Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “ASIA”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 883 records · Page 49Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Estimated numbers and prevalence of PI*S and PI*Z deficiency alleles of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency in Asia.

The current study focuses on updating estimates of the numbers of individuals carrying the two most common deficiency alleles, protease inhibitor (PI)*S and PI*Z, for alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (AT-D) in 20 Asian countries. A total of 170 cohorts with 31,177 individuals were selected from 20 Asian countries. The total AT-D populations in the countries selected were: 7,264 ZZ; 36,754 SZ; 6,672,479 MZ; 46,492 SS; and 16,881,108 MS. Marked differences among the Asian countries and regions were also found for the prevalence of the deficiency alleles PI*S and PI*Z. These numbers demonstrate that AT-D is not just a genetic disease that affects smaller numbers than various countries, for example, in Europe. There were marked differences between the prevalence of the PI*S and PI*Z deficiency alleles among these 20 Asian countries as well as among the countries within a given geographic region in Asia. The largest numbers of ZZ phenotypes (3,000-14,000) were in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Thailand; with <1,700 in each of the remaining countries.

Alleles↗
PubMed2006

One year ago not business as usual: wound management, infection and psychoemotional control during tertiary medical care following the 2004 Tsunami disaster in southeast Asia.

INTRODUCTION: Following the 2004 tsunami disaster in southeast Asia severely injured tourists were repatriated via airlift to Germany. One cohort was triaged to the Cologne-Merheim Medical Center (Germany) for further medical care. We report on the tertiary medical care provided to this cohort of patients. METHODS: This study is an observational report on complex wound management, infection and psychoemotional control associated with the 2004 Tsunami disaster. The setting was an adult intensive care unit (ICU) of a level I trauma center and subjects included severely injured tsunami victims repatriated from the disaster area (19 to 68 years old; 10 females and 7 males with unknown co-morbidities). RESULTS: Multiple large flap lacerations (2 x 3 to 60 x 60 cm) at various body sites were characteristic. Lower extremities were mostly affected (88%), followed by upper extremities (29%), and head (18%). Two-thirds of patients presented with combined injuries to the thorax or fractures. Near-drowning involved the aspiration of immersion fluids, marine and soil debris into the respiratory tract and all patients displayed signs of pneumonitis and pneumonia upon arrival. Three patients presented with severe sinusitis. Microbiology identified a variety of common but also uncommon isolates that were often multi-resistant. Wound management included aggressive debridement together with vacuum-assisted closure in the interim between initial wound surgery and secondary closure. All patients received empiric anti-infective therapy using quinolones and clindamycin, later adapted to incoming results from microbiology and resistance patterns. This approach was effective in all but one patient who died due to severe fungal sepsis. All patients displayed severe signs of post-traumatic stress response. CONCLUSION: Individuals evacuated to our facility sustained traumatic injuries to head, chest, and limbs that were often contaminated with highly resistant bacteria. Transferred patients from disaster areas should be isolated until their microbial flora is identified as they may introduce new pathogens into an ICU. Successful wound management, including aggressive debridement combined with vacuum-assisted closure was effective. Initial anti-infective therapy using quinolones combined with clindamycin was a good first-line choice. Psychoemotional intervention alleviated severe post-traumatic stress response. For optimum treatment and care a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory.

Adult↗
PubMed2026

Phylogeographic epidemiology of Dabie bandavirus in East Asia: divergent transmission networks and genotype&#x2011;linked clinical severity.

BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by Dabie bandavirus (SFTSV), exhibits geographically decoupled incidence and fatality patterns across East Asia. We aimed to elucidate the distinct ecological drivers and phylogeographic dynamics underlying this inland-coastal epidemiological divergence. METHODS: Integrating 1820 high-quality global genomes of SFTSV with well-characterized clinical cohorts (936 patients) and nationwide surveillance data (27,457 cases) from China, we constructed a comprehensive analytical framework. Ecological modeling, Bayesian phylogeography, and genotype-phenotype association analyses were employed to trace the evolutionary trajectories and clinical implications of the virus. RESULTS: A pronounced "inland-high-incidence vs. coastal-high-fatality" pattern of SFTS was identified. The incidence of SFTS exhibited divergent sensitivities to meteorological factors; inland transmission was sensitive to thermal fluctuations, whereas coastal dynamics were constrained by a sunshine threshold (>&#x2009;200&#xa0;h/month). In contrast, spatial divergence in clinical severity correlated with the distribution of regional viral genetic structures. Inland regions mainly co-circulated genotypes A, C, and D, while coastal regions were dominated by genotype B. Zhejiang province was identified as a genetic hub with significantly higher recombination frequencies than inland regions (11.0% vs. 3.5%, P < 0.001). Bayesian phylogeographic inference indicated frequent lineage exchange of Zhejiang province in China with the Republic of Korea and Japan. Clinically, genotypes B and D were associated with elevated mortality in coastal and inland regions, respectively, suggesting that the severe coastal phenotype is shaped by its genotype B-dominated structure. Additionally, the RdRp-N828S mutation emerged as a robust molecular correlate of fatal outcomes, warranting further functional validation. CONCLUSIONS: Divergent meteorological factors and plausible maritime transmission networks may underlie the geographically decoupled epidemiology of SFTS. These findings highlight that risk assessment must extend beyond incidence alone and provide a phylogeographically informed framework for targeted surveillance and genotype-specific interventions in high-risk hotspots.

Humans↗
PubMed2005

Review of atmospheric water-soluble ionic species in Asia during 1998-2001.

Anthropogenic acid precursor emissions in Asia are increasing at a significant rate and this is expected to continue for the next several years. This paper comprises of studies that included sulfate, nitrate and ammonium around Asian countries (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan) in recent years. The paper also provides the water-soluble ionic fine and coarse particulate concentrations in these Asian countries in recent years. Fine and coarse particulates in Taiwan (Kaohsiung and Talchung) and China (Nanjing and Shanghai) were found to have higher sulfate (average 18.68 and 15.75 microg/m3) and nitrate (average 12.77 and 7.71 microg/m3) concentrations than any other Asian country. The average sulfate concentrations for Japan and Korea were 7.31 and 5.84 microg/m3, respectively. The average nitrate concentrations for Japan and Korea were 6.73 and 4.65 microg/m3, respectively during the years 1998-2001. The different sample collection devices, analysis methods and pollutant concentrations are discussed in this study. The purpose of this study is to arrange the atmospheric water-soluble ionic species (SO4(2-) and NO3) investigations in the Asian region. The data obtained here can also help to understand the sources, concentrations, phase distribution and health impact of atmospheric water-soluble ionic species (SO4(2-) and NO3-) in other Asian regions.

Asia↗
PubMed1977

Multiple sclerosis in Asia.

Cases of multiple sclerosis were collected by Asian neurologists from recognized medical centers, using standardized formats similar to those used for the Japan nationwide multiple sclerosis survey. As a result, information on a total of 61 cases was collected from six neurologic centers in five Asian countries excluding Japan. Multiple sclerosis appears to be a rare disease throughout Asia. Certain clinical characteristics that had been previously noted in Japanese and other individual Asian series were again observed in the present Asian series. When compared with Western multiple sclerosis, the Asian multiple sclerosis cases showed a relatively higher frequency of optic nerve involvement, frequently bilateral and severe, at the onset, as well as during the course of illness, and no rare occurrence of Devic's syndrome.

Asia↗
PubMed1999

Task force for the urgent response to the epidemics of sexually transmitted diseases in eastern Europe and central Asia.

In summary, members of the TF/STD: share the common goal of reducing the STD burden and slowing the spread of HIV in the most affected and vulnerable countries in eastern Europe and central Asia. Contribute financially, technically or in-kind to the implementation of a joint strategy which aims: -- to create an enabling environment for STD prevention and control, and -- to strengthen the local capacity for STD prevention and care; engage in a continuous exchange of information, collaborative partnerships and coordination of activities at regional as well as country level through the TF/STD and in-country interagency working groups, respectively; concur with the priority areas for international support consisting of advocacy and policy, STD drugs, condoms, educational materials, training, applied research and surveillance; meet twice a year to review implementation progress and the need for additional assistance; as advocates of TF/STD, call on partners and other organizations to join in this important new initiative.

Asia↗
PubMed2002

Genetic diversity of three Elymus species indigenous to Japan and East Asia (E. tsukushiensis, E. humidus and E. dahuricus) detected by AFLP.

With the aim of broadening the gene pool of Triticeae for crop improvement, the genetic diversity of three hexaploid Elymus species indigenous to Japan and East Asia (E. tsukushiensis, E. humidus and E. dahuricus) was evaluated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. A total of 34 accessions: five of E. tsukushiensis, 13 of E. humidus, 15 of E. dahuricus, and one tetraploid Elymus species as an outgroup, were analyzed. The AFLP analysis was conducted with 12 selective primer combinations. In all, 329 bands were scored. The average number of bands scored per accession was 135.3. Among the 34 accessions, no polymorphism was detected among 10 accessions of E. humidus and among three accessions of E. tsukushiensis. Each species showed a diagnostic band pattern. One accession of E. humidus showed a band pattern intermediate between those of E. humidus and E. tsukushiensis, suggesting the occurrence of interspecific introgression. The level of intraspecific variation was highest in E. dahuricus (1-psb = 0.17, pi = 0.010), followed by E. tsukushiensis (1-psb = 0.14, pi = 0.008) and E. humidus (1-psb = 0.03, pi = 0.002). The level of interspecific variation was higher than that of intraspecific variation in all the pairs compared. The level of divergence between E. humidus and E. tsukushiensis was relatively low, but even so it was two times higher than that of the intraspecific variation for each species. The phylogenetic tree constructed here showed clear separations of all the species. The results of this study indicate a clear divergence of E. humidus from E. tsukushiensis in spite of the morphological similarity between these two species. Based on the values of nucleotide diversity, the time of divergence between E. humidus and E. tsukushiensis was estimated to be 0.9-1.2 million years ago.

Asia↗
PubMed2003

Octachlorodipropyl ether (s-2) mosquito coils are inadequately studied for residential use in Asia and illegal in the United States.

Children and their parents in residences are often protected by insecticides from nuisance and disease-bearing mosquitoes. The annual worldwide consumption of the four major types of residential insecticide products--aerosols, mosquito coils, liquid vaporizers, and vaporizing mats--is in the billions of units. Mosquito coils are burned indoors and outdoors in East Asia and to a limited extent in other parts of the world, including the United States. Coils consist of an insecticide/repellant, organic fillers capable of burning with smoldering, binder, and additives such as synergists, dyes, and fungicide. The number of coil users in China is in the millions. In Indonesia alone, an estimated seven billion coils are purchased annually. Coils containing pyrethroid insecticides, particularly d-allethrin, may contain octachlorodipropyl ether (S-2, S-421) as a synergist or active ingredient. Use of those coils likely exposes children and adults to some level of bis(chloromethyl)ether (BCME). BCME is formed from formaldehyde and hydrogen chloride, combustion products formed from the slow smoldering (about 8 hr/coil) of the mosquito coils. Because BCME is an extremely potent lung carcinogen, the nature and extent of prolonged exposures that recur in homes during the mosquito season in tropical regions must be evaluated with respect to health. In a small analytical study, coils purchased in Indonesia and in the United States contained highly variable amounts of S-2. Some coils that contained S-2 were not labeled, making it impossible for consumers to make an informed decision about coil contents. Mosquito coils containing S-2 are unregistered, and their use is illegal in the United States. Indoor air monitoring under conditions that represent conditions of use in tropical settings and epidemiology to assess health impacts of coil use are essential to permit responsible regulatory decisions regarding continuing S-2 use.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗
PubMed1996

The potential effect of global warming on the geographic and seasonal distribution of Phlebotomus papatasi in southwest Asia.

The distribution of Phlebotomus papatasi in Southwest Asia is thought to be highly dependent on temperature and relative humidity. A discriminant analysis model based on weather data and reported vector surveys was developed to predict the seasonal and geographic distribution of P. papatasi in this region. To simulate global warming, temperature values for 115 weather stations were increased by 1 degree C, 3 degrees C, and 5 degrees C, and the outcome variable coded as unknown in the model. Probability of occurrence values were then predicted for each location with a weather station. Stations with positive probability of occurrence values for May, June, July, and August were considered locations where two or more life cycles of P. papatasi could occur and which could support endemic transmission of leishmaniasis and sandfly fever. Among 115 weather stations, 71 (62%) would be considered endemic with current temperature conditions; 14 (12%) additional stations could become endemic with an increase of 1 degree C; 17 (15%) more with a 3 degrees C increase; and 12 (10%) more (all but one station) with a 5 degrees C increase. In addition to increased geographic distribution, seasonality of disease transmission could be extended throughout 12 months of the year in 7 (6%) locations with at least a 3 degrees C rise in temperature and in 29 (25%) locations with a 5 degrees C rise.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Gastrointestinal quality of life following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in Asia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a safe and effective treatment for morbid obesity. Previous studies in Western countries disclosed a significant improvement in co-morbidities and health-related quality of life. Data from Asia and regarding the specific GI quality of life following LAGB are lacking. METHODS: From May 2002 to May 2005, 107 consecutive patients - 48 men and 59 women, with mean age 31.4 years (range 17-57 years) with morbid obesity (mean weight 115.8 kg, range 81-174 kg; mean BMI 41.3 kg/m(2), range 32.0-59.8 kg/m(2)) underwent LAGB in a prospective trial. All bands were placed via the pars flaccida technique. Quality of life was measured by the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI), a 36item questionnaire before LAGB, and at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: All procedures were performed laparoscopically with no conversions. There was neither intra-operative complications nor major postoperative complications. Minor complications occurred in 3 patients (2.8%); all were transient stoma obstruction. At follow-up, only one band (0.94%) was removed at 3 months postoperatively because of the patient's intolerance. No gastric slippage occurred. 4 patients (3.7%) had tubing problems and required revision surgery for port adjustment. Mean BMI decreased from 41.3 to 33.1 after 2 years. Percent excess BMI loss averaged 48.1% at 2 years (range 6.7-139.2). All co-morbidities were eliminated significantly. 80% of patients were satisfied with the results at 2 years. However, the GIQLI score remained similar before and after surgery. Preoperative score was 110.8+15 points. The score became 116.2+13, 114.7+13, 108.5+14 and 107.2+17 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The patients had improvement in 3 domains of general health (social, physical and emotional functions), but decrease in the domain of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although LAGB was successful in weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities in morbidly obese patients, the GIQLI did not improve. This feature will be the major disadvantage of LAGB.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Pharmacoeconomics of medical abortion: a review of cost in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Procedures for the termination of pregnancy have existed for many years. Vacuum aspiration, otherwise referred to as 'surgical' abortion, is a very common and safe procedure. Its efficacy and acceptability has been established and its complication rate is low. Medical abortion is a much more recent phenomenon. It is defined as early pregnancy termination with the use of abortion inducing medications, without surgery [1]. In contrast to surgical abortion, medical abortion is not as routinely offered, nor are many providers comfortable with its use. Medical abortion regimens currently available throughout the world include mifepristone (Mifeprex trade mark, Aventis Pharma AG) and a prostaglandin analogue (usually misoprostol), methotrexate and misoprostol and misoprostol (Cytotec trade mark, CD Searle & Co.) alone. In the US, minimal information exists directly comparing medical to surgical abortion. Most abortion surveillance data was collected by the Centers for Disease Control prior to the approval of mifepristone. In contrast, there is over a decade's worth of experience from Europe with both the use and provision of medical abortion. A complete review of these issues must include background information on the history and incidence of abortion, who chooses to get an abortion, who provides that service and at what cost. The cost issue is discussed using three different viewpoints: cost to the patient, cost to the provider, cost to society - mainly in the form of government expenditure and savings. Following the cost analysis, there is a summary of relevant information from countries in Europe, primarily the UK, France, Sweden and countries in Asia, mainly China and India.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Comparison of some molecular-genetic techniques for identification of Leishmania circulating in natural foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in the central Asia region.

Different molecular-genetic methods were used to identify a cohort of Leishmania strains from natural foci of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis located in Central Asia, on the former USSR territory. The results obtained using isoenzymes, PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphisms of kDNA and molecular hybridization techniques are discussed in terms of their applicability, discrimination power and feasibility for answering questions related to molecular epidemiological research and for detecting mixed Leishmania infections.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Molecular evidence of speciation between island and continental populations of Anopheles (Cellia) sundaicus (Diptera: Culicidae), a principal malaria vector taxon in Southeast Asia.

Anopheles sundaicus s.l. is a principal malaria vector taxon on islands and along the coastal areas of Southeast Asia. It has a wide geographical distribution and exhibits a high level of ecological and behavioral variability. Study of this taxon is crucial for understanding its biology and implementing effectise vector control measures. We compared populations of An. sundaicus from Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysian Borneo by using two mitochondrial DNA markers: cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b. Genetic divergence, geographic separation, and cladistic analysis of relationships revealed the presence of two cryptic species: Anopheles sundaicus s.s. on Malaysian Borneo and An. sundaicus species A in coastal areas of Thailand and Vietnam. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed to easily identify these two species throughout their geographic distributions. The assay was based on sequence characterized amplified region derived from random amplified polymorphic DNA. This PCR identification method needs to be validated and adapted for the recognition of other possible species in the Sundaicus Complex.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Environmental problems of aquaculture in Asia and their solutions.

During the past decade aquaculture has expanded very rapidly in Asia. Extensive, semi-intensive and especially intensive systems are currently in use. These systems require careful management to avoid deterioration of the environment and mass mortality of cultured species. Taking shrimp culture as an example, the author discusses the major environmental factors which affect the health of aquatic species. Solutions to the various problems are also discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

The economic impact of foot and mouth disease and its control in South-East Asia: a preliminary assessment with special reference to Thailand.

A pilot study of the economic impact of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the countries and region of South-East Asia is described. Previous economic impact assessments are reviewed and summarised and a synthesis of these contributions is constructed. A framework for the future economic impact of the disease is then developed, incorporating analyses at the sectoral (production system), national and regional levels. Data requirements for such studies are also identified. Integrated epidemiological and economic models for impact assessment were developed and applied to the case study country of Thailand. The models were used to evaluate the economic viability of FMD control programmes in the country. Scenarios evaluated include the effect of improving vaccination coverage and thus reducing productivity losses, and the effect of eventual eradication of the disease. The results indicate that economic returns to the high expenditures incurred in FMD control could be achieved in the short term if greater international trade in pork products was made possible and export prices higher than those in the domestic market could be attained. If FMD were to be eradicated from Thailand in 2010, the eradication would be economically viable, even without exports, with a predicted benefit-cost ratio of 3.73. With additional exports, the economic justification for control becomes much stronger with a benefit-cost ratio of up to 15:1 being achieved. If eradication is not achieved until 2020, returns remain positive without exports, but at a lower rate. The authors propose that the integrated epidemiological and economic models developed be applied to other countries of the region to gain a more accurate insight into the future benefits of FMD control and eradication in the region.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in countries of east Asia.

Japan regained the status of freedom from foot and mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination in September 2000 and the Republic of Korea likewise obtained this status in September 2001. However, new outbreaks of FMD caused by the pan-Asian topotype have occurred in pigs in the Republic of Korea since May 2002. Taipei China has not experienced an outbreak of FMD since February 2001 and the country is currently implementing an eradication programme. These countries had been free from FMD for many decades when in 1997, the FMD virus (FMDV) once again invaded the region, particularly in 2000; this resulted in widespread occurrence of the disease. The types of FMDV were investigated by genome analysis, and in each case the virus concerned was found to be a member of the pan-Asian O lineage. The authors present the recent situations and the characteristics of FMD in countries of east Asia.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Reduction of stream sediment concentration by a riparian buffer: filtering of road runoff in disturbed headwater basins of montane mainland southeast Asia.

We determined the extent that a riparian buffer reduces stream suspended sediment concentrations by filtering road runoff during 18 rain events in a 2.5-ha, multi-use watershed in northern Thailand. The dominant buffer species was the perennial sedge Fimbristylis aphylla Zoll. ex Steud. (Cyperaceae). We monitored stream sediment concentration for situations where road runoff either flowed into the riparian buffer or was diverted directly into the stream (buffer and no buffer scenarios). These data were used to develop the following relationships between instantaneous stream sediment concentration (Ci) and discharge (Qi): Ci= 28.329Qi(0.851) (buffer scenario) and Ci= 22.265Qi(1.579) (no buffer scenario). Using these functions to calculate total event suspended concentrations, we determined that the buffer reduced suspended sediment concentration by 34 to 87%, for the range of events monitored. Removal of sediment from runoff generated on a 2.4-m-wide, 165-m-long unpaved road section was achieved principally via ponding, which reduced the transport capacity as flow entered the relatively flat, saturated buffer. Sediment deposition occurred primarily within the first 10 m of the buffer. Some sediment was also deposited on the fillslope leading to the buffer. Maximum road sediment concentration during the largest buffer event approached 100,000 mg L(-1). Meanwhile, the corresponding maximum stream suspended sediment concentration was <4000 mg L(-1). In contrast, maximum stream concentrations when flow bypassed the buffer during smaller events were commonly 4000 to 7000 mg L(-1). Naturally occurring buffers represent an economical means of mitigating road-related impacts in upland basins in Southeast Asia, particularly if combined with measures limiting sediment and runoff production on contributing road sections.

Asia, Southeastern↗