Scopus 2006-2010
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Publication Metadata only PBS incubation, a simple technique to release miracidia of Opisthorchis-like eggs for DNA extraction(2010-03-01) Saiwasan Buathong; Mathirut Mungthin; Peerapan Tan-ariya; Tawee Naaglor; Paanjit Taamasri; Picha Suwannahitatorn; Saovanee Leelayoova; Mahidol University; Phramongkutklao College of MedicineThis study describes a simple technique for releasing miracidia from Opisthorchis-like eggs before DNA extraction by keeping PBS washed specimens at 4°C for two days. Using PCR amplification, the sensitivity of the PBS incubation technique was as good as that obtained from freeze-thaw technique. Moreover, this low-cost technique is less laborious. © 2009 Elsevier Inc.Publication Metadata only Langerhans cells in allergic contact dermatitis(2010-01-01) P. Tuchinda; A. A. Gaspari; Mahidol University; University of Maryland, BaltimoreAllergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin disease that has significant socio-economic impact ACD is mediated by a T-cell mediated inflammatory reaction. Langerhans cells (LCs) are an epidermal DCs subset specialized in antigen presentation. After hapten exposure, LCs play a major role as in induction adaptive immune response against allergens. LCs recognize, take up and process haptens and migrate to the local draining lymph nodes. However, LCs specific functions and the LCs migration to local draining lymph nodes are not yet clearly defined. Recent advance in the knowledge of LCs function has increased in the past decades including the evidence for a tolerogenic function of LCs. The present review will focus on the role for LCs response to contact allergens.Publication Metadata only High levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 [25(OH)D 3] and α-tocopherol prevent oxidative stress in rats that consume Thai brown rice(2010-01-18) Prasit Suwannalert; Sirichet Rattanachitthawat; Chaiyavat Chaiyasut; Suda Riengrojpitak; Mahidol University; Burapha University; Chiang Mai UniversityOxidative stress has been proposed to play an important role in the progression of chronic diseases. The red color strain of Thai brown rice, a high source of phenolic compounds, may play a crucial role in oxidative stress prevention. In the present study, rats were fed with 0% (Control), 10 and 70% Thai brown rice in the mixed food. The serum malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), storage vitamin D [25(OH)D 3] and α-tocopherol were investigated. The mean value of MDA in high and low dose groups was significantly lower than that of the controls in both male and female. FRAP in the high dose males was significantly higher than that in the control. Mean value of MDA and α-tocopherol was inversely related (r = -0.538, p =0.001). Interestingly, serum 25(OH)D 3 of the high dose group was more significant different than that of the controls in both males (p = 0.001) and females (p = 0.005). Moreover, MDA level was strongly inversely related to that of 25(OH)D 3 (r = -0.656, p < 0.001). The results indicated that the rats consuming Thai brown rice possessed low level of oxidative stress marker, MDA, through both radical and non radical defenses. © 2010 Academic Journals.Publication Metadata only Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of a full-length active form of the Cry4Ba toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis(2010-06-10) Niramon Thamwiriyasati; Somsri Sakdee; Phimonphan Chuankhayan; Gerd Katzenmeier; Chun Jung Chen; Chanan Angsuthanasombat; Mahidol University; National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center Taiwan; National Tsing Hua University; National Cheng Kung UniversityTo obtain a complete structure of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4Ba mosquito-larvicidal protein, a 65 kDa functional form of the Cry4Ba-R203Q mutant toxin was generated for crystallization by eliminating the tryptic cleavage site at Arg203. The 65 kDa trypsin-resistant fragment was purified and crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. The crystals belonged to the rhombohedral space group R32, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 184.62, c = 187.36 Å. Diffraction data were collected to at least 2.07 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation and gave a data set with an overall R merge of 9.1% and a completeness of 99.9%. Preliminary analysis indicated that the asymmetric unit contained one molecule of the active full-length mutant, with a V M coefficient and solvent content of 4.33 Å3 Da-1 and 71%, respectively. © International Union of Crystallography 2010.Publication Metadata only Characterization of an extracellular lipase from the biocontrol fungus, Nomuraea rileyi MJ, and its toxicity toward Spodoptera litura(2010-11-01) Piyaporn Supakdamrongkul; Amaret Bhumiratana; Chanpen Wiwat; Mahidol UniversityAn extracellular lipase from Nomuraea rileyi MJ was purified 23.9-fold with 1.69% yield by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by Sephacryl S-100 HR column chromatography. By mass spectrometry and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the molecular weight of the homogenous lipase was 81kDa. The N-terminal sequence was determined as LeuSerValGluGlnThrLysLeuSerLysLeuAlaTyrAsnAsp and it showed no homology to sequences of known lipases. The optimum pH and temperature for activity were 8.0 and 35°C, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the pH range 7.0-9.0 and at 15-35°C for 1h. Higher activity was observed in the presence of surfactants, Na+, NH4+ions, NaN3and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), while Co2+and Cu2+ions, cysteine and dithiothreitol (DTT) strongly inhibited activity. The purified lipase hydrolyzed both synthetic and natural triglycerides with maximum activity for trilaurin and coconut oil, respectively. It also hydrolyzed esters of p-nitrophenol (pNP) with highest activity for p-nitrophenyl caprate (pNPCA). The purified lipase was found to promote N. rileyi spore germination in vitro in that germination reached 98% in conidial suspensions containing purified lipase at 2.75 U. Moreover, it enhanced toxicity of N. rileyi toward Spodoptera litura larvae with mortality via topical application reaching 63.3% at 4-10days post-treatment which calculated to be 2.7 times higher than the mortality obtained using conidial suspensions alone. © 2010 Elsevier Inc.Publication Metadata only The power of vision: Statements that resonate(2010-01-01) Sooksan Kantabutra; Gayle C. Avery; Mahidol University; Macquarie UniversityPurpose: The purpose of the paper is to identify characteristics of visions that are associated with desirable performance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach: The paper examines findings from various vision studies in American, Australian and Thai businesses to derive characteristics of effective vision statements. Findings: Effective visions are characterized by conciseness, clarity, abstractness, stability, future orientation, challenge and desirability or ability to inspire in Australian, Thai and US businesses. Such visions are associated with higher performance outcomes.Originality/valueWhile vision is emphasized by authors and consultants as critical to superior performance, little is known about what characterizes effective vision. This study uncovers this unknown. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Publication Metadata only False-positive serum and bronchoalveolar lavage Aspergillus galactomannan assays caused by different antibiotics(2010-01-01) Viboon Boonsarngsuk; Anuchit Niyompattama; Chalermporn Teosirimongkol; Kanchana Sriwanichrak; Mahidol UniversityOur objective was to identify false-positive serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid galactomannan (GM) tests caused by various antibiotics commonly used in general practice. Serum and BAL samples from patients who did not have the diagnostic criteria of invasive aspergillosis and received different antibiotics were prospectively analyzed for GM. Serum and BAL samples were also collected from patients who did not receive antibiotics. At the cut-off index of ≥0.5, false-positive serum results were found in patients who received amoxicillinclavulanate, piperacillintazobactam, cefepime, and cefoperazonesulbactam (26.7%, 58.3%, 14.3%, and 66.7%, respectively). Fungal colonization in BAL samples had a higher BAL GM than those without fungal colonization. In 71 patients who had a negative BAL culture for fungi, at the cut-off value of ≥1.0, false-positive BAL fluid results were found in patients who received amoxicillinclavulanate (27.3%), piperacillintazobactam (50%), cefepime (16.7%), carbapenem (45.5%), and ceftriaxone (45.5%). False-positive serum and BAL GM assays were also detected in patients who did not receive any antibiotics. In summary, this study demonstrates the false-positive GM levels in serum and BAL caused by β-lactam antibiotics that are commonly used in general practice. Physicians should be aware of this possible interference. © 2010 Informa UK Ltd.Publication Metadata only Fatty acid profile of ruminal fluid, plasma and milk fat of dairy cows fed soybean and sunflower oil-rich diets, without effects on milk production(2010-09-01) Jitkamol Thanasak; Surasak Jittakhot; Somkiat Kosulwat; Theera Rukkwamsuk; Mahidol University; Kasetsart UniversityThe objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of feeding soybean oil (SB) and sunflower oil (SF) on ruminal fluid, plasma and milk fatty acid profiles. Eighteen cows were obtained for the experiment and received 20 kg corn silage and 7.5 kg concentrate as a base diet, containing 6.2% palm oil on a dry matter basis, for four weeks. Subsequently, after the four-week experimental period, six cows were assigned to each of the dietary treatments. The treatments consisted of three groups: 1) the same base diet, containing 6.2% palm oil (control); 2) 6.2% SB; and 3) 6.2% SF. All treatments did not alter milk production. The milk fat percentages were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the cows fed the SB- and SF-rich diets at day 7 and 14, whereas milk fat yields were significantly (P < 0.05) lower only in the cows fed the SF-rich diet at day 7. The proportion of ruminal C16:0 was significantly (P < 0.001) lower and C 18:0 was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the SB and SF diets, while in addition, C18: ln-9 tended to be lower on the SF diet (P = 0.062). The proportions of plasma C16:0 and C18: ln-9 were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for the SB and SF diets, whereas CI8:0 was significantly (P = 0.027) higher with the SB diet. Even though no differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids, in either the ruminal fluid or plasma, were found among the treatments, the proportion of milk linoleic acids (C18:2n-6) was similar in the SB and SF diets and both diets had proportions that were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in the control. In addition, milk linolenic acids (C18:3n-3) were significantly (P < 0.05) greater in the SB diet than for the SF diet and for the control. An increase in the ruminal pH and a reduction in blood non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) were detected in cows fed either the SB or SF diet. The results suggested (with the balance between dietary fatty acids hydrogenated in the rumen and taken up by the mammary gland) that SB is an acceptable fat source for high linoleic acid and linolenic acid (omega-6 and 3) and that SF is suitable for high linoleic acid (omega-6)-produced milk, without adverse effects on milk yield and composition. This practical feeding trial would reflect the use of these oils to produce health-enhancing dairy products.Publication Metadata only Effectiveness of non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy in women previously exposed to a single intrapartum dose of nevirapine: A multi-country, prospective cohort study(2010-02-01) Jeffrey S A Stringer; Michelle S. McConnell; James Kiarie; Omotayo Bolu; Thanomsak Anekthananon; Tavatchai Jariyasethpong; Dara Potter; Winnie Mutsotso; Craig B. Borkowf; Dorothy Mbori-Ngacha; Peter Muiruri; John Odero Ong'ech; Isaac Zulu; Lungowe Njobvu; Bongkoch Jetsawang; Sonal Pathak; Marc Bulterys; Nathan Shaffer; Paul J. Weidle; Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia; Thailand Ministry of Public Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Kenyatta National Hospital; University of Nairobi; Mahidol University; Rajavithi Hospital; CDC Global AIDS Program; Global AIDS Program; National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention; University Teaching Hospital Lusaka; Northrop Grumman corporationBackground: Intrapartum and neonatal single-dose nevirapine (NVP) reduces the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission but also induces viral resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) drugs. This drug resistance largely fades over time. We hypothesized that women with a prior single-dose NVP exposure would have no more than a 10% higher cumulative prevalence of failure of their NNRTI-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) over the first 48 wk of therapy than would women without a prior exposure. Methods and Findings: We enrolled 355 NVP-exposed and 523 NVP-unexposed women at two sites in Zambia, one site in Kenya, and two sites in Thailand into a prospective, non-inferiority cohort study and followed them for 48 wk on ART. Those who died, discontinued NNRTI-containing ART, or had a plasma viral load ≥400 copies/ml at either the 24 wk or 48 wk study visits and confirmed on repeat testing were characterized as having failed therapy. Overall, 114 of 355 NVP-exposed women (32.1%) and 132 of 523 NVP-unexposed women (25.2%) met criteria for treatment failure. The difference in failure rates between the exposure groups was 6.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8%-13.0%). The failure rates of women stratified by our predefined exposure interval categories were as follows: 47 of 116 women in whom less than 6 mo elapsed between exposure and starting ART failed therapy (40%; p<0.001 compared to unexposed women); 25 of 67 women in whom 7-12 mo elapsed between exposure and starting ART failed therapy (37%; p = 0.04 compared to unexposed women); and 42 of 172 women in whom more than 12 mo elapsed between exposure and starting ART failed therapy (24%; p = 0.82 compared to unexposed women). Locally weighted regression analysis also indicated a clear inverse relationship between virologic failure and the exposure interval. Conclusions: Prior exposure to single-dose NVP was associated with an increased risk of treatment failure; however, this risk seems largely confined to women with a more recent exposure. Women requiring ART within 12 mo of NVP exposure should not be prescribed an NNRTI-containing regimen as first-line therapy.Publication Metadata only Assessing the role of undetected colonization and isolation precautions in reducing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus transmission in intensive care units(2010-02-16) Theodore Kypraios; Philip D. O'Neill; Susan S. Huang; Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman; Ben S. Cooper; University of Nottingham; UCI School of Medicine; Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Screening and isolation are central components of hospital methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) control policies. Their prevention of patient-to-patient spread depends on minimizing undetected and unisolated MRSA-positive patient days. Estimating these MRSA-positive patient days and the reduction in transmission due to isolation presents a major methodological challenge, but is essential for assessing both the value of existing control policies and the potential benefit of new rapid MRSA detection technologies. Recent methodological developments have made it possible to estimate these quantities using routine surveillance data.Methods: Colonization data from admission and weekly nares cultures were collected from eight single-bed adult intensive care units (ICUs) over 17 months. Detected MRSA-positive patients were isolated using single rooms and barrier precautions. Data were analyzed using stochastic transmission models and model fitting was performed within a Bayesian framework using a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, imputing unobserved MRSA carriage events.Results: Models estimated the mean percent of colonized-patient-days attributed to undetected carriers as 14.1% (95% CI (11.7, 16.5)) averaged across ICUs. The percent of colonized-patient-days attributed to patients awaiting results averaged 7.8% (6.2, 9.2). Overall, the ratio of estimated transmission rates from unisolated MRSA-positive patients and those under barrier precautions was 1.34 (0.45, 3.97), but varied widely across ICUs.Conclusions: Screening consistently detected >80% of colonized-patient-days. Estimates of the effectiveness of barrier precautions showed considerable uncertainty, but in all units except burns/general surgery and one cardiac surgery ICU, the best estimates were consistent with reductions in transmission associated with barrier precautions. © 2010 Kypraios et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Publication Metadata only ZnO nanoparticles and nanowire array hybrid photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cells(2010-03-01) Supan Yodyingyong; Qifeng Zhang; Kwangsuk Park; Christopher S. Dandeneau; Xiaoyuan Zhou; Darapond Triampo; Guozhong Cao; University of Washington, Seattle; Mahidol UniversityZnO nanoparticle-nanowire (NP-NW) array hybrid photoanodes for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) with NW arrays to serve as a direct pathway for fast electron transport and NPs dispersed between NWs to offer a high specific surface area for sufficient dye adsorption has been fabricated and investigated to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE). The overall PCE of the ZnO hybrid photoanode DSC with the N3-sensitized has reached ∼4.2%, much higher than both ∼1.58% of ZnO NW DSC and ∼1.31% of ZnO NP DSC, prepared and tested under otherwise identical conditions. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.Publication Metadata only Determination of a pyranocoumarin and three carbazole compounds in Clausena excavata by RP-HPLC(2010-01-01) Boonsong Kongkathip; Suriyan Sutthiprabha; Chalobon Yoosook; Yupa Mongkolsook; Ngampong Kongkathip; Kasetsart University; Mahidol UniversityClausenidin, O-methylmukonal, 3-formyl-2,7-dimethoxycarbazole, and clauszoline-J, isolated from the rhizomes and roots of Clausena excavata, exhibit anti-HIV-1 activity in a syncytial assay with EC50values of 5.3, 12.0, 29.1, and 34.2 μM, respectively. Due to the highly active anti-HIV-1 property, quantitative analysis of four compounds are investigated. The direct analysis of these four compounds in the crude extracts of the combined rhizomes and roots of Clausena excavata from ten various sources in Thailand by high-performance liquid chromatography is accomplished. Chromatographic separation is achieved on a C18column, and the mobile phase is a mixture of methanol and distilled water in a mode of isocratic or gradient elution detected at 254 nm at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min for clausenidin, at 274 nm at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min for O-methylmukonal, at 298 nm at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min for 3-formyl-2,7-dimethoxycarbazole, and at 242 nm at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min for clauszoline-J. This is the first quantitative analysis of these four anti-HIV-1 compounds from the crude extract without prior isolation and purification steps.Publication Metadata only MRI classification of interspinous ligament degeneration of the lumbar spine: Intraobserver and interobserver reliability and the frequency of disagreement(2010-10-01) Gun Keorochana; Cyrus E. Taghavi; Shiau Tzu Tzeng; Kwang Bok Lee; Jen Chung Liao; Jeong Hyun Yoo; Jeffrey C. Wang; Mahidol University; University of California, Los AngelesPosterior spinal ligament pathology is becoming increasingly recognized as a significant cause of low back pain. Despite the growing clinical importance of interspinous ligament degeneration in low back pain patients, formal reliability studies for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of interspinous ligaments have not been performed. We proposed an MRI classification system for interspinous ligament degeneration and conducted a comprehensive reliability and reproducibility assessment. Fifty patients who had low back pain with or without leg discomfort (26 males and 24 females) with a mean age of 48.8 years (range 23-85 years) were studied. The classification for lumbar interspinous ligament degeneration was developed on the basis of the literature using mid-sagittal T1- and T2-weighted images. Three spine surgeons independently graded a total of 200 interspinous ligament levels. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed by kappa statistics. The frequency of disagreement was also identified. The intraobserver agreement was excellent in all readers (kappa range 0.840-0.901). The interobserver agreement was lower as expected, and was substantial to excellent (kappa range 0.726-0.818). Overall complete agreement was obtained in 87.8% of all interspinous ligament levels. A difference of 1, 2, and 3 grades occurred in 8.1, 3.0, and 1.1% of readings, respectively. This proposed MRI classification of interspinous ligament degeneration was simple, reliable, and reproducible. Its use as a standardized nomenclature in clinical and radiographic research may be recommended. © 2010 The Author(s).Publication Metadata only Methods for genetic manipulation of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans(2010-11-18) Nawarat Somprasong; Ian McMillan; Roxann R. Karkhoff-Schweizer; Skorn Mongkolsuk; Herbert P. Schweizer; Mahidol University; Colorado State UniversityBackground. Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans (BGC) is responsible for sporadic food-poisoning outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality in Asian countries. Little is known about the regulation of virulence factor and toxin production in BGC, and studies in this bacterium have been hampered by lack of genetic tools. Findings. Establishment of a comprehensive antibiotic susceptibility profile showed that BGC strain ATCC33664 is susceptible to a number of antibiotics including aminoglycosides, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and trimethoprim. In this study, we established that gentamicin, kanamycin and trimethoprim are good selection markers for use in BGC. Using a 10 min method for preparation of electrocompetent cells, the bacterium could be transformed by electroporation at high frequencies with replicative plasmids containing the pRO1600-derived origin of replication. These plasmids exhibited a copy number of > 100 in BGC. When co-conjugated with a transposase expressing helper plasmid, mini-Tn7 vectors inserted site- and orientation-specifically at a single glmS-associated insertion site in the BGC genome. Lastly, a Himar1 transposon was used for random transposon mutagenesis of BGC. Conclusions. A series of genetic tools previously developed for other Gram-negative bacteria was adapted for use in BGC. These tools now facilitate genetic studies of this pathogen and allow establishment of toxin biosynthetic pathways and their genetic regulation. © 2010 Schweizer et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Publication Metadata only The dynamics of a nonlinear model of signal transduction in human under impulsive depressant drug treatment(2010-09-01) C. Rattanakul; Y. Lenbury; J. Kongson; W. Triampo; Mahidol University; PERDO Commission on Higher EducationA mathematical model of the signal transduction process, involving hormone coupled receptors and an inhibiting enzyme, under impulsive depressant treatment, is proposed and analyzed. We show that there is a stable periodic solution, at the vanishing density of the ligand bound receptors on the cell membrane and plasmalemma, when the impulsive period is less than some critical value. The conditions for permanence of the system are then given. Finally, it is shown that as the impulsive period increases beyond a certain critical value, the emergence of stable positive periodic solution may be observed under appropriate conditions on the system parameters. © Dynamic Publishers, Inc.Publication Metadata only Nutritive evaluation and effect of Moringa oleifera pod on clastogenic potential in the mouse(2010-01-01) Chadamas Promkum; Piengchai Kupradinun; Siriporn Tuntipopipat; Chaniphun Butryee; Mahidol University; National Cancer Institute ThailandMoringa oleifera Lam (horseradish tree; tender pod or fruits) has been consumed as a vegetable and utilized as a major ingredient of healthy Thai cuisine. Previous studies have shown that M. oleifera pod extracts act as bifunctional inducers along with displaying antioxidant properties and also inhibiting skin papillomagenesis in mice. This study was aimed to determine the nutritive value, and clastogenic and anticlastogenic potentials of M. oleifera pod. The nutritive value was determined according to AOAC methods. The clastogenic and anticlastogenic potentials were determined using the in vivo erythrocyte micronucleus assay in the mouse. Eighty male mice were fed semi-purified diets containing 1.5%, 3.0% and 6.0% of ground freeze-dried boiled M. oleifera pod (bMO) for 2 weeks prior to administration of both direct-acting (mitomycin C, MMC) and indirect-acting (7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene, DMBA), clastogens. Blood samples were collected at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h, dropped on acridine orange-coated slides, and then counted for reticulocytes both with and without micronuclei by fluorescence microscopy. The nutritive value of 100 g bMO consisted of: moisture content, 8.2 g; protein, 19.2 g; fat, 3.9 g; carbohydrate (dietary fiber included), 60.5 g; dietary fiber, 37.5 g; ash, 8.1 g and energy, 354 kcal. Freeze-dried boiled M. oleifera had no clastogenic activity in the mouse while it possessed anticlastogenic activity against both direct and indirect-acting clastogens. Freeze-dried boiled M. oleifera pod at 1.5%, 3.0% and 6.0% in the diets decreased the number of micronucleated peripheral reticulocytes (MNRETs) induced by both MMC and DMBA. However, the effect was statistically significant in the dose dependent manner only in the MMC-treated group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that bMO has no clastogenicity and possesses anticlastogenic potential against clastogens, and particularly a direct-acting clastogen in the mouse.Publication Metadata only Artemisinin resistance - The clock is ticking(2010-12-18) Nicholas J. White; Mahidol UniversityPublication Metadata only An economic evaluation of home management of malaria in uganda: An interactive markov model(2010-10-20) Yoel Lubell; Anne J. Mills; Christopher J M Whitty; Sarah G. Staedke; Mahidol University; London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineBackground: Home management of malaria (HMM), promoting presumptive treatment of febrile children in the community, is advocated to improve prompt appropriate treatment of malaria in Africa. The cost-effectiveness of HMM is likely to vary widely in different settings and with the antimalarial drugs used. However, no data on the cost-effectiveness of HMM programmes are available. Methods/Principal Findings: A Markov model was constructed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of HMM as compared to conventional care for febrile illnesses in children without HMM. The model was populated with data from Uganda, but is designed to be interactive, allowing the user to adjust certain parameters, including the antimalarials distributed. The model calculates the cost per disability adjusted life year averted and presents the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio compared to a threshold value. Model output is stratified by level of malaria transmission and the probability that a child would receive appropriate care from a health facility, to indicate the circumstances in which HMM is likely to be cost-effective. The model output suggests that the cost-effectiveness of HMM varies with malaria transmission, the probability of appropriate care, and the drug distributed. Where transmission is high and the probability of appropriate care is limited, HMM is likely to be cost-effective from a provider perspective. Even with the most effective antimalarials, HMM remains an attractive intervention only in areas of high malaria transmission and in medium transmission areas with a lower probability of appropriate care. HMM is generally not cost-effective in low transmission areas, regardless of which antimalarial is distributed. Considering the analysis from the societal perspective decreases the attractiveness of HMM. Conclusion: Syndromic HMM for children with fever may be a useful strategy for higher transmission settings with limited health care and diagnosis, but is not appropriate for all settings. HMM may need to be tailored to specific settings, accounting for local malaria transmission intensity and availability of health services. © 2010 Lubell et al.Publication Metadata only Effect of human β-globin bacterial artificial chromosome transgenesis on embryo cryopreservation in mouse models(2010-05-10) Duangjai Boonkusol; Andras Dinnyes; Tassanee Faisaikarm; Parisatcha Sangsuwan; Nathnapith Pratipnatalang; Mayurachat Sa-Ardrit; Kulnasan Saikhun; Saovaros Svasti; Jim Vadolas; Pranee Winichagoon; Suthat Fucharoen; Yindee Kitiyanant; Srinakharinwirot University; Szent Istvan Egyetem; Mahidol University; University of MelbourneThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of embryo cryopreservation for four transgenic (TG) thalassaemic mouse strains, which is a key element of the ongoing gene banking efforts for these highvalue animals. Heterozygous TG embryos were produced by breeding four lines of TG males to wild-type (WT) females (C57BL/6J). Intact two-cell embryos were cryopreserved by vitrification in straws using 35% ethylene glycol. Survival rates of cryopreserved embryos ranged between 91.1% (102/112) and 93.6% (176/188) without significant differences between the lines. In contrast, the paternal line had a significant effect on the development of these embryos to the blastocyst stage, which ranged from 50.6% (92/182) to 77.5% (79/102). This effect was also noted following embryo transfers, with implantation rates varying from 17.3% (19/110) to 78.1% (35/45). The results demonstrate that the in vivo developmental potential is significantly influenced byTG line and reveal a specific line effect on cryosurvival. All bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic fetuses developed from vitrified-warmed embryos showed expression of the human β-globin transgene. In conclusion, the present study shows a strongTG line effect on developmental competence following cryopreservation and the vitrification method was successful to bank the human β-globin TG-expressing mouse strains. © 2010 CSIRO.Publication Metadata only Clinical outcomes and immune benefits of anti-epileptic drug therapy in HIV/AIDS(2010-06-17) Kathy Lee; Pornpun Vivithanaporn; Reed A. Siemieniuk; Hartmut B. Krentz; Ferdinand Maingat; M. John Gill; Christopher Power; Alberta Health Services; University of Alberta; Mahidol University; University of CalgaryBackground: Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently prescribed to persons with HIV/AIDS receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) although the extent of AED use and their interactions with cART are uncertain. Herein, AED usage, associated toxicities and immune consequences were investigated.Methods: HIV replication was analysed in proliferating human T cells during AED exposure. Patients receiving AEDs in a geographically-based HIV care program were assessed using clinical and laboratory variables in addition to assessing AED indication, type, and cumulative exposures.Results: Valproate suppressed proliferation in vitro of both HIV-infected and uninfected T cells (p <0.05) but AED exposures did not affect HIV production in vitro. Among 1345 HIV/AIDS persons in active care between 2001 and 2007, 169 individuals were exposed to AEDs for the following indications: peripheral neuropathy/neuropathic pain (60%), seizure/epilepsy (24%), mood disorder (13%) and movement disorder (2%). The most frequently prescribed AEDs were calcium channel blockers (gabapentin/pregabalin), followed by sodium channel blockers (phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine) and valproate. In a nested cohort of 55 AED-treated patients receiving cART and aviremic, chronic exposure to sodium and calcium channel blocking AEDs was associated with increased CD4+ T cell levels (p <0.05) with no change in CD8+ T cell levels over 12 months from the beginning of AED therapy.Conclusions: AEDs were prescribed for multiple indications without major adverse effects in this population but immune status in patients receiving sodium or calcium channel blocking drugs was improved. © 2010 Lee et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.