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At least 1,099 records · Page 61Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in head and neck cancers correlates with clinical progression: a multicentre immunohistochemical study in the Asia-Pacific region.

AIMS: With ongoing efforts to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated tumour growth in the treatment of selected human malignancies, there is a need to determine the expression levels of EGFR and to evaluate its prognostic value in various malignancies in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 172 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan were selected for EGFR detection. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate EGFR expression. EGFR expression was present in 88.4% (152/172) of all cases tested. Specifically, EGFR expression was found in 91.3% (42/46), 84.6% (22/26), 84.1% (37/44), 96.0% (24/25), and 87.1% (27/31) cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas from the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx, respectively. The results demonstrate a stronger EGFR expression in T4 tumours (P=0.017) and later clinical stages (P=0.016). No significant correlation was seen with risk factors, primary tumour site and ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas express EGFR, indicating the importance of studying the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy through this pathway. The results also show similar rates of receptor expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients from our region compared with other parts of the world.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Malaria transmission and major malaria vectors in different geographical areas of Southeast Asia.

During the last decade, major progress in malaria control has been achieved in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. However, malaria is still a potentially fatal disease in some hilly-forested areas and continues to be endemic in a few coastal foci. To estimate the risk that stems from the major vectors after a decade of intensive malaria control, an entomological study based on human landing collections was conducted between April 1998 and November 2000 in six study villages (four in Vietnam, one in Cambodia and one in Laos) located in different physio-geographical areas. Five villages were selected in places where new cases of malaria still occurred. In the sixth village, in the northern hilly area of Vietnam, no case of malaria was detected during the past 3 years. In three study villages of the hilly forested areas of Cambodia and central Vietnam, Anopheles dirus A still played an important role in malaria transmission and maintain perennial transmission inside the villages despite its low density. Anopheles minimus A was found in all study villages except in the southern coastal village of Vietnam. Its role in malaria transmission, however, varied between localities and surveys. In one study village of central Vietnam it was almost absent (one specimen collected over 480 man nights), and in another village sporozoite positive specimens (2.8%) were only observed during the first two surveys whereas this species disappeared from the collections from November 1998 onwards (six surveys: 360 man nights). In the northern study site An. minimus A and C were found in all collections, but no local malaria transmission occurred. However, the constant presence of these two species associated with a high longevity (parous rate up around 80% and 65%, respectively), suggests that transmission can occur at almost any time if parasite reservoirs are reintroduced in the area. The proper management of malaria cases and population movement is, therefore, important to prevent outbreaks and the reintroduction of malaria in northern Vietnam. In the study site of the Mekong delta, An. sundaicus occurred at high densities (up to 190 bites/man/night). The recent changes in land use from rice cultivation to shrimp farming probably explains the increase of this brackish water breeding species during the study period. However, none of the 11,002 specimens was positive for Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP). The relative low survival rate as estimated by the parous rate (around 47%) may reflect its low vectorial status that could explain the very low malaria incidence (1.9 case/100 persons/year) in this study site. A calculated sporozoite rate of maximum 1/300,000 is enough to explain this low malaria incidence. Despite the successes in malaria control, the vector An. dirus A continues to play an important role in malaria transmission, whereas An. minimus A showed temporal and spatial variation in its role as vector. The role of An. sundaicus as vector could not be confirmed because of the low incidence in the coastal study village. Other Anopheles species may be locally involved, but in the five study villages where malaria is still present they probably do not contribute significantly to malaria transmission. The study also points towards the fact that in Southeast Asia it will become increasingly difficult to incriminate Anopheles species in malaria transmission while the risk for malaria transmission still persist.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Management of cyclical mastalgia in oriental women: pioneer experience of using gamolenic acid (Efamast) in Asia.

BACKGROUND: In most Western countries gamolenic acid is the first-line treatment for women with cyclical mastalgia. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out in the breast referral clinic of the Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong to evaluate the treatment of cyclical mastalgia using gamolenic acid provided in evening primrose oil (Efamast, Scotia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Scotia House, Stirling, Scotland) as a pioneer experience in Asia. In addition, the features of cyclical mastalgia in Oriental women were studied by conducting a survey using anonymous questionnaires. RESULTS: Sixty-six women with disturbing cyclical mastalgia seen by one breast surgeon were followed up with a breast pain diary. Thirty-four women had persistently disturbing mastalgia and were commenced on Efamast. Responses were measured at 3 and 6 months according to a standardized protocol. An overall useful response rate of 97% was observed at 6 months. Side-effects were found in 12% but all were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Efamast may be recommended as a first-line specific treatment for Oriental women with disturbing cyclical mastalgia.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Overview on SARS in Asia and the world.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is the first major novel infectious disease to hit the international community in the 21st century. It originated in southern China in November 2002, reached Hong Kong in February 2003 and spread rapidly thereafter to 29 countries/regions on five continents. At the end of the epidemic, the global cumulative total was 8098 with 774 deaths. Seven Asian countries/regions were among the top ten on the list. Mainland China and Hong Kong, SAR, accounted for 87% of all cases and 84% of all deaths. Severe acute respiratory syndrome is caused by a novel coronavirus. It has alarmed the world with its infectivity and significant morbidity and mortality, its lack of a rapid, reliable diagnostic test and lack of effective specific treatment and vaccination. The adverse impact on travel and business around the world, particularly in Asia, has been enormous. Some lessons learnt from this epidemic included: (1) any outbreak of infectious disease can rapidly spread around the world by air travel; (2) early reporting of the outbreak to neighbouring countries/regions and the World Health Organization is essential to prevent international spread; and (3) infection control, tracing and quarantine of contacts are essential to control the epidemic. Many questions remain unanswered, including the origin and pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus, the natural history and the best specific treatment of the disease. The SARS-CoV has probably jumped from an animal host to humans. There is an urgent need to evaluate the human-animal habitat in southern China and to remove animal reservoirs if found.

China↗
PubMed2006

Impact of aerosol indirect effect on surface temperature over East Asia.

A regional coupled climate-chemistry-aerosol model is developed to examine the impacts of anthropogenic aerosols on surface temperature and precipitation over East Asia. Besides their direct and indirect reduction of short-wave solar radiation, the increased cloudiness and cloud liquid water generate a substantial downward positive long-wave surface forcing; consequently, nighttime temperature in winter increases by +0.7 degrees C, and the diurnal temperature range decreases by -0.7 degrees C averaged over the industrialized parts of China. Confidence in the simulated results is limited by uncertainties in model cloud physics. However, they are broadly consistent with the observed diurnal temperature range decrease as reported in China, suggesting that changes in downward long-wave radiation at the surface are important in understanding temperature changes from aerosols.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1982

Evidence for multiple origins of the beta E-globin gene in Southeast Asia.

To investigate whether recurrent mutation has contributed to the high frequency of the beta E-globin gene in Southeast Asia, we used the haplotypes at three polymorphic restriction sites within and to the 3' side of the beta-globin gene to predict the framework of 23 beta E-globin genes. These haplotypes suggested that beta E-globin genes are present in two different beta-globin gene frameworks. DNA sequence determination of one gene representing each framework demonstrated that the same mutation (GAG leads to AAG at codon 26) was present in both frameworks. Moreover, the frameworks differed at three nucleotide positions known to be polymorphic in Mediterraneans. These polymorphic sites are located 70 nucleotides to the 5' side of the beta E mutation and 382 and 1032 nucleotides to the 3' side of it. The existence of the beta E mutation in these two beta-globin gene frameworks can be explained by (i) recurrent mutation giving rise to beta E-globin, (ii) a double crossing-over event, or (iii) two single crossing-over events. Mathematical analysis suggests that the first alternative, recurrent mutation of G leads to A at the first nucleotide of codon 26, is most likely.

Asian People↗
PubMed1994

Chromosomal speciation and adaptive radiation of mole rats in Asia Minor correlated with increased ecological stress.

The evolutionary forces causing chromosomal speciation and adaptation are still enigmatic. Here we tested the Israel evolutionary model of positive association of diploid chromosome number (2n) and genetic diversity with aridity stress in subterranean mole rats, on a 30-times-larger scale in Asia Minor. We analyzed both karyotype and allozyme diversity across Turkey, based on 37 allozymic loci in 20 localities of the Spalax leucodon and 4 localities of the Spalax ehrenbergi superspecies. We found extensive chromosomal speciation in S. leucodon (2n = 38, 40, 50, 54, 60, and 62) and in S. ehrenbergi (2n = 52, 56, and 58), presumably representing from 14 to > 20 additional biological species. Genetic diversity indices were low, but, like the chromosome number (2n), positively correlated with aridity stress, increasing centripetally from the periphery toward geologically young, arid, and climatically unpredictable central Anatolia. Nei's genetic distance D across all populations averaged 0.174 (range 0.002-0.422), supporting, combined with 2n and ecogeography, the biological species status of most tested populations. Chromosome evolution is the basis of speciation and adaptation in Spalax; it provides both postmating reproductive isolation, as well as higher levels of recombination with increased 2n. A mathematical model shows that a Robertsonian fission of a single metacentric considerably increases haplotype diversity. This haplotype diversity may contribute to population adaptation to climatic stress and ecological unpredictability in space and time. The increase in diversity corroborates the nichewidth genetic-variation hypothesis.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Papaya (Carica papaya) consumption is unsafe in pregnancy: fact or fable? Scientific evaluation of a common belief in some parts of Asia using a rat model.

Using controlled in vivo and in vitro pharmacological methods, we evaluated the safety of papaya (Carica papaya) consumption in pregnancy with reference to its common avoidance during pregnancy in some parts of Asia. Ripe papaya (Carica papaya L. (Caricaecae) blend (500 ml/l water) was freely given to four groups of Sprague-Dawley rats at different stages of gestation (days 1-5, 6-11, 12-17 and 1-20). The control group received water. The effect of ripe papaya juice and crude papaya latex on pregnant and non-pregnant rats' uteri was also evaluated using standard isolated-organ-bath methods. The daily volumes (ml) of ripe papaya blend consumed by the treated group were significantly (P<0.05) more than water consumed by the control (control 40.3 (sd 11.6) v. treated 64 (sd 19.0)). There was no significant difference in the number of implantation sites and viable fetuses in the rats given ripe papaya relative to the control. No sign of fetal or maternal toxicity was observed in all the groups. In the in vitro study, ripe papaya juice (0.1-0.8 ml) did not show any significant contractile effect on uterine smooth muscles isolated from pregnant and non-pregnant rats; conversely, crude papaya latex (0.1-3.2 mg/ml) induced spasmodic contraction of the uterine muscles similar to oxytocin (1-64 mU/ml) and prostaglandin F(2 alpha) (0.028-1.81 microm). The response of the isolated rat uterine smooth muscles to 0.2 mg crude papaya latex/ml was comparable to 0.23 microm prostaglandin F(2 alpha) and 32 mU oxytocin/ml. In the 18-19 d pregnant rat uterus, the contractile effect of crude papaya latex was characterized by tetanic spasms. The results of the present study suggest that normal consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy may not pose any significant danger. However, the unripe or semi-ripe papaya (which contains high concentration of the latex that produces marked uterine contractions) could be unsafe in pregnancy. Though evaluation of potentially toxic agents often relies on animal experimental results to predict risk in man, further studies will be necessary to ascertain the ultimate risk of unripe papaya-semi-ripe papaya consumption during pregnancy in man.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Alpha 1-protease inhibitor (PI) subtypes in seven populations of east Asia.

The distribution of serum alpha 1-protease inhibitor (PI) or alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) subtypes was determined by thin-layer isoelectric focusing in a group of 1233 individuals from six Mongoloid populations of East Asia and Dravidian Indians. The sample comprised 385 Chinese from Singapore and 151 Chinese from the Fujien province; 126 Malays; 243 Filipinos; 112 Thais; 56 Koreans and 160 Dravidian Indians. The frequency of PiM1 ranged from 0.65 in the Thais to 0.81 in the Fujien Chinese. The highest frequency of PiM2 was found in the Dravidian Indians (0.28) followed by the Thais (0.25). The frequency of PiM3 was found to vary from 0.03 to 0.07 in these populations. A low frequency of PiF (0.01 to 0.02) and PiS (0.01 to 0.04) was also observed in the Mongoloid populations but absent in the Indians. The PiZ allele was completely absent in all these populations. The phenotypic distribution of PI subtypes was at Hardy-Weinburg equilibrium in all the populations.

Alleles↗
PubMed2002

Pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Asia: mother-to-child transmission.

At least 6 million people in the Asia-Pacific region have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The numbers of HIV-infected women and children are increasing at an alarming rate. Important components of infection control that need to be addressed if mother-to-child transmission of HIV is to be prevented successfully include voluntary and confidential counseling and testing, family planning, obstetric care, use of antiretroviral agents, and availability of alternatives to breast-feeding. Many services can aid in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the care of HIV-infected mothers and their children. Each country needs to take into account the features of HIV and AIDS epidemiology that are peculiar to it, its infrastructure, and the resources that are available. Providing services in a stepwise manner can help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

Genetic isolates in East Asia: a study of linkage disequilibrium in the X chromosome.

The background linkage disequilibrium (LD) in genetic isolates is of great interest in human genetics. Although many empirical studies have evaluated the background LD in European isolates, such as the Finnish and Sardinians, few data from other regions, such as Asia, have been reported. To evaluate the extent of background LD in East Asian genetic isolates, we analyzed the X chromosome in the Japanese population and in four Mongolian populations (Khalkh, Khoton, Uriankhai, and Zakhchin), the demographic histories of which are quite different from one another. Fisher's exact test revealed that the Japanese and Khalkh, which are the expanded populations, had the same or a relatively higher level of LD than did the Finnish, European American, and Sardinian populations. In contrast, the Khoton, Uriankhai, and Zakhchin populations, which have kept their population size constant, had a higher background LD. These results were consistent with previous genetic anthropological studies in European isolates and indicate that the Japanese and Khalkh populations could be utilized in the fine mapping of both complex and monogenic diseases, whereas the Khoton, Uriankhai, and Zakhchin populations could play an important role in the initial mapping of complex disease genes.

DNA, Mitochondrial↗
PubMed2004

Midlife dietary intake of antioxidants and risk of late-life incident dementia: the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

Antioxidants have been hypothesized to protect against Alzheimer's disease, but studies conducted in late life have been inconsistent. Risk factors measured in midlife may better predict dementia in late life because they are less affected by the disease process. The authors examined the association of midlife dietary intake of antioxidants to late-life dementia and its subtypes. Data were obtained from the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study, a prospective community-based study of Japanese-American men who were aged 45-68 years in 1965-1968, when a 24-hour dietary recall was administered. The analysis included 2,459 men with complete dietary data who were dementia-free at the first assessment in 1991-1993 and were examined up to two times for dementia between 1991 and 1999. The sample included 235 incident cases of dementia (102 cases of Alzheimer's disease, 38 cases of Alzheimer's disease with contributing cerebrovascular disease, and 44 cases of vascular dementia). Relative risks by quartile of intake were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models with age as the time scale, after adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, cardiovascular risk factors, other dietary constituents, and apolipoprotein E e4. Intakes of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and vitamins E and C were not associated with the risk of dementia or its subtypes. This analysis suggests that midlife dietary intake of antioxidants does not modify the risk of late-life dementia or its most prevalent subtypes.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2006

The effect of social engagement on incident dementia: the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

The authors examined whether low levels of social engagement in midlife and late life were associated with the risk of incident dementia in 2,513 Japanese-American men who have been followed since 1965 as part of the Honolulu Heart Program and the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study. In 1991, assessment of dementia began; incident dementia cases (n = 222) were diagnosed in 1994 and 1997. Social engagement was assessed in midlife (1968) and late life (1991). The relation between social engagement and dementia risk was examined using Cox proportional hazards models. No level of midlife social engagement was associated with the risk of dementia. In late life, compared with participants in the highest quartile of late-life social engagement, those in the lowest quartile had a significantly increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio = 2.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 4.65). However, compared with those who were in the highest quartile of social engagement at both midlife and late life, only decreased social engagement from midlife to late life was associated with an increased risk of dementia (hazard ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.12, 3.13). Although low social engagement in late life is associated with risk of dementia, levels of late-life social engagement may already have been modified by the dementing process and may be associated with prodromal dementia.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

Comparative studies on aetiology and epidemiology of viral conjunctivitis in three countries of East Asia--Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.

A total number of 1105 cases with viral conjunctivitis, mainly epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis (EKC) consisting of 354 cases from Sapporo, Japan, of 628 from Kaohsiung, Taiwan and of 123 from Busan, Korea, encountered during the periods, 1980-81 and/or 1983, were studied aetiologically and epidemiologically. Patients were aged from 27 days to 88 years with a peak in the 20-29 year age group. Aetiological diagnoses were established in 610 cases (55%), consisting of 536 cases (49%) caused by adenoviruses and of 74 (7%) by EV 70. The most frequently detected agent was Ad 8 (57%), followed by EV 70 (12%), Ad 3 (9%) and Ad 19 (7%). The aetiological profiles of viral conjunctivitis were generally similar in three cities of East Asia. EKC (70%) was mainly caused by Ad 8, Ad 19 and Ad 37, but AHC (13%) by EV 70 and PCF (5%) by Ad 3 and Ad 11. Ad 19 and Ad 37 isolates in three cities were compared with the cleavage patterns with restriction endonucleases, BamHl, Smal, Sall and Hindlll. All of the Ad 19 isolates tested were identical to Ad 19a reported by Wadell et al, and all but three isolates of Ad 37 were identical to the Ad 37 prototype prevalent in Europe and the US. The three isolates of Ad 37, different from the prototype in cleavage pattern with Hindlll, designated as Ad 37A, were detected in Sapporo and Kaohsiung in 1980. From the cleavage patterns with four restriction endonucleases, Hindlll, BamHl, Sa1l and Sstl, the Ad 8 isolates in 1983 were divided into three subtypes, which were associated with the cities isolated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1994

The presence of M protein in nontypeable group A streptococcal upper respiratory tract isolates from Southeast Asia.

Previous studies have suggested that group A streptococcal strains from southeast Asia, serotypically different from temporally related North American and European isolates, may represent unrecognized M serotypes. Sixty non-M typeable group A streptococcal upper respiratory tract isolates from Thailand were evaluated for the presence of M protein using a modification of the direct serum bactericidal test. Of them, 59 (98%) grew rapidly in human blood. Typeability by T agglutination and opacity factor production did not influence their growth in blood. It was concluded that these isolates produce M protein and likely represent previously uncharacterized M serotypes. Identification of such non-M typeable strains is important in understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of group A streptococcal infections and their sequelae in areas of the world where they remain a significant health problem and will also be necessary in the development of a vaccine with global efficacy.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed1997

Smoking history in middle age and subsequent cognitive performance in elderly Japanese-American men. The Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

The associations between cigarette smoking history and later cognitive performance were examined among 3,429 Japanese-American participants of the Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) and its extension, the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS). Cognitive performance was measured by the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), administered as part of HAAS (mean age at HAAS exam (standard deviation (SD)): 77.7 (4.6) years). Information on smoking history was collected during the first and third HHP exams (mean age (SD) at Exam III: 58.6 (4.7) years). Compared with never-smokers, those who had smoked continuously between Exams I-III and those who had quit smoking during that period had significantly lower CASI scores, after adjustment for age, education, Japanese acculturation, and Exam III alcohol intake. In multiple logistic regression controlling for the above covariates, a significantly higher risk of cognitive impairment (CASI score < 82) was associated with continuous smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.69) and quitting between Exams I-III (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.80) compared with never smoking. This excess risk of cognitive impairment among continuous smokers and Exam I-III quitters was slightly diminished by further adjustment for body mass index and several vascular covariates. Additional analyses suggested a reduced risk of cognitive impairment among the longer-term quitters. This study suggests a positive association between smoking during middle age and later risk of cognitive impairment.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Experience with continuous infusion of recombinant activated factor VII in the Asia-Pacific region.

There is increasing interest in continuous infusion of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) as a convenient and safe alternative to intermittent bolus therapy. In the Australian patients reported in this paper, cost savings of up to 25% in the first 12 h of treatment with continuous infusion of rFVIIa have been achieved safely, suggesting that substantial overall savings are possible. However, in the Thai patient reported, a dose reduction of 35% in the first 12 h was associated with poor haemostatic control, suggesting that a dose reduction of >25% may be inadvisable. The indications for treatment in the five Australian patients were: retroperitoneal haemorrhage (n = 3); right forearm compartment syndrome (n = 1); wrist haemarthrosis and median nerve compression (n = 2); sublingual haematoma (n = 1); and cerebral (mid-brain) haemorrhage (n = 1). Treatment was effective in four out of five patients (six bleeding episodes) and there was one treatment failure where treatment had been substantially delayed. The Thai patient was treated as part of a prospective, uncontrolled, observational study of 34 bleeding episodes in 22 patients in the Asia-Pacific region. Treatment was judged ineffective after 24 h, but full haemostatic control was subsequently achieved with intermittent rFVIIa therapy.

Adult↗