Browsing by Type "Research Article"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 20 of 1491
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    24-Hour Betacarotene Serum level after a Single Dose Administration of Betacarotene Capsule
    (1995) Busba Chindavijak; บุษบา จินดาวิจักษณ์; Cheardchal Soontornpas; เชิดชัย สุนทรภาส; Opa Vajragupta; โอภา วัชระคุปต์; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmacy.; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
    Betacarotene, a micronutrient found in vegetables and fruits, is now produced in a capsule dosage form and used in vitamin A deficiency. The present study was performed to determine its 24-hr serum level and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) after the single administration of 15- and 30- mg dose to 20 healthy Thai volunteers. The results revealed the baseline betacarotene serum level after habitual food intake was 256.03 +/- 18.72 ng/ml (mean+/-SEM). The administration of betacarotene capsule resulted in the higher serum level. The AUC(0-24) hr after 15- and 30-mg were 794.36+/-230.34 and 1402.11+/-257.41 ng.hr/ml (mean+/-SEM). No acute toxicity was found during the study.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    3D-QSAR studies on phthalimide derivatives as HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors
    (2004) Weerasak Samee; Jiraporn Ungwitayatorn; Chutima Matayatsuk; Jurarat Pimthon; วีระศักดิ์ สามี; จิรภรณ์ อังวิทยาธร; ชุติมา มัธยัสถ์สุข; จุฑารัตน์ พิมพ์ทนต์; Jiraporn Ungwitayatorn; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
    The novel non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors in a phthalimide series were subjected to the three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D QSAR) studies using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). The best predictive CoMFA model gave cross-validated r2 (q2) = 0.688, non-cross-validated r2 = 0.996, included the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies in addition to CoMFA fields, and the best predictive CoMSIA model has q2 = 0.629, non-cross-validated r2 = 0.994, included steric, electrostatic, hydrophobic and hydrogen bond acceptor fields. A test set of 12 compounds was used to determine the predictive value of the models. The calculated (predicted) and experimental inhibitory activities were well correlated. The analysis of the 3D contour maps from both CoMFA and CoMSIA models offer important structural insight into designing novel and more active compounds prior to their synthesis
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationOpen Access
    A Comparative Study of Nursing Practices and Outcomes of Care for Children with Sepsis Using Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Thammasat Pediatric Early Warning Scores Criteria and Thammasat University Hospital Pediatric Sepsis Screening Scores
    (2025) Ying Sirisom; Lawan Singhasai; Autchareeya Patoomwan; Onsuthi Pharadornuwat; หญิิง ศิริโสม; ลาวัลย์ สิงห์สาย; อัจฉรียา ปทุุมวัน; อรสุธี ภราดร์นุวัฒน์
    Sepsis is a life-threatening condition and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized children. Early recognition of sepsis and timely initiation of treatment can reduce complications and mortality. The Thammasat University Hospital pediatric sepsis protocol consists of a sepsis screening tool and pediatric sepsis guidelines based on the Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guidelines for Pediatrics. Clinical tools, such as the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria, combined with the Thammasat Pediatric Early Warning Scores (TPEWS), have long served as standard frameworks in pediatric sepsis screening and care escalation. However, a new version of institution-specific screening tools, the Thammasat University Hospital Pediatric Sepsis Screening Score (TUH pediatric sepsis screening score), has been developed aiming at improving early detection. This retrospective comparative study aimed to evaluate nursing practice and clinical outcome associated with the use of SIRS plus TPEWS criteria versus the TUH pediatric sepsis screening score. The study applied the Donabedian Model of quality assessment, consisting of three components,which include 1) the structure component covering the original and new versions of sepsis screening protocol, 2) the process involving the actual activities, such as assessment of sepsis according to sepsis screening protocol and timely administration of antibiotic within one hour, and 3) the outcome dimension encompassing key clinical indicators, such as incidence of septic shock, sepsis-related mortality, and registered nurse satisfaction with the screening tools used. Outcome data were collected using the original pediatric sepsis protocol, which included the SIRS criteria and the TPEWS from December 2020 to March 2022, and the new version of the TUH Pediatric Sepsis Screening Score from April 2022 to July 2023. Data were collected from the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) of a sample of pediatric patients at risk for sepsis who were admitted to the pediatric ward at Thammasat University Hospital. The sample was selected through purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria comprised pediatric patients with a fever and a body temperature above 38.5 °C. Exclusion criteria were: 1) presentation with septic shock prior to hospital admission,2) incomplete or missing data, 3) family refusal or termination of treatment, and 4) being transferred to another healthcare facility. The researcher obtained patient medical records that met the inclusion criteria from the Information Technology Office at Thammasat University Hospital. The patient sample was categorized into two groups: 281 pediatric patients who received the original version of the pediatric sepsis protocol, and 514 pediatric patients who received the new version of the protocol.Nurse satisfaction with the pediatric sepsis protocol was assessed from 43 registered nurses. Inclusion criteria for the nurse participants: 1) a minimum of three years of experience in pediatric care, 2) prior experience with nursing practices under both the original and new versions of the pediatric sepsis protocol, and 3) willingness to participate in the study. The researcher collected data using questionnaires enclosed in an envelope and distributed directly to the selected nurse participants for self-completion. The research instruments included: the Pediatric Patient Data Recording Forms, the SIRS and TPEWS Assessment Form, the TUH Pediatric Sepsis Screening Score Assessment Form,the Nursing Care Documentation Forms, the Clinical Outcomes Assessment Form, the Nurse Demographic Data Recording Forms, and the Nurse Satisfaction with the Pediatric Sepsis Protocol Questionnaire. The content validity index (CVI) of all research instruments was equal to 1. The reliability coefficients of the satisfaction of nurses with the original version and the new version of the Pediatric Sepsis Protocol Questionnaire, as measured by Cronbach’s alpha, were .95 and .97,respectively. SPSS version 29 was used to analyze the data and determine statistical significance at .05. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, independent t-tests, and paired t-tests. The research findings revealed that the sepsis in pediatrics using the TUH pediatric sepsis screening score assessment and the administration of the antibiotic within one hour were significantly greater, but the rate of septic shock was significantly lower than using the SIRS plus TPEWS assessment (χ2 = 10.66, p < .05); the mortality from sepsis was not a significant difference (p > .05). Registered nurses reported significantly higher satisfaction both overall and across all dimensions when using the new version of the pediatric sepsis protocol than the original version (t = -5.50, p < .05). The findings of this study have significant implications for pediatric sepsis management. These results support the use of the TUH Pediatric Sepsis Screening Score as a more effective and user-friendly tool for early identification and management of pediatric sepsis in clinical practice.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    AB033. The role in cancer related DNA damage repair of RNF43
    (2017) Tassanee Lerksuthirat; Rakkreat Wikiniyadhanee; Wasana Stitchantrakul; Sermsiri Chitphuk; Donniphat Dejsuphong; Mahidol University. Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. Research Center
    Background: Cancer is a chronic disease and currently the leading cause of death in Thailand. Functional defect of DNA repair pathway in cells plays role carcinogenesis. Conversely, cancer cells also remain the trace DNA repair pathway to survive under the genotoxic environment, i.e., chemotherapy, and result in resistance to the treatment. Previous reports have shown that DNA repair targeted therapy could improve the conventional treatment. The Ring Finger E3 ubiquitin ligase gene (RNF43) is of interest because the function in tumorigenesis related to DNA repair mechanism is ambiguous. Ubiquitin post-translational modification involves in many cellular processes, such as proteasomal degradation and DNA repair regulation. A number of studies indicated contribution of RNF43 toward proteasomal degradation of Frizzled receptor that is related to carcinogenesis. However, there has been no study investigating molecular mechanism of RNF43 on the DNA repair process which could participate in cancer. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the functional role of RNF43 in DNA repair pathways that related to carcinogenesis. DT40 and related knockout strains were used as the model to study the function of RNF43. We first generated complete knockout cell line [DT40-RNF43(-/-)], and the abolition of RNF43 mRNA level was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Results: Growth curve analysis revealed that DT40-RNF43(-/-) was comparable to the wild-type. The preliminary results of colony formation assay with the genotoxic compounds revealed that RNF43 might have a role in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways. Conclusions: Further molecular study on RNF43 binding partner in response to DNA damage repair pathway would facilitate the understanding of RNF43 contribution in DNA-repair related carcinogenesis and provide a new target for personalized medicine in the future.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    AB064. TRIM29: a novel gene involved in DNA repair mechanisms
    (2017) Rakkreat Wikiniyadhanee; Tassanee Lerksuthirat; Wasana Stitchantrakul; Sermsiri Chitphuk; Donniphat Dejsuphong; Mahidol University. Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. Research Center
    Background: Cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy inducing DNA damage is a part of cancer treatment. Tripartite motif 29 (TRIM29) is highly expressed in many malignancies; for example, pancreatic cancer which is notorious resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy. TRIM29 is a member of the TRIM protein family composed of more than 70 members associated with a broad of biological processes. Originally, TRIM29 gene was described as a candidate gene responsible for ataxia- telangiectasia (AT); however, TRIM29 was dismissed as AT-causing gene after ataxia- telangiectasia mutated (ATM) was discovered as a causative gene for AT. A few studies about TRIM29 suggested that it was involved in DNA damage response and high expression of TRIM29 promoted resistance to ionizing radiation (IR), which induces DNA double strand breaks (DSB). Nevertheless, the functions of TRIM29 in DNA damage responses and/or DNA repair mechanisms are still unclear. Methods: To investigate the functions of TRIM29 in DNA repair mechanisms, wild-type DT40 (WT) and mutant strains have been selected and used as a model. Firstly, the researchers generated the TRIM29 knockout (TRIM29-/-/-/+). Results: The growth analysis showed that TRIM29-/-/-/+ was comparable to WT. The results of DNA-damaging agent sensitivity using clonogenic survival assays indicated that TRIM29-/-/-/+ clones displayed increased sensitivity to topoisomerase 2 inhibitors which induce DNA DSBs repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. The TRIM29-/-/-/+ clones also exhibited mild sensitivity to camptothecin and cisplatin, indicating that TRIM29 plays a role in DNA DSB repair mechanisms. Conclusions: Further study of TRIM29 in response to DNA DSBs may help improve the understanding of functions of TRIM29. In the future, TRIM29 might be a target for anti-cancer drug, leading to improvement of cancer treatment effectiveness.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Aberrant antigenic expression in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: a multi-parameter study from Thailand
    (2011) Tawatchai Pongpruttipan; Tanawan Kummalue; Anan Bedavanija; Archrob Khuhapinant; Koichi Ohshima; Fumiko Arakawa; Daisuke Niino; Sanya Sukpanichnant; Mahidol University. Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Department of Pathology
    Background: Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is not common worldwide, but it is the most common T- and NK-cell lymphomas in many Asian countries. Immunophenotypic profiles were studied based on limited series. The authors, therefore, studied on ENKTL according to characterize immunophenotypic profiles as well as the distribution of EBV subtype and LMP-1 gene deletion. Methods: By using tissue microarray (TMA), immunohistochemical study and EBV encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization were performed. T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement, EBV subtyping, and LMP-1 gene deletion were studied on the available cases. Results: There were 22 cases eligible for TMA. ENKTL were positive for CD3 (91%), CD5 (9%), CD7 (32%), CD4 (14%), CD56 (82%), TIA-1 (100%), granzyme B (95%), perforin (86%), CD45 (83%), CD30 (75%), Oct2 (25%), and IRF4/ MUM1 (33%). None of them was positive for bF1, CD8, or CD57. TCR gene rearrangement was negative in all 18 tested cases. EBV was subtype A in all 15 tested cases, with 87% deleted LMP-1 gene. Cases lacking perforin expression demonstrated a significantly poorer survival outcome (p = 0.008). Conclusions: The present study demonstrated TIA-1 and EBER as the two most sensitive markers. There were a few CD3 and/or CD56 negative cases noted. Interestingly, losses of CD45 and/or CD7 were not uncommon while Oct2 and IRF4/MUM1 could be positive in a subset of cases. Based on the present study in conjunction with the literature review, determination of PCR-based TCR gene rearrangement analysis might not be a useful technique for making diagnosis of ENKTL.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Acaricidal activity of Thai medicinal plants
    (2005) Noppamas Soonthornchareonnon; Vanna Mahakittikun; Wongsatit Chuakul; Kanisa Rongsriyam; นพมาศ สุนทรเจริญนนท์; วงศ์สถิตย์ ฉั่วกุล; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmacognosy.; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmaceutical Botany.; Mahidol University.Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Department of Parasitology
    Ethanolic extracts of various parts of 19 medicinal plants collected in Thailand were analysed for acaricidal activity against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, the most common dust mite in Thailand. Extracts from 4 of the 19 plants showed significant acaricidal activity, the most potent plant was Trigonostemon reidioides (root) which killed 63% of mite after 72 hours exposure to 1.44 mg/cm2 extract. Other effective plants were Acronychia pedunculata (stem bark, 67%), Azadirachta indica (seed, 60%) and Erythrophleum succirubrum (stem, 55%) which were tested at the applied amount of 2.40 mg/cm2. However, T. reidioides and A. pedunculata showed the high toxicity in the brine shrimp microwell toxicity assay with the lethal concentration (LD50) of 6 and 0.2 μg/ml, respectively. E. succirubrum and A. indica showed less toxicity (LD50 = 245 and 233 μg/ml, respectively). Thus E. succirubrum and A. indica are promising to be used as natural product acaricides for controlling house dust mites due to their high acaricidal activity and low toxicity.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    The acceptability of mass administrations of anti‑malarial drugs as part of targeted malaria elimination in villages along the Thai–Myanmar border
    (2016) Ladda Kajeechiwa; May Myo Thwin; Paw Wah Shee; Nan Lin Yee; Elvina Elvina; Peapah Peapah; Kyawt Kyawt; Poe Thit Oo; William PoWah; Min, Jacqueline Roger; Jacher Wiladphaingern; Seidlein, Lorenz von; Suphak Nosten; Nosten, Francois; Mahidol University. Faculty of Tropical Medicine. Mahidol Oxford Research Unit
    Background: A targeted malaria elimination project, including mass drug administrations (MDA) of dihydroartemisinin/ piperaquine plus a single low dose primaquine is underway in villages along the Thailand Myanmar border. The intervention has multiple components but the success of the project will depend on the participation of the entire communities. Quantitative surveys were conducted to study reasons for participation or non-participation in the campaign with the aim to identify factors associated with the acceptance and participation in the mass drug administrations. Methods: The household heads in four study villages in which MDAs had taken place previously were interviewed between January 2014 and July 2015. Results: 174/378 respondents (46 %) completed three rounds of three drug doses each, 313/378 (83 %) took at least three consecutive doses and 56/378 (15 %) did not participate at all in the MDA. The respondents from the two villages (KNH and TPN) were much more likely to participate in the MDA than respondents from the other two villages (HKT and TOT). The more compliant villages KNH and TPN had both an appearance of cohesive communities with similar demographic and ethnic backgrounds. By contrast the villages with low participation were unique. One village was fragmented following years of armed conflict and many respondents gave little inclination to cooperate with outsiders. The other village with low MDA coverage was characterised by a high percentage of short-term residents with little interest in community interventions. A universal reason for non-participation in the MDA applicable to all villages was an inadequate understanding of the intervention. Conclusions: It is unlikely that community engagement can unite fragmented communities in participating in an intervention, which benefits the community. Understanding the purpose and the reasons underlying the intervention is an important pre-condition for participation. In the absence of direct benefits and a complete understanding of the indirect benefits trust in the investigators is critical for participation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Accumulation and distribution of some heavy metals in water, soil and rice fields along the Pradu and Phi Lok Canals, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand
    (2011-04) Roongrawee Kingsawat; Raywadee Roachanakanan; Raywadee Roachanakanan; Mahidol University. Faculty of Environment and Natural Resource Studies
    This study aims to determine concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, and Zn) in the water, soil, and rice in paddy fields, and to compare heavy metal concentrations in the water, soil, and four parts of the rice plant (root, shoot, grain, and husk) between organic paddy fields and conventional paddy fields. The study area was the Pradu Canal (sites A and C) and the Phi Lok Canal (site B) in Phraek Nam Daeng Sub-district, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Data was collected from August 2007 to December 2007. The water, soil, and rice samples were prepared for heavy metal analysis using a microwave digestion system and heavy metal concentrations were determine d using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Physicochemical parameters of the water and soil were also study. The results showed the accumulation of heavy metals in the water, paddy soil, and four parts of the rice plant to be as follows (in descending order of frequency): Zn > Cu >Cd. The concentration of heavy metals in samples was also found to be as follows(greatest first): paddy soil > rice root > rice shoot > rice grain > rice husk > water. Nosignificant difference was observed between Cd and Zn in paddy soil before ploughingand after rice harvesting at sites A, B, and C. However, Cu showed a significantdifference at the level of 0.05 at site A and no significant difference at sites B and C. It can be concluded therefore that Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations in paddy soil and water were lower than the values permitted by the Surface Water Quality Standard and Soil Quality Standard of Thailand. Furthermore, Cd concentrations in rice seeds were lower than the values permitted by international health organizations and thus acceptable for human consumption.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Acid-Catalyzed Esterification Pretreatment of High Free Fatty Acid Crude Rice Bran Oil for Biodiesel Production
    (2019) Tin Mar Lar Thein; Jindal, Vinod K.; Ranjna Jindal; NuttawanYoswathana; Mahidol University. Faculty of Engineering. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Mahidol University. Faculty of Engineering. Department of Chemical Engineering
    This study investigated the acid-catalyzed esterification of two brands of crude rice bran oil (CRBO) with free fatty acids (FFAs) content of about 8 and 10%, respectively. Experimental variables included reaction time, methanol-to-FFA molar ratio and sulfuric acid content with temperature and stirring speed fixed at 60 °C and 600 RPM, respectively. A central composite design was used initially for sequential experimentation and followed by a Box-Behnken design to refine the optimum process conditions. Results showed that final FFA in CRBO could be reduced to less than 1% FFA in a single-step. The methanol-to-FFA molar ratio had the maximum influence on the esterification process and was followed by the reaction time and amount of catalyst. The optimum conditions for FFA conversion in CRBO were: reaction time 90 and 48 min, 62:1 and 70:1 methanol-to-FFA molar ratio, 22.5 and 20% (w/w) sulfuric acid based on FFA for Brand I and II, respectively. Under these pretreatment conditions, initial FFA was reduced to 0.61 and 0.70%, respectively making the CRBO suitable for biodiesel production.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Activation of nuclear factor kappa B in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from malaria patients
    (2012-06-10) Chuchard Punsawad; ชูชาติ พันธ์สวัสดิ์; Srivicha Krudsood; ศรีวิชา ครุฑสูตร; Yaowapa Maneerat; เยาวพา มณีรัตน์; Urai Chaisri; อุไร ไชยศรี; Noppadon Tangpukdee; นพดล ตั้งภักดี; Emsri Pongponratn; เอี่ยมศรี พงศ์พนรัตน์; Kwannan Nantavisai; Rachanee Udomsangpetch; รัชนีย์ อุดมแสงเพ็ชร; Parnpen Viriyavejakul; พรรณเพ็ญ วิริยเวชกุล; Parnpen Viriyavejakul; Mahidol University. Faculty of Tropical Medicine. Department of Tropical Pathology; Mahidol University. Faculty of Tropical Medicine. Department of Tropical Hygiene; Mahidol University. Faculty of Tropical Medicine. Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine; Mahidol University. Faculty of Science. Department of Pathobiology.
    BACKGROUND: Malaria parasites and their products can activate a specific immune response by stimulating cytokine production in the host's immune cells. Transcription nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is an important regulator for the control of many pro-inflammatory genes, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The activation and expression of NF-κB p65 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of malaria patients were investigated and correlated with the levels of IL-10 and TNF to study the nature of NF-κB p65 and its linkage to inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: The sample group comprised 33 patients admitted with malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax (n = 11), uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum (n = 11), and complicated Plasmodium falciparum (n = 11). Peripheral blood was collected at admission and on day 7 for PBMC isolation. Healthy subjects were used as a control group. The expressions of NF-κB p65 in the PBMCs from malaria patients and the plasma levels of IL-10 and TNF were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immunofluorescence technique was used to determine NF-κB nuclear translocation. RESULTS: At admission, patients with P. vivax and uncomplicated P. falciparum had significantly elevated phospho-NF-κB p65 levels in the PBMCs compared with those of healthy controls. However, patients with complicated P. falciparum malaria had decreased levels of phospho-NF-κB p65. On day 7 post-treatment, significantly increased phospho-NF-κB p65 was found in the PBMCs of patients with complicated P. falciparum, compared with healthy controls. The plasma level of IL-10 was elevated in day 0 in patients with complicated P. falciparum malaria and was found to be negatively correlated with phospho-NF-κB p65 level (rs = -0.630, p = 0.038). However, there was no correlation between phospho-NF-κB p65 expression and TNF level in patients with complicated P. falciparum malaria. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report demonstrating alterations in NF-κB p65 activity in the PBMCs of malaria patients. The altered lower features of NF-κB p65 in the PBMCs of patients with complicated P. falciparum at admission could be due to a suppressive effect of high IL-10 associated with complicated P. falciparum malaria.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Active site binding modes of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitors from natural products
    (2003) Weerasak Samee; Jiraporn Ungwitayatorn; วีระศักดิ์ สามี; จิรภรณ์ อังวิทยาธร; Srinakharinwirot University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
    Using the crystal structure of the complex of. HIV-1 reverse transcriptase catalytic core domain with an inhibitor bound to the active site, structural models for the interaction of various natural products with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase were generated by computational docking. The ligands from natural products and nevirapine are found to bind preferably in similar ways at active site. The binding site is formed by residues 100-103, 106, 181, 188, 227, 229, 234 and 235. The coherent picture of possible interactions of natural products at the active site provides an improved basis for structure-based ligand design. The hydrophobic interaction at the hydrophobic pocket, hydrogen bond interaction with the Lys103 and 101 and the angle between systems of ligand which should be in the range of 108-115° are suggested to be of prime importance. Although, costatolide and 4' ,6'-dihydroxyavarone are not able to form hydrogen bonds with Lys103, they do show tight binding with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase enzyme. Therefore, in the situation that Lys103 is mutated which usually occurs during treatment with nevirapine, costatolide and 4',6' -dihydroxyavarone are still effective. This leads to the further development of these two compounds as" non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTls) for the treatment of the nevirapine-resistant HIV-1 strains.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of the extracts from herbs in Phikud Navakot
    (2012-06) K. Kengkoom; K. Chaimongkolnukul; S. Cherdyu; R. Inpunkaew; S. Ampawong; Mahidol University. National Laboratory Animal Center. Academic Service Office; Mahidol University. National Laboratory Animal Center. Quality Assurance Office; Mahidol University. National Laboratory Animal Center. Veterinary Medical Care Office
    This study presents data from oral acute and sub-chronic (90-day) toxicity effect of the extracts from herbs in Phikud Navakot (PN) which is commonly used in Thai traditional medicine for alleviation of the clinical sign of hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, and cerebrovascular diseases. The single and repeated dose of the extracts were administered to Sprague Dawley rats as described in the OECD code 420 guideline for acute test and OECD code 408 guideline for sub-chronic test respectively. The variables included were body weights; feed consumption, organ weights, hematology and blood clinical chemistry, and histopathology were performed. Acute toxicity test revealed that, the limit dose of 2,000 mg/kg did not cause any mortality or symptoms of toxicity in all rats during the observation period. In the sub-chronic tests, the results did not show any treatment–related effect of toxicity. Therefore, our obtained results suggest that PN is a relatively nontoxic herb for single and repeated oral administration. However, the contraindication of the usage of PN is related to the high levels of uric acid during and after a high dose oral administration.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Adaptiveness to Enhance the Sustainability of Freshwater-Aquaculture Farmers to the Environmental Changes
    (2022) Anawach Saithong; Suvaluck Satumanatpan; Kamalaporn Kanongdate; Thiyada Piyawongnarat; Poonyawee Srisantear; Mahidol University. Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies; Rajdamnern Nok Avenue. United Nations Building. United Nations Development Programme; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi. Research, Innovation and Partnership Office; Foundation for Environmental Education for Sustainable Development (Thailand)
    Two alternative physical adaptations of freshwater-aquaculture farmers were observed along the upstream Bangpakong Watershed, Thailand. First was the modification of aquaculture types: (1) completely changing former species to others; (2) mixing freshwater prawn with current cultured species; (3) mixing fish with L. vannamei, and second was the direct reaction to environmental changes, including adding freshwater into cultured ponds to reduce temperature and dilute salt concentration; modifying pond-depth; aeration application; and reducing the amount of food or net covering on the water surface during flooding. Principal component analysis revealed that four key components (Options, Learning, Competitiveness, and Plan) reflected the perceived adaptive capacity of farmers to environmental changes. However, culture types have no significant effect on these four components. Farmers with an alternative source of income and practicing monoculture fish farming tend to have a greater ability to change occupation. Old age and more extended experience in aquaculture indicated a low ability to change occupation. The well-educated farmers and farmers who preferred to pass on aquaculture occupation to their children showed higher ability to learn and adapt, but this is not the case for older farmers. Thus, understanding the adaptations of the farmers may assist in promoting appropriate development programs based on their contexts as well as helping decision-makers to have a better plan for strengthening their adaptive capacities based on their perceptions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    The added-up albumin enhances the diuretic effect of furosemide in patients with hypoalbuminemic chronic kidney disease: a randomized controlled study
    (2012) Bunyong Phakdeekitcharoen; Kochawan Boonyawat; Mahidol University. Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. Division of Nephrology
    Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with edema is a common clinical problem resulting from defects in water and solute excretion. Furosemide is the drug of choice for treatment. In theory, good perfusion and albumin are required for the furosemide to be secreted at the tubular lumen. Thus, in the situation of low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and hypoalbuminemia, the efficacy of furosemide alone might be limited. There has been no study to validate the effectiveness of the combination of furosemide and albumin in this condition. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled crossover study to compare the efficacy of diuretics between furosemide alone and the combination of furosemide plus albumin in stable hypoalbuminemic CKD patients by measuring urine output and sodium. The baseline urine output/sodium at 6 and 24 hours were recorded. The increment of urine output/sodium after treatment at 6 and 24 hours were calculated by using post-treatment minus baseline urine output/sodium at the corresponding period. Results: Twenty-four CKD patients (GFR = 31.0 ± 13.8 mL/min) with hypoalbuminemia (2.98 ± 0.30 g/dL) were enrolled. At 6 hours, there were significant differences in the increment of urine volume (0.47 ± 0.40 vs 0.67 ± 0.31 L, P < 0.02) and urine sodium (37.5 ± 29.3 vs 55.0 ± 26.7 mEq, P < 0.01) between treatment with furosemide alone and with furosemide plus albumin. However, at 24 hours, there were no significant differences in the increment of urine volume (0.49 ± 0.47 vs 0.59± 0.50 L, P = 0.46) and urine sodium (65.3 ± 47.5 vs 76.1 ± 50.1 mEq, P = 0.32) between the two groups. Conclusion: The combination of furosemide and albumin has a superior short-term efficacy over furosemide alone in enhancing water and sodium diuresis in hypoalbuminemic CKD patients.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    ALK-rearranged pulmonary adenocarcinoma in Thai Patients: From diagnosis to treatment efficacy
    (2016) Pimpin Incharoen; Thanyanan Reungwetwattana; Sakditad Saowapa; Kaettipong Kamprerasart; Duangjai Pangpunyakulchai; Lalida Arsa; Artit Jinawath; Mahidol University. Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. Department of Pathology
    Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement is detected in 3 % to 13 % of non-small cell lung carcinoma patients, and these patients benefit from ALK inhibitors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, the clinical and histological characteristics and the treatment outcomes of ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemistry (IHC) IHC, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methodologies. Methods: A total of 268 pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients were screened for ALK expression by ALK IHC, which was confirmed by FISH and/or RT-PCR for ALK gene rearrangement. The treatment outcomes of ALK-rearranged patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: ALK gene rearrangement was identified in 26 cases (9.7 %) with no EGFR co-mutation, and it showed significant associations with younger age, female sex and non-smoker status (p < 0.05). A cribriform growth pattern was identified as the dominant histologic feature, and a solid signet ring cell component was focally present in a minority of the cases. Among 12 ALK-rearranged patients with conventional treatment, seven cases in the early stage of disease were cured and alive, and five patients in the late stage of the disease progressed and died, with a median overall survival (OS) at 14 months. Of the 14 patients receiving crizotinib, all of them had clinical benefit from crizotinib treatment, with one patient having a complete response (CR), 12 patients having a partial response (PR) and one patient having stable disease (SD). On the cutoff date, six of 14 patients were continuing crizotinib treatment with a median time of response of 7.5 (3–13) months, while eight patients had disease progression, and five of them died with a median OS at 8 months. Conclusion: ALK gene rearrangement tended to occur in younger, non-smoking, female patients. ALK IHC is a reliable screening method to detect ALK gene rearrangement. Crizotinib therapy provided treatment benefit in ALKrearranged adenocarcinoma patients especially in advanced stages of the disease.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Alkaline phosphatase activity-guided isolation of active compounds and new dammarane-typetriterpenes from Cissus quadrangularis hexane extract
    (2015) Thanika Pathomwichaiwat; Pannee Ochareon; Noppamas Soonthornchareonnon; Ali, Zulfiqar; Khan, Ikhas A; Sompop Prathanturarug; ธนิกา ปฐมวิชัยวัฒน์; พรรณี โอเจริญ; นพมาศ สุนทรเจริญนนท์; สมภพ ประธานธุรารักษ์; Sompop Prathanturarug; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmaceutical Botany; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmacognosy; Mahidol University. Faculty of Anatomy. Department of Anatomy; University of Mississippi. National Center for Natural Products Research; University of Mississippi. School of Pharmacy. Department of Pharmacognosy.
    Ethnopharmacological relevance: The stem of Cissus quadrangularis L. (CQ)is used in traditional medicine to treat bone fractures and swelling. Anti-osteoporotic activity of CQ hexane extract as been reported, but the active compounds in this extract remain unknown. Thus,we aimed to identify the active compounds in CQ hexane extract using bioassay-guided isolation. Materials and methods: The CQ hexane extract was fractionated sequentially with benzene,dichlor-omethane, ethyl acetate,and methanol. The examination of CQ extract and its fractions was guided by bioassays for alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity during the differentiation of MC3T3-E1osteoblastic cells. The cells were treated with or without the CQ extract and its fractions for a period of time,and then the stimulatory effect of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme,a bone differentiation marker, was investigated. The compounds obtained were structurally elucidated using spectroscopic techniques and reevaluated for activity during bone differentiation. Results: A total of 29 compounds were isolated, viz., triterpenes, fatty acid methylesters, glycerolipids, steroids, phytols, and cerebrosides. Four new dammarane-typetriterpenes were isolated for the first time from nature, and this report is the first to identify this group of compounds from the Vitaceae family. Seven compounds, viz., glycerolipids and squalene, stimulated ALP activity at a dose of 10 μg/mL. Moreover,the synergistic effect of these compounds on bone formation was demonstrated. Conclusion: This report describes, for the first time,the isolation of active compounds from CQ hexane extract; these active compounds will be useful for the quality control of extracts from this plant used to treat osteoporosis.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Aloe ice cream and sherbet
    (2008) Vimol Srisukh; Walla Tungrugsasut; Nuntavan Bunyapraphatsara; Somchai Khuwattanasil; Somsak Wongpoomchai; วิมล ศรีศุข; วัลลา ตั้งรักษาสัตย์; นันทวัน บุณยะประภัศร; สมชัย คูวัฒนศิลป์; สมศักดิ์ วงศ์ภูมิชัย; Mahidol University. Faculty of Pharmacy. Department of Food Chemistry
    Aloe (Aloe vera Linn.) has been used in peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, etc. Commercially available food products from aloe, including canned aloe drink, required the process of high heat treatment that might be detrimental to the active ingredients. Four formulae of aloe frozen products were developed in this study. Aloe was incorporated in the form of gel, at 25% by weight; other ingredients included sweetening, coloring, and flavoring agents. Sensory evaluations were carried out, using 9-point Hedonic Scale method. Pandan-flavored aloe ice cream obtained the score of 7.43 (“like moderately” to “like very much”). The average score was significantly higher than the other 3 formulae (P<0.01). Coconut-flavored, Orange-flavored aloe ice creams and Pandan-flavored aloe sherbet obtained the average scores of 6.49, 6.45 (“like slightly” to “like moderately”) and 5.96 (neither like nor dislike” to “like slightly”), respectively.
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Ambient TSP and PM10 concentrations in public parks of Bangkok, Thailand
    (2011-04) Annop Tantadprasert; Winai Nutmagul; Usanee Uyasatian; Decha Pimpisut; Luepol Punnakanta; Winai Nutmagul; Mahidol University. Faculty of Environment and Natural Resource Studies
    The objective of this research is to study the concentration of ambient TSP and PM10 at aerobic exercise sites in public parks of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand. TSP and PM10 samples were collected during the rainy season, from September 2009 to October 2009 and during the winter season, from January 2010 to February 2010 using high volume air samplers. The samples were collected from five sites in four public parks: Lumphini (two sampling sites), Suan Luang Rama 9, Benchasiri, and Saranrom. The results showed that all 162 samples of 24-hour average TSP and PM10 concentrations were lower than Thailand’s ambient air quality standards. Concentration levels of TSP at Lumphini 1, Lumphini 2, Suan Luang Rama 9, Benchasiri, and Saranrom in the rainy season varied from 34.1–55.6, 26.6–42.9, 33.7–78.2, 42.0–83.6, and 43.9–73.7 μg/m3 respectively, and in the winter season from81.8–124.2, 75.2– 118.9, 36.9–113.0, 47.6–125.0, and 56.4–139.9 μg/m3 respectively. Levels of PM10 in the rainy season varied from 17.5–28.1, 10.4–20.5, 23.4–55.2, 22.2–49.0, and 31.0–60.0 μg/m3 respectively, and in the winter season from 51.1–82.7, 42.0–71.2, 20.8–74.9, 27.3–90.6, and 37.0–110.2 μg/m3 respectively. Furthermore, there was a statistical significant correlation between TSP and PM10 concentrations at four of the five sampling sites during both the rainy and winter seasons (p < 0.05), except for at Saranrom which showed no statistical significant correlation during the rainy season. In addition, levels of particulate matter at the two Lumphini sites in the winter season were significantly higher than in the rainy season; whereas at the other three parks, levels of particulate matter were not statistically significantly different between
  • Thumbnail Image
    PublicationOpen Access
    Amino acid substitutions in hemagglutinin of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) viruses that might affect the viral antigenicity
    (2014) Nathamon Kosoltanapiwat; Usa Boonyuen; Phisanu Pooruk; Sopon Iamsirithaworn; Anek Mungaomklang; Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit; Prasert Auewarakul; Pilaipan Puthavathana; Mahidol University. Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. Department of Microbiology
    Background: During 2009 to 2012, Thailand had encountered 4 distinctive waves of the 2009 pandemic influenza A(H1N1) (H1N1pdm) outbreaks. Considering the RNA nature of the influenza viral genome, a mutation in hemagglutinin (HA) gene which led to change in antigenicity of the strains circulating during those epidemic periods is anticipated. It is also uncertain whether the A/California/07/2009 (H1N1) (CA/07) vaccine strain still confers protective immunity against those evolved viruses, the causative agents of the later epidemic waves. Methods: HA gene segments of 10 H1N1pdm isolates obtained during 2009 to 2012 were sequenced and phylogenetically analysed using ClustalW and MEGA5 programs. A total of 124 convalescent serum samples collected from patients naturally infected during 3 epidemic waves were employed as tools to investigate for antigenic change in HA of these 10 circulating H1N1pdm viruses by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. Results: A phylogenetic analysis showed that the 10 virus isolates were grouped into 4 clusters corresponding to the time of 4 consecutive outbreaks. An accumulation of amino acid substitutions in HA was observed in viruses derived from the late epidemic waves. Significantly lower antibody titers were observed when CA/07 was tested against convalescent sera collected from the 3 waves (p < 0.05) compared to most of Thai isolates; and significantly lower antibody titers were also obtained when virus isolates, retrieved from the third epidemic wave were tested against convalescent sera collected during the first and second wave. These results were suggestive of change in antigenicity of the evolved viruses. Our results also showed some mutation position residing outside the previously reported antigenic site that may involve in an alteration of the viral antigenicity. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that convalescent sera collected from individuals naturally infected with H1N1pdm virus were successfully used to reveal a statistically significant change in antibody titers against the currently evolved H1N1pdm viruses as determined by HI assay. Nevertheless, the antibody titers of individual serum against various viruses were less than 4-folded difference as compared to that against the CA/07 vaccine strain. Therefore, CA/07 is still a potent vaccine strain for those evolved H1N1pdm viruses.