Indian Diaspora Research Articles

Prevalence of HLA-B*58:01 allele among Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnic patients with gout attending primary care clinics in Malaysia.

HLA-B*58:01 allele is associated with allopurinol-induced severe cutaneous reaction (SCAR). Malaysia has a multiethnic population with limited data on the prevalence of HLA-B*58:01 among patients with gout treated in primary care settings. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of HLA-B*5801 in patients with gout from the Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities attending primary clinics in Malaysia.We collected blood samples from patients with gout attending three primary care clinics in Klang Valley, Malaysia, using convenience sampling. Genomic DNA samples were subjected to typing of HLA-B*5801 by a multiplex probe-based assay in a real-time PCR system, validated by PCR-resequencing approach.547 patients (194 Malay, 266 Chinese and 87 Indian) were recruited. The overall prevalence of HLA-B*58:01 was 16.8% (Chinese 21.8%, Indian 12.6% and Malay 11.9%). None of our 61 HLA-B*58:01 carriers who ever used allopurinol developed SCAR.The overall prevalence of HLA-B*58:01 allele in our patients with gout was high, particularly among the Chinese ethnicity (21.8%). None of our HLA-B*58:01 positive patients treated with allopurinol reported allopurinol-induced SCAR. A more accurate predictive model for allopurinol-induced SCAR is needed.

The Migrant Care Work Regime and the Making of the Constant‐Care Worker Among Indian Immigrant Nurses

The Migrant Care Work Regime and the Making of the Constant‐Care Worker Among Indian Immigrant Nurses

Potential Probiotic Yeasts Isolated from Idli and Selroti, Indian Ethnic Fermented Cereal-based Foods

Introduction: In the present study, we focused on the screening of the potential probiotic yeasts isolated from two Indian fermented cereal-based foods, viz., idli and selroti. A total of 260 yeast isolates were isolated from the batters of idli (140 isolates) and selroti (120 isolates). Methods: Preliminary screening of basic probiotic traits such as tolerance to low pH, bile, and cell surface attachment was checked for the selection of potential probiotic yeasts from total isolates. Finally, 8 yeast isolates were selected for further in-depth assessment by in vitro and genetic screening, which included Clavispora lusitaniae AIY-4, Wickerhamomyces anomalus MIY-30, Pichia kudriavzevii BIY-8 (from idli), Yarrowia lipolytica SGLY-15, Y. lipolytica SGLY-21, Candida parapsilosis SPRY-17, C. parapsilosis SBRY-12, and Kodamaea ohmeri SBRY-25 (from selroti). Results: A principal component analysis (PCA) biplot was designed to evaluate the differences and similarities amongst the yeast strains, and two clusters were formed using the paired group (UPGMA) algorithm and Euclidean similarity index. Cluster one was comprised of Cl. lusitaniae AIY- 4, W. anomalus MIY-30, C. parapsilosis SBRY-12, and P. kudriavzevii BIY-8, and another cluster included C. parapsilosis SBRY-12 and Y. lipolytica SGLY-21. Conclusion: Hence, based on statistical analysis for probiotic in vitro and genetic screening, Wickerhamomyces anomalus MIY-30 (idli) and Kodamaea ohmeri SBRY-25 (selroti) were selected as the most potential probiotic strains.

Occurrence of protease-like catalytic activity in the polyclonal IgG in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Neuro-immune dysfunction and inflammation are said to be involved in the aetiology of major mental illnesses. This study describes the assessment of the protease-like catalytic function of serum IgG in psychiatric disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, along with healthy controls of Indian ethnicity. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients experiencing neuropsychiatry conditions were included as comparators for the comprehensive evaluation of IgG catalytic function. The catalytic activity of serum IgG was determined using the generic peptide substrate Pro-Phe-Arg-methylcoumarylamide, and then the apparent kinetic data was computed. Compared to healthy controls (n = 25), the activity of those with schizophrenia (n = 30) was found to be 11-fold higher. The neuropsychiatry lupus patients (n = 25) exhibited 2.7 times less activity than the schizophrenia group. The IgG activity of the bipolar patients’ (n = 30) were found to be 2.9 and 12 times higher than lupus and healthy controls. IgG activity showed a modest, no significant, link with PANSS positive and negative disease scores, in a subset of schizophrenia patients. The study’s findings express presence of catalytic antibodies in the blood as well as neuro-immune dysfunction in major psychosis disorders. In addition, subsets of schizophrenia patients indicate presence of autoimmune component in them.

A Prospective Observational Study on the Clinical Profile Assessment of Myocardial Infarction Patients in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease and are recognized as the leading cause of death globally. CHD has various clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic to acute conditions, namely acute coronary syndrome. Cardiovascular risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are on the rise in people of Indian origin. Myocardial Infarction (MI) also called as heart attack, infarction means the death of an area of tissue because of interrupted blood supply. Myocardial Infarction has become a growing concern among the cardiovascular diseases, hence the study is conducted in order to assess the clinical profile of patients suffering from MI. Aim: To assess the clinical presentations, risk factors, short-term complications and management of patients with MI. Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital over six months. A total of 121 patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Among the 121 patients included, the predominant were males (63.63%). Most of the patients fell under the age group of 51-60 (n=46). The common presenting symptoms were chest pain (42.32%), followed by breathlessness (26.04%) and sweating (15.34%). Most patients had NSTEMI (62.80%) and STEMI (37.19%). Alcohol (23.44%) was major risk factor followed by smoking (22.48%) and diabetes (14.35%). The elevated biomarkers noted were Troponin I (42.14%), Troponin T (37.19%) and CK-MB (6.61%) respectively. The majority of infarctions occurred on inferior wall (30.57%). The most prevalent complication observed was heart failure (14.8%) followed by sinus tachycardia (6.61%), and sinus bradycardia (5.78%). The majority of patients received key medications like anti-platelet agents, statins and anti-coagulants during hospital stay. Conclusion: The risk of men developing myocardial infarction is more compared to women due to various reasons. It is more likely that the diagnosis of myocardial infarction is neglected due to certain presenting symptoms like epigastric pain, syncope, vomiting, sweating etc., hence this study was conducted with an overview of creating awareness regarding the severity of myocardial infarction along with the advantages of early diagnosis.

‘I am what feeds me’: food as subversive voice in Padma Lakshmi’s love, loss and what we ate (2016)

ABSTRACT Diasporic women maintain links to the homeland by recreating traditional recipes. They also assimilate and adapt through their foodways. The diasporic food memoir has emerged as a unique medium for redefining and renegotiating the domestic and professional roles of women. Food is used in a multitude of ways, by women, in order to exercise power, control, and agency. Padma Lakshmi’s Love, Loss and What We Ate delves into the complexities of navigating through and reminiscing about life vis-à-vis the food one eats. Lakshmi gives voice to her bodily struggles, experiences with racial prejudice and showcases how being a celebrity chef has enabled her to create food content that problematizes simplistic understandings of both American and Indian cuisines. This paper argues that food gives Lakshmi a subversive voice to explore the biases and stereotypes implicit in being an Indian-American celebrity chef. It investigates how the culinary space facilitates a nuanced conversation regarding exoticization and marginalization of women from the Indian diaspora. Food enables Lakshmi to explore and enunciate femininity and individuality. Using feminist food criticism, we illustrate how food and recipes become a metaphor for the diasporic self and showcase the evolution of an Indian-American woman.

Indian Diaspora's Influence on the Economic Development of Poland in the Last Decade in the Context of the War in Ukraine and the Middle East

Indian Diaspora's Influence on the Economic Development of Poland in the Last Decade in the Context of the War in Ukraine and the Middle East

Flora, religion, cure and identity: Indian plants in indentured diaspora countries

ABSTRACT This essay examines the presence of Indian plants in the indentured diaspora countries that were brought to meet religious and medical needs and hence played seminal role in the formation of Indian identity. Indian floras and their connection to Indian culture and medical practices is one of the gaps in the historiography of the Indian indentured diaspora. Scholarly works on indenture primarily concentrate on the social, economic, political, and religious aspects of the Indian labour diaspora in the host countries. However, there is a dearth of attention paid to the significance of Indian flora in the development of identity in terms of religious and cultural practices, traditions, and medical needs. By investigating the Indian flora among the indentured Indians, this research aims to fill this gap and provides a floral-medico viewpoint in the formation of Indian diaspora and its identity.

‘Everything is fine in India’: crafting emotional proximity among the Indian diasporas

ABSTRACT The relationship between states and the diaspora represents an important transformation from the focus on state, territoriality, and sovereignty, especially due to the rise of populist regimes and the instruments used by them. Diaspora becomes one of the instruments to not only exercise influence in international politics but also gain domestic legitimacy for political projects, transnationalising politics and populism. This paper elucidates the ways in which the current Indian government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has made efforts to craft proximity with the Indian diaspora in the USA, UK and Australia. We specifically focus on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the Howdy, Modi! rally in 2019 in Houston Texas to illustrate the crafting of emotional proximity to the homeland, through a discourse focusing on aspirational pride. We place these populist narratives within the framework of an aspirational state, that is built on the politics of vishwas or trust, rather than empirical reality. By looking at how proponents of Hindu nationalism, shape the Indian diaspora’s emotional linkages to the homeland, the study illuminates the complex ways in which transnational emotional proximity is constructed across borders.

Determinants of quality of life and emotional well-being in a bariatric surgery seeking cohort of 1501 multi-ethnic Asian patients.

The relationship between ethnicity, obesity and health-related quality of life outcomes in a multi-ethnic population remains poorly understood. We aim to investigate the relationship between ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), obesity-associated diseases, as well as determinants of quality of life (QoL) in Southeast Asian patients with obesity. We aim to develop and validate a simple objective score to identify patients with obesity at high risk for major depression. Associations between ethnicity, obesity-associated diseases, BMI and determinants of QoL (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and 36-Item Short Form Survey) were analysed using multivariate logistic regression in a prospective cohort of 1501 patients with obesity. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristics curves were used to develop and validate a novel scoring system to identify patients at risk of major depression. Patients of Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicity had increased risk of hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 1.51 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.92, p < .001]), BMI Class 4 (OR: 17.89 [95% CI: 9.53-33.60, p < .001]) and major depression (OR: 1.71 [95% CI: 1.23-2.39, p = .002]), respectively. Factors associated with major depression (gender, ethnicity, age, obstructive sleep apnoea, Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score scores) were used to create and validate a novel scoring system with an area under curve of 0.812 (95% CI: 0.787-0.837). A cutoff of 4 of 7 points was identified with a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 81%, positive predictive of 53% and negative predictive value of 90%. The prevalence of metabolic complications from obesity significantly varies with ethnicity. We developed a novel and simple scoring tool combining objective demographic and patient-reported outcomes to screen and triage patients at risk of major depression.

Comparative Study on the Genetic Architecture of Type 2 Diabetes in Indian and Other Ethnic Groups: A Review

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a condition of metabolism that impacts people worldwide regardless of country, age group, and gender. In addition to a sedentary lifestyle, genetic susceptibility, specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms, is implicated in the emergence and progression of T2DM. This study compares the genetic variants of the Indian population with three other ethnic cohorts: African, European, and Chinese. Based on the literature survey, common and unique Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes were explored in different Populations, including PPARG, TCF7L2, THADA, CDKN2A, IGF2BP2, SLC30A8, HHEX and CDKAL1. Identifying common and specific markers may help in risk prediction and early detection of T2DM. In conclusion, this comparative study of T2DM-susceptible SNPs in Indian and other ethnic groups highlights the complexity and diversity of genetic factors contributing to T2DM. By shedding light on the similarities and disparities in genetic predisposition across populations, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop more effective and tailored approaches for managing and avoiding T2DM in diverse global populations.

Common epidermal growth factor receptor mutations in north Indian patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma: evidence from real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Lung carcinoma was the ace cause of cancer deaths globally in 2022, with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) accounting for 81% of the burden. Due to promising tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) trials, NSCLC patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations are of interest. Our aim was to determine EGFR mutation prevalence in north India and its histologic and demographic correlations. We investigated the frequency of EGFR mutations in 40 patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC using real-time polymerase chain reaction. A 15% mutation frequency was observed in the study sample, involving 32 males and 8 females with a median age of 59 years. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients had only EXON20 (T790M, exon20 insertion) mutations, while adenocarcinoma patients had mutations in both EXON20 (T790M) and 21 (L858R) with mutation frequencies of 22% and 10%, respectively. 28% of the SCC patients were non-smokers, and 60% of these non-smokers had an EGFR mutation. South Indian and Asian studies have identified EXON19 (19-Del) and EXON21 (L858R) mutations as "common mutations" that account for nearly 80-90% of all mutations and respond well to TKIs. Interestingly, "common mutations" were found seldom in our study population, while the uncommon variants constitute 83% of all mutations, which we assume is due to diverse Indian genetics and ethnicity and co-existing signature mutations that involve the tyrosine kinase domain of EXON20. We suggest future genome-wide association studies to identify plausible genetic polymorphisms responsible for interethnic differences in EGFR mutation, which will contribute to better treatment and prevention of NSCLCs.

Evaluating the reliability and validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in a heterogeneous ethnic young cohort from northeast India

Abstract Introduction: The strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) is extensively utilized to assess adolescent psychosocial problems. Despite its global use, the instrument’s reliability and validity across diverse ethnic populations remain under-examined. This study evaluates the reliability and validity of the SDQ among adolescents from an ethnic young cohort from Northeast India. Methodology: The present study followed a cross-sectional descriptive study design. The population for the study comprised children aged 13–17 years, studying in various government and public schools located in districts in Northeast India. In this study, a total sample size of 400 participants was selected. The SDQ was used. The researcher used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 to analyze and measure the data. The study was undertaken with the approval of the scientific committee and ethical committee. Results: The internal consistency of the SDQ, as indicated by a Cronbach’s α of 0.846, suggests high reliability. Exploratory factor analysis identified five distinct factors from the SDQ items, with Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure confirming the appropriateness of factor analysis (χ² =1880, df = 276, P &lt; 0.001; KMO = 0.848). Factors were deemed significant with loadings ≥0.3. Conclusion: The findings affirm the SDQ’s reliability and factor structure within this multiethnic context of Northeast India, underscoring its potential as a valid tool for screening psychosocial issues among diverse ethnic groups. This validation enhances the SDQ’s applicability for mental health assessments and interventions across varied Indian ethnicities.

Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis associated with IgA deficiency

AbstractEosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF) is a noninfectious follicular based inflammatory dermatosis. We present a case of a 57‐year‐old female of Indian ethnicity who developed a pustular eruption, with certain lesions displaying Koebnerization. Given that the morphologic distribution most represented the immunosuppressant EPF subtype, additional testing led to the discovery of concurrent IgA deficiency. This case highlights a particularly unusual presentation of EPF associated with IgA deficiency and Koebner phenomenon.

Lifestyle Factors in Diabetes Management: Insights from the Kerala Paradox for the Indian Diaspora

With an estimated 101 million people living with diabetes, India ranks second in the world for the highest number of cases. In particular, Kerala, a state in southern India, faces what is known as the "Kerala Paradox", where strong socio-economic indicators fail to translate into lower levels of lifestyle-related diseases. As a result, Kerala has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in the country, ranking among the top three. This research paper aims to thoroughly analyse the Kerala Paradox and explore the factors contributing to it. It then extends the analysis through primary data to assess whether these lifestyle factors also influence the prevalence of diabetes in the Delhi NCR region. The latter half of the paper builds on findings from the literature review and primary research to evaluate the implications for diabetes management across the Indian diaspora. Keywords: India, Kerala paradox, Diabetes, Lifestyle factors, Physical activity, Dietary habits, Diabetes Management

The nexus of place attachment, spatial behaviour and subjective well-being. A pilot case of Indian expatriates in Dubai

ABSTRACT With ongoing migration worldwide, communities are becoming increasingly diverse. Therefore, understanding the expatriates’ aspects of subjective well-being requires multifaceted approach, which are mostly overlooked in terms of people’s relationship with their built environment. Focusing on Indian expatriates, who are significant portion of Dubai’s population, this research investigates their lived experiences and interactions with their spatial environment by exploring the concept of place attachment. Within the scope of a pilot study, a qualitative case study method has been employed, utilizing a phenomenological approach. This pilot study’s findings reveal that Indian expatriates, by engaging in spatial behaviours such as adapting to their new place of living, recreating elements from their places of origin, and re-establishing social circles, successfully cultivate a strong sense of place attachment, which contributes to their subjective well-being in the context of migration and the meaning of home.

Girmitiya nationalism: Lived cultures and diasporic bonding in a plural society

AbstractNationalism studies tend to focus on a relatively closed and abstract nation. This paper addresses these features by analysing the case of Girmitiya nationalism, a nationalism in the Indian diaspora that broadens the exclusive focus on the nation. It introduces the concept of lived culture that makes the nationalism of an ethnic diaspora community concrete and specifies the interaction between global forces and local life. Using data obtained as a member of the studied ethnic community and deploying additional concepts such as ethnogenesis, Creole hegemonic nationalism, ethnification, diaspora bonding and Girmitiya ideology, the paper demonstrates the usefulness of the concept of lived culture. The concept of lived culture thus discloses the specificities of Girmitiya nationalism, while countervailing the tendency to restrict the focus on the nation and offering a route to broaden the focus.

Prevalence and factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in Malaysia: a population-based study comparing 2016 and 2022

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses substantial health risks to both mothers and infants. Malaysia exhibits a heightened prevalence of GDM.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the changes in the prevalence of GDM between 2016 and 2022 and its determining factors.MethodsThe data analysed in this study were derived from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2016 and 2022, a nationwide study employing a two-stage stratified random sampling design in Malaysia. Changes in the prevalence were compared between data from NHMS 2016 and 2022, while factors were evaluated based on data from NHMS 2022. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 27.ResultsThe prevalence of GDM increased from 12.5% in 2016 to 27.1% in 2022. In both years, the prevalence was highest among those aged 44–49 years, those of Indian ethnicity, those in higher income groups and those with higher education levels. Advanced maternal age, high body mass index (BMI) and hypertension were associated with a greater risk of GDM.ConclusionThe prevalence of GDM among the Malaysian population doubled from 2016 to 2022. The findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted programs for expectant mothers in high-risk groups to mitigate the incidence of GDM and its associated morbidities.

Association between ethnicity and emergency department visits in the last three months of life in England: a retrospective population-based study using electronic health records

IntroductionEmergency department (ED) visits are distressing yet common in the last months of life and many could be avoided. The association between ethnicity and ED visits in the last months...

S1929 Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Indian and Pakistani Immigrants in the United States: An Analysis of the SEER Database

S1929 Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Indian and Pakistani Immigrants in the United States: An Analysis of the SEER Database