METHODOLOGY: Latest telemedicine guidelines of the South Asia Region of the WHO were accessed using the official government websites of the countries. The guidelines that were not in the English language were translated into English using Google Translate. The guidelines were analyzed and presented under the following subheadings: (1) Definitions, Purpose, and Tools of Telemedicine; (2) Clinical Aspects of Telemedicine; and (3) Operational and Technical Aspects of Telemedicine.
RESULTS: Investigating the telemedicine guidelines in the SEAR of the WHO revealed that only 5 out of 11 countries, that is, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia and Nepal, have guidelines specifically for telemedicine. Besides Thailand, the other four countries either published (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh) or updated (Indonesia) their telemedicine guidelines after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines from India and Bangladesh are detailed and robust compared with those from Nepal, Indonesia, and Thailand.
CONCLUSION: Telemedicine guidelines need to be more robust to improve the uptake of the service. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of implementing these guidelines.
METHODS: MON extract phytochemical analysis was conducted to examine active compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, quinones, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay for antioxidant capacity was evaluated, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the detection of volatile active compounds in MON extract was performed. Turax was used to create MON extract at concentrations of 1% and 2%, and then a particle size analysis was carried out. Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) were tested for antibacterial activity of MON extract, comparing them with doxycycline as the reference drug and using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and diffusion zone methods.
RESULTS: MON extract has lower antioxidant capacity than vitamin C. Flavonoids, saponins, quinones, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids were found in MON extract. 1% and 2% of MON extract has 10-40 d nm particle size. MIC, MBC and diffusion examination of 1% and 2% MON extract on Aa, Pg, Pi, and Fn were seen at concentrations of 25% and 12.5% with significantly different (p
METHODS: A web-based survey on societal influence and COVID-19-related psychological distress was distributed through social media in November-December 2021, and received 396 responses.
RESULTS: This study showed that almost 50% of respondents faced psychological distress during the early phase of the Omicron variant, especially concerning hypervigilance and avoidance. Several sociodemographic factors might contribute to the incidence of psychological distress including comorbidity, age and education.
CONCLUSION: Taken together, the incidence of COVID-19-related psychological distress was still found in the early phase of the Omicron variant, especially among young adults.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at various sites in Karachi, Pakistan, from February 2022 to August 2022. Newly diagnosed cases of MetS with no physical disability, known illness, and not taking any regular medication were recruited. MetS was defined based on the definition of International Diabetes Federation. The major outcome was 10-year risk for CVD using the FRS and Globorisk Score.
RESULTS: Of 304 patients, 59.2% were classified as low risk according to FRS, while 20.4% were classified as moderate and high risk each. Using the Globorisk score, 44.6% of 224 patients were classified as low risk, 34.4% as moderate risk, and 21.0% as high risk. A moderate positive correlation was observed between the two CVD risk scores (r = 0.651, 95% CI 0.58-0.71). Both risk scores have reported age, gender, and current smokers as significant risk factors in predicting CVD in 10-years (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The outcome of both CVD risk scores predicted moderate-to-high risk of CVD in 10-years in almost half of the newly diagnosed patients with MetS. In particular, the risk of development of CVD in 10-years in newly diagnosed MetS is higher with increasing age, in male gender, and current smokers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten blood collection agencies (BCAs) provided 12 months' data on donors who met eligibility criteria or were deferred, as well as details of their donation practices. Body mass index and blood volumes were calculated and analysed.
RESULTS: Data on 9,599,613 donations and 154,834 deferrals from six national and four regional BCAs revealed varied donation eligibility and collection practices. Seven used haemoglobin (Hb) criteria below the World Health Organization anaemia threshold. Seven accepted donors weighing <50 kg. Data collection on the weight and height of donors and on deferrals was inconsistent, often not routine. Deferred donors appear to weigh less, with corresponding lower estimated blood volume.
CONCLUSION: The diversity in eligibility criteria and donation practices reflects each BCA's strategy for balancing donor health with securing an adequate blood supply. Use of lower Hb criteria substantiate their appropriateness in Asia and indicate the need to define Hb reference intervals relevant to each population. We encourage routine gathering of donor weight and height data to enable blood volume estimation and local optimization of donation volumes. Blood volume estimation formulae specific for the Asian phenotype is needed. Information from this study would be useful for tailoring donation criteria of Asian donors around the world.