Asian Region Research Articles

Burden of Pneumococcal Disease in Young Children Due to Serotypes Contained in Different Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in Eight Asian Countries and Territories.

Pneumococcal disease (PD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children in Asia and globally. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have significantly reduced the burden of PD when included in pediatric national immunization programs (NIPs). This study estimates the clinical and economic burden of PD due to serotypes contained in different PCVs in children aged < 5 years in eight Asian countries/territories. Based on published data, a cohort-based decision analytic model was used to estimate annual PD cases, deaths, and direct medical costs associated with serotypes contained in PCV10, PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20. PD incidence rates were lower in regions with PCV13 in their NIP than those without. Serotypes contained in higher but not lower valency PCVs resulted in a significant incremental clinical and economic burden, although the difference between PCV13 and PCV15 serotypes was generally small. Moving from PCV13 to PCV20 was estimated to result in greater clinical and economic burden reductions. This study demonstrates the remaining and incremental burden of PD from PCV10 to PCV20 serotypes in young children in selected Asian regions. Extending NIP access to higher-valency PCVs with broader serotype coverage and improving vaccine uptake will help prevent morbidity and deaths and save healthcare costs.

Exploring the role of governance in determining public-private investment in energy: New empirical insights from ASEAN

The energy sector plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and enhancing social welfare. However, the mobilization of sufficient investment including public and private remains crucial for advancing energy infrastructure development. Against this backdrop, this study aims to explore the role of governance in determining public-private investment in energy (PPE). The empirical analysis leverages a comprehensive dataset spanning 25 years from 1998 to 2022 and covering ASEAN nations. The study employs the CS-ARDL (cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag) model for regression analysis to assess governance dimensions' long-term and short-term effects on PPE. Additionally, the study conducts robustness analysis by using the FMOLS (fully modified ordinary least square) model and an alternative proxy of governance i.e. EFI (economic freedom index) to validate the findings. The analysis reveals that governance exerts a significant and positive effect on PPE. Specifically, the dimensions of governance such as corruption control (COC), government effectiveness, political stability (POS), regulatory quality, etc. demonstrate robust positive associations with PPE. This positive relationship indicates that stronger governance institutions foster transparency, efficiency, and stability in the energy sector, attracting private-sector investments. The findings of this study have significant policy implications for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders seeking to promote sustainable energy transitions and socio-economic development within the ASEAN region. Specifically, it is essential to strengthen governance institutions, enhance regulatory frameworks, and foster public-private partnerships for energy investment. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing novel insights into the governance-energy investment nexus within the ASEAN region.

Chilgoza Pine: A Comprehensive Review on Ecology, Cultivation, and Economic Potential of an Underutilized Nut Crop

Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana L.) is an underutilized nut crop native to the high-altitude regions of South Asia, particularly the western Himalayas. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Chilgoza pine's ecology, cultivation practices, and economic potential. The review synthesizes current knowledge on the tree’s ecological requirements, including its adaptation to arid and mountainous environments. It examines cultivation techniques, challenges faced in agronomic practices, and recent advancements in improving yield and quality. Additionally, the economic potential of Chilgoza pine is explored, highlighting its role in local economies, market trends, and opportunities for commercialization. This review underscores the significance of Chilgoza pine in sustainable agriculture and its potential as a high-value nut crop.

Quantitative identification of moisture sources over the Tibetan Plateau: spatial distributions and temporal variabilities

Abstract The imbalanced hydrological cycles and water resource instability over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are a topic of wide concern. Moisture sources affected by large-scale circulations are the main controls of precipitation and water resource distributions; as such, the quantitative identification of moisture sources is key to the changes in precipitation or water-related environments, further aids efficient water management over the TP and in downstream regions of Asia. In this study we primarily identified the spatial distributions and temporal variabilities of TP’s varied moisture sources, using Hysplit modeling and spatially dense precipitation isotopes (δ18O). Results showed that: (1) moistures from the Westerlies (West), the western arm of Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) (ISM1), the eastern arm of ISM (ISM2), and the inner TP are the TP’s main moisture sources, with highest proportional contributions being &gt;70%, ~40%, &gt;80%, and ~10–20% at northwest, southwest, southeast sectors of the study area, and the central TP region; (2) each moisture has its own region where it predominates, and shows specific trends during 1951–2020 (West-northwest sector-increase, ISM1-southwest sector-increase, ISM2-southeast sector-decrease, TP-central TP region-increase); (3) each of the moisture proportions and their temporal trends varied with different days of back trajectories (days 02-04-06-08-10), while their spatial patterns are similar; and (4) when verifying the modeled moisture proportions, precipitation δ18O is positively correlated or co-vary with dry sources such as the West or TP moisture, and inversely for humid ISM (ISM1 or ISM2) moisture. This work will improve our understanding of moisture-related hydrological, meteorological, and ecological studies in the ‘Asian Water Tower’ region.

Threshold effects of trade openness on financial development: The case of the ASEAN region

Threshold effects of trade openness on financial development: The case of the ASEAN region

Interventions for Preventing Tobacco Uptake among Adolescents within School Setting in South-East Asia region: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background Tobacco users disproportionately reside in lower-and-middle income countries, with many people beginning consumption of tobacco in adolescence. Countries employ interventions in schools as a means of providing health education thereby creating mass awareness among them. However, research has mostly restricted to developed nations. Objective To examine the impact of interventions implemented in preventing tobacco uptake among adolescents in school setting in South-East Asia region. Method The protocol was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42022337341). Systematic search was conducted on 6 databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest and Web of Science. Randomized Control Trials (RCT) and Cluster RCT conducted in school set-up in South-East Asia among adolescents below 18 years’ age were included. Articles between timeline 2002–2022 were considered. Results From a total of 963 articles, total of 13 studies were included. Four were RCT, while nine were Cluster RCT. Most of the studies were targeted at change in prevalence, followed change in knowledge and attitude towards tobacco and impact on susceptibility to use tobacco. Nine studies had interventions based on Health Promoting School Framework, three were Peer-led Interventions and one was Counsellor-centred Intervention. Risk of Bias assessment revealed eight studies had low risk of bias, two had some concerns while three were high risk studies. Conclusion Interventions that focus on building a holistic environment and go beyond the usual classroom environment have primarily been implemented and found to be effective in this region. There is a need for strong, high-quality RCT studies with standardised evaluation techniques to combat tobacco use among adolescents.

The impact of social determinants of health on international migrants’ health outcomes: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the research landscape concerning the impact of social determinants of health (SDH) on the health outcomes of international migrants. Design/methodology/approach Leveraging the extensive Scopus database, this study retrieved a total of 2,255 articles spanning the years 1993–2023. The framework for analysis used the SDH categories outlined by the World Health Organization. Findings The research landscape exhibited an apparent increase in the number of publications, but not a net increase in the research productivity. The USA emerged as the leading contributor to research output, with the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health emerging as the most prolific publication venue, and the University of Toronto ranking as the most prolific institution. The SDH category that received the highest number of publications was the “community and social context”. Migrants from different regions in Asia (East, Central and South Asia) and those from Latin America and the Caribbean region appeared to be the most commonly researched. Highly cited articles predominantly delved into mental health outcomes arising from discrimination and migration policies. Research limitations/implications The findings proffer valuable insights for shaping future research endeavors, accentuating the imperative for diversified studies encompassing underrepresented domains, broader health outcomes and the inclusion of migrant populations from different world regions in investigative pursuits. Originality/value This study delivers a comprehensive analysis of the research landscape, unveiling critical trends in the realm of SDH and migrant health outcomes.

Phylogenetic Relations and High-Altitude Adaptation in Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Identified Using Genome-Wide Data.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) wild boar is an excellent model for investigating high-altitude adaptation. In this study, we analyzed genome-wide data from 93 wild boars compiled from various studies worldwide, including the QTP, southern and northern regions of China, Europe, Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia, to explore their phylogenetic patterns and high-altitude adaptation based on genome-wide selection signal analysis and run of homozygosity (ROH) estimation. The findings demonstrate the alignment between the phylogenetic associations among wild boars and their geographical location. An ADMIXTURE analysis indicated a relatively close genetic relationship between QTP and southern Chinese wild boars. Analyses of the fixation index and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity between populations revealed 295 candidate genes (CDGs) associated with high-altitude adaptation, such as TSC2, TELO2, SLC5A1, and SLC5A4. These CDGs were significantly overrepresented in pathways such as the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling and Fanconi anemia pathways. In addition, 39 ROH islands and numerous selective CDGs (e.g., SLC5A1, SLC5A4, and VCP), which are implicated in glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function, were discovered in QTP wild boars. This study not only assessed the phylogenetic history of QTP wild boars but also advanced our comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation of wild boars to high altitudes.

Protective effect of Tecoma stans (L.) Juss.ex Kunth in CFA-induced arthritic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTecoma stans (L.) Juss.ex Kunth (Bignoniaceae) is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. The leaves, flowers, roots, and bark are used to treat various aliments includes, skin infections, kidney problems, intestinal disorders, jaundice, toothaches, joint pain and repair cracked bones, antidotes for snake, scorpion, and rat bites. Aim of the studyThe objective of the study is to assess the anti-arthritic properties of T. stans leaf using Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced rat. Materials and methodThe ethanol extract of T. stans leaf (ETSL) was subjected toGas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis for the identification of potential bioactive. The anti-arthritic activity was carried out by administering CFA (0.1 ml) into the sub-plantar surface of the right hind paw. The experimental animals were treated with indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and ETSL (250, 500 mg/kg) once a day orally for fourteen days. The arthritic parameters and hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated using standard kit reagents. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators were measured in blood serum. Antioxidant parameters were assessed in homogenized liver and joint tissues. Radiological and histopathological analysis of joint was performed. A computational molecular docking investigation of the phytoconstituents was conducted against COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α receptors. ResultsThe ETSL at 500 mg/kg demonstrated significant (p < 0.01) restoration of arthritic parameters, hematological and biochemical indices and oxidative stress in CFA-induced rats which was further supported by radiological histological examination. In addition, there was significant (p < 0.05) reduction observed in pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in the treated group. Verbascoside was found to exhibit better biding affinities −10.4, −7.4, −7 and −6.2 kcal/mol against COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 respectively, confirmed through in silico study. ConclusionsThe observed outcome suggests that ETSL at a dosage of 500 mg/kg demonstrated notable anti-arthritic effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress biomarkers. This effect could potentially be attributed to the presence of bioactive verbascoside identified in the LC-MS analysis.

Prediksi Risiko Emisi Karbon Dioksida Melalui Pemodelan GSTAR Kriging di Wilayah Asia

This study analyzes the variability of carbon dioxide emissions across Asia, revealing that China, India, and Indonesia are the primary contributors with extremely high average emissions and standard deviations. The GSTAR(3;1,1,1) model has been shown to be optimal for forecasting future emissions, based on lower RMSE and MAPE values. Ordinary Kriging analysis using the isotropic spherical semivariogram model provides the most accurate predictions for unobserved areas, with contour maps indicating that the northeastern region of Asia will continue to face high emission concentrations until 2027. While countries such as Brunei and Armenia have managed to keep emission levels low, the instability of emission trends across Asia underscores the need for emission reduction strategies tailored to the specific context of each country.

Profitability and Cost Estimates for Producing Tropical Hibiscus in South Florida

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a bushy evergreen shrub or small tree native to the temperate regions of Asia and an economically significant crop in Florida. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the market value of the ornamental industry in Miami-Dade County was $697 million, and approximately 25% of the production was in hibiscus. Demand for the cultivation of plants with minimal pesticides is rising due to concerns about potential adverse environmental and health effects. Integrated pest management, or IPM, is an alternative to conventional pesticide application. A broad-based approach, it integrates both chemical and non-chemical practices for sustainable control of pests. To help growers and other stakeholders determine the best approach to changing demands for pesticide management, this publication estimates the costs and returns of producing tropical hibiscus on an established nursery in south Florida using both traditional and IPM methods.

Enhancing ecosystem dynamics: organic and regenerative practices in rice–wheat systems and their impact on soil arthropod biodiversity

Arthropods may make a significant fraction of the total number of soil organisms. They function as plant litter transformers or ecosystem engineers, and thus contribute positively to soil health. The present study was conducted during the 2020–2022 at International Rice Research Institute, South Asia Regional Centre, Varanasi. Study investigates the impact of different farming methods-conventional (Scenario 1; Sc1), LINF- Low-input natural farming (Sc 2); BBEF- Biochar-based ecological farming (Sc 3); CROF- Climate-resilient organic farming (Sc 4); RF- Regenerative farming (Sc 5) practices on soil arthropod populations in rice-wheat systems. Study utilized pitfall traps across various experimental setups. The findings revealed a significant increase in arthropod diversity and abundance, particularly in organic farming scenarios, where the Formicidae family (ants) and the Araneae family (spiders) were most prevalent. In an organically rich soil system, the five most diverse groups (Isopoda, Myriapoda, Insecta, Acari, and Collembola) were reported. This increase can be attributed to the nutrient-rich amendments that positively influence soil organisms. This study highlights a gradual increase in specific taxa, such as cockroaches, spiders, ants, and grasshoppers, following the transition to organic farming. Principal component analysis (PCA) further revealed distinct arthropod distribution patterns in the different farming systems, indicating the unique ecological impact of each method. Interestingly, predator populations in zero-till wheat fields under regenerative agriculture were greater than those in conventionally tilled fields. These results underscore the substantial role of organic and regenerative farming practices in promoting sustainable agricultural ecosystems. This study reveals the complex interplay between farming practices and arthropod dynamics and highlights the ecological benefits of sustainable agricultural methods, emphasizing their potential to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Association between Exposure to Smokeless Tobacco Consumption and Carcinoma of Cervix

Background: Cervical cancer is the most destabilizing cancer that grows increasingly prevalent worldwide. The Southeast Asia region has the greatest incidence and mortality rates due to widespread use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products, a lack of screening programmes, and immunization against cervical cancer. Objective: To assess the association between smokeless tobacco consumption and carcinoma of cervix. Methodology: A case-control study was conducted with 272 women aged 18-49 years, conveniently selected from both outpatient and inpatient settings at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The selection of NICRH was purposive. Participants underwent interviews using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire between January and December 2019. Results: The mean age of cases was 49.8±8.8 years, while the mean age of controls was 48.5±9.3 years. In comparison to controls (52.2%), the majority of patients (65.4%) consumed SLT throughout their entire lives. A significant relationship was found between SLT use and the development of cervical cancer (p&lt;0.05). Those who have consumed any SLT in their lives are 1.7 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those who have not taken any SLT. Cases (22.8%) used betel quid with jorda &gt;5 times, compared to controls (14.7%), and intensity of Gul used ≤5 among cases (9.6%) than controls (2.9%). Compared to controls (56.3%), the majority of cases (76.4%) had been using SLT for more than 10 years, with a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Cases used SLT for a longer time (19.2±10.3) compared to controls (15.6±11.1), with a significant association (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed a significant association between the risk of cervical cancer and the extent and duration of exposure to SLT. To minimize the risk of cervical cancer, contemplate restricting SLT production and utilization. Journal of Monno Medical College June, 2024; 10 (1):17-22

Peran Indonesia dalam Mewujudkan Stabilitas Keamanan Kawasan Regional Asean di Tengah Perebutan Pengaruh Negara-Negara Great Power

Geopolitical developments in Southeast Asia have become the center of attention of major world powers, especially the United States and China. ASEAN, through the ADMM and ADMM-Plus forums, plays an important role in maintaining regional security stability. This study aims to analyze Indonesia's role in realizing security stability in the ASEAN region in the midst of great power competition. The research methods used are qualitative with in-depth interviews, case studies, and secondary data analysis from various sources, including policy reports and official government statements. The results of the study show that Indonesia plays a role as a diplomatic mediator, a reinforcer of regional cooperation, and a defender of ASEAN sovereignty. ADMM-Plus also faces challenges in expanding membership, which requires careful geopolitical considerations. In conclusion, Indonesia has a crucial role in maintaining regional stability through multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution efforts in ASEAN.

The Physician King Buddhadasa: A Mine of Virtues, as the Sea is of Jewels.

King Buddhadasa was a monarch of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, in the 4th century A.D. He was a unique king with sound knowledge and skill in medicine according to the traditional medical system. The primary source of Sri Lankan history describes him as "a mine of virtues, as the sea is of jewels." This is due to his virtue of being a righteous king and a compassionate physician, whose healing extended to both humans and animals. His contributions went beyond curative medicine to include preventative care, medical administration, and scholarly work such as the Sarartha Sangrahaya. Similar to Charaka and Sushruta in the South Asian region, his life and work are exemplary and inspirational to modern-day physicians. This review provides an account of the life of King Buddhadasa as recorded in the primary chronicle of Sri Lankan history. Some of his healing accounts may seem mystical to the reader. The article also endeavours to find plausible explanations for those occurrences based on allopathy and science. These records serve as important lessons for modern-day physicians, encouraging the inculcation of good conscience and morality in medical practice.

The Impact of Education on Consumers’ Eco-Friendly Shopping Habits towards Sustainable Purchases: Evidence from Indonesia and Taiwan

The use of disposable products has increased significantly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this surge has also exacerbated the problem of waste pollution and climate change. Although there has been some progress recently, there is still a great deal of work to be carried out to promote eco-friendly shopping habits to combat environmental pollution. Education plays a crucial role in encouraging consumers to adopt long-term environmentally friendly behaviors as part of their shopping habits. This study aims to investigate the impact of education on non-disposable product knowledge and eco-awareness, which in turn influences consumer attitudes and shapes eco-friendly concepts into their habits. In our study, we also explore the role of self-identity as a moderator in the correlation between pro-environmental attitudes and eco-friendly shopping habits. Furthermore, our research involves gathering data from participants in Taiwan and Indonesia, considering their diverse cultural backgrounds and economic statuses in the Asian region. With a sample size of 332 individuals (152 from Indonesia and 180 from Taiwan), we utilized quantitative methodology and electronic questionnaires to collect data from October to November 2023. By employing CB-structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 4, we have been able to discern the similarities and differences between Taiwanese and Indonesian consumers within the context of our research framework. Consequently, sustainable purchases promote awareness and encourage consumers to adopt more environmentally friendly habits, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards sustainability.

Snow leopard phylogeography and population structure supports two global populations with single refugial origin

AbstractSnow leopards (Panthera uncia) inhabit the mountainous regions of High Asia, which experienced serial glacial contraction and expansion during climatic cycles of the Pleistocene. The corresponding impacts of glacial vicariance may have alternately promoted or constrained genetic differentiation to shape the distribution of genetic lineages and population structure. We studied snow leopard phylogeography across High Asia by examining range-wide historical and contemporary genetic structure with mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers. We genotyped 182 individuals from across snow leopard range and sequenced portions of the mitogenome in a spatially stratified subset of 80 individuals to infer historical biogeographic and contemporary patterns of genetic diversity. We observed a lack of phylogeographic structure, and analyses suggested a single refugial origin for all sampled populations. Molecular data provided tentative evidence of a hypothesized glacial refugia in the Tian Shan-Pamir-Hindu Kush-Karakoram mountain ranges, and detected mixed signatures of population expansion. Concordant assessments of microsatellite data indicated two global genetic populations, though we detected geographic differences between historical and contemporary population structure and connectivity inferred from mitochondrial and microsatellite data, respectively. Using the largest sample size and geographic coverage to date, we demonstrate novel information on the phylogeographic history of snow leopards, and corroborate existing interpretations of snow leopard connectivity and genetic structure. We recommend that conservation efforts incorporate genetic data to define and protect meaningful conservation units and their underlying genetic diversity, and to maintain the snow leopard’s adaptive potential and continued resilience to environmental changes.

Outbreak of Chikungunya Fever in the Central Valley of Chiapas, Mexico.

The first ever recorded outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in the highlands (central valley of Chiapas) Mexico took place in 2015. Clinical data from 80 infected patients together with information provided from virus isolates offered a vision of the diseased and their response linked to different variables such as age, gender, association with pre-existing diseases of some patients, including CHIKF-DENF co-infection. The origins of the Tuxtla Gutierrez CHIKV viruses isolated in the study, including other Mexican isolates, were traced to viruses circulating in regions of Asia in Micronesia and Philippines. Also, we call the attention of the influx of migrants coming from countries having current explosive outbreaks of CHIKV and DENV in the Americas and into southern Mexico. Further we discuss vulnerabilities and point out specially to the geographic location of Chiapas State and its strategic position for attracting the human migrant population.

Global, regional, and national impact of air pollution on stroke burden: changing landscape from 1990 to 2021

BackgroundExposure to air pollution contributes to cardiovascular disease-related deaths and morbidity, including stroke. However, few studies have examined the global stroke burden linked to air pollution. This study aimed to evaluate the global stroke morbidity and mortality associated with air pollution from 1990 to 2021.MethodWith the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, the numbers, and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for air pollution-related stroke were reported globally. Further subgroup analyses were conducted by age, sex, region and country, and stroke subtypes. A linear regression model explored global temporal trends and a cluster analysis examined temporal trends across GBD regions. To predict trends until 2040, the age-period-cohort (APC) model and the Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model were applied.ResultsIn 2021, there were 1,989,686 (95% uncertainty interval [95% UI], 1,530,479-2,493,238) deaths and 44,962,167 (95% UI, 35,020,339 − 55,467,024) DALYs due to air pollution-related stroke. The ASRs increased with age, peaking generally over 85 years. Males, the Central African region, and Guinea-Bissau showed higher stroke burdens Intracerebral hemorrhage was the most lethal subtype, with an ASR of 11.69 (95% UI 8.94–14.69) for deaths and 276.93 (95% UI 212.21-344.36) for DALYs. From 1990 to 2021, the crude number of deaths and DALYs increased by 13.4% and 6.3%, respectively, for the global stroke burden but showed a declining trend when age-standardized. Most GBD regions in Asia and Africa experienced an increasing stroke burden linked to air pollution, while Europe and America showed a decreasing trend. Predictions indicated a gradual reduction in ASRs, with higher rates in males from 2020 to 2040.ConclusionsThe global stroke burden associated with air pollution remained significant despite a decreasing trend until 2021. Although future predictions suggested a reduction, the crude counts for stroke burden remained substantial, with significant regional disparities. This warranted the implementation of public health policies and ongoing efforts.

Conspectus of the vegetation types of Tajikistan and adjacent areas with special focus on phytosociological classes

Vegetation classification is a tool for organizing the patterns and diversity of plant communities. It is used in nature conservation, and helps to understand the role of vegetation in the biosphere. Given the rapidly diminishing opportunity to understand the vegetation diversity of Tajikistan located in the Middle Asian region, phytosociological surveys using the floristic-ecological approach and the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale were undertaken in 2006. Aer 18 years of research, with a total of 55 research expeditions to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, it is time to summarise and make a first attempt to establish a comprehensive classification system for the entire vegetation of Tajikistan and the surrounding areas. As a first step, the Vegetation of Middle Asia (VMA) database with records from three countries: Tajikistan (4,130 relevés), Kyrgyzstan (1,681 relevés) and Uzbekistan (13 relevés) was created. e internal comparison of all the plots and the analysis of the similarities with the vegetation of Iran, Russia, Afghanistan, Mongolia, Pakistan, and China make it possible to present the comprehensive list of plant communities organized in 45 classes, 47 orders, 83 alliances, 297 associations, and 237 rankless units. In addition to those described in our previous works, we propose also several new sytaxa: &lt;i&gt;Eremogono griffithii-Nepetetea podostachyos, Artemisio persicae-Stipetea drobovii, Festucetea alaico-krylovianae, Carici koshewnikowii-Asperuletea oppositifoliae, Trichodesmo incani-Pachypterygietea brevipes, Aceretalia turkestanici, Juniperetalia seravschanicae, Crataegetalia ponticae, Populetalia pruinoso-euphraticae, Salici capusii- Hippophaeetalia rhamnoidis, Carici stenophylloidis-Stipetalia drobovii, Eritrichion pamirico-subjacquemontii, Stipetum kazachstanicae, Caricetum pamirensis&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Bolboschoenetum affinis&lt;/i&gt;. Tis systematic compilation of data, based on our fieldwork and literature data, is not definitive, and certainly the rich and diverse vegetation of Middle Asia requires further studies incorporating also modern LIDAR and satellite techniques.