggests a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to policy changes, including education reform for refugee girls, gender-responsive recruitment practices, and legal reforms to secure refugees' rights. It emphasizes gender-responsive support services and involves Afghan refugee women in policy development processes, leveraging their experiences for more effective and inclusive policies.

La recherche explore les difficultés rencontrées par les femmes réfugiées afghanes pour accéder à l'éducation, à l'emploi et aux droits légaux à Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, au Pakistan. Il cherche à éclairer les changements politiques pour améliorer leur situation socio-économique et atténuer ces difficultés. L'étude utilise des méthodologies qualitatives, utilisant des entretiens, des observations et des analyses de documents pour recueillir des récits riches et approfondis de trois femmes réfugiées afghanes. Chaque récit fournit un aperçu unique des luttes des femmes en matière d'éducation, d'emploi et d'obtention de leurs droits légaux. La recherche met en évidence les défis liés à la migration forcée, à l'inégalité entre les sexes, aux normes culturelles et à la marginalisation socio-économique, provoquant une crise holistique pour les femmes réfugiées afghanes à Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, au Pakistan. Ces problèmes entravent l'accès à l'éducation, à l'emploi, souffrent de vulnérabilités financières et d'incertitudes juridiques. L'étude suggère une approche globale et multidimensionnelle des changements politiques, y compris une réforme de l'éducation pour les filles réfugiées, des pratiques de recrutement sensibles au genre et des réformes juridiques pour garantir les droits des réfugiés. Il met l'accent sur les services de soutien sensibles au genre et implique les femmes réfugiées afghanes dans les processus d'élaboration des politiques, en tirant parti de leurs expériences pour des politiques plus efficaces et inclusives.

Dépistage des hépatites au sein d'une association culturelle et cultuelle pakistanaise : retour d'expérience.

INTRODUCTION: Pakistan has the second highest prevalence of hepatitis C globally. The Musafir study, set up in 2018 in a Parisian suburb to understand the representations of hepatitis and HIV within the Urdu-speaking, male, migrant community living there, provided an opportunity to think about culturally acceptable health promotion interventions. These included awareness campaigns on hepatitis—which did not cover the question of HIV, considered taboo—, held in a mosque. PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: The aim of this article is to describe the implementation of awareness and testing campaigns within a Pakistani religious and cultural association. METHOD: A partnership with a Pakistani association that runs a place of worship enabled awareness and testing campaigns for hepatitis and HIV to be carried out, thanks to the involvement of the association’s managers and the imam. RESULTS: Between February and June 2023, 113 people were tested during the five campaigns that were carried out. The population screened consisted almost exclusively of Urdu-speaking men. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in six people, three of whom had already recovered, and two people tested positive for HBV. No cases of HIV were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hepatitis C found was 5.3 percent, in line with the prevalence in Pakistan. This experiment highlighted the feasibility conditions of a partnership with a faith-based organization and offers ideas for developing this type of initiative in France.

Generational perspective on asthma self-management in the Bangladeshi and Pakistani community in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Self-management strategies improve asthma outcomes, although interventions for South Asian populations have been less effective than in White populations. Both self-management and culture are dynamic, and factors such as acculturation and generation have not always been adequately reflected in existing cultural interventions. We aimed to explore the perspectives of Bangladeshi and Pakistani people in the United Kingdom, across multiple generations (first, second and third/fourth), on how they self-manage their asthma, with a view to suggesting recommendations for cultural interventions. METHODS: We purposively recruited Bangladeshi and Pakistani participants, with an active diagnosis of asthma from healthcare settings. Semi-structured interviews in the participants' choice of language (English, Sylheti, Standard Bengali or Urdu) were conducted, and data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants (13 Bangladeshi and 14 Pakistani) were interviewed. There were generational differences in self-management, influenced by complex cultural processes experienced by South Asians as part of being an ethnic minority group. Individuals from the first generation used self-management strategies congruent to traditional beliefs such as 'sweating' and often chose to travel to South Asian countries. Generations born and raised in the United Kingdom learnt and experimented with self-management based on their fused identities and modified their approach depending on whether they were in familial or peer settings. Acculturative stress, which was typically higher in first generations who had migration-related stressors, influenced the priority given to asthma self-management throughout generations. The amount and type of available asthma information as well as social discussions within the community and with healthcare professionals also shaped asthma self-management. CONCLUSIONS: Recognizing cultural diversity and its influence of asthma self-management can help develop effective interventions tailored to the lives of South Asian people. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patient and Public Involvement colleagues were consulted throughout to ensure that the study and its materials were fit for purpose.

Exploring the obesity concerns of British Pakistani women living in deprived inner-city areas: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: British South Asians have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than the wider population. Bradford (UK), with its high Pakistani presence and levels of economic deprivation, has exceptionally high instances, especially in deprived areas where many Pakistanis reside. British Pakistani women in Bradford are more likely to be overweight and obese. There is uncertainty on how these women can be aided to manage their weight. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the obesity concerns of Pakistani women living in deprived inner-city areas of Bradford. METHODS: Three focus groups interviews were carried out with 23 Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: This exploratory study identified a wide range of concerns that women had around managing their weight. Participants disclosed distrust in information given around medication, conflicting dietary information and reported low levels of trust in women-only organized physical activities. Cultural barriers were identified, which included the gender role of the woman, the lack of culturally appropriate dietary advice, cultural misunderstandings of what constitutes a healthy diet and healthy weight, the lack of culturally suitable exercise facilities and conforming to family and community expectations. Other concerns were language barriers around a lack of understanding, the inability to read Urdu and reliance on others to translate information. CONCLUSION: These findings have implications for researchers, local authorities, policy makers and others with an interest in reducing the rates of obesity in this population. Recommendations include training health practitioners to be culturally aware of the diet and eating practices of this community, exploring different ways to support socially isolated women to be more physically active at home, addressing physical activity and diet misconceptions and designing obesity management information materials appropriate for a range of literacy levels. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Public contributors were involved in the development of the interview guide and design of the research. A pilot focus group with participants not included in the present paper was used to help test and refine the focus group questions. Interview transcripts were member checked by participants, and participants assisted with data analysis.

Developing an obesity research agenda with British Pakistani women living in deprived areas with involvement from multisectoral stakeholders: Research priority setting with a seldom heard group.

INTRODUCTION: British Pakistani women have exceptionally high rates of obesity and yet are seldom heard in a research priority setting concerning weight management. The objectives of this study were (i) to ascertain what multisectoral professionals perceive to be the most pressing unmet obesity needs or topic areas that need more research in relation to Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford and (ii) to determine the top 10 obesity health priorities for this group to develop an obesity research agenda. METHODS: A two-step process was adopted using the following: (i) a survey of a wide range of multisectoral professional stakeholders (n = 159) and (ii) a ranking exercise involving Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford (n = 32) to select and prioritize their top 10 obesity health concerns and unmet needs from a list of 31 statements identified in the survey and previous research. Survey data were analysed using inductive content analysis and themes were identified. Themes were translated into statements to be ranked by Pakistani women. The ranking exercise was conducted by telephone either via voice or video call. Data were analysed using a reverse scoring system. RESULTS: Survey responses were grouped into statements reflecting the following three categories: education needs; healthy behaviour barriers and mental well-being. The highest rankings were given by Pakistani women to statements on mental health and the need for education. The top 10 prioritized statements were developed with members of the public into an obesity research agenda that reflected the target population. CONCLUSION: Actively engaging British Pakistani women in setting research priorities provided a unique opportunity to understand the key areas they think are important for future research. The culminating research agenda can be used by researchers to advance the field of obesity research in Pakistani communities, thus producing research outputs that are relevant to and have impact in this population. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participants in the ranking exercise collected data. Public contributors were involved in developing the prioritized statements into a research agenda.

Relationship between physical activity level and BMI among Pakistani labourers in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the level of physical activity of Pakistani labourers in Saudi Arabia, and to find its relationship with body mass index. Methods: The observational study was conducted inside the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2017 to March 2018, and comprised Pakistani males aged 22-60 years doing unskilled and semi-skilled jobs. Body mass index was calculated, and the level of physical activity was assessed using the short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: There were 130 subjects with mean age of 33.53±7.9 years. There were 109(83.8%) subjects aged <40 years, and 21(16.2%) were aged >40 years. Mean body mass index of the sample was 26.13±5.29kg/m². Overall, 71(54.6%) participants were insufficiently active having energy expenditure <600 metabolic equivalent of task in minutes per week. No statistically significant result was found when total energy expenditure was considered (p>0.05), but significant result was found for energy expenditure due to 'walk alone' (p<0.05). Significant correlation was found between profession and overall energy expenditure and job-related energy expenditure. Significant but weak positive correlation was found between body mass index and walk-related energy expenditure (r=0.279), (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mean body mass index of the sample was high compared to South Asian cut-off values, and the level of physical activity was very low, but the findings failed to show an inverse relationship between physical activity level and body mass index.

Understanding the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on work amongst South Asian people in the UK: An explorative qualitative study.

SLE has a range of fluctuating symptoms affecting individuals and their ability to work. Although South Asian (SA) patients are at increased risk of developing SLE there is limited knowledge of the impact on employment for these patients in the UK. Understanding ethnicity and disease-specific issues are important to ensure patients are adequately supported at work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients of SA origin to explore how SLE impacted on their employment. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data which are reported following COREQ guidelines. Ten patients (8 female; 2 male) were recruited from three rheumatology centres in the UK and interviewed between November 2019 and March 2020. Patients were from Indian (n = 8) or Pakistani (n = 2) origin and worked in a range of employment sectors. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Disease related factors; (2) Employment related factors; (3) Cultural and interpersonal factors impacting on work ability; (4) Recommendations for improvement. Patients' ability to work was affected by variable work-related support from their hospital clinicians, low awareness of SLE and variable support from their employers, and cultural barriers in their communities that could affect levels of family support received. These findings highlight the need for additional support for SA patients with SLE in the workplace.

Forensic application and genetic diversity of 21 autosomal STR loci in five major population groups of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: Investigation of genetic diversity of the 21 autosomal STR loci included in the GlobalFilerTM PCR Amplification Kit in 529 Pakistani individuals belonging to the Punjabi, Pashtun, Sindhi, Saraiki, and Baloch ethnic groups. Population genetic parameters and forensic informative metrics for each group were evaluated. RESULTS: SE33 showed the greatest power of discrimination in all populations studied. The combined match probability ranged from 8.06E-27 (Saraiki) to 1.05E-26 (Baloch), and the combined power of exclusion ranged from 0.99999999902 (Punjabi) to 0.99999999964 (Pashtun). D12S391 in the Baloch population and D2S441 in the Saraiki population showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. CONCLUSION: Significant genetic distances were observed between the Punjabi, Pashtun, and Baloch populations. This study supports the utilization of the GlobalFilerTM STR kit for forensic applications in Pakistan.

Forensic features and genetic legacy of the Baloch population of Pakistan and the Hazara population across Durand line revealed by Y-chromosomal STRs.

The Hazara population across Durand line has experienced extensive interaction with Central Asian and East Asian populations. Hazara individuals have typical Mongolian facial appearances and they called themselves descendants of Genghis Khan's army. The people who speak the Balochi language are called Baloch. Previously, a worldwide analysis of Y-chromosomal haplotype diversity for rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs and with PowerPlex Y23 System (Promega Corporation Madison, USA) kit was created with collaborative efforts, but Baloch and Hazara population from Pakistan and Hazara population from Afghanistan were missing. In the current study, Yfiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit loci were examined in 260 unrelated Hazara individuals from Afghanistan, 153 Hazara individuals, and 111 Balochi individuals from Baluchistan Pakistan. For the Hazara population from Afghanistan and Pakistan overall, 380 different haplotypes were observed on these 27 Y-STR loci, gene diversities ranged from 0.51288 (DYS389I) to 0.9257 (DYF387S1), and haplotype diversity was 0.9992. For the Baloch population, every individual was unique at 27 Y-STR loci; gene diversity ranged from 0.5718 (DYS460) to 0.9371(DYF387S1). Twelve haplotypes were shared between 178 individuals, while only two haplotypes among these twelve were shared between 87 individuals in Hazara populations. Rst and Fst pairwise genetic distance analyses, multidimensional scaling plot, neighbor-joining tree, linear discriminatory analysis, and median-joining network were performed, which shed light on the history of Hazara and Baloch populations. The results of our study showed that the Yfiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit marker set provided substantially stronger discriminatory power in the Baloch population of Pakistan and the Hazara population across the Durand line.

Diagnostic and perinatal outcomes in consanguineous couples with a structural fetal anomaly: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Consanguineous unions occur when a couple are related outside marriage and is associated with adverse genetic and perinatal outcomes for affected offspring. The objectives of this study were to evaluate: (i) background characteristics, (ii) uptake of prenatal and postnatal investigation and (iii) diagnostic outcomes of UK consanguineous couples presenting with a fetal structural anomaly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective and partly prospective cohort study comparing consanguineous (n = 62) and non-consanguineous (n = 218) pregnancies with current or previous fetal structural anomalies reviewed in a UK prenatal genetic clinic from 2008 to 2019. Outcomes were compared using odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: Most consanguineous couples were of Pakistani ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 13-62) and required use of an interpreter [OR 9, 95% CI 4-20). In the consanguineous group, the uptake of prenatal invasive testing was lower (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) and the number declining follow up was greater (OR 10, 95% CI 3-34) than in the non-consanguineous group. This likely explained the lower proportion of consanguineous couples where a final definitive unifying diagnosis to explain the fetal structural anomalies was reached (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.6). When a diagnosis was obtained in this group, it was always postnatal and most often using genomic sequencing technologies (OR 6, 95% CI 1-27). The risk of perinatal death was greater (OR 3, 95% CI 1-6) in the consanguineous group, as was the risk of fetal structural anomaly recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy (OR 4, 95% CI 1-13). There was no difference in the uptake of perinatal autopsy or termination of pregnancy between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consanguineous couples are a vulnerable group in the prenatal setting. Although adverse perinatal outcomes in this group are more common secondary to congenital anomalies, despite the evolution of genomic sequencing technologies, due to a lower uptake of prenatal testing it is less likely that a unifying diagnosis is obtained and recurrence can occur. There is a need for proactive genetic counseling and education from the multidisciplinary team, addressing language barriers as well as religious and cultural beliefs in an attempt to optimize reproductive options.

Chloracne: a case series on cutaneous expression of CYP1A1 as diagnostic biomarker.

Chloracne, also known as metabolizing acquired dioxin-induced skin hamartomas (MADISH), is a rare disfiguring disease related to dioxin exposure. There is a paucity of literature on the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of chloracne/MADISH. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical features of this very unusual acneiform eruption and to explore the pathogenesis of the disease. This was a retrospective, observational report study was conducted on five patients belonging to the same nuclear family (father, mother and three children) and a relative (father's brother) living in the same house. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, laboratory and toxicological analyses were performed for all patients. The results suggest that CYP1A1 in human skin is a diagnostic biomarker in chloracne, and was positive for all the patients in our sample. Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin is the most investigated dioxin responsible for chloracne; however, several other agonists, whether dioxin-like or not, can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. To our knowledge, this Italian case series is the first study to suggest polychlorinated biphenyls as a possible cause of an overstimulation of aryl hydrocarbons causing the consequent acneiform eruption.

The introduction of risk stratified screening into the NHS breast screening Programme: views from British-Pakistani women.

BACKGROUND: UK national guidelines suggest women at high-risk of breast cancer should be offered more frequent screening or preventative medications. Currently, only 1 in 6 high-risk women are identified. One route to identify more high-risk women is via multifactorial risk assessment as part of the UK's NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP). As lower socioeconomic and minority ethnic populations continue to experience barriers to screening, it is important that any new service does not exacerbate issues further. To inform service development, this study explored views of women from underserved backgrounds regarding the introduction of risk stratification into the NHSBSP. METHODS: Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with British-Pakistani women from low socioeconomic backgrounds from East Lancashire, UK. Fourteen interviews were conducted via an interpreter. RESULTS: Thematic analysis produced three themes. Attitudes toward risk awareness concerns the positive views women have toward the idea of receiving personalised breast cancer risk information. Anticipated barriers to accessibility emphasises the difficulties associated with women's limited English skills for accessing information, and their I.T proficiency for completing an online risk assessment questionnaire. Acceptability of risk communication strategy highlights the diversity of opinion regarding the suitability of receiving risk results via letter, with the option for support from a healthcare professional deemed essential. CONCLUSIONS: The idea of risk stratification was favourable amongst this underserved community. To avoid exacerbating inequities, this new service should provide information in multiple languages and modalities and offer women the opportunity to speak to a healthcare professional about risk. This service should also enable completion of personal risk information via paper questionnaires, as well as online.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer: an integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a growing problem worldwide, with high incidence rates in South Asian countries. With increasing numbers of South Asian immigrants in developed countries, a possible rise in oral cancer cases is expected given the high prevalence in their source countries and the continued oral cancer risk behaviours of immigrants. The aim of this review is to synthesise existing evidence regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries regarding oral cancer. METHODS: Five electronic databases were systematically searched to identify original, English language articles focussing on oral cancer risk knowledge, attitudes and practices of South Asian immigrants in developed countries. All studies that met the following inclusion criteria were included: conducted among South Asian immigrants in developed countries; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge or attitudes or practices); used either qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. No restrictions were placed on the publication date, quality and setting of the study. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies involving 4772 participants were reviewed. These studies were mainly conducted in the USA, UK, Italy and New Zealand between 1994 and 2018. Findings were categorised into themes of oral cancer knowledge, attitudes and practices. General lack of oral cancer risk knowledge (43-76%) among participants was reported. More than 50% people were found engaging in one or more oral cancer risk practices like smoking, betel quid/pan/gutka chewing. Some of the participants perceived betel quid/pan/gutka chewing habit good for their health (12-43.6%). CONCLUSION: This review has shown that oral cancer risk practices are prevalent among South Asian immigrants who possess limited knowledge and unfavourable attitude in this area. Culturally appropriate targeted interventions and strategies are needed to raise oral cancer awareness among South Asian communities in developed countries.

Extremism and common mental illness: cross-sectional community survey of White British and Pakistani men and women living in England.

BACKGROUND: Mental illnesses may explain vulnerability to develop extremist beliefs that can lead to violent protest and terrorism. Yet there is little evidence. AIMS: To investigate the relationship between mental illnesses and extremist beliefs. METHOD: Population survey of 618 White British and Pakistani people in England. Extremism was assessed by an established measure of sympathies for violent protest and terrorism (SVPT). Respondents with any positive scores (showing sympathies) were compared with those with all negative scores. We calculated associations between extremist sympathies and ICD-10 diagnoses of depression and dysthymia, and symptoms of anxiety, personality difficulties, autism and post-traumatic stress. Also considered were demographics, life events, social assets, political engagement and criminal convictions. RESULTS: SVPT were more common in those with major depression with dysthymia (risk ratio 4.07, 95% CI 1.37-12.05, P = 0.01), symptoms of anxiety (risk ratio 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.15, P = 0.002) or post-traumatic stress (risk ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, P = 0.003). At greater risk of SVPT were: young adults (<21 versus ≥21: risk ratio 3.05, 95% CI 1.31-7.06, P = 0.01), White British people (versus Pakistani people: risk ratio 2.24, 95% CI 1.25-4.02, P = 0.007) and those with criminal convictions (risk ratio 2.23, 95% CI 1.01-4.95, P = 0.048). No associations were found with life events, social assets and political engagement. CONCLUSION: Depression, dysthymia and symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress are associated with extremist sympathies.

Population genetic data of 30 insertion-deletion markers in Punjabi population of Pakistan.

Insertion-deletion polymorphism (Indels) is valuable diallelic markers for forensic as well as parentage analysis. The Investigator DIPplex Kit (Qiagen) contains thirty autosomal Indels markers along with amelogenin. These thirty markers were tested in the Pakistani Punjabi Population but no significant deviations were observed from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium rule expectations (Bonferroni corrected) except HLD58, HLD56, HLD99, and HLD40. The mean expected and observed heterozygosity was found 0.4701 and 0.4667 respectively; combined matching probability was computed as 7.31867 × 10-13. However, the use of the 30 Indels markers proved to be a good supplementary tool in forensic casework, particularly when evidence sample is highly degraded. The significant genetic differences were also observed between the Punjabi and other populations of the world.

Genetic polymorphism of Y-chromosomal STRs in Gujjar population of Punjab.

Y-STR polymorphism of Gujjar population was determined by using AmpFISTR®YfilerTM PCR amplification kit. A total 176 haplotypes were obtained after the analysis of 17 Y-STR loci in 176 genetically unrelated individuals. Haplotype diversity and discrimination capacity attained was 0.99730 and 0.652201325, respectively. The comparison of Gujjar population with 16 other populations revealed that Gujjars have low genetic distance from Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pakhtun population of Pakistan; Azad Kashmir, Saraswat Brahmin from India; Bangladeshi population; north and south of Afghanistan; and Uttar Pradesh India which hints toward the migrational route Gujjars took over the centuries. This data is of significant value for population studies and forensic applications.

Haplotype diversity of 17 Y-STRs in Sheikh population of Punjab.

Y chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y-STR) haplotype diversity of 180 genetically unrelated male individuals from Sheikh population of Punjab Pakistan was studied by amplifying 17 Y-STR markers through the AmpFISTR®Yfiler™ PCR amplification kit. The analysis of data revealed mean discrimination capacity of 0.6438 and matching probability of 0.3561. Sheikh population was also compared with 11 other populations in order to determine its population relationships which indicated that Punjabi Sheikhs have low genetic resemblance with Indian-Balmiki, UAE [Arab], Yousafzai Pathan from Pakistan, and Pathans from Afghanistan. The data of this study could have valuable application in forensic cases, in population genetics studies, and in strengthening the Y-STR database.

Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype diversity in Christian residents of Lahore, Pakistan, using 17 Y-chromosomal STR loci.

This population data pertains to 250 unrelated male residents of the Christian population of Lahore, Pakistan. AmpF/STR®Yfiler PCR amplification kit was utilized for evaluation of 17 Y-chromosomal STRs loci. Ancestral lineages and parameters of forensic importance were examined leading to recognition of 135 unique out of 175 total haplotypes with diversity value of 0.991. All Y-STRs portrayed high discrimination power where DYS385 depicted the maximum value of 0.917. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) were generated using YHRD (Y-Chromosome STR Haplotype Reference Database) tools. A pair-wise genetic distance comparison using Rst, Fst, and associated p values lead to the conclusion that studied Christian community was significantly demarcated from the rest of the global populations.