Indian Males Research Articles

Physical Factors Influencing FVC in Indian Adult Males

Background: Pulmonary function tests are widely used as a valuable diagnostic tool in detecting and diagnosing various respiratory disorders like COPD, they also play an important role in monitoring therapy effectiveness and course of the disease. Normative values of pulmonary functions of healthy population are affected by different geographic, ethnic, climatic and demographic factors. The most important determining factors of Vital capacity in an individual are anthropometric factors such as age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to find the correlation between Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and anthropometric measurements like height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) in Indian adult males. Materials and Method: Fifty healthy adult males were randomly selected for the study. Ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Ethical Committee. The physical factors namely height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and body surface area (BSA) were measured. FVC was recorded by using computerized spirometer. The correlation between the various physical factors and FVC was done using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Height, weight and body surface area showed significant positive correlation with FVC. However height showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.5807), followed by BSA (r = 0.531) and lastly weight (r = 0.422). However the correlation of BMI with FVC was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study showed that body height, body surface area and body weight are important determinant of FVC in Indian adult males, with height being the most important determinant.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis: Is it related to human papillomavirus infection? A case-control study from Eastern India.

Relationship between human papillomavirus infection and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is not clear in the Indian population. The present study evaluated human papillomavirus infection as a risk factor in the development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Patients between the age group of 18 and 50 years, diagnosed with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Cases) or sexually active asymptomatic men with primary infertility (Controls), were recruited. Recording of the personal and/or family history and National Institute of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index scoring (pain score, urinary score, and quality-of-life score) was done in all prostatitis patients. Seminal fluids of all study patients were evaluated for genomic sequences of human papillomavirus including oncogenic subtypes human papillomavirus-16 and -18. Study participants were divided in cases (n = 50) and controls (n = 50). The mean age of cases and controls were 30.72 and 32.48 years, respectively. Among the cases, the mean duration of symptoms was 9.98 months and mean total National Institute of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index scoring score and mean International Prostate Symptom Score were 20.52 and 5.8, respectively. Among cases, 26 (52%) were found positive for human papillomavirus infection compared to only 6 (12%) in control group (risk ratio = 0.43; 95% confidence interval = 0.3-0.62; p < 0.001). Infection with human papillomavirus-16 subtype was significantly associated with patients from cases group (χ2 = 4.17; risk ratio (confidence interval) (0.39-0.59); p = 0.041). Oncogenic human papillomavirus-18 subtype was not found in any of the group. These observations indicate that infection with human papillomavirus (HPV-16 subtype) can be considered as a risk factor for the development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in Indian males under the age of 50 years.

Low-risk prostate cancer in India: Is active surveillance a valid treatment option?

Introduction and Objective:Carcinoma prostate is considered highly aggressive in Asian countries such as India. This raises an argument whether active surveillance (AS) gives a false sense of security as opposed to upfront radical prostatectomy (RP) in Indian males with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). We analyzed our prospectively maintained robot-assisted RP (RARP) database to address this question.Materials and Methods:Five hundred and sixty-seven men underwent RARP by a single surgical team from September 2013 to September 2019. Of these, 46 (8.1%) were low risk considering the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. Gleason grade group and stage were compared before and after surgery to ascertain the incidence of upgrading and upstaging. Preoperative clinical and pathological characteristics were analyzed for association with the probability of upstaging and upgrading.Results:The mean age was 60.8 ± 6.8 years. Average prostate-specific antigen level was 6.7 ± 2.0 ng/mL. 40 (86.9%) patients had a T1 stage disease and 6 (13%) patients were clinically in T2a stage. A total of 25 (54.3%) cases were either upstaged or upgraded, 19 (41.3%) showed no change, and the remaining 2 (4.3%) had no malignancy on the final RP specimen. Upstaging occurred in 8 (17.4%) cases: 5 (10.9%) to pT3a and 3 (6.5%) to pT3b. Upgrading occurred in 23 (50%) cases: 19 (41.3%) to Grade 2; 3 (6.5%) to Grade 3; and 1 (2.2%) to Grade 4.Conclusions:There is a 50% likelihood of upstaging or upgrading in Indian males with low-risk PCa eligible for AS. Decision to proceed with AS should be taken carefully.

Attitudes, beliefs, and norms about sex and sexuality among young Indian male adults: A qualitative study

Objective:Little is known about the risky sexual behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and sources of information regarding sexual health among young adult Indian males. Currently, students in Indian secondary schools do not receive a structured comprehensive sexual health education. This qualitative study explored the sources of information, knowledge, and attitudes around sexual behaviors among young men in Mysore, India.Materials and Methods:Between May and June 2011, 23 semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews with males aged 18–25 years were conducted to explore their views on sexual norms, attitudes, and their sources of information to gain knowledge about sexual health. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analyses were conducted.Results:Participants shared a desire for quality sex education in schools but described their current sexual health curriculum as inadequate. Since social taboos dictated the space in which students gained awareness on sexual topics, the participants resorted to the outside information from both reliable and unreliable sources.Conclusions:These findings have important implications for laying the groundwork for culturally specific sexual health education interventions to meet the needs of a growing youth population in India.

A comparative study of autonomic reactivity in normotensive and pre-hypertensive young adult Indian males

Background: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease of major concern. Research evidence from both, animal and human studies, indicates that deranged autonomic function may contribute to development and sustenance of hypertension. Aims and Objectives: To study the progressive changes in autonomic reactivity, this study was planned to compare autonomic reactivity in normotensives and pre-hypertensives. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 (30 normotensives and 30 pre-hypertensive) young adult males participated in this study. Parasympathetic reactivity tests (expiration/inspiration ratio, 30/15 and IV/II ratios) were done using single-channel student physiograph machine. Sympathetic reactivity was tested by cold pressor test and handgrip dynamometry test. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in sympathetic reactivity by handgrip dynamometry test in pre-hypertensive participants as compared to normotensive. Furthermore, a decrease in parasympathetic reactivity was found in pre-hypertensives compared to normotensives, although values were not significant statistically. Conclusion: As the blood pressure increases, sympathetic reactivity increases while parasympathetic reactivity gradually decreases. These autonomic changes may underlie the development of human hypertension.

Relationship between ego states and neuroticism among Indian males and females

The purpose of this research project was to explore the relationship between ego states of Transactional Analysis (TA) and Neuroticism of the Big Five Factor model of personality among Indian adults. A sample of 192 Indian adults (37% male, 63% female) were administered the Ego State Questionnaire-Revised (ESQ-R) and the Big Five Inventory (BFI). Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to discover the relationships between ego states and Neuroticism. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between Neuroticism and the ego states of Critical Parent (CP) and Adapted Child (AC). There was a negative correlation between Neuroticism and the ego states of Nurturing Parent (NP), Adult (A) and Free Child (FC). (All correlations are significant at 0.05 level using a two-tailed test.) The degree of positive correlations of the CP and AC ego states with Neuroticism, were stronger than the degree of the negative correlations of their corresponding ego states i.e. NP and FC ego states. Among negatively correlated ego states, NP was most weakly correlated with Neuroticism for women but for men it was stronger. Similarly, FC was most weakly correlated with Neuroticism for men, but for women the relationship was stronger. Except for FC, all other ego states showed increased degrees of correlation with Neuroticism from the age group of 25-40 years to that of 41-56 years. Though there are limitations to this research, the findings are in line with TA theory and may have implications for how TA therapy is applied.

MULTIPLE HEALTH RISK BEHAVIOURS AMONG ADOLESCENT MALES IN INDIA

Adolescence is a critical transitional period that includes the biological changes of puberty, the need to increase independence, preoccupation with the self, and normative experimentation. A number of health risk behaviours begin in adolescence that affect health both at the time and in later years. Some of these behaviours contribute to the leading causes of mortality and morbidity among adolescents, such as suicide attempts, injuries and the various risks associated with unprotected sexual behaviour, conditions related to tobacco or alcohol use and overweight or obesity. Even though the information regarding the health risk behaviours of adolescence would help in formulating policies and programs for improving adolescent health, researches in this field is very scarce in India. In this study I made an attempt to analyse risky behaviours of adolescents (15-19 age group) in India using data from men’s file of NFHS-4, (2015-16). The overall profile of adolescents were explained through contingency tables. As the objective of the study include the sexual behaviour also, the further analysis were restricted to the adolescents who ever had sex in life time. The prevalence of health risk behaviours were also examined. Determinants of these risky behaviours are analysed using logistic regression analysis. The results can be contributed in identifying factors that should be targeted in future interventions for promoting healthier behaviours in adolescents. The findings of this study alarmed the risk taking behaviour of Indian adolescent males regarding sexual behaviours and substance use patterns. KEY WORDS: Adolescents, risky sexual behaviours, multiple health risk behaviours, HIV/AIDs

Orlistat therapy for children with type 1 hyperlipoproteinemia: a randomized clinical trial

Context Patients with type 1 hyperlipoproteinemia (T1HLP), a rare genetic disorder, have extreme chylomicronemia and recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Currently, the only therapeutic option is to consume an extremely low-fat diet because the triglyceride-lowering medications are not efficacious. Objective To determine the efficacy of orlistat, a gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor, in reducing serum triglyceride levels in patients with T1HLP. Design and setting We conducted a randomized, open-label, clinical trial with a four-period, two-sequence (orlistat and for 3 months), crossover study design. Patients Two unrelated young Asian Indian males (11 and 9 years old) with T1HLP due to homozygous large GPIHBP1 deletions were enrolled at the UT Southwestern Medical Center. The patients were randomized to receive 3 months of orlistat or no therapy (off), then crossed over to the other arm, and this sequence was then repeated. Fasting serum triglyceride levels, fat-soluble vitamins, and gastrointestinal side effects were assessed. Results Compared with the two off periods, orlistat therapy reduced serum triglycerides by 53.3% and 53.0% in patient 1 and 45.8% and 62.2% in patient 2. There was no deficiency of fat-soluble vitamin levels, and their growth continued. There were no serious adverse effects of orlistat; patient 1 had a mild increase in passage of gas and bloating, and patient 2 had constipation with mild stool leakage. Conclusion Orlistat is safe and highly efficacious in lowering serum triglycerides in children with T1HLP and should be the first-line therapy in conjunction with an extremely low-fat diet.

Evaluation of swallowing dysfunction in cases of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma oral cavity pre and post treatment

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of dysphagia worldwide and is extremely common in Indian males. Swallowing dysfunction occurs due to the disease itself, its predisposing factors like tobacco chewing or smoking and the treatment undertaken which includes surgery of the primary as well as neck dissection and the adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. This study was aimed to evaluate swallowing dysfunction in patients of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity prior to treatment and post-surgery and adjuvant therapy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 30 consecutive patients of advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma planned for definitive treatment at a tertiary care center were randomly selected and included in the study. Evaluation of swallowing function was carried out using a dysphagia score and FEES (functional endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) initially during work-up for surgery, then three to four weeks post-surgery and finally six to eight weeks post adjuvant therapy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Results of the study revealed that swallowing dysfunctions was observed in all the timelines of the study. Smoking, larger resection and advanced tumour stage were strong risk factors for postoperative aspiration and dysphagia complications in oral cancer patients. Multi-modality treatment also increased the incidence of post treatment dysphagia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Subjective and objective assessment of swallowing dysfunctions have to be considered as important tools to assess dysphagia pre and post treatment in oral cancer patients to detect swallowing dysfunction especially silent aspiration to institute early intervention in terms of swallow therapy.&lt;/p&gt;

Association between Stress and Sexual Problems among married Indian Males

The present study focused on the association of stress and sexual problems among married Indian Males. Stress is defined as a state of negative emotions, anxiety and insecurity which could be caused by lack of fulfillment of physical, social and psychological demands of the body that could result into negative behavioral and mental health problems. The specific objective of the study was to explore the relationship of stress and sexual problems in terms of symptom distress, social and interpersonal among 3 sample groups, viz., Psychosexually deviated, dysfunctional group and healthy subjects. The present associative, cross-sectional and comparative study was conducted at different hospitals located in Urban area of Indore and Nagpur with a sample size of 225 males (75 psychosexually deviated, 75 psychosexually dysfunctional, 75 psychosexually healthy married males) in the age group of 20-40 years by adminitering Outcome Questionnaire®-45.2 (OQ®-45.2) developed by Dr. Michael Lambert.The study indicated that significant high symptom distress existed among psychosexually dysfunctional group as compared to the deviation and the healthy group. The results showed that stress had a significant association wih Psychosexually dysfunctional group as compared to the deviation and the healthy group.

Study of Aesthetic Components of Smile in North Indian Males

Smile is an important physical factor for reflection of inner emotions and well being of person. People with an aesthetic smile are judged socially attractive. It would be useful to represent some desirable characteristics of the smile, which help to achieve desirable results in surgical and aesthetic oral rehabilitation. To analyze the various aesthetic components of smile, assessing the teeth displayed during smile, relationship between curve formed by incisal line of anterior maxillary teeth and the curve of lower lip, the touch of this incisal line on lower lip, the alignment of facial midline with the arch midline and compared the data with the previous studies. The study comprises of 200 North Indian males age group 18-40 years. Prior informed written consent for this study was obtained from the subjects. The exclusion and inclusion criteria for the subjects were predefined. Photographs were taken both in rest position as well as in Smile position using digital camera with high resolution. Results show that during smile the position of upper lip was average in 49% of males, alignment of upper incisal edge to lower lip was convex in 47%, tooth lower lip was non touching in 60%, no. of teeth displayed during smile was 8-10 in 68%, midline from philtrum passing through the centre of central incisors in 76% and bilateral negative space was not visible in 92% males. So, it is concluded that smile is aesthetic in North Indian males.

A cadaveric study for comparison of dorsal pedicular diameter in Indian males and females

Introduction: A cadaveric study for comparison of dorsal pedicular diameters in Indian males and females. Morphometric study of pedicles of spine of dorsal region is thus relevant and critical for proper placement of the transpedicular screw to avoid inadvertent penetration of pedicular wall.Material and Methods: It’s a observational study done at a tertiary health care centre in which 30 cadavers were studied using posterior midline approach. Direct measurements were taken on the vertebra with using a sliding vernier caliperResults: Thirty cadavers were studied out of which 23 were males and seven wee females. I studied vertical as well as horizontal diameter at the middle of pedicle and calculate mean of these two and did comparison between Indian males and females. When compared with males of the same height, females have thinner pedicles. This means the average diameter of the pedicular screws which is safe for the males at the particular level cannot be considered safe for females of the same height and age.Conclusion: On the basis of this study we have idea about average screw size for male and female at particular level to avoid untoward complication of current pedicular system. In males average diameter goes on increasing from D1to D12 with highest at D12 -5.6mm while lowest at D2 and D3 i.e. 4.5 mm. In females we found average diameter goes on increasing from D1to D12 with highest diameter at D9 i.e, 5.2mm and lowest at D2 i.e. 4.2 mm. As compared to the males females have thinner pedicles.

A national trauma database analysis of alcohol- associated injuries.

Knowledge of the pattern of alcohol-associated injury (AAI) is lacking in Singapore. We aimed to determine the local demographic pattern, injury mechanism, injury severity and outcomes of AAI. Data on trauma cases presenting to emergency departments in 2012-2013 was extracted from the National Trauma Registry. Cases with missing data fields and those aged 1-15 years were excluded. Patients were classified as alcohol positive (A+) or negative (A-) based on clinical assessment. The two groups' demographics, injury mechanism, injury severity, mortality and disposition were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent associations with mortality. 105,468 trauma cases met the inclusion criteria. 3.9% were A+ and their peak age range was 25-44 years. The A+ group had more Indian males (p < 0.001), and significantly more assaults, self-harm and falls (p < 0.001). Injuries in the A+ group were more common in public areas and less common in homes, recreational facilities and workplaces. Outcomes in the A+ group showed higher mean Injury Severity Score and mortality (p < 0.001). Significantly more A+ patients were admitted to hospital but had shorter mean length of stay (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed age > 44 years and male gender as independent predictors of mortality. AAI in Singapore is associated with more severe injuries and resource utilisation. Using data from the registry, 'at risk' demographic groups are identified for targeted injury prevention. However, alcohol use is not an independent predictor of mortality in trauma cases.

Intersectional cohort change: Disparities in mobility limitations among older Singaporeans

Mobility is fundamental to independent living, but past research on physical function and mobility in older adults has not considered both intersectional social identities and cohort change in tandem. This paper utilizes data on mobility limitations from older adults in multi-ethnic Singapore to test whether cohort change varies simultaneously by gender and ethnicity. Panel data (n = 9334 person-years) collected over six years (2009–2015) were used to estimate aging vector models. Findings show that after adjusting for all covariates, Malay and Indian males in later-born cohorts have an increased number of mobility limitations compared to earlier-born cohorts. While a similar trend was also found for Chinese males and females in unconditional models, these were fully mediated by sociodemographic and health variables. These results highlight the importance of considering cohort change at the intersection of gender and ethnicity, bringing attention to possible inequities between ethnic groups.

Allometric scaling of weight to height and resulting body mass index thresholds in two Asian populations

BackgroundBody mass index (BMI) represents a normalization of weight to height and is used to classify adiposity. While the capacity of BMI as an adiposity index has been experimentally validated in Caucasians, but there has been little testing Asian populations.MethodsTo determine whether weight scales to height squared in Asian Indians across the general population and in Asian Indian tribes an allometric analysis on the power law model, W = αHβ, where W is weight (kg) and H is height (m) was performed on cross-sectional weight and height data from India (N = 43,880) collected through the Anthropological Survey of India. The database contained males 18–84 years of age spanning 161 districts of 14 states and including 33 different tribes (N = 5,549). Models were developed that were unadjusted and adjusted for tribe membership. The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) was used to compare to height–weight data from the Anthropological Survey of India and to calculate BMI thresholds for obesity status using a receiver operating characteristic.ResultsThe unadjusted power was β = 2.08 (s = 0.02). The power for the general population (non-tribal) was β = 2.11 (s = 0.02). Powers when adjusted for tribe ranged from 1.87 to 2.35 with 24 of the 33 tribes resulting in statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in powers from the general population. The coefficients of the adjusted terms ranged from −0.22 to 0.26 and therefore the scaling exponent does not deviate far from 2. Thresholds for BMI classification of overweight in the KNHANES database were BMI = 21 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.89) for males 18 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.97) for females. Obesity classification was calculated as BMI = 26 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.81) and 23 kg/m2 (AUC = 0.83) for females.ConclusionsOur study confirms that weight scales to height squared in Asian Indian males even after adjusting for tribe membership. We also demonstrate that optimal BMI thresholds are lower in a Korean population in comparison to currently used BMI thresholds. These results support the application of BMI in Asian populations with potentially lower thresholds.

Thiamine deficiency in alcoholics with normal body mass index

Background: Ethanol consumption leads to nutritional deficiency due to various causes. Well known theoretical as well as literature supports the hypothesis on dietary factors, metabolic derangement and alcohol per se produces empty calories. In this study completed in 2000 go hand in hand with the earlier observations and the available literature after 2000. Nutritional deficiency in turn leads to Alcoholic brain damage which is reversible if identified early. Among the nutritional deficiency Thiamine deficiency (Vitamin B6) appears as the most common findings across the studies.Aim: To find out the nutritional deficiency in otherwise normal healthy males who consume alcohol amounting to dependence.Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 males who were moderate drinkers, diagnosed as Alcohol dependence syndrome according to ICD-10 DCR-criteria with no indicators of overt nutritional deficiency on clinical assessment by ICMR Scale, Biochemical assessment and anthropometric assessment were included for the study. All the study subjects were subjected to detailed diet history by 24 hours recall, clinical assessment, biochemical investigations, anthropometric assessment along with demographic data and drinking history.Results: All the samples were clinically healthy and the BMI was 19.4 which fall under normal BMI. Anorexia was the predominant clinical symptom (45 percent). Biochemical and anthropometric assessment were within normal limits for an average Indian Males. But, serum Pyrophosphate was 318.47 mmol per litre (Normal value is 0.08 to 0.16 mmol per litre), which is an indirect indicator of thiamine deficiency.Conclusion: Though very preliminary and cross sectional analysis, sub-clinical thiamine deficiency was found in this study and corroborate with the previous observations. Hence, thiamine supplementation of all the drinkers irrespective of the clinical and biochemical nutritional deficiency will prevent at large both acute and chronic alcoholic brain damage.

Effects of Yoga on cardiorespiratory profile of young adult indian male participants residing in West Bengal: A cross-sectional study

Background: Stress-related diseases are becoming the number one killer in the modern age. Aims: The aim of the study is to identify the effects of yoga on cardiorespiratory profile and stress levels of young adult Indian males residing in West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional pilot project was conducted after taking institutional ethical clearance and informed consent of the participants. Hundred healthy young adult Indian males in the age group of 18–30 years performing yoga regularly were selected as study population, and hundred age- and sex-matched participants from local population not performing any type of yoga were selected as control. Life event stress and perceived stress scores of the participants were measured using presumptive life event stress scale and perceived stress scale (PSS), respectively. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile were analyzed. Anthropometric measurements, resting pulse rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and pulmonary function test were recorded. Unpaired t-test was used to analyze the data. Results: Weight, waist–hip ratio, and body mass index were significantly raised in participants not practicing yoga. Resting pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lower in participants practicing yoga. PSS scores were significantly less in participants practicing yoga. FBS, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein level in serum were significantly lower in participants practicing yoga, and high-density lipoprotein value was significantly raised. Duration of QRS complex, P-R interval, Q-T interval, and R-R interval were significantly raised in participants practicing yoga. The amplitude of T-wave and amplitude of S-T segment were significantly lowered in participants practicing yoga. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity values were found to be significantly raised in participants practicing yoga. Conclusions: Perceived stress adversely affects cardiovascular and respiratory profile of healthy young adult males, and regular practice of yoga may decrease perceived stress levels and help in modulating cardiorespiratory profile.

Bioimpedance analysis with a novel predictive equation - A reliable technique to estimate fat free mass in birth weight based cohorts of Asian Indian males

AimTo validate bioimpedance based predictive equations for fat free mass (FFM) against DEXA and to derive a novel birth weight based predictive equation for FFM in a birth weight based cohort of healthy Asian Indian men. MethodologyWhole body composition was done using DEXA and bioimpedance in 117 young Asian Indian men, born of normal birth weight (n = 59, birth weight ≥2.5 kg) or low birth weight (n = 58, birth weight < 2.5 kg). Predictive accuracy of 11 different bioimpedance based equations for FFM was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis and the root of mean squared prediction error (RMSE) analysis. ResultsThe mean FFM (on DEXA) and total lean mass & impedance index (on bioimpedance) were significantly higher in the low birth weight cohort. Significantly higher body fat percentage was noted on bioimpedance, for the normal birth weight cohort, but not on DEXA. In addition, the mean values of predicted FFM were significantly higher in the low birth weight cohort for 9 different predictive equations. Specifically, the mean FFM values obtained using the predictive equations of Schaefer et al., Hoot cooper et al. and Hughes et al. were in close agreement with the actual FFM values on DEXA. A novel predictive equation (CMC equation) for FFM based on birth weight was derived. FFM = 32.637 + (−0.222*age) + (−32.51*waist-to-hip ratio) + (0.33*body mass index) + (1.58 * 1 or 2 (1 = normal birth weight, 2 = low birth weight) + (0.510*waist circumference). ConclusionsOur study findings substantiate the validity of Bio-impedance analysis (BIA) as a reliable and noninvasive tool for estimating body composition measures in birth-weight based cohorts of Asian Indian males. Further, we have devised a novel BIA-based predictive equation that can be useful in larger epidemiological studies to look at alterations in body fat in this cohort.

Differential performance of surrogate indices of fasting insulin resistance in low-birthweight and normal-birth weight cohorts: Observations from Hyperinsulinaemic-Euglycaemic clamp studies in young, Asian Indian males

AimTo evaluate the predictive accuracy of surrogate measures of fasting insulin resistance/sensitivity like the Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA –IR), Fasting glucose/insulin ratio (FG-IR), Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and the 20/fasting C peptide x fasting plasma glucose [20/(FCP × FPG)] index in comparison to M value derived from hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp (HEC) studies in two birth weight based cohorts of Asian Indian males. MethodsHEC studies were performed in non-diabetic Asian Indian males (n = 117), born of normal birth weight (n = 59, birth weight > 2.5 kgs) and low birth weight (n = 58, birth weight < 2.5 kgs). Anthropometry and biochemical analysis were done. Surrogate indices of fasting insulin resistance were calculated and data were analysed by Pearson's correlation and Random calibration model analysis. ResultsAmongst surrogate indices of fasting insulin resistance/sensitivity, the mean values for HOMA-IR, QUICKI, FG-IR, 20/(FCP × FPG) index and M value were similar between the two groups. Significant positive correlation was observed for FG-IR and QUICKI with M value (the gold standard measure of insulin sensitivity derived from HEC procedure) in the low birth weight cohort in contrast to the normal birth weight cohort, wherein no significant correlation was observed for any of the indices. Random calibration model analysis showed highest predictive accuracy for QUICKI in both the study groups. ConclusionThe QUICKI index showed highest predictive accuracy in the normal birth weight and the low birth weight cohorts of Asian Indian males.

Sexting and mental health: A study of Indian and Australian young adults

The objective of this study was to examine engagement in sexting by young adults in India and Australia, and depression, anxiety and stress as risk factors for sending sexts. A total of 298 young Australian adults (Mage = 19.98 years, 75.50% female) and 300 young Indian adults (Mage = 18.08 years, 56.33% female) completed a survey (online and hardcopy) assessing sending and receiving of sexts, and mental health. Australian males were more likely to have sent sexts than Indian males, whilst Australian females were more likely to have both sent and received sexts than Indian females. Indian males were more likely than Indian females to have sent and received sext messages. Higher levels of stress were associated with sending sexts for participants overall, and for Indian respondents, but not Australians when analysed separately. For males overall, higher levels of stress and lower levels of depression were associated with sending sexts, whilst for females, there were no associations with mental health variables, but higher age was associated with sending sexts. Sexting behaviours may be associated with cultural values and vary by gender in more traditional contexts. Further investigation into associations between psychological distress and the probability of sending a sext are warranted.