Setting the Scene to Link SNOMED CT to Realism-Based Ontologies.

In a proof of concept study, we assessed the feasibility of designing a first-order logic (FOL) framework capable of translating SNOMED CT's terminological view on patient data as referencing concepts, into the realism-based view of the Basic Formal Ontology and the Ontology for General Medical Science according to which patient data represent instances of types. Because within the subject domain of this study, SNOMED CT's terminological coverage was excellent, and its EL++ axioms can be automatically translated into FOL as well as the antecedent part of bridging axioms between SNOMED CT and realism-based ontologies, we conclude that this is an area of R&D that deserves further attention and that may lead to new ways of federating terminologies with ontologies.

Telemedicine in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Telemedicine is an effective means of delivering health care in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. This systematic review explored the use of telemedicine systems for delivering health care services in SEA countries during the past 10 years. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Medline, Global Health, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies published between 2010 and 2021; (2) study settings located in SEA countries; (3) articles published in English; and (4) availability of a full-text version of the article. Information was extracted and evaluated for each study based on quality and risk of bias. Results: Thirty-seven of 6,554 records were eligible for inclusion. Studies included based on percentage were descriptive (29.73%), cost-effective (8.11%), randomized controlled trials (5.41%), and mixed methods (2.7%). Teleophthalmology and teleconsultation were the major reasons for using telemedicine, representing 21.62% of all studies. A hub-and-spoke and store-and-forward models were used. Free messenger applications supported communication modalities in or out of the systems. Discussion: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic increased research studies on telemedicine, with most studies occurring in Singaporean hospitals (49%). Descriptive studies predominated, followed by retrospective and cross-sectional studies. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that telemedicine was a powerful tool. It is feasible, safe, effective, and less expensive than traditional methods. However, robust research is needed to fully investigate telemedicine systems in SEA countries.

Risk Factors for Opisthorchis Viverrini Infection: A Systematic Review.

Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) infection is the primary cause of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and a major public health challenge along the Mekong River in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos PDR, Cambodia, China and Myanmar. This systematic review appraised the risk factors for O. viverrini infection. Literature searches were conducted using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords, without date or language restriction, in PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health, and Thai Journals Online. References from relevant papers also were reviewed to expand the scope of the search. The inclusion criteria were human subjects. The primary outcome was O. viverrini infection. The exclusion criteria were in vitro, animal, genetic research, and systematic reviews. All included studies were summarized and reported as follows: study design, age, sample size, setting, data collection and fecal examination methods, adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, significant risk factors, and other findings. The search results show that across all databases 1,098 records were identified. Twenty-four articles were included in the systematic review, consisting of cross-sectional studies (79.2%), cohort studies (12.5%), and case-control studies (8.3%). The majority of study settings were in Thailand (75%). The People's Democratic Republic of Laos (Lao PDR) accounted for the second greatest number of studies (20.8%), and 4.2% of the studies originated in Vietnam. Key findings included demographic, environmental, geographic, health behavior, treatment with praziquantel, and a history of O. viverrini infection that was significantly associated with O. viverrini infection. Health professionals should investigate the potential risk factors for the disease and should seek and develop innovative methods for prevention and control of O. viverrini infection in these countries.