Asian Populations Research Articles

Genetic characterization of zoonotic hookworms infecting wild felids in northern India

BackgroundHookworms are the most common soil-transmitted helminths that inhabit the small intestine of various domesticated and wild animals. Despite their conservation status, there is a paucity of research on hookworm infections in wild felids. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hookworm infections in wild felids in northern India and to genetically characterize the hookworms. Faecal samples (n = 96) from wild felids (lion, tiger, leopard, panther, jungle cat, and civet cat) were examined for helminthic infections. Samples positive for hookworms were subsequently subjected to molecular analysis targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsAmong helminthic infections, Ancylostoma spp. ranked second (7.3%) after Toxocara cati (13.5%). Molecular analysis identified two species, A. caninum and A. ceylanicum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct monophyletic clades for each species. Ancylostoma caninum formed a large clade with two subclades, one comprising Asian isolates and the other encompassing isolates from the Americas and Australia, whereas A. ceylanicum formed a single clade. Nucleotide identities ranged from 97.9 to 100% for A. caninum and from 99.1 to 100% for A. ceylanicum. Haplotype network analysis revealed eight haplotypes for A. caninum and six for A. ceylanicum. Genetic diversity correlated with geographic distance for A. caninum isolates, with Asian populations exhibiting high haplotype diversity but low nucleotide diversity. Neutrality indices suggested population stability for A. caninum and expansion for A. ceylanicum. Continent-wise analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 52.66% of the variation occurred within A. caninum populations, while 47.34% occurred between populations.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of hookworms in wild felids.

The association between particulate matter 2.5 and thyroid function and thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis.

Recent studies indicate a potential link between exposure to atmospheric particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and thyroid function, though epidemiological conclusions remain inconsistent. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aims to clarify the connection between PM2.5 levels and the risks of thyroid function and thyroid cancer. Using the medical subject headings "PM2.5" and "thyroid hormones" along with their associated free words, publications from the Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed up to April 2024 were searched. The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024554220). A total of 1322 articles were collected from databases, of which 27 studies were included in the analysis. The findings indicated that exposure to PM2.5 was a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism, increasing the incidence risk by 0.15 (95% CI 1.08, 1.23, P < 0.001). PM2.5 exposure levels were significantly higher in Asian populations than in European populations; each incremental increase in PM2.5 exposure resulted in a rise in TSH by 0.27 mIU/L (95% CI 0.07, 0.47, P = 0.008) and a decrease in FT4 by 0.21pmol/L (95% CI -.35, -0.07, P = 0.004). Additionally, in susceptible pregnant women, each incremental increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was associated with a rise in TSH levels by 0.08 mIU/L (95% CI -0.02, 0.17, P < 0.001) and a decrease in FT4 levels by 0.09pmol/L (95% CI -0.23, 0.05, P = 0.210). Our research establishes PM2.5 exposure as a risk factor for diminished thyroid function. In Asian populations, the average level of PM2.5 exposure is high, significantly affecting thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4). Particular attention to PM2.5 exposure levels during pregnancy is essential to reduce the risk of thyroid dysfunction.

Lean MASLD and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review.

Metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is prevalent worldwide and is highly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lean MASLD is defined by hepatic steatosis and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with a body mass index below 25 in Western populations or below 23 in Asian populations. Paradoxically, some studies indicate that lean MASLD is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease and CV mortality compared with nonlean MASLD. Lean MASLD patients exhibit distinctive metabolic, genetic, and microbiome profiles contributing to increased visceral adiposity, sarcopenia, hepatic fibrosis, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. This review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and CV outcomes associated with lean MASLD, addressing discrepancies in the literature. Furthermore, it highlights current clinical guidelines, emphasizes lifestyle modifications, and discusses emerging pharmacotherapies as potential treatment options.

Establishment and validation of a DIP panel for forensic ancestry inference and personal identification

BackgroundBiallelic Deletion/Insertion polymorphisms (DIPs), known for their significant diversity across various populations, serve as valuable markers for forensic ancestry inference and personal identification. In this study, we utilized DIPs to provide a potentially powerful forensic examination tool specifically tailored for East Asian populations. Our focus on ancestry allows us to delve deeper into the genetic signatures that characterize this diverse group, offering enhanced resolution in forensic analyses.MethodsA total of 56 autosomal DIPs, 3 Y-chromosome DIPs, and the Amelogenin were selected to build the 60-panel. Population genetic parameters, principal component analysis (PCA), STRUCTURE analysis, and phylogenetic tree construction were employed to evaluate the capacity for ancestry inference. The verification guidelines recommended by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods were followed in the developmental validations of the 60-panel.ResultsThe PCA, STRUCTURE, and phylogenetic tree constructions were not only consistent with each other but also corroborated by previous research. The combined probability of discrimination and the cumulative probability of paternity exclusion values were 0.999999999999 and 0.9937, respectively. These values indicate that the 60-panel is not only a useful tool for personal identification testing within the East Asian population but also provides valuable biogeographic information. Furthermore, the validation study of the 60-panel, which included assessments of PCR conditions, sensitivity, species specificity, stability, mixture analysis, reproducibility, and case sample studies, as well as analysis of degraded samples, demonstrated that the panel is well-suited for forensic testing. The panel's performance was particularly notable in the analysis of degraded samples, showcasing its potential for use in challenging forensic cases.ConclusionThe newly developed 60-panel demonstrated robust performance in validation tests, yielding reliable genotypes even from poor-quality samples like degraded DNA. It offers valuable biogeographic insights and sufficient polymorphism for personal identification, which assisted forensic examinations in East Asian populations.

Genetic effects on gestational diabetes mellitus and their interactions with environmental factors among Japanese women.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common in Japanese women, posing serious risks to mothers and offspring. This study investigated the influence of maternal genotypes on the risk of GDM and examined how these genotypes modify the effects of psychological and dietary factors during pregnancy. We analyzed data from 20,399 women in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort. Utilizing two customized SNP arrays for the Japanese population (Affymetrix Axiom Japonica Array v2 and NEO), we performed a meta-analysis to combine the datasets. Gene-environment interactions were assessed by modeling interaction terms between genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and psychological and dietary factors. Our analysis identified two SNP variants, rs7643571 (p = 9.14 × 10-9) and rs140353742 (p = 1.24 × 10-8), located in an intron of the MDFIC2 gene, as being associated with an increased risk of GDM. Additionally, although there were suggestive patterns for interactions between these SNPs and both dietary factors (e.g., carbohydrate and fruit intake) and psychological distress, none of the interaction terms remained significant after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05/8). While nominal significance was observed in some models (e.g., psychological distress, p = 0.04), the data did not provide robust evidence of effect modification on GDM risk once adjusted for multiple comparisons. These findings reveal novel genetic associations with GDM in Japanese women and highlight the importance of gene-environment interactions in its etiology. Given that previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on GDM have primarily focused on Western populations, our study provides new insights by examining an Asian population using a population-specific array.

Validate association of gene loci and establish genetic risk prediction models for late-onset Alzheimer's disease in Chinese populations.

BackgroundMore than 60 independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with Alzheimer's disease risk by genome-wide association studies in European.ObjectiveWe aimed to confirm these SNPs in Chinese Han populations and investigate the utility of these genetic markers.MethodsAltogether 1595 late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) patients and 2474 controls from Chinese population were recruited. We replicated the association of 68 SNPs with LOAD and established polygenetic risk score (PRS) prediction model using significant SNPs. Meta-analysis for MS4A6A rs610932 and PICALM rs3851179 were performed.ResultsAccording to our findings, 14 out of 68 SNPs are validated significantly associated with LOAD (adjusted p < 0.05) after adjusting age and sex in the Chinese population. Besides, after stratification by APOE ε4 status, almost all SNPs retain markedly relationship with LOAD in APOE ε4 noncarriers. However, few loci retain correlation in APOE ε4 carriers. Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve prediction model for distinguishing LOAD patients from normal subjects were 0.614 for PRS and 0.689 for PRS and APOE. In addition, meta-analysis including this study of East Asian populations confirmed that rs610932 and rs3851179 were dramatically related to the LOAD (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74-0.97; OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.83-0.91).ConclusionsDespite genetic heterogeneity, there are still common loci among different races. PRS based on AD risk-associated SNPs may supplement APOE for better assessing individual risk for AD in Chinese. Besides, interactions between genes and gene environment affect the impact of risk allele on diverse populations.

Identifying Barriers and Enablers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation and Completion Unique to South Asian Individuals: A Qualitative Systematic Review.

South Asian individuals living outside the Indian subcontinent are under-represented in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), despite facing higher rates of cardiac-related mortality and hospitalisations compared to White ethnic groups. Understanding how cultural differences affect CR participation and completion after referral requires the examination of barriers and enablers specific to South Asian populations. This review aims to summarise evidence on barriers and enablers to CR for South Asian minorities outside the Indian subcontinent. A systematic review of six databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science) was conducted in January 2024 (updated November 2024), with no language or date limitations. Studies from countries outside the Indian subcontinent were included. Barriers and enablers were identified, followed by thematic analysis. Thirteen studies (n=384 South Asian participants) from the UK (n=10) and Canada (n=3) were included. Five key themes were generated: 1. communication and knowledge, 2. motivation to attend CR or follow medical advice, 3. religion, 4. program delivery, and 5. practical considerations. Key factors influencing CR participation included language barriers, family support, fatalistic beliefs, and motivation. Each theme encapsulates barriers and enablers and shapes participation at both service and patient level. While some barriers were common across different ethnic groups, they had stronger impact on South Asians due to distinct social determinants of health. Barriers and enablers are closely linked to cultural and societal norms. Recognising these factors enables CR services to better address the needs of underserved populations, ensuring equitable healthcare provision and support.

Does Low-Value Care Explain Health Care Utilization Inequities Among Asian and Latino Populations?

To examine differences in the utilization of low-value care among Asian and Latino subpopulations compared to the White population. We analyzed data from a repeated cross-sectional national survey. Our sample included a non-Latino White population and Asian and Latino subpopulation groups using data from the 2013-2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Asian and Latino subpopulations used health care services less frequently than the White population, with adjusted differences ranging from -3.2% points (95% CI: -3.9, -2.4) to -9.4 (-10.1, -8.7) for outpatient visits, -5.2 (-5.9, -4.5) to -12.4 (-15.2, -9.6) for office-based provider visits, and -5.2 (-6.7, -3.8) to -19.1 (-21.6, -16.7) for prescription drug fills. Although certain low-value services were reported less among Asian and Latino subpopulations, there were no differences in almost six out of twelve services when compared to the White population. These patterns were notable among Asian subpopulations (Indians, Chinese, Filipinos, and other Asians). Additionally, Asian and Latino subpopulation groups had distinct patterns in the use of low-value care. Compared to the White population, Asian subpopulation groups had lower utilization of low-value medications including benzodiazepines for depression (-11.5 [-15.1, -8.0] to -13.8 [-24.4, -3.3]) and opioids for back pain (-4.4 [-8.5, -0.3] to -10.1 [-13.6, -6.7]). Latino subpopulation groups had higher utilization of low-value cervical cancer screening (5.7 [3.0-8.4] to 24.5 [16.9-32.1]) and lower utilization of magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography for back pain (-1.6 [-2.4, -0.8] to -4.9 [-7.1, -2.6]) than the White population. Despite lower overall health care utilization, Asian and Latino subpopulations do not necessarily use the low-value care examined in this study less than the White population. This suggests that lower overall health care utilization among Asian and Latino subpopulations may not solely be attributed to lower use of low-value care.

Hyperlipidemia risk factors among middle-aged population in the United States

Hyperlipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority populations. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and risk factors for hyperlipidemia among middle-aged adults in the United States using data from the fifth wave of the Adolescent to Adult Health Study (Add Health). The study analyzed merged sociodemographic and biomarker data (N = 4,196) using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The mean age was 37.14 years (SD = ±1.99), with a slightly higher proportion of males (50.38%). The overall prevalence of hyperlipidemia was 16.26%, with higher rates observed in males (20.1%) compared to females. Notably, Asian individuals had significantly higher odds of hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.28–5.65), whereas Black/African Americans had a significantly lower risk (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34–0.94) compared to Whites. Chronic health conditions, including hypertension (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.72–3.52) and diabetes (OR = 4.95, 95% CI: 3.08–7.97), were strong predictors of hyperlipidemia. Additionally, individuals with higher income levels had increased odds of hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.19). Contrary to prior research, obesity was not significantly associated with hyperlipidemia risk. Physical activity was marginally protective, though the effect lost significance in the adjusted model. These findings highlight the importance of targeted cardiovascular health interventions, particularly for Asian populations and those with chronic conditions, to reduce disparities in hyperlipidemia and improve public health outcomes.

Different Responses of Two Endangered Sister Tree Species to Climate Change: A Comparison Between Island and Continental Populations in Tropical Asia

Different Responses of Two Endangered Sister Tree Species to Climate Change: A Comparison Between Island and Continental Populations in Tropical Asia

Cardiovascular Safety Profile of Semaglutide and Variations by Sex, Race, and Kidney Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Patients with diabetes mellitus and its complications are at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Semaglutide is efficacious for glycemic control and reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Although trials have provided data about cardiovascular outcomes with this agent, a meta-analysis regarding its cardiovascular safety and variations in outcomes according to sex, race and estimated glomerular filtration rate was necessary. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where semaglutide was the intervention and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) or expanded MACE was the outcome. We assessed the quality of the RCTs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and used the statistical software RevMan 5.4. The protocol for this review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024580784). Of 5387 articles, four RCTs were included. The risk of MACE with semaglutide was significantly lower in patients with established or a risk of cardiovascular disease (risk ratio [RR] 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-0.88; p < 0.00001). The risk of expanded MACE also reduced significantly with semaglutide (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.75-0.86; p < 0.00001). MACE risk reduction was significant in males (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.70-0.87; p < 0.00001) and in Asian (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.44-0.83; p = 0.002) and white (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.73-0.90; p = 0.0001) populations. Semaglutide provides significant advantages in terms of lowering the risk of MACE and expanded MACE and could possibly be used as a crucial component of cardiovascular risk management, particularly in populations that respond well, such as men and Asian and white populations. PROSPERO identifier number CRD42024580784.

Efficacy of ultrasound cyclo-plasty in treatment of glaucoma in Asian population.

As a non-invasive surgical procedure ultrasound cyclo-plasty (UCP) has gained attention among ophthalmologists in recent years. Derived from the application of high-intensity focused ultrasound, it has been utilized for the treatment of various types of glaucoma, demonstrating notable efficacy and safety. This review focuses on the efficacy and safety of UCP in treating glaucoma among Asian populations. By summarizing and analyzing existing literature on indications, therapeutic outcomes, and safety profiles, this review further highlights the unique advantages of UCP in glaucoma treatment compared to traditional surgical approaches. These advantages include broader indications, non-invasive nature, quantifiable treatment, excellent intraocular pressure-lowering effects, fewer adverse reactions, and high safety. Additionally, by introducing the underlying mechanism of action, this review explores the factors influencing its therapeutic efficacy, providing theoretical insights for clinical practice and demonstrating UCP's potential in glaucoma management.

Molecular profile of non-small cell lung cancer in a predominantly Black African population in Kenya: A single institution review.

Molecular profile of non-small cell lung cancer in a predominantly Black African population in Kenya: A single institution review.

Social determinants of health and type 2 diabetes in Asia.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health challenge driven by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and social factors. This review highlights the effects of social determinants of health (SDOH) on T2DM in Asia, where rapid urbanization, worsening air pollution, and distinct socioeconomic structures uniquely influence disease outcomes. Key SDOH domains, socioeconomic status (education, income, and occupation), physical environment, food environment, healthcare access, and social context, were analyzed for their associations with T2DM prevalence, progression, and management. Among these, environmental and lifestyle shifts have emerged as particularly influential factors in Asia. Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter, has been increasingly linked to insulin resistance and diabetes risk in Asian populations. Additionally, rapid urbanization and changing food environments contribute to rising T2DM incidence through shifts in lifestyle and dietary patterns. Across the diverse healthcare systems of Asian countries, primary care remains a universally critical component in addressing T2DM issues. Additionally, social capital and cohesion serve as protective factors, whereas social isolation heightens vulnerabilities. These insights underscore the importance of addressing SDOH in public health strategies to combat T2DM in Asia. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and culturally tailored interventions to reduce the region's diabetes burden.

Spatial Associations of Anti-Asian Hate on Social Media in the USA During COVID-19.

Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the USA on January 19, 2020, the anti-Asian racist and xenophobic rhetoric began to surge on social media, followed by acts of discrimination and harassment against Asians and Asian Americans. In this study, we identified anti-Asian hate language from 17 million geotagged social media posts between December 2019 and August 2022 using an established keyword-based approach, illustrated their spatial and temporal distributions, and explored relationships between socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of places and hate. We found clusters of hate using the spatial relative risk (SPARR) function and used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to draw associations of hate with multiple covariates. We identified 16 clusters, especially in the southern and eastern USA, where anti-Asian hateful tweets surged around March/April 2020. Increased hate was associated with higher COVID-19 death rates, a higher share of the foreign-born population, and a lower share of the Asian population in poverty compared to the White population. There was no indication that spatial structure affected hate. Our results can inform decision-makers in public health and safety for allocating resources for place-based preparedness and response to the pandemic-induced racism as a public health threat.

Correlation between longitudinal serum vitamin D levels and myopia in children: a prospective birth cohort analysis

BackgroundMyopia is an increasingly prevalent visual impairment associated with severe ocular complications. Risk factors for childhood myopia include genetics, East Asian ethnicity, age, parental myopia, and various environmental factors. The relationship between vitamin D levels, outdoor activity, and myopia remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate the correlation between longitudinal serum vitamin D levels and myopia in Taiwanese children.MethodsThe study measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in children from the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children (PATCH) study at multiple time points, including umbilical cord blood and ages 1, 3, and 5 years. Refractive error under cycloplegic conditions and axial length were assessed from January 2021 to April 2022. Myopia was defined as a mean spherical equivalent in both eyes ≤ -0.5 diopter. Independent sample t-tests, partial correlation analyses, and generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between serum vitamin D concentrations and myopia.ResultsA total of 126 eyes from 63 children (mean age: 8.90 ± 2.24 years) were analyzed. The lowest serum vitamin D level (19.11 ± 9.10 ng/mL) was observed in umbilical cord blood, while the highest level (37.01 ± 12.61 ng/mL) occurred at 1 year of age. No significant differences in serum vitamin D concentrations were found between children with and without myopia during gestation, at birth, or at ages 1, 3, and 5 years (all P > 0.05). Additionally, GEE analysis revealed that serum vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with cycloplegic spherical equivalent or axial length after adjusting for age and sex.ConclusionsThis prospective birth cohort study found no association between serum vitamin D concentrations at birth, 1, 3, or 5 years of age and the development of myopia in Taiwanese children. These findings suggest that other factors, such as ethnicity, near work activities, or lighting conditions, may play more significant roles in myopia development, particularly among East Asian populations.

A combination of hepatic leukemia factor and circulating tumor cells serve as effective biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma prognosis

Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a highly malignant tumor with the highest mortality rate among all cancers. Early diagnosis and prognosis are important factors in treatment. Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) is thought to be closely associated with lung cancer metastasis. It is downregulated in lung cancer tissues and negatively correlated with the number of metastasis-activating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of patients. Method and Results In this study, we analyzed data from LUAD samples in TCGA and found that HLF was significantly upregulated in samples with EGFR mutations. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of 343 clinical samples also revealed a trend of HLF upregulation in patients with EGFR mutations. EGFR is one of the driver genes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the proportion in LUAD is as high as 50% in the East Asian population. In this study, EGFR mutation was not significantly correlated with the prognosis of LUAD patients and the number of CTC was also not related to EGFR mutation, but was closely related to HLF expression, with more CTCs being captured in the peripheral blood of patients with low expression of HLF (SI ≤ 4). By following up these 343 LUAD patients, high HLF expression (SI &gt; 4) was found to be an independent protective factor for progression-free survival regardless of EGFR status (P &lt; 0.001), whereas high CTC count (&gt; 3) was an independent risk factor for recurrence or death in LUAD patients (P &lt; 0.001). When low HLF and high CTCs coexisted, patients had the shortest median survival time. Patients with low HLF or high CTCs appeared alone had a moderate median survival time. Patients had the longest median survival time when HLF was high and CTCs were low. Conclusion In summary, we believe that HLF expression in cancer tissues and the number of CTCs can be used as effective biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of LUAD, which plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and prognosis judgment.

Clinical Significance of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Mutations in Asian and Western Populations: A Scoping Review

Background/Objectives: Background: Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) is primarily inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, with mutations in the APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2 genes being central contributors. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s poses challenges due to the coexistence of various co-pathologies, and treatment options remain limited for most patients, apart from familial cases linked to specific genetic mutations. While significant research on Alzheimer’s genetics has been conducted in both Asian and Caucasian populations, the specific mutations and their clinical impacts in EOAD are still inadequately explored. This review aims to provide a detailed analysis of commonly reported genetic mutations and associated clinical features in EOAD patients from Asian and Western populations. Methods: Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic database search was conducted for studies published between 2016 and 2023. After screening 491 records, 36 studies from Asian cohorts and 40 from Western cohorts met the inclusion criteria. Results: The analysis revealed 127 unique mutations in the Asian population and 190 in the Western population. About 16.7% of Asian and 21.9% of Western studies covered both familial and sporadic AD, with consistent patterns across groups. Some mutations were shared between the populations and displayed similar clinical features, while others were population-specific. Conclusions: These findings underscore the considerable variability in EOAD mutations and phenotypes, emphasizing the importance of genetic testing in younger patients to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment strategies effectively.

A Narrative Inquiry of East Asian Parents and Mental Health in Canada: Critical Openings for Anti-Racism Strategies in Knowledge Translation.

BackgroundAnti-Asian racism is linked with adverse mental health conditions in young East Asian populations. There is a need to explore how to develop mental health resources for East Asian parents, yet minimal research explores anti-racism strategies for this work.PurposeThe objectives were to: open a critical dialogue for developing anti-racism strategies for mental health knowledge translation (KT) resource development, and explore complexities with engaging East Asian parents when developing KT resources.MethodsA narrative inquiry was conducted to collect East Asian parent stories on anti-racism strategies and mental health. East Asian parents across Canada engaged in semi-structured interviews between August to October 2022. Dialogic/performance analysis was used to inductively analyze the data. Findings: Three composite counter-narratives emerged from the data: 1) Storying issues of access within child mental health KT; 2) Seeking understanding and solidarity for the East Asian identity and story; 3) Unlearning, breaking barriers, and storying resistance. The composite narratives wove together seven storylines: a) availability and affordability, b) language and vocabulary barriers, c) lack of representation, d) issues of representation: power and whiteness, e) East Asian standpoint epistemology, f) breaking cycles, g) culture as a source of strength.ConclusionThe findings highlighted the complexities of engaging East Asian parents and recommended the need for an East Asian standpoint epistemology when developing child mental health KT resources and counter-spaces as a way to facilitate the centrality of East Asian standpoint epistemologies. These anti-racism strategies may promote solidarity for shared experiences beyond the white gaze and spaces.

Managing Telomerase and Telomere Dysfunction in Acral Melanoma.

Managing Telomerase and Telomere Dysfunction in Acral Melanoma.