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Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding sector that contributes significantly to the global food supply, with Asia accounting for 90% of production and India being the second largest aquaculture fish producer. Probiotics are used in aquaculture techniques because of the need for aquatic organism development, higher disease resistance, and feed efficiency. Several potential probiotics have been shown to produce antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of harmful microbes and preserve intestinal microecological equilibrium by allowing them to stick to stomach surfaces, thus impairing pathogenic growth. Aquaculture has benefited various industries, pharmaceuticals, and global food security in recent decades. Nevertheless, the stress conditions that aquatic creatures experience in aquaculture cause fish to become less resilient to illness and weaken their immune systems. Therefore, impacts local people's socioeconomic conditions and economic progress in many nations. Several approaches, including conventional practices, artificial chemicals, and antibiotics, have been used to control disease in the aquaculture sector. Hence, alternative techniques are far more important to keep the microbial ecosystem in aquaculture systems healthy. This review presents the current understanding of probiotic use in aquaculture as a healthy alternative for fish and biological control agents in aquaculture and to find out its future direction for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a significant public health challenge that has an adverse impact on functional independence, quality of life, and life expectancy. Management of people's chronic conditions is a key aspect of contemporary medical practice. Our study was an open label, single arm, prospective pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of treating people with TSCI. The study intervention was treatment with oral selenium and vitamin E. Participants were 18 years or older and experienced a TSCI at least one year prior to enrollment. Daily doses of 50 mcg of selenium and 400 IU of vitamin E were administered. Participants had radiologic (MRI tractography) and clinical (ASIA) assessments prior to initiating treatment, and these assessments were repeated after one year of treatment. Four subjects completed the full twelve-month study. Adherence, based on pill counts, was approximately 75% in all subjects. There were no adverse events related to study medications. During the treatment period, subjects reported improvement in certain symptoms. There was no significant difference in ASIA scores before and after the intervention. Combination treatment with vitamin E and selenium has been demonstrated as safe for TSCI patients. It is possible to use DTI values to locate the epicenter of a lesion as well as gauge the extent of injury. MRI tractography may serve as a meaningful surrogate endpoint. The results of this study suggest that it is feasible to conduct a larger long-term clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment of TSCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging pollutant in the aquatic environment, and this has gradually been recognized in the Asian region. This systematic review study, using the Scopus database, provides an insightful understanding of the spatial distribution of scientific studies on MPs in freshwater conducted across the Asian region, utilized sampling methods, and a detailed assessment of the effects of MPs on different biotic components in freshwater ecosystems, with special focus on its potential risks on human health. The results of this review indicate that research on microplastics in Asia has gained attention since 2014, with a significant increase in the number of studies in 2018, and the number of scientific studies quadrupled in 2021 compared to 2018. Results indicated that despite a significant amount of research has been conducted in many Asian countries, they were not distributed evenly, as multiple studies selected specific rivers and lakes. Additionally, around two-thirds of all the papers focused their studies in China, followed by India and South Korea. It was also found that most of the studies focused primarily on reporting the occurrence levels of MPs in freshwater systems, such as water and sediments, and aquatic organisms, with a lack of studies investigating the human intake of MPs and their potential risks to human health. Notably, comparing the results is a challenge because diverse sampling, separation, and identification methods were applied to estimate MPs. This review study suggests that further research on the dynamics and transport of microplastics in biota and humans is needed, as Asia is a major consumer of seafood products and contributes significantly to the generation of plastic litter in the marine environment. Moreover, this review study revealed that only a few studies extended their discussions to policies and governance aspects of MPs. This implies the need for further research on policy and governance frameworks to address this emerging water pollutant more holistically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic vertebral burst fractures can be surgically approached via different approaches (anterior/posterior, or combined). Transpedicular approach (TA) is a posterior approach that has the advantage of achieving circumferential arthrodesis via single posterior only approach. The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with TA in management of traumatic lumbar burst fractures (TLBFs).Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients with TLBFs managed with TA over 5 years duration were included in this retrospective study. Correction of kyphotic deformity and change in neurological status were analyzed to assess outcome. Cobb's angle and ASIA grade were used for this purpose.Results: There were 21 males and 14 females. Eight patients had complete (ASIA-A) while 22 had incomplete injury. All patients had a TLICS score >=4. The mean preoperative Cobb's angle was 13.97° that improved to -3.57° postoperatively (mean kyphosis correction-17.54°). None of the patients developed iatrogenic nerve root injury. There was no perioperative mortality. The mean cobb's angle was 1.23° at 39.1 months follow-up. Eight patients developed cage subsidence but none required revision surgery. Postoperatively, 27 (77.1%) patients showed neurological improvement and none deteriorated. The median ASIA score improved from 3 to 5. A fusion rate of 91.4% was observed at last follow-up.Conclusions: The advantages of TA including sense of familiarity with posterior approach amongst spine surgeons, lesser approach-related morbidity, and results comparable to anterior/combined approaches, make TA an attractive option for managing TLBFs. Although technically difficult, it can be successfully used for circumferential arthrodesis in lumbar region without sacrificing nerve roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an underutilized ecologically and economically important wind-pollinated, low-demanding, dioecious, thorny, and winter hardy tree or shrub native to Europe and Asia. Since ancient times, people living in the cold deserts used it as folk medicine, nutritional supplement, fuel, fence, and fodder. Hence, popularly known as the 'Gold Mine' of cold deserts. Sea buckthorn fruits are nutritionally rich with a high amount of vitamins. It also contains bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, sterols, carotenoids, tocopherols, and lipids, therefore, implying as an excellent source for discovering new drugs and improving the food quality of humans. Unfortunately, aside from excellent traits still very limited progress has been made in the improvement of sea buckthorn through conventional breeding programs therefore, the application of modern biotechnological and high-throughput sequencing tools for the bio-prospection of agronomically important traits is needed to speed up the breeding programs. Highlighting several uses of sea buckthorn, it made a case for its status as an underutilized crop with the potential to contribute to our food and nutritional base. It is an interesting subject of future research and scientific publications, as highlights the scientific insights into the existing know-how i.e. historical perspective, taxonomical and botanical description, genetic diversity and distribution; medicinal and nutritional importance, market potential and key players, breeding constraints, biotechnological advancements, omics-based interventions, and a path forward for adoption and large-scale cultivation of sea buckthorn to provide a clear concept for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

• A systematic review was conducted to understand the disease surveillance efforts within the bushmeat trade and wet markets. • Reported bushmeat studies were biased towards Africa, with data gaps in Asia and South America. • Of the 58 species of bushmeat investigated, 48 species were found to host one or more pathogens. • Perceived health risks are low among traders and consumers. • The need to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease control should be emphasized. The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is the third coronavirus this century to threaten human health, killing more than two million people globally. Like previous coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is suspected to have wildlife origins and was possibly transmitted to humans via wet markets selling bushmeat (aka harvested wild meat). Thus, an interdisciplinary framework is vital to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease. We reviewed the contemporary scientific literature to: (1) assess disease surveillance efforts within the bushmeat trade and wet markets globally by compiling zoonotic health risks based on primarily serological examinations; and (2) gauge perceptions of health risks associated with bushmeat and wet markets. Of the 58 species of bushmeat investigated across 15 countries in the 52 articles that we analyzed,one or more pathogens (totaling 60 genera of pathogens) were reported in 48 species, while no zoonotic pathogens were reported in 10 species based on serology. Burden of disease data was nearly absent from the articles resulting from our Scopus search, and therefore was not included in our analyses. We also found that perceived health risks associated with bushmeat was low, though we could not perform statistical analyses due to the lack of quantitative perception-based studies. After screening the literature, our results showed that the global distribution of reported bushmeat studies were biased towards Africa, revealing data deficiencies across Asia and South America despite the prevalence of the bushmeat trade across the Global South. Studies targeting implications of the bushmeat trade on human health can help address these data deficiencies across Asia and South America. We further illustrate the need to address the nexus between bushmeat, wet markets, and disease to help prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases under the previously proposed "One Health Framework", which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. By tackling these three pillars, we discuss the current policy gaps and recommend suitable measures to prevent future disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a comparative study of top-ranked Asiatic region journals of Library and Information Science discipline. SCImago Journal and the country rank was used to determine the top-ranked Asiatic journals in the domain of library and information science. Initially, top 10 journals were considered which filtered based on the coverage and SJR Ranked. A total of 6 Journals were considered for further evaluation and comparison, which meets different parameters and criteria. A comprehensive scientometric study was also presented of these six journals. Further, the paper presents the publication patterns of these six top-ranked journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-centrifugal sugar (NCS), generally known in most parts of Asia as jaggery, is a commonly used sweetener in food preparations. Sun drying of NCS has been reported to improve its shelf life. However, there is no systematic study, supported by relevant data and analysis, for this claim. In this article, the influence of temperature and relative humidity (RH) of the medium on the drying rate of jaggery is studied. The optimum drying temperature and humidity for jaggery of different compositions are determined. Jaggery containing low levels of reducing sugars (RSs) (2–5%) has lower equilibrium moisture content (EMC). For this reason, moisture could be reduced to as low as 0.5% within 250 minutes. Case-hardening is realized for the product with low RS content (typically ≤ 6%), and it does not allow one to employ high temperatures for drying. For jaggery containing high RS (10–15%), case-hardening was not evident, while the higher EMC does not permit moisture reduction below 4–5% under otherwise similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This paper presents a comparative in-depth investigation of the energy standings, opportunities and the barriers that occur in the expansion of renewable energy in the Asia's two fastest growing economies, i.e. India and China. These two countries contain almost 36% of the world's population and constitute the fastest emerging hub for trade and industries in the energy sector in which different types of energy resources are sought to meet the energy demands. Non-conventional sources of energy are the inevitable alternative for the achievement of economic improvement, ecological balance, nature friendly environment and sustainable development. It is recommended to eliminate the obstacles to achieving the estimated energy targets of the 13th financial year plan (FYP) of both nations and stimulate the enhancement of the rate of green energy resources exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finite freshwater sources are facing huge threats both for quality and quantity from uncertain global changes, namely population growth, rapid urbanization, and climate change. These threats are even more prominent in developing countries where institutional capacity of decision-makers in the field of water resources is not sufficient. Attention of scientific communities to work on adaptation barriers is increasing as the need for global change adaptation becomes apparent. This paper presents a comparative study of assessing the current water quality as well as predicting its future situation using different scenarios in eight different cities of South and Southeast Asia. The idea behind this transdisciplinary work (integrated use of hydrological science, climate science, social science, and local policies) is to provide scientific evidence to decision-makers to help them to implement right management policies at timely manner. Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP), a numerical simulation tool, was used to model river water quality using two scenarios, namely business as usual (BAU) and scenario with measures. Water quality simulation was done along one representative river from all eight cities. Simulated results for BAU scenario shows that water quality in all the study sites will further deteriorate by year 2030 compared to the current situation and will be not suitable for fishing category as desired by the local governments. Also, simulation outcome for scenario with measures advocating improvement of water quality compared to current situation signifies the importance of existing master plans. However, different measures (suggested upgradation of wastewater handling infrastructure) and policies will not be sufficient enough to achieve desirable river water quality as evident from the gap between concentration of simulated water quality and desirable water quality concentrations. This work can prove vital as it provides timely information to the decision-makers involved in keeping inventory for attaining SDG 6.0 in their regions and it also calls for immediate and inclusive action for better water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicated on our improved understanding of the disease biology, we have seen remarkable advances in the management of multiple myeloma over the past few years. Recently approved drugs have radically transformed the treatment paradigm and improved survivals of myeloma patients. The progress has necessitated revision of the diagnostic criteria, risk-stratification and response definition. The huge disparities in economy, healthcare infrastructure and access to novel drugs among different Asian countries will hinder the delivery of optimum myeloma care to patients managed in resource-constrained environments. In the light of the tremendous recent changes and evolution in myeloma management, it is timely that the resource-stratified guidelines from the Asian Myeloma Network be revised to provide updated recommendations for Asia physicians practicing under various healthcare reimbursement systems. This review will highlight the most recent advances and our recommendations on how they could be integrated in both resource-abundant and resource-constrained facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke is one of the commonest causes of mortality in the world and anticipated to be an increasing burden to the developing world. Stroke has a genetic basis and identifying those genes may not only help us define the mechanisms that cause stroke but also identify novel therapeutic targets. However, large scale highly phenotyped DNA repositories are required in order for this to be achieved. Methods: The proposed Bio-Repository of DNA in Stroke (BRAINS) will recruit all subtypes of stroke as well as controls from two different continents, Europe and Asia. Subjects recruited from the UK will include stroke patients of European ancestry as well as British South Asians. Stroke subjects from South Asia will be recruited from India and Sri Lanka. South Asian cases will also have control subjects recruited. Discussion: We describe a study protocol to establish a large and highly characterized stroke biobank in those of European and South Asian descent. With different ethnic populations being recruited, BRAINS has the ability to compare and contrast genetic risk factors between those of differing ancestral descent as well as those who migrate into different environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Onosma hispidum (Ratanjot) belongs to the family Boraginaceae. The genus Onosma has about 150 known species in Asia. It has been found to be effective as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent and promotes healing in burns, foot ulcers, and wounds. Aim: To study the effect of O. hispidum on blood glucose level in glucose-loaded, normal, and hyperglycemic rats. Settings: Department of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Design: An experimental study was designed. Materials and Methods: The methanolic root extracts of O. hispidum are compared with glibenclamide for their influence on fasting blood glucose in glucose-loaded, normoglycemic, and alloxan-induced (120 mg/kg i.p) hyperglycemic rats. Statistical Analysis: The data were analysed by one way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test (P < 0.01). Results: In glucose-loaded, normal and hyperglycemic rats, the methanolic root extract of O. hispidum at the dose of 100 mg/kg p.o. reduced blood glucose significantly as compared to control, and it was almost as effective as glibenclamide. Conclusion: The methanolic root extract of O. hispidum has hypoglycemic action. As diabetes is associated with hyperglycemia and several other pathological changes such as infections, inflammation, foot ulcers and impairment of wound healing, these additional effects besides hypoglycemic effect of O. hispidum may be proved as a breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes. Biochemical and receptor oriented molecular studies are required to find out the exact mechanism of hypoglycemic action of O. hispidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Christianity established a connection with Indian films even before the first Indian film was made in 1912, the portrayal of Christians is rarely a topic of discussion. In this article, I survey Indian films which feature the relationship of Hindus and Christians but have escaped the attention of film scholars. Although the recent upsurge in “cinepatriotism” and “Hinduness” in Hindi films is rightly criticized by scholars, in this article I cite examples from several films and argue that secularism embraced in films has been maintained by most Indian filmmakers. I argue that there are several instances of films in which Christians are in a congenial relationship with their Hindu counterparts, and often in the service of nationalism, such as in Amar Akbar Anthony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines key organization design and management practices in development programs in Asian countries. Major concern of management; Operating performance of beneficiary members and field staff; Determination of the success of the program; Organizational policies.

Background & objectives: Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) is the commonest leukaemia in Asia. There is a paucity data on cytogenetic and molecular analyses of Indian CML patients. This apparently reflects the low availability of cytogenetic and molecular techniques in our country. This study aimed to document various types of BCR-ABL fusion transcripts in different phases of CML and to compare the Ph chromosome positivity/negativity vis-a-vis BCR-ABL fusion transcripts in adult CML patients. Methods: Between June 2004 and February 2009, 208 patients were diagnosed as CML in chronic phase (CP), accelerated phase (AP) and blast crisis (BC), according to standard criteria. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were performed in all patients. Various types of BCR-ABL hybrid transcripts were compared with phases of CML and cytogenetic abnormalities. Results: Among 208 CML patients, b3a2 BCR-ABL transcripts were most commonly detected (66.82%) followed by b2a2 (28.84%), b3a2 + b2a2 (3.36%), b3a2 + e19a2 (0.48%) and b2a2 + e19a2 (0.48%). b3a2 transcripts were more frequently detected than b2a2 transcripts, in the whole group of 208 as well as in 183 CML-CP patients (P<0.0001). Ph chromosome was positive in 135 of 139 patients with b3a2 transcripts and 56 of 60 patients with b2a2 transcripts, difference not being significant. Additional cytogenetic abnormalities detected in 3.8 per cent patients in CML-CP and 44 per cent patients in CMLAP/ BC, did not show predilection for any BCR-ABL transcript type. Interpretation & conclusions: This study documents higher Ph positivity (96.15%) by cytogenetic analysis among CML patients, as confirmed by qualitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in a large patient group from north India. Both the techniques contribute towards understanding the disease biology, and have important implications for diagnosis and management of CML patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elderly population with diabetes is diverse with the majority experiencing a decline in physical and mental capabilities, impacting the entire diabetes management process. Therefore, a need for geriatric-specific guidelines, especially for the Asian population, was identified and subsequently developed by an expert panel across government and private institutions from several Asian countries. The panel considered clinical evidence (landmark trials, position papers, expert opinions), recommendations from several important societies along with their decades of clinical experience and expertise, while meticulously devising thorough geriatric-specific tailored management strategies. The creation of the ABCDE best practices document underscores and explores the gaps and challenges and determines optimal methods for diabetes management of the elderly population in the Asian region.

It was shown that the human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of recent coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and variation in this gene may affect the susceptibility of a population. Therefore, we have analysed the sequence data of ACE2 among 393 samples worldwide, focusing on South Asia. Genetically, South Asians are more related to West Eurasian populations rather than to East Eurasians. In the present analyses of ACE2, we observed that the majority of South Asian haplotypes are closer to East Eurasians rather than to West Eurasians. The phylogenetic analysis suggested that the South Asian haplotypes shared with East Eurasians involved two unique event polymorphisms (rs4646120 and rs2285666). In contrast with the European/American populations, both of the SNPs have largely similar frequencies for East Eurasians and South Asians, Therefore, it is likely that among the South Asians, host susceptibility to the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will be more similar to that of East Eurasians rather than to that of Europeans., Competing Interests: One of our author AR is full time employee of Redcliffe Life Sciences Pvt Ltd. India. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the most underdiagnosed, underestimated and undertreated of the atherosclerotic vascular diseases despite its poor prognosis. There may be racial or contextual differences in the Asia-Pacific region as to epidemiology, availability of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, and even patient treatment response. The Asian Pacific Society of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Diseases (APSAVD) thus coordinated the development of an Asia-Pacific Consensus Statement (APCS) on the Management of PAD., Objectives: The APSAVD aimed to accomplish the following: 1) determine the applicability of the 2016 AHA/ACC guidelines on the Management of Patients with Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease to the Asia-Pacific region; 2) review Asia-Pacific literature; and 3) increase the awareness of PAD., Methodology: A Steering Committee was organized to oversee development of the APCS, appoint a Technical Working Group (TWG) and Consensus Panel (CP). The TWG appraised the relevance of the 2016 AHA/ACC PAD Guideline and proposed recommendations which were reviewed by the CP using a modified Delphi technique., Results: A total of 91 recommendations were generated covering history and physical examination, diagnosis, and treatment of PAD-3 new recommendations, 31 adaptations and 57 adopted statements. This Asia-Pacific Consensus Statement on the Management of PAD constitutes the first for the Asia-Pacific Region. It is intended for use by health practitioners involved in preventing, diagnosing and treating patients with PAD and ultimately the patients and their families themselves.

Health crises have become a popular topic of discussion. In the wave of the ongoing pandemic, experts have suggested the role of vaping and other tobacco product use exemplifying the vulnerability of the population to contract the COVID-19. We discuss some of the events that led up to these conclusions and also offer a unique insight into another form of tobacco use that is potentially propagating its spread especially in the South Asian region-chewed tobacco. Both of these have been a perennial issue that head and neck cancer surgeons have been dealing with. Governments and head and neck cancer care providers now have an opportunity to deal with a common enemy in the midst of this pandemic., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Most cancers occur in developing countries, and therefore, a discussion about cancer care would be incomplete without providing a developing world perspective. This chapter focuses on challenges and practices relating to hypopharyngeal cancer in limited-resource public healthcare systems in developing countries and specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and South America and by extension, most patients in the developing world. Management of hypopharyngeal cancer must be adapted to the availability of specialised diagnostic and therapeutic services, radiotherapy and surgical expertise, and tailored to patient factors such as reliability of follow-up and social support. A particular challenge for physicians is to decide who can be denied the opportunity to be cured when the burden of cancer cases exceeds available resources. Public education campaigns about reducing risk factors for hypopharyngeal cancer are an important aspect of reducing the burden of cancer., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Analysis of natural selection events is an attractive strategy for identification of functional variants shaped by gene-environmental interactions and human adaptation. Here, we identified PTK6, a Src-related tyrosine kinase gene, underlying positive selection in East Asian populations. Interestingly, PTK6 variant showed significant correlation with gastric cancer incidences which was the highest in East Asian populations. The high prevalence of gastric cancer in East Asians was also believed to be strongly affected by Helicobacter pylori infection and dietary habit. Therefore, we speculated a competitive interaction of cancer-associated molecules for activation/reduction, where PTK6 likely plays a role through CagA-driven signaling pathway after H. pylori infection. This hypothesis was also supported by our gene expression analysis and the dating of the selective event which was estimated to be ~16,500 years ago, much later than H. pylori invasion in human 50,000 years ago. Establishment of cross talk between PTK6 and CagA by functional studies may further elucidate the underlying biology of H. pylori-mediated gastric cancer.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent, chronic relapsing condition in childhood with significant financial burden and impact on the quality of life of patients and caregivers. Proactive maintenance treatment with moisturizing agents is the mainstay AD therapy., Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a non-steroidal barrier cream (Atopiclair), compared to regular emollient in pediatric patients with mild-to-moderate AD., Methods: A Markov decision model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Atopiclair versus regular emollient in 12 Asia-Pacific countries, grouped by income categories based on gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Data was obtained from structured literature review, expert opinion, fee schedules, and findings from a 2012 survey of 12 Asia-Pacific countries. Analysis was performed a societal perspective., Results: In the base case analysis, Atopiclair was cost-effective against regular emollient, with USD786, USD499, and USD289 in cost savings per year for high, middle, and low-income countries, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that Atopiclair remained cost-effective versus regular emollient., Conclusions: Modelling analysis showed that Atopiclair is a cost-effective treatment compared to regular emollient for mild-to-moderate pediatric AD in the countries included in the study.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) improves the quality of life of patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) and dysplasia by preserving gastric function. ESD in the treatment of EGC and dysplasia has become standard in Japan and Korea and is being developed and implemented in many major centers in Asia. With a well-designed prospective study, long-term outcomes of expanded criteria for endoscopic resection of EGC are expected to provide reliable indications for endoscopic treatment. Ongoing and novel clinical investigations of minimally invasive approaches and close collaboration between Western and Asian countries are expected to establish the best way to treat EGC., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Blood pressure is a heritable trait influenced by several biological pathways and responsive to environmental stimuli. Over one billion people worldwide have hypertension (≥140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure or  ≥90 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure). Even small increments in blood pressure are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. This genome-wide association study of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which used a multi-stage design in 200,000 individuals of European descent, identified sixteen novel loci: six of these loci contain genes previously known or suspected to regulate blood pressure (GUCY1A3-GUCY1B3, NPR3-C5orf23, ADM, FURIN-FES, GOSR2, GNAS-EDN3); the other ten provide new clues to blood pressure physiology. A genetic risk score based on 29 genome-wide significant variants was associated with hypertension, left ventricular wall thickness, stroke and coronary artery disease, but not kidney disease or kidney function. We also observed associations with blood pressure in East Asian, South Asian and African ancestry individuals. Our findings provide new insights into the genetics and biology of blood pressure, and suggest potential novel therapeutic pathways for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Asia harbors substantial cultural and linguistic diversity, but the geographic structure of genetic variation across the continent remains enigmatic. Here we report a large-scale survey of autosomal variation from a broad geographic sample of Asian human populations. Our results show that genetic ancestry is strongly correlated with linguistic affiliations as well as geography. Most populations show relatedness within ethnic/linguistic groups, despite prevalent gene flow among populations. More than 90% of East Asian (EA) haplotypes could be found in either Southeast Asian (SEA) or Central-South Asian (CSA) populations and show clinal structure with haplotype diversity decreasing from south to north. Furthermore, 50% of EA haplotypes were found in SEA only and 5% were found in CSA only, indicating that SEA was a major geographic source of EA populations.