Epidemiology of cleft lip and palate in Bhutan, 2015-2022.

Background: The epidemiology of cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CLP) has not previously been described in the context of the Bhutan and Bhutanese populations. Using National Birth Defects Surveillance Data and other vital statistics, we present the comprehensive epidemiology of the cleft lip and palate in Bhutan.

Methodology: The National Birth Defects Surveillance Data Registry from 2015 to 2022 is reviewed retrospectively, covering 8 years of birth defect surveillance in the country from records maintained with three referral hospitals in the country.

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.

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.

Prevalence and factors associated with postpartum depression among Bhutanese mothers: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: This study investigated the prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) and explored associated factors among mothers attending postnatal care in Bhutan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2023 at a national referral hospital in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. In total, 314 mothers were recruited.

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.

Trends in prevalence and correlates of tobacco use among school-going adolescents in Bhutan: A secondary data analysis of the 2004-2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Tobacco use remains a major public health challenge globally. In Bhutan, despite the implementation of strict tobacco control measures, the tobacco uses among the students continue to be alarmingly high compared to neighboring countries. This study aims to analyze the trends and correlates of tobacco use among students in Bhutan, utilizing the nationally representative Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data from multiple survey years.

Investigating the interplay between urban dynamics and environmental factors in Thimphu, Bhutan: a satellite remote sensing approach.

The ability of the land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to examine land surface change is regarded as an important climate variable. However, no significant systematic examination of urbanization concerning environmental variables has been undertaken in the narrow valley of Thimphu, Bhutan. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of land use/land cover (LULC) dynamics on LST, NDVI, and elevation, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data collected in Thimphu, Bhutan, from 2000 to 2020.

Treatment of tardive dyskinesia with clonazepam: A case report.

Clonazepam has some evidence in the treatment of tardive dyskinesia. It can be used as an alternative treatment option in situations where vesicular monoamine transporter 2 inhibitors are not available or when it is not feasible to use them.

Factors influencing presentation delay among cancer patients: a cross-sectional study in Malaysia.

Background: Cancer represents a significant global public health challenge, with escalating incidence rates straining healthcare systems. Malaysia, like many nations, has witnessed a rise in cancer cases, particularly among the younger population. This study aligns with Malaysia's National Strategic Plan for Cancer Control Programme 2021-2025, emphasizing primary prevention and early detection to address cancer's impact.

Ethno-medicinal uses and cultural importance of stingless bees and their hive products in several ethnic communities of Bhutan.

Background: Indigenous and non-indigenous people in subtropical and temperate areas of Bhutan share an intricate relationship with stingless bees for diverse purposes including ethno-medicinal uses. Stingless bees hold significant importance in the realms of social, economic, cultural, and spiritual aspects. Bhutan's cultural traditions demonstrate a strong bond with the environment, exemplified by the regular use of honey from stingless bees for remedies such as treating the common cold, cough, and sore throat.

Hemivertebra with pathogenic microdeletion of chromosome 9.

Hemivertebra is a rare congenital abnormality of the spinal column. Hemivertebra with other structural and cytogenetic abnormalities are reported. The prognosis is favorable with partial hemivertebra and with a single spinal defect as compared to a defect involving full segments and affecting different levels of the spines.

Genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of SARS-CoV-2 among the Bhutanese population during the pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by a dynamic virus, has had a profound global impact. Despite declining global COVID-19 cases and mortality rates, the emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants remains a major concern. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 within the Bhutanese population during the pandemic.

Iatrogenic cushing's syndrome post intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in oral submucous fibrosis: 2 case reports.

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OFMF) is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMDs), strongly linked to betel quid chewing. It exhibits a significantly higher rate of malignant transformation compared to other OPMDs. The use of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection has emerged as a highly effective treatment option and has become the cornerstone of managing this condition.

Lifestyle management of hypertension: International Society of Hypertension position paper endorsed by the World Hypertension League and European Society of Hypertension.

Hypertension, defined as persistently elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at least 90 mmHg (International Society of Hypertension guidelines), affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide. Hypertension is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events (e.

Clinical description and treatment outcomes of dermatitis in Phuentsholing, Bhutan in 2021: A cross-sectional study.

An increasing number of beetle population and outbreaks of irritant contact dermatitis are reported from newer geographic locations. Bhutan is one such country that witnessed an outbreak of dermatitis (PD) in Phuentsholing sub-district in 2021. This study describes the clinical symptoms, skin lesions and treatment outcomes of PD in Bhutan.

Stigma and discrimination against transgender men in Bhutan.

Background: While transgender people worldwide face high rates of stigma and discrimination, there are few studies of transgender men (also "trans men") in Asia. We measured the prevalence of, and factors associated with, stigma and discrimination faced by trans men in Bhutan to bring visibility to their experiences and inform health and social policy changes.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in nine regions in Bhutan from November 2019 to January 2020.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance among competent persons in the community pharmacies in Bhutan.

Introduction: Since the discovery, antimicrobials have been used to treat variety of infections both in humans and animals caused by microbes. However, with the increasing use, microbes developed resistance to the antimicrobials and many of the antimicrobials became ineffective against certain microbes. Many factors are reported to contribute to the resistance of microbes to antimicrobials.

Furanosesquiterpenes and Related Natural Products from Species: Isolation and Semisynthesis.

species are recognized as toxic plants. Essential oils from the leaves of these species contain furanosesquiterpenes, which comprise the active toxins. In this report, natural products isolation studies of three species (, , and ) afforded two previously unreported furanosesquiterpenes ( and ) and three unprecedented γ-lactone-containing analogues (-), along with nine previously reported furanosesquiterpenes and five other natural products.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards COVID-19 among Patients Attending Phuentsholing Hospital, Bhutan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world to take unprecedented steps to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and their associated covariates among patients attending Phuentsholing Hospital, Bhutan. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending Phuentsholing Hospital in Bhutan between March 17 and April 9, 2021, using an interview-administered questionnaire.