Young Asian Research Articles

Youth participation in SDG-Oriented Volunteerism: Insights from Malaysia’s APPGM-SDG Platform

Engaging youth is paramount for progressing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This quantitative research studies the active involvement of Malaysian youth as volunteers in initiatives centred around the SDGs, with a specific focus on the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) platform. Data was gathered from 323 volunteers who applied as volunteers at the Malaysian Youth SDG Summits, the Young Asian Voices for the United Nations We Need, and the Malaysian Youth SDG Agent 22/23 and 23/24 Cohort initiatives. The objective of the study is to identify the demographic involvement of youths in volunteerism through the initiatives of APPGM-SDG. This research analyses the nature of youth participation in SDG-oriented volunteerism, investigating their demographic concentration in active engagement, including engagement by gender, organisational affiliation, and prior experience in volunteerism and how these factors contribute to voluntary work related to the SDGs. Descriptive analysis was conducted to identify the demographic distribution of youths toward the involvement in SDG-oriented volunteerism. Findings indicated a moderate distribution between males and females, a greater number of participants affiliated in organisations, and a greater number of participants with prior experience in volunteerism. By examining the quantitative nature of these volunteers with the comprehensive study of literature and discussion, we gain valuable insights into the dynamics of youth engagement in localising the SDGs. These insights, rooted in the context of Malaysia, can inform strategies for fostering youth-driven progress toward the SDGs both nationally and globally, providing recommendations to parliamentarians, civil societies, and youth groups as a whole.

Trends in breast cancer incidence by estrogen receptor status in the United States, 2004-2020.

Divergent trends of breast cancer incidence by subtype have been reported in the United States and elsewhere; however, it remains unknown whether this trend has continued until the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using high-quality population-based cancer registry data, representing 83% of the US population, this study examined breast cancer incidence rates by estrogen receptor (ER) status in women aged 20-84 years from 2004 to 2020. The incidence rate of ER-positive cancer increased by 1.75% per year from 2004 to 2009 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26%-3.15%) and has slowed to a 0.87% annual increase (95% CI = 0.41%-1.03%) from 2009 to 2019, followed by a 10.2% reduction from 2019 to 2020. Trends were generally similar across race and ethnicity, although young women (20-49 years), Asian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic women experienced steady increases until 2019. The incidence rate of ER-negative cancer decreased by 3.13% annually (95% CI = -4.2% to -2.55%) from 2004 to 2012, and the decrease stabilized from 2012 to 2019 (annual percent change: 0.55%; 95% CI = -1.30% to 0.92%), followed by a 6.0% reduction from 2019 to 2020, with trends generally consistent by age and across racial and ethnic groups. The stabilization of the steep decline in ER-negative cancer suggests a departure from the encouraging trajectories projected in earlier studies. Coupled with the deceleration in the rise of ER-positive cancer, the latest trend signals a potential stabilization in the previous rise of the proportional burden of ER-positive cancer. Understanding the impact of the pandemic on each subtype of breast cancer individually may provide a more comprehensive insight into its long-term sequelae on survival and mortality.

Correction of severe upper-eyelid sunken deformity in Asians by double-eyelid procedure and combination of orbital fat pad repositioning and autologous fat transplantation: a one-year follow-up study of 79 cases.

Nowadays, people's pace of life continues to rapid up, and many bad habits will accelerate the aging of the eye periphery, and patients with sunken upper eyelids are to be found in younger people. In young Asians, single eyelids are often accompanied by upper eyelid depression, so correcting the upper eyelid depression during blepharoplasty becomes a higher challenge for plastic surgeons. Current surgical methods for upper eyelid depression include three major categories: tissue repositioning, injection and filling, and combined use. According to grades 1 and 2 are mild or moderate upper eyelid sunken. The sunken can be well corrected only by repositioning the orbital fat pad, while the correction effect for severe upper eyelid sunken in grades 3 and 4 is Poor, need to be used in combination to achieve the desired effect. The authors sought to determine whether, for patients with single eyelids and severe upper eyelid depression of grades 3 and 4, combined with orbital fat pad repositioning and autologous fat transplantation during blepharoplasty, an aesthetic and youthful blepharoplasty can be achieved. This study included 79 patients with single eyelids and severe upper eyelid depression of grades 3 and 4 who received treatment between June 2020 and July 2022. All patients underwent double eyelid surgery plus orbital fat repositioning and autologous fat grafting. After a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, overall patient satisfaction was 92%. The recurrence rate within the first year was 6% and the complication rate was 5%. This combined surgery may be an option for young Asians with single eyelids and severe upper eyelid depression. In this study, the surgery resulted in natural-looking double eyelids and younger-looking eye sockets in most patients. A combination of different surgical methods based on the patient's preoperative condition is critical to achieving long-term correction.

Young hearts at risk: Unveiling novel factors in myocardial infarction susceptibility and prevention.

The increasing incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among the young population represents a significant and emerging health concern, contributing substantially to both mortality and morbidity. Unlike myocardial infarctions occurring in older individuals, traditional risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension exhibit a weaker association in the younger demographic. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a deeper understanding of novel risk factors that contribute to AMI in young patients. In this review, we explore distinct risk factor profiles associated with young-onset AMI in comparison to older patients. Special attention is given to novel risk factors, examining their susceptibility factors and exploring preventive measures. The comprehensive risk profile of extremely young South Asians who develop early coronary arterial disease is not yet fully understood. There are many novel evolving risk factors associated with young AMI which need intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. It has been seen that established inflammatory markers like lipoprotein (a), dyslipidaemia, long COVID, and new emerging risk factors like air pollution (micro- and nanoplastics), periodontitis, acute stress, energy drinks, misuse of recreational drugs may increase risk and influence treatment, and outcomes of AMI in this young population. Screening of emerging novel risk markers and their optimization is important in preventing young patients with AMI. The role of conventional risk factors should not be overlooked and should be treated aggressively. Sex and geographic-specific base approaches are required to reduce risk factors and prevent AMI in young. More prospective studies are needed to evaluate the increasing incidence of young AMI and its associated novel risk factors.

Prevalence Study of MASLD in Adolescent and Young Adult Pacific Islanders and Asians Living in Hawai'i.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 30.1% while clinical practice observations reflect a disproportionately lower prevalence of 1.9%, indicating a condition that is underrecognized in clinical care settings. Screening for MASLD is rarely performed, and little is known about the prevalence in Hawai'i. This pilot aims to develop an understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with MASLD in Hawai'i's adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. Cross-sectional observational pilot study: We used Fibroscan®-liver ultrasonographic vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to identify MASLD based on controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores ≥238 (dB/m) and collected biometric, anthropometric, and Beverage Intake Questionnaire (sugar-sweetened beverage) survey data. The study took place at community clinics in Hawai'i on the island of O'ahu. One hundred individuals were evaluated, age 14 to 34 years. We used VCTE Fibroscan® with CAP scoring to identify the presence of hepatocyte steatosis (fatty liver). Overall MASLD prevalence in the sample was 44% (95% confidence interval: 34.1%-54.3%). In participants with MASLD, obese Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders (62%) and nonobese Asians (43%) had the highest rates of MASLD. This pilot evaluation of the AYA NHOPI and Asian MASLD population in Hawai'i shows a higher rate of MASLD than those reported in other parts of the United States. Larger population health studies are indicated to expand our knowledge of MASLD in the Hawaiian Islands.

Enhancing Lifestyles in the Metabolic syndrome (ELM) multisite behavioral efficacy trial. Design and baseline cohort

BackgroundPrevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) increased from one-quarter to one-third of the U.S. adult population over 8 years and is spreading to young adults and Asian and Hispanic Americans. Diagnosed when >3 out of 5 cardiometabolic risk factors are present, there is widespread agreement that its fundamental roots are in a lifestyle characterized by poor dietary quality and physical inactivity. Past lifestyle trials for MetS produce benefits that have limited sustainability, suggesting the need for new treatment approaches. MethodsThis is the design and baseline cohort of the Enhancing Lifestyles in the Metabolic Syndrome (ELM) multi-site trial. The trial tests the hypothesis that a habit-based lifestyle treatment offered over 6 months, followed by 18 monthly maintenance contacts, can produce 4 new diet, physical activity, and mindfulness habits and, if so, sustained MetS remission. The design is an individually randomized, partially clustered group treatment trial of 618 participants with the MetS recruited from 5 sites in the U.S. and randomized to a small group lifestyle treatment or an enhanced standard of care education comparator. The primary outcome is MetS remission at 24 months. Secondary outcomes compare arms at 6, 15, and 24 months on MetS components, lifestyle targets, weight, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, LDL cholesterol, medications, quality of life, psychosocial factors, and cost-effectiveness. ResultsThe cohort of 618 participants was recruited by screening 14,817 over 2.5 years (screening to enrollment ratio 24:1). Recruitment exceeded the target of 600 despite 2 COVID-19 pauses. The mean age was 55.5 years, 24.3% were male, 25.5% were a racial minority, 9.7% identified as Hispanic, and 83.0% were classified as obese (body mass index >30). The most common MetS components were abdominal obesity (97.7%) and elevated blood pressure or antihypertensive medication (86.2%). ConclusionsThe geographic, sociodemographic, and clinical diversity of the cohort, combined with rigorous behavioral efficacy trial methods, will provide a conclusive answer to the question of whether this habit-based lifestyle program can produce sustained 24-month remission of the MetS and thereby help to curb a significant and growing public health problem.

Chalazion-mimicked eyelid angiosarcoma in a young Asian with good prognosis: a case report

BackgroundAngiosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant tumor. So far, only about 42 cases of angiosarcoma involving the eyelids have been reported. Eyelid angiosarcoma occurs more frequently in elderly Caucasian males and is prone to misdiagnosis. We present a case report in a young Asian male patient with eyelid angiosarcoma that was misdiagnosed as a chalazion.Case presentationA 46-year-old South Korean male with no underlying disease had a right lower lid mass. The lesion was initially misdiagnosed as a chalazion at a local clinic, but a diagnosis of eyelid angiosarcoma was made after the first biopsy trial. PET-CT was performed to ensure that there was no metastasis in the whole body. Surgical excision with enough surgical margin was used alone for treatment and reconstruction was performed with a tarsoconjunctival advancement flap (modified Hughes procedure), which helped ensure good cosmesis. No recurrence was observed 4 years and 5 months after the surgery.ConclusionsThe current study presents the first case of chalazion-mimicked eyelid angiosarcoma in a young Asian male aged under 50 years. This case shows that even if a benign eyelid disease is suspected in a young patient, an incisional biopsy must be performed to confirm whether the lesion is malignant. Since the prognosis is good for the case of eyelid angiosarcoma, if there is no clear evidence of distal metastasis, surgical resection should be performed with an enough safety margin.

A case report of KIMURA’S DISEASE with nasal septum presentation

Abstract Kimura disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology, primarily seen in young Asians. The disease is characterised by painless subcutaneous swelling, blood and tissue eosinophilia and raised IgE levels. Kimura’s Disease has three components; cellular component showing lymphoid follicles with germinal centre hyperplasia with inflammatory infiltrate including increased eosinophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes, surrounded by fibro collagenous and vascular stroma. Kimura disease is a disorder that involves the subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck regions. It is usually associated with regional lymphadenopathy and/or salivary gland involvement.

Comorbidity of autism spectrum and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and their associations with 1-year mental health outcomes in adolescents and young adults

Autism spectrum (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) share genetic, neurological, and behavioural features. However, related research in Asia is limited. We collected self-reported ASD and ADHD symptoms from 2186 Hong Kong adolescents and young adults aged 15–24 years, among whom, 1200 provided 1-year data on mental health-related outcomes. Comparative and network analyses were performed. Rating scale cutoff scores were used to divide participants into ASD, ADHD, comorbid, and control groups. The prevalence rates of ASD, ADHD, and comorbidities in Hong Kong were 13.3 %, 10.6 %, and 2.7 %, respectively. Compared with the control group, the comorbid group experienced more psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), the ASD group had poorer functioning, and the ADHD group had higher depression and anxiety symptoms and a lower quality of life after 1 year. The ability to switch attention, preference for routines and difficulty with change, and problems with organisation and planning were positively associated with depressive symptoms, forgetfulness and working memory issues with anxiety symptoms, and heightened sensory input and difficulties in sustaining attention and task completion with PLEs after 1 year. Our findings provide insight into support strategies to address the needs of young Asians to improving their well-being and long-term outcomes.

Abstract IA039: Individual, cultural, and area-based factors associated with survivorship care among Asian American childhood cancer survivors

Abstract With treatment advances for childhood cancer, over 80% of patients achieve long-term survival. However, cancer treatments often lead to serious issues, including chronic health problems and early mortality. As a result, life-long cancer-focused long-term follow-up care (LTFU) is essential for childhood cancer survivors (CCS) to screen for, prevent, and treat late effects. Among Asian Americans, who represent the fastest growing ethnic group and the largest group of new immigrants in the United States, rates of LTFU and factors influencing cancer-focused care among CCS are unknown. To address this research gap, we are currently recruiting a population-based cohort of roughly 330 young adult Asian American CCS and their parents in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California, to examine individual, cultural, and area-level factors (e.g., impacts of residence in an ethnically concentrated neighborhood or “ethnic enclave”) related to survivorship care utilization. Our preliminary data from the Project Forward cohort, a cancer registry–derived, population-based study of risk and protective factors of cancer-related follow-up care among young adult CCS Indicated lower rates of LTFU among Asian American (versus other racial and ethnic groups) and was lowest for non-US-born Asian American CCS (45.8% compared to 62% non-Latino white). To better understand the potential role of neighborhood level enclave in LTFU, we examined all cancer cases of Asian race/ethnicity ages 18-39, living in Los Angeles or Orange County, California, diagnosed while under age 21 in the years 1991-2018 (N=743). Focusing on the most common subgroups (Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino), we were able to identify distinct clusters of residential enclave neighborhoods for each subgroup. We then linked cases via their census tract of residence to American Community Survey data to examine factors associated with LTFU among CCS. For all Asian subgroups, the proportion of non-US born individuals was higher inside the enclave than outside, as was the proportion of individuals reporting they speak English “less than very well.” In addition, the direction of the differences varied in potential LTFU-related factors by enclave status and Asian subgroup: for example, Koreans residing inside a Korean enclave were more likely to have access to a vehicle while Filipinos living inside Filipino enclaves were more likely to not have vehicle access (in both cases, versus those residing outside enclaves). Thus, factors related to enclave residence may have unique positive and negative associations with LTFU. Overall, understanding the dynamics of individual, cultural, and enclave-related factors will help identify methods to increase culturally congruent outreach and intervention strategies to promote LTFU for Asian American CCS. Citation Format: Kimberly A. Miller. Individual, cultural, and area-based factors associated with survivorship care among Asian American childhood cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA039.

Keloid Multipel Besar pada Perempuan Asia Muda

The abnormal skin wound healing process in the formation of dense fibrous tissue with excessive growth is known as a keloid. Genetic, systemic, and local factors are associated with keloid formation. Large and multiple keloids in various areas of the body are rarely reported. This article reports a case of large multiple keloids in a young Asian woman was reported. Setia Yuda Nugraha Tanjung. Large Multiple Keloid in a Young Asian Woman.

Genetic determinants of severe COVID-19 in young Asian and Middle Eastern patients: a case series

Studies of genetic factors associated with severe COVID-19 in young adults have been limited in non-Caucasian populations. Here, we clinically characterize a case series of patients with COVID-19, who were otherwise healthy, young adults (N = 55; mean age 34.1 ± SD 5.0 years) from 16 Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African countries. Using whole exome sequencing, we identify rare, likely deleterious variants affecting 16 immune-related genes in 17 out of 55 patients (31%), including 7 patients (41% of all carriers or 12.7% of all patients) who harbored multiple such variants mainly in interferon and toll-like receptor genes. Protein network analysis as well as transcriptomic analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs from an independent COVID-19 cohort (N = 50; 42% Asians and 22% Arabs) revealed that most of the altered genes, as identified by whole exome sequencing, and the associated molecular pathways were significantly altered in COVID-19 patients. Genetic variants tended to be associated with mortality, intensive care admission, and ventilation support. Our clinical cases series, genomic and transcriptomic findings suggest a possible role for interferon pathway genes in severe COVID-19 and highlight the importance of extending genetic studies to diverse populations to better understand the human genetics of disease.

Attitudes of Asian and Polish Adolescents towards the Use of Ecological Innovations in CPR Training.

The potential use of manikins made of environmentally friendly materials (biodegradable or easily recycled) could be a milestone in promoting cardiac arrest awareness and mass resuscitation training without the threat of generating large amounts of unprocessable waste. The main aim of the study was to compare the attitude of young adults from Asia and Poland towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation training forms and to evaluate the innovative concept of an ecological resuscitation manikin; Methods: This was a survey-based study conducted during two events in Thailand and Poland in 2023; Results: A total of 226 questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Asian respondents were significantly more likely to choose traditional training than Polish participants (78% vs. 58%, respectively). A manikin that is mainly biodegradable was the most common choice across the entire study group. Young Asians were significantly more likely to choose a traditional stationary course, while Polish respondents were highly significantly more likely to opt for hybrid training (online with practical training provided at the student's home). In the total study group, young people from Poland and parts of Asia are most likely to participate in traditional on-site instructor-led training, but a comparison across groups showed a significant tendency for young Poles to choose a hybrid training option, i.e., a combination of online and hands-on training. Despite some differences, both study groups showed a strong interest in pro-environmental behavior and the use of more ecofriendly solutions than previously used in resuscitation training.

Risk of Incident Asthma Among Young Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Children from Age 3 to 7 Years in a Northern California Healthcare System

Incident childhood asthma risk has not been examined among diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups. In a large California healthcare system, incident asthma was higher among young Filipino/a, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and South Asian children compared with non-Hispanic White children, whereas Chinese and Japanese children were similar.

Being a good Muslim man in Asia's world city: Performing youthful South Asian Muslim masculinities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has long been home to immigrants and citizens of South Asian background, popularly known as ‘ethnic minorities’. Young Muslim men are both ethnically and religiously stigmatized in the contemporary conjuncture as the bearers of patriarchal masculinities and radical Islamism in Asia, as elsewhere. This paper looks at the ways in which young Muslim men of South Asian background perform their masculinities in Hong Kong. My analysis focuses on differentiated capacities for mobility, embodied practices of Muslim manhood as well as complex entanglements of desire, fear and safety to understand the ways in which ethno-religious difference of minority populations are produced, experienced and accommodated through embodied ethno-religious encounters in Asian cities. Through my ethnographic fieldwork with young Muslim South Asian men in Hong Kong, I explore how these youth draw from different cultural traditions and engage various discourses of pious subjectivity to negotiate an unstable politics of belonging in Hong Kong. My findings point to the importance of transnational moral geographies operating at multiple scales in regulating embodied encounters with, as well as constant (mis)recognition and negotiation of, cultural difference in ‘Asia's world city’.

Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke in young South Asian male migrants to Qatar: The BRAINS study

Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke in young South Asian male migrants to Qatar: The BRAINS study

Increasing Incidence of ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome in Young South Asian Population, a Challenge for the World? An Assessment of Clinical and Angiographic Patterns and Hospital Course of Premature Acute Myocardial Infarction

The incidence of premature ischemic heart disease (IHD) is increasing because of urbanization, a sedentary lifestyle, and various other unexplored factors, especially in South Asia. This study aimed to assess the distribution of premature ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STE-ACS) with its clinical and angiographic pattern along with hospital course in a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent primary percutaneous intervention at a tertiary care center in the South Asian region. We included consecutive patients of either gender diagnosed with STE-ACS and who underwent primary percutaneous intervention. Patients were stratified based on age as ≤40years (young) and >40years (old). Clinical characteristics, angiographic patterns, and hospital course were compared between the 2 groups. Of the total of 4,686 patients, 466 (9.9%) were young (≤40years). Young patients had a lower prevalence of hypertension (40.8% vs 54.5%, p<0.001), diabetes (26.6% vs 36.4%, p<0.001), metabolic syndrome (14.8% vs 24%, p<0.001), history of IHD (5.8% vs 9.3%, p=0.013) and a higher frequency of smoking (33% vs 24.7%, p<0.001), positive family history (8.2% vs 3.2%, p<0.001), and single-vessel involvement (60.1% vs 33.2%, p<0.001). The composite adverse clinical outcome occurrence was significantly lower in young patients (14.2% vs 19.5%, p=0.006). On multivariable analysis, history of IHD in young, whereas age, Killip class III/IV, intubated, arrhythmias on arrival, diabetes, history of IHD, pre-procedure left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, ejection fraction <40%, and slow flow/no-reflow during the procedure were found to be the independent predictors of adverse clinical outcome in old patients. In conclusion, we have a substantial burden of premature STE-ACS, mostly in male patients potentially driven by smoking and positive family history. Despite favorable pathophysiology, with mostly single-vessel hospital courses of STE-ACS in the young equally lethal in nature.

Social Media Utilization Within Asian American Families and Its Role in Healthy Lifestyle Behavioral Influence: Results From a Nationwide Survey

Objective: Social media platforms are effective tools for promoting public health and implementing impactful health interventions. This study explored social media utilization patterns among young Asian American adults and their effect on perceived family influence on lifestyle behaviors. Methods: The study analyzes data from Asian American young adults (aged 18–35 years) participating in an online survey in March 2021. Results: A total of 739 Asian Americans participated in the survey: 45.6% East Asian, 23.4% Southeast Asian, and 22.7% South Asian. Common social media platforms include Facebook Messenger (60.9%) and Instagram (57.0%). US-born Asian Americans reported higher odds of using Instagram (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.64, 95% CI: [1.09, 2.46]) than foreign-born Asian Americans. Higher acculturation was associated with lower odds of using Instagram among South Asians (AOR: .46, 95% CI: [.24, .83]) and greater odds of using Instagram among East Asians (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: [1.09, 2.75]). Interacting with mothers using Facebook and Instagram had a higher perceived influence on one’s ability to improve sleep (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: [1.19, 3.65]; AOR: 2.53, 95% CI: [1.15, 5.55]) and develop stress-management strategies (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: [1.02, 2.96]; AOR: 4.05, 95% CI: [1.83, 9.49]). With one’s siblings, Facebook was associated with a lower perceived influence on avoiding risky substances (AOR: .48, 95% CI: [.23, .97]), and WhatsApp was associated with a higher perceived influence on one’s ability to develop stress-management strategies (AOR: 3.10, 95% CI: [1.26, 7.78]) and form/maintain relationships (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI: [1.02, 6.58]). No significant findings with father interactions were observed. Conclusion: Findings provide evidence for researchers seeking to tailor social media–based interpersonal health interventions to address the unique needs of diverse Asian American communities.

1521-P: Healthy, Nonobese South Asian Men Have Both Greater Peripheral and Hepatic Insulin Resistance than Chinese Men

Introduction: South Asian individuals, despite a healthy weight, are at a greater risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus than Chinese individuals. This may be secondary to higher peripheral and/or hepatic insulin resistance (IR). Using the 2-stepped hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, we examined the differences in peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance between healthy and non-obese South Asian and Chinese men. Bioimpedance analysis was performed to assess body composition. Methods: A 2-stepped hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed together with a “pancreatic” clamp by infusing somatostatin. A low-dose insulin (10 mU/m2/min) was infused for 2 hours, followed by high-dose insulin infusion (40 mU/m2/min) for 2 hours. Intravenous 20% glucose was infused to maintain euglycemia (blood glucose = 95-100 mg/dl) for the clamp duration. A higher M value (mg glucose per kg bodyweight per minute) during low-dose insulin infusion reflects lower hepatic IR while a higher M value during high-dose insulin infusion reflects lower peripheral IR. Results: The 2 groups (26 South Asian and 26 Chinese men) had similar age (27.3 vs 26.2 years, p = 0.338), but the South Asian group had slightly higher BMI (24.6 vs 22.9 kg/m2, p = 0.027) and body fat % (23.9 vs. 20.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.05). During low-dose step, the M-value was lower among South Asians compared to Chinese (0.8 ± 0.58 vs. 1.1 ± 0.55 mg/kg/min, p = 0.027). During high-dose step, the M-value was also lower among South Asians compared to Chinese (3.2 ± 2.6 vs. 5.2 ± 3.3 mg/kg/min, p = 0.015). The differences in the M-values between South Asian and Chinese individuals remained significant after correcting for body weight and fat-free mass. Conclusion: Despite a healthy weight, young South Asians have both greater hepatic and peripheral muscle IR than Chinese. Disclosure A.Y.L.Lim: None. H.Tan: None. C.Khoo: None. Funding National Medical Research Council of Singapore (MOH-CNIG19NOV-0002)

600 mg of Lithium, Quarantine, and "Third-Spaces"

With a mix of prose, critical reflection, and an accompanying series of drawings inside a daily planner, this intimate essay reimagines multiple conceptions of "space" in relation to different kinds of sickness and wellbeing. Meditating on COVID-19 quarantine spaces and bipolar disorder mood/mind-spaces allowed me to discover messied "third" spaces that explore margins, and complicate ideas of boundaries and binaries. Doing so allowed me to think through new possibilities of healing, restoration, and intimacy when we talk about mental health. I offer up my personal account of a young female Asian American graduate student navigating a ten-year struggle with clinical bipolar disorder, and the personal experiences of "madness," relapse, and recovery during the winter and spring of 2021. I reflect on my daily routines inside my 800-square-foot apartment and my growing realization that prevailing ideas of "space" are incomplete and contradictory—but can be replete with futurities and learning possibilities. Fittingly, this creative piece does not endeavor to offer any neatly packaged analysis or solid conclusions. Instead, I present one account of grappling with mental illness under extraordinary circumstances and hope it can speak to individual and collective discussions on mental health, disability, and spatiality.