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.

Inkjet-printed graphene-PEDOT:PSS modified screen printed carbon electrode for biochemical sensing

Abstract: In this work, a novel method for electrode modification based on inkjet-printing of electrochemically synthesized graphene-PEDOT:PSS (GP-PEDOT:PSS) nanocomposite is reported for the first time. GP-PEDOT:PSS dispersed solution is prepared for use as an ink by one-step electrolytic exfoliation from a graphite electrode. GP-PEDOT:PSS layers are then printed on screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) by a commercial inkjet material printer (Dimatrix Inc.) and their electrochemical behaviors towards three common electroactive analytes, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+/NADH) and ferri/ferro cyanide (Fe(CN)63−/4−) redox couples, are characterized. It is found that the oxidation signals for H2O2, NADH and K2Fe(CN)6 of PEDOT:PSS modified and GP-PEDOT:PSS modified SPCEs are ∼2–4 and ∼3–13 times higher than those of unmodified SPCE, respectively. In addition, excellent analytical features with relatively wide dynamic ranges, high sensitivities and low detection limits have been achieved. Therefore, the inkjet-printed GP-PEDOT:PSS electrode is a promising candidate for advanced electrochemical sensing applications.

The power of vision: statements that resonate

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to identify characteristics of visions that are associated with desirable performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines findings from various vision studies in American, Australian and Thai businesses to derive characteristics of effective vision statements.Findings – Effective visions are characterized by conciseness, clarity, abstractness, stability, future orientation, challenge and desirability or ability to inspire in Australian, Thai and US businesses. Such visions are associated with higher performance outcomes.Originality/valueWhile vision is emphasized by authors and consultants as critical to superior performance, little is known about what characterizes effective vision. This study uncovers this unknown.

Lactic Acid Bacteria From Healthy Oral Cavity of Thai Volunteers: Inhibition of Oral Pathogens

Abstract: The aims of the present study were to screen and characterize the antimicrobial lactic acid bacteria which were isolated from healthy oral cavities of Thai volunteers, and to characterize their inhibiting substances. Among 3790 isolates (suspected to be lactic acid bacteria) from 130 volunteers, five showed an appreciable effect against Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Streptococcus mutans DTMU 1, Strep. salivarius DTMU 1, Strep. sanguis DTMU 1, Candida albicans ATCC 13803 and C. albicans DTMU 2, as well as the oral pathogens. These antimicrobial isolates included L17 and N14 which showed the antibacterial activity, D14 which showed the anticandidal activity, and D6 and N8 which showed both the antibacterial and anticandidal activities. The isolates were later found to be facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-capsule-forming and catalase-negative bacilli. They could utilize casein but could not hydrolyse starch, and they produced hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins. Their antimicrobial potentials were found to be affected by pH, catalase, proteolytic enzymes and temperature. The activity was partially inactivated after catalase treatment, significantly declined at pH > or =9.0 or after trypsin and pepsin treatments, and also reduced after heating at > or =100 degrees C. However, the antimicrobial activity of these five isolates was somewhat resistant to heat. When the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial sensitivity, they were shown to be sensitive to a number of antimicrobial agents. The final identification revealed that D6, D14 and N14 were Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, and L17 and N8 were Lact. rhamnosus.

Analysis of Survival of Young and Old Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Puerto Rico and Thailand

Abstract: It generally is assumed that the daily probability of survival of wild adult mosquitoes is independent of age. To test this assumption we conducted mark-release-recapture studies in Puerto Rico and Thailand to determine if estimated daily survival rates between two different age cohorts of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti (L.) were the same. Survivorship was estimated with nonlinear regression analysis using bootstrapping to obtain estimates of errors. Initial recapture success of the younger cohort was greater than the older cohort at both locations. Our analysis revealed a significantly greater survival rate for the younger cohort of females in Puerto Rico, and no significant differences between age cohorts in Thailand. For comparison, a traditional approach for analyzing these type of data, linear regression of log-transformed captures over time (exponential model), was used to calculate the probability of daily survival based on slopes of linear regression lines for recaptured mosquitoes. With this method, the estimated daily survival rate of older females (13-23 d old) was significantly greater than survival of younger ones (3-13 d old) in Puerto Rico and Thailand. In addition, short-range movement of mosquitoes was observed in Puerto Rico; maximum dispersal distance detected was 79 m. Survival rates of adult Ae. aegypti may be age-dependent and nonlinear regression analysis is a sensitive approach for comparing patterns of mosquito survival based on mark, single release, multiple recapture data.

Predicting the Clinical Outcome of Severe Falciparum Malaria in African Children: Findings From a Large Randomized Trial

Abstract: Background. Data from the largest randomized, controlled trial for the treatment of children hospitalized with severe malaria were used to identify such predictors of a poor outcome from severe malaria. Methods. African children (,15 years) with severe malaria participated in a randomized comparison of parenteral artesunate and parenteral quinine in 9 African countries. Detailed clinical assessment was performed on admission. Parasite densities were assessed in a reference laboratory. Predictors of death were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results. Twenty indicators of disease severity were assessed, out of which 5 (base deficit, impaired consciousness, convulsions, elevated blood urea, and underlying chronic illness) were associated independently with death. Tachypnea, respiratory distress, deep breathing, shock, prostration, low pH, hyperparasitemia, severe anemia, and jaundice were statistically significant indicators of death in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariate model. Age, glucose levels, axillary temperature, parasite density, heart rate, blood pressure, and blackwater fever were not related to death in univariate models. Conclusions. Acidosis, cerebral involvement, renal impairment, and chronic illness are key independent predictors for a poor outcome in African children with severe malaria. Mortality is markedly increased in cerebral malaria combined with acidosis. Clinical Trial Registration. ISRCTN50258054.