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Simple Summary: The spot-legged treefrog Polypedates megacephalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) is widely distributed in Asia. In previous studies, it has been noted that the mitochondrial gene ATP8 has not been confidently annotated in any sequenced Polypedates to date. Duplications of control regions (CRs) are often observed in the tree frog family Rhacophoridae, and in most cases the copied CRs are highly similar to one another. This feature may lead to sequence assembly errors. Our findings are the first to detect two copies of the ND5 genes and three copies of the CRs in P. megacephalus by employing a "primer bridging" approach and allude to the presence of ATP8 via bioinformatic analyses and RT-qPCR. However, the question of whether the ATP8 is functional needs to be addressed in future studies. In prior research on the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Polypedates megacephalus, the one copy of ND5 gene was translocated to the control region (CR) and the ATP8 gene was not found. Gene loss is uncommon among vertebrates. However, in this study, we resequenced the mitogenomes of P. megacephalus from different regions using a "primer bridging" approach with Sanger sequencing technologies, which revealed the "missing" ATP8 gene in P. megacephalus as well as three other previously published Polypedates. The mitogenome of this species was found to contain two copies of the ND5 genes and three copies of the control regions. Furthermore, multiple tandem repeats were identified in the control regions. Notably, we observed that there was no correlation between genetic divergence and geographic distance. However, using the mitogenome, gene expression analysis was performed via RT-qPCR of liver samples and it was thus determined that COIII, ND2, ND4, and ND6 were reduced to 0.64 ± 0.24, 0.55 ± 0.34, 0.44 ± 0.21 and 0.65 ± 0.17, respectively, under low-temperature stress (8 °C) as compared with controls (p < 0.05). Remarkably, the transcript of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) between positions 8029 and 8612 decreased significantly with exposure to low-temperature stress (8 °C). Antisense ND6 gene expression showed a downward trend, but this was not significant. These results reveal that modulations of protein-coding mitochondrial genes and lncRNAs of P. megacephalus play a crucial role in the molecular response to cold stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pacific‐Panthalassa plate tectonics are the most challenging on Earth to reconstruct during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras due to extensive subduction, which has resulted in large (>9,000 km length) unconstrained gaps between the Pacific and Laurasia (now NE Asia) back to the Early Jurassic. We build four contrasted NW Pacific‐Panthalassa global plate reconstructions and assimilate their velocity fields into global geodynamic models. We compare our predicted present mantle structure, synthetic geoid and dynamic topography to Earth observations. P‐wave tomographic filtering of predicted mantle structures allows for more explicit comparisons to global tomography. Plate reconstructions that include intra‐oceanic subduction in NW Pacific‐Panthalassa fit better to the observed geoid and residual topography, challenging popular models of Andean‐style subduction along East Asia. Our geodynamic models predict significant SE‐ward lateral slab advections within the NW Pacific basin lower mantle (∼2,500 km from Mesozoic times to present) that would confound "vertical slab sinking"‐style restorations of imaged slabs and past subduction zone locations. Plain Language Summary: Our knowledge of Earth's past tectonic plate configurations becomes increasingly uncertain going back into geologic time. Northwest Pacific‐Panthalassa plate tectonics along East Asia and the northern Pacific margin are among the most uncertain place on Earth to reconstruct during the Mesozoic‐Cenozoic eras. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed: one popular hypothesis suggests a large oceanic plate subducted continuously and exclusively under the eastern margin of Asia throughout Jurassic and Cretaceous times (i.e., Andean‐type subduction); a second hypothesis assumes that a number of smaller plates existed within the Northwestern Pacific that subducted both under the Asian margin and at offshore subduction zones (i.e., intra‐oceanic subduction). Using numerical models of mantle convection, we computed where each hypothesis predicts the subducted lithospheric plates to be at present in the Earth's interior. We compared these predictions against tomographic images of the Earth's mantle. We also calculated the gravitational attraction caused by the predicted mass distributions and compared them against the observed geoid. The warping of the Earth's surface caused by mantle flow was also computed and compared against non‐hydrostatic topography measurements. Our results favor plate reconstructions featuring intra‐oceanic subduction within Northwestern Pacific‐Panthalassa, with implications for past global CO2 and reconstructing disappeared ocean basins. Key Points: Six fully kinematic, end‐member western Pacific plate tectonic reconstructions were assimilated into global geodynamic modelsIntra‐oceanic subduction in western Pacific produces synthetic geoid and dynamic topography best fit observed geoid and residual topographyGeodynamic models predict significant SE‐ward lateral slab advections within NW Pacific lower mantle (∼2,500 km from Jurassic to present) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, technological advancements have increased the importance of innovation activities. Therefore, firms invest millions of dollars in innovation activities to ensure long-term business sustainability. Similarly, consumer concerns have increased dramatically over the past years. Thus, brand loyalty has become a top priority for firms and consumers. In this background, this research examines how firms' innovation activities translate into consumer brand loyalty to assure business sustainability in Asian markets, particularly China, Pakistan, and Indonesia. Objectives: This study's specific objectives are to comprehend the concept of firms' innovation activities and their effect on the brand prototype. Examine the effect of the brand prototype on global brand preference, recommendation, and loyalty among Asian consumers. Find out the impact of brand preference on brand recommendations and the influence of brand recommendations on brand loyalty among Asian consumers. Materials and methods: A total of 814 consumers from Asian countries (China, Pakistan, and Indonesia) participated in this study, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results: The findings indicate that firms' innovation activities, such as processes, products, and store environment, positively influenced the brand prototype, thereby increasing consumer brand knowledge. Likewise, brand prototype contributes to developing brand preference, brand recommendation, and brand loyalty among Asian consumers. Lastly, consumer brand preference significantly influenced brand recommendation, which positively improves consumer brand loyalty in Asia. Conclusion: This study concluded that Asian (Chinese, Pakistani, and Indonesian) consumers have favorable perceptions of firms' innovation activities (i.e., process, product, and store environment innovation), which influences their ability to develop brand prototypes to increase consumer brand knowledge. Similarly, brand prototype fosters brand preference, recommendation, and loyalty. Likewise, favorable brand preference encourages consumers to recommend the brand to others, strengthening brand loyalty. Thus, firms should invest in innovation activities to strengthen consumer brand loyalty in Asian markets. Consequently, this study may assist multinational corporations in increasing their business volumes and market shares in Asia. Managerial recommendations: This study provides important managerial recommendations. The findings revealed that global managers can develop and implement several branding strategies for sustaining their businesses in the Asian environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extracorporeal life support (ECLS) and temporary bilateral ventricular assist device (t-BiVAD) are commonly applied in patients with cardiogenic shock. Prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has poor prognosis. Herein, we report our findings on a combined ECLS and t-BiVAD approach to salvage cardiogenic-shock patients with CPR for more than one hour. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with prolonged CPR and rescued by ECLS and subsequent t-BiVAD were retrospectively collected between January 2015 and December 2019. Primary diagnoses included ischemic, dilated cardiomyopathy, acute myocardial infarction, post-cardiotomy syndrome, and fulminant myocarditis. The mean LVEF was 16.9% ± 6.56% before t-BiVAD. The median ECLS-to-VAD interval is 26 h. Results: A total of 26 patients (44%) survived to weaning, including 13 (22%) bridged to recovery, and 13 (22%) bridged to transplantation. Survivors to discharge demonstrated better systemic perfusion and hemodynamics than non-survivors. The CentriMag-related complications included bleeding (n = 22, 37.2%), thromboembolism (n = 5, 8.4%), and infection (n = 4, 6.7%). The risk factors of mortality included Glasgow Coma Scale (Motor + Eye) ≤ 5, and lactate ≥ 8 mmol/L at POD-1, persistent ventricular rhythm or asystole, and total bilirubin ≥ 6 mg/dL at POD-3. Mortality factors included septic shock (n = 11, 18.6%), central failure (n = 10, 16.9%), and multiple organ failure (n = 12, 20.3%). Conclusions: Combined ECLS and t-BiVAD could be a salvage treatment for patients with severe cardiogenic shock, especially for those already having prolonged CPR. This combination can correct organ malperfusion and allow sufficient time to bridge patients to recovery and heart transplantation, especially in Asia, where donation rates are low, as well as intracorporeal VAD or total artificial heart being seldom available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Hypothesis Antipsychotics remain the main treatment for schizophrenia, but their effectiveness is challenging to compare. We aimed to assess the comparative real-world effectiveness of antipsychotics in preventing readmission among patients in Asia with early-stage schizophrenia to inform clinical decision making. Study Design We did a retrospective cohort study of first-admission schizophrenia patients (ICD-9-CM: 295; ICD-10-CM: F20 and F25) from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2017. The cohort was identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database NHIRD for Psychiatric Inpatients. The exposure was any antipsychotics prescribed post-discharge. The primary outcome was the readmission risk due to psychotic disorders, which was measured by adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs). Within-individual extended Cox models were applied for analyses, where the periods of oral risperidone use served as his or her own control. Study Results We selected 75 986 patients (men, 53.4%; mean [SD] age, 37.6 [12.0] years; mean [SD] duration of follow-up, 8.9 [5.0]) who were first admitted to psychiatric wards with schizophrenia in Taiwan. Among them, 47 150 patients (62.05%) had at least one readmission within 4 years. Compared to the period under treatment with oral risperidone, that under monotherapy with long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) had the lowest risk for psychotic readmission, with a risk reduction of 15–20%. However, the prevalence of person-prescription prevalence of LAIs remained low (< 10%) during the follow-up period. Conclusions The use of LAIs after the first admission for schizophrenia has notable advantages in preventing readmission. Such formulations should be offered earlier in the course of illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen of nosocomial pneumonia worldwide and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Asia. Previous studies have shown that K. pneumoniae bacteremic CAP is associated with high mortality. We aimed to revisit K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia in the current era and determine the risk factors associated with 28-day mortality. Between January 2014 and August 2020, adult patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia in a medical center in Taiwan were identified. Clinical and microbiological characteristics were compared between CAP and nosocomial pneumonia. Risk factors for 28-day mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Among 150 patients with K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia, 52 had CAP and 98 had nosocomial pneumonia. The 28-day mortality was 52% for all patients, 36.5% for CAP, and 60.2% for nosocomial pneumonia. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae was more prevalent in CAP (61.5%) than in nosocomial pneumonia (16.3%). Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was more prevalent in nosocomial pneumonia (58.2%) than in CAP (5.8%). Nosocomial pneumonia, a higher Severe Organ Failure Assessment score, and not receiving appropriate definitive therapy were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality. In conclusion, revisiting K. pneumoniae bacteremic pneumonia in the current era showed a high mortality rate. Host factors, disease severity, and timely effective therapy affect the treatment outcomes of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Based on the fundamental of the S3-level clinical practice guideline (CPG) for treating stage I-III periodontitis developed by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP), this consensus report aimed to develop treatment recommendations for treating periodontitis in the Taiwanese population.Methods: The report was constructed by experts from the Taiwan Academy of Periodontology. The following topics were reviewed: (a) the prevalence of periodontitis in Asia and current status of treatment in Taiwan; (b) specific anatomical considerations for treating periodontitis in Asians; (d) educational and preventive interventions and supragingival plaque control; (d) subgingival instrumentation and adjunctive treatment; (e) surgical periodontal therapy; and (f) maintenance and supportive periodontal care. Recommendations were made according to the evidences from the EFP CPG, the published literature and clinical studies in Asians, and the expert opinions.Results: The treatment recommendations for the Taiwanese population were generally in parallel with the EFP CPG, and extra cautions during treatment and maintenance phases were advised due to the anatomical variations, such as shorter root trunk, higher prevalence of supernumerary distolingual root and lingual bony concavity in mandibular posteriors, and thinner anterior labial plate, of the Asian population.Conclusion: The EFP CPG could be adopted for treating periodontitis and maintaining periodontal health of the Taiwanese population, and anatomical variations should be cautious when the treatment is delivered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genotype I (GI) virus has replaced genotype III (GIII) virus as the dominant Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in the epidemic area of Asia. The mechanism underlying the genotype replacement remains unclear. Therefore, we focused our current study on investigating the roles of mosquito vector and amplifying host(s) in JEV genotype replacement by comparing the replication ability of GI and GIII viruses. GI and GIII viruses had similar infection rates and replicated to similar viral titers after blood meal feedings in Culex tritaeniorhynchus. However, GI virus yielded a higher viral titer in amplifying host-derived cells, especially at an elevated temperature, and produced an earlier and higher viremia in experimentally inoculated pigs, ducklings, and young chickens. Subsequently we identified the amplification advantage of viral genetic determinants from GI viruses by utilizing chimeric and recombinant JEVs (rJEVs). Compared to the recombinant GIII virus (rGIII virus), we observed that both the recombinant GI virus and the chimeric rJEVs encoding GI virus-derived NS1-3 genes supported higher replication ability in amplifying hosts. The replication advantage of the chimeric rJEVs was lost after introduction of a single substitution from a GIII viral mutation (NS2B-L99V, NS3-S78A, or NS3-D177E). In addition, the gain-of-function assay further elucidated that rGIII virus encoding GI virus NS2B-V99L/NS3-A78S/E177E substitutions re-gained the enhanced replication ability. Thus, we conclude that the replication advantage of GI virus in pigs and poultry is the result of three critical NS2B/NS3 substitutions. This may lead to more efficient transmission of GI virus than GIII virus in the amplifying host-mosquito cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a retrospective of the 12th International Conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development (Asia Chapter) that took place in Taipei, Taiwan on 5–8 November 2013. This paper provides a brief review of pre-conference workshops, keynote and innovation addresses, parallel sessions and cultural activities. The authors also share their thoughts on the contributions of international conferences to the field of human resource development. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Human milk microorganisms could benefit the healthy development of the immune system in infants. In Asia, the practice of "doing-the-month" indicates a month-long period of postpartum recuperation for new mothers. This is composed of cultural practices, traditional beliefs, behavioral, dietary, and herbal therapies. In this pilot study, we evaluated the effect of "doing-the-month" on the human milk microbiota using a molecular approach. We collected two "doing-the-month" milk groups from randomly recruited mothers who had completed their "doing-the-month" program in either postpartum care center A (milk-PCA, n = 14) or postpartum care center B (milk-PCB, n = 27) for 20 to 30 days. As for the control group, milk samples were selected from postpartum mothers (milk-H, n = 46), who did not conduct the "doing-the-month" program. We found that the "doing-the-month" milk samples were associated with more diverse and unique milk microbiota and that these samples were also linked with more abundant Lactobacillus (milk-PCB) and prevalent Bifidobacteria (milk-PCA and milk-PCB). In addition, the milk samples from "doing-the-month" mothers could be enriched with more Archaea bacterial members, but the "non-doing-the-month" milk samples were enriched with more common skin-, oral-, and environmental-related bacterial members. This study highlights the impact maternal practices may have on the milk microbiome. More research is needed to investigate the effects this may have on infant immune health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Stainless steel pipes are commonly used to replace lead pipes in Asia. • Three-metal galvanic system can form during partial replacement of lead pipes. • Lead release was the highest when materials were in order of reduction potential. • A more fluent electron transport resulted in more lead release. • The presence of a third metal can influence the magnitude of galvanic currents. Lead pipe has been banned in the drinking water distribution system in most countries since 1980s. Although water authorities around the world have attempted to replace all remaining lead pipes in service, pipe replacement was often hindered by high cost and lack of access to private premises. Hence, partial replacement has become a common scenario where portions of lead pipes remain in the system. When the lead pipe is connected to two other different metallic materials at both ends, two different galvanic couples can form simultaneously in this three-metal system. The release of lead resulting from galvanic corrosion in such three-metal systems consisting of lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and stainless steel (SS) with three different configurations, namely Cu-SS-Pb, SS-Cu-Pb and Cu-Pb-SS was investigated in this study. The results showed that when the materials are arranged in order of reduction potential as in SS-Cu-Pb configuration, lead release was the highest. A more fluent electron transport across the system was proposed based on the direction and magnitude of galvanic currents measured at each galvanic couple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antigenic and genetic analysis of the hemagglutinin of 13,000 human influenza A (H3N2) viruses from six continents during 2002-2007 revealed that there was continuous circulation in east and Southeast Asia (E-SE Asia) via a region-wide network of temporally overlapping epidemics and that epidemics in the temperate regions were seeded from this network each year. Seed strains generally first reached Oceania, North America, and Europe, and later South America. This evidence suggests that once A (H3N2) viruses leave E-SE Asia, they are unlikely to contribute to long-term viral evolution. If the trends observed during this period are an accurate representation of overall patterns of spread, then the antigenic characteristics of A (H3N2) viruses outside E-SE Asia may be forecast each year based on surveillance within E-SE Asia, with consequent improvements to vaccine strain selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the process and the comprehensiveness of advance care planning (ACP), we designed a national ACP-OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) program., Methods: The program was designed as a 40-minute OSCE test. Participants were categorized as different ACP team members to illustrate realistic scenarios. Preceptors were asked to observe ACP professionals' actions, responses, and communication skills during ACP with standardized patients (SP) through a one-way mirror. Participants' communication skills, medical expertise, legal knowledge, empathetic response and problem-solving skills of ACP were also self-evaluated before and after OSCE. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis., Results: In Nov 2019, a total of 18 ACP teams with 38 ACP professionals completed the ACP-OSCE program, including 15 physicians, 15 nurses, 5 social workers, and 3 psychologists. After the ACP-OSCE program, the average score of communication skills, medical expertise, legal knowledge, empathetic response, ACP problem-solving all increased. Nurses felt improved in medical expertise, legal knowledge, and problem-solving skills, psychologists and social workers felt improved in legal knowledge, while physicians felt no improved in all domain, statistically. Thematic analysis showed professional skills, doctoral-patient communication, benefit and difficulties of ACP were the topics which participants care about. Meanwhile, most participants agreed that ACP-OSCE program is an appropriate educational tool., Conclusion: This is the first national ACP-OSCE program in Asia. We believe that this ACP-OSCE program could be applied in other countries to improve the ACP process and quality., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Penile cancer is a relatively rare genital malignancy whose incidence and mortality are rising in many countries., Objective: This study aims to assess the recent incidence and mortality patterns and incidence trends of penile cancer., Methods: The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates (ASIR and ASMR, respectively) of penile cancer in 2020 were estimated from the Global Cancer Registries (GLOBOCAN) database. Incidence trends of penile cancer from 1973 to 2012 were assessed in 44 populations from 43 countries using the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents plus (CI5plus) and the Nordic Cancer Registries (NORDCAN) databases. Average annual percentage change was calculated to quantify trends in ASIR using joinpoint regression., Results: Globally, the estimated ASIR and ASMR of penile cancer were 0.80 (per 100,000) and 0.29 (per 100,000) in 2020, equating to 36,068 new cases and 13,211 deaths in 2020, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the ASIR (P=.05) or ASMR (P=.90) and Human Development Index. In addition, 15 countries saw increasing ASIR for penile cancer, 13 of which were from Europe (United Kingdom, Lithuania, Norway, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Cyprus, Netherlands, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, and the Czech), and 2 from Asia (China and Israel)., Conclusions: Although the developing countries still bear the higher incidence and mortality of penile cancer, the incidence is on the rise in most European countries. To mitigate the disease burden resulting from penile cancer, measures to lower the risk for penile cancers, including improving penile hygiene and male human papillomavirus vaccination, may be warranted., (©Leiwen Fu, Tian Tian, Kai Yao, Xiang-Feng Chen, Ganfeng Luo, Yanxiao Gao, Yi-Fan Lin, Bingyi Wang, Yinghui Sun, Weiran Zheng, Peiyang Li, Yuewei Zhan, Christopher K Fairley, Andrew Grulich, Huachun Zou. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org), 06.07.2022.)

Background: To promote the efficiency and quality of registration for medical products, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Regulatory Harmonization Steering Committee (RHSC) has implemented a 2020 roadmap to promote the concept of GRM since 2011. Key outcomes of this roadmap are discussed in this article to provide recommendations for improved regulatory practices and accelerated regulatory convergence., Methods: Adoption of relevant guidelines and delivery of training programs from the APEC Training Centers of Excellence for Regulatory Science (CoEs) have played a key role to promote capacity building, cooperation and convergence in good review practices (GRevPs) and good submission practices (GSubPs) for medical products among APEC economies. A key performance indicator (KPI) survey among the drug regulatory authorities (RAs) of APEC economies was conducted to understand the progress of this roadmap., Results: The CoE programs have provided a unique opportunity to promote dialogues between regulatory authorities and industry and efficiently disseminated the concept of GRM among APEC economies. The results of the KPI survey indicated significant progress in the status of implementing GRevPs over the last ten years., Conclusions: To accelerate regulatory convergence among APEC economies, it is necessary to promote mutual trust and cooperation in approval of medical products over the time. Continuous training in GRevPs and GSubPs through the CoE platform would set the stage to achieve the goal in the next decade.

Background: Many studies have investigated associations between the glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) null polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer, but the impact of GSTM1 in people who live in Asian countries is still unclear owing to inconsistencies across results., Methods: We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid and CNKI databases for studies of associations between the GSTM1 null genotype and risk of prostate cancer in people who live in Asian countries, and estimated summary odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)., Results: A total of 18 case-control studies with 2,172 cases and 3,258 controls were included in this meta-analysis, which showed the GSTM1 null genotype to be significantly associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in people who live in Asian countries (random-effects OR=1.74, 95% CI1.44-2.09, P<0.001). Similar results were found in East Asians (OR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.12-1.78; P=0.004) and Caucasians in Asia (OR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.85-2.60; P<0.001). No evidence of publication bias was observed., Conclusions: This meta- analysis of available data suggested that the GSTM1 null genotype does contribute to increased risk of prostate cancer in people who live in Asian countries.

Background: Capsular serotypes K1 and K2 of Klebsiella pneumoniae are thought to the major virulence determinants responsible for liver abscess. The intestine is one of the major reservoirs of K. pneumoniae, and epidemiological studies have suggested that the majority of K. pneumoniae infections are preceded by colonization of the gastrointestinal tract. The possibility of fecal-oral transmission in liver abscess has been raised on the basis of molecular typing of isolates. Data on the serotype distribution of K. pneumoniae in stool samples from healthy individuals has not been previously reported. This study investigated the seroepidemiology of K. pneumoniae isolates from the intestinal tract of healthy Chinese in Asian countries. Stool specimens from healthy adult Chinese residents of Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam were collected from August 2004 to August 2010 for analysis., Results: Serotypes K1/K2 accounted for 9.8% of all K. pneumoniae isolates from stools in all countries. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of K1/K2 isolates among the countries excluding Thailand and Vietnam. The antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was nearly the same in K. pneumoniae isolates. The result of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed no major clonal cluster of serotype K1 isolates., Conclusions: The result showed that Chinese ethnicity itself might be a major factor predisposing to intestinal colonization by serotype K1/K2 K. pneumoniae isolates. The prevalent serotype K1/K2 isolates may partially correspond to the prevalence of K. pneumoniae liver abscess in Asian countries.

Studies investigating the association of milk consumption with bladder cancer risk have reported inconsistent findings. We conducted a meta-analysis of published cohort and case-control studies to pool the risk estimates of the association between milk intake and bladder cancer. We quantified associations with bladder cancer using meta-analysis of odds ratio (OR) associated with the highest vs. the lowest category of milk intake using fixed- or random-effect models depending on the heterogeneity of effects among studies. Nineteen cohort and case-control studies were eligible for inclusion. High milk intake was significantly associated with decreased risk of bladder cancer (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.97) when comparing the highest with the lowest category of milk intake. The inverse association was stronger in Asia (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40-0.81) than North America (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.03), and no association was observed in Europe (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85-1.26). This relationship also varied significantly by specific dairy products. Our results suggest that milk may be related to the reduction of bladder cancer risk. Further studies need to clarify the biological mechanisms.