Diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis by immuno-PCR assay based on mycobacterial antigen 85 complex detection.

Diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis (OATB) exhibits serious challenges owing to paucibacillary nature of specimens and localization of disease at sites that are difficult to access. We recently developed indirect immuno-PCR (I-PCR) and real-time I-PCR (RT-I-PCR) assays for the detection of mycobacterial antigen 85 complex (Ag85) in OATB patients. Detection limits for the purified Ag85 protein were found to be 1 and 41 fg ml-1 by I-PCR and RT-I-PCR, respectively, which were at least 105 -fold lower than respective ELISA. While spiking synovial fluids of non-TB control subjects with the purified Ag85 protein, LODs of 100 and 120 fg ml-1 were obtained by I-PCR and RT-I-PCR, respectively, thus demonstrating the sample matrix effect. Sensitivities of 87·5 and 70·5% were observed in bodily fluids of confirmed (n = 8) and clinically suspected (n = 51) OATB cases, respectively, by I-PCR, with a specificity of 93·9% (n = 33). Markedly, the sensitivities obtained by I-PCR/RT-I-PCR were significantly higher (P < 0·05-0·01) than ELISA and GeneXpert assay (n = 30). However, no substantial difference in sensitivity was observed between the I-PCR and RT-I-PCR assays. After further improving the accuracy of I-PCR, this test may lead to development of an attractive diagnostic kit.

Mistaking a Tumour for an Infection - Acrometastasis of the Finger from Endocervical Adenosquamous Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Acrometastasis is rare with a very low incidence of all bone metastasis. It can present with swelling, pain and warmth with erythema that may mimic an infection especially in the distal phalanx. Due to its rarity and subtle clinical presentation, it can be misdiagnosed as an infection causing the treatment to be delayed. We report a 42-year-old female with an acrometastasis to the distal phalanx of the left middle finger which we mistook as an infection thus delaying her treatment. It was a terminal presentation of her endocervical adenosquamous carcinoma. We would like to highlight that acrometastasis has an indistinct presentation and in cases where the lesion does not respond to treatment, acrometastasis should be included as one of the differential diagnoses. Thus, physicians need to have a high level of suspicion in patients with a primary malignant tumour.

Association between Smoking Exposure, Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response and Survival Outcomes following Radical Cystectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Studies exploring the association of cigarette smoking and long-term survival outcomes following radical cystectomy have yielded mixed results. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of tobacco smoking exposure, duration, intensity and cessation on response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and long-term survival outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed®, MEDLINE®, Embase® and Cochrane® Library databases for original articles published before April 2019. Primary end points were neoadjuvant chemotherapy response, overall and cancer specific mortality, and recurrence-free survival after radical cystectomy. Observational studies reporting Cox proportional hazards regression or logistic regression analysis were independently screened. Available multivariable hazard ratios and corresponding 95% CIs were included in the quantitative analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed as appropriate. A risk of bias assessment was completed for nonrandomized studies. RESULTS: Our electronic search identified a total of 649 articles. After a detailed review we selected 17 studies that addressed the impact of smoking status on survival outcomes in 13,777 patients after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Pooled meta-analysis revealed that active smokers have an increased risk of overall mortality (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.08-1.36; p=0.001, I2=0%), cancer specific mortality (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.13-1.36; p <0.00001, I2=0%) and bladder cancer recurrence (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.38; p <0.0001, I2=3%). Sensitivity analyses evaluating only patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy showed an advantage of non/never smokers in terms of neoadjuvant chemotherapy complete response rate (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.75; p=0.001, I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking status is associated with lower neoadjuvant chemotherapy response rates and higher overall and cancer specific mortality as well as bladder cancer recurrence after radical cystectomy. Appropriate preoperative counseling, together with tightened followup, may have a pivotal role in improving the smoking-related long-term survival outcomes in patients with bladder cancer.

Carbohydrate restriction for glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate restriction on glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL for the period between 1976 and April 2018. We included randomized controlled trials comparing carbohydrate restriction with a control diet which aimed to maintain or increase carbohydrate intake, and that reported HbA1c as an outcome and reported the amount of carbohydrate consumed during or at the end of the study, with outcomes reported at ≥3 months. RESULTS: We identified 1402 randomized controlled trials, 25 of which met the inclusion criteria, incorporating 2132 participants for the main outcome. Definitions of low carbohydrate varied among the studies. The pooled effect estimate from meta-analysis was a weighted mean difference of -0.09% [95% CI -0.27, 0.08 (P = 0.30); I2 72% (P <0.001)], suggesting no effect on HbA1c of restricting the quantity of carbohydrate. A subgroup analysis of diets containing 50-130 g carbohydrate resulted in a pooled effect estimate of -0.49% [95% CI -0.75, -0.23 (P <0.001); I2 0% (P = 0.56)], suggesting a clinically and statistically significant effect on HbA1c in favour of low-carbohydrate diets in studies of ≤6 months' duration. CONCLUSIONS: There was no overall pooled effect on HbA1c in favour of restricting carbohydrate; however, restriction of carbohydrate to 50-130 g per day had beneficial effects on HbA1c in trials up to 6 months. Future randomized controlled trials should be of >12 months' duration, assess pre-study carbohydrate intake, use recognized definitions of low-carbohydrate diets and examine reasons for non-adherence to prescribed diets in greater detail.

Dietitians' practice in giving carbohydrate advice in the management of type 2 diabetes: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrate is accepted as the principal nutrient affecting blood glucose in diabetes; however, current guidelines are unable to specify the optimal quantity of carbohydrate for glycaemic control. No studies exist that describe current practice amongst healthcare professionals giving carbohydrate advice in type 2 diabetes. The present study aims to improve understanding of the degree of variation in the current practice of UK registered dietitians (RDs) by describing how RDs advise patients. METHODS: UK RDs were contacted through national networks and asked to complete an online survey, which was analysed using stata, version 12 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). Three consultations between dietitians and patients with type 2 diabetes were observed, followed by semi-structured interviews with the dietitians. RESULTS: In total, 320 complete survey responses were received. Dietitians' advice varied according to expertise, training and confidence, and the complexity of the patient's blood glucose treatment. Some 48% (n = 154) of respondents advised patients to restrict carbohydrate intake either occasionally or frequently, with 35.6% (n = 114) considering 30-39% of total energy from carbohydrate to be a realistic expectation. The overall theme from the interviews was 'Conflicting Priorities', with three sub-themes: (i) how treatment decisions are made; (ii) the difference between empowerment and advice; and (iii) contradictory advice. A disparity existed between what was observed and interview data on how dietitians rationalise the type of carbohydrate advice provided. CONCLUSIONS: Dietitians' advice varies for a number of reasons. Consensus exists in some areas (e.g. carbohydrate awareness advice); however, clear definitions of such terms are lacking. Clarification of interventions may improve the consistency of approach and improve patient outcomes.

Renal dysfunction and diastolic impairment among British ethnic minorities with hypertension: the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening Study.

Renal dysfunction is frequently associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients. Limited data exist on renal dysfunction and diastolic impairment among British ethnic minorities with hypertension. We studied associations between renal impairment and diastolic dysfunction in hypertensive subjects of African-Caribbean and South Asian origin. Five hundred and ten hypertensive subjects with ejection fraction ⩾55% and with no history of ischaemic heart disease/valve pathology were included from the original population of the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening Study (E-ECHOES). Diastolic function and cardiac remodelling were measured by echocardiography. LV hypertrophy was common and present in 62% of patients with normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, >90 ml min-1 per 1.73 m2), 73% in those with eGFR 60-89 ml min-1 per 1.73 m2 and 87% with eGFR <60 ml min-1 per 1.73 m2. On both univariate and multivariable linear regression, reduced eGFR was associated with higher LV mass index (LVMI, P=0.01 and P=0.039, respectively). On multivariable analyses, increased LVMI (but not eGFR) was an independent predictor of echocardiographic parameters of diastolic dysfunction. Higher LVMI was an independent predictor of all-cause or cardiovascular death on multivariable analyses (both P=0.002), but not eGFR. LV hypertrophy is common in minority ethnic groups with hypertension, especially in the presence of renal dysfunction. Increased LVMI rather than renal impairment per se is a major determinant of diastolic dysfunction and increased risk of cardiovascular or all-cause death among hypertensive patients without end-stage renal failure.

Axl receptor tyrosine kinase is a potential therapeutic target in renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Axl plays multiple roles in tumourigenesis in several cancers. Here we evaluated the expression and biological function of Axl in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Axl expression was analysed in a tissue microarray of 174 RCC samples by immunostaining and a panel of 11 normal tumour pairs of human RCC tissues by western blot, as well as in RCC cell lines by both western blot and quantitative PCR. The effects of Axl knockdown in RCC cells on cell growth and signalling were investigated. The efficacy of a humanised Axl targeting monoclonal antibody hMAb173 was tested in histoculture and tumour xenograft. RESULTS: We have determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) that Axl is expressed in 59% of RCC array samples with moderate to high in 20% but not expressed in normal kidney tissue. Western blot analysis of 11 pairs of tumour and adjacent normal tissue show high Axl expression in 73% of the tumours but not normal tissue. Axl is also expressed in RCC cell lines in which Axl knockdown reduces cell viability and PI3K/Akt signalling. The Axl antibody hMAb173 significantly induced RCC cell apoptosis in histoculture and inhibited the growth of RCC tumour in vivo by 78%. The hMAb173-treated tumours also had significantly reduced Axl protein levels, inhibited PI3K signalling, decreased proliferation, and induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Axl is highly expressed in RCC and critical for RCC cell survival. Targeting Axl is a potential approach for RCC treatment.

Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of porcine cysticercosis in naturally infected pigs (Sus scrofa) in Punjab, India.

Porcine cysticercosis is a serious zoonosis in resource-poor countries. Despite the evidence showing that the disease is endemic in the Punjab region of India, molecular characterisation of Taenia solium cysticercosis from naturally infected pigs has not been carried out. The authors examined a total of 519 pigs slaughtered in small slaughter shops (shops that sell meat from animals that are slaughtered on the premises as the customer waits) in the urban slums of Punjab state in northern India. The expected polymerase chain reaction products with molecular sizes of 286 bp, 420 bp, 1150 bp and 333 bp corresponding to the targeted large subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA), cytochrome oxidase 1, internal transcribed spacer 1, and diagnostic antigen Ts14 genes, respectively, were amplified from the cysts collected from all 22 infected carcasses. The detection limits for the respective primers (except those targeting the Ts14 gene) were estimated. The analytical sensitivities of both the TBR and JB primers (targeting the rRNA and cytochrome oxidase genes, respectively) were found to be higher (10 pg) than that of the internal transcribed spacer 1 gene (1 ng) primers. Ten representative samples from cytochrome oxidase 1 gene amplified products were sequenced in both directions for phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing demonstrated that all cysticerci were of the Asian genotype of T. solium and not of the African/Latin American genotype or T. asiatica. The results confirm the presence of T. solium porcine cysticercosis in Punjab state and there is therefore an urgent need for science-based policies for prevention and control of this serious zoonosis.

Hepatitis C, a silent threat to the community of Haryana, India: a community-based study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is a global public health problem. As many as 12 million people may be chronically infected in India and most are unaware of it. AIMS: To determine the incidence of hepatitis C in the Ratia block of the Fatehabad district, Haryana, India. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was carried out by house-tohouse visits over 2 weeks. After obtaining written consent, a blood sample was drawn from suspected cases by a laboratory technician maintaining all necessary safety precautions and sterilization. RESULTS: Of the samples, 1,630 (22.3 per cent) were found to be positive for hepatitis C by ELISA, 253 (15.5 per cent) patients were previously hepatitis C positive, and adults (21-60 years) were affected maximally (70.0 per cent). CONCLUSION: The study emphasises the need for public awareness campaigns at various levels and prevention of HCV infection. It also suggests the need to develop and strengthen evaluation methodology for the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP).

Monocyte-derived and CD34+/KDR+ endothelial progenitor cells in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are known to be altered in heart failure (HF), but monocyte-derived EPCs in HF have not been assessed. We aimed to characterize monocyte-derived EPCs in systolic HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We recruited 128 subjects with systolic HF: 50 South Asian (SA), 50 white, and 28 African-Caribbean (AC), for interethnic comparisons. Additionally, SAs with HF were compared with 40 SAs with coronary artery disease (CAD) without HF (disease controls [DCs]) and 40 SA healthy controls (HCs). Counts of CD34(+) and kinase domain receptor (KDR)(+) monocytes attributed to specific monocyte subsets (CD14(++) /CD16(-) [Mon1], CD14(++)/CD16(+) [Mon2], and CD14(+)/CD16(++) [Mon3]) and monocyte expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 1 were analyzed by flow cytometry. We also enumerated CD34(+)/KDR(+) EPCs derived from mononuclear cells ('classic' EPC definition). RESULTS: SAs with HF had significantly reduced counts of CD34(+) monocytes, attributed to the Mon1 and Mon2 subsets. KDR(+) Mon1 counts were 4.5-fold increased in DCs as compared with HCs, but significantly reduced in HF subjects vs. DCs. VEGF receptor type 1 expression on Mon1 and Mon2 cells was significantly reduced in HF patients as compared with DCs. Also, CD34(+)/KDR(+) EPC numbers were reduced in HF subjects. Whites had significantly fewer KDR(+) Mon3 cells than ACs, but significantly more CD34(+) Mon2 cells than SAs and ACs. VEGF receptor type 1 expression by Mon1 cells was predictive for left ventricular ejection fraction after adjustment for ethnicity (ß = - 0.25. P = 0.039). CD34(+) Mon2 counts correlated with measures of microvascular endothelial function, and were predictive of the future risk of hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating counts of monocyte-derived EPCs are significantly altered in HF, with significant ethnic differences in the levels of monocyte-derived EPCs.

Systolic heart failure in South Asians.

Heart failure (HF) is a common condition leading to an unfavourable prognosis and impaired quality of life. In this review, we provide an overview of published literature on possible epidemiological and pathophysiological differences between patients with systolic HF of South Asian origin and those from other ethnic groups (mainly White). Systolic HF tends to manifest earlier among South Asians and with frequent hospital admissions. However, survival for such patients appears to be significantly better compared with the White group, which might be associated with different patterns of HF. For example, this could be attributed to a lower prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in South Asian subjects. Indeed, the high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among South Asians may predispose to diastolic HF with preserved systolic function. In addition, because of underrepresentation of South Asians in clinical trials, there are little data on optimal management of this ethnic group.

Short-term effects of screening for cardiovascular risk in the deaf community: a pilot study.

There is limited information on the risk of cardiovascular disease amongst the Deaf community. Given that the access of Deaf people to mainstream health promotion is likely to be hindered by language barriers, we were interested to assess the short-term impact of cardiovascular health promotion within this group. Using a pilot study we investigated changes in cardiovascular risk factors amongst Deaf people identified to be at high cardiovascular risk, who received standard health promotion by a medical team specializing in cardiovascular health promotion. The short-term impact of cardiovascular health promotion in this group did not reduce estimates of cardiovascular risk. The reasons for this are likely to relate to the design and delivery of health promotion to Deaf people, which deserves further study.

Abnormal retinal vascular function and lipid levels in a sample of healthy UK South Asians.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate ethnic differences in retinal vascular function and their relationship to traditional risk indicators for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: A total of 90 normoglycaemic subjects (45 South Asian (SA) and 45 age- and gender-matched white Europeans (WEs)) were recruited for the present study. Retinal vessel reactivity to flickering light was assessed by means of the dynamic retinal vessel analyser according to a modified protocol. Fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides (TG), total, LDL and HDL cholesterol were also measured in all individuals. RESULTS: SA individuals showed higher fasting triglyceride (p=0.001) and lower HDL levels (p=0.007), leading to a higher TG:HDL-C ratio (p=0.001) than age-matched WE subjects. Additionally, in SAs, the retinal arterial reaction time in response to flicker stimulation was significantly longer in the last flicker cycle than in the WEs (p=0.039), and this change correlated positively with measured plasma TG levels (r=0.60; p=0.01). No such relationship was observed in the WEs (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Even in the absence of overt vascular disease, in otherwise healthy SAs there are potential signs of retinal vascular function impairment that correlates with established plasma markers for CVD risk.

Hemostatic cardiovascular risk factors, common carotid-intima medial thickness and peripheral arterial disease in South Asians and African Caribbeans: a substudy to the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (E-ECHOES) study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether ethnic differences exist in inflammatory (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and hemostatic biomarkers (soluble P-selectin [sP-sel], von Willebrand factor [VWF], and fibrin D-dimer) between South Asian (people originating from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) and African Caribbean (Black Caribbean and Black African) groups, the two largest minority ethnic groups in the UK; and to determine associations between these biomarkers and common carotid intima-media thickness and peripheral artery disease (PAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 572 subjects (356 South Asian and 216 Black) aged ≥ 45 years as a substudy to a community screening project, the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (E-ECHOES) study. All subjects completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were taken, and blood sampling was performed if consent was granted. Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) was calculated, and the common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT) was measured. PAD was defined as ABPI < 0.9. ELISA was used to quantify inflammatory and hemostatic biomarkers. RESULTS: The incidence of hypertension (> 70%) and diabetes (> 27%) was high, but non-significantly different between the two ethnic groups. South Asians had higher platelet count and sP-sel levels than African Caribbeans (P < 0.0001 for both), despite there being no significant difference in antiplatelet medication. African Caribbeans had higher D-dimer levels (P = 0.0052). Among South Asians, VWF correlated with ABPI (P = 0.047) and mean (P = 0.002) and maximum CCIMT (P = 0.011) on univariate analysis, and remained an independent predictor of mean and maximum CCIMT on multivariate analysis with traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P = 0.034 and P = 0.046, respectively). In African Caribbeans, D-dimer levels were was higher in PAD than in normal ABPI participants (P = 0.04), and was associated with ABPI in both univariate analysis (P = 0.014) and multivariate analysis (P < 0.0001) with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: Ethnic differences are evident in inflammatory and hemostatic factors, as well as in their associations with CCIMT and PAD. These may reflect differences in cardiovascular risk factors or pathophysiologic processes that characterize each ethnic group.

Ethnic differences in common carotid intima-media thickness, and the relationship to cardiovascular risk factors and peripheral arterial disease: the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean and maximum common carotid intima-media thickness (CCIMT) in Blacks (Black Caribbean and Black African) and South Asians (People originating from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) in a population survey and make associations with established cardiovascular risk factors and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A subset of 492 (293 South Asians and 199 Blacks) out of 572 participants aged ≥ 45 years recruited in a sub-study to the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (E-ECHOES) epidemiological study had mean and maximum CCIMT measured. A questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) and Intermittent Claudication assessments were made. RESULTS: Black participants had greater mean but not maximum CCIMT when compared to South Asians overall (P = 0.022), in men (P = 0.04) and in women (P = 0.044). Black ethnicity was an independent predictor of CCIMT even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P < 0.05). After adjustment for age, ethnicity and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the presence of PAD remained independently predictive of mean (P = 0.019) and maximum (P = 0.012) CCIMT. CONCLUSION: Black ethnicity is related to greater mean and maximum CCIMT when compared to South Asians, even after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The presence of PAD independently predicts mean and maximum CCIMT adjusting for ethnicity, age and cardiovascular risk factors.

The contribution of cardiovascular risk factors to peripheral arterial disease in South Asians and Blacks: a sub-study to the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (E-ECHOES) study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether differences exist in prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) between South Asians (people originating from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) and Blacks (Black Caribbean and Black African), the two largest minority ethnic groups in the UK. To determine if associations with cardiovascular risk factors and this disease differ between these two ethnic groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 572 patients (356 South Asian and 216 Blacks) > or = 45 years as a sub-study to a community screening project, the Ethnic-Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening (E-ECHOES) study. All subjects completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood sampling. Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) was calculated and intermittent claudication was assessed using the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire. The presence of PAD was defined as ABPI <0.9. RESULTS: The mean age was 62 years overall with no difference between the two ethnic groups. The prevalence of PAD was 13.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.7-16.7] in South Asians and 10.2% (95% CI 6.2-14.2) in Blacks with no significant difference between the two ethnic groups. The prevalence of PAD was higher in South Asian women than Black women (16.3 vs. 6.1%; P = 0.011). No difference in prevalence was found in men (11 vs. 14% P = 0.47, in South Asians and Blacks, respectively). The prevalence of intermittent claudication was 0.9% (95% CI 0.11-1.63). On multivariate logistic regression, mean systolic blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and male sex were independently associated with PAD in South Asians (P = 0.016, 0.022, 0.037 and 0.008, respectively). In Blacks, only age remained independently associated with PAD on multivariate logistic regression (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PAD is similar in South Asians and Blacks, and similar to levels reported in pre-dominantly White populations. South Asian women had a higher prevalence of PAD than Black women, which is not explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Ethnicity and peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an important healthcare problem and is an indicator of widespread atherosclerosis in other vascular territories, such as the cerebral and coronary circulations. PAD is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Most population-based studies investigating PAD prevalence and risk factors for its development and progression have been based on predominantly White ethnic groups. Much less is known about the characteristics of this disease in other ethnic groups. Understanding the epidemiology of PAD amongst ethnic minority groups is relevant, given that the population of minority ethnic groups in countries such as the United Kingdom rose by 53% between 1991 and 2001 and is expected to rise further in the future. This article aims to provide an overview of possible pathophysiological differences between ethnic groups for PAD, focussing predominantly on South Asians (people originating from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and Blacks (people of Black Caribbean and Black African descent) as these groups comprise the majority of all ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom.