Scopus 2011-2015
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Publication Metadata only Photophysics of Point Defects in ZnO Nanoparticles(2015-01-01) Sumin Choi; Matthew R. Phillips; Igor Aharonovich; Soraya Pornsuwan; Bruce C.C. Cowie; Cuong Ton-That; University of Technology Sydney; Mahidol University; Australian Synchrotron© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have recently been identified as a promising candidate for advanced nanophotonics applications and quantum technologies. This work reports the formation of luminescent point defects and describes their photophysical properties. In particular, it is shown using correlative photoluminescence, cathodoluminescence, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy that green luminescence at 2.48 eV and an EPR line at g = 2.00 belong to a surface oxygen vacancy (Vo,s+) center, while a second green emission at 2.28 eV is associated with zinc vacancy (VZn) centers. It is established that radiative point defects can be excited in the visible that exhibits nanosecond lifetimes using both above bandgap and sub-bandgap 405 and 532 nm excitation. This work provides important knowledge towards employment of point defects in ZnO in nanophotonics technologies.Publication Metadata only Vitamin D status is positively associated with calcium absorption among postmenopausal Thai women with low calcium intakes(2015-01-01) Prapaisri P. Sirichakwal; Achiraya Kamchansuppasin; Christine C. Akoh; Wantanee Kriengsinyos; Somsri Charoenkiatkul; Kimberly O. O'Brien; Mahidol University; Cornell University© 2015 American Society for Nutrition. Background: Few data exist on the ability of postmenopausal women to absorb calcium from diets habitually low in calcium. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate fractional calcium absorption from a green leafy vegetable vs. milk in relation to vitamin D status. Methods: We measured fractional calcium absorption from both a dairy- and plant-based source in 19 postmenopausal Thai women (aged 52-63 y) with low calcium consumption (350 ± 207 mg/d) in relation to serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Fractional calcium absorption was measured using a triple stable calcium isotope method based on isotope recovery in a 28-h urine collection. Two extrinsically labeled test meals were ingested in random order: a green leafy vegetable (cassia) ingested along with 43Ca or a glass of milk containing 44Ca. Women received intravenous 42Ca with the first test meal. Results: In 19 postmenopausal women studied (mean age, 56.9 ± 3.4 y), ~95% were 25(OH)D sufficient (≥20 μg/L). Serum 25(OH)D status was positively correlated with fractional absorption from both cassia (P = 0.05, R2 = 0.21) and milk (P = 0.03, R2 = 0.26). Fractional calcium absorption from cassia was significantly lower than that measured from milk (42.6% ± 12.3% vs. 47.8% ± 12.8%, P = 0.03), but true calcium absorption did not significantly differ (120 ± 35 mg/d vs. 135 ± 36 mg/d). Serum PTH was significantly inversely associated with serum 25(OH)D (P = 0.006, R2 = 0.37) even though PTH was not elevated (>65 pg/mL). Conclusions: These findings suggest that vitamin D status is an important determinant of calcium absorption among Thai women with low calcium intakes, and cassia may be a readily available source of calcium in this population. Furthermore, these data indicate that serum 25(OH)D concentrations may affect PTH elevation in postmenopausal women with low calcium intakes.Publication Metadata only Larvicidal and histopathological effects of Cassia siamea leaf extract against Culex quinquefasciatus(2015-01-01) Kanitta Jiraungkoorskul; Wannee Jiraungkoorskul; Mahidol University© Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2015 A traditional Thai medicinal extract from Cassia siamea was evaluated with respect to its larvicidal properties by determining the median lethal concentration (LC50) at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h against the fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus, which is a carrier of mosquito-borne diseases, by studying the histopathological alterations. The 24, 48, 72 and 96 h LC50 values were 394.29, 350.24, 319.17 and 272.42 ppm, respectively. The histopathological lesions after exposure to 25% of the 24-h LC50 were observed primarily in the midgut of the larva. Lesions with edema, swelling, and deformation or elongation of the epithelial cells were observed. Moreover, cells protruding into the lumen and absent microvilli were also found in some areas. The present study reveals that aqueous C. siamea leaf extracts have natural biopesticide properties.Publication Metadata only Eye structure and chemical details of the retinal layer of juvenile Queen danio Devario regina (Fowler, 1934)(2015-12-01) Piyakorn Boonyoung; Sinlapachai Senarat; Jes Kettratad; Pisit Poolprasert; Watiporn Yenchum; Wannee Jiraungkoorskul; Prince of Songkla University; Chulalongkorn University; Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University; National Institute of Metrology (Thailand); Mahidol University© 2015, Kasetsart University. All rights reserved. The eye structures and chemical details of the retinal layer in juvenile Queen Danio—Devario regina, an ornamental fish—were histologically investigated under a light microscope. Sample fish were collected from the Tapee River, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand and their heads were exclusively prepared using a standard histological technique. The results revealed that the eye of D. regina was composed of three layers—inner, middle and external—based on histological organization and cell types. The inner layer was composed of 10 layers; 1) pigment epithelium, 2) photoreceptor layer, 3) outer liming membrane, 4) outer nuclear layer, 5) outer plexiform layer, 6) inner nuclear layer, 7) inner plexiform layer, 8) ganglion cell layer, 9) optic nerve layer and 10) inner limiting membrane, respectively. The localization and chemical details showed that a periodic acid-Schiff reaction for the detection of glycoprotein was intensive in the pigment epithelial layer whereas the inner plexifrom layer had only a slight reaction. Reaction of aniline blue was employed for the detection of mucopolysaccharide which was slightly positive for three layers—the outer limiting membrane, outer plexiform and inner plexiform.Publication Metadata only Erratum to: Evaluation of skin permeation of β-blockers for topical drug delivery(2015-01-01) Doungdaw Chantasart; Jinsong Hao; S. Kevin Li; University of Cincinnati; Mahidol UniversityPublication Metadata only Prevalence and Incidence of Liver Dysfunction and Assessment of Biomarkers of Liver Disease in HIV-Infected Asian Children(2015-06-22) Linda Aurpibul; Torsak Bunupuradah; Sam Sophan; David Boettiger; Dewi K. Wati; Lam V. Nguyen; Vonthanak Saphonn; Rawiwan Hansudewechakul; Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit; Pagakrong Lumbiganon; Khanh H. Truong; Viet C. Do; Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy; Nik K.N. Yusoff; Kamarul Razali; Nia Kurniati; Siew M. Fong; Revathy Nallusamy; Annette H. Sohn; Chiang Mai University; The HIV Netherlands Australia Thailand Research Collaboration; National Pediatric Hospital; University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia; Universitas Udayana; National Hospital of Pediatrics Hanoi; National Center for HIV/AIDS; University of Health Sciences; Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital; Mahidol University; Khon Kaen University; Children's Hospital 1; Children's Hospital 2; YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education; Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II; Kuala Lumpur Hospital; University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo; Hospital Likas; Penang Hospital; Foundation for AIDS Research© 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Background: We determined the prevalence and incidence of liver dysfunction before and after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in the TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database. Methods: Data from children initiated on cART between 2 and 18 years of age with baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) available before and at least once after cART initiation in TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database between 2008 and 2012 were analyzed. Prevalence and incidence of liver dysfunction and biomarkers including the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and FIB4 index (a noninvasive panel to stage liver disease) were assessed. Results: Data from 1930 children were included. Their median age was 6.9 years; 49% were male; 98% were perinatally infected and 94% were initiated on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase-based cART regimens. Before cART, the prevalence of ALT ≥3 times the upper limit of normal (×ULN) was 5.8%. There were 8.5% of children with aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index >1.5 (suggestive of liver fibrosis) and 2.7% with FIB4 index >1.3 (predictive of possible cirrhosis). Among the 1143 cases with normal baseline ALT (≤1×ULN), the incidence of ALT 3×ULN after cART was 1.19 of 1000 person-months (95% confidence interval: 0.93-1.51). Two of 350 with available tests (0.6%) met Hy's law (ALT >3×ULN and total bilirubin >2×ULN). By multivariate analysis, baseline hemoglobin <7.5 g/dL was a predictor of ALT >3×ULN, whereas age 5-9 years at cART initiation was protective for liver dysfunction. Conclusions: We demonstrated a low prevalence and incidence of liver dysfunction before and after cART initiation in children with normal baseline chemistries. In this population facing life-long cART, prospective surveillance for emergence of liver disease is warranted.Publication Metadata only Correlation of host specificity, environmental factors and oriental rat flea abundance(2015-01-01) Kruawan Chotelersak; Chamnarn Apiwathnasorn; Sungsit Sungvornyothin; Chotechuang Panasoponkul; Yudthana Samung; Jiraporn Ruangsittichai; Mahidol University© 2015, Southeast Asian Journal of Medicine and Public Health. All rights reserved. Fleas are the vectors of many communicable diseases that are normally found in oriental rats. Climate and environmental changes influence the habitat and migration patterns of vectors. In this study, the oriental rat flea abundance, represented as total flea index, was determined in correlation to host specificity and various environmental factors. The number of hosts and fleas calculated from 3 specific habitats (shipping area, decayed area, and market area) from July 2010 to June 2011. The results showed that the common hosts in the shipping area and decayed area were Rattus rattus and R. exulans, with the total flea indexes of 3.36 and 1.58. R. norvegicus was the most common host identified in the market area. Fleas were virtually absent in rat hosts collected from the market area. Both the density of reservoir hosts and the total flea index were positively correlated with the mean annual rainfall and temperature. These data could be useful for control of rat populations in each specific habitat.Publication Metadata only Symbiosis in an overlooked microcosm: A systematic review of the bacterial flora of mites(2015-08-14) Kittipong Chaisiri; John W. McGarry; Serge Morand; Benjamin L. Makepeace; University of Liverpool; Mahidol University; CIRADCopyright © Cambridge University Press 2015. A dataset of bacterial diversity found in mites was compiled from 193 publications (from 1964 to January 2015). A total of 143 mite species belonging to the 3 orders (Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes) were recorded and found to be associated with approximately 150 bacteria species (in 85 genera, 51 families, 25 orders and 7 phyla). From the literature, the intracellular symbiont Cardinium, the scrub typhus agent Orientia, and Wolbachia (the most prevalent symbiont of arthropods) were the dominant mite-associated bacteria, with approximately 30 mite species infected each. Moreover, a number of bacteria of medical and veterinary importance were also reported from mites, including species from the genera Rickettsia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Francisella, Coxiella, Borrelia, Salmonella, Erysipelothrix and Serratia. Significant differences in bacterial infection patterns among mite taxa were identified. These data will not only be useful for raising awareness of the potential for mites to transmit disease, but also enable a deeper understanding of the relationship of symbionts with their arthropod hosts, and may facilitate the development of intervention tools for disease vector control. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mite-associated bacteria and is a valuable reference database for future research on mites of agricultural, veterinary and/or medical importance.Publication Metadata only Knowledge of human papillomavirus and its association with head and neck benign and malignant lesions in a group of dental patients in Pakistan(2015-01-01) Abdul Samad Gichki; Waranun Buajeeb; Sombhun Doungudomdacha; Siribang on Pibooniyom Khovidhunkit; Bolan Medical College; Mahidol University; Western UniversityHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) remain a serious world health problem due to their association with cervical and head and neck cancers. While over 100 HPV types have been identified, only a few subtypes are associated with malignancies. HPV 16 and 18 are the most prevalent oncogenic types in head and neck cancers. Although it has been proven that some subsets of benign and malignant head and neck lesions are associated with HPV, the general population have very little awareness and knowledge of their association with HPV. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of HPV and its links with head and neck benign and malignant lesions in a group of Pakistani dental patients who attended the Dental Department of the Sandeman provincial hospital in Quetta, Pakistan. One hundred and ninety-two patients were recruited and requested to answer a questionnaire. It was revealed that there was a low level of knowledge about HPV and its association with head and neck benign and malignant lesions among the participants. This result suggested that more education regarding the relationship of HPV in inducing head and neck benign and malignant lesions is required in this group of patients.Publication Metadata only Child with atopic dermatitis(2015-01-01) Watcharoot Kanchongkittiphon; Jonathan M. Gaffin; Wanda Phipatanakul; Children's Hospital Boston; Harvard Medical School; Mahidol UniversityPublication Metadata only Predicting community participation after spinal cord injury in Thailand(2015-01-01) Jatuporn Suttiwong; Mantana Vongsirinavarat; Pakaratee Chaiyawat; Roongtiwa Vachalathiti; Mahidol University© 2015 The Authors. Objective: To identify the predictors of community participation after spinal cord injury. Design: Cross-sectional design. Methods: A total of 139 persons with spinal cord injury living in the community completed 4 instruments: the Impact on Participation and Autonomy (IPA-Thai version), the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors (CHIEF-SF-Thai version), the Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ2000-Thai version), and a personal history questionnaire. Functional performance was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor subscale. Results: Participants comprised 79% males. Fifty-one percent of variance in community participation was explained by social support, functional performance, age, and age at time of injury. Conclusion: Key predictors of community participation were the availability of social support and the individual's functional performance. These predictors should be emphasized when developing interventions in rehabilitation and community settings.Publication Metadata only Influence of discontinuous PuresPerm® and OptiPrep™ gradient centrifugations on bovine sperm quality and the sex ratio of in vitro produced embryos(2015-01-01) Kakanang Buranaamnuay; Parisatcha Sangsuwan; Chinarat Changsangfa; Tassanee Faisaikarm; Kampon Kaeoket; Mahidol University; Rajabhat University© 2015 Chiang Mai University. All rights reserved. Presently, separation of X- and Y-sperm with flow cytometry is only one successful method of sex selection; however, well-trained personnel and costly instrument are needed for this technique. Therefore, separation with a more simple and convenient method (i.e. a gradient centrifugation) becomes of interest. Influence of 8-layer PureSperm® and OptiPrep™ density gradients on the quality of bovine sperm and the sex ratio of in vitro produced embryos was evaluated. Fresh semen (n=12) with the sperm motility of at least 65% was divided into four aliquots. One aliquot served as a non-centrifuged control sample was frozen in Tris-egg yolk extender. The other three were applied to 8-layer gradients in PureSperm®, OptiPrep™ or Percoll. After centrifugation, the sperm pellet was added with the extender and then frozen. The thawed semen was evaluated for the sperm quality; the sex ratio of sperm was determined in the in vitro produced embryos by multiplex PCR. The viability, acrosome morphology and membrane integrity (HOST) of thawed sperm in the PureSperm® and Percoll groups were similar to the control (p > 0.05) and were significantly higher than those in the OptiPrep™ (p < 0.0001 to p = 0.03). The PureSperm®, OptiPrep™ and Percoll centrifugations did not show a significant increase in X-bearing sperm in the pellet (61.6%, 61.0% and 54.3%, respectively) compared to the control sample (58.8%, p > 0.05). In conclusions, centrifugation of fresh bovine semen in discontinuous 8-layer PureSperm® gradients did not damage the survival of frozen-thawed sperm. However on the basis of testing in the in vitro produced embryos by multiplex PCR, discontinuous PureSperm® and OptiPrep™ gradient centrifugations were not able to deviate the sex ratio of bovine sperm.Publication Metadata only Chronic spinal cord injury treated with transplanted autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells tracked by magnetic resonance imaging: A case report(2015-04-09) Areesak Chotivichit; Monchai Ruangchainikom; Pipat Chiewvit; Adisak Wongkajornsilp; Kittipong Sujirattanawimol; Mahidol University© 2015 Chotivichit et al.; licensee BioMed Central. Introduction: Intrathecal transplantation is a minimally invasive method for the delivery of stem cells, however, whether the cells migrate from the lumbar to the injured cervical spinal cord has not been proved in humans. We describe an attempt to track bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a patient with a chronic cervical spinal cord injury. Case presentation: A 33-year-old Thai man who sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury from the atlanto-axial subluxation was enrolled into a pilot study aiming to track bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, from intrathecal transplantation in chronic cervical spinal cord injury. He had been dependent on respiratory support since 2005. There had been no improvement in his neurological function for the past 54 months. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were retrieved from his iliac crest and repopulated to the target number. One half of the total cells were labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles before transplantation to the intrathecal space between L4 and L5. Magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed immediately after the transplantation and at 48 hours, two weeks, one month and seven months after the transplantation. His magnetic resonance imaging scan performed immediately after the transplantation showed hyposignal intensity of paramagnetic substance tagged stem cells in the subarachnoid space at the lumbar spine area. This phenomenon was observed at the surface around his cervical spinal cord at 48 hours. A focal hyposignal intensity of tagged bone marrow-derived stem cells was detected at his cervical spinal cord with magnetic resonance imaging at 48 hours, which faded after two weeks, and then disappeared after one month. No clinical improvement of the neurological function had occurred at the end of this study. However, at 48 hours after the transplantation, he presented with a fever, headache, myalgia and worsening of his motor function (by one grade of all key muscles by the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale), which lasted for 48 hours. Conclusion: Intrathecal injection of bone marrow-derived stem cells at the lumbar spine level could deliver the cells to the injured cervical spinal cord. Transient complications should be observed closely in the first 48 hours after transplantation. Further study should be carried out to evaluate the result of the treatment.Publication Metadata only Computational fluid dynamics analysis and validation of blood flow in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft using specific models(2015-01-01) Ravi Laohasurayodhin; Paweena Diloksumpan; Pranya Sakiyalak; Phornphop Naiyanetr; Mahidol University© 2014 IEEE. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is the full name of bypass surgery method in coronary artery. There are two common bypass techniques which are individual technique and sequential technique. After bypass surgery, the bypass grafts seem to be obstructed in distal anastomosis between graft and host vessel. This obstruction in CABGs has been purposed as a factor from irregular hemodynamics, causing development of intimal hyperplasia (IH). The aim of this project is to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to simulate geometrical and physical parameters in different coronary arteries' techniques. Results from CFD are important for describing the future of graft failure. First, CFD program need to be evaluated to find the best suitable setup for coronary simulation. The CFD software, ANSYS, was simulated in parallel with experiment results. The experiments are set and studied base on simple models. According to studying in simple models, the validation method was tested in 3D printing models with the same geometry and boundary conditions parameter as in ANSYS's models. In conclusion, the validation results trend to approve our set up of coronary arteries' models in ANSYS. User defining function are created in order to calculate hemodynamic parameters in simulation models. These hemodynamic results from CFD are related to hypothesis of graft failure. Results from two CABG techniques were compared to each other. It shows that Sequential technique has more appropriate hemodynamics parameters in distal junction than individual techniques.Publication Metadata only Acute and sub-chronic Toxicity of Tri-Sa-Maw recipe in rats(2015-01-01) Urarat Nanna; Kanjana Jaijoy; Nirush Lertprasertsuke; Noppamas Soonthornchareonnon; Seewaboon Sireeratawong; Thammasat University; Payap University; Chiang Mai University; Mahidol University© 2015, Medical Association of Thailand. All rights reserved. Background: Tri-sa-maw recipe is a botanical preparation comprised of equal proportions of the three herbal fruits, namely Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia sp. and Terminalia bellirica Roxb. This recipe is used for antipyretic, expectorant, periodic maintenance, and relieving stomach tight. Objective: To evaluate the acute and sub-chronic toxicities of Tri-sa-maw recipe extract in rats. Material and Method: In the present study of acute toxicity, a single oral dose 5,000 mg/kg of Tri-sa-maw recipe extract was administered to rats. Sub-chronic toxicity was studied by the daily oral administration of the extract at the doses of 600, 1,200 and 2,400 mg/kg body weight for consecutive 90 days. Results: Tri-sa-maw recipe extract at the dose of 5,000 mg/kg showed no signs of differences as compared to the control rat. No abnormalities were found in the sub-chronic toxicity study; none of the parameters for body and organ weights, hematology, blood chemistry, necropsy, and histopathology showed any differences between the control and all treatment groups. Conclusion: Tri-sa-maw recipe extract did not significantly cause acute toxicity or sub-chronic toxicity in rats.Publication Metadata only Influencing the willingness to pay for private labels: The role of branding(2015-01-01) Kandapa Thanasuta; Pinrada Metharom; Mahidol University; Thammasat University© Emerald Group Publishing Limited. Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the direct and indirect relationships between brands' marketing activities and consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for private labels (PLs) through the effect of perceived quality in different cultural contexts. This paper also provides a broader perspective by incorporating the effect of branding strategy on such relationships. Design/methodology/approach - Thailand is the studied market. In all, 819 respondents evaluated two PLs through mall interception in a leading supermarket in Bangkok. A structural equation model is used to evaluate the relationships among the constructs. Findings - The results demonstrate that sales promotions directly and indirectly influence WTP, whereas only an indirect relationship through perceived quality exists for the similarity of PL and national-brand packaging. The strength of sales promotions and the perceived quality relationship is significantly stronger for other-name PL than for own-name one. Perceived quality contributes as the factor with the most influence on WTP. Research limitations/implications - PLs should continue to invest in package improvement to increase their perceived quality. The brand must carefully choose which promotional tools to implement because such tools have both positive and negative impacts. Promotions from other-name brands should be emphasized because they have a stronger, more positive effect on perceived quality. Originality/value - This paper's contribution is its attempt to identify the reciprocal influence of WTP on PLs, which previously has been studied only as it relates to national brands. The moderating role of branding is introduced to offer insights into the influencing factors.Publication Metadata only Delivery of double stranded RNA by Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus-like particles to protect shrimp from white spot syndrome virus(2015-01-01) Pitchanee Jariyapong; Charoonroj Chotwiwatthanakun; Sataporn Direkbusarakom; Ikuo Hirono; Suwit Wuthisuthimethavee; Wattana Weerachatyanukul; Walailak University; Mahidol University; National University Corporation Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology© 2014 Elsevier B.V. We tested the use of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus-like particles (MrNv-VLPs) as a delivery mechanism to carry therapeutic agents against white spot syndrome in shrimp. We used constructed double-stranded RNA called VP28 (VP28 dsRNA) against WSSV envelope genes to confer protection against the pathogen. Results showed that MrNv-VLP was able to encapsulate VP28 dsRNA. Using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as a reporter, we found that VLP penetrated various shrimp tissues including the muscle, hepatopancreas, and gill. A statistically significant relative survival rate of 44.5% was obtained in the group of shrimp receiving encapsulated VP28 dsRNA-VLP after WSSV challenge as compared to 100% mortality in the control shrimp at 7. days post-infection. Shrimp treated with EGFP dsRNA loaded into MrNv-VLPs showed relatively similar motility rates as those of controls. Moreover, MrNv-VLP encapsulation improved VP28 dsRNA efficiency against WSSV. A higher survival rate of 16.7% was observed in the group of shrimp receiving encapsulated VP28 dsRNA-VLP when compared to those receiving naked VP28 dsRNA. These results indicate that MrNv-VLP is a good candidate for use as a therapeutic delivery system against shrimp diseases due to its self-reassembly property, broad target of various shrimp tissues and immune enhancement.Publication Metadata only Intestinal parasite infections in symptomatic children attending hospital in Siem Reap, Cambodia(2015-05-07) Catrin E. Moore; Phot Nget; Mao Saroeun; Suy Kuong; Seng Chanthou; Varun Kumar; Rachel Bousfield; Johanna Nader; J. Wendi Bailey; Nicholas J. Beeching; Nicholas P. Day; Christopher M. Parry; Mahidol University; University of Oxford; Angkor Hospital for Children; Addenbrooke's Hospital; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine© 2015 Moore et al. Background: Infections with helminths and other intestinal parasites are an important but neglected problem in children in developing countries. Accurate surveys of intestinal parasites in children inform empirical treatment regimens and can assess the impact of school based drug treatment programmes. There is limited information on this topic in Cambodia. Methods: In a prospective study of intestinal parasites in symptomatic children attending Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia, April-June 2012, samples were examined by microscopy of a direct and concentrated fecal sample. Two culture methods for hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were employed when sufficient sample was received. Demographic, clinical and epidemiological data were collected. Principal Findings: We studied 970 samples from 865 children. The median (inter-quartile range) age of the children was 5.4 (1.9-9.2) years, 54% were male. The proportion of children with abdominal pain was 66.8%, diarrhea 34.9%, anemia 12.7% and malnutrition 7.4%. 458 parasitic infections were detected in 340 (39.3%) children. The most common parasites using all methods of detection were hookworm (14.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (11.6%) and Giardia lamblia (11.2%). Giardia lamblia was most common in children aged 1-5 years, hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were more common with increasing age. Hookworm, Strongloides stercoralis and Giardia lamblia were more common in children living outside of Siem Reap town. In a multivariate logistic regression increasing age was associated with all three infections, defecating in the forest for hookworm infection, the presence of cattle for S. stercoralis and not using soap for handwashing for G. lamblia. Conclusions/Significance: This study confirms the importance of intestinal parasitic infections in symptomatic Cambodian children and the need for adequate facilities for laboratory diagnosis together with education to improve personal hygiene and sanitation.Publication Metadata only Use of a rapid test to assess plasma Plasmodium falciparum HRP2 and guide management of severe febrile illness(2015-09-22) Ipsita Sinha; Nattwut Ekapirat; Arjen M. Dondorp; Charles J. Woodrow; Mahidol University; University of Oxford© 2015 Sinha et al. Background: Plasma Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 (PfHRP2) is the most accurate biomarker for severe malaria, but its measurement by ELISA has been considered too unwieldy to incorporate into clinical management. Methods: Plasma samples covering a wide range of PfHRP2 concentrations were applied to rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). RDTs were read by eye and digital capture, and PfHRP2 concentrations were measured via serial dilution with results compared to ELISA readings. Results: The Paracheck ® brand showed the strongest correlation (r2 = 0.963) as well as the lowest inter-observer variability (combined kappa across band intensities for three observers = 0.938). Plasma PfHRP2 measurement via serial dilution showed minimal bias compared to ELISA and acceptable limits of agreement. Three different dilutions of a well characterized set of admission samples from uncomplicated and severe malaria patients studied in a low transmission setting gave an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.844 in terms of identifying severe malaria. Conclusions: These studies show that plasma PfHRP2 can be assessed via a single RDT, with application of a plasma dilution of 1:5 or 1:10 providing useful diagnostic information to assist in patient management or clinical trial inclusion.Publication Metadata only Social reform and a growing crisis for southern Myanmar's unique forests(2015-01-01) Paul F. Donald; Philip D. Round; Thiri Dai We Aung; Mark Grindley; Rob Steinmetz; Nay Myo Shwe; Graeme M. Buchanan; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds; Mahidol University; Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association (BANCA), No. 943 (A); Fauna & Flora International; WWF Thailand; Friends of Wildlife