Rectifying Controversial Medical Eponyms: Cleansing the Lexicon.

Applying modern race and gender concepts to medical literature before the early 20th century distorts cultural and historical norms. Removing eponyms from medical terminology erases history and contributes to selective memory. Eponyms in medicine provide insight into how societal culture has evolved as it progresses toward achieving gender and racial equality.

Non-syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate Patients of the North Indian Population and the Association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene.

INTRODUCTION: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common congenital anomaly characterized by incomplete fusion of the lip and/or palate during embryonic development. The etiology of CLP is multifactorial, involving genetics and different environmental factors. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene has been proposed as a candidate gene associated with CLP due to its involvement in folate metabolism and DNA methylation processes. However, the association between MTHFR gene variants and CLP in non-syndromic patients in the North Indian population remains unclear. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This research aimed to see the association between MTHFR gene polymorphisms in non-syndromic patients with CLP in the North Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A case-control observational design comprised 50 CLP patients (cases) and 50 healthy individuals without CLP (controls). Blood samples were collected from patients visiting two hospitals. Genomic DNA was extracted from collected peripheral blood samples, and the genotyping of MTHFR gene polymorphisms (specifically, C677T) was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The allelic and genotypic frequencies of MTHFR gene variants were compared between cases and controls using appropriate statistical tests. RESULT: This research revealed a significant association between MTHFR gene polymorphism and CLP in the North Indian population. The odds for the genotypes reach statistical significance, suggesting that the MTHFR gene variant may play a major role in this population's susceptibility to non-syndromic CLP. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for a linkage between the MTHFR gene C677T polymorphism and an increased risk of CLP in non-syndromic patients in the North Indian population. These findings do support the involvement of MTHFR gene variants in the etiology of CLP. In the future, more research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking MTHFR gene variants to CLP and to explore potential gene-environment interactions in this context.

Association of macular pigment optical density with plasma macular carotenoids levels and serum lipids in South Indian healthy volunteers and patients with early age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and plasma carotenoids [(L) and (Z)] and serum lipids in South Indian young healthy volunteers and patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: Two hundred and fourteen (N = 214) study participants (Healthy control group (N) = 178; Early AMD group (N) = 36) were enrolled after getting their written informed consent. The MPOD of the study participants was assessed using MPS II (Electron Technology, UK) after completing their routine ocular examination. Serum lipids were measured by the standard technique. Plasma levels of L, Z, lycopene and beta-carotene were estimated by high performance liquid chromatography with photo diode array detector. Statistical analysis used: Correlations among variables in serum, plasma and the MPOD were established using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. Results: The overall mean MPOD in healthy control group and early AMD group were found to be 0.47 ± 0.16 (N = 178; 317 eyes) and 0.35 ± 0.22 (N = 36; 38 eyes) at 1° eccentricity respectively and were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). A strong positive association was found between plasma L, Z and L + Z and MPOD. Serum HDL showed a strong negative association with MPOD and other lipids showed a very weak association. MPOD was unaffected by body mass index. Conclusions: MPOD is positively associated with plasma L,Z and L + Z, adding further evidence that additional intake of L/Z may be beneficial in delaying the risk of AMD in our population.

Social Determinants of Health, Tribal Payments, and Probability of Contracting COVID-19 in American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples.

Little is known about the relationships between demographic and economic social determinants of health and the probability of contracting COVID-19 in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) peoples. In addition, we do not know if and how tribal payments, unique to AI/AN peoples, are associated with the probability of contracting COVID-19. We surveyed 767 AI/AN patients of five geographically disparate health organizations that primarily served AI/AN peoples in urban settings between January and May of 2021. We used univariate modified Poisson regressions to estimate the influence of age, gender, household composition, education, household income, and tribal payments on risk of contracting COVID-19, with results presented as both risk and risk difference. Fifteen percent of the sample contracted COVID-19, and individuals who lived in households with two or more generations had an 11-percentage point elevated risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to those who lived alone. Twenty-seven percent of participants received tribal payments; receipt was associated with seven percentage points (change from 18% probability to 11% probability) lower risk of contracting COVID-19. Our findings showed interventions specifically designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in multigenerational households, and regular tribal payments may help improve health outcomes in urban AI/AN populations.

Deeper Exploration of Gut Microbiome: Profile of Resistome, Virome and Viral Auxiliary Metabolic Genes of Three Ethnic Indian Groups.

The current study explored the resistomes and viromes of three Indian ethnic populations: Jaisalmer, Khargone, and Ladakh. These three groups had different dietary habits and antibiotic consumption rates. A resistome analysis indicated that compared to the Jaisalmer (n = 10) group, the burden of antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbiome was higher in the Khargone (n = 12) and Ladakh (n = 9) groups. However, correlational analysis factoring in food habits, healthcare, and economic status was not statistically significant due to the limited number of samples. A considerable number of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were present in well-known gut commensals such as Bifidobacteriaceae, Acidomonococcaceae, etc., as retrieved directly by mapping to the Resfinder database using the Groot tool. Further, the raw reads were assembled using MEGAHIT, and putative bacteriophages were retrieved using the VIBRANT tool. Many of the classified bacteriophages of the virome revealed that bacteria belonging to the families Bifidobacteriaceae and Enterocococcaceae were their hosts. The prophages identified in these groups primarily contained auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) for primary amino acid metabolism. However, there were significantly fewer AMGs in the Ladakh group than in the Jaisalmer group (p < 0.05). None of the classified bacteriophages or prophages contained ARGs. This indicates that phages do not normally carry antibiotic resistance genes.

Within-host adaptive speciation of commensal yoyo clams leads to ecological exclusion, not co-existence.

Symbionts dominate planetary diversity and three primary symbiont diversification processes have been proposed: co-speciation with hosts, speciation by host-switching, and within-host speciation. The last mechanism is prevalent among members of an extraordinary marine symbiosis in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, composed of a host mantis shrimp, Lysiosquilla scabricauda, and seven host-specific commensal vasconielline "yoyo" clams (Galeommatoidea) that collectively occupy two distinct niches: burrow-wall-attached, and host-attached/ectocommensal. This within-host symbiont radiation provides a natural experiment to test how symbiont coexistence patterns are regulated in a common ancestral habitat. The competitive exclusion principle predicts that sister taxa produced by adaptive speciation (with distinct morphologies and within-burrow niches) are most likely to coexist whereas the neutral theory predicts no difference among adaptive and non-adaptive sister taxa co-occurrence. To test these predictions, we engaged in (1) field-censusing commensal species assemblages; (2) trophic niche analyses; (3) laboratory behavioral observations. Although predicted by both models, the field census found no mixed-niche commensal assemblages: multi-species burrows were exclusively composed of burrow-wall commensals. Their co-occurrence matched random assembly process expectations, but presence of the single ectocommensal species had a highly significant negative effect on recruitment of all burrow-wall commensal species (P < 0.001), including on its burrow-wall commensal sister species (P < 0.001). Our stable isotope data indicated that commensals are suspension feeders and that co-occurring burrow-wall commensals may exhibit trophic niche differentiation. The artificial burrow behavioral experiment yielded no evidence of spatial segregation among burrow-wall commensals, and it was terminated by a sudden breakdown of the host-commensal relationship resulting in a mass mortality of all commensals unattached to the host. This study system appears to contain two distinct, superimposed patterns of commensal distribution: (1) all burrow-wall commensal species; (2) the ectocommensal species. Burrow-wall commensals (the plesiomorphic condition) broadly adhere to neutral theory expectations of species assembly but the adaptive evolution of ectocommensalism has apparently led to ecological exclusion rather than coexistence, an inverse outcome of theoretical expectations. The ecological factors regulating the observed burrow-wall/ectocommensal exclusion are currently obscure but potentially include differential recruitment to host burrows and/or differential survival in "mixed" burrow assemblages, the latter potentially due to changes in host predatory behavior. Resampling host burrows during commensal recruitment peak periods and tracking burrow-wall commensal survival in host burrows with and without added ectocommensals could resolve this outstanding issue.

Unequal Effect of Educational Attainment on Reducing Poverty and Welfare; Diminished Returns of American Indian/Alaska Native Populations.

Background: American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities face pronounced economic and health disparities compared to White Americans, a situation rooted in long-standing historical injustices and segregation. The theory of Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDR) provides insight beyond the traditional focus on socioeconomic status (SES) disparities, such as educational attainment. It suggests that the beneficial outcomes of educational achievements on health and economic status are less substantial for marginalized and racially non-White groups compared to White Americans. Aims: This study investigates the applicability of the MDR theory to AIAN populations by examining whether the positive effects of education on poverty reduction and the decreased risk of disability benefit dependency are weaker for AIAN adults relative to their White counterparts. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), this cross-sectional study analyzed a cohort of 20,743 adults, comprising 20,474 White and 269 AIAN individuals. We assessed the relationships between educational attainment, poverty level, and the likelihood of receiving disability benefits. A structural equation model was employed, with receipt of disability benefits as a latent factor influenced by racial background (AIAN) as a potential moderator, education as the main predictor, and poverty level and self-rated health as mediators. Gender, age, employment status, marital status, and Hispanic ethnicity served as additional covariates. Results: Findings indicate that higher educational levels are generally associated with a lower likelihood of receiving disability benefits, mediated by improved health and economic status. Nonetheless, the interaction between race (AIAN) and education significantly influenced economic outcomes, subsequently affecting the risk of receiving disability benefits. This suggests that Whites benefit more economically from education than AIAN individuals do. Conclusion: The study underscores the MDR theory's relevance to the disparities in educational outcomes related to poverty risk and receiving disability benefits among AIAN populations. The challenges AIAN individuals face in leveraging their educational achievements for economic gain relative to Whites may be attributed to pervasive racism and discrimination within various sectors, including employment and education. Addressing these disparities necessitates policy interventions that ensure educational returns are equitable across racial groups, with a focus on equal access to resources and opportunities.

Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) in India: Clinicians' Multifaceted Challenges.

In the recent past, in order to achieve our national goal of 'health for all', National Medical Commission and Government of India made competency based medical education (CBME) mandatory in all Indian medical colleges. By undergoing CBME, the Indian Medical Graduate is expected to achieve the five roles of Clinician, Communicator, Leader and Member of the health care, Professional and Lifelong learner. This article is an overview of CBME, its relevant terminologies and knowledge-gaps. The purpose is to share these changes in medical education with practicing Otolaryngologists of India. It also discusses the various challenges regarding this already- suggested implementation process for clinical academicians, which could be counterproductive to the expected national aim and goal.

An epigenome-wide study of selenium status and DNA methylation in the Strong Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient linked to adverse health endpoints at low and high levels. The mechanisms behind these relationships remain unclear and there is a need to further understand the epigenetic impacts of Se and their relationship to disease. We investigated the association between urinary Se levels and DNA methylation (DNAm) in the Strong Heart Study (SHS), a prospective study of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among American Indians adults. METHODS: Selenium concentrations were measured in urine (collected in 1989-1991) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry among 1,357 participants free of CVD and diabetes. DNAm in whole blood was measured cross-sectionally using the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850 K) Array. We used epigenome-wide robust linear regressions and elastic net to identify differentially methylated cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) sites associated with urinary Se levels. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) urinary Se concentration was 51.8 (25.1) µg/g creatinine. Across 788,368 CpG sites, five differentially methylated positions (DMP) (hypermethylated: cg00163554, cg18212762, cg11270656, and hypomethylated: cg25194720, cg00886293) were significantly associated with Se in linear regressions after accounting for multiple comparisons (false discovery rate p-value: 0.10). The top hypermethylated DMP (cg00163554) was annotated to the Disco Interacting Protein 2 Homolog C (DIP2C) gene, which relates to transcription factor binding. Elastic net models selected 425 hypo- and hyper-methylated DMPs associated with urinary Se, including three sites (cg00163554 [DIP2C], cg18212762 [MAP4K2], cg11270656 [GPIHBP1]) identified in linear regressions. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary Se was associated with minimal changes in DNAm in adults from American Indian communities across the Southwest and the Great Plains in the United States, suggesting that other mechanisms may be driving health impacts. Future analyses should explore other mechanistic biomarkers in human populations, determine these relationships prospectively, and investigate the potential role of differentially methylated sites with disease endpoints.

Dr. Kadambini Ganguly (1861-1923): A Pioneer in Indian Medicine.

Dr. Kadambini Ganguly was a trailblazing Indian physician and social reformer. As one of the first female graduates and practitioners of Western medicine in India, she broke numerous barriers in a field dominated by men. Her contribution to medicine, particularly in women's healthcare, and her engagement in social reform through the Brahmo Samaj and the Indian National Congress, caused significant progress toward gender equality and social justice. This article looks back on her academic accomplishments, medical career, social activism, and lasting legacy, emphasizing her profound influence on medicine and society in India.

Study Protocol for the Opioid and Pain Treatment in Indigenous Communities Trial: A Systems Level Intervention for Enhanced Screening and Brief Intervention and Referral for Co-Occurring Chronic Pain and Opioid Use Disorder.

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals have the highest rates of opioid overdose mortality and chronic pain (CP) compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. These individuals also report higher rates of pain anxiety and pain catastrophizing, which are both associated with poorer outcomes and risk for opioid misuse (OM) and opioid use disorder (OUD) among individuals with CP. Yet, no prior studies have examined rates of comorbid pain and OUD among AI/AN adults. This commentary describes an implementation research partnership of 3 AI/AN-serving clinics and a university team that utilizes an implementation hybrid type III design to examine the impact of implementation strategies on adoption and sustainability of evidence-based screening and brief intervention for CP and OM/OUD among AI/AN clients. As part of our community-engaged approach, we embrace both AI/AN models and Western models, and a collaborative board of 10 individuals guided the research throughout. We hypothesize that our culturally centered approach will increase rates of screening and brief intervention and improve identification of and outcomes among AI/AN clients with CP and OUD who receive treatment at participating sites. Each site convenes a workgroup to evaluate and set goals to culturally center screening and brief interventions for CP and OM/OUD. Data collected include deidentified electronic health records to track screening and brief interventions and rates of CP and OUD; provider and staff surveys beginning prior to implementation and every 6 months for 2 years; and a subset of clients will be recruited (N = 225) and assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months to examine biopsychosocial and spiritual factors and their experiences with culturally centered screening and brief intervention. Cultural adaptations to the measures and screening and brief intervention as well as barriers and facilitators will be addressed. Recommendations for successful Tribal health clinic-university partnerships are offered.

The acceptability of, and informational needs related to, self-collection cervical screening among women of Indian descent living in Victoria, Australia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: In July 2022, self-collection became universally available as part of Australia's National Cervical Screening Program. This change aims to address screening inequities experienced among underscreened populations, including women of Indian descent. This study explored experiences of cervical screening, alongside the acceptability of self-collection, among women of Indian descent living in Victoria, Australia. We also aimed to articulate the informational needs to promote self-collection among this population. METHODS: Five focus group discussions with 39 women living in Victoria were conducted in English (n = 3) and Punjabi (n = 2). Transcripts were thematically analysed, as informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. RESULTS: Women were motivated by the choice to self-collect, perceiving the ability to maintain modesty and greater autonomy as key enablers. Healthcare practitioners were seen as central in supporting patient-centred models of care. Perceived barriers to self-collection included concerns around its accuracy and women's confidence in collecting their own sample. Widespread dissemination of culturally tailored promotion strategies communicating concepts such as 'privacy' and 'accuracy' were suggested by women to promote self-collection. CONCLUSION: Self-collection was highly acceptable among women of Indian descent, particularly when assured of its accuracy, and sociocultural norms and previous screening experiences are considered. This study highlights the huge potential that self-collection can play in increasing equity in Australia's cervical screening programme. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Members of the public were involved in focus group discussions. Findings were summarised and disseminated via a poster. A bicultural worker was involved in all stages of the research.

Effect of patient characteristics on aortic attenuation in iodinated contrast-enhanced Abdominopelvic CT: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) abdomen and pelvis is a common imaging procedure. Hospitals typically follow fixed protocols of contrast volume administration for triple-phase CECT abdomen and pelvis scans and have found that patients are either underdosed or overdosed with respect to their body habitus. The aim of the study was to correlate different patient characteristics such as Total body weight (TBW), Lean Body Mass (LBM), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Surface Area (BSA) and Blood Volume (BV) with aortic enhancement in the arterial and portal venous phases for CECT Abdomen and pelvis. METHODS: A total of 106 patients who underwent triple-phase CECT abdomen & pelvis were retrospectively studied. A circular region-of-interest (ROI) of 100 mm2 was positioned on descending aorta for unenhanced, arterial, and portal venous phases to measure the aortic enhancement in Hounsfield's units. Measure of contrast attenuation (ΔH) was calculated from the difference of CT values on unenhanced images and contrast images. Correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relation of patient body characteristics with aortic enhancement. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed that BMI exhibited the least correlation when compared to the other characteristics in both arterial (r = -0.3; p = 0.002) and portovenous phases (r = -0.35; p < 0.001) whereas TBW, LBW, BSA and BV reported moderate inverse correlations. BV was found to be the strongest of all characteristics under linear regression. CONCLUSION: The study supports the use of protocols that adjust contrast volume to either TBW, LBW, BSA, or BV for CT abdomen and pelvis scan. IMPLICATION OF PRACTICE: The right body parameter ensures optimal contrast enhancement, improving the visualization of anatomical structures and helps in adapting tailored contrast injection protocols.

A Review on recent Advancements in Pharmaceutical Technology Transfer of Tablets from an Indian perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The healthcare sector is a paramount and rapidly expanding industry in India. The pharmaceutical field in India has experienced substantial growth and transformation in recent times, making significant contributions to the global healthcare market. This comprehensive review delves into the most recent innovations in pharmaceutical technology transfer (TT), particularly in the context of tablet formulations from an Indian standpoint. SIGNIFICANCE: The pharmaceutical sector has grappled with various challenging issues, including the escalating costs of medications and the demand for patient-friendly products. METHODS: In this technological progress era, various cutting-edge pharmaceutical technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), and 3D and 4D printing, play pivotal roles in drug development. Tablets, the most promising and widely utilised dosage form worldwide, require a sophisticated approach to TT. Achieving a successful TT necessitates a dedicated team with well-defined objectives, improved documentation, and effective communication. RESULTS: The Indian Pharmaceutical Industry (IPI) possesses the potential to make significant contributions to the global healthcare sector. Moreover, we delve into the various phases of TT, highlighting the pivotal role of formulation development and process optimization in ensuring product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness along with different models of TT. Additionally, we examine the challenges associated with TT and potential solutions, as well as the initiatives of the Indian government to bolster the Indian pharmaceutical sector's position as the "Pharmacy of the World". CONCLUSION: It is concluded that there is a need to contextualize and institutionalize the tech transfer policies for successful implementation for the benefit of the global population.

A Systematic Review of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Indian Adults.

This systematic review aimed to consolidate findings on the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among Indian adults. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines 2020 and conducted a comprehensive search across databases including PubMed, Scopus-Elsevier, and hand-searched reference lists using key terms such as "Community-Acquired Pneumonia," "CAP," "Indian," and "adults." Articles published between January 2010 and January 2024 were included, with exclusions for studies involving pediatric populations, non-Indian patients, or those published before 2010. From an initial pool of 344 articles, duplicates were removed and titles and abstracts were screened, resulting in nine studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The analysis of pooled data comprising 1,643 Indian adult participants revealed the following pathogen distribution: Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common organism, accounting for 33% of the cases. This was followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae at 23%, Staphylococcus aureus at 10%, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila each at 7%, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa each at 4%. Notably, the review highlights a rising incidence of K. pneumoniae in CAP cases, which is a significant concern and should be considered when treating CAP patients in India. The findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive diagnostic testing, including advanced methods such as bronchoalveolar lavage, urinary antigen tests, serology for atypical pathogens, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, to improve diagnostic yield and guide targeted antibiotic therapy. This review underscores the need for updated empirical treatment guidelines that account for dominant pathogens. Future research should focus on employing advanced diagnostic methods to enhance understanding of CAP etiology.

Recuperative potential of Indian medicinal plant compounds- a tool to encumber henipaviruses: an in -silico study.

Henipaviruses, highly fatal zoonotic viruses with mortality rates up to 100%, pose a significant threat to humans. Despite sporadic cases, including infections from Cedar, Langya, and Nipah Viruses, there are no established drugs or vaccines for treatment. This lack of specific medication led us to explore 57 non-toxic compounds from Indian Medicinal Plants, selected from 232 compounds, aiming to combat these viruses. Through in silico ADMET analyses, Three compounds-andrographolide, pterygospermin and Salidroside-stood out for their exceptional non-toxic properties. These compounds underwent in silico target prediction, molecular docking and dynamics with Cedar, Langya, and Nipah Virus proteins from the Protein Data Bank. Among them, Andrographolide displayed the most promising negative free energy scores and stability in Cedar Virus-Attachment G-Protein binding pockets. Pterygospermin and Salidroside showed efficacy against Langya and Nipah Virus target proteins throughout the simulation. These compounds not only exhibited antiviral properties but also demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects by our in-silico studies. Their potential as treatments or preventive measures against henipaviral infections makes them promising candidates for further research and development. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00236-x.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Energy Availability of Indian Boxers.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate dietary intake and low energy availability (LEA) negatively impact athlete's health, recovery, and performance outcomes. Currently, there is no Indian study that assessed the energy availability (EA) of Indian boxers and studied the contributing factors to LEA. This study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing the EA of Indian boxers (lightweight category) and correlating it with contributing factors such as anthropometric measurements, body composition, dietary intake, nutrient intake, and exercise energy expenditure. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 30 state-level boxers of the lightweight category (females: nine) residing in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, using purposive sampling. Body composition was assessed using a body composition monitor. Anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard methods. Three-day exercise energy expenditure was calculated. Three-day dietary intake was assessed, which included two training days and one rest day using the three-day multiple-pass method. Dietary intake assessment included intake of all the meals, snacks, sports foods, sports, and dietary supplements. EA was calculated and participants were classified as moderate EA (30-45 kcal/kg FFM/day) and low EA (< 30 kcal/kg FFM/day). Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were conducted using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 23; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Male boxers had a mean age of 18.43±0.93 years, and females had a mean age of 18.44±0.88 years. Among boxers, 36.67% (n=11) of participants were underweight, 46.67% (n=14) had a normal BMI, and 16.67% (n=5) were overweight. The mean body fat (%) for boxers was 13.11±1.8. Participants had insufficient consumption of different food groups before and after the energy intake adjustment. Processed packaged food consumption was popular among the participants. Various kinds of sports foods and supplements were consumed by a few athletes. Dietary supplements were not common among participants. The nutrient intake of the participants was inadequate. Participants could not fulfill energy/kg/day, carbohydrate/kg/day, protein/kg/day, and fat/kg/day requirements by 29%, 36.2%, 34.8%, and 23.9%, respectively. Iron and calcium intake was inadequate among female participants by 1.4% and 12.8%, respectively. Among male boxers, the mean EA was 29.71±3.74 kcal/kg FFM/day, and the mean EA of female boxers was 28.3±3.95 kcal/kg FFM/day. Around 66.67% of boxers in the present study had LEA, while the rest had reduced EA. EA had a moderately significant inverse relationship with fat-free mass (%). Energy intake was significantly related to EA and total body muscle % significantly moderated that relationship. The influence of fat-free mass (%), EEE (kcal), and energy intake (kcal) on the EA (kcal/kg FFM/day) was significant using multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the participants could not meet the food intake and nutrient recommendations. The majority of the participants had LEA. The higher the energy and nutrient intake, the higher the EA in the present study. EA had a moderately significant inverse relationship with fat-free mass (%) and exercise energy expenditure.

Understanding determinants of lung cancer preventive care in at-risk urban American Indians and Alaska Natives: A mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, and AI/AN people have the highest rate of smoking of any racial or ethnic group in the US. There is limited research to inform culturally-relevant strategies for lung cancer prevention inclusive of lung cancer screening (LCS). The objective of this study was to understand determinants of LCS and tobacco cessation care in at-risk urban-dwelling AI/ANs. Materials and Methods: This was a mixed-methods community-based participatory research study including complimentary qualitative discussions and surveys conducted in Seattle, Washington, USA from 2022 to 2023. The study measures and analytic approach integrated the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Tribal Critical Race Theory and qualitative transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants were self-identified AI/AN people who were age ≥ 40 and had ≥ 10-year history of commercial cigarette smoking. Results: Forty-five participants completed surveys and participated in discussions, 48% were female, the median age was 58 and median smoking history was 24 pack-years of commercial cigarette use. Themes revealed prominent barriers to LCS care including access, costs, awareness, and fear. Many reported previous negative and discriminatory encounters within and outside the health system which may also serve as barriers. Most participants endorsed cancer screening and increased education, recommending Indigenous-centered, delivered, and tailored programs, as well barrier-directed support. Conclusions: In a broad sample of at-risk urban-dwelling AI/AN people, our findings suggest enthusiasm for preventive care but several complex barriers. Participants endorsed culturally-tailored programs which could provide relevant education and address barriers.

Characterisation of a novel HLA-A*33:33:02 allele in two members of a North Indian family.

HLA-A*33:33:02 differs from HLA-A*33:33:01 by one synonymous nucleotide change C>T in exon 3 (TCC>TCT).

Identification of novel HLA-C*17:78 allele in North Indian individuals.

HLA-C*17:78 differs from HLA-C*17:03:01:03 by one nucleotide change C>T in exon 3 (GCG>GTG).