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Fulltext Demographic differences of preference, intake frequency and craving hedonic ratings of sweet foods among Malaysian subjects in Kuala Lumpur

Sia, B.T., Low, S.Y., Foong, W.C., Prmasivah, M., Khor, C.Z., Say, Y.H.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2013;9(1):55-64.
MyJurnal

As the sugar intake of Malaysians is one of the highest in the Asia Pacific region, we wanted to investigate how this high prevalence of ‘sweet tooth’ is influenced by biological determinants like age, gender, ethnicity and Body Mass Index (BMI). Therefore, this study was to determine the demographic and BMI differences of preference, intake frequency and craving of a list of sweet beverages and food among Malaysian subjects. Convenience sampling was performed around Kuala Lumpur, with informed consents, involving 367 multi-ethnic subjects (163 males, 204 females; 83 Malays, 201 Chinese, 83 Indians; 209 lean, 158 overweight). Demographics and anthropometric measurements were taken and questionnaire on the preference/frequency/craving of a list of 22 sweet food and beverages with a 7 point hedonic scale (from 1= very unpleasant/never/never crave to 7 = very pleasant/at least once a day/ always crave) was performed. Females significantly preferred more, took less frequently but had equal craving of sweet foods compared to males. Lean subjects and those

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext New Paradigms for Virus Detection, Surveillance and Control of Zika Virus Vectors in the Settings of Southeast Asia

Vythilingam I, Sam JI, Chan YF, Khaw LT, Sulaiman WY

Front Microbiol, 2016;7:1452.
PMID: 27679623 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01452

Zika virus (ZIKV) has now become a global public health concern. The vectors for ZIKV are Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. Both these mosquitoes are predominant in Southeast Asia and are also responsible for the spread of other arboviral diseases like dengue virus and chikungunya virus. The incidence of dengue has been increasing over the years and this is of concern to public health workers. Simple laboratory tools for the detection of ZIKV is also lacking. In the absence of drugs and vaccine for these arboviral diseases, vector control is the main option for surveillance and control. Aedes larval surveys have been the hallmark of dengue control along with larviciding and fogging when cases are reported. However, we need new paradigms and options for control of these vectors. The current situation in Southeast Asia clearly proves that effective strategies for vector control need to be proactive and not reactive. This will be the way forward to control epidemics of these diseases inclusive of ZIKV until a vaccine becomes available.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern
Fulltext Bioactivity analysis of lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) essential oil

Mirghani, M.E.S., Liyana, Y., Parveen, J.

International Food Research Journal, 2012;19(2):569-575.
MyJurnal

Diseases such as diabetes mellitus and gout are among the chronic diseases affecting worldwide population. Investigation is required to find the alternative approaches to treat these chronic diseases, such as plant based medicine. In this study, lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) was chosen and examined on the basis of their usage in traditional medicines throughout Southeast Asia. GCMS analysis revealed the major constituents of the lemongrass essential oil which compromise 67.769% and 67.328% of the total oil respectively. Total phenolic content of the essential oil was analyzed by Folin Ciocalteau method and the results indicated that highest amount of phenolic content was obtained from essential oil extracted from lemongrasses stalk, with phenolic concentration of 2100.769 mg/l GAE. Anti oxidant activity was examined by DPPH scavenging test and the highest inhibition was obtained by essential oil extracted from lemongrass stalk (89.5%). β-glucosidase inhibition assay was carried out using an in-vitro model for anti diabetic test and lemongrass stalk essential oil showed highest degree of inhibitory activity (89.63%). Anti gout test was examined by xanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI) assay with the maximum percentage of xanthine oxidase inhibition of 81.34% obtained from lemongrass stalk essential oil.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern
Fulltext Effects of xiang sha yang wei wan on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague Dawley rats: a histological study

A.M.S. Al-Qaraghuli, E.M.N. Abdel Wahab, I.M. Al-Ani

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2013;12(2):3-10.
MyJurnal

Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (XSYWW) is a Chinese traditional medicine that is used for gastrointestinal disorders, specifically gastric ulcer in many countries of South-East Asia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential effects of XSYWW on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by means of histological Study. On a similar basis of treatment, ranitidine, a conventional medication was used as gold standard. Methods: Fifty five male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300 gm) were divided into four groups. Group I (ethanol treated group) was the control group and gastric ulcers were induced by administering 100% ethanol (1 ml/200 g). Group II (Pre-treatment group) was divided into two subgroups; they were orally fed with 1.0 gm/kg and 2.0 gm/kg respectively of XSYWW solution. Thirty minutes later they were administered with absolute ethanol as in group I. Group III, was given an oral dose of 2gm/kg of XSYWW solution after one hour of ethanol administration. Group IV was given an oral dose of 200mg/kg ranitidine solution after one hour of ethanol administration. Five rats from groups I, III and IV were sacrificed on day 1, 2 and 3 while the animals of group II were sacrificed one hour after ethanol administration. Results: Histological study of the stomachs from ethanol treated rats showed multiple ulcers of various depths that reached the muscularis and the serosa. Conclusion: Pre or post-treated rats with XSYWW showed that XSYWW has protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion. However, there was a faster and more complete healing process in the ranitidine treated group when compared to the XSYWW treated subjects.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Physiological and biomechanical analysis of badminton players: a brief review

Meor Shamsul Mahfudz Jeffry, Nur Ikhwan Mohamad

Jurnal Sains Sukan & Pendidikan Jasmani, 2014;2(1):9-16.
MyJurnal

Badminton is a court
based racquet games to be played either in single (one versus one) or double (two versus two)
in a court. Badminton is a famous sport especially in Asia and among the excellent team in
badminton includes China, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. Outside of Asia, badminton
is well known in England and Denmark. One of the main tasks of strength and conditioning
coach or trainer is to design and implement physical conditioning program. Well developed
and implemented training programs mainly dependable on how accurate the training program
variables being devised and manipulated, in order to serve the need and goals of involved
athletes. Appropriate manipulation of training program variables and modifications made
from time to time relies a lot on the accuracy and reliability of monitoring assessment used.
The main purpose of this review is to identify what has been done previously regarding
physiological and biomechanical profiling of badminton players. It is also the aim of this
review to discuss on the type of test previously used in previous studies, especially with
regards to strength and power assessment, were close enough to movement pattern perform
by a badminton players during an actual badminton match.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Effect of different drying methods on phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of unfermented and fermented teas from Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans Lind.) leaves

Lusia Barek, M., Hasmadi, M., Zaleha, A.Z., Mohd Fadzelly, A.B.

International Food Research Journal, 2015;22(2):661-670.
MyJurnal

Clinacanthus nutans (Burm. F.) Lindau or locally known in Sabah, Malaysia as ‘Sabah Snake Grass’ has been ethnobotanically used to treat various diseases in Asian countries. This study was conducted to determine the total phenolics content (TPC), flavonoids content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of herbal teas developed from C. nutans leaves with different drying techniques (microwave-oven dried and freeze dried) and infusion time (1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 min). Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-pycryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assays were used to investigate the antioxidant capacity. The highest TPC of herbal tea was observed in 20 min infusion of unfermented microwave-oven dried leaves (177.80 ± 19.10 mg TAE/L), while the highest TFC was observed in 10 min infusion of fermented microwave-oven dried leaves (22.13 ± 1.53 mg CE/L). Short infusion times from 5 min to 15 min were able to extract high amount of phenolics compounds. Unfermented tea contained higher TPC content (P < 0.05) as compared to fermented tea, while, TFC showed no significant difference between both types. Freeze dried infusion shows no significant difference (P > 0.05) as compared to microwave-oven dried for TPC, TFC and antioxidant capacity. Moderate and low correlation was observed between TPC and FRAP values (r = 0.507) and between TFC and ABTS values (r = 0.256). Preparation of C. nutans herbal tea as potential natural antioxidant source can be used as a basic reference for future research on the dietary intake of these herbal teas.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Recent range expansion of an intermediate host for animal schistosome parasites in the Indo-Australian Archipelago: phylogeography of the freshwater gastropod Indoplanorbis exustus in South and Southeast Asia

Gauffre-Autelin P, von Rintelen T, Stelbrink B, Albrecht C

Parasit Vectors, 2017 03 06;10(1):126.
PMID: 28264699 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2043-6

BACKGROUND: The planorbid snail Indoplanorbis exustus is the sole intermediate host for the Schistosoma indicum species group, trematode parasites responsible for cattle schistosomiasis and human cercarial dermatitis. This freshwater snail is widely distributed in Southern Asia, ranging from Iran to China eastwards including India and from the southeastern Himalayas to Southeast Asia southwards. The veterinary and medical importance of this snail explains the interest in understanding its geographical distribution patterns and evolutionary history. In this study, we used a large and comprehensive sampling throughout Indo-Malaya, including specimens from South India and Indonesia, areas that have been formerly less studied.
RESULTS: The phylogenetic inference revealed five highly divergent clades (genetic distances among clades: 4.4-13.9%) that are morphologically indistinguishable, supporting the assumption that this presumed nominal species may represent a cryptic species complex. The species group may have originated in the humid subtropical plains of Nepal or in southern adjacent regions in the Early Miocene. The major cladogenetic events leading to the fives clades occurred successively from the Early Miocene to the Early Pleistocene, coinciding with major periods of monsoonal intensification associated with major regional paleogeographic events in the Miocene and repeated climate changes due to the Plio-Pleistocene climatic oscillations. Our coverage of the Indo-Australian Archipelago (IAA) highlights the presence of a single clade there. Contrary to expectations, an AMOVA did not reveal any population genetic structure among islands or along a widely recognised zoogeographical regional barrier, suggesting a recent colonisation independent of natural biogeographical constraints. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions suggested a sudden demographic and spatial population expansion that could have occurred naturally in the Pleistocene or may possibly result of a modern colonisation triggered by anthropogenic activities.
CONCLUSIONS: Even though Indoplanorbis is the main focus of this study, our findings may also have important implications for fully understanding its role in hosting digenetic trematodes. The existence of a cryptic species complex, the historical phylogeographical patterns and the recent range expansion in the IAA provide meaningful insights to the understanding and monitoring of the parasites potential spread. It brings a substantial contribution to veterinary and public health issues.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Non-Responsive Feeding Practices, Unhealthy Eating Behaviors, and Risk of Child Overweight and Obesity in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review

Lindsay AC, Sitthisongkram S, Greaney ML, Wallington SF, Ruengdej P

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2017 04 19;14(4).
PMID: 28422081 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040436

Childhood obesity is increasing dramatically in many Southeast Asian countries, and becoming a significant public health concern. This review summarizes the evidence on associations between parental feeding practices, child eating behaviors, and the risk of overweight and obesity in Southeast Asian children 2-12 years old. We systematically searched five electronic academic/research (PubMed, PsycINFO, ProQuest Nursing, Medline, and CINAHL) databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement for peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2000 and December 2016. Fourteen observational studies met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Reviewed studies were examined separately for preschool- and school-aged children and revealed that non-responsive parental feeding practices and unhealthy child eating behaviors were associated with a risk of child overweight and obesity in several Southeast Asian countries. Nonetheless, due to the small number of identified studies (n = 14) and because only about half of the Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia) were represented (5/11) in the examined studies, additional research is needed to further understand the factors associated with childhood obesity among children in Southeast Asia to develop interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of Southeast Asian countries and designed to address practices and behaviors that may promote childhood obesity.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern
Fulltext Characterising private and shared signatures of positive selection in 37 Asian populations

Liu X, Lu D, Saw WY, Shaw PJ, Wangkumhang P, Ngamphiw C, et al.

Eur J Hum Genet, 2017 04;25(4):499-508.
PMID: 28098149 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2016.181

The Asian Diversity Project (ADP) assembled 37 cosmopolitan and ethnic minority populations in Asia that have been densely genotyped across over half a million markers to study patterns of genetic diversity and positive natural selection. We performed population structure analyses of the ADP populations and divided these populations into four major groups based on their genographic information. By applying a highly sensitive algorithm haploPS to locate genomic signatures of positive selection, 140 distinct genomic regions exhibiting evidence of positive selection in at least one population were identified. We examined the extent of signal sharing for regions that were selected in multiple populations and observed that populations clustered in a similar fashion to that of how the ancestry clades were phylogenetically defined. In particular, populations predominantly located in South Asia underwent considerably different adaptation as compared with populations from the other geographical regions. Signatures of positive selection present in multiple geographical regions were predicted to be older and have emerged prior to the separation of the populations in the different regions. In contrast, selection signals present in a single population group tended to be of lower frequencies and thus can be attributed to recent evolutionary events.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/genetics*
Fulltext Exophytic Verrucous Hyperplasia of the Oral Cavity – Application of Standardized Criteria for Diagnosis from a Consensus Report

Zain RB, Kallarakkal TG, Ramanathan A, Kim J, Tilakaratne WM, Takata T, et al.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2016 01 09;17(9):4491.
PMID: 27865210 DOI: 10.7314/APJCP.2016.17.(9).4491

Verruco-papillary lesions (VPLs) of the oral cavity described in the literature involve a spectrum of conditions
including squamous papilloma, verruca vulgaris, focal epithelial hyperplasia, condyloma, proliferative verrucous
leukoplakia and verrucous carcinoma. A majority of the VPLs are slow growing, benign in nature and have a
viral aetiology. Virus associated benign mucosal outgrowths are not too difficult to diagnose either clinically or
by microscopy. Apart from virus-associated lesions, VPLs harboring malignant potential or behaviour such as
verrucous carcinoma, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, oral verrucous hyperplasia (OVH), oral papillary
squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) and oral conventional squamous cell carcinoma with papillary features (CSCC)
need to be further clarified for better understanding of their predictable biologic behavior and appropriate
treatment. Current understanding of potentially malignant VPLs is perplexing and is primarily attributed to
the use of confusing and unsatisfactory terminology. In particular, the condition referred to as oral verrucous
hyperplasia (OVH) poses a major diagnostic challenge. OVH represents a histopathological entity whose clinical
features are not well recognised and is usually clinically indistinguishable from a verrucous carcinoma and a
PSCC or a CSCC. A consensus report published by an expert working group from South Asia as an outcome of
the ‘First Asian Regional Meeting on the Terminology and Criteria for Verruco-papillary Lesions of the Oral
Cavity’ held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, recognised the clinical description of these OVH as a new entity named
‘Exophytic Verrucous Hyperplasia’. Previously described clinical features of OVH such as the ‘blunt’ or ‘sharp’
variants; and the ‘mass’ or ‘plaque’ variants can now collectively fall under this newly described entity. This paper
discusses in detail the application of the standardized criteria guidelines of ‘Exophytic Verrucous Hyperplasia’
as published by the expert group which will enable clinicians and pathologists to uniformly interpret their pool
of OVH cases and facilitate a better understanding of OVH malignant potential.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia; Hyperplasia; Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia
Fulltext Anatomic Variation in Morphometry of Human Coracoid Process among Asian Population

Fathi M, Cheah PS, Ahmad U, Nasir MN, San AA, Abdul Rahim E, et al.

Biomed Res Int, 2017;2017:6307019.
PMID: 28484716 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6307019

Ethnic origin plays an important role in bone morphometry. Studies examining the influence of coracoid process have focused primarily on adults and have not included people from diverse Asian ethnic backgrounds. Our goal was to explore ethnic differences in morphometry of coracoid among Asian population. We performed morphometric measurements of coracoid process on cadaveric shoulders and shoulder CT scans from 118 specimens. The cadaveric sample included Indian (46%), Chinese (27%), and Myanmarese (27%) subjects, while the CT scans sample included Chinese (67%) and Malay (33%) subjects. The morphometric measurements were performed using digital caliper and software developed at Golden Horses Health Sanctuary (GHHS). In the Indian cadaveric shoulders, the coracoid process is better developed than the other groups with the exception of the tip width of coracoid process. There are significant differences in almost all measurements (P< 0.05) between the ethnic groups. On the other hand, the morphometry of coracoid process from CT scans data is bigger in Chinese than Malay subjects when stratified by sex (P< 0.05). Moreover, in all morphometric measurements, the females had smaller measurements than males (P< 0.05). Understanding such differences is important in anatomy, forensic and biological identity, and orthopaedic and shoulder surgeries.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia; Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
The indigenous midwife in Asia--supporter or opponent of family planning?

Simons J

IPPF Med Bull, 1975 Oct;9(5):1-3.
PMID: 12258616

PIP: A traditional birth attendant, also known as an indigenous midwife, is the main provider in many developing countries of obstetric services. Due to this unique position, the traditional birth attendant has been considered as possibly the ideal person to deliver family planning services in her local community. This consideration has influenced program policy in many countries and consequently there is information available to aid in the determination of whether to involve traditional birth attendants and, if so, how to best use them. There have been 2 opposing views in response to the involvement of traditional birth attendants. 1 view regards them as potential innovators. She is seen as ideally placed both physically and socially to act as a representative of the family planning program to her patients. The traditional birth attendant is the acknowledged and often prestigous expert on obstetrics matters, including at times traditional methods of birth control. The alternative view is less hopeful for rather than identifying the traditional birth attendant as an innovator it regards her as a firm opponent of innovation, a determined conventionalist. Pro gram experience in India, Pakistan, Indonesia and East Java and experime ntal studies in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand along with anthr opological inquiries generally support the skeptical view but none of the findings imply that the traditional birth attendant should be ignored by the family planning programs. In the intermediate positions of many actual programs, the wisest plan seems to be to ensure that the potential contribution of the traditional birth attendant is neither overlooked nor exaggerated

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Selenium and hepatocellular carcinoma

Nasar Alwahaibi, Jamaludin Mohamed

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2008;6(2):1-14.
MyJurnal

While cancer is considered to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, there is a growing scientific and public interests on selenium as a dietary and antioxidant of many diseases, in particular, cancer. Despite advanced technology and significant improvement of surgical, chemical, hormonal and radio therapies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still common in Asia and Africa and is increasing in the developed countries. Prognosis of HCC at an early stage is still challenging. At the moment, combination of Alpha feto protein (AFP) and ultrasonography tests offers more accurate and sensitive results for the diagnosis of HCC. Selenium (also known as the moon element) has been recognized for almost 49 years as an antioxidant and anti cancer agent. The weight of evidence supports the position of selenium as an anti cancer agent for HCC but the molecular mechanism of how selenium inhibits HCC is still unknown. Numerous theories have been proposed and selenium induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest is the predominant one so far.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext A case of lymphangioleiomyomatosis with multiple angiomyolipomas in the kidneys: a case report

How, S.H., Azlin, S., Pang, Y.K., Liam, C.K.

JUMMEC, 2006;9(2):35-38.
MyJurnal

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease. The reported prevalence is around one per million in the West but the exact prevalence in Asia is unknown. It affects primarily young women of reproductive age, with a mean age of onset at 34 years. The disease is characterised by an abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle-like cells that grow over a course of time to obstruct airways, lymphatic and blood vessels. We report a case of LAM in a young woman who presented with a spontaneous pneumothorax. Computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen showed homogenous thin-walled cystic lesions with normal intervening lung parenchyma and multiple lesions in her kidneys with Hounsfield units similar to that of fat.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Roselle: a new crop in Malaysia

Mohamad, O., Mohd. Nazir, B., Abdul Rahman, M., Herman, S.

Buletin Persatuan Genetik Malaysia, 2002;8(1):0-0.
MyJurnal

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) from Malvaceae family is an annual crop with potential for use by many industries including food, animal feed, neutraceutical, cosmeticeutical and pharmaceutical industries. Its origin is not fully known but it is believed to be from West Africa, although the plant is found native from India to Southeast Asia. The calyxes, stems and leaves are acid in flavour. The juice is produced from the calyces, and it is claimed to be a prohealth drink due to its high contents of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and other antioxidants.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia, Southeastern
Fulltext Epilepsy stigma in Asia: the meaning and impact of stigma

Lim, Kheng-Seang, Tan, Chong-Tin

Neurology Asia, 2014;19(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

Stigma is conceptually broad and culturally variable. Understanding stigma from the conceptual theories, culturally application based on the word stigma in other languages, the definition of stigma and its synonyms, as well as the medical implications in other stigmatized disease such as AIDS, will help us to understand the complexity of stigma in epilepsy. This review investigated the meaning and types of stigma from different perspectives, leading to staging stigma into 5 levels, i.e. social identity, stereotype, prejudice, discrimination and social disability. In addition to the conventional categorization of stigma into social, felt, self-perceived or internalized stigma, new categories of stigma i.e. personal and general attitudes towards epilepsy based on a newly developed Public Attitudes Toward Epilepsy (PATE) scale was introduced. Courtesy stigma was further elaborated in related to Asian culture. Based on well-established and recently developed theories, the causation and impact of epilepsy stigma was discussed in an Asian context, especially from the aspects of language and society values which are culturally specific. Integrating these theories of causation, illness and stereotype perceptions were proposed to be the mediating mechanism of stigma, which led to the development of a practical and multi-dimensional stigmatization model, aiming to guide, widen and deepen the scope of future stigma research in epilepsy. Using the established model, together with review of related studies, research priorities in epilepsy stigma research especially in Asia focusing on five aspects, i.e. expanding population studies especially on significant others, understanding stigma from personal attitude perspective, investigating the cultural and social causation of stigma, and the impacts of stigma on patients as well as the family members, were proposed.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Systems perspectives in agricultural education, research and development: A vision for sustaining food security in Asia

C. Devendra

ASM Science Journal, 2013;7(2):152-165.
MyJurnal

Systems perspectives are fundamental in driving technological improvements and yield-enhancing strategies that improve agricultural productivity. These can resolve farmerʼs problems and are important pathways for sustaining food and nutritional security for human welfare in Asia. The essential determinants of this objective are the capacity to efficiently manage the natural resource base (land, crops, animals, and water) to resolve constraints to farming systems, and notably the integration of multiple research and development (R&D) issues through all levels of formal and non-formal learning systems. Both formal and informal education systems are important, with the former relating more to universities and colleges, and the latter to the intermediate level. Graduates from this level have the primary responsibility of introducing improved technologies and change to farmers, mainly along production and disciplinary pathways.The traditional research–extension–farmer model for technology delivery is no longer acceptable, due to “top down” extension functions and prescriptions, ineffectiveness to cope with the dynamics of production systems, complex interactions within the natural resources, effects of climate change and globalisation. There are also reservations on the technical capacity and skills of extension agents, constraints identification, methods for technology diffusion and dissemination, and innovative use of beneficial technological improvements that can directly respond to the needs of small farmers, and impact on subsistence agriculture. Agricultural education and systems perspectives are therefore an overriding compelling necessity which transcends prevailing limitations to waning agriculture and rural growth. Their wider recognition and applications provides an important means to maximise efficiency in the potential use; of the natural resources, increase engagement and investments in agriculture, promote ways to become more self-reliant in the development of crucial new technologies and intensification. These together can meet the challenges of the future and overcome the legacy of continuing poverty, food and nutritional insecurity. Asian farming systems, with their diversity of crops and animals, traditional methods, multiple crop-animal interactions, numerous problems of farmers present increasingly complex issues of natural resource management (NRM) and the environment. Many if not all of these can only be resolved by interdisciplinary R&D, which overcomes a major weakness of many R&D programmes presently and in the past. Improved education and training is a powerful and important driver of community-based participation aimed at enhancing sustainable food security, poverty reduction and social equity in which the empowerment of women in activities that support organising themselves is also an important pathway to enhance self-reliance and their contribution to agriculture. A vision for the future in which improved agricultural education in a systems context can provide the pathway to directly benefit the revitalisation of agriculture and agricultural development is proposed with a three-pronged strategy as follows:
Define policy for the development of appropriate curricular for formal agricultural education that provides strong multi-disciplinary orientation and improved understanding of the natural resources (land, crops, animals and water) and their interactions
Organise formal degree education and specialisation at the university level that reflects strong training in understanding of agricultural systems; systems perspectives, methodologies and their application, and
Define non-formal education and training needs that can be intensified at different levels, including the trainin of trainers as agents of change.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Mental health-related experiences and challenges of informal HIV/AIDS caregivers: a brief review and analysis

Pei, Lin Lua, Norhayati Mustapha

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;13(2):197-217.
MyJurnal

encountered particularly in mental health issues and to additionally analyze the methodologies used in studies involving HIV/AIDS informal caregivers.

Methods: Four electronic databases; Science Direct, EBSCOhost, Ovid and Springer Link were searched for articles published in the past 10 years (2002 - 2012). Only full-text English articles related to research on care giving of HIV-infected adult patients were selected.

Results: Twenty two out of 293 articles (7.5%) were reviewed, involving 2,765 caregivers in the USA (n=1,610), Africa (n=253), Asia (n=838) and Oceania (n=64) regions. A variety of age categories was involved in care giving with the youngest carer being 12 years old and the oldest, 60 years on average. Females and whites appeared to be dominant and 603 caregivers themselves were HIV positive. The main outcomes measured were care giving burden, challenges and coping. Stress and depression, stigma and discrimination, insufficient support, role overload and extreme poverty were the main challenges experienced in care giving. Both qualitative (n=11) and quantitative (n=9) were the equally preferred types of study. Purposive sampling emerged as the most preferred sampling technique. Various instruments were utilized, but the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was the most popular particularly in quantitative studies.

Conclusion: A variety of life aspects were negatively affected in the process of care giving for HIV/AIDS patients and studies of such nature commonly focused on caregivers' psychosocial burden.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes and Mutations Affecting HBeAg Production: A Malaysian Perspective

Cheek, Ken Lim, So, Har Ton

Medicine & Health, 2007;2(1):1-25.
MyJurnal

Infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health-care problem. HBV is an accepted factor in the elevated risks for liver disease such as cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This problem is particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region which includes Malaysia. During infection, the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is produced in the hosts. This antigen is an important serological marker for diagnosing chronic hepatitis B. Seroconversion to anti-body (anti-HBe) corresponds to the improvement of disease prognosis. However, certain mutations such as the core promoter dual mutations (A1762G1764→T1762A1764), the codon 15 variants (C1858/ T1858) and the precore stop codon mutations (TGG→TAG) can affect the HBeAg expression. This has diagnostic and clinical implications. Besides that, the HBV can be grouped into eight genotypes (A to H). Moreover, genotypic subtypes and recombinants have been observed as well. Studies have observed that these can differ in their affiliations with the mutations above as well as with disease prognosis.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia
Fulltext Food production from animals in Asia: priority for expanding the development frontiers

Devendra, C.

ASM Science Journal, 2010;4(2):173-184.
MyJurnal

In agricultural systems, animals play a very important multifunctional role for developing communities
throughout the world. This is reflected in the generation of value-added products like meat, milk and eggs for food security; socio-economic benefits like increased income, security and survival, and an infinite variety of services such as the supply of draught power and dung for soil fertility. However, and despite this importance, the situation is awesome since the projected total meat and milk consumption levels in 2020 are far in excess of anticipated supply, and projections of both meat and milk will have to be doubled by 2050 to meet human requirements. Strategies for productivity growth from animals are therefore urgent, and are discussed in the context of the scenario of waning agriculture, extreme poverty and hunger, food crisis, the current contributions from the components of the animal industries, prevailing constraints, opportunities and strategies for improved production. Current trends suggest that the non-ruminant pig and poultry industries will continue to contribute the major share of meat and all of egg production to meet projected human needs. With ruminants by comparison, overall meat production continues to come mainly from the slaughter of numbers. Strategic opportunities exist for maximising productivity in improved production systems. These include targeting rainfed areas, development of small farms, integrated crop-animal systems, intensive application of productivity-enhancing technologies, promoting intensive use of crop residues and expanding the R&D frontiers with interdisciplinarity and farming
systems perspectives. The issues, together with increased investments and institutional commitment, provide for expanded animal production systems and productivity which can forcefully impact on improved human welfare in Asia in the immediate tomorrow.

Matched MeSH terms: Asia

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