Comparative Analysis of Mechanistic and Correlative Models for Global and Bhutan-Specific Suitability of Parthenium Weed and Vulnerability of Agriculture in Bhutan.

Parthenium weed ( L.) is one of the most noxious and fast-spreading invasive alien species, posing a major threat to ecosystems, agriculture, and public health worldwide. Mechanistic and correlative species distribution models are commonly employed to determine the potential habitat suitability of parthenium weed.

Aetiological, seasonal and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in Bhutan (2016-2022): a retrospective study of surveillance data.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the aetiological spectrum, seasonal distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of diarrhoeal diseases in Bhutan.

Study Design And Setting: The study used a cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of secondary data gathered through a passive, hospital-based sentinel surveillance for diarrhoeal disease across 12 hospitals, representing Bhutan's demographically diverse regions.

Participants: A total of 3429 participants' data of all age groups who presented with diarrhoea at sentinel hospitals between 1 January 1 2016 and 31 December 2022 were analysed.

Assessment of performance feedback as a teaching-learning tool in the operating room at the National Referral Hospital, Bhutan: a prospective pre-post interventional study.

Background: Effective, efficient, and enduring feedback on performance improves and accelerates learning in medical education. Basic teaching methods like providing constructive feedback would enhance educational quality. However, briefing and debriefing culture is almost absent in our operating room.

A diagnostic challenge of a giant Para-ovarian cyst in an adolescent girl in a low resource setting- a case report.

Introduction And Importance: Presentation of a giant para-ovarian cysts is rarely reported in the literature, with varying symptoms, methods of treatment, and complications. Herein, we highlight the diagnostic challenges faced in a low resource setting in the diagnosis of a giant para-ovarian cyst in a 17-year-old girl.

Case Presentation: A 17-year-old, virginal girl who presented with vague abdominal pain with an abdomino-pelvic mass of about 24 weeks pregnancy uterus size was diagnosed as a case of huge benign ovarian cyst with normal tumour markers.

Mucocutaneous Ulcerations and Pancytopenia Secondary to Methotrexate Toxicity in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case Report.

Toxicity from methotrexate overdosing is life threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and early treatment. A 71-year-old man from rural Bhutan with diabetes mellitus had symmetrical small joint pain for 3 years associated with early morning stiffness. He was evaluated and diagnosed with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in a hospital in neighbouring India.

Clinical Profile and Risk Factors for Complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at the National Referral Hospital, Bhutan: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Aim: Globally, diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern affecting 10.5% of the population. Nearly 90% of these people have Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Testate amoebae from the wetlands of the Phobjikha Valley of Bhutan, the Eastern Himalayas.

The Kingdom of Bhutan in the Eastern Himalayas harbors a rich biodiversity. However, its detailed documentation still needs to be created, including not only macroorganisms but also protists. In the present study, as many as 105 taxa of testate amoebae were identified and directly counted in soil suspension samples collected from the wetlands of the Gangtey-Phobji Valley (generally Phobjikha), Wangdue Phodrang district.

High incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Bhutan: A cohort study based on national TB surveillance data.

Objectives: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has made the elimination of TB difficult. Currently, there are limited data on MDR-TB and other drug-resistant TB in Bhutan. We aimed to estimate the incidence and explore the potential risk factors associated with MDR/pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR)-TB using comprehensive national TB data.

Evolution of Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses in Bhutan for Two Consecutive Years, 2022 and 2023.

Background: Influenza A viruses pose a significant public health threat globally and are characterized by rapid evolution of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene causing seasonal epidemics. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of A(H3N2) circulating in Bhutan during 2022 and 2023.

Methods: We analysed 166 whole-genome sequences of influenza A(H3N2) from Bhutan, obtained from the GISAID database.

Pattern and Prevalence of Retinal Vein Occlusion in Bhutan: A 3-Year National Survey at Vitreoretinal Clinics.

Purpose: We conducted this study to determine the pattern and prevalence of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in Bhutan to inform national health policy as no data has been compiled previously.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted over 3 years, including all new RVO cases. For patients with bilateral RVO, one eye was chosen randomly.

Improving role allocation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the emergency department: a quality improvement project.

Introduction: In any healthcare setting, cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPRs) stand out as demanding and chaotic resuscitation endeavours. Emergency departments (EDs) witness a significant volume of CPRs. Given the critical nature of CPR, content knowledge and procedural skills alone fall short in delivering optimal care.

Epidemiology and genetic characterization of influenza viruses circulating in Bhutan in 2022.

Introduction: Influenza (Flu) causes considerable morbidity and mortality globally, and in Bhutan, Flu viruses are a leading cause of acute respiratory infection and cause outbreaks during Flu seasons. In this study, we aim to analyze the epidemiology and the genetic characterization of Flu viruses circulated in Bhutan in 2022.

Method: Respiratory specimens were collected from patients who meet the case definition for influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) from sentinel sites.

Transcriptional Changes Underlying the Degradation of Plant Community in Alpine Meadow Under Seasonal Warming Impact.

Global warming is exhibiting a seasonal trend, while different seasons have different warming variations. However, the impact of seasonal warming on plants remains unclear. This study employed Open Top Chambers (OTCs) to simulate future seasonal warming scenarios in alpine meadow.

Mitochondrial sequence variants: testing imputation accuracy and their association with dairy cattle milk traits.

Background: Mitochondrial genomes differ from the nuclear genome and in humans it is known that mitochondrial variants contribute to genetic disorders. Prior to genomics, some livestock studies assessed the role of the mitochondrial genome but these were limited and inconclusive. Modern genome sequencing provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the potential impact of mitochondrial variation on livestock traits.

Understanding How Indigenous Knowledge Contributes to Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today threatening societies and the future of the planet. The impacts of climate change are more severe in poor and marginalised populations like Indigenous communities where people rely heavily on their Indigenous Knowledge (IK) to adapt to the changing environment. Climate change adaptation and resilience are critical for the survival of Indigenous communities under the threat of climate change.

Factors associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the National Referral Hospital, Bhutan: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common distressing symptoms experienced after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We report the rate, and the factors associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting, the patterns of prophylactic antiemetic prescription, and the anesthetic techniques used among patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (JDW) National Referral Hospital, Bhutan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the JDW National Referral Hospital, from January to December 2018.

The occurrence and human health risk assessment of total and aflatoxin B in selected food commodities in Bhutan.

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins that contaminate staple foods globally and pose a significant health risk. To the best of our knowledge, information on the occurrence of aflatoxins in Bhutanese diets is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the aflatoxin levels in selected foodstuffs in Bhutan and determine the health risk associated with aflatoxin exposure.

Massive ascites following spontaneous vaginal delivery in a woman with preeclampsia-a diagnostic and management challenges in a low resource country: A case report.

Introduction And Importance: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including preeclampsia, causes major pregnancy associated morbidity and mortality. Massive ascites is a rare complication in a severe preeclampsia. This case report high lights the importance of obstetrician being aware of such complications of severe preeclampsia, and avoid non-therapeutic interventions such as exploratory laparotomy.

Health transition and eye care policy planning for people with diabetic retinopathy in south Asia.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D), associated systemic disorders, diabetic retinopathy (DR) and current health policies in south Asian countries were analysed to assess country-specific preparedness to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The south Asian countries were classified by human development index, socio-demographic index, multidimensional poverty indices, and eye health resources for epidemiological resource-level analysis. In south Asia, the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D in adults aged 40 years or above, was higher in Pakistan (26.