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PubMed1989

Distribution of plasma alpha-1-B-glycoprotein phenotypes in several Mongoloid populations of East Asia.

The distribution of plasma alpha 1B-glycoprotein (alpha 1B) phenotypes was determined by a simple method of two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by protein staining in a group of 1,154 individuals from 8 Mongoloid populations of East Asia. The sample comprised 581 Chinese from different localities (Singapore: 204; Taiwan: 150; Fujien and Hopeh provinces of eastern China: 146 and 81), 155 Koreans, 155 Filipinos, 152 Thais and 111 Malays. Altogether, 6 different alpha 1B phenotypes (1-1, 1-2, 2-2, 1-3, 2-3, and 1-6) were observed. The alpha 1B allele frequencies were very similar in all of the populations. The frequency of A1B*1 varied from 0.89 to 0.91 and that of A1B*2 from 0.08 to 0.10. The A1B*3 allele, reported previously only in American blacks, was observed with a frequency range of 0.003-0.01 in 3 of the Chinese populations, in Koreans and in Malays. A new alpha 1B allele (A1B*6) was observed in 2 Chinese individuals.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Child Survival and Development toward Health for All: roles and strategies for Asia-Pacific universities.

Recently, discussion among academics and practitioners has focused on the potential roles, strategies, and functions of universities in the Asia-Pacific region in the next ten to fifteen years in the global initiative commonly referred to as the Child Survival and Development Revolution toward Health for All. (1) The purpose of this paper is to capture the practical key elements of recent discussions and to extend the current thinking into potentially useful guidelines or frameworks for universities of the region. Universities may then be better prepared to move forward in ways which promote the goals and interests of the Health For All movement and the well-being of particularly the world's children.

Asia, Southeastern↗

PubMed2002

Type 2 diabetes, APOE gene, and the risk for dementia and related pathologies: The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

Type 2 diabetes may be a risk factor for dementia, but the associated pathological mechanisms remains unclear. We evaluated the association of diabetes alone or combined with the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene with incident dementia and neuropathological outcomes in a population-based cohort of 2,574 Japanese-American men enrolled in the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study, including 216 subjects who underwent autopsy. Type 2 diabetes was ascertained by interview and direct glucose testing. Dementia was assessed in 1991 and 1994 by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging and was diagnosed according to international guidelines. Logistic regression was used to assess the RR of developing dementia, and log-linear regression was used to estimate the incident rate ratio (IRR) of neuropathological outcomes. Diabetes was associated with total dementia (RR 1.5 [95% CI 1.01-2.2]), Alzheimer's disease (AD; 1.8 [1.1-2.9]), and vascular dementia (VsD; 2.3 [1.1-5.0]). Individuals with both type 2 diabetes and the APOE epsilon4 allele had an RR of 5.5 (CI 2.2-13.7) for AD compared with those with neither risk factor. Participants with type 2 diabetes and the epsilon4 allele had a higher number of hippocampal neuritic plaques (IRR 3.0 [CI 1.2-7.3]) and neurofibrillary tangles in the cortex (IRR 3.5 [1.6-7.5]) and hippocampus (IRR 2.5 [1.5-3.7]), and they had a higher risk of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (RR 6.6, 1.5-29.6). Type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for AD and VsD. The association between diabetes and AD is particularly strong among carriers of the APOE epsilon4 allele. The neuropathological data are consistent with the clinical results.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program Asia-Pacific region and South Africa.

The SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance Program was initiated in January 1997 and was designed to monitor the predominant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance for both nosocomial and community-acquired infections globally by using validated, reference-quality identification and susceptibility testing methods performed in a central laboratory. Consecutive bacterial or fungal isolates, deemed clinically significant by local criteria, are forwarded to the local reference laboratory from various study objectives. The major objectives include blood stream infections, community-acquired respiratory tract infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis), pneumonias in hospitalised patients, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract isolates from hospitalised patients. In 2001, special objectives were introduced to examine gastroenteritis pathogens and beta-haemolytic streptococcal isolates. Over 22 nations participate in SENTRY surveillance globally. The Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide has been the reference centre for the Asia-Pacific region and South Africa since 1998, and three other Australian institutions, from Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, are part of the global network. All isolates received from our region are tested against up to 29 antimicrobial agents using custom-made broth microdilution panels. The data generated from SENTRY allows Australia to compare our antimicrobial resistance patterns and trends with our regional neighbours.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1976

The effects of climatic patterns and agricultural practices on the population dynamics of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in Asia.

Annual population curves for C. tritaeniorhynchus are presented for representative localities distributed from Pakistan, east through Southeast Asia and the Philippines and north to Japan and Korea. In the dry temperature (Pakistan) and colder maritime climates (Japan and Korea). C. tritaeniorhynchus populations apparently overwintered as hibernating adults, while in the warmer maritime climates (Okinawa and Taiwan), gonotrophic activity and larval development continued throughout the winter months. In these climatic types, the population curves closely paralleled the annual temperature curves. In the tropical climates, however, temporal population patterns were closely related to available moisture either in the form of annual precipitation and/or rice irrigation. The extremely variable environmental conditions tolerated C. tritaeniorhynchus throughout its distribution attests to the physiological and ecological plasticity of this species and suggests that further ecological and genetic studies may reveal marked clinical variances among selected biological parameters.

Agriculture↗

PubMed2000

The epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Asia-Pacific region is at the forefront of the current epidemic of diabetes. There are currently more than 30 million people with diabetes in the Western Pacific region alone. The World Health Organization predicts that this number will rise dramatically by the year 2025, by which time India and China may each face the problem of dealing with 50 million affected individuals. The problem in the region results from a combination of large population size with rapidly rising prevalence rates, particularly of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although much heterogeneity exists, rising prevalence rates are being seen throughout the region and appear to be closely associated with westernisation, urbanisation, and mechanisation. The risk for diabetes appears to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and lifestyle change. The most important lifestyle changes relate to changes in dietary habits and physical activity and diabetes risk, particularly in younger individuals, is associated with the development of obesity and particularly central obesity. In some populations, for example Chinese, the relationship between diabetes and weight gain begins to appear at levels of body weight that would not be conventionally regarded as representing obesity. The increasing trend for type 2 diabetes to develop in young people is of particular concern. In children and adolescents in some parts of the region, type 2 diabetes now outnumbers type 1 diabetes by a ratio of 4:1. In view of the severity of the long-term complications of diabetes, the health consequences of this epidemic will become increasingly devastating and threaten to overwhelm the health care systems in the most vulnerable countries. There is an urgent need for prioritisation of diabetes as a key issue by governments throughout the region. Diabetes prevention programmes can be justified on economic, as well as humanitarian grounds. At the level of primary prevention, such programmes can be linked to other non-communicable disease prevention programmes which also target lifestyle-related issues.

Asia↗

PubMed2000

Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--South-East Asia Region, 1998-1999.

In 1988, the World Health Assembly resolved to eradicate poliomyelitis by the end of 2000 (1). To achieve this goal, the 10 member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR) began implementing polio eradication strategies in 1994. In 1999, most polio cases worldwide were reported in SEAR (i.e., 48% of reported polio cases and 62% of cases with wild poliovirus isolation) (2,3). This report summarizes progress in achieving high routine and supplemental vaccination coverage, the surveillance of cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), and the impact of these activities on polio eradication in the region during 1998-1999.

Asia, Southeastern↗

PubMed2000

Adult immunization--a neglected issue in Southeast Asia.

Adult immunization is a neglected and underpublicised issue in Southeast Asia. Vaccine-preventable diseases cause unnecessary morbidity and mortality among adults in the region, while inadequate immunization results in unnecessary costs, including those associated with hospitalization, treatment, and loss of income. Childhood vaccination coverage is high for the EPI diseases of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; however, unvaccinated, undervaccinated, and aging adults with waning immunity remain at risk from infection and may benefit from vaccination. Catch-up immunization is advisable for adults seronegative for hepatitis B virus, while immunization against the hepatitis A and varicella viruses may benefit those who remain susceptible. Among older adults, immunization against influenza and pneumococcal infections is likely to be beneficial in reducing morbidity and mortality. Certain vaccinations are also recommended for specific groups, such as rubella for women of child-bearing age, typhoid for those travelling to high-endemicity areas, and several vaccines for high-risk occupational groups such as health care workers. This paper presents an overview of a number of vaccine-preventable diseases which occur in adults, and highlights the importance of immunization to protect those at risk of infection.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication--South-East Asia, January 2000-June 2001.

Since the World Health Assembly resolved in 1988 to eradicate poliomyelitis globally, the estimated number of polio cases worldwide has declined 99%. During 1994, member countries of the South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of the World Health Organization (WHO) began accelerating efforts to eradicate polio. By 2000, wild poliovirus was detected in only four of the 10 countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. This report summarizes polio eradication activities during January 2000-June 2001 in SEAR, where wild poliovirus transmission has declined rapidly and is occurring primarily in northern India.

Asia, Southeastern↗

PubMed1956

Bilharziasis survey in south-western Asia; covering Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Sa'udi Arabia, and Syria: 1950-51.

This paper describes a limited survey of bilharziasis and its vectors carried out during 1950 and 1951 in some countries of south-western Asia. Lack of time and of full facilities prevented the survey from being as comprehensive and systematic as would have been wished, but enough data were obtained to provide a general estimate of the situation.Information already available from the literature was supplemented by collecting unpublished records, questioning the inhabitants, examining random samples of stools and urine, and investigating rivers, wells, and springs. Bilharziasis haematobia is already heavily endemic in the irrigated areas of Iraq and is also present, in comparatively smaller foci, in northern Syria, Israel, and Sa'udi Arabia. In the opinion of the senior author (M. A. A.), the envisaged extension of irrigation is likely to create a serious health problem in Mesopotamia and to introduce the disease into the Jordan region unless the spread of the molluscan vector, Bulinus sp., is checked. Intensification of infection and further spread are possible in Israel and in the Syrian Jezire, while the remainder of Syria and Lebanon are not considered to be endangered. Bilharziasis mansoni is widespread in the fertile areas of Sa'udi Arabia and also occurs in one minor focus in Israel. The industrialization of Sa'udi Arabia which is planned to exploit its oil resources, with its inevitable concentration of population, equally presents a danger in the intensification of bilharziasis. It is considered that, unless prompt measures are undertaken to break the link between the agricultural and industrial expansion and the spread of the disease, the debilitation of large groups of the population and the economic loss which may well result over most of the inhabited parts of the area discussed will be significant.

Arabia↗

PubMed2005

Global perspectives on animal welfare: Asia, the Far East, and Oceania.

In Asia and the Far East, livestock undergo major suffering due to malnutrition, overloading, and ill-treatment. At slaughter animals are handled roughly and watch other animals being killed; stunning is not practised. Cruelty to other animals such as elephants, horses, donkeys, bears, dogs, and circus animals has largely been prevented through the efforts of animal welfare organisations. Governments have taken initiatives to establish Animal Welfare Boards and enact laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals, but their efforts are far too limited to be of any significance and financial constraints and lack of personnel inhibit the implementation of the laws that do exist. In New Zealand and Australia, legislation and strong consultation procedures at governmental and community level strive to regulate and improve the welfare of animals in all spheres, but in other Oceanic countries there is a need for both an update in, or establishment of, legislation covering animal welfare. Limited progress has been made due to the status of the Veterinary Services and a lack of resources. Although some public and educational awareness programmes are carried out, increasing exposure to international media and attitudes of visiting tourists suggest that further awareness work needs to be undertaken. To address the problems of animal welfare in developing countries, it would be inappropriate to adopt the international standards that are implemented in the developed countries. Each developing country should evolve its own standards based on its own individual priorities.

Animal Diseases↗

PubMed2006

Central obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease in the Asia Pacific Region.

This paper compares body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio as risk factors for ischaemic heart disease and stroke in Asia Pacific populations. We undertook a pooled analysis involving six cohort studies (45 988 participants) and used Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the associations of the four anthropometric indices with stroke and ischaemic heart disease by age, sex and region. During a mean follow-up of six years, 346 stroke and 601 ischaemic heart disease events (fatal and non-fatal) were documented. Overall, a one-standard deviation increase in index was associated with an increase in risk of ischaemic heart disease of 17% (95% CI 7-27%) for body mass index, 27% (95% CI 14-40%) for waist circumference, 10% (95% CI 1-20%) for hip circumference, and 36% (95% CI 21-52%) for waist-hip ratio. There were no significant differences between age groups, sex, and region. None of the four anthropometric indices had a strong association with risk of stroke. These data indicate that measures of central obesity such as waist circumference and waist-hip ratio are strongly associated with risk of ischaemic heart disease in this region. Therefore, we suggest that, along with calculation of body mass index, measures of central obesity such as waist circumference and waist-hip ratio should be undertaken routinely.

Adult↗

PubMed1966

An epidemiological study of oral and pharyngeal cancer in Central and South-East Asia.

The author has investigated the epidemiology of oral and pharyngeal cancer in several different countries and localities in Central and South-East Asia. From comparisons of the various countries and areas and from detailed case studies among oral-cancer groups and control groups, the author has obtained strong supportive evidence for the association of the disease with the habit of chewing tobacco. He has also found a less marked association with smoking, the drinking of alcohol, and vegetarian dietary customs.

Asia↗

PubMed1979

Comparison of vector competence for West Nile virus of colonized populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus from southern Asia and the Far East.

Seven colonized stocks of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus from different geographic areas of Southern Asia and the Far East were assayed for susceptibility to WN virus infection by membrane feeding and by intrathoracic inoculation. Infected females also were tested for their ability to transmit virus to baby mice. No geographic pattern of differential susceptibility to WN virus infection was apparent from the experiments; however, the per os ID50 of one strain from Khulna, Bangladesh was over 10-fold greater than the ID50's of stocks from Karachi, Pakistan and Sendai, Japan. No difference in susceptibility was found by parenteral inoculation of virus. Likewise, greater than or equal to 90% of infected females from all the colonies were able to transmit virus.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The comparative isoenzyme characteristics of Old World Leishmania strains from different geographical regions (Africa, the Near East, Central Asia)].

Thirty-four strains of seven Old World Leishmania species were analyzed for 12 enzymes. The findings indicate isoenzymatic profile geographic changeability of some Leishmania species: Tested L. major, L. tropica, and L. infantum strains from Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia were found to be represented by individual zymodemes differing between themselves by 3-5 enzymes. Many identical zymodemes could induce in some cases skin, in other visceral symptoms in the carriers. Great isoenzymatic affinity between L. tropica and L. donovani sensu lato strains was detected. The nature of intraspecies Leishmania zymodeme variability being virtually not studied at present, the authors emphasize the usefulness of clone studies.

Africa↗

PubMed1997

Emerging disease surveillance in Southeast Asia.

The emergence of infectious disease causing agents/pathogens necessitates a rational surveillance approach leading to early detection and appropriate intervention. Surveillance activities with support from the US Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2 (NAMRU-2), targeting susceptible populations/areas in Southeast Asia, have been organised using a multi-design strategy: 1) systematic multi-size (usually hospital-based) study; 2) investigation of (suspected) outbreak events involving significant case populations (and associated fatalities); and 3) monitoring of unique "risk opportunities" that include pre- and post-screening of immunologically naïve (susceptible) persons (including military personnel and tourists) travelling in groups to areas of likely disease transmission/occurrence. Recognition of new (or old) disease agents or emerging antimicrobial resistance requires a standardised study effort with complementary advanced diagnostic capabilities. Collaborative research involving NAMRU-2 includes surveillance of 01 and non-01 Vibrio cholerae strains in epidemic and sporadic transmission, profiling regional patterns of antimicrobial resistance associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, describing the molecular epidemiology of HIV genotypic spread, and investigating foci of epidemic hepatitis E virus transmission. Focused surveillance efforts, as described, provide for recognition of emerging and/or re-emerging diseases, optimising the investment of generally scarce public health resources.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1998

mtDNA and language support a common origin of Micronesians and Polynesians in Island Southeast Asia.

The origins and relationships among Micronesians, Polynesians, and Melanesians were investigated. Five different mtDNA region V length polymorphisms from 873 individuals representing 24 Oceanic and Asian populations were analyzed. The frequency cline of a common deletion and the distributions of a rare expanded length polymorphism support the origin of both Micronesians and Polynesians in Island Southeast Asia. Genetic, linguistic, and geographic distances were compared to assess the relative importance of isolation and gene flow during the prehistory of 19 Austronesian-speaking populations subdivided into five potential spheres of interaction. We observed significant correlations (P < 0.05) between genetic and linguistic distances in four of five comparisons. These data indicate extensive gene flow throughout much of Micronesia, but substantial isolation in other Pacific regions. Although recent advancements in our understanding of intentional voyaging within Remote Oceania have challenged the existence of the "myth of the primitive isolate," we caution against the adoption of panmictic alternatives.

Asia, Southeastern↗

PubMed1996

Asia on the move: research challenges for population geography.

This paper "summarises some of the major changes which have occurred in international migration to, from, and within Asia in the last two decades....A number of theoretical challenges are put forward regarding the complex interrelationships between international population movements, economic development and social change. The employment of systems approaches, neoclassical economic theory, social networks and institutional approaches, and the potential role of population geography in developing a more comprehensive explanation of the changing dynamics of international migration in the region, are discussed. Also considered are the gender dimension in migration, remittance flows and their consequences, and policy issues."

Asia↗