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The use of "participatory research" and "participation" to promote the empowerment of the poor and marginalised began in the 1970s and gained momentum in the early 1980s. The approach builds on the "learning for change" paradigm in which everyday experience is the basis for developing agency, and committing to and taking action to create change, both individually and collectively. The paradigm has been used over decades, and in several contexts (e.g. women's literacy and political leadership, work health and safety, access to and control over natural resources, prevention of sexual harassment and violence against women, social accountability and participatory monitoring, access to basic services, and climate adaptation and resilience). In this research note, some of these contexts -- work health and safety, women's political leadership, the urban poor and gender-based violence -- are used as practical exemplars of work conducted by the non-profit research and training organisation Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) to support poor, excluded and marginalised communities. The experiences shared in this research note bear witness to the power of popular knowledge and the inclusion of marginalised voices for transformatory, people-centric development.

Rice blast disease, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, poses a severe threat to rice production, particularly in Asia where rice is a staple food. Concerns over fungicide resistance and environmental impact have sparked interest in exploring natural fungicides as potential alternatives. This study aimed to identify highly potent natural fungicides against M. oryzae to combat rice blast disease, using advanced molecular dynamics techniques. Four key proteins (CATALASE PEROXIDASES 2, HYBRID PKS-NRPS SYNTHETASE TAS1, MANGANESE LIPOXYGENASE, and PRE-MRNA-SPLICING FACTOR CEF1) involved in M. oryzae's infection process were identified. A list of 30 plant metabolites with documented antifungal properties was compiled for evaluation as potential fungicides. Molecular docking studies revealed that 2-Coumaroylquinic acid, Myricetin, Rosmarinic Acid, and Quercetin exhibited superior binding affinities compared to reference fungicides (Azoxystrobin and Tricyclazole). High throughput molecular dynamics simulations were performed, analyzing parameters like RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, hydrogen bonds, contact analysis, Gibbs free energy, and cluster analysis. The results revealed stable interactions between the selected metabolites and the target proteins, involving important hydrogen bonds and contacts. The SwissADME server analysis indicated that the metabolites possess fungicide properties, making them effective and safe fungicides with low toxicity to the environment and living beings. Additionally, bioactivity assays confirmed their biological activity as nuclear receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into potential natural fungicides for combating rice blast disease, with 2-Coumaroylquinic acid, Myricetin, Rosmarinic Acid, and Quercetin standing out as promising and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional fungicides. These findings have significant implications for developing crop protection strategies and enhancing global food security, particularly in rice-dependent regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Olax scandens Roxb. (Olacaceae) is a scandent thorny shrub used by many ethnic tribes of Asia to cure stomach ache, diarrhoea, fever, cough, mouth ulcers, anaemia, filaria, joint pains, intestinal and liver diseases and diabetes. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro hypoglycemic activity and mechanism of action of O. scandens stem bark extracts in five different in vitro models at different glucose concentrations. Materials and Methods: Various extracts of O. scandens stem bark was studied for their effect on glucose adsorption, glucose diffusion, glucose uptake by yeast cells, alpha glucosidase and alpha amylase inhibition at different glucose concentrations. Results: In the glucose adsorption method, the butanolic extract showed statistically significant increase in glucose bound concentration of 7.35 mM/L at 100 mM glucose concentration used. All extracts showed a significant retardation in glucose diffusion across a dialysis membrane into the external medium, at different time intervals. GDRI of ethyl acetate extract was 84.471 at 30 min whereas the butanolic extract and aqueous ethanolic extract showed highest GDRI of 80.267 and 70.386 at 120 min respectively. In the method of glucose uptake by yeast cells, aqueous ethanolic and butanolic extracts both showed significantly higher uptake of glucose of 65% at 5 mg/mL concentration. The ethyl acetate extract and standard acarbose showed 26.25% and 35% inhibition of alpha glucosidase respectively at 100 µg/mL concentration. Whereas at the same concentration, ethyl acetate extract and acarbose showed 48.922% and 63.093% inhibition of alpha amylase. Conclusion: Significant in vitro hypoglycemic activity was seen in glucose diffusion method suggesting a possible role of fibre which may retard glucose release across the dialysis membrane. This mechanism can be correlated with retardation in the transport of glucose across the intestinal lumen thus causing a reduction in post prandial hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Asia, there are approximately 2.3 billion internet users. Addiction to internet gaming takes a multifaceted toll on an individual’s physical and mental well-being, casting a long shadow over their daily endeavors and also their sleep cycle. Aim: To study the prevalence of internet gaming addiction and how it affects sleep quality in medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with a sample size (n = 112) in the Government Medical College, Datia (M.P.), and data were collected using a semi-structured proforma including the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale and Mini Sleep Questionnaire in the study population. Results: In the study population with age group 18–28 years (mean age: 21 ± 1.7 years), the majority of them belong to the Hindu religion (91.1%), nuclear family (66.1%), and urban community (75.9%). Most students (n = 74) had mild to moderate sleep difficulty related to internet gaming addiction, that is, 65.1%. The most common response was “sometimes” on the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. A significant association was observed between gaming disorder and parameters of sleep mainly in waking up too early, daytime sleepiness, snoring, feeling tired, and headache upon waking up with gaming disorder. Conclusion: Among medical students, gaming addiction is significantly associated with poor sleep quality. Steps need to be taken to promote healthy internet use to improve sleep quality and mitigate negative effects to avoid long-term health impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thrips palmi (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a major agricultural pest infesting over 200 plant species. Along with direct injury caused by feeding, T. palmi spreads several orthotospoviruses. Groundnut bud necrosis orthotospovirus (GBNV, family Tospoviridae, genus Orthotospovirus) is the predominant orthotospovirus in Asia, vectored by T. palmi. It is responsible for almost 89 million USD losses in Asia annually. Several transcripts of T. palmi related to innate immune response, receptor binding, cell signaling, cellular trafficking, viral replication, and apoptosis are responsive to the infection of orthotospoviruses in thrips. Expression of T. palmi tyrosine kinase Btk29A isoform X1 (Btk29A) and collagen alpha-1(III) chainlike (COL3A1) are significantly regulated post-GBNV and capsicum chlorosis orthotospovirus infection. In the present study, T. palmi Btk29A and COL3A1 were silenced and the effect on virus titer and fitness was assessed. The expression of Btk29A and COL3A1 was significantly reduced by 3.62 and 3.15-fold, respectively, 24 h post-dsRNA exposure. Oral administration of Btk29A and COL3A1 dsRNAs induced 60 and 50.9% mortality in T. palmi. The GBNV concentration in T. palmi significantly dropped post-silencing Btk29A. In contrast, the silencing of COL3A1 led to an increase in GBNV concentration in T. palmi compared to the untreated control. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the effect of silencing Btk29A and COL3A1 on the fitness and GBNV titer in T. palmi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adiposity has gradually become a global public threat over the years with drastic increase in the attributable deaths and disability adjusted life years (DALYs). Given an increased metabolic risk among Asians as compared to Europeans for any given body mass index (BMI) and considering the differences in genetic architecture between them, the present review aims to summarize the findings from genome‐wide scans for various adiposity indices and related anthropometric measures from Asian populations. The search for related studies, published till February 2022, were made on PubMed and GWAS Catalog using search strategy built with relevant keywords joined by Boolean operators. It was recorded that out of a total of 47 identified studies, maximum studies are from Korean population (n = 14), followed by Chinese (n = 7), and Japanese (n = 6). Nearly 200 loci have been identified for BMI, 660 for height, 16 for weight, 28 for circumferences (waist and hip), 32 for ratios (waist hip ratio [WHR] and thoracic hip ratio [THR]), 5 for body fat, 16 for obesity, and 28 for adiposity‐related blood markers among Asians. It was observed that though, most of the loci were unique for each trait, there were 3 loci in common to BMI and WHR. Apart from validation of variants identified in European setting, there were many novel loci discovered in Asian populations. Notably, 125 novel loci form Asian studies have been reported for BMI, 47 for height, 5 for waist circumference, and 2 for adiponectin level to the existing knowledge of the genetic framework of adiposity and related measures. It is necessary to examine more advanced adiposity measures, specifically of relevance to abdominal adiposity, a major risk factor for cardiometabolic disorders among Asians. Moreover, in spite of being one continent, there is diversity among different ethnicities across Asia in terms of lifestyle, climate, geography, genetic structure and consequently the phenotypic manifestations. Hence, it is also important to consider ethnic specific studies for identifying and validating reliable genetic variants of adiposity measures among Asians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) to multiple epitopes on the HIV-1-envelope glycoprotein (Env) have been isolated from infected persons. The potency of NAbs is measured more often than the size of the persistent fraction of infectivity at maximum neutralization, which may also influence preventive efficacy of active or passive immunization and the therapeutic outcome of the latter. Many NAbs neutralize HIV-1 CZA97.012, a clone of a Clade-C isolate, to ~100%. But here NAb PGT151, directed to a fusion-peptide epitope, left a persistent fraction of 15%. NAb PGT145, ligating the Env-trimer apex, left no detectable persistent fraction. The divergence in persistent fractions was further analyzed by depletion of pseudoviral populations of the most PGT151- and PGT145-reactive virions. Thereby, neutralization by the non-depleting NAb increased, whereas neutralization by the depleting NAb decreased. Furthermore, depletion by PGT151 increased sensitivity to autologous neutralization by sera from rabbits immunized with soluble native-like CZA97.012 trimer: substantial persistent fractions were reduced. NAbs in these sera target epitopes comprising residue D411 at the V4-β19 transition in a defect of the glycan shield on CZA97.012 Env. NAb binding to affinity-fractionated soluble native-like CZA97.012 trimer differed commensurately with neutralization in analyses by ELISA and surface plasmon resonance. Glycan differences between PGT151- and PGT145-purified trimer fractions were then demonstrated by mass spectrometry, providing one explanation for the differential antigenicity. These differences were interpreted in relation to a new structure at 3.4-Å resolution of the soluble CZA97.012 trimer determined by cryo-electron microscopy. The trimer adopted a closed conformation, refuting apex opening as the cause of reduced PGT145 binding to the PGT151-purified form. The evidence suggests that differences in binding and neutralization after trimer purification or pseudovirus depletion with PGT145 or PGT151 are caused by variation in glycosylation, and that some glycan variants affect antigenicity through direct effects on antibody contacts, whereas others act allosterically. Author summary: Neutralizing antibodies block the entry of HIV-1 into cells and protect against HIV-1 infection in animal models. Therefore, vaccination aims to elicit antibodies that potently neutralize most HIV-1 variants. Such antibodies suppress virus levels when given to HIV-1-infected patients. Their potency is often measured as the concentration that gives 50% or 80% neutralization. But higher degrees of neutralization are needed to protect an organism from infection. And for some antibodies a ceiling is reached, so that even with increasing concentration a constant fraction of infectious virus persists. We studied the carbohydrate moieties on the envelope glycoprotein, which is the sole target for neutralizing antibodies, of one HIV-1 isolate of the most widespread subtype, Clade C, prevalent in Africa and Asia. We show how differences in carbohydrates can contribute to persistent infectivity, because distinct carbohydrates fit different antibodies. With a new three-dimensional structure of the entry-mediating protein from the Clade-C isolate, we illustrate that some carbohydrate differences occur exactly where the antibodies bind, whereas others are located elsewhere and can act indirectly. When we combined two neutralizing antibodies, the persistent infectivity shrank. Our results reinforce the need for multiple specificities of neutralizing antibodies in prevention and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this research is to explore multiscale hedging strategies among cryptocurrencies, commodities, and GCC stocks. Particularly, this is done by evaluating the connectedness among these asset classes covering a period with COVID-19 implications. Using the wavelet approach, the present study aims to recommend whether there exist different time horizon-based hedging abilities across the asset classes. Design/methodology/approach: The approach used in this study is a multiscale decomposition of time series based on wavelets of daily prices of 13 asset classes. Since the wavelet analysis allows to decompose the time series into its frequency components at different time scales by a filtering process the study covered 1-day, 8-day, and 64-day time horizons to examine the hedging properties across those asset classes. Findings: The results of this study show that hedging effectiveness differs among stock markets over time. In some cases, cryptocurrencies may keep their hedging properties across time while in others they switch from safe haven to hedge devices. In almost all cases, the three main cryptocurrencies showed diversifying properties as was observed by the multiscale correlation and hedge ratio estimations. In a competing sense, gold showed safe haven properties across time than cryptocurrencies except at an 8-day time scale where hedge ratios were low, positive and statistically different from zero that could be interpreted as a good hedge device in the medium term. Research limitations/implications: Though this research has considered a set of thirteen asset classes, it was limited to a period in which most cryptocurrencies started trading for the first time which reduces the number of observations compared to Bitcoin prices and stable coins such as Ethereum, Ripple, and Bitcoin Cash. Also, the research was focused on the GCC stock markets which may have different results as compared to other regional markets of Asia or Latin America. A comparative analysis in future could be another area of research in future. Practical implications: This study has some significant policy implications. The cryptocurrency market is severely affected by demand and risk shocks to crude oil prices during the COVID-19 period. From the investor's point of view, diversification benefits can be obtained by combining cryptocurrencies along with oil-related products during episodes of financial turmoil and COVID-19 pandemic. The GCC region is constantly endeavoring to adopt more scientific tools and mechanisms of investment, and therefore, this study's results will provide some useful directions to the government, policymakers, financial institutions, and investors. Originality/value: The current study covers a big bunch of 13 assets spanning across financial and real assets. This is based on literature gap and hence, will be a significant addition to the existing literature. Moreover, the GCC region is emerging as a global investment hub and this study will provide investors dynamic hedging strategies across these asset classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Asia accounts for the largest burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide. This study examines the temporal patterns of CRC in Asia in the last three decades. Methods: The data pertaining to CRC burden measured by incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted-life-years (DALYs) and its risk factors for 49 countries in the Asian continent were drawn from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study between 1990 and 2019. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was employed as a proxy indicator of 5-year survival rates. Results: In Asia, incident cases more than tripled from 270,851 to 1.1 million, deaths tripled from 183,252 to 560,426, and DALYs more than doubled from 5 million to 13.4 million between 1990 and 2019. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) increased from 14.0/100,000 to 23.9/100,000, age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) increased from 10.1/100,000 to 12.5/100,000, and MIR decreased from 0.68 to 0.50 between 1990 and 2019. ASIR varied 10-folds across countries from 5.6/100,000 in Bangladesh to 62.0/100,000 in Taiwan in 2019 and ASMR from 4.9/1000 in Bangladesh to 30.3/100,000 in Brunei. In 2019, diet low in milk (18.7%) and whole grains (15.2%) and calcium (16.6%) were the major contributory risk factors in CRC DALYs in 2019. Conclusion: CRC is a fast-rising neoplasm in Asia and its burden can be curtailed by focusing on primary prevention (e.g., diet and physical activity) and secondary prevention through screening. The policy focus and resources must be directed towards capacity building, including cancer infrastructure and quality data availability from cancer registries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is estimated to contribute to approximately 7 million premature deaths, of which around 4.5 million deaths are linked to ambient (outdoor) air pollution. The deaths attributed to air pollution rank the highest in the Asian region, and thus, the implementation of the stricter World Health Organization (WHO) Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) released on 22 September 2021 will generate the greatest health benefits in the Asian region. Here we present some key messages and recommendations at national, regional, and global levels to promote the strategies for implementation of the ambitious WHO 2021 AQGs in the Asian region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health issue, with Asia accounting for one of the highest CKD prevalence worldwide. This study examines the burden of CKD in Asian continent in the last three decades. Data and Methods: The estimates of age, sex and year wise burden of CKD for 49 countries in Asia for 1990 to 2019 were procured from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Findings: In 2019, there were 9.8 million [9.0–10.6 million] new cases and 763 024 [696 050–823 829] deaths due to CKD in Asia. Between 1990 and 2019, CKD prevalence doubled from 202.4 million [186.5–219.1 million] to 431.2 [400.3–462.0 million]. Although age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of CKD increased from 170.6 [156.7–186.2] in 1990 to 206.3 [190.4–223.4] per 100 000 person‐years in 2019, the age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) witnessed a modest reduction from 18.4/100 000 [17.0–20.1] to 17.3/100 000 [15.7–18.7]. In 2019, the ASIR spanned from 141.9/100 000 [126.2–159.2] in Tajikistan to 561.4/100 000 [524.6–598.6] in Saudi Arabia, and ASMR varied from 8.9/100 000 [7.2–9.8] in Japan to Saudi Arabia (52.9 [42.8–63.1]). Between 1990 and 2019, absolute count of CKD incident cases, deaths, prevalent cases and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) increased 100% or more in 48/49, 32/49, 43/49 and 23/49 countries, respectively. Interpretation: CKD is widespread in the Asian region, with an alarming burden in resource‐constrained countries. Strategies such as promoting awareness, screening among high‐risk individuals, provision of cost‐effective therapies, and increased healthcare coverage could help deal with the CKD epidemic in Asia. SUMMARY AT GLANCE: This study examines the temporal pattern of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 49 countries in Asia in the last three decades. In Asia, all‐age incident cases, prevalent cases, and death counts of CKD have more than doubled from 1990 to 2019. Age‐specific prevalence and incidence (both counts and rates) were higher in females, while age‐specific deaths and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) (both counts and rates) were higher in males. In all Asian countries, high systolic blood pressure, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body‐mass index were the top three contributory risk factors to CKD DALYs and deaths in 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fluid therapy in critically ill patients, especially timing and fluid choice, is controversial. Previous randomized trials produced conflicting results. This observational study evaluated the effect of colloid use on 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (RIFLE F) within the Rational Fluid Therapy in Asia (RaFTA) registry in intensive care units. Materials and methods: RaFTA is a prospective, observational study in Asian intensive care unit (ICU) patients focusing on fluid therapy and related outcomes. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for increased 90-day mortality and acute kidney injury (AKI). Results: Twenty-four study centers joined the RaFTA registry and collected 3,187 patient data sets from November 2011 to September 2012. A follow-up was done 90 days after ICU admission. For 90-day mortality, significant risk factors in the overall population were sepsis at admission (OR 2.185 [1.799; 2.654], p < 0.001), cumulative fluid balance (OR 1.032 [1.018; 1.047], p < 0.001), and the use of vasopressors (OR 3.409 [2.694; 4.312], p < 0.001). The use of colloids was associated with a reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR 0.655 [0.478; 0.900], p = 0.009). The initial colloid dose was not associated with an increased risk for AKI (OR 1.094 [0.754; 1.588], p = 0.635). Conclusion: RaFTA adds the important finding that colloid use was not associated with increased 90-day mortality or AKI after adjustment for baseline patient condition. Clinical significance: Early resuscitation with colloids showed potential mortality benefit in the present analysis. Elucidating these findings may be an approach for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha-curcas biodiesel has recently been considered as one of the potential renewable energy sources in Asia. This biodiesel is produced through the transesterification process of the non-edible oil obtained from Jatropha-curcas. The properties of this biodiesel are quite similar to those of diesel fuel. However, high viscosity of pure Jatropha-curcas biodiesel adversely affects engine performance. Hence, the percentage of Jatrophacurcas biodiesel that will not cause any adverse effect on the engine must be determined. In this context, this paper experimentally investigates the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of a direct injection compression ignition engine fuelled with 25%, 50% and 100% volume basis Jatropha-curcas biodiesel with diesel. Results showed that the Jatropha-curcas biodiesel and its blends demonstrated lower values for brake thermal efficiency and exhaust emission levels than diesel, but not for nitrogen oxide levels and brake specific fuel consumption. It was observed that the blend containing 25% Jatropha-curcas biodiesel (BD25) was the best alternative for diesel fuel based on engine emissions and overall performance. Therefore, BD25 could be considered a potential alternative fuel for compression ignition engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The re-examination of the existing economic and environmental policies in the South and Southeast Asian countries seems to be necessary, as these countries are struggling to achieve the goals of sustainable development. For designing a long-term environmental policy, we intended to examine whether the selected economic and demographic indicators have influenced the ecological footprint in the eight developing countries of Asia from 1990 to 2015. The use of pooled mean group (PMG) approach allowed driving the long-run common coefficients, which may facilitate us to develop a common policy framework for fortifying the environmental quality. The computed results confirmed that the selected variables are cointegrated in the long run, and the variables, i.e., per capita income, nonrenewable energy usage, urbanization, fertility rate, and population density are observed as the significant drivers of the environmental pollution. Moreover, the consumption of renewable energy restored the environmental quality in these countries. Based on the results, we recommended the need for the diversification of the energy-basket for enhancement of the use of renewable energy resources. Further, through sensitization of the necessity of environmental conservation, the governments should promote less carbon-intense economic and demographic practices across the industries and sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat and sorghum are the main dieter cereals for millions of people in Africa and Asia. Their nutritive value in wheat and sorghum is limited due to presence of several anti-nutritional substances such as tannins, phytic acid, proteinase inhibitors and cyanogenic glycosides. Phytic acid (PA) or myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) in salt form known as phytate is the principal storage form of phosphorus in plant tissues, typically accounting for 60-90% of total seed phosphorous. Phytase enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of phytate and releases the phosphate for absorption. This study explains the use of different methods for the reduction of PA content in wheat and sorghum such as soaking, cooking, roasting and fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Among all the methods, fermentation using LAB was found to be effective in reduction of PA. LAB was isolated from the curd sample and fermentation of wheat and sorghum flour was carried out to reduce the PA content. The effect of different fermentation conditions such as pH, temperature and incubation time was also carried out. The results have shown that the optimal fermentation conditions for reduction of PA in wheat and sorghum flour using LAB were; pH- 6 (wheat) and 6.5 (sorghum), temperature 32 °C (wheat) and 37 °C (sorghum) and fermentation time of 4 to 6 h for both wheat and sorghum. The percentage of reduction of PA using fermentation process was compared with the other methods such as soaking, cooking and roasting process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Few traditions in South Asia have the antiquity and universal acceptance of betel quid and areca nut chewing. Its popularity dates back to ancient times in the South-Asian community with a foundation based on four factors, i.e. social acceptability, religious beliefs, perceived health benefits and addiction. We aim to provide an overview of its use in the South Asian region. Methods: We performed an electronic search on Medline, Embase and Google Scholar to identify the origins of the various betel quid and areca nut practices pertaining to the South Asian region along with their social and cultural influences. We also studied the prevalence across the region and the health effects, especially carcinogenic, along with the impact of diverse immigration today. Results: Other than the debate of where it originates, there is a diverse plethora of terms and methods of use of areca nut and betel quid in the region. Although established as a known carcinogen, the incidence is high, especially in the Indian subcontinent, with very few studies focusing on its use alone (without tobacco). The effect of globalization and increased movement of Asians across borders is resulting in changes in the patterns of diseases as well due to wider dissemination of areca nut and betel quid use. Conclusions: There is a huge loss of lives due to the addiction that areca nut causes. Governments need to tightly regulate the laws and set up tailored programs to tackle this specific issue in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of financial markets development on the financing choice of firms in developing and developed Asian market economies. The panel data regression models were used for a mean total of 6506 non-financial listed companies during 1995–2016 for 12 Asian economics. The estimated econometric models included short-term, long-term and total debt-equity ratios as dependent variables which were regressed on financial markets development variables (such as banking sector development and stock market development indicators) along with macroeconomic variables (such as inflation, GDP growth, FDI and firm-specific variables (such as ratio of total assets to GDP, ratio of dividends to total assets and ratio of net sales to net fixed assets) as control variables. Also, financing choice of firms in developed and developing stock markets was estimated by splitting the sample into subsamples of developing and developed stock markets. The financial development indicators such as domestic credit to private sector by banks and stock market capitalization exhibited contrasting differences between the selected developing and developed Asian economies. The econometric results indicated that the banking sector and stock market development indicators significantly have opposite effects on the financing choice of the selected firms: banking variable is associated with a rise in the debt-equity ratio whereas stock market variable is associated with a fall in leverage ratio. The econometric effects of stock market development on firms financing choices in developing and developed stock markets showed a remarkable divergence. The evidence indicated that the estimated coefficient of the banking sector indicator in the developed stock market subsample was consistently negative for all the three leverage ratios whereas the coefficient in the developing stock market subsample was positive and significant. The important conclusion of the study is that though banking sector and stock market play different roles are however, complementary to each other suggesting that the policymakers should aim to develop banking sector and stock market simultaneously which will help firms to design their optimal financing choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To clarify the status of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) in the Asia/Oceania region. Methods: Survey questionnaires were sent out to the representative of AOFOG countries. They consisted of questions on the general status of MIGS, the clinical indication of MIGS, cost coverage, company support, training and certification for MIGS, patient preference for MIGS and requirements for the AOFOG. Results: Developmental stage of MIGS in this region was roughly divided into three categories: fully developed countries, countries in the developmental stage and countries in the rudimentary stage. Clinical indication of MIGS and training opportunity of young doctors were correlated with the developmental stage. Conclusion: Support by AOFOG should be considered according to the developmental stage of each country. Collecting updated information on MIGS in each member country is important to provide adequate support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This introduction explains the rationale for this special issue of Asian Security. It begins with a short discussion about the relevance and the utility of the term "security dilemma" in international relations. The concept, which emerged during the Cold War, has since been used extensively to describe India-China relations. This special issue attempts to add to our understanding of the India-China relationship as well as to contribute to enriching the theoretical literature in a number of ways. First, it represents the first detailed effort to present a set of analyses that encompasses theory, history, and the full spectrum of strategic issue areas to explain the dynamics of a key contemporary inter-state relationship involving China and India. Second, the analysis reveals the complexity of security dilemma politics by highlighting how states respond to their predicament in different ways. Third, this special issue draws attention to an area that has been largely neglected in the literature: the relationship between the security dilemma as a concept and domestic politics. Finally, a case can be made that a security dilemma-type response in a situation that does not demand it may actually create a dilemma where none existed before. These and other complexities are abundant in this collection of articles. The chapter concludes by summarizing the main arguments presented by the contributors to this special issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women's sexual dysfunction is found to be highly prevalent in western and Indian literature. Limited studies are available on drug naive depression in western literature and in Indian population. Aim: To determine the prevalence rate and symptom profile of female sexual dysfunctions in patients with untreated depression. Design: A cross-sectional study in the psychiatry out-patient department of general hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: Following written informed consent female sexual functioning index (FSFI) and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX)-female version and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD -17 item) on 30 cases and 30 controls was administered. Sociodemographic data, pattern and type of sexual dysfunctions were enquired. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, contingency co-efficient analysis and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The mean score of HAMD 17 item in study group was 19.13. The study showed that female sexual dysfunction was 70.3% in study group compared to 43.3% in control FSFI scores above 16 in HAMD had dysfunction of 76% with FSFI in study group. With ASEX-F sexual dysfunction was 73.3% in study compared to 20% in control. Scores above 16 in HAMD had 80% of sexual dysfunction with ASEX-F in study group. Conclusion: The study found that ASEX-F co-related better with HAMD 17 item. Following the onset of depression, the incidence of sexual dysfunction started at an early age in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Striped murrel (Channa striata) is a high-value food fish in South and Southeast Asian countries with substantial medicinal properties. High growth rate, consumer preference and year-round market demand insist its candidacy in aquaculture. In addition, striped murrel is suitable for high-density intensive farming systems due to its air-breathing ability. In recent years, the decline in their capture fisheries pressurized the need to increase the culture production of striped murrel. Presently, the culture production of striped murrel is very limited and primarily depends on natural breeding for seed supply. Hence, the artificial seed production of striped murrel must be encouraged to facilitate continuous seed supply for culture operations. This review discusses up-to-date knowledge on captive seed production of striped murrel, emphasizing the recent developments including hormone pellet implantation and captive maturation of broodstock, inducing hormone dosage manipulation, weaning and cannibalism management, nutritional and environmental interventions to increase breeding success and profit in mass-scale striped murrel seed production. The present review will provide comprehensive current understanding on captive breeding and seed rearing of striped murrel which would render opportunity to the researchers and academicians for further investigation on the subject and help hatchery owners and fish farmers to enhance the seed production and culture of the priced fish. • Male breeders are most affected by captivity than females. • The controlled-release hormone pellet implantation induces captive maturation. • Striped murrels are more responsive to human chorionic gonadotropins (hCG). • Increased hormonal dosage for male (75% of female) is beneficial in reproductive success. • Mouth size synchronous feeding to the larvae reduces cannibalism in later stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Total or red meat intake has been shown to be associated with a higher risk of mortality in Western populations, but little is known of the risks in Asian populations. Objective: We examined temporal trends in meat consumption and associations between meat intake and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Asia. Design: We used ecological data from the United Nations to compare country-specific meat consumption. Separately, 8 Asian prospective cohort studies in Bangladesh, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan consisting of 112,310 men and 184,411 women were followed for 6.6 to 15.6 y with 24,283 all-cause, 9558 cancer, and 6373 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths. We estimated the study-specific HRs and 95% CIs by using a Cox regression model and pooled them by using a random-effects model. Results: Red meat consumption was substantially lower in the Asian countries than in the United States. Fish and seafood consumption was higher in Japan and Korea than in the United States. Our pooled analysis found no association between intake of total meat (red meat, poultry, and fish/seafood) and risks of all-cause, CVD, or cancer mortality among men and women; HRs (95% CIs) for all-cause mortality from a comparison of the highest with the lowest quartile were 1.02 (0.91, 1.15) in men and 0.93 (0.86, 1.01) in women. Conclusions: Ecological data indicate an increase in meat intake in Asian countries; however, our pooled analysis did not provide evidence of a higher risk of mortality for total meat intake and provided evidence of an inverse association with red meat, poultry, and fish/seafood. Red meat intake was inversely associated with CVD mortality in men and with cancer mortality in women in Asian countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Descriptions of dengue immunopathogenesis have largely relied on data from South-east Asia and America, while India is poorly represented. This study characterizes dengue cases from Pune, Western India, with respect to clinical profile and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Methodology/Principal Findings: In 2005, 372 clinically suspected dengue cases were tested by MAC-ELISA and RT-PCR for dengue virus (DENV) aetiology. The clinical profile was recorded at the hospital. Circulating levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 were assessed by ELISA and secondary infections were defined by IgM to IgG ratio. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS 11.0 version. Of the 372 individuals, 221 were confirmed to be dengue cases. Three serotypes, DENV-1, 2 and 3 were co-circulating and one case of dual infection was identified. Of 221 cases, 159 presented with Dengue fever (DF) and 62 with Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) of which six had severe DHF and one died of shock. There was a strong association of rash, abdominal pain and conjunctival congestion with DHF. Levels of IFN-γ were higher in DF whereas IL-6 and IL-8 were higher in DHF cases (p<0.05). The mean levels of the three cytokines were higher in secondary compared to primary infections. Levels of IFN-γ and IL-8 were higher in early samples collected 2-5 days after onset than late samples collected 6-15 days after onset. IFN-γ showed significant decreasing time trend (p = 0.005) and IL-8 levels showed increasing trend towards significance in DHF cases (interaction p = 0.059). There was a significant association of IL-8 levels with thrombocytopenia and both IFN-γ and IL-8 were positively associated with alanine transaminase levels. Conclusions/Significance: Rash, abdominal pain and conjunctival congestion could be prognostic symptoms for DHF. High levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were shown to associate with DHF. The time trend of IFN-γ and IL-8 levels had greater significance than absolute values in DHF pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two types of Neoproterozoic metabasites occur together with regionally intruded arc-related Neoproterozoic granitoids (ca. 850–830 Ma) in the Hongseong area, southwestern Gyeonggi Massif, South Korea, which is the extension of the Dabie–Sulu collision belt in China. The first type of metabasite (the Bibong and Baekdong metabasites) is a MORB-like back-arc basin basalt or gabbro formed at ca. 890–860 Ma. The Bibong and Baekdong metabasites may have formed during back-arc opening by diapiric upwelling of deep asthenospheric mantle which was metasomatized by large ion lithophile element (LILE) enriched melt or fluid derived from the subducted slab and/or subducted sediment beneath the arc axis. The second type of metabasite (the Gwangcheon metabasite) formed in a plume-related intra-continental rift setting at 763.5±18.3 Ma and is geochemically similar to oceanic island basalt (OIB). These data indicate a transition in tectonic setting in the Hongseong area from arc to intra-continental rift between ca. 830 and 760 Ma. This transition is well correlated to the Neoproterozoic transition from arc to intra-continental rift tectonic setting at the margin of the Yangtze Craton and corresponds to the amalgamation and breakup of Rodinia Supercontinent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chikungunya is an arboviral infection that re-emerged in several Asian countries during 2005–2006 after a long period of quiescence. Several microbial, climatic, social and economic factors influenced the occurrence of this disease as well as the rapidity with which it swept across many countries resulting in significant morbidity. Prevention and control of such diseases require not only a strong public health infrastructure but also a precise understanding of the factors that provide a conducive environment for the virus to propagate and infect a large number of people in a short time period. A multipronged response with an active role by the communities is critical for combating chikungunya and other emerging infectious diseases. The paper discusses important lessons that can be learned from the recent outbreaks of chikungunya fever in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steadily improving per capita income level, energy consumption, and delivery of financial services in South and Southeast Asian countries has remained a subject of discussion among policymakers. Because these endeavors have not only elevated their growth trajectory but also widened the scope for carbon emissions, especially in the preceding two decades. In order to confirm this argument, therefore, in the present study, we intended to examine their dynamic impacts on carbon emissions. In this pursuit, by using the second-generation unit-root test, cointegration test, and panel regression procedures, we investigated the moderating impact of energy solutions on the association between per capita income and CO 2 emissions and financial development and CO 2 emissions from 1976 to 2015. The computed results revealed that the energy's interaction with the linear per capita income significantly escalated carbon emissions in the long run. However, the impact of energy's interaction with the squared per capita income on carbon emissions is found insignificant but positive in the long run. On the other hand, the interaction of energy with financial development provided a negative but insignificant coefficient. Based on the outcomes, we can ascertain that, at the lower level of income, energy consumption leads to environmental pollution, whereas at the higher level of income, its harmful effect on carbon emissions becomes weak in the given regions. By taking a cue from the computed results, we proposed a policy framework that might help these regions to navigate the energy-led environmental challenges in the coming years. Examining the direct and moderating role of energy solutions on the carbon emissions in the eleven developing countries of Asia. Notes: Regular lines are used to represent the direct effects, whereas, the dotted lines represent the interaction effect. Here (+) = positive impact, (−) = negative impact, sig. = significant influence, and insig. = insignificant influence. [Display omitted] • The direct and moderating impacts of energy consumption on CO 2 emissions are investigated. • The interaction between energy solutions and per capita income raised CO 2 emissions. • The interaction between financial development and energy solutions had a negative and insignificant impact on CO 2 emissions. • Per capita income, energy solutions, and financial development intensified carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparison of labour productivity and output growth of Asian countries with the U.S. It shows that the per worker measures of labour productivity growth of Asian countries exceed the labour productivity in the U.S., with labour productivity growth in India at 5.6% per annum on average from 2000 to 2011. India has achieved a positive labour productivity growth by industry from 2000 to 2011.

Economic and demographic transitions led by the persistent increase in the per capita income have challenged the environmental conservation drive in most of the developing nations. Therefore, in recent years, policymakers emphasized the need for navigating the harmful impacts of economic growth endeavors on the established ecosystem. In this regard, the widespread usage of renewable energy solutions has helped in restoring the environmental quality in both developed and developing countries. Keeping this in mind, in the present study, we examined the long run and short-run impacts of per capita income, renewable energy, life expectancy, and population density on the ecological footprint in the eight developing countries of South and Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2015. In the selected nations, these variables appear to be the potential drivers of the ecological footprint. To calculate the common coefficients, we have employed the cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) approach, as this approach handles the cross-sectional dependency issue efficiently and provides the short-run and long-run coefficients. The long-run results supported the need for low pollution-intense energy resources because the association between per capita income and ecological footprint is found N-shaped. Further, the study established that the increased use of renewable energy has significantly reduced the ecological footprint in the region. However, the increased population density has led to an increase in pollution emissions in these countries. Similarly, the impact of life expectancy on the ecological footprint is found positive but insignificant. Based on the findings, a multipronged policy framework has been designed, so that these nations can attain the objectives of certain sustainable development goals (SDGs). Determining the factors influencing ecological footprint in emerging economies of Asia (1990–2015). Notes: (- sig.) = negative and significant, (+sig.) = positive and significant, and (+insig.) = positive and insignificant. Image 1 • In relation to the ecological footprint, the study confirms the N-shaped EKC. • Renewable energy consumption contributes to improve environmental quality in the long run. • 1% increase in population density widens the scope for ecological footprint by 0.139%. • Impact of life expectancy on ecological footprint has remained positive but insignificant during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Striped snakehead, Channa striata is a potential candidate species for diversification of aquaculture in Asia. • Broodstock developed in concrete tanks with sustained hCG implant resulted in increased gonadosomatic index and ova size. • Hormone implanted fishes showed better egg output, fertilization and hatching rate. • Method of broodstock development and captive breeding might help in the mass scale seed production of striped snakehead. In the present study, there was assessment of effects of gonadotropin treatments on broodstock maturation, induced breeding, and spawning outcomes of striped snakehead in captivity. The striped snakehead (n = 128) were equally distributed in four concrete tanks (15 m2) and hormone implants (500 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/kg body weight) were inserted intramuscularly and striped snakehead broodstock administered this treatment were confined in two tanks and striped snakehead of a non-implanted group were confined in two tanks. The hormone implanted striped snakehead had a greater (P < 0.05) gonadosomatic index (GSI) and oocyte diameter in comparison to non-implanted striped snakehead. In a subsequent experiment, hCG and carp pituitary homogenate (CPH) were evaluated for inducing breeding. Dosages of hCG used were, 2,000 (T H1), 3000 (T H2), and 4000 (T H3) IU hCG/kg body weight of females. Dosages of CPH were, 20 (T P1), 30 (T P2), and 40 (T P3) mg CPH/kg body weight of females. Males were administered 0.75 of the dosage administered to females. The values for reproductive variables were estimated. Fertilization (89.0 ± 3.0 %) and hatching (92.0 ± 1.0 %) rates were greater (P < 0.05) in the T H1 group of implanted striped snakehead. Relative fecundity (19,023 ± 2211), as well as fertilization (96.2 ± 2.4 %), and hatching (96.6 ± 1.7 %) rates were greater in the T P2 group of the implanted striped snakehead. The results from the present study indicate broodstock treated with gonadotropins had greater spawning outcomes which might facilitate mass scale breeding and fertilized egg as well as juvenile production of striped snakehead in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report on the labor productivity growth, capital deepening growth, in terms of information technology (IT), non IT capital and total productivity growth in major Asian countries in the last two decades. It shows that capital accumulation is a necessary step to economic growth, and that countries may go through cycles of capital accumulation and assimilation. Labor productivity was found to have accelerated in India and China during the period.

Vertebral hemangiomas are benign but highly vascular lesions and are one of the most common lesions of the vertebral column. Anterior soft-tissue compression of spinal cord due to vertebral body hemangioma is challenging to manage. Our objective was to assess long-term clinical and radiologic effects of direct transpedicular absolute alcohol embolization, laminectomy, and short-segment instrumented fusion on resolution of extraosseous epidural soft tissue and improvement in myelopathy in cases of vertebral hemangioma causing anterior soft-tissue compression. This was a retrospective analysis that included patients with single-level vertebral hemangioma with anterior intraspinal soft-tissue growth causing spinal cord compression and clinical features of myelopathy between June 2007 and June 2019 at authors' institute. Transpedicular vertebral body injection of absolute alcohol, laminectomy, and pedicle screw rod instrumentation was performed in all patients. Clinicoradiologic outcomes of surgery were noted. We proposed a grading system for the extent of anterior extraosseous epidural soft-tissue compression. In total, 14 patients were included in study. Their mean age was 28.4 ± 14.4 years. Mean follow-up duration was 67.5 ± 36.2 months. All patients had preoperative radiologic grade 4 compression. Postoperative radiologic grading improved to grade 1 in 4 (28.6%), grade 2 in 8 (57.1%), and grade 3 in 2 (14.3%). All the patients improved neurologically after surgery. Eleven patients improved to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade E, 2 improved to ASIA D, and 1 improved to ASIA C at the last follow-up visit. Vertebral hemangiomas with anterior extraosseous epidural extension causing spinal canal compromise and myelopathy can be managed with direct transpedicular ethanol embolization, laminectomy, and short-segment instrumented fusion with resolution of the extraosseous soft tissue and improvement in myelopathy. The procedure is relatively simple, cost effective, and has a good outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Genetic differences in the target proteins, metabolizing enzymes and transporters that contribute to inter-individual differences in drug response are not integrated in contemporary drug development programs. Ayurveda, that has propelled many drug discovery programs albeit for the search of new chemical entities incorporates inter-individual variability “ Prakriti ” in development and administration of drug in an individualized manner. Prakriti of an individual largely determines responsiveness to external environment including drugs as well as susceptibility to diseases. Prakriti has also been shown to have molecular and genomic correlates. We highlight how integration of Prakriti concepts can augment the efficiency of drug discovery and development programs through a unique initiative of Ayurgenomics TRISUTRA consortium. Methods Five aspects that have been carried out are (1) analysis of variability in FDA approved pharmacogenomics genes/SNPs in exomes of 72 healthy individuals including predominant Prakriti types and matched controls from a North Indian Indo-European cohort (2) establishment of a consortium network and development of five genetically homogeneous cohorts from diverse ethnic and geo-climatic background (3) identification of parameters and development of uniform standard protocols for objective assessment of Prakriti types (4) development of protocols for Prakriti evaluation and its application in more than 7500 individuals in the five cohorts (5) Development of data and sample repository and integrative omics pipelines for identification of genomic correlates. Results Highlight of the study are (1) Exome sequencing revealed significant differences between Prakriti types in 28 SNPs of 11 FDA approved genes of pharmacogenomics relevance viz. CYP2C19, CYP2B6, ESR1, F2, PGR, HLA-B, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DRB1, LDLR, CFTR, CPS1. These variations are polymorphic in diverse Indian and world populations included in 1000 genomes project. (2) Based on the phenotypic attributes of Prakriti we identified anthropometry for anatomical features, biophysical parameters for skin types, HRV for autonomic function tests, spirometry for vital capacity and gustometry for taste thresholds as objective parameters. (3) Comparison of Prakriti phenotypes across different ethnic, age and gender groups led to identification of invariant features as well as some that require weighted considerations across the cohorts. Conclusion Considering the molecular and genomics differences underlying Prakriti and relevance in disease pharmacogenomics studies, this novel integrative platform would help in identification of differently susceptible and drug responsive population. Additionally, integrated analysis of phenomic and genomic variations would not only allow identification of clinical and genomic markers of Prakriti for application in personalized medicine but also its integration in drug discovery and development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Betelvine (Piper betle L.) is an economically and medicinally important cash crop valued for its fresh leaves in many countries of Asia. The leaves are widely used in the Indian system of medicine for treatment of conjunctivitis, headache, rheumatism etc. Further, the leaf essential oil possesses many volatile constituents like eugenol, chavibetol and hydroxyl chavibetol. The substantial antiseptic property of betel oil is due to the presence of a bioactive constituent chavibetol. In the present report, chemical profiling and bioactivity study of thirty landraces has been reported. The yield of essential oil was highest in landrace L10 (0.53 %) followed by L8 (0.4 %). Constituent identification through GC-MS analysis showed fifty-four compounds representing 82.07–98.94 % of the total essential oil. Chavibetol was found to be the major constituent ranging from 23.52 % to 81.32 %. Highest percentage of chavibetol was found in L10 (81.32 %) followed by L6 (71.14 %) and L29 (63.25 %). Highest antioxidant activity was also recorded in L10. Inhibition zone diameter (IZD) and Minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) assay were determined against some multi drug resistant bacterial strains such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae. Depending upon the essential oil quality and bioactivity, five landraces of betelvine were selected as elite landraces. Selected elite germplasms with high essential oil and chavibetol content will boost the export potential of betelvine. The present report will be helpful for future improvement of betelvine cultivars and boost commercial potential of this crop. • Betelvine essential oil possess antifungal, antioxidant and anticancer properties. • Significant difference in essential oil yield from different regions. • Essential oil with high chavibetol showed high antioxidant activity. • Five land races (L1, L5, L6, L10, L29) were selected as elite landraces. • No significant variation in essential oil during different seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An updated prehistoric AMH dispersal route in and out of NE India has been unveiled. • TrOC-linked autosomal loci & mtDNA-based marker predicted feasible migration route. • Prehistoric AMH dispersal probably linked with the high TrOC prevalence in NE India. • Back-migration from SE Asia (∼4kya) most likely introduced the TrOC-causing traits. • MtDNA-HG 'R' significantly associated with the risk of TrOC (OR > 9.5) in NE India. Northeast (NE) India is a subject of debate for predicting its involvement in prehistoric anatomically modern human (AMH) dispersal. The unique lifestyle and genetic characteristics of native ethnic groups in this region are believed to be responsible for their susceptibility to tobacco-related oral cancer (TrOC). The present study assessed mitochondrial macro-haplogroup (mHG) diversity and TrOC susceptibility autosomal loci to evaluate the impact of prehistoric AMH dispersal on the present day's high TrOC prevalence in major NE Indian ethnics. We considered 175 unrelated individuals from 35 ethnic groups and previously published 374 sequences for sequencing-based assessment of mtDNA-based marker by subsequent analyses like haplogroup diversity, phylogenetic, genetic structure by AMOVA, and MDS, descriptive statistics of demographic parameters, and migration analysis. Besides, we selected prolonged tobacco-chewing 124 case-control individuals from similar ethnic backgrounds for genotyping 115 autosomal loci in Sequenom iPLEX MassARRAY™ platform and mined 1000genome data (n = 398) for consequent global admixture and ancestry-specific allele frequencies-based analyses. Our mtDNA-based findings suggested that NE populations were distinct from other Indian populations, owing to the first wave of migration from ancient southern China (∼54kya) and two successive spatial expansion events at ∼45kya and ∼43kya. Consequently, it probably acted as another source for prehistoric AMH dispersal in N/NE Asia. Besides, the second wave of back-migration from SE Asia (∼40kya) probably replaced the mitochondrial footprints of survivors from the first migrants and introduced the TrOC susceptibility traits in this region. Afterward, the autosomal marker-based observations on the transition of the disease-associated admixture component 'K6' from SE Asia reconfirmed these results. Moreover, we also observed that the mitochondrial mHG 'R' is significantly associated with the risk of TrOC (OR > 9.5) in NE India. Furthermore, the possible onset of the phenotypic expression of those traits was predicted at ∼4kya, thus, contributing to present-day's TrOC prevalence. This study reflects its uniqueness by revealing an updated AMH dispersal route for the peopling in and out of NE India, which probably introduced the disease-causing traits in the ancestral NE Indian population. Those traits were then imprinted in their genome to get transferred through their respective generations, forming the present-day's TrOC-prevalent NE Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the predictors of achieving and maintaining guideline-recommended glycemic control in people with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.Methods: We analyzed data from the Centre for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction in South Asia (CARRS) Trial (n = 1146), to identify groups that achieved guideline-recommended glycemic control (HbA1c < 7%) and those that remained persistently poorly controlled (HbA1c > 9%) over a median of 28 months of follow-up. We used generalized estimation equations (GEE) analysis for each outcome i.e. achieving guideline-recommended control and persistently poorly controlled and constructed four regression models (demographics, disease-related, self-care, and other risk factors) separately to identify predictors of HbA1c < 7% and HbA1c > 9% at the end of the trial, adjusting for trial group assignment and site.Results: In the final multivariate model, adherence to prescribed medications (RR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.95), adherence to diet plans (RR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.43, 2.23) and middle-aged: 50-64 years (RR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02-1.71) were associated with achieving guideline-recommended control (HbA1c < 7%). Presence of microvascular complications (RR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.53-0.92) reduced the probability of achieving guideline-recommended glycemic control (HbA1c 7%). Further, longer duration of diabetes (>15 years), RR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.72, hyperlipidemia, RR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.34 and younger age group (35-49 years vs. >64 years: RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.47-0.79) were associated with persistently poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 9%).Conclusion: To achieve and maintain guideline-recommended glycemic control, care delivery models must put additional emphasis and effort on patients with longer disease duration, younger people and those having microvascular complications and hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]