bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuevos recursos y estrategias en el vínculo de la representación parlamentaria en América Latina / New resources and strategies in the link of parliamentary representation in Latin America
Authors: Valencia Escamilla Laura 
Published: April 2018

El documento tiene por objetivo analizar cómo los recursos tecnológicos aplicados a la gestión legislativa inciden en la relación ciudadanos-representantes en la región latinoamericana. El estudio se elaboró con base en un análisis comparativo de las experiencias en los congresos latinoamericanos basado en tres criterios: 1) la rendición de cuentas vertical; 2) el acceso ciudadano a la información; y 3) el nivel de incidencia de participación ciudadana en las decisiones legislativas. El primero se observa a partir de identificar los mecanismos institucionales para la mejora del equilibrio de poderes, así como la incidencia de los legisladores en el cargo a través de la reelección. El segundo elemento se analiza por medio de los diferentes informes regionales sobre transparencia legislativa y sistemas de información. Finalmente, la participación ciudadana, se verifica mediante la utilización de mecanismos de participación en la región.En el estudio fue posible identificar que el proceso de modernización legislativa a la que se sometieron la mayoría de los Congresos en América Latina, favoreció su gestión, el acceso a la información, la transparencia, y la participación ciudadana en las decisiones legislativas. Sin embargo, la introducción de los recursos tecnológicos, no fue suficiente para modificar las prácticas políticas, la representación ciudadana y la escasa rendición de cuentas que caracteriza a la región, lo que ha mantenido a los congresos latinoamericanos en una complicada crisis de credibilidad y confianza ciudadana.
Experimental performance of a solar thermal liquid desiccant air conditioning system – A review
Authors: S. Bouzenada  
Published: April 2018

Solar energy may be the great option to provide the conditioned air in summer, as solar energy available in plenty.Liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) system using solar energy is proposed as an alternative to the conventional vaporcompression systems due to its advantage in, removing the air latent load, friendly to environment, removing of pollutants from the process air, reduction of the electrical energy, do not using the harmful refrigerants and protection to ozone layer depletion. In this paper, the recent works on solar driven liquid desiccant air conditioning system and its advantages are reviewed. The system may offer in terms of energy savings are underscored. A basic description of (LDAC) system is provided. The regeneration temperature and solar collector efficiency are developed and the analysis highlights the performance of the system. The literature review has highlighted that there is a clear need for research in the field of liquid desiccant air conditioning system with solar energy in many buildings. This is due to the patent operational advantages the system can deliver in terms of energy saving from 25 to 50%, operating costs and energy security, the low regeneration temperature.The objective of this paper review is to access using of liquid desiccant based air conditioning, regenerated by eco-friendly renewable energy. The liquid desiccant systems present multifunctional properties that make them particularly interesting in several fields ofapplication. Electric utilities have their peak loads in hot summer and are often barely capable of meeting the demand, with brown-out situations. It is a good application for solar energy due to the fact that the greatest demand for air conditioning occurs during times of highest insolation.
Diagnostic accuracy of combined dipyridamole stress perfusion and delayed enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for detection of coronary artery disease
Authors: Chattranukulchai Pairoj , Tumkosit Monravee , Cholteesupachai Jiranut , Chaipromprasit Jarkarpun 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common clinical issues that face medical practitioners. Myocardial ischemia can be noninvasively assessed with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), which has become an emerging modality. Objective: Determine the accuracy of dipyridamole stress CMRI by using stress and rest perfusion combined with delayed enhancement imaging for detecting CAD. Methods: Thirty-nine patients (24 men, 15 women; mean age 64±11.4 years) who had experienced prior myocardial infarction or had suspected CAD were enrolled. Dipyridamole stress CMRI with subsequent coronary angiography was performed within a mean time interval of 16 days (range: 1-30 days). The dipyridamole stress CMR protocol included stress and rest perfusion followed by delayed enhancement imaging. Per-vessel analysis was done according to 17-segment model recommendation by the American Heart Association. Results: Coronary angiography depicted significant coronary artery stenosis (>70% stenosis of major epicardial artery) in 26 patients (55 coronary arteries). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the combined stress and rest perfusion with delayed enhancement imaging for detection of significant coronary artery stenosis were 76-96%, 79-96%, 87-93%, 83-96%, and 85-95%, in left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries, respectively. Without delayed enhancement imaging, stress and rest perfusion produced slightly lower sensitivity (69-92%), specificity (73- 96%), positive predictive value (79-93%), negative predictive value (80-92%), and accuracy (79-92%). Conclusion: Dipyridamole stress CMRI combined with delayed enhancement imaging yielded high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of coronary artery disease. This modality allows the clinical application for detection of CAD in selected group of patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of hepatocellular carcinoma: typical and atypical findings
Authors: Vajragupta Laddawan , Kittisatra Khanitha , Sasiwimonphan Kewalee 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackground: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. Magnetic resonance imaging has been widely used for detection and characterization of HCC. Objective: Describe MRI findings of HCC and to define the typical and atypical appearances of HCC on magnetic resonance images. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed MRI findings of 100 HCC in 78 patients. Diagnosis was confirmed by angiography, pathology or follow up imaging. The signal intensity, size, margins, enhancement pattern, and other features were evaluated. Imaging findings between small HCC (< 2 cm) and large HCC (>2 cm) were compared. Results: The most common signal intensity of HCC on unenhanced T1- and T2-weighted images was hypointense on T1-weighted images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images (65%). Most HCC (91%) were hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Isointensity on T2-weighted images were found in 9% of HCC. The typical enhancement pattern of HCC was enhancement on the arterial phase and washout on the portovenous phase (84%). Atypical enhancement pattern of HCC were enhancement on the portovenous phase in 5%, rim enhancement on the arterial phase or portovenous phase were demonstrated in 2%. Hyperintensity of the tumor on delayed phase was found in 19%. There was no statistically significant difference in signal intensity, enhancement, and washout pattern between small and large HCC. Fatty metamorphosis, mosaic pattern, necrosis, capsule and vascular involvement were found in 18%, 42%, 5%, 62%, and 6%, respectively. Mosaic pattern, necrosis, capsule, and vascular involvement were observed more frequently in large HCC. Conclusion: The typical appearance of HCC was hypointense on T1-weighted, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, arterial enhancement and portovenous washout. Atypical appearances of HCC were rim enhancement on the arterial phase or portovenous phase and persistent enhancement on the delayed phase
Dosimetry of conformal dynamic arc radiotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Peerawong Thanarpan , Khorprasert Chonlakiet , Suriyapee Sivalee , Sanghangthum Taweap , Ayuthaya Isra Israngkul Na , Shotelersuk Kanjana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Radiotherapy in cholangiocrcinoma has to overcome organ tolerance of the upper abdomen. Hi-technology radiotherapy may improve conformity and reduce dose to those organ. Objective: Quantitatively compare the dosimetry of conformal dynamic arc radiotherapy (CD-arcRT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. Material and methods: Eleven cases of unresectable cholangiocarcinoma were re-planned with IMRT and CDarcRT at King Chulalongkhorn Memorial Hospital between 20 September 2004 and 31 December 2005. Both the planning techniques were evaluated using the dose volume histogram of the planning target volume and organ at risk. The conformation number and dose to critical normal structures were used to determine the techniques. Results: IMRT technique was significantly conformed to the planning target volume than CD-arcRT in term of conformation number. For critical structure, IMRT significantly reduced the radiation dose to liver in terms of mean liver dose, V30Gy and V20Gy of the right kidney. Conclusion: The advantage of IMRT was more conformity and reduced dose to critical structure compared with CD-arcRT, but there was no difference between these techniques in terms of V20Gy of left kidney and maximum dose to the spinal cord.
An evaluation of 2.0 McFarland Etest method for detection of heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pongkumpai Montri , Trakulsomboon Suwanna , Suankratay Chusana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Staphylococcus aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin or heterogeneous vancomycinintermediate S. aureus (hVISA) have become increasingly reported from various parts of the world. hVISA cannot be detected by routine test for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for vancomycin. The gold standard method for detection, population analysis profiles (PAP) method, is complicated, time-consuming, expensive, and needs well-trained microbiologists. Objective: Evaluate of 2.0 McFarland Etest method, in comparison with the PAP method, for detection of hVISA in clinical specimens. Methods: All methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains from clinical specimens isolated from consecutive patients attended at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok between 2006 and 2007 were studied. 1 hundred nineteen specimens were obtained. The PAP method detected six hVISA strains 5 from blood and from cultures) from four patients at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, accounting for a prevalence of 6.35%. The MIC determined by agar dilution method was in the range of 2-3 μg/mL. Results: 2.0 McFarland Etest method detected no false positive and five false negatives (42%), and gave a sensitivity and a specificity of 16.7% and 100%, respectively. The one-point population analysis screening method detected two false positives and 1 false negative, and gave a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity and 98.2%. Conclusion: The 2.0 McFarland Etest method had a very good specificity but a poor sensitivity for detecting hVISA. It may be used as an alternative method to confirm detection of hVISA.
Incidence of acquired lacrimal drainage system obstruction in epiphoric patients in Thailand
Authors: Tirakunwichcha Suppapong , Rengwanidchakul Ehwika , Asawaphureekorn Somkiat , Tengtrisorn Supaporn , Juangphanich Khanchai , Suramethakul Pitipong , Pornpanich Kanokrat 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: There were few reports regarding the incidence of the acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and the incidence in different geography or countries might be alike. Since the nasolacrimal drainage system obstruction is a common problem in Thailand, knowledge of the incidence may disclose the burden of the disease that has never been reported. Objectives: Evaluate the incidence of acquired lacrimal drainage system obstruction (ALDO) in Thailand. Methods: This study was conducted in multi-centers. It was based on prospective and descriptive design. All patients with epiphoric symptoms visiting the outpatient departments of five tertiary eyecare centers were recruited between 2004 and 2007. Features of epiphoric symptoms and medical history were recorded, and complete ophthalmic examinations were performed. Results: Epiphoric patients were enrolled from all medical centers with 245 eligible patients, female:male ratio was 4.2:1. Ninety-nine patients (40%) had duration of epiphoric symptoms between one-five years. ALDO was found in 111 patients (45%) with female preponderance (6.9:1). Seventy-one patients (64%) had pre-sac obstruction and 40 patients (36%) had post-sac obstruction. Among other causes of epiphora, dry eye was the most common. Conclusion: The most common cause of epiphora was ALDO. The four-year incidence rate of ALDO among epiphoric patients was 45%.
Comparative study of effective-site target controlled infusion with standard bolus induction of propofol for laryngeal mask airway insertion
Authors: Sintavanuruk Krairerk , Pongruekdee Sukanya , Thaharavanich Russana , Laosuwan Surajak , Charuluxananan Somrat 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Several studies demonstrated induction of anesthesia with different plasma target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol for LMA insertion. However, there has been no study to compare the standard bolus propofol induction with the effective site TCI for LMA insertion. Objective: Compare the efficacy of induction of anesthesia with propofol for LMA insertion between the effective-site TCI, using 6 μg/mL, and the standard bolus propofol dose of 2.5 mg/kg in elective surgical patients. Methods: A randomized, prospective, single-blinded, clinical study was used for this study. Seventy-eight unpremedicated patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II undergoing elective surgical procedure were randomly allocated between two groups. Group 1 received the standard bolus propofol dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Group 2 received effective site TCI (Schnider model) dose of 6 μg/mL for LMA insertion. The hemodynamics and anesthetic depth (Bispectral index score) were monitored and recorded during and immediately after LMA insertion. The number of insertion attempted, insertion quality score, induction time, and propofol doses used were recorded and compared between groups. Results: The success rate of first insertion attempt was equal in both groups (92.3%). There was no significant hemodynamic response difference between the groups during pre-induction, induction, insertion, and post insertion period. The BIS score was significantly lower during post insertion period in group 1 (51.4+11.0) than group 2 (58.4+3.2) (p=0.013). The propofol doses in group 2 were significantly lower than in group 1 (110.6+14.8 vs. 153.5+21.5) (p <0.001). Patients in group 2 required significantly more induction time than group 1 (146.9+42.3 vs. 103.4+33.6 (p <0.001). Conclusion: Propofol induction with TCI provided equal success rate as compared with standard bolus propofol induction for LMA insertion and insertion quality score. TCI significantly lowered the propofol consumption when compared with the standard 2.5 mg/kg propofol dose.
Thai national guidelines for the prevention of motherto- child transmission of HIV: March 2010
Authors: Phanuphak Nittaya , Lolekha Rangsima , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Voramongkol Nipunporn , Boonsuk Sarawut , Limtrakul Aram , Limpanyalert Piyawan , Chasombat Sanchai , Thanprasertsuk Sombat , Leechawengwong Manoon 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Thailand has been one of the leading developing countries to implement a national program to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. Although the recent transmission rate has been low, the goal is to eliminate MTCT altogether. The Thai National HIV Guidelines Working Group issued treatment guidelines to prevent MTCT in Thailand in March 2010. These guidelines will be implemented nationwide within a year. The most important aspects of these new guidelines are as follows: Treatment in HIV-infected pregnant women who have not been on antiretroviral treatment prior to pregnancy. Antepartum treatment is recommended for all pregnant women regardless of CD4 count with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) containing zidovudine (AZT) + lamivudine (3TC) + lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r). Treatment should be started immediately irrespective of gestational age in women with CD4 count <350 cells/ mm3, and as early as 14 weeks of gestation in those with CD4 count >350 cells/mm3. After delivery, women with baseline CD4 count <350 cells/mm3 are referred for long-term care and HAART according to the National Adult HIV Treatment and Care Guidelines 2010. Women with CD4 count >350 cells/mm3 do not need HAART and can stop all drugs after delivery. The treatment in infants includes AZT syrup for four weeks and exclusive formula feeding. Treatment in HIV-infected pregnant women who conceive while on HAART. Women who are stable on HAART should continue the treatment during the whole period of pregnancy. Those who are taking efavirenz (EFV) and present during the first trimester should have EFV switched to another drug. Whenever possible, AZT should be used during pregnancy. Treatment in infants is similar to the above scenario. Treatment in women who present in labor without antenatal care. Single-dose nevirapine (SD-NVP) 200 mg must be given immediately along with oral AZT 300 mg every three hours until delivery, or oral AZT 600 mg given as a single dose. The tail therapy of AZT + 3TC + LPV/r for four weeks should be given unless these women have a CD4 count of <350 cells/mm3 and therefore require life-long HAART. SD-NVP should not be given if the women are to deliver within two hours. The infants in this situation should receive AZT + 3TC + NVP for four weeks. Treatment during delivery and mode of delivery. During labor, oral AZT 300 mg every three hours or oral AZT 600 mg given as a single dose is recommended regardless of antepartum antiretroviral (ARV) regimen or the woman’s history of AZT resistance. Elective caesarean section is suggested in women who did not receive HAART (including those without antenatal care), received HAART for less than four weeks prior to delivery, had poor adherence, or had incomplete viral suppression at 36 weeks of gestation.
Comparison between Pseudomonas aeruginosa siderophores and desferrioxamine for iron acquisition from ferritin
Authors: Srifuengfung Somporn , Assanasen Susan , Tuntawiroon Malulee , Meejanpetch Sumonrat 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Siderophore is an iron chelator produced by microorganism. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces two siderophores (pyoverdin and pyochelin). Desferrioxamine is a siderophore used in thalassemia patients to treat an iron overload of vital organs. Objective: Compare the ability of pyoverdin, pyochelin, and desferrioxamine for iron mobilization from ferritin. Materials and Methods: In vitro experiment, the ability of P. aeruginosa siderophores and desferrioxamine for iron mobilization from ferritin was compared by using a dialysis membrane assay at pH values of 7.4 and 6.0. Stimulation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 growth by all siderophores was studied in glucose minimum medium. Results: All three compounds were capable of iron mobilization at both pHs. At pH 6.0, the most effectiveness compound was desferrioxamine (31.6%), followed by pyoverdin (21.5%) and pyochelin (13.7%) compared on weight basis, each at 10 μg/mL. At equimolar concentration, their activities were desferrioxamine (38.5±1.2%), followed by pyoverdin (32.0±4.8%) and pyochelin (26.7±1.9%), respectively. Conclusion: The most effective compound in iron mobilization from ferritin was desferrioxamine, followed by pyoverdin and pyochelin respectively.
Eye diseases associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in an Asian population
Authors: Hirunwiwatkul Parima , Puangsricharern Vilavun , Sothornwit Nisa , Pongpun Prin Rojana , Sawatdiwithayayong Jeerawat , Hirunwiwatkul Prakobkiat 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Sleep apnea syndrome is one of the leading causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. There is no literature exploring the prevalence of sleep-associated disorders in the eye of Asians with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA). Objective: Study the prevalence of eye abnormalities in Asian patients with OSA. Material and method: Asian patients with definite OSA diagnosis via the polysomnography were recruited into the study. Complete eye examination and special investigations were performed to define eye diseases: floppy eyelids, dry eyes, keratoconus, Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, recurrent corneal erosions, open-angle glaucoma, ophthalmoplegia, papilledema and optic neuropathy. Results: One-hundred Asian OSA patients were examined. We found that floppy eyelids, dry eyes, and normal tension glaucoma were more prevalent compared to the normal population. Abnormal endothelial change and papilledema were detected. Optic neuropathy and ophthalmoplegia were not found in this study, although some patients did have subnormal contrast sensitivity. Conclusion: There is a higher prevalence of floppy eyelids, dry eyes, and glaucoma in OSA patients. Complete eye examination is recommended in OSA patients to detect early eye abnormalities.
Elevated urinary total sialic acid and increased oxidative stress in patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Opanuraks Julin , Boonla Chanchai , Saelim Chawalit , Kittikowit Wipawee , Sumpatanukul Pichet , Honglertsakul Chavalit , Tosukhowong Piyaratana 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background: Increased production and release of sialic acid have been reported in many malignant conditions including bladder cancer. 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) have been widely used as oxidative stress biomarkers. Objective: Determine urinary levels of total sialic acid (TSA), 8-OHdG, and MDA in patients with urinary bladder cancer, and evaluate their clinical relevance. Patients and methods: Forty-five patients with histologically proven bladder cancer and 41 healthy subjects were recruited for the study. Morning urine samples were collected from all participants for measurements of TSA, 8-OHdG and MDA using thiobarbituric assay, competitive ELISA and spectrophotometry methods, respectively. Histological examination was performed for all patients. Results: Bladder cancer patients excreted urinary TSA, 8-OHdG, and MDA significantly higher than healthy controls. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, urinary TSA had adequate diagnostic potential to distinguish patients from healthy populations, and its cutoff value was chosen at 95.26 μg/g creatinine. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of urinary TSA determination were 75.6%, 75.6%, and 75.6%, respectively. Both in patient and healthy groups, urinary TSA was linearly correlated with urinary 8-OHdG. Patients with highseverity grade (n=27) excreted urinary TSA significantly greater than those with low-severity grade (n=18). Conclusion: Urinary TSA, 8-OHdG, and MDA increased in patients with bladder cancer. The elevated urinary TSA was associated with enhanced oxidative stress. In addition, urinary TSA increased with progressiveness of the tumor.