Assamese Population Research Articles

Human Gut Microbes Associated with Systolic Blood Pressure.

Emerging studies have revealed a strong link between the gut microbiome and several human diseases. Since human gut microbiome mirrors variations in lifestyle and environment, whether associations between disease conditions and gut microbiome are consistent across populations—particularly in communities practicing traditional subsistence strategies whose microbiomes differ markedly from industrialists—remains unknown. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in India affecting 55 million people, and high blood pressure is one of the primary risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. We examined associations between gut microbiome and blood pressure along with 14 other variables associated with lifestyle, dietary habits, disease conditions, and clinical blood markers in the three Assamese populations. Our analysis reveals a robust link between the gut microbiome diversity and composition and systolic blood pressure. Moreover, several genera previously associated with hypertension in non-Indian populations were also associated with systolic blood pressure in this cohort and these genera were predictors of elevated blood pressure in these populations. These findings confer opportunities to design personalized, preventative, and targeted interventions harnessing the gut microbiome to tackle the burden of cardiovascular diseases in India.

Relationship Between the Eruption of Third Molar Teeth and the Growing Status of the Assamese Inhabitants of a North-Eastern State of India.

ObjectivesEven though permanent teeth eruption time may vary, the tooth eruption stage represents a critical developmental milestone, which may help in the monitoring of the child's growing status towards adolescence. This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between the third molar eruption (TME) and investigate any possible association with the body mass index (BMI), which is used to monitor the growth of children and adolescents.MethodsWe included 1060 student participants aged 14 to 26 years from selected educational institutions in Assam for this study. We performed a conventional clinical dental examination to determine the stages of TME. Moreover, to calculate the individual height and weight, we have carried out a thorough physical examination to assess the BMI and rule out any visible congenital developmental anomalies.ResultThe overall mean age of the status of no eruption (NE), incomplete eruption (IE), and complete eruption (CE) categories of the third molar in the current research were 17.39±2.273, 18.67±2.282 and 20.33±2.566 years, respectively, and the difference in mean age was statistically significant (p-value <0.05). Among the 1060 participants assessed, 163 (15.38%) were underweight, 625 (58.97%) belonged to the average category, 207 (19.52%) were at risk of being overweight, and 65 (6.13%) were obese. The CE in both average and overweight categories was 109 (17.4%) and 37 (17.9%). Similarly, the NE status of the third molar in the underweight and obese category was 120 (73.6%) and 39 (60.0%), respectively. These differences in the frequency of TME in different BMI categories were found statistically significant (p-value <0.05).ConclusionThe result shows a substantial relationship between the mean age of eruption of third molar teeth and BMI among children and adolescents in 14 years to 26 years in the Assamese population. Further, the mean age can be used in forensic age determination.

Relationship between dental arch width and vertical facial morphology in multiethnic assamese adults

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between dental arch width and vertical facial morphology in the Assamese population and also to investigate the differences in dental arch width dimensions between male and female subjects. Materials and Methods: Ninety untreated adults aged from 18 to 45 years, divided into three test groups, Group-I: MP-SN angle: low 37°. Measurements of Intercanine width, first and second interpremolar width, first intermolar width, tooth-size arch material discrepancy were performed on maxiillary and mandibular cast. Results: The results indicate a high correlation with Pearson's correlation coefficient values (r) from intercanine width to interpremolar width, medium correlation for intermolar width. The relationship was found to be an inverse, as SN-MP angle increased, the dental arch widths decreased. Arch width varies as low SN-MP > average SN-MP > high SN-MP angle. The dental arch widths of males were found to be wider than females. Conclusion: The relationship of dental arch width and vertical facial pattern is determined by the steepness of the mandibular plane in the Assamese adult population. Since dental arch width is associated with gender, vertical facial morphology, and population groups, it is suggested to use individualized archwires according to each patient's pretreatment arch form and widths.

Contesting Hierarchies and Multiple Identities: Conflict and Development in Bodoland

The post-colonial Indian state, the colonial legacy of communalism and various exclusivist identity-related movements have been significant forces in the Assamese political arena. Consequently, the displacement of the Assamese population has been greatly influenced by their exertion at specific junctures. Ethnicity, which becomes a fundamental element in the identification of dichotomies and emergence of conflicts rests upon symbolic resources and affective ties. Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is one of the most ethnically disputed corridors of lower Assam. The region has attracted the attention of national and international media for one of the most large-scale ethnic displacements in post-colonial modern India. The question of being indigenous and the fear of becoming a minority in an area which was once dominated by Bodos, has led to the eruption of a movement which `later on became a violent conflict. In this paper, I shall try to address underlying issues leading to ethnic acrimony within the diverse Assamese society with reference to the historical and demographic backdrop of Bodoland. The paper seeks to de-construct the proposed models of development as a solution for conflicts. Thereby, the argument would be made for decentralization of decision-making authority and power-sharing strategy directed by local leadership. Furthermore, the paper acknowledges that the side-lining of non-dominant ethnic groups has led to the continuation of hostilities within the region. The last section highlights the significant role of civil society and the implementation of affirmative action which becomes critical for securing political rights for inadequately represented communities which may grant them political authority and social legitimacy.

REPRESENTATION OF THE LIFE OF TEA TRIBE IN THE ASSAMESE NOVEL

It is due to the realistic view point and wide experience on the part of the novelist, the background of Assam tea estate manages a place in the Assamese novel. The tea tribe of Assam, consisting of twenty percent of total Assamese population, also has a distinct and unique culture of their own. They assimilated to Assamese culture and turned part and parcel of it. Dawor Aru Nai, Seuji Pator Kahini, and Ejak Manuh Aru Ekhon Aranya are the three novels on the tea gardens written in the post independence era. The plots of the novels set on the life of the tea garden labourers of Assam. The novelists have presented the collective life of the labourers by their vision and unique skill of narration. The objective of the study is to have a study of the presentation of the life of the tea tribe in the mentioned novels.

Significance of ethnic disparity in cephalometric analysis in Indian population

Introduction: It has been a widely accepted fact that race specific norms, diagnosis and treatment planning is now a explicit need for achieving desired orthodontic treatment outcome. Aim: The present study compares the cephalometric norms of Tweeds diagnostic triangle of the Assamese population with other Indian population s to justify this very fact. Materials and Methods: Tweeds cephalometric study was done on the cephalograms of Assamese ethnic origin and the norm for the population was derived. These cephalometric norms for the Assamese population was compared with the established Tweeds cephalometric norms of other Indian population. Conclusion: The statistically significant differences observed in the values of the parameters, are justify the legitimacy of the aforementioned hypothesis. Keywords: Cephalometric norms variation, Indian population, Tweed’s analysis.

3. X-ray repair cross complementing group 3 polymorphism in association with aflatoxin B1 exposure in chronic hepatitis (B & C) and hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and Aims: X-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 (XRCC3) is a constituent of DNA repair genes involved in the process of DNA double-strand breaks repair pathway. XRCC3 Thr241Met (C > T) polymorphism is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 241 in exon 7. We aimed to study polymorphisms of XRCC3 Thr241Met in Chronic Hepatitis (B & C) and Hepatocellular carcinoma patients and healthy individuals. This was correlated with total aflatoxin content in various indigenous foods consumed by general population and chronic liver disease patients from Assam, India. Methods: We conducted a hospital based case control study including 70 Chronic Hepatitis (B & C) cases and 70 healthy controls, alongwith 20 Hepatocellular Carcinoma cases and 20 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR- RFLP) assay in Assamese population. Results: Out of 70 cases of chronic liver disease (HBV & HCV) 67.14% patients showed SNP for XRCC3 Thr241Met out of which 32.85% were homozygous (C/C), 50% were heterozygous (C/T) and 17.14% were mutated (T/T). Whereas out of 20 Hepatocellular carcinoma cases 30% were homozygous (C/C), 35% were heterozygous (C/T) and 35% were mutated (T/T). No significant association of SNP's was observed with duration of alcohol consumption, raised transaminase, low platelet count, HBsAg and Anti HCV status. The indigenous food samples were examined by HPLC technique which did not reveal significant aflatoxin content. Conclusions: The XRCC3 codon 241 polymorphism displayed a relationship with HCC and in chronic hepatitis B & C. Codon 241 mutation was significantly increased in patients of HCC and in chronic HBV or HCV. There is increased risk for the individuals with XRCC3 CT genotype [OR = 2.43 (1.17–5.03), p = 0.01*] and TT genotype [OR = 4.17 (1.30–13.34), p = 0.01*]. Hence, presence of mutation in the codon of XRCC3 TT genotype in patients of chronic HBV and HCV could indicate the likelihood of progression to HCC. The authors have none to declare.

Statistical Interpretation of Collected Anthropometric Data of Agricultural Workers From Northeast India and Comparison With National and International Databases

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS Integrated applications of ergonomics and human factors are crucial for designers of agricultural tools and equipment, to improve performance and to enhance safety and productivity. Tools and equipment that do not fit properly with a user's physical characteristics can cause discomfort and fatigue, and may result in low productivity and a higher incidence of accidents/injuries. For workers in the northeastern region of India, it is often not possible to manufacture or adapt user-compatible tools and equipment due to the limited availability of anthropometric and biomechanical data. The anthropometric database developed here is intended to address this lack of information and to assist in the development of anthropometrically compatible tools and equipment for the Assamese population (residents of “Assam,” a state from the northeast region of India). Statistical analyses (principal component and regression analysis) are also reported to help in identifying key anthropometric characteristics to be measured to derive other pertinent anthropometric variables.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Well-being, efficiency, and productivity of workers can depend substantially on the tools and equipment that they use. To enhance these, along with comfort and safety, tools and equipment should be compatible with the anthropometric characteristics of the intended user. Although anthropometric data are essential for effective equipment design, there is often little published anthropometric data for a given target population, and this is specifically the case for male Assamese agricultural workers. Purpose: To develop an anthropometric database (n = 130) of male agricultural workers within the “Kamrup” district of Assam. Collected data were compared with national and international databases to justify the need to develop local and regional databases. Method: Following a pilot study involving 20 participants, to evaluate the reliability of the anthropometric measurements, the main field study was conducted on 130 male agricultural workers (age range: 17 to 62 years) for a set of 26 body dimensions (along with age and body mass). Results: Mean (standard deviation) of age, stature, and body mass were 37.3 (11.7) years, 1,627.5 (45.9) mm and 55.2 (7.0) kg, respectively. Following principal component analysis of 25 anthropometric variables, six variables were representative of six principal components/factors. Linear regression analysis was used to predict some pertinent body dimensions. Some significant differences were found when comparing the current anthropometric data with databases from other zones of India (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, and Northeast) and with male anthropometric data of other countries. Conclusions: Differences in anthropometric data within and between countries indicate that simple adoption of agricultural tools and equipment from specific regions might lead to occupational health hazards in the target population.

Reference Ranges for Serum Uric Acid among Healthy Assamese People

This study was designed to establish reference ranges for serum uric acid among healthy adult Assamese population. Samples from 1470 aged 35–86 years were used to establish age and sex related reference range by the centile method (central 95 percentile) for serum uric acid level. There were 51% (n = 754) males and 49% (n = 716) females; 75.9% (n = 1115) of them were from urban area and the rest 24.1% (n = 355) were from the rural area. Majority of the population were nonvegetarian (98.6%, n = 1450) and only 1.4% (n = 20) were vegetarian. The mean age, weight, height, and uric acid of the studied group were 53.6 ± 11.3 years, 62.6 ± 10.5 kg, 160 ± 9.4 cm, and 5.5 ± 1.4 mg/dL, respectively. There is a statistically significant difference in the mean value of the abovementioned parameters between male and female. The observed reference range of uric acid in the population is 2.6–8.2 mg/dL which is wider than the current reference range used in the laboratory. Except gender (P < 0.0001), we did not find any significant relation of uric acid with other selected factors.

On the Study of Risk Factors of Ca. Cervix and Ca. Breast: a Case Study in Assam

Ca.cervix and ca.breast are the most common life threatening cancers among women worldwide and the same is true for north east region of India also. So these two cancers remain a serious public health problem worldwide. Therefore more research work on the risk factors for ca.cervix and ca.breast is needed to better understand its etiology and pathogenesis. With this background this study is conducted to observe the possible factors such as socio-economic, marital etc., which may lead to the occurrence of these cancers in our region. For conducting this study we collect data by interviewing the patient registered in the B. Barooah cancer research institute which is the main sources of cancer data in Assam. Here we take 30 diagnosed cases each for ca.cervix and ca.breast and plot the data in a cross tabular form and analyze different factors and finally we try to abstract the conclusion from these tables. From the study it is revealed that there is strong evidence between the cancer type (ca.breast and ca.cervix) and the following risk factors: family income (p=.017), age at marriage (p=.031), age of the patients (p=.017), number of children (p=.001), age at first child birth (p=.003), oral contraceptive used (p=.028). It has been further observed that most of the patients are house wives and non vegetarian. Moreover it is seen that of the two types of cancer the Bengali population of the state are more afflicted by ca.breast whereas the Assamese population are more afflicted by ca.cervix.

The Applicability of Bolton's Tooth Size Ratios to the Assamese Population

The Applicability of Bolton's Tooth Size Ratios to the Assamese Population

A Community Based Study of the Relationship Between Homocysteine and Some of the Life Style Factors

Till date no community based data on plasma homocysteine is available in North Eastern Region. Hence, the present study was conducted to analyze and correlate the plasma homocysteine level with some life style factors like diet, alcohol intake, smoking habit and body weight, in a cross-section of population. 12h fasting samples of 970 apparently healthy, Assamese population of both genders in the age group of 35-86years, mostly from the urban area of Assam were tested for plasma total homocysteine level over a period of 3 years. Out of 970 volunteers, hyperhomocysteinemia was detected in 533 (55%) individuals with a mean value of 18.41μmol/l. Of that hyperhomocysteinemia, 89.1% were in the range of moderately high and rest 10.9% were intermediate high. Another finding was that males had a tendency towards greater value (mean=20.36μmol/l) than females (mean=16.37μmol/l). It was observed that the relationship of homocysteine levels to gender and some of the life style factors were also significant.

Stimation of reference interval of lipid profile in Assamese population.

12hrs fasting samples of 1485 apparently healthy, Assamese population in the age group of 20-80 yrs., mostly from the urban area of Assam were tested for serum lipid profile that includes total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) over a period of three years. The values (median and range in mg/dl) obtained were 170 (93-263); 110 (40-256); 40 (23-73); 103 (40-173) and 22 (8-51) respectively. After grouping these subjects according to the age and sex no significant difference were observed between most of the groups. Median and upper range of total cholesterol, HDL-C and LDL-C were found to be higher in women than in men in all the age groups. But triacylglycerol and VLDL-C concentrations were observed to be higher in the men than women except in age group of 61-70 yrs. It can be suggested that lipid values obtained in this study can be used as the reference value, based on which clinical correlation can be made.

The distribution of the Hb Constant Spring gene in Southeast Asian populations

The distribution of the hemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CS) gene in eight populations in Southeast Asia (including Assam) was determined using oligonucleotide hybridization. Hb CS was absent in two Assamese populations with a high prevalence of Hb E. The Hb CS gene frequency was 0.033 in northern Thailand and near 0.01 in central Thailand and Cambodia. High frequencies, between 0.05 and 0.06, were observed in northeastern Thailand. The present data and a similar study in Laotians suggest that the Lao-speaking populations of the Mekong River basin in northeastern Thailand and Laos have the highest frequencies of the Hb CS gene in Southeast Asia.

Genetic heterogeneity and population structure in eastern India: Red cell enzyme variability in ten Assamese populations

This paper is a part of the genetic study of the people of Assam (eastern India), initiated by the Anthropometry and Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Calcutta, India, and the Dept. of Human Biology/Physical Anthropology, University of Bremen, W. Germany. The results of 1. allele distribution of five red cell enzyme polymorphisms in ten Assamese populations, 2. heterogeneity of allele frequencies and extent of gene differentiation among these populations, and 3. standard genetic distances are presented here. A total of 1024 blood samples was screened for aP, E D, AK, ADA and LDH enzyme systems for Brahmins, Kalitas, Kaibartas, Rajbanshis, Muslims, Ahoms, Chutiyas, Kacharis, Karbis (Mikirs) and Sonowals, of which the latter three are tribes. The gene diversity (FST) is smallest (0.0035) for pa and highest (0.1604) for HbE. The total FST value (0.0399 +/- 0.0141) appears to be statistically significant. From distance analysis two major clusters with sub-clusters in each are visible, which are in conformity with the ethnohistory of these populations.

Anthropological studies in Assam, India. 6. Differentiation processes among Assamese populations

In 1978-79 13 Assamese populations--two Muslim groups, five Mongoloid groups and 6 Hindu caste groups--have been investigated for the distribution of anthropometric, anthroposcopic and dermatoglyphic traits as well as for the distribution of ABO blood groups and PTC taste sensitivity. Except for finger ridge patterns all traits under investigation showed a marked intergroup variability. For anthropometric, anthroposcopic and dermatoglyphic traits a clear differentiation in Mongoloid populations on one hand and Hindu caste groups on the other could be observed and be substantiated by results of corresponding distance analyses. With regard to Muslims it has to be distinguished between Marias who seem to be more closely related to Mongoloid populations and Sheikhs whose phenotypic appearance is more like that of the Hindu caste groups. The results are discussed.

Distribution of Gm and Km allotypes among ten populations of Assam, India

Serum samples from ten endogamous populations of Assam, India-Brahmins, Kalitas, Kaibartas, Muslims, Ahoms, Karbis, Kacharis, Sonowals, Chutiyas, and Rajbanshis-were typed for G1m (1, 2, 3, 17), G3m (5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 26), and Km (1). Among Brahmins, Kalitas, Kaibartas, Muslims, Ahoms, Sonowals, Chutiyas, and Rajbanshis, five different Gm haplotypes were found: Gm1,17;21,26; Gm1,17;10,11,13,15,16; Gm1,2,17;21,26; Gm1,3;5,10,11,13,14,26; and Gm3;5,10,11,13,14,26. Kacharis and Karbis show only four of these haplotypes: Gm3;5,10,11,13,14,26 is absent among them. The intergroup variability in the distribution of these haplotypes is considerable, which can be explained by the ethnohistory of these populations. Genetic distance analysis, in which five Chinese population samples were included, revealed the existence of three main clusters: 1) North and Central Chinese; 2) Kalitas, Kaibartas, Chutiyas, Rajbanshis, Muslims, and Brahmins; and 3) Ahoms, Sonowals, Kacharis, South Chinese, and Karbis. The clusters suggest some genetic relation between these four Assamese populations and South Chinese, which is again understandable considering the ethnohistory of the populations of Northeast India. In the Km system, too, a remarkable variability is seen in distribution of phenotype and allele frequency.

Investigations on the variability of haptoglobin, transferrin and Gc polymorphisms in Assam, India.

Ten different population groups of Assam - Brahmins, Kalitas, Kaibartas, Rajbanshis, Muslims, Ahoms, Chutias, Kacharis, Karbis and Sandwals - have been typed for haptoglobin and for transferrin (Tf) and Gc subtype polymorphisms. Tf and Gc allele subtype frequencies show a considerable inter-population heterogeneity. From genetic distance analysis it appears that the populations under study form some distinct clusters, which can be explained by the historical and ethnic affiliations of these populations. Especially the distribution of Gc subtype alleles reveals some Mongoloid admixture among Assamese populations, which is reflected by the presence of Gc1A8 alleles in them.

Esterase-D polymorphism in Assam by cellulose acetate electrophoresis.

With the help of a simplified and quick method, cellulose acetate electrophoresis, the phenotypes of esterase D were determined in an Assamese population. The gene frequencies of Es D(1) were 0.7263 and 0.2737 for Es D(2).

Predominance of the haemoglobin E gene in a mongoloid population in Assam (India)

A high frequency of the haemoglobin E gene (HbbetaE) had been found in 1972 in the Ahom, a mongoloid population in Upper Assam. The present study confirms frequencies between 0.3 and 0.35 for this population in a larger sample from different areas. An even higher frequency near 0.5 was found in the Kachari of Upper Assam, a tribe of the tibetoburman Bodo group. HbbetaE frequencies in these groups are compared with the frequencies in the general Assamese population and the austroasiatic Khasi of Meghalaya.