<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: Envenoming by snakebite is an important public health problem in rural tropics. Venomous snake families such as Elapidae and Viperidae frequently produce severe poisoning. Anti-venoms are not available for all venomous snakes of Thailand and there is need for more development in this field.Objective: We characterized the important venomous snakes’ distribution of Thailand.Method:Venomous snake species are described in details including their identification, range, and extraterritorial distribution.Result: Eighteen snake species of the family Elapidae are summarized in their characteristics and distribution. There are three species of Naja, one species of Ophiophagus, three species of Bungarus, four species of Calliophis, one species of Sinomicrurus, two species of Laticauda, and four species of subfamily Hydrophiinae. Fifteen snake species of the family Viperidae consisting of one species of subfamily Viperinae and fourteen species of subfamily Crotalinae are also discussed.Conclusion: All these snakes are venomous and their venom is potentially fatal since birth.</abstract>

Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330,

1113 25th Avenue, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601-2947,

Characterization of venomous snakes of Thailand

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: Collagen has attracted great interest as a biomaterial for various dental and medical uses.Objective: Investigate the characteristics and biocompatibility of type I collagen extracted from rat-tail tendon and bovine Achilles tendon for dental application. Materials and methods: Type-I collagen was extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon using pepsin. The purity of collagen extracts was examined using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The biocompatibility with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and human oral keratinocytes (HOKs) was examined using an MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) illustrations of purified collagen alone and collagen with HGFs and HOKs were presented. A three-dimensional wound-healing model of fibroblast populated collagen lattice (FPCL) was used to determine the capability of both sources of collagen to induce wound healing in vitro. Cellular collagen lattices were fabricated to examine the contraction rate of these collagens. Results: The average yield of collagen extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon were 21.8±14.9% and 5.4±0.4%, respectively. The SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the extracts were composed of alpha 1, alpha 2 and beta chains with little contamination of other small proteins. The MTT assay showed good proliferation of cells cultured with each collagen extract, indicating that collagen extracts were non-toxic to the cells. SEM and the FPCL analysis showed that both types of collagen were biocompatible with both HGFs and HOKs, inducing good contraction in the in vitro model. Conclusion: Type-I collagen extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon appeared to be biocompatible with HGFs and HOKs. Both biomaterials may be of use in dental practice.</abstract>

Department of Advanced General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,

Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,

Type I collagen extracted from rat-tail and bovine Achilles tendon for dental application: a comparative study

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: Sertaconazole is a new imidazole fungicide introduced for vulvo-vaginal candidiasis. It has an azole group with benzothiophene that inhibits biosynthesis of ergosterol and brings about a massive leak of cytoplasm with consequent fungal cell death. Objective: Assess the safety and efficacy of Sertaconazole in the treatment of fungal vulvo-vaginitis for comparison with Fluconazole and Clotrimazole. Subjects and methods: One-hundred eighty-eight outpatients with fungal vulvo-vaginitis were recruited at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand between August 31, 2004 and January 30, 2006. The patients were given Sertaconazole, Fluconazole, or Clotrimazole, and received vaginal swab and culture for fungus at seventh and 28th days after treatment. Results: Out of 188 cases, 177 cases were followed-up completely. Sertaconazole group included 66 cases where 35 cure, 20 fail, and 7 recurrent cases. Fluconazole group included 60 cases and had 37 cure, six fail, and 20 recurrence cases. Clotrimazole group included 55 cases and had 32 cure, nine fail and 11 recurrent cases. There were risk factors of fungal vulvo-vaginitis, including frequent micturition and small toilet shower flushing. Conclusion: Sertaconazole had similar effectiveness and less side-effect as compared with Fluconazole and Clotrimazole. It appeared to work well with lowest recurrence.</abstract>

Safety and efficacy of a new imidazole fungicide, Sertaconazole, in the treatment of fungal vulvo-vaginitis: a comparative study using Fluconazole and Clotrimazole

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><sec id="j_1905-7415.1005.505_s_001_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b1Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d5607169e13758_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b1aAa">Background</title>Feeder-free monolayer culture and the suspension culture of embryoid bodies (EB) followed by
adherent culture, rosette selection, and expansion are 2 methods for deriving neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Direct comparison of these 2 methods has not yet been reported.</sec><sec id="j_1905-7415.1005.505_s_002_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b2Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d5607169e13767_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b2aAa">Objectives</title>To compare the influence of NPC derivation methods on the properties of NPCs derived from rhesus monkey (<italic>Macaca mulatta</italic>) embryonic stem cells (rhESCs).</sec><sec id="j_1905-7415.1005.505_s_003_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b3Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d5607169e13779_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b3aAa">Methods</title>rhESCs were used to derive NPC lines using 2 different methods. EB were produced from a suspension culture of rhESC clumps and rhESCs were cultured in feeder-free monolayers on poly-L-ornithine/laminin coated plates. NPCs were derived by exposure to induction factors. Cell morphology, neural and nonneural lineage markers were evaluated. We measured the expression of nuclear receptor tailless (TLX), which acts as repressor of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression.</sec><sec id="j_1905-7415.1005.505_s_004_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b4Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d5607169e13788_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b4aAa">Results</title>NPCs were successful derived using either method, with homogenous populations based on the
expression of nestin (&gt;97%) and Pax6 (&gt;99%) as shown by flow cytometry. No significant difference in NPC specific markers or ability to differentiate into neurons in vitro was found between the methods. However, the expression of GFAP was &gt;400-fold higher in cells produced by the feeder-free method. This distinction was consistent with the lower expression of TLX.</sec><sec id="j_1905-7415.1005.505_s_005_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b5Aa"><title style='display:none' id="d5607169e13798_w2aab3b7b1b1b6b1aab1c17b5aAa">Conclusions</title>NPCs derived by feeder-free and EB methods share similar morphology and properties. The elevated expression of GFAP and reduced expression of TLX in NPCs derived using the feeder-free method may explain their greater heterogeneity and tendency to differentiate toward cells of an astrocyte lineage.</sec></abstract>

Comparison of methods for deriving neural progenitor cells from nonhuman primate embryonic stem cells

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: International guidelines recommend infiltration of Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) into and around animal bite wounds in category III potential rabies exposures. This is followed by vaccination with an approved tissue culture rabies vaccine.Objective: We assessed the feasibility and safety of injecting Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (ERIG) into anatomical sites with less space for expansion. Methods: A prospective study on 195 patients having category III animal bites over fingers, toes, nose, ear lobule, and eyelids was carried out at the Anti-Rabies Clinic of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College, Berhampur, Orissa, India. All patients received Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin (ERIG).Results: No major side effects were observed. Minor side effects included induration (67.1%), pain (53.8%), and pruritus (29.2%). No compartment syndrome was seen.Conclusion: Injecting ERIG into and around bite wounds following WHO and US-CDC guidelines in areas where no ample space is available, such as fingers, is a safe procedure.</abstract>

Safety of equine rabies immunoglobulin injection into fingers and toes

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: The use of analgesics with different mechanism of action enhances post-operative pain relief by opioids. Both celecoxib and gabapentin have opioid-sparing effect, but it is unclear whether combination of the two drugs accentuates postoperative analgesia and further reduced opioid requirement.Objective: Determine whether the perioperative use of celecoxib in combination with gabapentin reduces the amount of post-operative opioid consumption in comparison to celecoxib alone or gabapentin alone in patients that have major orthopedic surgery.Materials and methods: Randomized double-blinded placebo controlled trial was done in 99 patients underwent major orthopedic surgery. They were randomly allocated into four groups. One to two hours before anesthesia, they received midazolam 7.5 mg plus study drugs. Group P received placebo plus placebo at 12 and 24 hours later. Group C received celecoxib 400 mg plus celecoxib 200 mg at 12 and 24 hour later. Group G received gabapentin 400 mg plus gabapentin 300 mg at 12 and 24 hour later. Finally, group CG received celecoxib 400 mg + gabapentin 400 mg plus celecoxib 200 mg + gabapentin 300 mg at 12 and 24 hour later. The patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia. Post-operative pain was treated by intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia. Results: Median morphine consumption (minimum-maximum) in twenty-four hours was 18.0, 15.0, 15.5, and 8.0 mg, in group P, C, G, and CG, respectively. The group CG significantly consumed less morphine (41%) in 24 hour than group G, but not significantly less (38%) than group C. Pain score, sedation score, and nausea/vomiting at postoperative hour 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 was not significantly different.Conclusion: Combination of celecoxib and gabapentin further accentuated post-operative analgesia by morphine comparing to celecoxib or gabapentin alone without change in pain score and other side effects of the medications.</abstract>

Associate Professor MD, Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd, Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400,

Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,

Combination of gabapentin and celecoxib for analgesia after major orthopedic surgery: a randomized, controlled trial

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
The early diagnosis and treatment of cholangiocarcinoma may benefit from specific tumor markers to be used in clinical practice.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objectives</title>
To investigate whether the pGCsiRNA-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can affect the onset and progression of cholangiocarcinoma and its possible mechanism using the targeted therapy of nude mouse model of cholangiocarcinoma with attenuated <italic>Salmonella</italic> carrying the plasmid pGCsiRNA-VEGF.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
The nude mouse model of cholangiocarcinoma was established by tail vein injection of QBC939 cells and given attenuated <italic>Salmonella</italic> carrying the plasmid pGCsiRNA-VEGF. One month later, the tumor volume of nude mice was observed, and the tumor growth curve was plotted. The harvested tumors were weighed and detected for tissue structural changes and cell death status by hematoxylin–eosin staining. The protein and mRNA expressions of VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9 were detected by Western blotting and PCR, respectively.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
The tumor volume and weight of the pGCsiRNA-VEGF group were significantly smaller than those of the mock and the si-scramble groups (<italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.05). The expressions of VEGF, MMP2, and MMP9 at the transcriptional and translational levels were inhibited by pGCsiRNA-VEGF. PGCsiRNA-VEGF promoted tissue apoptosis and destroyed the tissue structure.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
In vivo silencing of VEGF can affect cell survival and inhibit cell migration, invasion, and development, probably by enhancing apoptosis and inhibiting the expressions of MMP2 and MMP9.
</sec>
</abstract>

Treatment of cholangiocarcinoma by pGCsiRNA-vascular endothelial growth factor in vivo

Cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis and treatment

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
Wolffian tumors in females are rare gynecological neoplasms, with fewer than 100 cases reported. Existing literature primarily focuses on the pathology, and reports involving imaging are limited.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
This study presents a case of Wolffian tumor, emphasizing its magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics to enhance preoperative diagnostic accuracy.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Case report</title>
A 56-year-old woman presented with a year-long history of irregular vaginal bleeding. MRI revealed a solid mass in the right adnexal region. On T2-weighted images, the mass exhibited slightly elevated signal intensity with a distinctive low-signal intensity rim. Diffusion-weighted imaging displayed markedly increased signal intensity, and the contrast enhancement was moderate. The patient underwent laparoscopic right adnexectomy and received a Wolffian tumor diagnosis. No recurrence was observed during a 6-month follow-up.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
Wolffian tumors exhibit distinctive MRI presentations. Notably, the prominent low-signal intensity rim on MRI may aid in accurate preoperative tumor diagnosis.
</sec>
</abstract>

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of a case with Wolffian tumor and related literature review

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype, characterized by loss of HER2, estrogen, and progesterone receptors, displays aggressive phenotype and poor prognosis compared to other BC subtypes. Since the TNBC cells are devoid of receptors, endocrine therapy is an ineffective option for TNBC patients, necessitating canonical chemotherapy strategies to treat TNBC. It is crucial to use alternative and natural agents to support chemotherapy in TNBC.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objectives</title>
To clarify the molecular mechanism of the tumorigenic effects of gambogic acid (GA) on TNBC cells with different epithelial character since GA has a wide spectrum of anticancer activity for most cancer types.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
We determined the cytotoxic dose of GA incubation of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and BT-20 cells) for 24 h. We performed the MTT test and toluidine blue (TB) staining protocol for TNBC cells. We analyzed E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Bax, and neuroserpin mRNAs in both cells by qPCR. We evaluated apoptosis using DAPI staining and assessed the ROS using the 2ʹ,7ʹ-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) method.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
We determined the IC50 concentrations of GA in MDA-MB-231 and BT-20 cells to be 315.8 nM and 441.8 nM, respectively. TB staining showed that BT-20 cells survive at excessive cytotoxic doses of GA, while most of the MDA-MB-231 cells were killed. Also, we found that BT-20 cells are more resistant to GA-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress than the MDA-MB-231 cells. qPCR results showed that GA upregulated neuroserpin, an oxidative stress-relieving factor in the BT-20 cells, but not in the MDA-MB-231 cells.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
The elevated level of neuroserpin could be a predictive marker to determine the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.
</sec>
</abstract>

Elevated level of neuroserpin is an indication for the resistance to gambogic acid-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in triple-negative breast cancer cells

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The diagnostic approach for patients with tremor is challenging due to the complex and overlapping phenotypes among tremor syndromes. The first step in the evaluation of tremor is to identify the tremulous movement and exclude the tremor mimics. The second step is to classify the tremor syndrome based on the characteristics of tremor from historical clues and focused examination (Axis 1). Comprehensive tremor examinations involve the assessment of tremor in different conditions (rest, action or mixed, position or task-specific), distribution of tremor (upper limb, lower limb, head, jaw), positive signs for functional tremor (FT) if suspected (distractibility, entrainment, co-contraction), and associated neurological signs including parkinsonism, dystonic posture, cerebellar/brainstem signs, neuropathy, and cognitive impairment. A pivotal feature in this step is to determine any distinct feature of a specific isolated or combined tremor syndrome. In this review, we propose an algorithm to assess upper limb tremors. Ancillary testing should be performed if clinical evaluation is unclear. The choice of investigation depends on the types of tremors considered to narrow down the spectrum of etiology (Axis 2). Laboratory blood tests are considered for acute onset and acute worsening of tremors, while structural neuroimaging is indicated in unilateral tremors with acute onset, nonclassical presentations, and a combination of neurological symptoms. Neurophysiological study is an important tool that aids in distinguishing between tremor and myoclonus, etiology of tremor and document specific signs of FT. Treatment is mainly symptomatic based depending on the etiology of the tremor and the patient’s disabilities.
</abstract>

Bedside clinical assessment of patients with common upper limb tremor and algorithmic approach

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
Thailand has been administering the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment for &gt;20 years. Due to limited resources being available, efforts have been directed toward utilizing rhGH at the lowest feasible dose. However, there is currently a lack of evidence in terms of the efficacy and outcomes.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
To evaluate the auxological outcomes of growth hormone (GH) treatment and the GH secretion ability after reaching final adult height (FAH) and discontinuing rhGH.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
Data of 40 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, auxological data, and results of biochemical and endocrine investigations before and during rhGH treatment were evaluated. In addition, GH retesting was performed in 24 patients using the insulin tolerance test.
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
Twenty patients (50%) had complete growth hormone deficiency (GHD), defined as peak stimulated GH level &lt;5 ng/mL, and the remaining patients had partial GHD. Most patients were male (n = 25, 62.5%). The mean age at which rhGH was initiated was 8.9 years. Patients with partial GHD received a higher dose of rhGH than those with complete GHD (30.9 µg/kg/d vs. 26.2 µg/kg/d, <italic>P</italic> = 0.02). Patients with complete and partial GHD reached FAH at height standard deviation scores (SDSs) of −0.65 and −1.47, respectively. The factors associated with obtaining a good clinical response in terms of height gain included peak-stimulated GH level, age of puberty, and age of discontinuing rhGH. After completing the rhGH treatment, 13 of the 24 patients showed normal GH secretion. Patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) were likely to have persistent GHD through adulthood (n = 8, 88.9%).
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
This study has demonstrated that the use of low-dose rhGH could result in healthy populations achieving optimal FAHs. Patients with MPHD might not require retesting as they were likely to have persistent GHD. The results obtained in this research highlight the benefits of the treatment. This treatment can be applied in resource-limited countries.
</sec>
</abstract>

Optimal final adult height achieved by low-dose recombinant human growth hormone therapy

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Target-specific drug-delivery systems for the administration of pharmaceutical compounds enable the localization of drugs to diseased sites. Various types of drug-delivery systems utilize carriers, such as immunoglobulins, serum proteins, synthetic polymers, liposomes, and microspheres. The vesicular system of niosomes, with their bilayer structure assembled by nonionic surfactants, is able to enhance the bioavailability of a drug to a predetermined area for a period. The amphiphilic nature of niosomes promotes their efficiency in encapsulating lipophilic or hydrophilic drugs. Other additives, such as cholesterol, can be used to maintain the rigidity of the niosomes’ structure. This narrative review describes fundamental aspects of niosomes, including their structural components, methods of preparation, limitations, and current applications to various diseases.</abstract>

Niosomes: a review of their structure, properties, methods of preparation, and medical applications

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background and Objective: Although perinatal depression is a worldwide problem, most of the studies related to this issue have been conducted in Western countries. This paper summarizes the literature on the prevalence as well as associated factors among Asian countries where the cultural attitudes, customs, and norms are considerably different from those in Western countries.Methods: We conducted a literature search using MEDLINE (PubMed) from 1968, PsychINFO from 1970, and SCOPUS database from 1982 using keywords “depression”, “antenatal”, “antepartum”, “pregnancy”, “postnatal”, “postpartum”, “perinatal”, “after childbirth” and “Asia”. Only the articles published in English were included.Results: The overall prevalence of depression during pregnancy and postnatal period are about 20% and 21.8%, respectively. The factors related to perinatal depression can be grouped into the following categories, individual characteristics, husband/marital relationship, pregnancy-related, infant-related, and other psychosocial issues. While there is considerable overlap between Asian and Western countries with respect to risk factors for perinatal depression, premarital pregnancy, conflict with mother in-law, and dissatisfaction with infant’s gender are more specific to Asian cultures.Conclusions: Studies conducted in Asian countries suggest that the prevalence of perinatal depression is slightly higher than in Western countries. There are several unique culturally related issues that clinicians treating pregnant and postpartum Asian women should be aware as they contribute to an increased risk of depression in these women.</abstract>

MD, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330,

Department of Psychiatry and Obstetrics/ Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

The Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness, Pennsylvania 19107,

Perinatal depression in Asian women: prevalence, associated factors, and cultural aspects

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> In Thailand, more than 150,000 patients are currently treated with antiretroviral drugs under the support of the National AIDS Program (NAP). The appointed Adults and Adolescents Committee consisted of 28 members who are experts in HIV research, patient care or health care policy. Relevant published literature, guidelines, and the most recent relevant clinical trials presented internationally were reviewed. Several peer review and clinical studies conducted in Thailand were included in the review process. Special considerations for patients with co-infection of tuberculosis or hepatitis B were incorporated. Appropriate cut-off of CD4+ T-cell counts when to commence ART among Thai patients have been considered. It is now recommended to start ART at CD4+ T-cell count &lt;350 cells/mm3. For treatment-naive patients, the preferred initial therapy is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen containing lamivudine plus zidovudine or tenofovir. Stavudine will be phased out in a two-year plan at the national program level. Viral load and CD4+ T-cell counts should be monitored at least once and twice a year. To achieve long-term treatment success, enhancing adherence together with the proper management of antiretroviral-related toxicity is critical. In summary, the major changes from the Thai 2008 guidelines include commencing ART earlier. ART is recommended regardless of CD4+ T cell count if patients have an indication to treat their HBV co-infection. Preferred first regimen uses AZT or TDF, not d4T as the NRTI-backbone. Furthermore, efavirenz is now considered a preferred NNRTI, along with nevirapine.</abstract>

Thai national guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected adults and adolescents 2010

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: Trichuriasis is an important soil-transmitted helminth infection caused by Trichuris trichiura. About one-tenth of the world population may be infected. Incidentally, T. vulpis or dog whipworm has been reported to infect humans based on the egg size. However, an overlapping egg dimension occurs between T. trichiura and T. vulpis leading to the potential for misdiagnosis. Objective: Develop a PCR method to differentiate T. trichiura and T. vulpis eggs in stool samples and to investigate the prevalence of both whipworms in humans and dogs in a rural community in Thailand. Materials and methods: We determined and compared the small subunit ribosomal RNA sequences of both species of whipworms for developing species-specific PCR diagnosis. After validation of the method, we conducted a cross-sectional survey at Ta Song Yang District in Tak Province, northwestern Thailand in 2008. Stool samples were randomly recruited from 80 schoolchildren (36 males, 44 females) and 79 dogs in this community. Results: Fifty-six individuals harbored Trichuris eggs in their stools. The PCR-based diagnosis revealed that 50 cases were infected with T. trichiura and six (10.7%) were co-infected with both T. trichiura and T. vulpis. Although the dimension of Trichuris eggs provided some diagnostic clues for species differentiation, a remarkable variation in the length of these whipworm eggs was observed among samples that could lead to misdiagnosis. Conclusion: Both T. trichiura and T. vulpis eggs were detected in stool samples of dogs that roamed around this community, highlighting the potential reservoir role of dogs in the transmission of both human and dog whipworms in this population.</abstract>

Trichuris vulpis and T. trichiura infections among schoolchildren of a rural community in northwestern Thailand: the possible role of dogs in disease transmission

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The genus Ferula (Apiaceae) comprises about 170 species occurring from central Asia westward to northern Africa. This genus is well-known in folk medicine for the treatment of various organ disorders. Most of Ferula species possess strong aromatic smell that is due to the presence of essential oil or oleoresin in their different organs. This article reviews anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and other biological activities of Ferula oils reported to date. For medicinal applications, the chemical composition of volatile oils obtained from different Ferula species is summarized in Appendix.</abstract>

Biological activities of essential oils from the genus Ferula (Apiaceae)

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Background: Helminth infections continue to pose serious health problems in Thailand. The infections of greatest concern are opisthorchiasis and hookworm.Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of these infections. The Thai Ministry of Health established a national health plan in 1995 to coordinate health plans for the provincial public health sectors.Methods: A national survey based on probability sampling, interviews, and stool examinations was conducted in 2009 to gather prevalence information of the helminth infections.Results: We found an overall prevalence of helminthiasis among 15,555 Thai people of 18.1%. The highest prevalence was found in the northeastern regions of Thailand. By comparison with previous surveys conducted over the past 5 decades, the prevalence rates have decreased. However, pockets of high infection remain, particularly in the north and northeast of Thailand.Conclusions: Targeted intervention by means of educational programs and public health intervention, and continuing surveillance are indicated.</abstract>

Thitima Wongsaroj, Bureau of General Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000,

Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150,

Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400,

Bureau of General Communicable Diseases, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi 11000,

Department of English, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samut Prakarn 10540,

Brief communication (Original). National survey of helminthiasis in Thailand

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