Middle Eastern Origin Research Articles

The Impact of Obesity in the UAE: Real-world Physician and Patient Perspectives

Background: Limited evidence exists on the impacts of obesity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Real-world evidence is required to support obesity-related healthcare decision-making in the UAE. Materials and Methods: The Adelphi Real World Obesity Disease Specific ProgrammeTM is a multicountry , cross-sectional survey with retrospective data capture including physicians directly involved in chronic weight management and people living with obesity (PwO) presenting to them in a real-world clinical setting. UAE data were collected between April and August 2022. Physicians completed online questionnaires reporting demographics and clinical characteristics for eligible PwO (aged ≥18 years participating in a weight management plan and/or presenting with a body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2). PwO voluntarily completed questionnaires reporting out-of-pocket costs and patient-reported outcomes: Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI), Short Form 36 v2 Health Survey (SF-36v2), Jenkins Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire ( JSEQ). Analyses were descriptive. Results: 41 physicians identified 201 PwO; 49% were male and 65% were of Middle Eastern origin. Mean age, BMI, and median time since obesity diagnosis were 39.1 years, 33.7 kg/m2, and 11.5 months, respectively. PwO (n = 84) reported a mean of 7.4% monthly household income spent on medicine for weight and weight-related health conditions. Mean WPAI was 35.3% activity impairment and 37.5% overall work impairment due to obesity. Generally, SF-36v2 scores were <47, indicating impairment, and mean JSEQ score was 3.6. Conclusion: PwO in the UAE had a high level of complications and measurable negative obesity-related impacts. These data may contribute to improving obesity awareness and management in the UAE.

Double Discrimination: Attitudes toward Syrian and Ukrainian Immigrant Entrepreneurs' Job Postings in Türkiye

This study uses a vignette experiment to examine the discriminatory attitudes towards immigrant entrepreneurs. The aim is to assess how biases based on ethnicity affect the job application intentions directed towards immigrant entrepreneurs, specifically comparing those from Syria and Ukraine with their Turkish counterparts. The research addresses several objectives: to determine whether discriminatory practices against immigrant entrepreneurs differ from those faced by immigrant workers; to explore the presence and nature of discrimination against immigrant entrepreneurs in Türkiye, including taste-based and statistical forms of discrimination; to investigate potential double discrimination between entrepreneurs of Middle Eastern (Syria) and European (Ukraine) origins; and to analyze whether ethnic cues in job advertisements influence job application intentions. Findings reveal that immigrant entrepreneurs experience significant discrimination, with Syrian entrepreneurs facing more bias compared to Ukrainians, influenced by geopolitical and cultural factors. This study offers a new perspective by examining how potential applicants respond to job advertisements from immigrant entrepreneurs, differing from previous research on discrimination faced by immigrant workers. The results highlight the need for inclusive policies and practices to support immigrant entrepreneurs and enhance their participation in the Turkish economy, contributing to a more equitable and diverse entrepreneurial landscape.

Близькосхідні та грецькі міфологічні витоки розуміння образу давньорусь- кого Сварога

The purpose of reseach is to analyse, based on chronicle texts and research in the field of comparative mythology, the validity of the chronicler's association of the ancient Russian Svarog with the Greek gods Hephaestus and Helios, and to identify the Middle Eastern origins of his interpretation. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, comprehensiveness, objectivity and systematicity. The methods of comparative mythology, hermeneutics and linguistics were used in the study. The scientific novelty lies in the attempt to reveal the image of the ancient Russian chronicle Svarog by searching for the origins of his formation in the Middle Eastern and Greek ancient mythology, in revealing his dual solar-thunder nature, and in raising the question of the monistic nature of the pre-Christian beliefs of the population of Ancient Rus. Conclusions. The chronicle identification of the ancient Russian pagan god Svarog with the Greek god-smith Hephaestus and the sun god Helios was dictated by the very nature of the ancient gods and the dual solar-thunder nature of Svarog himself. Given that Hephaestus (Theostes) was of Middle Eastern origin and originally embodied an all-encompassing cosmic deity with distinct features of both a solar god and a thunder god, the comparison of the chronicle's Svarog with both ancient gods, who in the chronicle's text appears as a cultural hero who became the founder of civilisation, becomes quite understandable. At the same time, the identification of Svarog not only with Hephaestus, but also with the solar god, raises the question of the possibility of developing monistic ideas in the mythological worldview of the ancient Russian population on the eve of the introduction of Christianity by Volodymyr (988), which contributed to its adoption and the formation of the phenomenon of national dualism

Heterogeneous effects of increased availability of alcohol on hospitalisation due to external causes. Quasi-experimental evidence from the introduction of Saturday opening at Swedish alcohol retail stores.

Responses to increased alcohol availability may vary across the population as a function of differential vulnerability. This study therefore aimed to examine the effects of the implementation of Saturday opening at the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly in 2000 on risks of hospitalisation due to external causes (HEC) among different population subgroups. Leveraging the experimental design of the reform, longitudinal difference-in-differences analyses were applied to a register-based cohort of individuals aged 20-40 at the time of implementation. The population was stratified into groups of Swedish, Finnish, and Middle Eastern origin, known to represent different levels of alcohol consumption and rates of alcohol-related morbidity. Results showed a 17.7% increase (p<0.029) in the risk of HEC among individuals of Finnish origin, as jointly caused by both increased prevalence in the experiment area and decreased prevalence in the control area. The increase was primarily driven by younger men with lower levels of education. Those of Swedish origin exhibited largely similar patterns (9.7% increase; p<0.001) while no measurable impact was observed among individuals of Middle Eastern origin (-21.4% decrease; p<0.076). The findings confirm that increasing alcohol availability contributes to the disease burden related to alcohol among population subgroups already susceptible to its effects.

Elemental analysis of glass artifacts from Sarethi (India): Examining possible evidence of glass craft in northeastern Uttar Pradesh

Fragments of glass bangles from the site of Sarethi in Uttar Pradesh, India were investigated using laser ablation – inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. This site yielded glass artifacts dating from 200 BCE to 1500 CE but also some possible evidence of bangle making during the 200 BCE-300 CE period. Two main glass types were identified at the site, with only one sample with a possible Middle Eastern origin and all the other bangles manufactured from three different sub-types of Indian glass. Most of the tested samples belong to the recently discovered and still poorly documented glass group m-Na-Al 8. The other samples could be attributed to either the m-Na-Al 3 or m-Na-Al 4 glass types. We hypothesized that all these different m-Na-Al glasses were manufactured within the eastern Uttar Pradesh region where Sarethi is located although this will need further investigations. Vitreous artifacts of an uncertain nature were also analyzed to determine if they were connected to glass working at the site. These artifacts were certainly the results of the presence of sand close to a wood fire. Comparison of the results of Sarethi and Kopia, a site located 70 km away, indicates distinct glass patterns, suggesting their inclusion in different exchange networks despite their contemporaneity and proximity.

Discovering predisposing genes for hereditary breast cancer using deep learning.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy affecting Western women today. It is estimated that as many as 10% of BC cases can be attributed to germline variants. However, the genetic basis of the majority of familial BC cases has yet to be identified. Discovering predisposing genes contributing to familial BC is challenging due to their presumed rarity, low penetrance, and complex biological mechanisms. Here, we focused on an analysis of rare missense variants in a cohort of 12 families of Middle Eastern origins characterized by a high incidence of BC cases. We devised a novel, high-throughput, variant analysis pipeline adapted for family studies, which aims to analyze variants at the protein level by employing state-of-the-art machine learning models and three-dimensional protein structural analysis. Using our pipeline, we analyzed 1218 rare missense variants that are shared between affected family members and classified 80 genes as candidate pathogenic. Among these genes, we found significant functional enrichment in peroxisomal and mitochondrial biological pathways which segregated across seven families in the study and covered diverse ethnic groups. We present multiple evidence that peroxisomal and mitochondrial pathways play an important, yet underappreciated, role in both germline BC predisposition and BC survival.

“Today I am a Russian-Moroccan”: Cultural transition among Gen 1.5 immigrant women in Israel's geo-social periphery

The study highlights the unique experiences of socio-cultural transition among young ex-Soviet immigrant women who spent their formative years in Israel's urban periphery among resident Mizrahi Jews. It follows the complex dynamic in Russian-Mizrahi relations moving from mutual hostility and rejection to gradual adoption of Mizrahi habitus, often leading to marriage between Mizrahi men and Russian women. As part of a larger study of the migrant journeys in Israel's geo-social periphery, we interviewed 24 women belonging to Generation 1.5 who immigrated as children or adolescents. Most informants achieved some economic mobility despite their low starting positions, and many of them were married to Mizrahi partners. The interviews illuminate lingering ambivalence in the ongoing cultural encounter between Jewish Israelis of ex-Soviet and Middle-Eastern origin. They show how gendered body praxis around dress, hair, and other visual elements; communicative styles, as well as cooking and domestic habits of many migrant women of Ashkenazi (European) origin were transformed by adopting local Mizrahi features. Most informants spoke of this change as adaptive for their integration in the new milieu, but over time they came to appreciate the positive facets of Mizrahi habitus and family life. Our findings shed light on the evolving boundary-work between hosts and immigrants by means of gendered and embodied cultural transition.

Racial differences in P2Y12 inhibitor responsiveness in patients undergoing neuro-endovascular procedures: A cohort from the Middle East

BackgroundData on P2Y12 inhibitors responsiveness from the middle east is scarce. We sought to investigate patient responsiveness to P2Y12 inhibitors within a cohort of major races that characterize the UAE population. The secondary objective was to assess risk factors for hyper and hypo-responsiveness in this population. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on adults who received either clopidogrel or ticagrelor treatments and had platelet responsiveness testing before undergoing neuro-endovascular interventions at our quaternary care hospital between March 2015 and April 2019. ResultsDuring the study period, 249 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 17.3 % were hyper-responsive and 25.7 % were hypo-responsive to P2Y12 inhibitors. When comparing between the P2Y12 inhibitors, rates of hyper-responsiveness were significantly higher to ticagrelor when compared to clopidogrel (11 versus 6 %, p = 0.02 respectively). Contrarily, hypo-responsiveness rates were significantly higher in clopidogrel treated patients compared to their ticagrelor treated counterparts (23 versus 2 %, p < .001 respectively). Patients of Middle-Eastern origin showed a significantly higher rate of hypo-responsiveness to both clopidogrel and ticagrelor when compared to other races (41.1 % and 26.7 %, P < 0.001 respectively). Asians showed the highest rates of hyper-responsiveness for both agents. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors and statin combination, (OR: 6.39, 95 %CI [1.60, 25.392]), and Middle East vs. Indian subcontinent patients (OR: 4.67, 95 %CI [1.79–12.14]) were independent predictors of hypo-responsiveness to both P2Y12 inhibitors. ConclusionThis study demonstrated a high rate of hypo-responsiveness to P2Y12 inhibitors in a UAE cohort of patients undergoing neuro-endovascular procedures. In addition, therapeutic responsiveness to P2Y12 inhibitors varied markedly based on the racial background. Future larger studies are needed to evaluate genetic variations that may contribute to this rate of hypo-responsiveness in our population.

Evaluating Kaposi Sarcoma in Kidney Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a malignancy that commonly appears as lesions on the skin or mucosal surfaces but can also develop in other organs. This cancer is usually caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), recently known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). KS is rare in the general population but can develop in kidney transplant recipients with varying incidence due to immunocompromised status from immunosuppression. The main aim of the present systematic review was to identify the prevalence and treatment of KS in kidney transplant patients. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies until October 2023. Full-text studies with similar research objectives were included, while non-English articles, reviews, case reports, ongoing clinical trials, and studies evaluating KS in HIV patients or after other solid organ transplants were excluded. All studies were observational; therefore, methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The statistical analyses were performed with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software (Biostat, Inc.Englewood, NJ). The pooled analysis from the 15 studies includedshowed that KS develops in 1.5% of kidney transplant recipients and is more prevalent in African (1.7%) and Middle Eastern (1.7%) recipients than in Western recipients (0.07%). KS was also significantly more prevalent among male recipients than female recipients (OR: 2.36; p < 0.0001). Additionally, cyclosporine-based immunosuppression accounts for most KS incidences (79.6%) compared to azathioprine-based immunosuppression (28.2%). Furthermore, reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppression alone resulted in 47.8% KS complete remissions. Post-kidney transplantation KS is more frequent among males and patients of Middle Eastern and African origin. However, the gender difference may be attributed to most patients undergoing kidney transplants being male. Therefore, if gender balance is considered in future studies, then the difference might be insignificant. Based on our results, we can concur that the mainstay treatment for post-transplant KS is reduction or withdrawal of immunosuppression. However, the patients should be closely monitored to avoid KS recurrence and kidney rejection. Furthermore, there is an increased risk for KS with the use of cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. However, this does not mean that the withdrawal of this immunosuppression agent might result in improved KS outcomes because the withdrawal of azathioprine with or without cyclosporine reduction has also led to improved outcomes.

Predictors associated with symptoms of depression & anxiety during the COVID-19 among MENA immigrants in Houston, Texas

Very limited knowledge is available regarding the mental health of the immigrant population in the USA. We aim to assess the factors affecting the mental health of immigrants living in Houston from war-inflicted and stable countries of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) origin during the pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the MENA immigrants using a validated survey of sociodemographic, general health, and COVID-19 questions. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed sociodemographic and clinical predictors of depression and anxiety. The outcome of interest was categorized as “moderate or severe” versus “minimal or mild” for depression and anxiety. Total of 94 participants completed the study, with the sample rate of "moderate or severe" symptoms of anxiety and depression being 29.78% and 64.89%, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis for depression showed that immigrants from war-inflicted countries of origin were less likely to report “moderate or severe” depression compared to immigrants from stable countries (OR = 0.082, 95% CI 0.012–0.551). Individuals with excellent overall health (OR = 0.074, 95% CI = 0.013–0.414) had a significantly lower likelihood of “moderate or severe” depression than those who reported fair/poor health. Non-smokers (OR = 0.068, 95% CI = 0.012–0.377) were less likely to report “moderate or severe” depression in comparison to those who engage in smoking behavior. Participants who responded to the question that they tried hard to avoid thoughts of COVID-19 were less likely to have symptoms of “moderate or severe” depression compared to participants who responded, “No” (OR = 0.110, 95% CI = 0.017–0.712). Those who have” excellent/good knowledge” (OR = 0.0146, 95% CI = 0.022–0.946) about the prevention of COVID-19 spread were less likely to have “moderate or severe” depression compared to those who had “average/poor/terrible”. Multivariable regression analysis revealed smoking as a significant predictor of anxiety, with non-smokers demonstrating a lower likelihood of experiencing "moderate or severe" anxiety than smokers (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06–0.84). MENA immigrant communities in the USA have diverse immigration experiences, cultural backgrounds, and instability issues in their home countries, possibly elevating the risk of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis. Predictors identified should be considered by policymakers when developing targeted interventions to ensure the mental and social well-being of immigrant communities in the USA.

An Investigation into the Effects of Personality Traits and Resilience on Homesickness among International Students

Global education is increasingly attracting students, promoting global advancement and connectivity. However, this often leads to cultural adaptation, loneliness, and homesickness, which can negatively impact academic performance. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between various personality traits and the degree of homesickness experienced by the students. Additionally, it was to find out how resilience and particular personality traits act as protective factors against homesickness. A sample comprising 109 students (46 males and 53 females) hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds encompassing Asian, African, and Middle Eastern origins, has been recruited for study participation. To test the hypotheses, Correlation and Multiple Regression were computed using SPSS version 26. Results of Pearson Correlation have found a positive correlation between resilience and openness to experience, extraversion and agreeableness, whereas, a negative correlation with neuroticism. It was found that only neuroticism significantly predicted homesickness, F (5, 103) = 7.603, p=.000, R2= .270. And among the personality traits, only openness to experience, conscientiousness and neuroticism significantly predicted resilience, F (5, 103) = 17.217, p=.000, R2= .455. The study suggests that students with high resilience and low neuroticism are less likely to experience homesickness, and traits like openness to new experiences and extraversion can enhance resilience. The research aims to understand the complex psychological aspects of international students and propose targeted therapies to support their adjustment and well-being in a diverse international education environment, while also offering suggestions for a smooth transition experience.

Traders Teaching Islam: Comments on the Islamic Religious Literature Used in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian Islam in widely known for its syncretism. If we examine it more closely, however, we find that it is based on writings very rarely considered to be unorthodox. The Southeast Asian tradition of examining books on Islamic law and Sufism to establish which among them are considered to be important works in the Middle East too is deeply rooted on the islands. On the other hand, if we take another look on the corpus of such books, we will find that many important works are missing. The reason for this is to be found in the type of people who spread Islam in the archipelago centuries ago. Most of them were traders and not Islamic scholars, and they used the advantage of their prestigious Middle Eastern origins to grab important positions at local courts, spreading their teachings during the process. These, however, were not the teachings of learned religious experts, but mainly the practical knowledge of religion of the average Muslim trader. This also shaped the corpus of the so-called kitab kuning – normative books about Islam – that would be taught and studied in religious schools and at courts. The present essay surveys Muslim traders’ activity in the Southeast Asian archipelago and examines how their involvement shaped the corpus of Islamic books used there.

Mapping restricted introgression across the genomes of admixed indigenous African cattle breeds

BackgroundThe genomes of indigenous African cattle are composed of components with Middle Eastern (taurine) and South Asian (indicine) origins, providing a valuable model to study hybridization and to identify genetic barriers to gene flow. In this study, we analysed indigenous African cattle breeds as models of hybrid zones, considering taurine and indicine samples as ancestors. In a genomic cline analysis of whole-genome sequence data, we considered over 8 million variants from 144 animals, which allows for fine-mapping of potential genomic incompatibilities at high resolution across the genome.ResultsWe identified several thousand variants that had significantly steep clines (‘SCV’) across the whole genome, indicating restricted introgression. Some of the SCV were clustered into extended regions, with the longest on chromosome 7, spanning 725 kb and including 27 genes. We found that variants with a high phenotypic impact (e.g. indels, intra-genic and missense variants) likely represent greater genetic barriers to gene flow. Furthermore, our findings provide evidence that a large proportion of breed differentiation in African cattle could be linked to genomic incompatibilities and reproductive isolation. Functional evaluation of genes with SCV suggest that mitonuclear incompatibilities and genes associated with fitness (e.g. resistance to paratuberculosis) could account for restricted gene flow in indigenous African cattle.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first time genomic cline analysis has been applied to identify restricted introgression in the genomes of indigenous African cattle and the results provide extended insights into mechanisms (e.g. genomic incompatibilities) contributing to hybrid differentiation. These results have important implications for our understanding of genetic incompatibilities and reproductive isolation and provide important insights into the impact of cross-breeding cattle with the aim of producing offspring that are both hardy and productive.

Inference on the biological history of the Comoros archipelago using the CD4 Alu/STR compound system

The Comoros Archipelago is located at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and the East African coast. Its settlement would have been influenced by contacts and possibly migratory waves that would have come from the East African coast, Middle East and Southeast Asia. This finding was the conclusion of various previous genetic studies carried out on Comorian populations to answer the question of its settlement and its biological history. These studies have used many kinds of molecular markers, although the autosomal markers (Alu/STR CD4) used in the present study have never been studied on the archipelago's populations. Nevertheless, they have been used on populations all over the world and have provided valuable information on genetic affinities and differentiation between populations and have also shed more light on the origins of modern human.In this study, we aimed to characterize for the first time the populations of the 3 main islands of the Comoros Archipelago using the CD4 Alu/STR compound system. Due to its robustness, this system allowed us to include, in our comparative analyses, populations having shared a common history with Comoros islanders (through migrations, commercial relations, or others).Our results showed by island, peculiar frequencies of STR and Alu alleles, as well as haplotypic ones. Genetic diversity values at the allelic level, ranged between 0.798 and 0.836 for the STR, and between 0.254 and 0.327 for the Alu. The most frequent haplotypes were 85+, followed by 115+ and 120+ in all the three islands. Phylogenetic and comparative analyses highlighted that our populations exhibit more affinities with sub-Saharan populations especially the Kenyans. However some Middle Eastern signals are perceptible in Anjouan Islanders through 90+ and 110− haplotypes.Finally, the results obtained contribute to a further understanding of the biological history of the Comoros population and provide new insights into the gene flows such as haplotypes of Middle Eastern origin.

God Talk: Christians Talking with Muslims in Buddhist Thailand

Religions use language in particular ways to attribute honour to humans and divine beings. This leads to complications in communication within the one Thai language but across social boundaries, specifically between Christianity and Islam. These two religious movements of Middle Eastern origin have established a presence in Thai society and made different adaptations to the ways of talking, particularly about people of status or divinity. Language use is often a marker of social group membership. This presents challenges when the religious communities seek to talk to each other. After outlining the different hierarchical strata of the Thai language, I examine how the Christian tradition has adopted it to speak about God, human kings, and Jesus as a special case, and the different approach of Islam. The focal question of the paper is: How do the religious traditions speak to each other in ways that generate understanding and cooperation rather than rejection and division?

Diversity and Phylogeny of Gyrodactylus spp. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) across the Strait of Gibraltar: Parasite Speciation and Historical Biogeography of West Mediterranean Cyprinid Hosts

Knowledge on the diversity of parasitic flatworms of Western Mediterranean cyprinids is extremely scarce. In the present study, we parasitologically investigated 12 cyprinid species across the Strait of Gibraltar inhabiting watersheds in northwest Africa (Morocco) and Iberia (Portugal and Spain). Taxonomically relevant features of the attachment organ and sequences of the 18S rDNA and ITS regions were used for species delineation and to investigate their phylogenetic relatedness. Among the Gyrodactylus collected from Morocco and Spain, we identified specimens with an unusual T-shaped dorsal bar observed herein for the first time. In contrast, the membranous patch-like structure surrounding the twisted inner roots of hamuli and the median ridge of the ventral bar have been generally observed in Eurasian relatives. Our analyses suggest vicariant speciation of Gyrodactylus across the Strait of Gibraltar. We describe herein G. gibraltarensis sp. nov. from Iberian Luciobarbus graellsii; G. moroccensis sp. nov. from northwest African cyprinids, i.e., L. maghrebensis, L. rabatensis, L. rifensis, L. yahyaouii, and L. zayanensis; and finally, G. pseudomoroccensis sp. nov. from Moroccan L. ksibi, all possessing a new haptoral configuration. The genetic divergence and conservative morphologies in populations of G. moroccensis sp. nov. from five cyprinid species support its ongoing speciation in Northwest Africa. The West Mediterranean lineage was revealed to be monophyletic, with Eurasian species forming a sister group. Morphologically, West Mediterranean Gyrodactylus also appeared to be of Middle Eastern origin. Gyrodactylus spp. possessing an unusual T-shaped dorsal bar have most likely speciated, allowing for the appearance of a haptoral morphology that is restricted to the region across the Strait of Gibraltar. To conclude, viviparous Gyrodactylus reflect parasite speciation across the Strait of Gibraltar and the historical biogeography of cyprinids in the West Mediterranean.

Clinical and molecular features in a cohort of Middle Eastern patients with epidermolysis bullosa.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) features skin and mucosal fragility due to pathogenic variants in genes encoding components of the cutaneous basement membrane. Based on the level of separation within the dermal-epidermal junction, EB is sub-classified into four major types including EB simplex (EBS), junctional EB (JEB), dystrophic EB (DEB), and Kindler EB (KEB) with 16 EB-associated genes reported to date. We ascertained a cohort of 151 EB patients of various Middle Eastern ethnic backgrounds. The cohort was comprised of EBS (64%, 97/151), DEB (21%, 31/151), JEB (12%, 18/151), and KEB (3%, 5/151). KRT14 and KRT5 variants were most common among EBS patients with 43% (42/97) and 46% (45/97) of EBS patients carrying mutations in either of these two genes, respectively. Truncal involvement was more common in KRT14-associated EBS as compared to EBS due to KRT5 mutations (p < .05). Mutations in COL17A1 and laminin 332-encoding genes were identified in 55% (10/18) and 45% (8/18) of JEB patients. Scarring alopecia, caries, and EB nevi were most common among JEB patients carrying COL17A1 mutations as compared to laminin 332-associated JEB (p < .05). Abnormal nails were evident in most DEB and JEB patients while poikiloderma was exclusively observed in KEB (p < .001). EB patients of Middle Eastern origin were found to feature specific phenotype-genotype correlations of relevance to the diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients in this region.

Disability Among Older Immigrants in the United States: Exploring Differences by Region of Origin and Gender.

Rapid aging in American society will be disproportionately concentrated among the foreign-born. Immigrants in the United States (U.S.) are a heterogeneous population, yet little is known regarding their differences in disability later in life by region of origin. We use data from the National Health Interview Survey on respondents ages 60+ (n = 313,072) and employ gender-specific logistic models to predict reports of any activity of daily living (ADL) disability. After accounting for socioeconomic factors, compared to their U.S.-born non-Hispanic (NH) White counterparts, the odds of reporting ADL disability were higher among U.S.-born respondents that are Hispanic, NH Black, and NH Multiracial as well as respondents with Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Russian/former Soviet, Middle Eastern, East Asian, and South Asian origins. Also, Dominican, African, and Southeast Asian women-and European men-reported high odds of ADL disability. Our results highlight heterogeneity in the disability profiles of foreign-born older adults in the U.S..

Origin, domestication, taxonomy, botanical description, genetics and cytogenetics, genetc diversity and breeding of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The chickpea or chick pea (Cicer arietinum) is an annual legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. Its different types are variously known as gram or Bengal gram, chhana, chana, or channa, garbanzo or garbanzo bean, or Egyptian pea. Also known as ceci beans, Indian peas, kadale kaalu, sanaga pappu, and shimbra. The Sanskrit name for chickpea is chennuka, and hence, the name chana in the Sanskrit-derived languages such as Hindi. Chickpea is a cool season legume crop grown world- wide as a food crop. The seed is the main edible part of the plant. Chickpea is a cheap and important source of protein for those people who cannot afford animal protein or who are largely vegetarian. Furthermore, chickpea is also a good source of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and iron), unsaturated fatty acids, fibre and β-carotene). Chickpea also plays an important role in maintaining soil fertility by fixing nitrogen at rates of up to 140 kg/ha/year. Therefore, this crop requires relatively low inputs of nitrogen as it derives 70% of its N through symbiotic N2 fixation and benefits other cereal crops as well. On the basis of seed colour and geographical distribution, chickpea is grouped into two types: desi (Indian origin) and kabuli (Mediterranean and Middle Eastern origin). Desi seeds are brown, black or green in colour and are cultivated as a legume crop. Kabuli seeds are white to cream coloured and are used for cooking purposes for humans. The seed weight generally ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 g for desi and 0.2 to 0.6 g for kabuli/. The desi type accounts for about 80–85% of total chickpea production, and is grown mostly in Asia and Africa, while the kabuli types are largely grown in West Asia, North Africa, North America and Europe. Chickpeas appear in early recordings in Turkey about 3500 BCE and in France 6790 BCE. India produces the most chickpeas worldwide but they are grown in more than 50 countries. An excellent source of carbohydrate, protein, fiber, B vitamins, and some minerals, they are a nutritious staple of many diets. Chickpea is widely grown for its nutritious seeds. Chickpeas are an important food plant in India, Africa, and Central and South America. The seeds are high in fibre and protein and are a good source of iron, phosphorus, and folic acid. As with other legumes, chickpeas have a symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and can be rotated with nitrogen-intensive crops such as cereals to improve soil conditions. Till 17th century, roasted and grounded chickpeas and were brewed as a substitute for a coffee in Europe. Around 800 AD, chickpeas were associated with Venus, the Roman Goddess for beauty and love as it improves fertility by increasing sperm production, stimulating menstruation and lactation. In this review article on Origin, Domestication, Taxonomy, Botanical Description, Genetics and Cytogenetics, Genetic Diversity, Breeding, Uses, Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Chickpea are discussed.

Strategic generosity among local patrons: Place belonging and ethnic exclusion in a transforming lower‐income neighborhood of Tel Aviv

AbstractWorking at the intersection of exchange theory, urban anthropology, and ethnic and racial studies, this article offers an original perspective on the role of local patrons’ exchange networks in constructing place belonging during racial urban change. Inspired by a middle‐ground approach to reciprocity, embodying both solidarity and distrust within the same ethnic community, and manifested in an interracial context, the article proposes the integrative term of strategic generosity. The concept includes two interlinked layers: the combination of altruism and self‐interest in local patrons’ exchange practices within the same ethnic community, and patron exchange circles as mechanisms for the exclusion of racial Others reproducing boundaries between social groups. The case study is HaTikva—a lower‐income neighborhood in downtown Tel Aviv originally inhabited almost exclusively by disadvantaged Mizrahi Jews (of Middle Eastern origin), and more recently transformed by the arrival of African asylum seekers. Based on fieldwork conducted from 2010 to 2013 among long‐term Mizrahi residents, I argue that although local Mizrahi patrons use parental metaphors to describe their unconditioned giving to their own community; in fact, altruist and instrumental actions intermingle in the management of their reciprocity network. The exchange networks help vulnerable agents and enhance Mizrahi place attachment, but at the same time buttress the patrons’ own standing in the neighborhood and exclude the non‐Jewish African Others. These findings are discussed in the context of everyday life in a marginalized ethnic community as well as a barrier to integration and the concept's contribution to exchange theory more broadly. [strategic generosity, ethnic exclusion, exchange theory, place belonging, Mizrahi Jews, Tel Aviv]