Scopus 2011-2015
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Publication Metadata only Improved R2* liver iron concentration assessment using a novel fuzzy c-mean clustering scheme(2015-11-03) Pairash Saiviroonporn; Vip Viprakasit; Rungroj Krittayaphong; Mahidol University© 2015 Saiviroonporn et al. Background: In thalassemia patients, R2* liver iron concentration (LIC) measurement is a common clinical tool for assessing iron overload and for determining necessary chelator dose and evaluating its efficacy. Despite the importance of accurate LIC measurement, existing methods suffer from LIC variability, especially at the severe iron overload range due to inclusion of vessel parts in LIC calculation. In this study, we build upon previous Fuzzy C-Mean (FCM) clustering work to formulate a scheme with superior performance in segmenting vessel pixels from the parenchyma. Our method (MIX-FCM) combines our novel 2D-FCM with the existing 1D-FCM algorithm. This study further assessed possible optimal clustering parameters (OP scheme) and proposed a semi-automatic (SA) scheme for routine clinical application. Methods: Segmentation of liver parenchyma and vessels was performed on T2* images and their LIC maps in 196 studies from 147 thalassemia major patients. We used manual segmentation as the reference. 1D-FCM clustering was performed on the acquired image alone and 2D-FCM used both the acquired image and its LIC data. To execute the MIX-FCM method, the best outcome (OP-MIX-FCM) was selected from the aforementioned methods and was compared to the SA-MIX-FCM scheme. We used the percent value of the normalized interquartile range (nIQR) to its median to evaluate the variability of all methods. Results: 2D-FCM clustering is more effective than 1D-FCM clustering at the severe overload range only, but inferior for other ranges (where 1D-FCM provides suitable results). This complementary performance between the two methods allows MIX-FCM to improve results for all ranges. OP-MIX-FCM clustering error was 2.1 ± 2.3 %, compared with 10.3 ± 9.9 % and 7.0 ± 11.9 % from 1D- and 2D-FCM clustering, respectively. SA-MIX-FCM result was comparable to OP-MIX-FCM result, with both schemes showing ability to decrease overall nIQR by approximately 30 %. Conclusion: Our proposed 2D-FCM algorithm is not as superior to 1D-FCM as hypothesized. In contrast, our MIX-FCM method benefits from the best of both methods to obtain the highest segmentation accuracy at all ranges. Moreover, segmentation accuracy of the practical scheme (SA-MIX-FCM) is comparable to segmentation accuracy of the reference scheme (OP-MIX-FCM). Finally, we confirmed that segmentation is crucial to improving LIC assessments, especially at the severe iron overload range.Publication Metadata only Ethics of thai politicians(2015-01-01) Wariya Chinwanno; Thitarree Sirisrisornchai; Mahidol UniversityPublication Metadata only Long term outcomes of preoperative versus postoperative concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer: Experience from Ramathibodi medical school in Thailand(2015-01-01) Pichayada Darunikorn; Putipun Puataweepong; Mantana Dhanachai; Somjai Dangprasert; Thiti Swangsilpa; Chomporn Sitathanee; Chuleeporn Jiarpinitnun; Poompis Pattaranutaporn; Keeratikan Boonyawan; Pichai Chansriwong; Mahidol UniversityObjectives: The study analyzed and compared the long term outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative and postoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 105 patients with stage T3-T4 or regional lymph node positive adenocarcinoma of rectum treated with preoperative or postoperative CCRT at Ramathibodi Hospital during 2005 to 2010 was performed. The results of treatment were reported with 5-year overall survival (OS), 5-year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS), and toxicity according to preoperative versus postoperative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) groups. Results: Among 105 patients, 34 (32%) were treated with preoperative CCRT and 71 (68%) with postoperative CCRT. At the median follow-up time of 50.5 months (range 2-114 months), five-year OS and LRFS of all patients were 87% and 91.6%, respectively. The study found no difference in 5-year OS (81.7% vs 89.2 %) or LRFS (83.4% vs 95.1%) between preoperative versus postoperative CCRT. Seven cases of loco-regional recurrence were diagnosed, 4 (11.8%) after preoperative CCRT and 3 (4.2%) after postoperative CCRT. The recurrent sites were anastomosis in all patients. There was no significant factor associated with outcome after univariate and multivariate testing. Grade 3 or 4 acute and late complications were low in both preoperative and postoperative CCRT groups. Conclusions: Locally advanced rectum cancer patients experience good results with surgery and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation.Publication Metadata only Modification of spinal pedicle screw-plate fixation for bilateral pediatric pelvic ring injury in 2-year-old girl(2015-07-27) Paphon Sa-ngasoongsong; Norachart Sirisreetreerux; Pongsthorn Chanplakorn; Patarawan Woratanarat; Chanyut Suphachatwong; Pornchai Mulpruek; Mahidol UniversityPublication Metadata only An 1 V-1 nW source follower ISFET readout circuit for biomedical applications(2015-09-02) Surachoke Thanapitak; Mahidol University© 2015 IEEE. A compact subthreshold ISFET readout circuit configured in source follower topology is presented. This ISFET readout circuit configuration can convey linear pH response from 4 to 10 with constant 1 nW power consumption at 1 V supply. Negative temperature gradient of this readout circuit is determined and confirmed with the simulation results.Publication Metadata only Fine needle aspiration biopsy of langerhans cell histiocytosis of thyroid gland(2015-01-01) Jutarat Sangtian; Tanawan Riangwiwat; Siripich Triamchaisri; Wasana Kanoksil; Chutintorn Sriphrapradang; Mahidol UniversityPublication Metadata only The influence of VKORC1 polymorphisms on warfarin doses in thai patients with deep vein thrombosis(2015-01-01) Nuttawut Sermsathanasawadi; Chukij Sritongsathian; Nunthapol Pongrattanaman; Banjerd Praditsuktavorn; Kiattisak Hongku; Chumpol Wongwanit; Chanean Ruangsetakit; Khamin Chinsakchai; Pramook Mutirangura; Naravat Poungvarin; Mahidol University© 2015, Medical Association of Thailand. All rights reserved. Background: Polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 2C9 and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex, subunit 1 genes (CYP2C9 and VKORC1, respectively) were previously shown to affect the warfarin dose required in anticoagulant therapy of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, little is known about the role of these genetic variants in the Thai population. Objective: To identify the effect of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic variants on warfarin dosage in the Thai population with DVT. Material and Method: Genotyping of CYP2C9 (*2 and *3) and VKORC1 promoter (-1639G>A) variants were carried out in 97 Thai DVT patients receiving constant warfarin therapy and with a stable international normalized ratio using real-time PCR assays. Results: VKORC1 AA, GA, and GG genotype frequencies were found to be 49.5%, 46.4%, and 4.1%, respectively, while those of CYP2C9 genotypes were 88.7% for *1/*1 and 11.3% for *1/*3. The CYP2C9*2 variant was not present in the patients studied. The mean daily warfarin dose required to maintain a therapeutic INR differed significantly according to VKORC1 genotype, with 3.6 mg/day required for AA, 4.7 mg/day for GA, and 7.4 mg/day for GG (p-value <0.001). The CYP2C9 genotype did not significantly affect the warfarin dosage requirement (p-value = 0.29). Conclusion: These findings underline the impact of VKORC1 genotypes on the wide variation in warfarin maintenance dosing in Thai patients with DVT.Publication Metadata only Crystal structure of 4,6-diamino-2,2-dimethyl-3-[3-(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)-propoxy]-2,3-dihydro-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium chloride methanol monosolvate(2015-01-01) Pattarapol Khongsuk; Samran Prabpai; Palangpon Kongsaeree; Mahidol UniversityIn the title methanol-solvated salt, C14H19Cl3N5O2+·Cl-·-CH3OH, the triazine molecule is protonated at one of the triazine N atoms. In the crystal, the triazine cations are linked through a pair of N-H··· N hydrogen bonds, with graph-set R22(8), forming an inversion dimer. The protonated N atom and the 2- and 4-amino groups of the triazine cation interact with the chloride anion through N-H···Cl hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of a tape structure running along the b-axis direction. A short Cl···Cl contact [3.2937 (9) Å] is observed in the tape. The methanol molecule is linked to the chloride anion and the triazine cation, respectively, by an O-H···Cl hydrogen bond and a C-H···O interaction.Publication Metadata only Arterial injuries after penetrating brain injury in civilians: Risk factors on admission head computed tomography(2015-01-01) Uttam K. Bodanapally; Nitima Saksobhavivat; Kathirkamanathan Shanmuganathan; Bizhan Aarabi; Ashis K. Roy; University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center; Mahidol University; University of Maryland Medical Center©AANS, 2015. Object The object of this study was to determine the specific CT findings of the injury profile in penetrating brain injury (PBI) that are risk factors related to intracranial arterial injuries. Methods The authors retrospectively evaluated admission head CTs and accompanying digital subtraction angiography (DSA) studies from patients with penetrating trauma to the head in the period between January 2005 and December 2012. Two authors reviewed the CT images to determine the presence or absence of 30 injury profile variables and quantified selected variables. The CT characteristics in patients with and without arterial injuries were compared using univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the respective risk factors, independent predictors, and optimal threshold values for the continuous variables. Results Fifty-five patients were eligible for study inclusion. The risk factors for an intracranial arterial injury on univariate analysis were an entry wound over the frontobasal-temporal regions, a bihemispheric wound trajectory, a wound trajectory in proximity to the circle of Willis (COW), a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a higher SAH score, an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and a higher IVH score. A trajectory in proximity to the COW was the best predictor of injury (OR 6.8 and p = 0.005 for all penetrating brain injuries [PBIs]; OR 13.3 and p = 0.001 for gunshot wounds [GSWs]). Significant quantitative variables were higher SAH and IVH scores. An SAH score of 3 (area under the ROC curve [AUC] for all PBIs 0.72; AUC for GSWs 0.71) and an IVH score of 3 (AUC for all PBIs 0.65; AUC for GSWs 0.65) could be used as threshold values to suggest an arterial injury. Conclusions The risk factors identified may help radiologists suggest the possibility of arterial injury and prioritize neurointerventional consultation and potential DSA studies.Publication Metadata only Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among Myanmar migrant workers in Thai seafood industries(2015-01-01) Kyaw Thu Soe; Orapin Laosee; Suwassa Limsatchapanich; Cheerawit Rattanapan; Myanmar Ministry of Health; Mahidol University; Samutsongkram Provincial Health Office© 2015 Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB). A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with self-administered questionnaires among 368 Myanmar migrant workers to investigate the prevalence of and to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the Thai seafood industry. The results showed the prevalence of MSDs was 45.1% occurring in the last 7 days. Marital status, number of dependents, other health problems, working hours, repetitive hand movements, awkward posture of wrists, prolonged standing, and manual handling of heavy loads were found to be associated with MSDs. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the workers who were married, had more than two dependents, and had more exposure to awkward wrist postures were at significantly increased risk of MSDs. The study findings suggest the need for adequate knowledge of ergonomics and for awareness campaign programs focusing on prevention of MSDs, especially low back pain, to be initiated in industries for earlier detection of symptoms among seafood processing workers.Publication Metadata only A novel dengue virus serotype-2 nanovaccine induces robust humoral and cell-mediated immunity in mice(2015-03-30) Taweewun Hunsawong; Panya Sunintaboon; Saradee Warit; Butsaya Thaisomboonsuk; Richard G. Jarman; In Kyu Yoon; Sukathida Ubol; Stefan Fernandez; Mahidol University; Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Thailand; Thailand National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; Walter Reed Army Institute of Research© 2015. Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. The incidence of dengue has increased worldwide over the past few decades. Inadequate vector control, changing global ecology, increased urbanization, and faster global travel are factors enhancing the rapid spread of the virus and its vector. In the absence of specific antiviral treatments, the search for a safe and effective vaccine grows more imperative. Many strategies have been utilized to develop dengue vaccines. Here, we demonstrate the immunogenic properties of a novel dengue nanovaccine (DNV), composed of ultraviolet radiation (UV)-inactivated DENV-2, which has been loaded into the nanoparticles containing chitosan/Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin cell wall components (CS/BCG-NPs). We investigated the immunogenicity of DNV in a Swiss albino mouse model. Inoculation with various concentrations of vaccine (0.3, 1, 3 and 10μg/dose) with three doses, 15-day apart, induced strong anti-dengue IgM and IgG antibodies in the mouse serum along with neutralizing antibody against DENV-2 reference strain (16681), a clinical-isolate strain (00745/10) and the mouse-adapted New Guinea-C (NGC) strain. Cytokine and chemokine secretion in the serum of DNV-immunized mice showed elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-5, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-17, eotaxin and RANTES, all of which have varying immune functions. Furthermore, we observed a DNV dose-dependent increase in the frequencies of IFN-γ-producing CD4+and CD8+T cells after in vitro stimulation of nucleated cells. Based on these findings, DNV has the potential to become a candidate dengue vaccine.Publication Metadata only Breinlia (Breinlia) jittapalapongi n. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) from the Asian house rat Rattus tanezumi Temminck in Lao PDR(2015-01-01) Marina Veciana; Odile Bain; Serge Morand; Kittipong Chaisiri; Bounneuang Douangboupha; Jordi Miquel; Alexis Ribas; Universitat de Barcelona; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle; Universite de Montpellier; Centre d'Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos; Mahidol University; National Agriculture & Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI); Rajabhat University© 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. A new species of filarioid nematode of the genus Breinlia Yorke & Maplestone, 1926 (Nematoda: Filarioidea) is described from rodents in Lao PDR and according to its morphology, is placed in the subgenus Breinlia. Breinlia (Breinlia) jittapalapongi n. sp. occurs in the Asian house rat (Rattus tanezumi Temminck) and the Sikkim rat (Rattus andamanensis Blyth) and is reported from two localities (Luang Prabang and Champasak). The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners, which are mostly distributed in Australasia (twenty-two species), South East Asia (four species) and India (two species), by the following characters of the males: shape and size of gubernaculum, length of spicules, pattern of cloacal papillae and presence of sclerotised ring in the buccal capsule. This is the fifth species of Breinlia described from South East Asia.Publication Metadata only Diffusion-weighted chemical shift imaging of human brain metabolites at 7T(2015-06-01) Ayse Ece Ercan; Aranee Techawiboonwong; Maarten J. Versluis; Andrew G. Webb; Itamar Ronen; Leiden University Medical Center - LUMC; Mahidol University© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Purpose Diffusion-weighted chemical shift imaging (DW-CSI) of brain metabolites poses significant challenges associated with the acquisition of spectroscopic data in the presence of strong diffusion weighting gradients. We present a reproducible DW-CSI acquisition and processing scheme that addresses most of the potential sources of instability and provides reproducible and anatomically meaningful diffusion-weighted and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metabolite maps. Methods A real-time navigator-based acquisition scheme was used, allowing instantaneous reacquisition of corrupted k-space data and postprocessing correction of gradient-induced phase fluctuations. Eddy current correction based on residual water resonance was implemented and improved the quality of the data significantly. Results Highly reproducible diffusion-weighted metabolite maps of three highest concentration brain metabolites are shown. The navigator-based accept/reject strategy and the postacquisition corrections improved the stability of the DW-CSI signal and the reproducibility of the resulting DW-CSI maps significantly. The metabolite ADC values could be related to the underlying tissue cellular composition. Conclusion Robust investigation of DW-CSI of brain metabolites is feasible and may provide information complementary to that obtained from more sensitive but less specific methods such as diffusion tensor imaging. Magn Reson Med 73:2053-2061, 2015.Publication Metadata only Targeting the Cell Stress Response of Plasmodium falciparum to Overcome Artemisinin Resistance(2015-04-22) Con Dogovski; Stanley C. Xie; Gaetan Burgio; Jess Bridgford; Sachel Mok; James M. McCaw; Kesinee Chotivanich; Shannon Kenny; Nina Gnädig; Judith Straimer; Zbynek Bozdech; David A. Fidock; Julie A. Simpson; Arjen M. Dondorp; Simon Foote; Nectarios Klonis; Leann Tilley; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; Australian National University; Macquarie University, Australian School of Advanced Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; University of Melbourne; Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne; Mahidol University; Columbia University Medical Center; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine© 2015 Dogovski et al. Successful control of falciparum malaria depends greatly on treatment with artemisinin combination therapies. Thus, reports that resistance to artemisinins (ARTs) has emerged, and that the prevalence of this resistance is increasing, are alarming. ART resistance has recently been linked to mutations in the K13 propeller protein. We undertook a detailed kinetic analysis of the drug responses of K13 wild-type and mutant isolates of Plasmodium falciparum sourced from a region in Cambodia (Pailin). We demonstrate that ART treatment induces growth retardation and an accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, indicative of a cellular stress response that engages the ubiquitin/proteasome system. We show that resistant parasites exhibit lower levels of ubiquitinated proteins and delayed onset of cell death, indicating an enhanced cell stress response. We found that the stress response can be targeted by inhibiting the proteasome. Accordingly, clinically used proteasome inhibitors strongly synergize ART activity against both sensitive and resistant parasites, including isogenic lines expressing mutant or wild-type K13. Synergy is also observed against Plasmodium berghei in vivo. We developed a detailed model of parasite responses that enables us to infer, for the first time, in vivo parasite clearance profiles from in vitro assessments of ART sensitivity. We provide evidence that the clinical marker of resistance (delayed parasite clearance) is an indirect measure of drug efficacy because of the persistence of unviable parasites with unchanged morphology in the circulation, and we suggest alternative approaches for the direct measurement of viability. Our model predicts that extending current three-day ART treatment courses to four days, or splitting the doses, will efficiently clear resistant parasite infections. This work provides a rationale for improving the detection of ART resistance in the field and for treatment strategies that can be employed in areas with ART resistance.Publication Metadata only Supply chain of Thailand product champion: A case study of the passenger car tyre industry(2015-01-01) Duangpun Kritchanchai; Tuanjai Somboonwiwat; Wirachchaya Chanpuypetch; Mahidol University; King Mongkuts University of Technology Thonburi© 2015 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. The direction of Thailand logistics research is geared toward enhancing the country's competitiveness. To achieve that, logistics research must be conducted from the perspective of the supply chain. In this paper, the supply chain of the Thailand product champion is determined. The passenger car tyre industry is found to be one of the product champions of Thailand. It has one of the highest export values, with high demand in the world market. We then analyse the flow from upstream to downstream. The proportions of rubber product flows in each area, from upstream to midstream and midstream to downstream, are exhibited. Forecasting for future productivity is also taken into account. Capacity balance in the chain is determined to be the major problem. Future locations and capacity needed for passenger car tyre production are proposed. The direction of the industry's competitiveness is also presented in this paper.Publication Metadata only The role of apoB measurement in Type 2 diabetic patients(2015-01-01) Brian Lee; Busadee Pratumvinit; Nuntakorn Thongtang; HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center; Mahidol University© 2015 Future Medicine Ltd. Aims: ApoB and non-HDL-C more accurately quantify cardiovascular risk than LDL-C; however, controversies exist over which is more clinically useful. We determined how well non-HDL-C targets predicted the attainment of apoB goals. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study of Type 2 diabetic patients who achieved LDL-C <100 mg/dl, apoB and non-HDL-C concentrations, and the accuracy of non-HDL-C targets against apoB goals were determined. Results: Positive predictive values of non-HDL-C goals in predicting attainment of apoB goals were 90.3%, but were reduced in patients with hypertriglyceridemia or coronary heart disease (CHD). Conclusion: ApoB measurement could be useful in evaluating cardiovascular risk in diabetic subjects with hypertriglyceridemia or CHD who have already achieved LDL-C and non-HDL-C targets.Publication Metadata only Lysinibacillus sphaericus binary toxin induces apoptosis in susceptible Culex quinquefasciatus larvae(2015-06-01) Chontida Tangsongcharoen; Nusara Chomanee; Boonhiang Promdonkoy; Panadda Boonserm; Mahidol University; Thailand National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology© 2015 Elsevier Inc. During sporulation, a Gram-positive bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus (. Ls) produces the mosquito larvicidal binary toxin composed of 2 subunits, BinA and BinB. Full toxicity against Culex and Anopheles mosquito larvae is achieved when both subunits are administered together at equimolar amounts. Although cellular responses to Bin toxin have been reported in previous studies, it remains essential to extensively examine the cytopathic effects in vivo to define the underlying mechanism of larval death. In this study, 4th instar Culex quinquefasciatus larvae fed with different doses of Bin toxin were analyzed both for ultrastructural as well as biochemical effects. Typical morphological changes consistent with apoptosis were observed in mosquito larvae exposed to Bin toxin, including mitochondrial swelling, chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic vacuolization and apoptotic cell formation. Bin toxin also induced the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in larval midgut cells. Our current observations thus suggest that Bin toxin triggers apoptosis via an intrinsic or mitochondrial pathway in vivo, possibly contributing to larval death.Publication Metadata only Factors associated with immunological discordance in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy with complete viral suppression in a resource-limited setting(2015-01-01) Pornpimol Mingbunjerdsuk; Nakhon Asdamongkol; Somnuek Sungkanuparph; Mahidol University© 2015, National Institute of Health. All rights reserved. “Immunological discordance,” i.e., immunological failure despite complete viral suppression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), is associated with increased risk of AIDS or death. To evaluate risk factors for immunological discordance in a resource-limited setting in which patients usually present late with low CD4 cell counts, we conducted a case-control study among HIV-infected patients receiving ART and having undetectable HIV RNA. The study included patients with immunological discordance (cases), which was defined as CD4 cell count ＜ 30z above baseline and absolute CD4 cell count ＜ 200 cells/mm3 at the first 12 months of undetectable HIV RNA (＜50 copies/mL). Patients without immunological discordance were included as controls. Of 142 patients (44 cases; 98 controls), the mean age was 38.6 ± 9.4 years and 67.6z were men; 65.5z had history of opportunistic infections. In multivariate analysis, only baseline CD4 cell count ＜ 100 cells/mm3 (odd ratio [OR], 2.53; 95z confidence interval [CI], 1.04–6.14; P ＝ 0.040) and history of lost to follow-up (OR, 11.04; 95z CI, 2.87–42.46; P ＜ 0.001) were significantly associated with immunological discordance. Early initiation of ART and intervention to improve regular clinic visit compliance and adherence to ART are crucial to prevent immunological discordance among HIV-infected patients.Publication Metadata only Osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase in Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at different ages(2015-01-01) Nlin Arya; Walasinee Moonarmart; Nareerat Cheewamongkolnimit; Nutcha Keratikul; Sawinee Poon-iam; Andrew Routh; Pitikarn Bumpenpol; Taweepoke Angkawanish; Mahidol University; Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust; Thai Elephant Conservation Center under Royal Patronage© 2015 Elsevier Ltd. Bone turnover markers could offer a potential alternative means for the early diagnosis of metabolic bone disease in young growing elephants although the baseline of bone turnover markers in elephant is not well established. The aim of this study was to determine any relationship between the age of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and markers of bone formation.Serum samples from 24 female Asian elephants were collected to evaluate levels of two bone formation markers, namely, osteocalcin (OC) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP). Both intact and N-terminal midfragment OC and BAP were negatively correlated with age. The findings demonstrate that younger elephants have a higher rate of bone turnover than older elephants. Use of these and additional bone markers could lead to the establishment of validated protocols for the monitoring of bone disease in elephants.Publication Metadata only Non-territorial Macaques Can Range Like Territorial Gibbons When Partially Provisioned With Food(2015-11-01) Juan Manuel José-Domínguez; Marie Claude Huynen; Carmen J. García; Aurélie Albert-Daviaud; Tommaso Savini; Norberto Asensio; Universidad de Granada; Universite de Liege; Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle; King Mongkuts University of Technology; Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University© 2015 Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation Inc. Human food supplementation can affect components of animal socioecology by altering the abundance and distribution of available food. We studied the effect of food supplementation by comparing the ranging patterns and intergroup interactions of two groups of northern pigtailed macaques (Macaca leonina), a non-territorial primate species. One group was partially reliant on food provisioning, whereas the other group foraged wild food. We also compared the macaques' movement with that of a group of white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar), a territorial species inhabiting the same site. Home range, core area, and daily path lengths were significantly smaller for the semi-provisioned group than for the wild-feeding group. In contrast to wild-feeding macaques, supplemented macaques showed higher fidelity to home range, core area, and particularly to the region where human food was most accessible and abundant. The relationship of daily path length and home range indicated a low defendability index for wild-feeding macaques; the higher index for the semi-provisioned group was consistent with the territorial pattern found in gibbons. Semi-provisioned macaques showed further traits of territoriality with aggression during intergroup encounters. These findings indicate that human modification of food availability can significantly affect movement patterns and intergroup competition in macaques. The observed ranging dynamics related to food provisioning may decrease the efficiency of macaques as seed dispersers and increase predation on their home range, and thus have important consequences for plant regeneration and animal diversity.