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.

Differences in global gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicate a significant role of the innate responses in progression of dengue fever but not dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Abstract: Background. Dengue virus infection causes an array of symptoms ranging from dengue fever (DF) to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The pathophysiological processes behind these 2 clinical manifestations are unclear. Methods. In the present study, genomewide transcriptomes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from children with acute-phase DF (i.e., DF PBMCs) or acute-phase DHF (i.e., DHF PBMCs) were compared using microarray analysis. Results of genome screening were validated at the genomic and proteomics levels. Results. DHF had stronger influences on the gene expression profile than did DF. Of the affected genes, metabolic gene expression was influenced the most. For the immune response category, 17 genes were more strongly up-regulated in DF PBMCs than in DHF PBMCs. Eight of the these 17 genes were categorized as belonging to the interferon (IFN) system. The up-regulation of IFN-related genes was accompanied by strong expression of CD59, a complement inhibitor. DHF PBMCs expressed genes involved in T and B cell activation, cytokine production, complement activation, and T cell apoptosis more strongly than did DF PBMCs. Conclusion. We hypothesize that, during DF, genes in the IFN system and complement inhibitor play a role in lowering virus production and reducing tissue damage. In patients with DHF, the dysfunction of immune cells, complement, and cytokines increases viral load and tissue damage.

A systematic review of the worldwide prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Background : A number of epidemiologic studies of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been conducted worldwide over the years. Although every study reported the rise in prevalence and incidence rate of PD with the increasing age, the overall estimates were different across countries. The variation in reported data may partly be contributed by case ascertainment, case finding method, data collection, and most importantly different population structures. Objective : Systematically review prevalence and incidence of PD and find the causes of variation in the results. Material and Method : A literature search was conducted on Medline and EMBASE for studies worldwide investigating the prevalence and incidence of PD and included all adults, English and publication between 1965 and January 2010.The primary search of both databases yielded 5,330 results. After screening topics and abstracts, 168 relevant abstracts were tagged and saved for more thorough perusal. Ultimately, 40 papers were selected for review after applying the pre-specified inclusion criteria Results : The worldwide prevalence of PD varies widely. One reason for the variation in prevalence estimates could be due to the differences in survival across countries. The use of epidemiological studies using medical records could be another reason for the variation in disease frequency. Conclusion : PD is common in the elderly. A number of descriptive epidemiologic studies have been conducted worldwide. Comparing the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is difficult. Keywords : Parkinson’s disease, Parkinsonism, Epidemiology, Prevalence, Incidence