The history and recent activities of the Black Caspian Seas and Central Asia Silk Association are presented in this paper: the countries that participated in its foundation, the FAO's action to revitalize sericulture in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the following widening of the Association geographical limits of to enclose other European countries, which were not well-represented in other similar organizations. Some statistical data are illustrated for a better description of the scenario in which the BACSA executive board acted: the world silk production quantity and the relative production of BACSA countries in respect to the Chinese expansion. The themes treated in the BACSA conferences are reported to explain which matters the Executive Board considered the most relevant for the relaunch of this activity in relationships to the international challenges in the subsequent years; the project proposals that were presented to international donors are summarized. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis is shown, where key-factors in determining the strengths and weaknesses of this organization and its member countries for a successful re-establishment of sericulture, are considered. In addition, future trends of sericulture with regard to innovative productions and the Green Deal are examined.
Background: Anti-glutamate kainate receptor subunit 2 (anti-GluK2) antibodies mediated encephalitis is very rare in both children and adults. This study aimed to describe the second report of the anti-GluK2 encephalitis worldwide, the first youngest patient worldwide, and the first case ever in Asia. Besides, this study provides a summary of the clinical manifestations of all previous reported cases.
Anemia is a global public health and nutrition problem. However, data on its prevalence and potential causal factors in the 22 countries of the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia region are not systematically collected, analyzed, and reported, leading to challenges in formulating appropriate preventative strategies. We examined available anemia prevalence data among different population groups through reviewing survey reports from 2010 to 2022; conducted a literature review to explore underlying determinants of anemia including iron deficiency; and collated and reviewed program and policy documentation across the region.
Objective: This study aimed to explore how dyadic coping (DC) influences the psychological resilience (PR) levels of patients with cervical cancer (CC) and their spouses.
Methods: From April to June 2024, this cross-sectional study involved 177 dyads of patients with CC and their spouses from the gynecology and oncology wards of two tertiary hospitals in Xinjiang. Data were collected through questionnaires on demographic information, clinical characteristics, the Resilience Scale, and the Dyadic Coping Inventory, all of which were self-report measures.
Echinococcosis, a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus tapeworms, presents significant public health challenges worldwide. Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis has substantial health and economic impacts, necessitating effective prevention and control strategies. The present review provides a framework to expand our knowledge regarding key components of echinococcosis prevention and control, including phases, options, targets and available tools as well as current gaps and challenges in the field.
Shallow lakes, including those located at the border between Europe and Asia (Kazakhstan), have become very prone to increasing salinity because of climate change. Most of the study area is in one of the fastest-warming parts of the globe. Our research, conducted in four lakes varying in water salinity level and located in western Kazakhstan in the steppe, semi-desert, and desert zones, can be used to predict biodiversity as indicators of the natural potential of ecosystems.
