Caucasian Groups Research Articles

Association of MnSOD (rs4880) and GPx1 (rs1050450) with diabetic nephropathy: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background Microvascular complications of diabetes including retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy are those long-term complications that affect small blood vessels. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by persistent microalbuminuria. A meta-analysis of case–control studies aims to examine the relationship between MnSOD (rs4880) and GPx1 (rs1050450) and the risk of DN. Methods Various databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Springer Link, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Embase, and Google Scholar were utilized to extract relevant studies. The statistical software MedCalc version 22.009 was acquired to accomplish the meta-analysis of the included studies. Results A significant association was found between two SNPs (rs4880 and rs1050450) and DN in the homozygous recessive model [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97–2.41, odds ratio (OR) TT vs CC = 1.53, P = 0.06] and heterozygous model [95% CI 0.92–1.97, OR CT vs CC = 1.35, P = 0.12], while there was no association with the other genetic models. A significant association between rs4880 and DN was perceived in the Asian population [95% CI 1.24–2.03, OR = 1.6, P < 0.001], meanwhile the studies among Caucasian group showed insignificant association [95% CI 0.87–1.32, OR = 1.07, P = 0.5]. On the other hand, the association between rs1050450 and DN was significant [95% CI 3.80–13.01, OR = 7.04, P < 0.001] and insignificant [95% CI 0.96–2.28, OR = 1.48, P = 0.07] among Asian and Caucasian population, respectively. Conclusion To date, this meta-analysis could be the first to contribute a panoramic exploration of the MnSOD and GPx1 polymorphic association with DN. The results of the study contemplate the data presently accessible from the literature and can be employed as an influential lead for future research.

8332 Genotype/Phenotype Profile Of Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Patients In A Single Tertiary Referral Center Of South Texas

Abstract Disclosure: V. Desai: None. M.A. Escobar Vasco: None. C. Estrada-Zuniga: None. B. Landry: None. H. Gonzalez-Cantu: None. D. Pruthi: None. F. Tozzi: None. J. Ferrell: None. M. Kitano: None. C. Solis-Herrera: None. J.M. Bruder: None. S. Raghunathan: None. P.L. Dahia: None. Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors. Nearly 40% of patients with PPGLs have a heritable germline mutation and around 30% carry somatic mutations in one of >20 known susceptibility genes. 15-20% of cases can progress to metastatic disease. Recently, ethnic differences have been suggested in PPGLs and support further evaluation of ethnically diverse cohorts which can offer guidance for surveillance and patient care. Goal: The objective of this study is to identify genetic and clinical features of patients with a diagnosis of PPGL in predominant ethnic groups located in a single tertiary referral center of South Texas that is a designated Pheo-Para Alliance Clinical and Research Center of Excellence. Methods: Medical records were utilized to obtain demographic and clinical data, including age at diagnosis, gender, ethnicity, family history, tumor location, metastasis, clinical disease vs. carrier status, and genotype from patients enrolled in an IRB-approved repository. Results: 62 index patients who were diagnosed with PPGL or had a pathogenic germline mutation with no clinical disease were enrolled between 2006 to 2023. Patients were predominantly Caucasian (n=30/59, 50.8%) and Hispanic (n=24/59, 40.6%). In the Hispanic group, twenty-one were diagnosed with PPGL and three were asymptomatic carriers. This group had an average age of 38.3 years (range, 13-77), 85.7% had pheochromocytomas (11.1% were bilateral), 14.3% were metastatic, 16.7% had a positive family history, and 65% had an identifiable germline mutation. The most commonly mutated genes in Hispanics were VHL (n=5), SDHx (n=5), and EPAS1 (n=3). In the Caucasian group, thirty patients were diagnosed with PPGL and three were asymptomatic carriers. The average age for Caucasians was 46.4 years (range, 19-80). 23% had a positive family history, 66.7% had pheochromocytoma, 22.2% had metastatic disease, and 77.3% had a germline mutation. The most common genotype in Caucasians was SDHx (n=12) followed by NF1 (n=4). Conclusion: In this PPGL cohort, Hispanic patients tended to be younger at diagnosis, have lower proportion of SDH germline mutations and higher frequency of somatic mutations compared to Caucasians. This preliminary observation should inform further investigation into PPGL genotype-phenotype associations across ethnic groups toward improving surveillance and patient care. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Abstract A070: Real world treatment patterns and patient outcomes of neuroendocrine tumors: A single institution study

Abstract Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare and diverse, with increasing incidence but poorly understood prognostic variables. While African American or Black patients typically have poorer outcomes across various tumor types, this is not well documented for NETs. Our study aimed to investigate racial disparities in NET outcomes. Patients who had a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor between 2014 and 2022 were identified and analyzed in this retrospective chart analysis, with race determined as Caucasian (CA) or Black African American (BAA). Histology was stratified as high grade or those without high grade histology. Grade of tumor was identified as well differentiated, moderately or poorly differentiated, and other/unknown. Log-rank test was conducted to compare the survival curves between CA and AA groups. Cox proportional hazards model was built to adjust for potential confounders, including age at diagnosis and gender (if applicable) while comparing racial disparities. The CA vs. AA hazard ratio (HR) and p-values were calculated. Among the 655 patients analyzed, 63.4% were Caucasian (CA) and 36.6% were Black African American (BAA). The average age at diagnosis across the cohort was 61.5 years. The gender distribution was approximately equal, with 50.2% females and 49.8 % males. High-grade histology was identified in 114 patients, of whom 28.1% were BAA and 71.9% were CA. Within this subgroup, males were more prevalent than females (61.4% vs. 38.6%). Overall survival (OS) for CA patients with high-grade histology was 57.4 months, compared to 67.5 months for BAA patients (p=0.7). Additionally, no statistically significant difference in OS was observed between males and females with high-grade histology (60.8 months vs. 68.1 months, respectively; p=0.3). Analysis of tumor grade revealed that well- differentiated tumors were present in 122 patients (18.63%). Among these patients, there was no statistically significant difference in survival between BAA and CA. The primary tumor site was the colon in 89 patients (13.6%), with 77.5% being CA and 22.5% BAA. Pancreatic tumors were present in 119 patients (18.2%), with 72% being CA and 28% BAA. The next most common primary sites were the small intestine (24.9%), rectum (17.6%), and stomach (9.9%). In comparing survival outcomes between racial groups, CA patients had a significantly worse OS (76.9 months) compared to BAA patients (84.6 months) (p=0.05). Regardless of race, females demonstrated better survival (84.2 months) compared to males (75.7 months) (p=0.04). In our retrospective analysis, Caucasian (CA) patients had worse overall survival (OS) than Black African American (BAA) patients, likely due to a higher proportion of CA patients with high- grade histology and primary tumors in the colon. Females showed better OS than males across all subtypes. The reasons for the higher incidence of worse histology in CA patients are unclear. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings, understand racial disparities, and develop strategies to mitigate them. Citation Format: Radhika Gutta, Wan-Ting su, Ruicond She, Muhammad Shahid, Gazala Khan. Real world treatment patterns and patient outcomes of neuroendocrine tumors: A single institution study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A070.

Associations of polymorphisms of glutathione-S-transferase and N-acetyltransferase 2 genes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The development of personalized medicine is inextricably linked with the study of the patient’s genetic profile, which determines not only the features of the course of the disease, but also the risks of its occurrence. Purpose. The aim of the work was to study possible associations between the genetic polymorphisms GSTT1, GSTM1, NAT2 and predisposition to the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children of the East Siberian region. Material and methods. A total of 82 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 227 healthy volunteers with no history of hematological pathology were examined. Deletion polymorphisms in the glutathione S-transferase GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with electrophoretic detection of amplification products in agarose gel; the type of acetylation was determined by genotyping SNP rs1495741 of the NAT2 gene by conducting a polymerase chain reaction in real time. The material for the study was DNA samples isolated from buccal epithelium samples. Results. Statistical processing allowed us to draw the following conclusions: the rate of acetylation of xenobiotics does not affect the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children of the Caucasian ethnic group of the East Siberian region. Conclusion. There is no associative relationship between deletions in the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes and the risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children of the Caucasian ethnic group of the East Siberian region. It was found that the risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children was significantly higher with the variant of combinations of alleles of the rapid type of NAT2 acetylation and normal activity of GSST1 and GSTM1 (G/G, active, active).

Ethnic differences in vitamin D status, bone and body composition in South Asian indian and caucasian men

BackgroundHigh prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and poor bone health in ethnic minorties may stem from differences in body composition and alterations in endocrine milieu. South Asian Indians (SAIs) are at greater risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and poor bone health than Caucasians. Often these differences are reported later in life and/or in a resident immigrant population compared to a Caucasian population. In this study, we determined whether vitamin D status, bone, body composition differed in young SAIs and Caucasians. Notably we compared differences amongst recent SAI immigrants and Caucasians. MethodsWe examined differences in bone density, body composition, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (s25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (sPTH), vitamin D binding protein (sDBP), osteocalcin (sOC), and dietary intakes in young healthy SAI and Caucasian men. ResultsSixty men (N = 30 SAIs and N = 30 Caucasians) with a mean age of 27.8 ± 7.4 years completed the study. Compared to the Caucasians, SAIs had statistically significantly lower s25(OH)D and higher sPTH (p < 0.05). We also found that s25(OH)D was negatively associated with sPTH only among the SAIs (r = - 0.389, p = 0.037). Also, lean mass% (LM%) and fat-free mass% (FFM%) were lower in SAIs (p < 0.05) compared to caucasians. s25(OH)D correlated with nearly all body composition parameters, while sPTH correlated negatively with LM% and FFM%, and positively with FM% (all p < 0.05) in the Caucasian group. Bone mineral density at most sites were also significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the SAI's compared to caucasians. ConclusionYoung SAIs have a poor vitamin D status and less favorable bone and body composition parameters compared to Caucasians. These findings highlight the possible complex interplay between skeletal and metabolic health in different ethnicities which may be evident early on in life. Interventions to improve bone and metabolic health should therefore target younger ethnic minorities.

Macrophages and HLA-Class II Alleles in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights in Therapeutic Dynamics.

Antigen presentation is a crucial mechanism that drives the T cell-mediated immune response and the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Genetic alterations within the highly variable Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC II) have been proven to result in significant changes in the molecular basis of antigen presentation and the clinical course of patients with both Adult-Onset MS (AOMS) and Pediatric-Onset MS (POMS). Among the numerous polymorphisms of the Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA), within MHC II complex, HLA-DRB1*15:01 has been labeled, in Caucasian ethnic groups, as a high-risk allele for MS due to the ability of its structure to increase affinity to Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) epitopes. This characteristic, among others, in the context of the trimolecular complex or immunological synapsis, provides the foundation for autoimmunity triggered by environmental or endogenous factors. As with all professional antigen presenting cells, macrophages are characterized by the expression of MHC II and are often implicated in the formation of MS lesions. Increased presence of M1 macrophages in MS patients has been associated both with progression and onset of the disease, each involving separate but similar mechanisms. In this critical narrative review, we focus on macrophages, discussing how HLA genetic alterations can promote dysregulation of this population's homeostasis in the periphery and the Central Nervous System (CNS). We also explore the potential interconnection in observed pathological macrophage mechanisms and the function of the diverse structure of HLA alleles in neurodegenerative CNS, seen in MS, by comparing available clinical with molecular data through the prism of HLA-immunogenetics. Finally, we discuss available and experimental pharmacological approaches for MS targeting the trimolecular complex that are based on cell phenotype modulation and HLA genotype involvement and try to reveal fertile ground for the potential development of novel drugs.

Variations in the anatomical structure of the pterion among populations from various global regions

Anatomical variations in the structure of the pterion were examined in various craniological series represent-ing modern populations from Australia, Melanesia, Southeast Asia, North Asia, America, and Europe, encom-passing 2035 adult crania. The comparison of populations based on the frequency of nonmetric traits revealed significant diversity across regions. Notably, the sphenoparietal connection is most frequent in European and South Asian populations, as well as among Native Americans, while it is least common among African groups. The frontotemporal connection predominates among Australian Aborigines and Melanesians and is also common in African populations but is almost non-existent in Europeans. The X-shaped pterion is most frequently observed in the Eskimos of Chukotka and the Chukchi, as well as among Somali and Tanzanian populations. A high fre-quency of epipteric bones is particularly characteristic of Southern Indians, Burmese, Australians, and Melane-sians. Pairwise comparisons of populations were conducted using Smith's Mean Measure of Divergence (MMD). To visualize the data from individual regions, the method of Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) was applied to the matrices of biological distances. The MDS plot for the North Asian region revealed distinct clusters of the Arctic, Baikal, Cen-tral Asian, and Ural groups, aligning with G.F. Debetz's classification based on morphological similarities among populations. In the MDS plot for the South and Southeast Asian, American, and African populations, Australians and Melanesians formed a separate cluster; Pueblo Indians were closely aligned with Peruvians, South Indians with Burmese, Malays merged with Papuans, and African populations were positioned relatively close to each other. In Europe, Caucasian groups formed a distinct cluster. On the combined graph, the populations were clearly divided by regions. The results obtained indicate that the spatial arrangement of populations on the graphs approximately mir-rors their genetic connections and shared origins. This suggests that nonmetric variations in the pterion area are more likely determined by genetic rather than ecological factors and can be considered taxonomically valuable traits at the regional level. Investigating the structure of the pterion in an evolutionary context may shed light on broader questions concerning the evolution of the skull and the mechanisms influencing its formation.

Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease to Dialysis in the Roma Population With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Comparison With Caucasian Patients.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant health challenge among patients, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality outcomes. However, there remains a paucity of data within the medical literature on the Roma population, one of the most significant minority groups globally, with studies indicating that these individuals are disproportionately affected by CKD compared to the general population, with higher prevalence rates. Materials and methods We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study from October 2022 to March 2024, evaluating 735 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, of which 402 were Roma, aged 18 to 89 years, following the hospital's standard protocols for diabetes management, at the "Nicolae Malaxa" Clinical Hospital in Bucharest, Romania, a tertiary care center for diabetes. Results The prevalence of CKD was higher among the Roma patients, reaching 56.50% (n=203), in comparison with the Caucasian group (43.50%, n=156), however, with a lower mean age (55.53±10.56 years versus 63.32±10.04 years). Roma patients with CKD had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to Caucasians, including myocardial infarction, stroke, stable angina, and heart failure. Cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia, in patients with CKD, were also more prevalent among the Roma population. Taking into consideration the natural progression of CKD, the anthropometric measurements and laboratory parameters stratified by ethnicity revealed that Roma patients in the very high risk of CKD progression category had a lower mean age, and a lower median duration of diabetes (56.37±10.79 versus 59.92±7.48 years, and 4.00±2.00 versus 10.00±10.30 years, respectively), as well as a more elevated mean waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) compared to Caucasians. Moreover, patients in the very high risk of CKD progression category among both groups showed the highest level of insulin resistance, measured by the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index (mean value of 10.13±0.60 among the Roma patients, and 10.09±0.82 among Caucasians). Among the study group, weight, WC, BMI, and A Body Shape Index (ABSI) were associated with a very high risk of progression of CKD. In Caucasian patients, it was demonstrated that weight, WC, BMI, ABSI, and triglycerides (TG) have contributed to the very high risk of progression of CKD, while among the Roma patients, no association was found. Conclusion In conclusion, our findings suggested a high prevalence of CKD among both groups. There is still a need for further investigation of additional risk factors, such as genetics, limited access to health education, and appropriate treatments that could synergistically accelerate the progression of CKD among Roma patients.

Time to SARS-CoV-2 clearance in African, Caucasian, and Asian ethnic groups.

COVID-19 may become a seasonal disease. SARS-CoV-2 active circulation coupled with vaccination efforts has undoubtedly modified the virus dynamic. It is therefore important investigate SARS-CoV-2 dynamic in different groups of population following the course of spatiotemporal variance and immunization. To investigate SARS-CoV-2 clearance in different ethnic groups and the impact of immunization, we recruited 777 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (570 Africans, 156 Caucasians, and 51 Asians). Participants were followed and regularly tested for 2 months until they had two negative tests. The vaccination rate was 64.6%. African individuals were less symptomatic (2%), Caucasians (41%) and Asians (36.6%). On average, viral clearance occurred after 10.5days. Viral load at diagnosis was inversely correlated with viral clearance (p < 0.0001). The time of SARS-CoV-2 clearance was higher in Africans and Caucasians than in Asians (Dunn's test p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). On average, viral clearance occurred within 9.5days during the second semester (higher rate of vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 exposition), whereas it took 13.6days during the first semester (lower rate of vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 exposition) (Mann-Whitney t-test p < 0.0001). In conclusion, ethnicity and spatiotemporal changes including SARS-CoV-2 exposition and immunization affect SARS-CoV-2 clearance.

Diabetes Distress Among the Roma Population From a Tertiary Care Center in Romania.

Background Distress in patients with diabetes is a condition that has received significant attention in recent years; however, data regarding the psychological assessment and the impact of the emotional burden of diabetes among the Roma population are still scarce in the medical literature. Material and methods We conducted an observational, transversal study that included 310 adult patients with diabetes mellitus, aged between 18 and 85 years old, of which the majority (61%) were women; patients were selected from a tertiary hospital providing diabetes care; diabetes distress was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire, the diabetes distress scale (DDS), validated on Romanian patients. Results In the study population, a great proportion of patients showed diabetes distress, with 24.8% (N=82) having moderate distress and 29.7% (N=121) having severe distress. In the Caucasian group, there were significantly more patients without distress than in the Roma patients,while on the contrary, more Roma patients experienced severe distress compared to the opposite group (64.5%, N=78 versus 35.5%, N=43). In the Caucasian group, a statistical significance was observed regarding interpersonal distress, with Caucasian women having a higher score than men. Concerning the Roma patients, total DDS and all subscales´ scores were statistically significant, with Roma women having higher scores than men. A statistical significance was observed between ethnicity and diabetes distress scores, with the Roma population having higher median values than Caucasian patients. It was also demonstrated that the lack of education, a higher diabetes evolution, and a higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (above 8%) have influenced the risk of severe DDS in the Caucasian group, while in the Roma patients, employment status (being unemployed) represents a risk factor for severe DDS. Conclusion The Roma patients included in our study experienced higher distress scores compared to Caucasians. These results are substantial as they emphasize the need to include the evaluation of diabetes distress in clinical practice to facilitate the early initiation of intervention measures. There is nevertheless limited data regarding this particular ethnic group; therefore, further research is still needed.

Long-term outcomes after acute primary angle closure: case series from Moorfields Eye Hospital, UK

BackgroundThere is limited data regarding the morbidity and progression to primary angle closure glaucoma in those presenting with acute primary angle closure (APAC) in the UK. We aim to report...

Chinese migrants exhibit impaired postprandial lipaemia compared to Caucasian counterparts following both high fat and high carbohydrate test meals.

People of Chinese ethnicity develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at a younger age and lower body mass index (BMI) than their Caucasian counterparts. Furthermore, Chinese migrants to Westernised countries have an increased risk of metabolic diseases compared to those in their country of origin(1,2). We propose that this increased risk is due to a greater manifestation of metabolic abnormalities in response to altered diet and lifestyle behaviours. Although fasting lipaemia and glycaemia are commonly used to predict risk of CVD and T2DM, assessment of impaired postprandial metabolism has been found to be a more sensitive indicator of risk(3). We hypothesised that Chinese migrants, at risk of T2DM, exhibit impaired postprandial lipid and lipoprotein metabolism compared to Australian-born Caucasian counterparts. Chinese and Caucasian adults at risk of T2DM were recruited to the study in which postprandial lipaemia and glycaemia were monitored following consumption of a high fat and high carbohydrate breakfast meal followed by a mixed, lunch meal. In a nonrandomised acute crossover trial, 15 adults (n = 8 Chinese and n = 7 Caucasian) aged ≥ 18 and ≤ 65 years at risk of T2DM (AUSDRISK score &gt; 12 (median = 14.0, IQR = 3.0)), attended two postprandial test days separated by ≥ 7-day washout period. Test breakfast meals were isocaloric (3.6 MJ), high fat (46% energy from fat, 46% energy from carbohydrates) or high carbohydrate (74% E carbohydrates, 17.5% E fat). Blood samples were collected at baseline (fasting), 180 min and 360 min after consumption of the breakfast meal. The lunch meal (3.7 MJ, 18% E fat, 76% E carbohydrates) was consumed 240 min after baseline. Samples were analysed for lipaemia and glycaemia. Additionally, chylomicron-rich, and VLDL-rich lipoprotein fractions were isolated by sequential ultracentrifugation and chylomicron particle number (apolipoprotein (apo) B48), triacylglycerol (TAG), and total cholesterol were assessed in these fractions. Data were analysed using a mixed between-within-subject analysis of variance. There were no differences in age, and baseline anthropometric measures between groups, apart from the Chinese group exhibiting significantly lower waist circumference and BMI compared to the Caucasian group. There were no differences between groups in blood measures, apart from a higher total- and LDL-cholesterol concentration in the Caucasian compared to the Chinese group (P&lt;0.05). Despite identical fasting TAG concentrations, the Chinese group, compared with the Caucasian group exhibited significantly elevated serum TAG and chylomicron-apo-B48 concentrations at 360 min following both test meals (P&lt;0.01). All other postprandial measures were not different between groups. These findings show that despite having identical or improved fasting glycaemia and lipid profile, the Chinese group exhibited impaired postprandial lipid metabolism which may contributes to their increased risk of metabolic diseases.

Северокавказцы в Османской империи до эпохи мухаджирства: формы проникновения и особенности интеграции/элитизации

The article is based on both published and unpublished Turkish sources and modern, mainly for-eign, historiography, examines the ways and channels of the early (pre-muhajir) penetration of ethnic North Caucasians into the Ottoman Empire and the features of their integration into local society. Particular attention is paid to elucidating the factors and mechanisms of the formation, reproduction and functioning of the Caucasian (Circassian, Abkhaz, West Georgian, Daghestani) elite groups and strata of slave and non-slave origin and their place in the structure of state power and social life of the Ottoman Empire in the classical and postclassical periods of its history. An attempt was made to examine the nature of this community’s ethnonational identity, which demonstrated a certain resistance to assimilation as well as the potential to maintain some aspects of its original cultural profile for an extended period of time. The involvement of Istanbul’s “Cir-cassian” elites in developing and implementing the Porte’s Caucasian policy, as well as launching the enormous exodus of highlanders from the Caucasus to the Ottoman Empire in the mid-19th century, appears insignificant.

Blood Test-Based Age Acceleration Is Inversely Associated with High-Volume Sports Activity.

We develop blood test-based aging clocks and examine how these clocks reflect high-volume sports activity. We use blood tests and body metrics data of 421 Hungarian athletes and 283 age-matched controls (mean age, 24.1 and 23.9 yr, respectively), the latter selected from a group of healthy Caucasians of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to represent the general population ( n = 11,412). We train two age prediction models (i.e., aging clocks) using the NHANES dataset: the first model relies on blood test parameters only, whereas the second one additionally incorporates body measurements and sex. We find lower age acceleration among athletes compared with the age-matched controls with a median value of -1.7 and 1.4 yr, P < 0.0001. BMI is positively associated with age acceleration among the age-matched controls ( r = 0.17, P < 0.01) and the unrestricted NHANES population ( r = 0.11, P < 0.001). We find no association between BMI and age acceleration within the athlete dataset. Instead, age acceleration is positively associated with body fat percentage ( r = 0.21, P < 0.05) and negatively associated with skeletal muscle mass (Pearson r = -0.18, P < 0.05) among athletes. The most important blood test features in age predictions were serum ferritin, mean cell volume, blood urea nitrogen, and albumin levels. We develop and apply blood test-based aging clocks to adult athletes and healthy controls. The data suggest that high-volume sports activity is associated with slowed biological aging. Here, we propose an alternative, promising application of routine blood tests.

Clinical Characteristics of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Caucasians and Latin American Hispanics: Data from a Single Tertiary Center.

Different studies report that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) tends to have a more aggressive course in Hispanic patients. In this study, we analysed epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics in a cohort of Hispanic and Caucasian lupus patients in the context of Italian health service, which provides free access to care to all citizens, thus mitigating the impact of socioeconomic factors that negatively influence the course of the disease in ethnic minorities. This single-center retrospective study was conducted at the San Martino Hospital "Lupus Clinic" in Genoa, Italy. Patients ≥18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of SLE and definite ethnicity (Hispanic or Caucasian) were recruited. A total of 126 patients (90 Caucasians and 36 Hispanics) were enrolled. We compared epidemiologic characteristics, clinical features, autoantibodies profile, and treatment options without evidencing any statistically significant difference between the two groups, except for disease duration, which was higher in the Caucasian group (20.4 years versus 14.2 years in the Hispanic group, P=0.002) and SLICC damage index, which was greater in Caucasian patients (2.11 versus 1.88 in Hispanics, P=0.037), but this difference was no longer significant after correction for disease duration (P=0.096). In our cohort, Hispanic ethnicity is not associated with worse disease features and outcomes. Therefore, we speculated that socioeconomic factors, in particular, free access to healthcare, might be more relevant in influencing the course of the disease than genetic background.

Investigating health disparities in vestibular rehabilitation.

Health disparities (HD) impact care delivery and health outcomes in individuals with vestibular disorders (IVD). The purpose of this study is to identify whether health disparities (HD) exist in Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) between individuals identifying as Caucasians or racial or ethnic minorities (REM). This study was a retrospective chart review of IVD who attended outpatient VR between 1/2014 and 9/2020. Data recorded included age, gender, race/ethnicity, vestibular diagnosis, VR interventions, and pre-post outcome measures such as Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Gait speed (GS), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Chi-squared tests, one-tailed, and two-tailed t-tests (α= 0.05) were utilized to compare Caucasian and REM groups. Three hundred and forty-three charts (N = 343) met inclusion/exclusion criteria. REM demonstrated higher median DHI scores (46 vs. 38, p = 0.008) and lower ABC scores (53.10% vs. 66.30%, p < 0.001) at VR evaluation compared to Caucasians. There were no statistically significant differences in DHI, ABC, FGA, and GS scores between Caucasians and REM at discharge. VR was able to equalize HD in DHI and ABC which initially existed between REM and Caucasians. VR therapists should work with public health and policy researchers to improve access to VR.

To the formation of ethnic image in the media: an attempt at periodization

The article studies the process of modeling of ethnic image in the Russian media space. The media texts of the "Argumenty i Fakty" portal were used as empirics. The aim is to create a periodization for studying the processes of media communication in the formation of national image. The article reveals linguistic and stylistic peculiarities of the content and specificity of emotional and evaluative elements of the format of AiF journalistic materials about representatives of Caucasian ethnic groups, and states the presence of destructive stereotypes in media texts. The relevance of the material is explained by the negative consequences of interethnic confrontations, including those caused by conflictogenic texts in the media of the late twentieth century. The methodology of historical-semantic and cognitive-metaphorical analysis was applied, which revealed the linguistic structures at the basis of the formation of the audience's attitude towards the Caucasian peoples. After the collapse of the USSR, journalists used the construction "us and them", indirectly formed a negative reputation of national minorities, created barriers to their integration into the Russian identity, thus increasing socio-psychological tension in society, increasing social distance, influencing the processes of discrimination and isolation of the peoples of the Caucasus. In the modern global practice of convergence, "subject-to-subject" processes of mass communications, the influential potential of broadcast content has increased manifold. State control over the editorial policy of mass media should be strengthened, and personal responsibility of professional journalists for their work should be actualized. It is also necessary to support media education initiatives to increase the media literacy of the media audience. The results of the study can be used to rethink strategies for creating and promoting ethnic content.

A Mendelian randomization study of genetic liability to cutaneous melanoma and sunburns.

Some studies have reported that sunburns and cutaneous melanoma (CM) risk is increasing, but a clear causal link has yet to be established. This current study conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to clarify the association and causality between sunburn history and CM using large-scale genome-wide association study data. The inverse-variance weighted method result showed that sunburn might be associated with the risk of CM increasing (p = 2.21 × 10-23, OR = 1.034, 95% CI= 1.027-1.041), causally. The MR-Egger regression, weighted median method, simple mode method, and weighted mode method results showed similar results. This study offers evidence of sunburn history and increased risk of CM, and it shows that there might be common genetic basics regarding sunburns and CM susceptibility in Caucasian, European, or British ethnic groups.

Эхографические параметры век в различных возрастных группах европеоидного взрослого населения

Most of the literature data on eyelid structures are based on the measurements in cadavers or histological samples. Nonetheless, such data can differ from the living tissues with interstitial fluid and filled vessels. In clinical work, specialists sometimes need to be aware of in vivo parameters of eyelids tissue structures. Purpose. To measure thickness of normal eyelid structures with echographic method and establish normal ranges of these parameters in various age groups in Caucasians. Methods. This prospective observational study comprised 37 patients with a mean age of 46±13.13 years (aged 27–79 years; 28 women). All subjects were divided into 4 groups with an interval of 10 years from 20 to 60 years and a group aged above 60 years. Same operator took measurements of skin, circular eye muscle, conjunctiva, tarsus and their composition of both eyelids with B-scan ultrasonography. Results. We established some age-related trends for all parameters, but two of them change most significantly. The lower eyelid skin thickness in the group of 31–40 years old people (1.2 [1.0; 1.4] mm) significantly differed from the values in the groups of people aged 41–50 (1.65 [1.45; 1.85] mm, p=0.052) and 51–60 years (2.05 [1.73; 2.7] мм, p=0.05). Upper eyelid conjunctiva at the level of tarsal plate upper margin also tends to be thicker in people over 60 years (0.97 [0.8; 1.2] mm) than in younger adults, especially at the age of 21–30 (0.49 [0.44; 0.55], p=0.053) and 41–50 years (0.58 [0.50; 0.65] mm, p=0.053). In addition, it was found that the thicknesses of the upper eyelid structures differ significantly from similar structures of the lower eyelid. The ratio of orbicularis oculi muscle thickness to the thickness of the muscles lifting the upper eyelid is 1:2.1 in average, which ensures their good mobility and protective function. Conclusion. The study provides data about normal eyelid structures thickness in various age groups of Caucasians. The revealed differences between the upper and the lower eyelids are due to their different functionality. Key words: orbicularis oculi muscle; levator; blepharoplasty; aging; blinking; protective function of the eyelids; supportive function of the eyelids

Capture of the Imam Shamil and the end of Muridism

In the 19th century, the strengthening of sufism in the North Caucasus united various Caucasian sub-ethnic groups, and muridismgave them the idea of independence. The struggle of the North Caucasians against the Russian Empire lasted from 1817- to 1864; and in this battle, a worthy opponent, Imam Shamil, stood out from the highlanders. Shamil knew that only the wise government of the people could be a solid foundation for the successful conduct of the war. He was able to unite the mountain population and manage it with a properly organized and firm administration. The highlanders under his command comprised one military rank, in which muridism played an important role.This article has processed and presented two documents found in the National Archives of Georgia, which describe in detail thecapture of Shamil the end of Muridism and specific facts revealed during the captivity of the imam, which brought the victory of theRussian Empire.