cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.45
title: Standardization of Nelumbo nucifera plumule and evaluation of neferine content

description: Plumule of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., a traditional Thai medicine, is primarily used for nervous disorder, insomnia, high fevers with restlessness, and cardiovascular disease. Neferine is one of the main bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid components in N. nucifera plumule and has been reported to possess several pharmacological properties. Standardization of plant materials is necessary for an assurance of quality, efficacy and safety based on various parameters. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacognostic specification of N. nucifera plumule and determine the neferine content using TLC densitometry and TLC image analysis. Transverse section of this crude drug showed the anatomical characteristics of epidermis, air chamber, parenchyma and vascular bundle. Additionally, the histological study of powder showed anomocytic stomata, parenchyma with starch granule and layer of cotyledons. TLC fingerprint and physicochemical constants were also established. The average values of total ash, acid insoluble ash, loss on drying, moisture content, ethanol and water extractive contents were found to be 3.86, 0.54, 9.91, 10.02, 16.54 and 28.27 g% respectively. Moreover, TLC densitometry and TLC image analysis were validated for determination of neferine content in N. nucifera plumule. The calibration range was between 0.25-3.0 µg/spot and exhibited suitable accuracy, precision and robustness in both methods. Neferine content in N. nucifera plumule were 0.496 ± 0.186 g% by TLC densitometry and 0.495 ± 0.190 g% by TLC image analysis. Additionally, N. nucifera plumule ethanolic extract, dichloromethane fractionate and ethanolic fractionate were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activity against 5 human cancer cell lines including breast ductal carcinoma (BT-474), undifferentiated lung carcinoma (CHAGO -K1), colon adenocarcinoma (SW-620), gastric carcinoma (KATO-3), hepatocarcinoma (HEP-G2) and one human normal cell line (lung fibroblast, Wi-38). N. nucifera plumule ethanolic extract, dichloromethane fractionate and ethanolic fractionate exhibited no significant activity against the five cancer cell line as well as one normal cell line with an IC50 more than 20 µg/ml. Information obtained from this study can be used for the identification and standardization of N. nucifera plumule and also toward monograph development on this plant.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.46
title: Pharmacognostic specification and quantitative analysis of strychnine and brucine in Strychnos nux-vomica seeds

description: Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. or Sa-leang-jai is a medicinal and poisonous plant. S. nux-vomica seeds have been used in traditional Thai medicine for a long time. This study aimed to develop quality specification and the quantitative analysis of strychnine and brucine in S. nux-vomica seeds. The crude drug samples from 15 sources throughout Thailand were collected to assess the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. The details were illustrated by drawing of whole plant, powder and cross section characteristics. The physico-chemical properties of S. nux-vomica seeds were established in average contents of water , loss on drying, total ash, acid insoluble ash, ethanol and water extractive matters as 8.08 ± 0.60, 8.80 ± 0.25, 1.20 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.02, 3.90 ± 0.33 and 13.12 ± 0.77 % by weight respectively. Thin layer chromatographic fingerprint using silica gel 60 GF254 as stationary phase and toluene: ethyl acetate: diethylamine (7: 2: 1) as mobile phase showed the phytochemical compounds under UV wavelength of 254 and 365 nm and the alkaloids by Dragendorff’s developing reagent. The quantitative analysis of strychnine and brucine were performed by TLC image analysis using Image J software and TLC densitometry using CAMAG TLC scanner and winCATS. The contents of strychnine and brucine in S. nux-vomica seeds were found to be 1.09 ± 0.56, 0.48 ± 0.30 and 1.03 ± 0.51, 0.46 ± 0.28 g/100g by both methods respectively. These methods were validated in term of specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation and robustness. The toxic potential on DNA damage of strychnine, brucine and ethanolic extract of S. nux-vomica seeds were assessed in vitro. All treated samples exhibited human lymphocyte DNA damage. Strychnine was more toxic than brucine and the extract respectively. This study provided the quality specification, standardization and safety used of S. nux-vomica seeds in Thailand.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.47
title: EFFECT OF ELETROMAGNETIC FIELDS DEVICES USE ON SLEEP QUALITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN BANGKOK THAILAND

description: This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between EMF devices use and sleep quality and academic performance among high school students in Bangkok. The study samples covered 1,080 high school students, in Bangkok. The researcher employed socio-economic and clinical characteristic, EMF communications devices used, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28), and stimulant use questionnaire. The univariate and multivariable logistic regression were employed to control for potential confounders. The study found that 96.9% of the participants used mobile/smart phone and mean time spent on school days and non-school days constituted 3.50 (SD = 2.47) hrs. and 4.93 (SD = 3.56) hrs, respectively. The first 3 main reasons for using smartphone among participants included the following: for social networks, for communicating with friends and for watching films & listening to music. Besides, the prevalence of poor sleep quality among the participants constituted 32.0% [95% CI=29.26-34.91]. Given the related confounding factors of an association between EMF devices use and sleep quality among high school students based on socio-economic and clinical characteristics and stimulant use, the findings showed that confounding variables constituted father’s occupation, weekly allowance, alcohol consumption and smoking. After controlling for the confounding variables (father’s occupation, weekly allowance, alcohol consumption and smoking), it was found that when comparing with the students using mobile/smartphone &lt; 1.93 hour (≤ 25 percentiles), those using 1.93-3.57 hours (26-50 percentiles) were likely to have 1.47 times poorer sleep quality (adjusted OR=1.47 [95% CI=0.99-2.18]); those using &gt; 3.57-5.57 hours (51-75 percentiles) were likely to have 1.08 times poorer sleep quality (adjusted OR=1.08 [95% CI=0.73-1.60]); those using &gt; 5.57 hours (&gt; 75percentiles) were likely to have 1.52 times poorer sleep quality (adjusted OR=1.52 [95% CI=1.04-2.23]). The findings of an association between EMF devices use and academic performance, after adjusting for the confounding variables (father’s education, mother’s education, family income, psychological disturbance, alcohol consumption and smoking), indicated that there was no association between EMF devices use and academic performance Conclusively, our findings indicated that participants using &gt; 5.57 hours were at 1.52 times higher risk than those using mobile/smart phone &lt; 1.93 hours in comparison. So, it is recommended that such individuals and parties concerned as government and private organizations, educational institutions, parents/guardians in particular, are required to establish guidelines for constructive use of electromagnetic communications equipment, in addition to consistently cooperate in launching projects on awareness, positive and negative impacts of EMF devices use to students and the public in general.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.48
title: Effects of participatory ergonomic intervention program to reduce occupational risks among hospital orderlies

description: Participatory Ergonomic (PE) initiatives have widely been used to improve work environments. The aim of this study was to develop a Participatory Ergonomic Intervention Program (PEIP) and assess its effects on the work environment and health of hospital orderlies. A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted at a tertiary care hospital between July and December of 2014. 100 hospital orderlies participated in the study. 50 orderlies were assigned to the intervention group and 50 were assigned to a control group. The PEIP program consisted of multifaceted training sessions. Three workshops were conducted to address education, group training, supervised onsite training, establishment of management support, participant capacity strengthening, patient transfer techniques, and exercise programs. Data collection took place via self-reported questionnaires at baseline, two months, and four months post-intervention. Comparative analysis of the work environment and health outcomes was conducted through a t-test. Repeated measure analyses of variance, as well as Mann-Whiney U test, were also used. Results showed that physical work environment risk factors decreased in the intervention group when compared to the control group at two and four months post-intervention (p &lt; .02). With regards to the psychosocial work environment: work pace, influence at work, possibilities for development, meaning of work, commitment to the workplace, predictability, role clarity, role conflicts, quality of leadership, and social support from supervisors all had p-values &lt; .001; while social support from colleagues had a p-value &lt; .05. The PEIP program resulted in increases to psychosocial promotion factors that were observed four months post-intervention. Increases were observed in: work pace, cognitive demands, demands for hiding emotions, commitment to the workplace, predictability, rewards, and social community at work (all p-values &lt; .05). A questionnaire based on the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) was used to calculate work-related musculoskeletal risks. Two months after intervention, the PEIP program decreased risk exposure level scores including for the back (moving) (p &lt; .005) and neck (p = .001). Mean scores from the QEC for the neck among the intervention group changed dramatically, from high to moderate. The PEIP program continued to decrease risk exposure scores four months after completion of the intervention. The reduction in score for the back (moving) (p &lt; .005) was found to be significant. The intervention group requested no sick leave, while the control group had 2-day sick leave due to musculoskeletal problems. A slight increase in work ability in the intervention group was observed two months post-intervention, with a decrease four months post-intervention. In conclusion, findings demonstrated that the PEIP program contributed to a reduction of physical risk factors in the workplace. However, a longer-term study is needed to properly evaluate effects on health outcomes.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.49
title: ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AND COST ANALYSIS OF DENTAL PROGRAM AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BANGKOK SERVED BY MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF DENTISTRY THAILAND

description: Dental caries and gingivitis are common oral diseases in schoolchildren. This retrospective analysis was done to assess oral health problems and risk factors of children aged 6-14 years in selected primary school in Bangkok. Data of 509 schoolchildren were analyzed. The dmft index for grade 1 children demonstrated that prevalence of caries in primary teeth of grade 1 children was 82.6%. On the contrary, children in grade 2-6, high level of caries in permanent teeth was only 2.5%. Besides, gingivitis affected main group of children (76.8%). After logistic regression analysis found only poor oral hygiene significantly associated with dmft level (Adj OR=12.04, 95% of CI = 1.11-131.28). Gender, educational level and underlying diseases were significantly associated with DMFT level (Adj OR=2.32, 95% of CI =1.25-4.32, Adj OR=2.05, 95% of CI =1.04-4.06, and Adj OR= 4.09, 95% of CI =2.01-8.32, respectively). For gingivitis, school and oral hygiene were significantly associated factors (Adj OR= 3.5, 95% of CI =1.71-7.37, and Adj OR=19.09, 95% of CI =5.12-71.24) It indicated that early detection and prevention program should be provided for this group of children. The estimated costs of school oral health program, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University in academic year 2015 was 1,373,754.39 baht comprised of labor cost (20.85%), material cost (8.45%), capitation cost (42.73%) and miscellaneous (27.97%). Capitation of this program equal to 2,348.30 baht per child. Salaries of supervisor, costs of equipment and material for sealant, PRR and filling were a majority part of labor costs, capital costs and material costs, respectively. Particularly, in capital cost and material costs were accountable for more than half of total costs.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.50
title: "Seeing an Unseen": Nutritional status and Its determinants in Under-five children in Karachi,Pakistan.

description: Optimal nutrition is an important determinant of child health, growth and development especially in the first five years of life. Under-nutrition continues to be a hidden but widespread problem for developing countries which is now one of the main public health concern. Pakistan has gone through devolution of its services related public sectors including health sector in its constitution. Sindh (Karachi is capital of Sindh province) is less well positioned than other provinces. There are very few local studies that carried out the prevalence of under nutrition in terms of three categories stunting, wasting and underweight.The main objective of the study was to determine the nutritional status and its determinants. Weight and height of children were recorded along with their mothers. Questionnaire was a research tool. Univariate, Bivariate (chi-square and fisher exact test) and multivariate (logistic regression) were used to analyze data. Almost 4% children were undernourished in which 5% were underweight, 3.5% were wasted and 12.8% were stunted children.Children who born with the weight of &lt; 2500 gm [OR 7.64 (CI .932-62.64)] were 7.6 times more likely to be underweight. Those children who had runny nose [OR3.35 (CI 1.31-8.54)] and cough [OR 3.34 (CI 1.26-8.88)] in past 2 weeks were 3.35 and 3.34 times more expected to be underweight. Those children were 4.8 times more predictable to get wasted who were &gt; 3rd born [OR 4.82 (CI 1.12-20.74)]. Insufficient number and smaller amount of meals increase the chance of wasting to 2.85 times [OR 2.85(CI 1.93-4.20)]. History of acute disease may modify the health status and children are the most vulnerable and most affected group because of the high requirement for growth and development. Birth interval, birth-order are potentially modifiable; so, these can be used for designing intervention programs.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.51
title: Level of alcohol consumption affects health among Japanese residents in Bangkok Thailand

description: Background: Alcohol is one of the most major risk factors for health consequences in the world. It is known to be significantly associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the association between level of alcohol consumption and HRQoL among Japanese residents in Bangkok has not been researched yet. This study is useful to advertise healthier drinking behavior among them. Methodology: Cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 participants who were purposively selected by the researcher among 46,367 Japanese residents. Data was collected by self-report questionnaire which has 57 questions. For statistical analysis, t-test and one way ANOVA were employed at 95% of CI. Post hoc test was done when significant association was found by one way ANOVA. Result: There is a significant association between gender/age/occupation and level of alcohol consumption. Also, some socio-demographic characteristics are significantly associated with HRQoL. Among Japanese residents in Bangkok, level of alcohol consumption is significantly associated with HRQoL. Especially, low risk drinkers and hazardous drinkers show higher mean score of HRQoL than other alcohol-related risk groups. Discussion: Though Japanese residents in Bangkok tend to drink more alcohol than Japanese general population, their health status is better than Japanese general population. Especially, those who are male, 40-59 years old, and management level employees have higher alcohol-related risk among Japanese residents in Bangkok. However, their health status is not so bad, compared to other groups.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.52
title: IDENTIFICATION OF SELECTED JASMINUM SPECIES IN THAILAND BASED ON MICROSCOPIC CHARACTERISTICS AND RAPD FINGERPRINTING

description: Jasminum, one of the largest genus in family Oleaceae, comprised of more than 200 species. Several species of Jasminum have a long history of usage in traditional medicine, perfumery and flavoring tea. They play an important role in antidepressant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and diuretics. Many Jasminum species possess the similar morphology and vernacular name resulting in unintentional substitution. Plant identification plays an important role for herbal usage. Thirty Jasminum accessions in Thailand were investigated for their leaf microscopic characteristics and leaf constant numbers (epidermal cell number, epidermal cell area, stomatal number, stomatal index, palisade ratio, trichome number, vein islet number, and vein termination numbers) as well as RAPD fingerprinting. The microscopic results showed anisocytic type of stomata. Two Jasminum accessions (J. funale Decne. subsp. sotepense (Craib) P. S. Green and J. fluminense Vahl subsp. gratissimum) had stomata on both adaxial and abaxial surface of the leaves which can be used for identification of these two species whereas the 28 remaining accessions had stomata on abaxial surface. Moreover, J. funale Decne subsp. satepense, J. humile and J. cordatum had the irregular shape of epidermal cell whereas the lease 27 Jasminum accessions had square shape. The present or absent of trichome among 30 Jasminum accessions could be divide into three clusters; cluster 1 had no trichome (4 accessions), cluster 2 had trichome on both adaxial and abaxial surface (5 accessions), and cluster 3 had trichome on abaxial side of the leaf (21 accessions). Combination of several microscopic characteristics and morphology are able to identify Jasminum accessions. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker was used to generate the phylogenetic relationships among 30 Jasminum accessions. The similarity index ranged from 0.022 – 0.477. The results from cluster analysis could be divided into 3 groups. In conclusion, leaf microscopic characteristics and leaf constant numbers as well as RAPD fingerprinting can be used to identify 30 Jasminum accessions. Moreover, the data obtained from this study are providing additional information for further identification of medicinal plant species.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.53
title: Intention to quit smoking among male smokers in Yangon, Myanmar: Theory of Planned Behavior Approach

description: Cigarette smoking has been the causes for preventable deaths and various diseases for people for a long time. The purpose of this study is to examine which socio-demographic factors, current smoking practice, nicotine dependence, past smoking quit attempts, and variables of theory of planned behavior were associated with the intention to quit smoking among Myanmar male smokers. A cross sectional study was conducted in four townships of Yangon, Myanmar in May and June, 2016. Total respondents of 339 male smokers of 18 years and above were involved in the study and were assessed their intention to quit smoking. In the study, 128 male smokers reported that they had no intention to quit smoking. Among them, 124 smokers reported having weak intention to quit smoking and 87 of them reported having strong intention to quit smoking. The factors associated with the intention to quit smoking of Myanmar male smokers were age (p value = 0.019), smoking ban in workplace (p value = 0.016), average amount of cigarette consumed per day (p value = 0.001), last year smoking quit attempts (p value &lt;0.001), frequency of last year quit attempts (p value &lt;0.001), attitudes towards smoking cessation (p value = 0.004), perceived social norms towards smoking cessation (p value = 0.050) and self-efficacy towards smoking cessation (p value = 0.019). Given the findings, the smoking cessation program in Myanmar should be focused on different age groups of male smokers. In addition to that, they should be encouraged to attempt the quitting smoking frequently. Smoking cessation program should involve family members and friends should be implemented.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2015.54
title: Health Risk Related to Pesticides Exposure in Agriculture System in Thailand: A Systematic Review

description: Agricultural use of pesticides has increased in Thailand in recent decades due to Thailand’s major role as a leading exporter of food. There is evidence of the adverse effects of pesticide exposure and health risk on Thai rice, chili and maize farmers, however, limited information is available about which cropping systems pose the greatest exposure risk to farmers and their families. This systematic review is aimed at comparing the scientific articles published to date by Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok Thailand on potential differences of pesticide exposure of agricultural systems. Articles were compared focusing on adverse health effects from different pathways of exposure such as dermal, inhalation and ingestion, as well as risk perception and proper prevention practices by farmers themselves. Original articles were identified which analyzed exposure to OP pesticides, 6 analyzed exposure due to health risk and health risk behavior, and 6 analyzed both exposure to OP pesticides and Health Risk behavior. Cross sectional studies were the most frequent design. Six of the studies focused on rice farming systems and the effects on farmers and their families. Seven studies focus on chili cropping systems and the effects on farmers and their families. Only 2 articles presented data on maize farming which suggests that the paucity of studies in maize there is still a knowledge gap between the association between health risks and pesticide exposure in maize cropping systems. Most studies on organophosphates show that farmers do suffer from adverse health effects while children are also exposed indirectly. Most studies reflect on the results of pesticide exposure being the result of improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and suggest guidelines and management strategies be implemented to increase the knowledge attitude and practices of farmers. In conclusion, HQ levels in most chili studies suggest that residue of Profenofos on chilies was higher than the acceptable level suggested by the hazard quotient (HQ &gt; 1) and exceed acceptable risk however based on AChE and PChE levels in farmers the research suggests that rice farmers have a higher health risk of adverse health effects than chili and maize farmers.