The “Fate of Minorities” in the Early Afro-Asian Struggle for Decolonization

This article explores the significance of minority rights to postcolonial internationalism by examining an emerging Afro-Asian collective at the United Nations in the late 1940s. As postcolonial nations became UN member-states, they fostered transnational solidarity through the Arab-Asian group, a predecessor of the Afro-Asian bloc, and constructed an anti-imperial project that directly engaged with the making of the new international human rights system. However, the Arab-Asian group did not advance minority rights in their struggle for decolonization at the UN. Instead, they favored a gradual path toward formal self-rule and the recognition of national self-determination that worked within the international order, most clearly expressed through the removal of a minority rights article in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Postmenopausal Chinese-Singaporean Women Have a Higher Ratio of Visceral to Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Volume Than Caucasian Women of the Same Age and BMI

Central fat accumulation is a significant determinant of cardio-metabolic health risk, known to differ between ethnically distinct human populations. Despite evidence for preferential central adiposity in Asian populations, the proportional distribution between the subcutaneous and visceral compartments in Chinese postmenopausal women has not been thoroughly investigated. For this analysis, volumetrically quantified subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue (SAT, VAT) in the pelvic and abdominal regions of postmenopausal Asian (Chinese-Singaporean) and Caucasian (German) women matched for age and Body Mass Index (BMI) was undertaken, to examine such differences between the two groups. Volumes were calculated from segmentations of magnetic resonance imaging datasets of the abdomen and pelvis. Despite SAT, VAT, and the corresponding total adipose tissue (TAT) being similar between the groups, VAT/SAT and VAT/TAT were higher in the Asian group (by 24.5% and 18.2%, respectively, each p = 0.02). Further, VAT/SAT and VAT/TAT were positively correlated with BMI in the Caucasian group only (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). We concluded that VAT is proportionally higher in the non-obese Asian women, compared to the Caucasian women of matched age and BMI. This conclusion is in agreement with existing literature showing higher abdominal adiposity in Asian populations. Additionally, in the Asian group, BMI did not correlate with visceral adiposity on a significant level. Further analysis is required to examine the extent to which this increased VAT may impact cardio-metabolic health. There is, however, a need to emphasize healthy lifestyle behaviors in non-obese post-menopausal women of Chinese ancestry.

Portuguese-Lexified Creoles

The Portuguese colonial enterprise has had myriad and long-lasting consequences, not the least of which involves language. The many Portuguese-lexified creole languages in Africa and Asia are the product of Portugal’s colonial past. The creoles to be discussed that developed in Africa belong to two subgroups: the Upper Guinea Creoles (Cape Verdean, Guiné Bissau Creole, Casamance Creole) and the Gulf of Guinea Creoles (Santome, Angolar, Principense, Fa d’Ambô). Among the Asian Portuguese creoles, three subgroups are distinguishable, based on shared linguistic traits: the northern Indian group (Diu, Daman, Korlai), which retains some verbal morphology from Portuguese and distinguishes the subject/object case and informal-formal forms in the pronominal systems; Sri Lanka Creole, which retains less Portuguese verbal morphology but distinguishes the subject/object case and informal-formal forms in the pronominal system; and the East Asian group (Papiá Kristang, Makista), which retains very little, if any, Portuguese verbal morphology and has no informal-formal or subject/object case distinctions in the pronominal systems. Despite these differences, all creoles share a common lexicon, to a large extent, and, to varying degrees, aspects of Portuguese culture.

Meta-Analysis of Renal Replacement Therapy for Burn Patients: Incidence Rate, Mortality, and Renal Outcome

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) was often needed by some severe burn patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). The primary aim of this study was to review incidence rate and mortality of RRT in severe burn patients. Second aims were to review RRT complications and renal outcome.Methods: We searched multiple databases for studies published between 1 January 1960 and 31 December 2019. Studies about adult populations with burn injury, providing epidemiologic data on prevalence or mortality of RRT, were included.Results: A total of selected 57 studies, including 27,437 patients were enrolled in our analysis. The prevalence rates of RRT were 8.34% (95% CI 7.18–9.5%) in all burn patients and 37.05% (95% CI 29.85–44.24%) in AKI patients. The mortality of all burn patients with RRT was 65.52% (95% CI 58.41–72.64%). The prevalence rates of RRT in sample size≥100 group were 6.86% (95% CI 5.70–8.03%), which was lower than that of <100 group (17.61%, 95% CI 13.39–21.82%). With the increase of TBSA, the prevalence of RRT may have the increasing trend. The prevalence rates of RRT in Asian group was 12.75% (95% CI 9.50–16.00%), which was higher than that of European (10.45%, 95% CI 7.30–13.61%) and North America group (5.61%, 95% CI 4.27–6.95%). The prevalence rates of RRT in 2010–2019 group was 12.22% (95% CI 10.09–14.35%), which was higher than that of 2009–2000 group (5.17%, 95% CI 2.88–7.46%). The prevalence rates of RRT in 1989 and before group was the lowest, which was 1.56% (95% CI 0–3.68%). However, there was no significant correlation between the year of publication and the mortality of burn patients with RRT. Dialysis-requiring AKI in burn patients could increases the risk of chronic kidney disease progression and end-stage renal disease. About 35% of RRT patients need to maintain haemodialysis temporarily, even if they survive and leave hospital.Conclusions: The prevalence rate of RRT is about 6–8%; approximately, one-third of burn patients with AKI need RRT. The prevalence rate of RRT increased over time, but the mortality did not change. The prevalence rates of RRT in Asian group was higher than that of European and North America group.

Ethnic Disparities in Cardio-Metabolic and Reproductive Profiles in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome per the New International Guideline: A United-States Based Multi-Center Study

The magnitude and direction to which cardio-metabolic and reproductive aberrations may disproportionately impact diverse populations of women with PCOS are relevant yet unclear. The uncertainty stems, in part, from heterogeneity in PCOS diagnostic criteria used and technical challenges in the reliable assessment of this clinical population. We evaluated whether cardio-metabolic (abdominal adiposity, hypertension, impaired glucoregulatory status) and reproductive (hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology [PCOM], menstrual irregularity) outcomes were different in PCOS (n = 120, 18-36 yrs.) across 4 groups: (1) Non-Hispanic White (n = 76); (2) Non-Hispanic Black (n = 14); (3) Non-Hispanic Asian (n = 15); and, (4) Hispanic White (n = 15). Women were prospectively recruited across 3 academic medical centers in New York State and were matched for age and body mass index. PCOS was defined by the Rotterdam criteria using the recommended thresholds of the 2018 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of PCOS. Concerning abdominal adiposity, the Asian group (mean ± standard deviation; 0.78 ± 0.06) had a lower waist to hip ratio (WHR) compared to the White group (0.85 ± 0.09; P = 0.01). Also, the Asian group had a higher sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG, 65.9 ± 23.4 nmol/L) compared to all other groups (White [40.5 ± 22.3]; Black [43.8 ± 21.9]; Hispanic [36.8 ± 18.8] nmol/L; All: P < 0.04). In contrast, the White group were most hyperandrogenic, evidenced by their higher modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) scores (10 ± 4) compared to other groups (Black [4 ± 0]; Asian [2 ± 0]; Hispanic [4 ± 1]; All: P ≤ 0.001). Consistently, the White group (1.0 ± 0.5 ng/dL) exhibited increased free testosterone (FT) compared to other groups (Black [0.5 ± 0]; Asian [0.4 ± 0]; Hispanic [0.6 ± 0.1] ng/dL; All: P ≤ 0.001), unlike total testosterone (P = 0.12). Regarding PCOM, the White group exhibited higher follicle numbers per ovary (FNPO 2-9 mm, 48 ± 22) compared to other groups (Black [30 ± 16]; Asian [26 ± 5]; Hispanic [22 ± 17]; All: P ≤ 0.05). Unlike Black (12.4 ± 1.3 mm; P = 0.05) and Hispanic (13.5 ± 1.1 mm; P = 0.89) groups, the White group (13.9 ± 2.1 mm) also exhibited larger ovarian volume (OV) compared to Asian group (12.4 ± 1.5 mm; P = 0.03). Women had comparable blood pressure (systolic, diastolic), fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, or intermenstrual interval length (All: P ≥ 0.09). Overall, Asian women in the US likely exhibit the mildest PCOS metabolic (decreased WHR, increased SHBG) phenotype, whereas White women show the most severe reproductive (increased mFG, FT, FNPO, OV) phenotype. If confirmed by larger studies, our observations warrant additional population-specific diagnostic considerations to prevent and manage PCOS cardio-metabolic (e.g., metabolic syndrome risk) and reproductive (e.g., hirsutism, PCOM) complications across ethnicities.

“People look at me like I AM the virus”: Fear, stigma, and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic

Anti-Asian sentiment is surging because of COVID-19 and there have been incidents of hate crime. This paper presents a reflection by an Asian social work researcher on the impact of this surge on herself and other Asians in America. Reflecting on the history of pandemic, racism against Asian Americans, and anti-Chinese sentiment among other Asian group, the paper provides important points for us to ponder as a community of social workers in the topics of racial justice

Association Between Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate and 2 Polymorphic Loci: A Meta-Analysis

Objectives: The relationship between Noggin ( NOG) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) has been reported participate in craniofacial development but need further evidence. To indicate the susceptibility between the 2 genes and NSCLP, rs227731 and rs1801131 polymorphisms were included in the present research. This research may provide some genetic clues for disease detection and surveillance. Design: Seventeen studies including 4023 cases and 5691 controls were provided for meta-analysis, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were obtained to estimate NSCLP risk. Results: Our analysis suggested potential association of rs227731C on increasing the risk of NSCLP in the Caucasian group and total group but not Asian group under all models: allele (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.21-1.75, P < .0001), homozygote (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.42-2.90, P < .0001), heterozygote (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.19-1.73, P = .0001), dominant (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.27-2.04, P < .0001), and recessive models (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.25-2.12, P = .0003). Besides, increased risk is related to rs1801131 in Asian group under 3 models: allele (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.06-1.44, P = .006), heterozygote (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.52, P = .03), and dominant models (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.06-1.56, P = .009). Conclusions: Our analysis indicates polymorphisms rs227731 and rs1801131 are associated with NSCLP, with predominance of different ethnic group and deepen understanding of NSCLP.

Self-concept, post-traumatic self-appraisals and post-traumatic psychological adjustment: what are the relationships?

Background:Cognitive models of post-traumatic psychological adjustment have implicated both self-concept and self-appraisals in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Two studies investigated the relationship between self-concept and trauma-related self-appraisals, and whether culture influenced this relationship.Method:In Study 1, a student sample (Asian n = 41, British n = 34) who self-identified as having been through a trauma or extremely stressful event completed measures of self-concept, trauma-related self-appraisals and trauma-related distress. Study 2 extended this by asking Asian (n = 47) and British (n = 48) trauma survivors with and without PTSD to complete the same self measures as those administered in Study 1.Results:Study 1 found that overall for the British group, disruptions in self-concept (i.e. self-discrepancies and trauma-themed self-concept) correlated significantly with negative self, world and self-blame appraisals and depression. However, the same was not found in the Asian group. Study 2 found that pan-culturally those with PTSD had greater self-discrepancies and trauma-defined self-concept than those without PTSD. Additionally, pan-culturally, trauma-defined self-concept correlated significantly with negative self appraisals and depression; ideal self-discrepancies correlated significantly with negative self-appraisals across cultures and depression for the British group; while ought self-discrepancies correlated significantly with negative world appraisals for the Asian group and negative self and self-blame appraisals for the British. Lastly, negative self, world and self-blame appraisals correlated with symptoms of depression.Conclusions:Taken together, the findings relay the important associations between appraisals, self-concept and post-traumatic psychological adjustment.

Sarcopenia is associated with hypertension in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Sarcopenia and handgrip strength have been observed and correlated in association with hypertension among the old-age people. However, the results reported in different studies were inconsistent. In the current study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to reveal the significant association between sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and hypertension in older adults. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to 15 November, 2019 to retrieve the original research studies that addressed the association between sarcopenia, handgrip strength, and hypertension. All the relevant data were retrieved, analyzed, and summarized. Results: 19 studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 21301 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Eight eligible studies have reported the odd ratios (ORs) of hypertension and the ORs ranged from 0.41 to 4.38. When pooled the ORs together, the summarized ORs was 1.29 [95% confidence interval (CI) =1.00-1.67]. The summarized ORs for the Asian group 1.50 (95% CI=1.35-1.67) was significantly higher than that of Caucasian group 1.08 (95% CI=0.39-2.97). Eleven studies have provided the data on association between handgrip strength and hypertension. The overall ORs and 95% CI was 0.99 (95% CI=0.80-1.23), showing no significant association. Conclusion: Sarcopenia was associated with hypertension, but no correlation was found between handgrip strength and hypertension in older adults.

Representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic patients in secondary care mental health services: analysis of 7-year access to memory services in Leicester and Leicestershire

Aims and methodWe aimed to explore access by Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) elders to the memory services in Leicester and Leicestershire, examining any trends over time. We then compared the odds of referral by ethnicity, using observed versus expected referrals for the city of Leicester. We gathered data on a comprehensive county-wide memory clinic used by people with suspected dementia and memory problems from the Trust electronic record system during the period 2011–2017. For Leicester city, we compared referral rates for 2011–2017 and compared observed and expected referral rates with demographics from the UK Census 2011.ResultsIn Leicester, there was a significant underrepresentation of referrals from the BAME population as compared with the White population in 2011, 2012 and 2013, when compared with population estimates of those aged ≥60 years from the 2011 UK Census Leicester city data. Data for the Black population were too small for comparisons. The odds of being referred to a memory clinic for the White group was double that of the Asian group in 2011 (odds ratio 2.15, 95% CI 1.52–3.02) and nearly 1.5 times in 2012 (odds ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.93). This difference did not persist after 2014. However, this differential odds of referral changes when the age difference between the groups is accounted for. After adjusting for age, there were no differences between the two groups in their odds of referral to the memory clinic from 2011 to 2013, but from 2014 to 2017, members of the Asian group had higher odds of being referred.Clinical implicationsThe relationship between BAME and access to memory services is complex. The relative lower prevalence of Asian people among referrals to memory services in Leicester from 2011 to 2013 may partly be explained by the lower ages of the Asian population at referral. The higher prevalence of Asian people in 2014–2017 may be owing to use of denominators from the 2011 UK Census, which are likely to be disproportionately low for this group. Further studies are needed to explore any potential barriers to the access of services by BAME communities.