People In Asian Countries Research Articles

SCORE2-ASIA risk prediction algorithms: revised models to estimate 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease in the Asia Pacific Region

Abstract Background Most current cardiovascular disease (CVD) prediction tools have been developed and validated solely in Western countries, while there are significant differences between Asian and Western populations in risk factor distributions and CVD incidence patterns. This study outlines the recalibration and validation of the SCORE2-ASIA model to estimate 10-year fatal and non-fatal CVD risk among adults aged 40-69 years with no previous CVD or diabetes in the Asia Pacific Region. Methods The sex-specific and competing risk-adjusted SCORE2 models were systematically recalibrated to reflect CVD incidence in the Asian clinical practice. We defined four risk regions in Asia according to country-specific CVD mortality rates (low risk (<100 CVD deaths per 100,000), moderate risk (100 to <150 CVD deaths per 100,000), high risk (150 to <300 CVD deaths per 100,000), and very high risk (≥300 CVD deaths per 100,000)). Models were recalibrated using region representative data on expected incidences and risk factor distributions, utilising the methodological approaches developed in recalibration of the SCORE2 models for Europe. The SCORE-ASIA model was externally validated in all risk regions using population-based cohort data from independents cohort data. To ensure the European coefficients well applied to Asian populations, the SCORE2 model derivation process was repeated in external validation cohorts. Results Region-specific incidence was estimated using country-specific data on CVD mortality and data on the ratio of fatal to total events on 9,496,212 individuals from 5 Asian countries (496,212 CVD events). For external validation, we analysed data from 12 additional cohorts in 13 Asian countries (4,775,976 individuals, 176,011 CVD events). After applying the derived risk prediction models to external validation cohorts, the pooled external validation C-index was 0.709 (95%CI 0.676-0.743). In the nationally representative CDMD cohort from Singapore (population completely separate from recalibration data) there was adequate agreement between predicted and observed risks. Risk factor coefficients derived in Asian populations were largely similar to the original SCORE2 coefficients, indicating that the original SCORE2 coefficients apply well to the Asian population. Predicted CVD risk varied several-fold across Asian risk regions. For example, the estimated 10-year CVD risk for a 50-year-old non-smoker, with a systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg, total cholesterol of 5.5mmol/L, and HDL-cholesterol of 1.3mmol/L, ranged from 12% for men in low-risk countries to 26% for men in very-high-risk countries, and from 7% for women in low-risk countries to 26% for women in very-high-risk countries. Conclusions The SCORE2-ASIA model accurately predicts 10-year risk of CVD for apparently healthy people in Asian countries after systematic recalibration, thereby enhancing the identification of individuals at higher risk of developing CVD across the Asia Pacific Region.

Health-Related Parameterization Evaluating Thermal Comfort in Urban Green Spaces: Data Sourced from a Global Database and Mapping at National Scale

Outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) is one of the most important issues for people exposed to urban green space (UGS). It is mainly evaluated by assessing equivalent meteorological factors that may combine and result in human responses of perceptions about comfortable vs. uncomfortable environments. The assessment of these responses is challenged by limits in a database that is powerful enough to support big-data analysis and an essential parameter that can evaluate health-related responses to OTC in urban forests. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted by synthesizing studies of physiological and psychological health responses of green space (GS) visitors to meteorological factors in host cities on a global scale. A total of 15,000 numerical records about the psychological and physiological responses of UGS visitors were obtained from 105 papers across 68 global cities in 21 countries. A novel parameterization was developed to evaluate OTC by normalizing changes in health-related parameters and detecting their regressions against multiple meteorological factors. It was revealed that OTC resulted in more benefits in psychological health parameters than in physiological ones for UGS visitors worldwide. Globally, health-promoting OTC environments were more found in temperate countries than in countries subjected to other climates. People in Asian countries were indicated to live in environments with higher comfort that benefitted health states in cities at low latitudes. Thermal environments tended to be harsher and more challenging, mostly too chilling, in northern cities than in the south globally. A deep learning model using the ResNet algorithm was found to perform to an expected level with R2 as high as >70% and errors controlled generally lower than 0.01. Taking mainland China for instance, it was predicted that thermal environments in eastern cities of China highly challenged the psychological health of local UGS visitors across all seasons of the year. Northern cities of China were predicted to have satisfied thermal environments that benefited psychological and psychological health responses in spring. In summer, cities in West China were predicted to have comfortable thermal environments, and in winter, environments in the southwestern cities were more comfortable.

Contamination of Arsenic Speciation in Rice

Rice is the staple food of people in Asian countries, especially in Laos, where it is carbohydrate stuff that plays an essential role as a source of energy to support human beings. Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal of which naturally occurring; it can be found in soil, rocks, and natural water sources; and is caused by human activities such as mining activities, the use of agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, etc.) in agriculture. Therefore, it is possible to deposit and contaminate the environment such as the paddy soil and the irrigation; afterward, it can initiate the arsenic residues in the agricultural productions that harvesting from the contaminated area, which is the rice grain. Furthermore, the arsenic residue can give rise to a health impact on those who consume the toxic rice. According to the analysis results of arsenic contamination in the 3 types of rice samples revealed that: in the HSV sample, the total amount of arsenic was 0.11 mg/kg, and the total inorganic arsenic (iAs) was 0.09 mg/kg which included the amount of inorganic arsenic AsV was 0.02 mg/kg, the inorganic arsenic AsIII was 0.07 mg/kg; the total arsenic in the TDK8 sample was 0.19 mg/kg, the (iAs) was 0.01 mg/kg, and the amount of arsenic AsV was 0.01 mg/kg, the amount of arsenic AsIII was 0.08 mg/kg; the total arsenic in the Composite rice was 0.14 mg/kg, the (iAs) was 0.08 mg/kg, the AsV and AsIII were 0.006 mg/kg and 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. In conclusion, the arsenic residue was contaminated in all three rice samples, but the residue of total arsenic and inorganic arsenic (iAs) did not exceed the maximum permissible limit of the international standard or CODEX which is 0.3 and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively.

Perspective of Nutrition Therapy for Diabetes.

The type 2 diabetes (T2DM) pandemic in Asian countries has become an urgent problem to be solved for each country from a socioeconomic viewpoint, because the expense for management of diabetic complications is rapidly increasing. This is due to Westernization of lifestyle in Asian countries, which results in a greater prevalence of visceral obesity. Thus far, it is believed that impaired insulin secretion from pancreatic islets mainly contributes to the pathogenesis of T2DM in Asians. However, insulin resistance clearly underlies the prevalence of T2DM in Asian countries, as well as Western countries. Lifestyle intervention, including exercise and diet is an essential approach in care for patients with T2DM. In particular, nutrition therapy is a fundamental treatment that aims to correct overweight and improve insulin resistance. The principal requirement of nutrition therapy consists of energy restriction and a well-balanced intake of various nutrients. The lifestyle of people in Asian countries has dramatically changed in recent decades due to economic growth, which has made it difficult to provide guidelines for nutrition therapy. The uniform setting of nutrition goals is difficult to achieve because of diversity in eating patterns. This symposium aims to promote optimal nutrition therapy for T2DM through comparing the guidelines of different countries, including Korea, Japan, and the United States. Interactive talks among speakers are expected to yield a new perspective in nutrition therapy for the management of T2DM.

The Influence of Environmental Awareness on Intent to Use Electric Scooters: Perspectives Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior

Consumers’ concerns about the protection of the environment affect their consumption. People in Asian countries generally choose two-wheels scooters for commuting, because they are relatively inexpensive and convenient. Although electric scooters have entered the market with an emphasis on environmental responsibility, their market penetration is still low, and there has been little research on this topic. This study attempts to explore university students’ intent to use electric scooters by using the theory of planned behavior and supplemented with environmental awareness variable in Taiwan. Overall, 500 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using the structure equation model. The results show that environmental awareness has a significant effect on students' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Attitude is the strongest predictor of the intent to use electric scooters. The results provide guidance for companies and policy makers to refine further strategy on the marketing of electric scooters.

The optimization of ultrasonic-microwave assisted synergistic extraction of Lotus plumule extract rich in flavonoids and its hypoglycemic activity

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn), a kind of perennial aquatic plant, is widely cultivated and consumed by people in Asian countries. Lotus plumule flavonoids (LPF) have been recognized as a hypoglycemic agent. LPF was optimally obtained using novel ultrasonic-microwave assisted synergistic extraction (UMSE) method by response surface methodology (RSM) on the basis of the results of single-factor experiments. Furthermore, the hypoglycemic activity of LPF was investigated by measuring the body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and analyzing the physiological indexes in streptozotocin-diabetic mice model. The optimum extraction conditions consisted of microwave power 355 W, ultrasonic power 423 W, extraction time 15 min, solid-liquid ratio 1:40, ultrasound/interval time 1/0, and ethanol concentration 70% with the maximum LPF yield of 2.62%. LPF supplementation significantly decreased the body weight, FBG, OGTT, serum total cholesterol (TC), serum total triglycerides (TG), and insulin levels, indicating the antidiabetic activity of LPF. This research verified that the UMSE technique was highly efficient to extract LPF to the maximum extent and the flavonoids from L. plumule exhibited hypoglycemic activity, which showed broad development and application prospects.

Environmental Exposures in Singapore Schools: An Ecological Study.

Global climate change is a clear and present danger to our environment, but the impacts of climate change on human health are less known. People in Asian countries are more susceptible to the negative impacts of climate change and the subsequent environmental exposures because of the high population density, rapid urbanization, and natural geography of the region. The objective of this multidisciplinary collaborative ecological study was to explore the impact of environmental exposures such as temperature (°C), noise (db), humidity (%rh), air conditioning exposure time (hours), and distance traveled to school (km) on the comfort and academic success of school children in Singapore. Analysis of a large dataset from the Singapore National Science Experiment revealed a positive correlation between the distance traveled to school and favorable environmental conditions (moderate temperatures, low noise, low humidity, and higher amount of air conditioning time) and student academic performance. The analysis revealed that the distance traveled between home and school for public school students falls within a larger range than that for independent (private) school students. On average, students traveled farther distances to attend schools of higher academic caliber thereby increasing their exposure to environmental pollution. Student exposure to pollution can be minimized if all schools adhere to higher standards of environmental comfort and standardized academic caliber. If students can attend the school closest to their homes, they can minimize their daily pollution exposure due to traffic/commute, thereby mitigating the resultant negative health consequences.

The Effects of Green and Urban Walking in Different Time Frames on Physio-Psychological Responses of Middle-Aged and Older People in Chengdu, China.

Nighttime walking is becoming a popular exercise for many middle-aged and older people in Asian countries. However, the health benefits of nighttime walking in urban areas and green spaces are still unclear. This study evaluated the physiological and psychological responses of 48 middle-aged and older people who walked 1.6 km through a green space and an urban area during daytime and nighttime. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), and Restorative Outcome Scale (ROS) were employed to measure the psychological responses, and pulse rate and blood pressure (SBP, DBP and MAP) were measured to evaluate the physiological responses. The results showed that the daytime green walking induced psychological improvements and lowered blood pressure (p < 0.05), while the daytime urban walking resulted in slight deterioration of all the measured parameters (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the nighttime green walking induced lowered blood pressure (p < 0.05), whilst the nighttime urban walking resulted in psychological improvements and lowered blood pressure (p < 0.05), and no significant difference was found in any measured parameter between the two nighttime walking groups. In conclusion, urban areas are noisy and irritating in the daytime, and not suitable for walking, but may become pleasurable and attractive at night. The psychological benefits of green walking may decrease at night, and nighttime walking in either an urban area or a green space may achieve similar health benefits. Therefore, we recommend that urban citizens start nighttime walking in a green space or an urban area to keep fit when the air is less polluted.

Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anti-obesity Potential of Ipomoea reptans Poir Leaves

Ipomoea reptans Poir or kangkung is a popular leafy vegetable, a favorite to people in Asian countries. However, limited information is available on their bioactivities. In the present study, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity potential of I. reptans leaves were investigated. Different fractions (ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane) of I. reptans leaves were evaluated for their scavenging activity on DPPH radicals, whereas their reducing potential was investigated by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CuPRAC), total antioxidant, and reducing power assays. The antidiabetic potential was investigated by their inhibition effect on a-glucosidase. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of I. reptans leaves were solvent dependent. Ethyl acetate contained the highest phenolic content, followed by ethanol and hexane fractions. However, for flavonoid content, the order was ethanol &gt; ethyl acetate &gt; hexane. All fractions showed DPPH scavenging activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with activities weaker than standards ascorbic acid and BHT, in the order of ethanol &gt; ethyl acetate &gt; hexane. All fractions showed reducing capacity, but only hexane and ethanol fractions of I. reptans leaves showed inhibition on a-glucosidase, with hexane showed more potent inhibition compared to acarbose. The study also found that fractions of I. reptans inhibit lipase and trypsin, enzymes related to lipid metabolism. Findings in this study offer a prospect for I. reptans leaves as a functional food source for antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity purposes.

Aging Experience and the Results of the West for Asia-A Sociological Perspective

The present paper analyzes different demographic variables to reach the result of how population become aged in different parts of Asia. Policies and planning of population during the past decades have contributed to more life expectancy, leading to the aging of population in countries like Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and to some extent Iran. Population in some countries aging without needs gradually emerging, being met. People usually at the age of seventy and over lose their normal strengths and potentialities. Many of their capabilities are lost. They gradually become dependent on other younger age groups. Western countries usually have made better policies and plans earlier, and because of that, their aging people have better immunity as far as their health, social and economic conditions are concerned. Many aging people in Asian countries are concerned about their needs during the age of 70 and over. Decline in birth rate is the most important factor positively affecting the aging of population after a few decades has passed. The same happened to Japan, China, South Korea etc. Many Western countries started narrowing their birth rates in the nineteenth century, whereas Asian countries started that since around 1950. Earlier, women used to give birth to 7-8 children, in which half or more of them died in infancy, and the rest who survived, had to face malnutrition, shortage of education, child-labor from the age of 7-8, maternal fatality of mothers and many more unfavorable conditions that affected their lives. While the average age of marriage is between 26-29 in the West, it is usually the age of 20 or below within many developing countries.

Study of Green Tea Catechin Dipped with Moringa Leaves

Green tea has been widely consumed by people in Asian countries since centuries ago. Green tea is a second drink that is often consumed by people in Japan and China after water. However, in Indonesia this green tea has just evolved a while ago. The development of green tea in Indonesia is also associated with health benefits. Green tea contains polyphenols components especially catechins. Most catechine content is found in green tea compared to black tea or oolong tea. The efficacy of green tea is thought to be nicer if there is the addition of kelor leaves. But until now there has been no assessment of the problem. The purpose of this research is to know the content of green tea catechins on drying and the addition of different kelor leaves. The research was conducted in laboratory instrumentation Faculty of Agricultural Technology of Andalas University in May-June 2019. The study was conducted using exploratory methods comparing the content of catechins to green tea on drying and percentage of of different kelor leaves. Drying is done at room temperature and sun temperature. Percentage of the addition of the leaves are 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 percent. The raw materials of tea leaves are purchased at PT Mitra Kerinci Solok Selatan and Kelor leaves obtained in Padang city. The results showed the content of catechins in green tea bags by drying the room temperature on the addition of the kelor leaves as much as 10% showed the highest catechin rate of 22.85% while on drying the sun with the addition of kelor leaves Shows the content of catechins 16.33%.

Multidimensional social and cultural norms influencing HPV vaccine hesitancy in Asia

ABSTRACT HPV vaccine hesitancy in Asia is unique compared to Western countries due to multidimensional social-cultural norms that influence beliefs regarding vaccination. Reviews on HPV vaccine hesitancy in Asia lack of in-depth discussion regarding the traditional and social-cultural norms dimensions. This paper puts forward opinions in which culture, normative beliefs, and religion influence HPV vaccine hesitancy in Asian countries. Issues surrounding HPV hesitancy among parents, young adult women, adult women, men and the sexual and gender minority people in Asian countries were highlighted. The shortage of HPV vaccine supply would soon be reduced as some Asian countries are on the way to producing the HPV vaccine which production is currently dominated by Western European countries. The culture of favoring imported Western products among many in Asia and in addition to long-existing fake vaccine crisis pose a challenge for the newly emerging HPV vaccine produced in Asia. Some recommendations, research gaps, and future research needs were discussed.

Hypertension and Dementia: A comprehensive review from the HOPE Asia Network.

Approximately 365 million people in Asia were classified as elderly in 2017. This number is rising and expected to reach approximately 520 million by 2030. The risk of hypertension and cognitive impairment/dementia increases with age. Recent data also show that the prevalence of hypertension and age-related dementia are rising in Asian countries. Moreover, not many people in Asian countries are aware of the relationship between hypertension and cognitive impairment/dementia. Furthermore, hypertension control is poorer in Asia than in developed countries. Hypertension is known to be a major risk factor for damage to target organs, including the brain. Decreased cognitive function can indicate the presence of target organ damage in the brain. Twenty-four-hour blood pressure profiles and blood pressure variability have been associated with cognitive impairment and/or silent cerebral diseases, such as silent cerebral infarction or white matter lesions, which are predisposing conditions for cognitive impairment and dementia. Hypertension that occurs in midlife also affects the incidence of cognitive impairments in later life. Managing and controlling blood pressure could preserve cognitive functions, such as by reducing the risk of vascular dementia and by reducing the global burden of stroke, which also affects cognitive function.

Digital Technology Can Overcome Structural Barriers

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Professional NewsFull AccessDigital Technology Can Overcome Structural BarriersNick ZagorskiNick ZagorskiSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:3 Dec 2018https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2018.12a5AbstractSmartphones and online applications can be valuable in providing care to underprivileged groups but understanding the target audience is critical. Smartphones and other mobile technologies offer a promising portal to increase access to mental health care but how might psychiatrists ensure this technology reaches those in greatest need? From left: Liza Hoffman, M.S.W., Kunmi Sobowole, M.D., Domikia Winiarski, Ph.D., and Niranjan Karnik, M.D., discussed their successful use of mobile health tools to augment the care of people with limited access to traditional care services.The answer begins with knowing the needs of the patients you are trying to reach, said a diverse panel of experts at this year’s IPS: The Mental Health Services Conference. The panelists have all been exploring the use of technology to support populations who have limited access to care. As a mental health care specialist at Cambridge Health Alliance, a safety-net health system serving the greater Boston area, Liza Hoffman, M.S.W., knew many patients had long waits times for their initial mental health appointment. She wondered whether mobile health apps might be used as “clinical extenders” for patients waiting for behavioral therapies. In addition to educating patients about mental illness, Hoffman thought the apps might help patients become more engaged about their forthcoming treatment. She conducted a pilot evaluation with about 50 patients recently diagnosed with a mental illness (primarily depression and/or anxiety). The patients received an iPad preloaded with nine free mental health apps that they could use during their bridge period. All the apps were chosen using the APA App evaluation tool to ensure they met standards for patient privacy, good usability, and effectiveness. The patients provided feedback on their app habits, which revealed that tools for self-monitoring symptoms and relaxation/mindfulness techniques were the most popular. The patients also reported that they were comfortable using the apps and in general found them helpful. Hoffman said that these findings show that mobile apps may work well as a preliminary self-help aid before treatment begins. In Chicago, a project known as Stepping Stones is using smartphones to help connect disadvantaged teens and young adults with mental health professionals. As Niranjan Karnik, M.D., Ph.D., and Dominika Winiarski, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and postdoctoral fellow at Rush University, respectively, explained, the program gives homeless or transitionally housed youth free smartphones with preloaded mental health apps and access to a trained therapist via phone or text messaging.The text-based counseling option is often the most popular of the mental health app features used by the youth. According to Karnik, the youth primarily reached out to the counselor for in-the-moment stress management and to deal with interpersonal difficulties.Winiarski noted that the erratic schedules of these youth made it difficult for them to connect with therapists for longer counseling sessions. In addition, wi-fi access or a place to safely charge the phones was not always guaranteed. She suggested that expanding wi-fi and adding storage lockers at shelters could help keep youth better connected with mental health services.Digital mental health interventions can help connect people around the world to care, Yale University resident Kunmi Sobowole, M.D., told the audience. Sobowole has created online psychotherapeutic modules for people in Asian countries that incorporate components of cognitive-behavioral therapy for internet addiction, problem gambling, substance use, and depression. Working on these online tools, “I’ve learned that we need to better appreciate diversity in non-Western cultures,” he told the audience. Simply translating existing resources is not enough. For example, his work on a depression app in China made him realize the importance of themes such as filial piety (respecting one’s elders) that are not commonplace in the United States. But, if one takes the time to properly adapt these online tools, “you find they can transcend time, space, and culture,” he said.Past APA President Anita Everett, M.D., who made innovation one of the major focal areas of her presidency, summed up the session by noting, “We are learning that digital health will not replace people, but it can augment care and intersperse care when humans are not available.” ■ ISSUES NewArchived

Toxic content of certain commercially available fairness creams in Indian market

People of Asian countries are very much conscious about complexion. This desire is exploited with advertisements of fairness creams in both the print and visual media which allure youngsters with promises of desired results. Skin lightening products occupy 61% of dermatological market in India. Cosmetics are supposed to be safe and healthy, but research reports on their toxicities are available. Heavy metals are added intentionally or unintentionally to cosmetics, the presence of which, the consumers are mostly unaware of. Arsenic, lead and mercury are top among hazardous systemic toxicants, which induce toxicity even at low levels of exposure. In this connection a survey was conducted among college students and working women regarding the usage of fairness creams, which revealed that use of fairness creams, is common. As per the information gathered, four most commonly used brands of fairness creams in Kerala, India, were analysed for arsenic, lead and mercury by ICP-MS. Although not in high levels, these were present in varying amounts in the four most commonly used brands of fairness creams. Analysis revealed the importance in choosing cosmetics with caution and to minimize the usage as far as possible.

South Korean Attitudes Toward Muslims: Revealing the Impact of Religious Tolerance

ABSTRACTThis study addresses the reasons for the anti-Muslim sentiments held by some South Koreans. The research was motivated by the fact that, although previous studies have paid much attention to this issue in Western regions, such as Europe and the USA, little research has examined the perceptions of Muslims held by people in Asian countries. This empirical study of the nature of anti-Muslim sentiment in South Korea was aided by two theoretical frameworks that relate prejudice to (i) deprivation and (ii) religion. This study analysed data taken from the ‘International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) Topical Module: Religion (2008)’ [ISSP Research Group 2012. ‘International Social Survey Programme: Religion III – ISSP 2008.’ GESIS Data Archive, Cologne. ZA4950 Data file Version 2.2.0, doi:10.4232/1.11334 Study No. ZA4950]. The results showed that deprivation did not significantly influence South Korean attitudes toward Muslims, whereas prejudice toward Muslims among South Koreans included a distinctly religious component.

Effect of zinc application on yield, zinc biofortification of grain and use efficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Micronutrient deficiencies or ‘hidden hunger’ particular for zinc (Zn) deficiency affect more than 270 million people worldwide and about one-third population of the world is residing in the developing countries. Globally, rice is a staple food of the population and grown approximately 90% in south, south-east and east-Asia, which is inadequate soil Zn level and ultimately causes dysfunctional food system and unbalanced diets. Therefore, the present field experiment was undertaken to study the effect of agronomic Zn fertilization on grain yield, grain Zn and efficiencies of five rice varieties viz., Pusa Basmati 1121, Pusa Basmati 1509, Sugandh 5, CSR 43 and CSR 30. A field study resulted that Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1509 were found better for improvement of grain Zn, while Pusa Basmati 1509 and Sugandh 5 for yield in response to Zn fertilization. The effect of 50 kg/ha soil Zn application on grain yield of Pusa Sugandh 5 was recorded highest during both the years of study during 2015 and 2016 and was significantly superior to other four varieties. For the human and animal nutrition points of view, zinc fertilization in rice cultivars is an important cost-effective approach, reduces Zn malnutrition and it can save the life of millions of people in Asian countries.

Milestones of Asian Rhinoplasty.

The field of plastic surgery originally developed out of the necessity to reconstruct the human body after the destruction of war. However, injured soldiers were not the only people who desired a change in appearance. After World War II, many people in Asian countries sought to attain a more Western look through surgery. Along with eyes, the nose was the main focus for these cosmetic procedures. In this article, the authors examine the evolution of Asian rhinoplasty from its original description in 1964 to the present. The characteristic anatomical differences between the Western and Asian nose are identified in relation to the technical challenges for rhinoplasty surgeons. Then the benefits and risks of the two major surgical approaches, autograft versus alloplast, are detailed. Finally, the coevolution of techniques and implant usage is traced from a dorsum-only implant, to an L-shaped implant, a cartilaginous cap graft with a one-piece rhinoplasty, an I-shaped implant, and a two-piece augmentation rhinoplasty. Outlining these changes demonstrates the advancement of the field of plastic surgery and the growing expectations of the patient. These advancements have provided the tools necessary to better align a patient's aesthetic goals and their unique anatomical presentation with a specific surgical approach.

Thinking social media from ethical viewpoint

In recent years, social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and LINE has become common in the lives of the people in Asian countries. In this paper, we will examine ethical challenges related to social media from a perspective of normative theories. Many of the general ideas surrounding current social media belong to naturalistic optimism. They use it without any hesitation every time a new social medium is introduced, and believe that the society is getting better by doing so. It seems too irresponsible if a social media company just provides a service and leaves it up to the judgment of users. Efforts to widely inform risks of social media should not target adults only. It should target minors as the most imminent issue. The laissez-faire system in social media can be considered as a laissez-faire system for companies managing social media. Among philosophical theories of technology, there is an idea of social constructivism. It is a theory that society can determine the future of technology. I will give a concrete example of social constructivism. The society must find a way to live with social media ahead of technology, not allowing the technology of social media to build a society.

Viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infections in Asia.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affect many people in Asian countries, although there are geographic differences. Both HBV and HIV (HBV/HIV) and HCV/HIV co-infections are highly prevalent in Asia. Hetero- and homosexual, injection drug use, and geographic area are strong predictors of HBV, HCV, and HIV serostatus. In HBV endemic regions, the prevalence and genotype distribution of HBV/HIV co-infection is almost comparable with that in the general population. In Japan, where HBV has low endemicity, the prevalence of HBV/HIV co-infection is approximately 10-fold higher than that in the general population, and HBV Ae is the most common subgenotype among HIV infected individuals. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is an effective treatment for HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Lamivudine, a component of HAART, is an effective treatment for HBV, HIV, and HBV/HIV co-infection; however, cost, emerging drug resistance, antiretroviral-associated liver toxicity and liver-related morbidity due to HCV progression are particular concerns. HCV/HIV co-infection may accelerate the clinical progression of both HCV and HIV. The high prevalence of HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV co-infections in Asia underscores the need to improve prevention and control measures, as fewer evidence-based prevention strategies are available (compared with Western countries). In this review, the most recent publications on the prevalence of HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV co-infections and related issues, such as therapy and problems in Asia, are updated and summarized.