Mahidol University

About: Mahidol University is a education organization based out in Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Malaria. The organization has 23758 authors who have published 39761 publications receiving 878781 citations.

Advanced health biotechnologies in Thailand: redefining policy directions

Abstract: Background: Thailand faces a significant burden in terms of treating and managing degenerative and chronic diseases. Moreover, incidences of rare diseases are rising. Many of these—such as diabetes, cancer, and inherited inborn metabolic diseases—have no definite treatments or cure. Meanwhile, advanced health biotechnology has been found, in principle, to be an effective solution for these health problems. Methods: Qualitative approaches were employed to analyse the current situation and examine existing public policies related to advanced health biotechnologies in Thailand. The results of this analysis were then used to formulate policy recommendations. Results: Our research revealed that the system in Thailand in relation to advanced health biotechnologies is fragmented, with multiple unaddressed gaps, underfunding of research and development (R&D), and a lack of incentives for the private sector. In addition, there are no clear definitions of advanced health biotechnologies, and coverage pathways are absent. Meanwhile, false advertising and misinformation are prevalent, with no responsible bodies to actively and effectively provide appropriate information and education (I&E). The establishment of a specialised institution to fill the gaps in this area is warranted. Conclusion: The development and implementation of a comprehensive national strategic plan related to advanced health biotechnologies, greater investment in R&D and I&E for all stakeholders, collaboration among agencies, harmonisation of reimbursement across public health schemes, and provision of targeted I&E are specifically recommended.

Estimating the cost of health care-associated infections: mind your p's and q's.

Abstract: Monetary valuations of the economic cost of health care-associated infections (HAIs) are important for decision making and should be estimated accurately. Erroneously high estimates of costs, designed to jolt decision makers into action, may do more harm than good in the struggle to attract funding for infection control. Expectations among policy makers might be raised, and then they are disappointed when the reduction in the number of HAIs does not yield the anticipated cost saving. For this article, we critically review the field and discuss 3 questions. Why measure the cost of an HAI? What outcome should be used to measure the cost of an HAI? What is the best method for making this measurement? The aim is to encourage researchers to collect and then disseminate information that accurately guides decisions about the economic value of expanding or changing current infection control activities.

Primaquine radical cure of Plasmodium vivax: a critical review of the literature

Abstract: Background: Primaquine has been the only widely available hypnozoitocidal anti-malarial drug for half a century. Despite this its clinical efficacy is poorly characterized resulting in a lack of consensus over the optimal regimen for the radical cure of Plasmodium vivax. Methods: Published studies since 1950 of the use of primaquine regimens for preventing P. vivax relapse were reviewed. Data were extracted systematically from available papers. Primaquine regimens were categorized according to the total dose administered: very low (≤2.5 mg/kg), low (>2.5 mg/kg-<5.0 mg/kg) and high (≥ 5.0 mg/kg). The risk of recurrent infection were summarized across geographical regions and the odds ratios between treatment regimens calculated after stratifying by total treatment dose and duration of study follow up. Results: Data could be retrieved from 87 clinical trials presenting data in 59,735 patients enrolled into 156 treatment arms, conducted in 20 countries. There was marked heterogeneity in study design, particularly primaquine dosing and duration of follow up. The median rate of recurrence following very low dose of primaquine (n=44) was 25% (range 0-90%) at 4–6 months, compared to 6.7 % (range 0-59%) following low dose primaquine (n=82). High dose primaquine regimens were assessed in 28 treatment arms, and were associated with a median recurrence rate of 0% (Range: 0-15%) at one month. In 18 studies with control arms, the effectiveness of a very low dose primaquine regimen was no different from patients who did not receive primaquine (OR=0.60, 95% CI 0.33-1.09, p=0.09), whereas for the low dose regimens a significant difference was reported in 50% (6/12) of studies (overall OR=0.14, 95%CI: 0.06-0.35, p<0.001). Two studies enrolling 171 patients demonstrated high effectiveness of high dose primaquine compared to a control arm (OR=0.03 (95%CI: 0.01-0.13); p<0.0001). Conclusions: Low dose regimens retain adequate efficacy in some areas, but this is not uniform. The efficacy and safety of pragmatic high dose primaquine regimens needs to be assessed in a range of endemic and geographical locations. Such studies will require a prolonged period of follow up and comparison with control arms to account for confounding factors. Background Over 40% of the world’s population is at risk of infection with Plasmodium vivax, with an annual global burden estimated to be between 71 to 391 million clinical cases [1-3]. Vivax malaria causes significant morbidity and associated mortality, much of which is attributable to the chronic relapsing nature of the infection. As malaria

Advances in computational methods to predict the biological activity of compounds.

Abstract: Importance of the field: The past decade had witnessed remarkable advances in computer science which had given rise to many new possibilities including the ability to simulate and model life's phenomena. Among one of the greatest gifts computer science had contributed to drug discovery is the ability to predict the biological activity of compounds and in doing so drives new prospects and possibilities for the development of novel drugs with robust properties.Areas covered in this review: This review presents an overview of the advances in the computational methods utilized for predicting the biological activity of compounds.What the reader will gain: The reader will gain a conceptual view of the quantitative structure–activity relationship paradigm and the methodological overview of commonly used machine learning algorithms.Take home message: Great advancements in computational methods have now made it possible to model the biological activity of compounds in an accurate manner. To obtain such a feat, it ...

Identification and Quantification of Polyphenolic Compounds in Longan (Euphoria longana Lam.) Fruit

Abstract: Regular consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of some chronic diseases including various forms of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The health-promoting potential of these foods may be due, in part, to the phytochemical bioactive compounds present in the plants. Fruit of Euphoria longana Lam. (longan) are consumed throughout Asia and are a major crop in Thailand. In the present study phytochemicals were extracted with 70% methanol from peel, pulp, and seed tissues of longan fruit, and the major components were identified as gallic acid, corilagin (an ellagitannin), and ellagic acid. A high-through-put reversed phase HPLC method was developed to determine the content of these three compounds in different parts of the longan fruit and among different cultivars. The analyses showed that there was a large variation in the contents of gallic acid, corilagin, and ellagic acid in different plant tissues and cultivars. Seed contained the highest levels of the three phenolics, and pulp contained the lowest. Among commercial cultivars, Biewkiew and Edor contained the highest levels of gallic and ellagic acid while Srichompoo contained the highest content of corilagin. These three cultivars may be used in directed breeding and cultivation programs and to develop concentrated longan seed extracts to promote good health. Utilization of this byproduct material will support the use of thousands of tons of waste longan seeds after the production of canned longan pulp.