bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a 3-day artesunate-mefloquine combination in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Kanchanaburi province of Thailand
Authors: Congpuong Kanungnit , Saipomsud Wittaya , Chompoonuch Chutatip , Niemhom Paitoon , Vinayak Sumiti , Satimai Wichai 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: In Kanchanaburi province located on the Thai-Myanmar border, Plasmodium falciparum parasites have developed significant resistance to commonly-used anti-malarials. For use against falciparum malaria, 2-day artesunate-mefloquine combination (MAS2) has recently been replaced by a 3-day artesunate-mefloquine combination (MAS3) that is an artemisinin-based combination therapy regimen recommended by the WHO. Objective: Investigate the efficacy and safety of MAS3 in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in patients of Kanchaburi province. Methods: The study was conducted at Bongtee sub-district, Sai Yok district, Kanchanaburi province between June and November 2009. Fifty-one uncomplicated falciparum malaria patients were enrolled. Inclusion, exclusion and study method followed the WHO protocol for assessment and monitoring of antimalarial drug efficacy for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Patients received a MAS3 and were followed for 42 days. Results: All patients clinically recovered, but four patients were again parasitaemic on day 21, (1 patient) 28 (2 patients) and 42 (1 patient), respectively. Molecular analyses suggested that all recurrences were caused by recrudescence. There were no severe adverse events, but complaints of headache, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and vomiting. Delay in parasite clearance was found. Proportion of parasite clearance on day 1, 2, 3 and 7 were 17.7%, 62.7%, 80.4%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: MAS3 is comparable to MAS2, and meet the WHO efficacy criteria for use against falciparum malaria, but the effect on parasite clearance was inferior to that of MAS2. Close monitoring evaluation is required.
Association between angiotensin II type-1 receptor A1166C polymorphism and the presence of angiographically-defined coronary artery disease in an Iranian population
Authors: Assali Akram , Behravan Javad , Paydar Roghayeh , Mouhebati Mohsen , Hassania Mitra , Kasaeyan Jamal , Tatari Farnoosh , Tavallaie Shima , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Oladi Mohammadreza , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Esmaeily Habib A. , Ferns Gordon 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: There are reported associations between a polymorphism of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R/A1166C) gene and coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and myocardial infarction in some populations. Objective: Investigate the association between A1166C polymorphism and CAD in an Iranian population. Methods: Four hundred and thirteen patients with suspected CAD were recruited. Based on coronary angiography, the patients were classified into CAD+ (n=315) and CAD- (n=98) groups defined as >50% and <50% stenosis of any major coronary artery, respectively. One hundred and thirty-five healthy subjects were also recruited as the control group. The AT1R polymorphism was assessed using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) based method. Results: A higher frequency of the AC and CC genotypes and lower frequency of the AA genotype was observed in both CAD+ and CAD- groups, compared with the control group (p <0.05). CAD+ and CAD- groups also had a higher frequency of the C allele than controls (p <0.01). There was no significant difference in genotype and allele frequencies between hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients (p > 0.05). In addition, the AT1R genotype frequencies did not differ significantly among different subgroups of CAD+ patients, based on the number of affected coronary vessels (p >0.05). Conclusion: The frequency AT1R/A1166C polymorphism was higher among patients with some degrees of coronary stenosis who are candidates of coronary angiography.
The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and the risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN): a meta-analysis in East Asian populations
Authors: Feng Jie , Wan Gang , Zhu Xiaoquan , Wang Binyou , Yang Ze 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Several studies have examined the association between DN and the APOE gene, but the results have been inconsistent. Objective: Determine whether APOE is a risk factor for DN by a meta-analysis. Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using all findings of 16 similar case-control studies in East Asian to evaluate the effect of APOE as a risk factor for DN. Several electronic databases were searched for relevant articles up to 2009. After data collection, a meta-analysis was used to assess heterogeneity, combine results and evaluate variations by using software STATA SE 9.0. Publication bias was examined by the Egger’s linear regression test and fail-safe number. Results: The meta-analysis showed that the ε2 allele almost doubled the risk of DN in East Asians (pooled ORs [95% CI]: 1.85 [1.49-2.29]). In contrast, studies relating the ε4 allele to DN risk were very heterogeneous and the pooled ORs were 1.05 [95% CI: 0.72-1.52]. In the subgroup meta-analysis, ε4 was substantially related to an increased risk for DN in studies conducted in China (pooled ORs [95% CI]: 1.51 [1.11-2.06]), which was different from previous results. However, the higher risk of DN associated with ε4 was not found in Japanese or Korean populations (pooled ORs [95% CI]: 0.46 [0.27-0.80] and 0.58 [0.09-3.55], respectively). Conclusion: The ε2 allele conferred a higher risk of DN in East Asians, and no significant result was obtained with the ε4 allele.
Prescribing pattern of higher generation antibiotics in the out-patient setting in Bhutan hospitals
Authors: Tobgay Tashi , Tandin  , Rai Manusika , Aagaard-Hansen Jens , Johansen Maria Vang , Hansen Ebba Holme , Trap Birna 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: The emergence of antibiotic resistance is a complex problem contributed by the interplay of various parties such as prescribers, patients or health settings. In particular, prescribers play a vital role in the use of antibiotics both in rational prescribing of drugs and influencing patients on the appropriate use. Objectives: Determine the appropriateness of the higher generation antibiotics (cephalosporin and flouroquonolone groups) in the out-patient setting of Bhutan hospitals. Materials and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three referral hospitals of Bhutan where the prescriptions were collected from the pharmacy. All prescriptions containing higher generation antibiotics were selected based on the appropriateness using a modified Medication Appropriateness Index. Three hundred thirty three prescriptions containing higher generation antibiotics were analyzed. Results: The use of antibiotics was common with 37.1% of the prescriptions containing antibiotics out of which 14% were higher generation antibiotics. When assessed on the appropriateness of the prescription, 55.9% of the prescriptions containing higher generation antibiotics were prescribed inappropriately. In addition, only 47.1% of the prescriptions had appropriate indications for higher generation antibiotics. Conclusion: There is a widespread inappropriate use of higher generation antibiotics in Bhutan.
The role of metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney diseases
Authors: Chan James C. M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground and objectives: This review focuses on three areas, basic acid-base physiology especially concerning hydrogen ion balance, development of acidosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the consequences of acidosis. We highlight what is well established, what is less certain, and what is unknown. Method and results: The literature on acidosis in CKD were searched from 2004 to 2010 utilizing PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid to augment the classic work on acid base physiology over the past three decades. The original research in endogenous acid production and net acid excretion were reviewed. Touching upon the development of metabolic acidosis in CKD, we focused on the consequences of chronic metabolic acidosis on growth and other important variables. Finally, we recognize the significant issue of patients’ medical non-compliance and presented treatment strategy to counter this problem. Conclusion: The correction of acidosis in chronic kidney disease needs no advocacy. The case is made conclusively. Patient non-compliance because of the medication that needs to be taken several times a day is a problem, requiring due diligence.
Quality and patient safety in anesthesia service: Thai survey
Authors: Charuluxananan Somrat , Saengchote Wanwimol , Klanarong Sireeluck , Punjasawadwong Yodying , Chau-in Waraporn , Lawthaweesawat Chanrit , Werawatganon Thewarug 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: The Royal College of Anesthesiologists of Thailand (RCAT) performed large-scale epidemiologic study of anesthesia-related complications and national incidents study in 2004 and 2007, respectively. Objectives: Evaluate the anesthesia service in Thailand with regard to status of quality and patient safety. Material and methods: A pre-planned structured questionnaire regarding demographic, administrative, preanesthetic, intraoperative postanesthetic variables and complications were requested to be filled in by nurse anesthetists attending the refresher course lecture of RCAT in February 2008. Descriptive statistics was used. Results: Three hundred fifty questionnaires were given and 341 respondents (97%) returned the questionnaires. Most of the respondents (90%) worked in government section. Thirty percent of respondents practiced in hospital without medical doctor anesthesiologist and 58% of nurse anesthetists worked in hospitals that have been accredited. Forty-six percent of respondents reported unavailability of a 24-hour recovery room. The questionnaires revealed of inadequacy of anesthesia personnel (64%), inadequate supervision during emergency condition (53%), inadequacy of patient information regarding anesthesia (57-69%), and low opportunity for patient to choose choice of anesthesia (19%). The commonly used monitoring were pulse oximeter (92% of respondents) and electrocardiography (63%). One-third (32%) of respondents had to provide of anesthesia for patients with insufficient NPO (non per oral) time. Common problems that the respondents experienced were miscommunication (49%), intraoperative cardiac arrest during the past year (35%), error related to infusion pump (24%) and medication error (8%). Fifty-five percent of respondents had to monitor at least one patient per month receiving spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: Suggested strategies for quality and patient safety improvement in anesthesia service are increasing personnel, increasing 24-hour recovery room, improvement of supervision, improvement of communication, compliance to guidelines and improvement of nurse anesthetist’s training regarding monitoring patient receiving spinal anesthesia and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Three-dimensional imaging of living transplanted kidney vasculature by 3D color Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Xing Jinfang , Du Lianfang 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: It is of clinical importance to display the vasculature of transplanted kidney in three-dimensional (3D) and in non-invasive way. 3D color Doppler ultrasonographic imaging (3D-CDUI) is a non-invasive technique to display the 3D vasculature of living organs. Objective: Probe into characteristics of 3D vasculature of living transplanted kidney by 3D-CDUI, and evaluate the clinical value of 3D-CDUI on monitoring complications after operation of renal transplant. Methods: Nine patients who received allogeneic transplantation of kidney were monitored with 3D-CDUI. The instruments used included ACUSON Sequoia 512 and TomTec computer station of 3D-CDUI. Using magnetic positioning free-hand scanning, the 3D reconstruction and display of renal tissue structure and blood flow were performed off-line. Results: All patients underwent 3D-CDUI examinations without any side effect or complication. When acute rejection occurred, the 3D distribution change of renal blood flow signal could be observed clearly. During treatment of acute necrosis of renal tubules, changes of renal blood flow signal in 3D color Doppler images could be detected earlier compared with 2D color Doppler images. The position of embolized vassels could be diagnosed accurately by 3D-CDUI. Conclusion: The 3D-CDUI was helpful to improve diagnosis level of ultrasonography by monitoring complications after renal transplantation.
Awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of hepatitis B and C from Pakistani population: barber’s role in viral transmission
Authors: Waheed Yasir , Saeed Umar , Safi Sher Zaman , Chaudhry Waqas Nasir , Qadri Ishtiaq 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground: In Pakistan, most patients with Hepatitis B and C have history of facial and armpit shaving from barbers. Objective: Evaluate the awareness and risk factors associated with barbers in transmission of Hepatitis B and C. Subjects and methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the twin capital cities of Pakistan between January and July 2009. Five hundred and eight barbershops were surveyed. Results: Out of 508 barber shops, 99.8% and 98.2% were washing their razor with water and water plus antiseptic solution, respectively, while 99.8% were using new blades. Only 39.6% knew that hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were viral diseases, 26.6% knew that it can lead to cancer, 90.7% thought that hepatitis could be transferred by blade sharing, 47.8% knew that a vaccine for HBV was available, and 43.0% had education beyond the primary level. None of the barbers used a new or washed apron/towel on every customer. Conclusion: In Pakistan, a small number of barbers are shaving clients with an old style razor with a permanent blade. There is moderate awareness about the various modes of transmission of hepatitis among the barbers, and most of them don’t know about vaccination. A predominant number of them are considering interferon treatment as a vaccine for hepatitis B and C.
Provider-initiated HIV counseling and testing of out patients at community hospitals in Thailand: an economic evaluation using the Markov model
Authors: Leelukkanaveer Yuwadee , Sithisarankul Pornchai , Hirunsutthikul Narin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground: Provider-initiated HIV counseling and testing (PIHIVCT) is an important intervention that improves the access to care to HIV-infected patients and subsequently contributes to the success of national HIV/AIDS control efforts. However, in Thailand, the cost-effectiveness of this program is unknown. Objective: Determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) in terms of Thai Baht per Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) of PIHIVCT for outpatient department (OPD) patients in community hospitals of Thailand compared with the current practice. Methods: A model-based health economic evaluation study was conducted based on results from cluster randomized controlled trials in 16 community hospitals of Thailand. The Markov model and the probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used. One-thousand two-hundred seventy-seven HIV-infected patients completed questionnaires on their household expenditure and quality of life using the visual analog scale. Results: In social perspectives, the PIHIVCT program increased a patient’s life span by 5.18 days or 4.15 qualityadjusted days per OPD case and the ICER was 63,588 Baht per QALY gained. The subgroup analysis showed that the PIHIVCT program would be cost-effective for cases younger than 50 years if the ceiling threshold of willing to pay equaled the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, this intervention would be cost-effective for all cases of 13-64 year old if the ceiling threshold equaled three times of GDP. Conclusion: The provider-initiated HIV counseling and testing program for OPD patients is more cost-effective than the current practice and should be implemented in health care setting in Thailand.
Epidemiological patterns and risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus in Pakistani population
Authors: Waheed Yasir , Bin-Rahat Talha , Safi Sher Zaman , Qadri Ishtiaq 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHepatitis B virus prevalence is increasing in Pakistani population. National level estimates regarding the prevalence are missing. People are unaware of the risk factors involved in HBV transmission. The objective of the study was to review the prevalence, genotypes, and risk factors associated with HBV transmission in Pakistani Population. Literature search was done by using keyword HBV prevalence, genotypes and risk factors from Pakistani population at Pubmed, PakMediNet and Google scholar. Six different studies showed that the percentage prevalence of HBV in general population was 4.61±0.73%, and 21 different studies showed the percentage prevalence of 2.33±0.46% in blood donors. High prevalence of 7.94±1.49% and 12.86±4.52% were observed in multi transfused and IDU populations. Six different studies showed that the major prevalent genotype was D. Awareness regarding various risk factors involved in-viral transmission was very low. Prevalence of HBV was very high in multitransfused populations due to non-implementations of international standards regarding blood transfusions. Barbers were unaware of the risk factors associated with their shops in viral transmission. Practices of unsterilized dental and surgical instruments and recycling of syringes were major factors in viral transmission. Massive awareness and vaccination programs are required to decrease the future burden of HBV from Pakistani population.
Symptomatic intraventricular xanthogranulomas
Authors: Shuangshoti Samruay 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This article reviews symptomatic intraventricular xanthogranulomas, based on a case presentation. Bilateral xanthogranulomas of the choroid plexus were removed surgically from the lateral ventricles of a 12-year-old boy. At 9 years of age, he had evidence of increased intracranial pressure and was hospitalized. Dense enhancing masses were detected in computerized tomogram (CT) brain scan. The lesions were in the region of trigones with extension into the temporal horns and into the right occipital horn. The masses were brightly yellow and greasy. They measured 8.5 x 5.5 x 3.5 cm and 10 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm, respectively, and proved to be xanthogranulomas. Review of 35 reported symptomatic intraventricular xanthogranulomas revealed 11 lesions in the lateral ventricles in which six of them were bilateral. Twenty-two lesions were in the third ventricle, and two lesions were in the fourth ventricle. The lesion shows no significant sexual predilection. The patients’ average age is 37.6 years for males, 32.4 years for females, and 34.3 years for both sexes. The size of symptomatic lesions ranged from 1 to 3 cm in diameter but a few were large, up to 8 to 10 cm. The origin of foamy (xanthoma) cells in the xanthogranulomas arising in the choroid plexus is thought to be multicentric including the choroidal epithelium and stromal arachnoidal cells that have undergone xanthomatous changes. Increased intracranial pressure is the significant clinical feature of the intraventricular xanthogranulomas as in other mass lesions within the skull. Surgical extirpation is the treatment of choice if the lesion is accessible and the patient’s general condition is suitable.
Oral fluoropyrimidine-induced severe hyperlipidemia
Authors: Yildiz Bulent , Kavgaci Halil , Fidan Evren , Gungor Erdal , Ersoz Halil O. , Ozdemir Feyyaz , Aydin Fazil 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Severe hyperlipidemia secondary to capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine, is a very rare condition. There are no reported cases of hyperlipidemia associated with Uracil/tegafur (UFT). Objective: Report UFT-induced severe hyperlipidemia. Method: A 71-year-old male patient with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving capecitabine treatment was hospitalized at the end of the eighth cycle with the complaint of fatigue. Capecitabine treatment was discontinued in the patient in whom severe hyperlipidemia was detected together with disease progression. Gemphibrozile 1200 mg/day was initiated; patient’s triglyceride level and serum cholesterol decreased from 1768 to 149 mg/dL and from 497 to 99 mg/dL, respectively, five weeks later. The patient started to receive UFT chemotherapy and after the second cycle, he presented to our hospital again with the complaints of fatigue, headache, and yellow vision. The investigations revealed a serum triglyceride level of 4115 mg/dL and a cholesterol level of 734 mg/dL. Results: UFT chemotherapy was discontinued and lipopheresis was administered for three consecutive days, and gemphibrozile was initiated again at a dose of 1200 mg/day. The clinical presentation might be due to oral fluoropyrimidine. Three weeks later, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased to 106 and 403 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusion: This case is a unique case of hyperlipidemia secondary to UFT. Monitoring of lipid levels, when using Fluoropyrimidine, as well as hemograms, liver and renal functions would be appropriate.
Anatomic direction of entry for botulinum toxin injection to treat the adductor spasmodic dysphonia in Thais
Authors: Saeseow Patchareeporn , Sartsungnern Akkararat , Srirompotong Supaporn , Chaisiwamongkol Kowit , Chantaupalee Thanarat 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Botulinum toxin injections into the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle of the larynx is the most popular treatment for adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Injection is usually done by percutaneous transcricothyroid membrane with either electromyography (EMG) or fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FOL) to verify placement of the needle within the TA muscle. This procedure requires a working knowledge of three-dimensional anatomy of the larynx to establish the direction for the accurate placement of the needle. Objective: Find out the appropriate angles and depth of the needle for placement of percutaneous transcricothyroid membrane method of botulinum toxin injection by means of studying the larynges of Thai cadavers. Methods: The descriptive study was performed in 45 Thai freshly thawed cadavers. The angle of the needle from midline sagittal plane, the angle in superior relation to tracheal plane, and the depth from midline cricothyroid (CT) membrane to midlength of TA muscle were measured from the two views of photographs, anteroposterior and lateral. Results: The mean angle of 24.2±6.76° (mean±SD) from the midline sagittal plane in male and 24.9±7.6° in female were worked out. A mean angle in superior relation to the tracheal plane was 47.7±7.8° and 51.4±9.6° in male and female, respectively. The mean depth was 1.7±0.2 and 1.4±0.1 cm in male and female, respectively. Conclusion: The mean angles and depth of the needle insertion from the midline of CT membrane to the center of TA muscle in Thai laryngeal specimens were evaluated. These values were different from the studies in Caucasians, but it could provide a direct relationship to the build of the races. This knowledge may help laryngologists do this procedure more accurately with better outcome, especially in hospitals that have no EMG or FOL guide.