Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 973 in total

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  1. Jabeen R, Rabbani U, Abbas N
    J Pak Med Assoc, 2021 Nov;71(11):2611-2616.
    PMID: 34783745 DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.01204
    Universal health coverage is a global agenda and, currently for Pakistan, achieving this goal is a challenge because of a number of constraints. The current narrative review was planned to describe an overview of the provision of health insurance in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore that have achieved universal health coverage, and to propose a roadmap for Pakistan. Literature search was conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed databases as well as on the World Bank website to retrieve relevant articles. The three studied countries achieved universal health coverage by gradually increasing allocation for health and through various mechanisms, such as health insurance schemes which covered different segments of the population, and partnerships with private-sector care-providers. Pakistan needs to prioritise health in policy agenda because health insurance is negligible in Pakistan. Additionally, Pakistan also needs to efficiently utilise partnerships with the private sector to further increase healthcare coverage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  2. Endo H, Nguyen TS, Nguyen DD, Sasaki M, Kimura J, Oshida T, et al.
    J Vet Med Sci, 2021 Oct 02;83(10):1534-1544.
    PMID: 34380913 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0322
    Morphological variation of the skull was examined in the northern treeshrew (Tupaia belangeri) from various localities across Southeast Asia. Through a multivariate analysis, the treeshrews from South Vietnam exhibited distinct morphological characteristics compared to other populations from Thailand and Laos, and Malaysia. The plots of the specimens of North Vietnam are not randomly mixed with Thailand plots segregation in the scatteregrams of canonical discriminant analysis. Since the skulls of the population from North Vietnam were morphologically similar to those form central Laos and northern and northeastern Thailand, the zoogeographical barrier effect of Mekong River was not clearly confirmed. The population of the Kanchanaburi in western Thailand is clearly smaller in size compared to the other populations. The southern border of the distribution of this species is determined by the Isthmus of Kra or Kangar-Pattani Line. In the northern treeshrew, which is distributed from southern China to Bangladesh and southern Thailand, we have detected osteometrical geographical variation driven by geography. These results indicate that the skull morphology in the Tupaia glis-belangeri complex distinctively differs in South Vietnam, western Thailand, and southern Thailand. The zoogeographical barrier and factor separating these districts are expected to clarify in the future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  3. Baloch ZA, Tan Q, Khan MZ, Alfakhri Y, Raza H
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Sep;28(35):48581-48594.
    PMID: 33914251 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13663-6
    The demand for primary energy resources has increased significantly due to the rapid growth of the global economy and increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, improving energy efficiency levels is essential for global energy, energy security, and environmental sustainability. In the context of the Asia-Pacific region, the study of energy efficiency among different countries can play a role in better energy utilization. These countries also provide a policy for the Asia-Pacific region to improve its energy utilization. This study's primary focus is to investigate the optimal efficiency score of 15 areas of the Asia-Pacific region, and the analysis is based on super-efficiency (radical) and super slacks-based measure (SBM) data in a nonparametric DEA model. Three areas in the Asia-Pacific are selected for energy efficiency measures: South Asia, East Asia, and Australasia. The results suggest that Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Singapore, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam obtain the most efficient score of 1 in both DEA models throughout the study period. Australia and Sri Lanka receive a low score during all study periods, while Hong Kong does not have data for all study years. The results of the study will help improve energy performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, increasing the competitiveness and scalability of efficient energy sources.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  4. Low DHW, Hitch AT, Skiles MM, Borthwick SA, Neves ES, Lim ZX, et al.
    PMID: 33948432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.001
    Haemosporidians infect a wide diversity of bat genera and species, yet little is known about their transmission cycles or epidemiology. Though several recent studies have focused on the genus Hepatocystis, an Old World parasite primarily infecting bats, monkeys, and squirrels, this group is still understudied with little known about its transmission and molecular ecology. These parasites lack an asexual erythrocytic stage, making them unique from the Plasmodium vertebrate life cycle. In this study, we detected a prevalence of 31% of Hepatocystis in short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis) in Singapore. Phylogenetic reconstruction with a partial cytochrome b sequence revealed a monophyletic group of Hepatocystis from C. brachyotis in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. There was no relationship with infection and bat age, sex, location, body condition or monsoon season. The absence of this parasite in the five other bat species sampled in Singapore indicates this Hepatocystis species may be host restricted.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  5. Osterrieder A, Cuman G, Pan-Ngum W, Cheah PK, Cheah PK, Peerawaranun P, et al.
    BMJ Open, 2021 Jul 20;11(7):e046863.
    PMID: 34285007 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046863
    OBJECTIVES: To understand the impact of COVID-19 and public health measures on different social groups, we conducted a mixed-methods study in five countries ('SEBCOV-social, ethical and behavioural aspects of COVID-19'). Here, we report the results of the online survey.

    STUDY DESIGN AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Overall, 5058 respondents from Thailand, Malaysia, the UK, Italy and Slovenia completed the self-administered survey between May and June 2020. Poststratification weighting was applied, and associations between categorical variables assessed. Frequency counts and percentages were used to summarise categorical data. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using Pearson's χ2 test. Data were analysed in Stata 15.0 RESULTS: Among the five countries, Thai respondents reported having been most, and Slovenian respondents least, affected economically. The following factors were associated with greater negative economic impacts: being 18-24 years or 65 years or older; lower education levels; larger households; having children under 18 in the household and and having flexible/no income. Regarding social impact, respondents expressed most concern about their social life, physical health, mental health and well-being.There were large differences between countries in terms of voluntary behavioural change, and in compliance and agreement with COVID-19 restrictions. Overall, self-reported compliance was higher among respondents who self-reported a high understanding of COVID-19. UK respondents felt able to cope the longest and Thai respondents the shortest with only going out for essential needs or work. Many respondents reported seeing news perceived to be fake, the proportion varying between countries, with education level and self-reported levels of understanding of COVID-19.

    CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that COVID-19 and public health measures have uneven economic and social impacts on people from different countries and social groups. Understanding the factors associated with these impacts can help to inform future public health interventions and mitigate their negative consequences.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: TCTR20200401002.

    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  6. Yue Y, Liu Q, Liu X, Wu H, Xu M
    BMC Public Health, 2021 07 13;21(1):1389.
    PMID: 34256730 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11323-5
    BACKGROUND: In China, Guangdong and Yunnan are the two most dengue-affected provinces. This study aimed to compare the epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Guangdong and Yunnan during 2004-2018.

    METHODS: Descriptive analyses were used to explore the temporal, spatial, and demographic distribution of dengue fever.

    RESULTS: Of the 73,761 dengue cases reported in mainland China during 2004-2018, 93.7% indigenous and 65.9% imported cases occurred in Guangdong and Yunnan, respectively. A total of 55,970 and 5938 indigenous cases occurred in 108 Guangdong and 8 Yunnan counties, respectively during 2004-2018. Whereas 1146 and 3050 imported cases occurred in 84 Guangdong and 72 Yunnan counties, respectively during 2004-2018. Guangdong had a much higher average yearly indigenous incidence rate (3.65 (1/100000) vs 0.86 (1/100000)), but a much lower average yearly imported incidence rate (0.07 (1/100000) vs 0.44(1/100000)) compared with Yunnan in 2004-2018. Furthermore, dengue fever occurred more widely in space and more frequently in time in Guangdong. Guangdong and Yunnan had similar seasonal characteristics for dengue fever, but Guangdong had a longer peak period. Most dengue cases were clustered in the south-western border of Yunnan and the Pearl River Delta region in Guangdong. Most of the imported cases (93.9%) in Guangdong and Yunnan were from 9 Southeast Asian countries. Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia imported mainly into Guangdong while Myanmar and Laos imported into Yunnan. There was a strong male predominance among imported cases and an almost equal gender distribution among indigenous cases. Most dengue cases occurred in individuals aged 21-50 years, accounting for 57.3% (Guangdong) vs. 62.8% (Yunnan) of indigenous and 83.2% (Guangdong) vs. 62.6% (Yunnan) of imported cases. The associated major occupations (house worker or unemployed, retiree, and businessman, for indigenous cases; and businessman, for imported cases), were similar. However, farmers accounted for a larger proportion of dengue cases in Yunnan.

    CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the different epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Guangdong and Yunnan can be helpful to formulate targeted, strategic plans, and implement effective public health prevention measures in China.

    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  7. Noordin R, Anuar NS, Juri NM, Wongphutorn P, Ruantip S, Kopolrat KY, et al.
    Am J Trop Med Hyg, 2021 07 08;105(3):688-691.
    PMID: 34237022 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0317
    Strongyloides stercoralis affects more than half a billion people worldwide, and hyperinfection in immunocompromised patients can be fatal. Elimination of this neglected tropical disease requires field-applicable diagnostic tools. We conducted a laboratory evaluation of a lateral flow rapid dipstick test (SsRapid™) using sera samples from a Strongyloides-endemic area in northeast Thailand. Group 1 was S. stercoralis-positive and larvae- and/or antibody-positive (according to the IgG ELISA) (N = 100). Group 2 had negative fecal examination and IgG ELISA results (N = 25). Group 3 had other parasitic infections and negative IgG ELISA results (N = 25). The results showed good diagnostic sensitivity (82%) and excellent specificity (96%). Suggested improvements in the SsRapid™ test include increased diagnostic sensitivity and conversion to the more robust cassette format. Field studies should be performed as well.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  8. Dela Vega MPD, Yu JRT, Espiritu AI, Jamora RDG
    Neurol Sci, 2021 Jul;42(7):2683-2693.
    PMID: 33880678 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05266-3
    BACKGROUND: Although headache is one of the most common neurologic conditions with a high disease burden, primary data on headache research from Southeast Asia (SEA) was hypothesized to be inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate research productivity among the different countries in SEA and to determine the association between specific bibliometric indices and socioeconomic factors.

    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted until June 10, 2020 in Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Index Medicus for South-East Asia Region to include all primary headache studies on migraine, tension-type headache, and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, with at least one author affiliated with a SEA country. Bibliometric indices, such as the number of publications and PlumX metrics, were obtained and correlated with the country-specific socioeconomic factors.

    RESULTS: We identified 153 articles. Most of the publications (n = 43, 28.1%) were epidemiologic studies and case reports/series (n = 25, 16.3%). Migraine was the most studied primary headache subtype. Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand were the major contributors to primary headache research in SEA. Only the percent gross domestic product for research and development correlated significantly with research productivity.

    CONCLUSION: Despite the high global burden of disease, research productivity on primary headache was low in SEA. The move towards a knowledge-based economy may drive research productivity in SEA.

    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  9. Goh XT, Lim YAL, Lee PC, Nissapatorn V, Chua KH
    Mol Biochem Parasitol, 2021 07;244:111390.
    PMID: 34087264 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111390
    The present study aimed to examine the genetic diversity of human malaria parasites (i.e., P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. knowlesi) in Malaysia and southern Thailand targeting the 19-kDa C-terminal region of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (MSP-119). This region is essential for the recognition and invasion of erythrocytes and it is considered one of the leading candidates for asexual blood stage vaccines. However, the genetic data of MSP-119 among human malaria parasites in Malaysia is limited and there is also a need to update the current sequence diversity of this gene region among the Thailand isolates. In this study, genomic DNA was extracted from 384 microscopy-positive blood samples collected from patients who attended the hospitals or clinics in Malaysia and malaria clinics in Thailand from the year 2008 to 2016. The MSP-119 was amplified using PCR followed by bidirectional sequencing. DNA sequences identified in the present study were subjected to Median-joining network analysis with sequences of MSP-119 obtained from GenBank. DNA sequence analysis revealed that PfMSP-119 of Malaysian and Thailand isolates was not genetically conserved as high number of haplotypes were detected and positive selection was prevalent in PfMSP-119, hence questioning its suitability to be used as a vaccine candidate. A novel haplotype (Q/TNG/L) was also detected in Thailand P. falciparum isolate. In contrast, PvMSP-119 was highly conserved, however for the first time, a non-synonymous substitution (A1657S) was reported among Malaysian isolates. As for PkMSP-119, the presence of purifying selection and low nucleotide diversity indicated that it might be a potential vaccine target for P. knowlesi.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand/epidemiology
  10. Singh S, Bala MM, Kumar N, Janor H
    Int J Health Plann Manage, 2021 Jul;36(4):1236-1250.
    PMID: 33855765 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3169
    This study assesses and compares the productive efficiency of the national healthcare system of the ASEAN region which includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam amidst rising mortality rate from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era. Nonparametric data envelopment analysis technique based on the Malmquist Productivity Index is performed and its components, total factor productivity change, technical change and technological change are compared across the region. Two different models are considered in assessing and comparing the technical efficiency of the national healthcare system across the region with life expectancy at birth and mortality rate from NCDs as parallel health care output for both the models. The mean value of total factor productivity is 0.983 and 0.974 which suggests that national healthcare system productivity efficiency decays by 1.7% for Model I and 2.6% for Model II, respectively. This suggests that the health care system inefficiencies across the ASEAN region have not made life expectancy to improve as much as it should be and curtailed the mortality rate from growing chronic NCDs within a decade. The region is likely to lag behind in achieving SDGs 3 target 4 on reducing by one-third premature mortality from chronic NCDs unless the health care system's technical efficiency is improved across the region. The finding suggests a microlevel study on each country to identify major sources of healthcare system inefficiency in a bid to ameliorate it.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  11. Fu Z, Piumsomboon A, Punnarak P, Uttayarnmanee P, Leaw CP, Lim PT, et al.
    Harmful Algae, 2021 06;106:102063.
    PMID: 34154784 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2021.102063
    Information on the diversity and distribution of harmful microalgae in the Gulf of Thailand is very limited and mainly based on microscopic observations. Here, we collected 44 water samples from the Gulf of Thailand and its adjacent water (Perhentian Island, Malaysia) for comparison in 2018. DNA metabarcoding was performed targeting the partial large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU rDNA D1-D3) and the internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2). A total of 50 dinoflagellate genera (made up of 72 species) were identified based on the LSU rDNA dataset, while the results of ITS1 and ITS2 datasets revealed 33 and 32 dinoflagellate genera comprising 69 and 64 species, respectively. Five potentially toxic Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) species were detected, with four as newly recorded species in the water (Pseudo-nitzschia americana/brasilliana, Pseudo-nitzschia simulans/delicatissima, P. galaxiae and P. multistriata). The highest relative abundances of P. galaxiae and P. multistriata were found in Trat Bay and Chumphon (accounting for 0.20% and 0.06% of total ASVs abundance, respectively). Three paralytic shellfish toxin producing dinoflagellate species were detected: Alexandrium tamiyavanichii, Alexandrium fragae, and Gymnodinium catenatum. The highest abundance of A. tamiyavanichii was found in the surface sample of Chumphon (CHO7 station), accounting for 1.95% of total ASVs abundance. Two azaspiracid producing dinoflagellate species, Azadinium poporum ribotype B, Azadinium spinosum ribotype A, and a pinnatoxin producing dinoflagellate species Vulcanodinium rugosum, with two ribotypes B and C, were revealed from the datasets although with very low abundances. Six fish killing dinoflagellate species, including Margalefidinium polykrikoides group IV, Margalefidinium fulvescens, Karenia mikimotoi, Karenia selliformis ribotype B, Karlodinium australe, and Karlodinium digitatum were detected and all representing new records in this area. The findings of numerous harmful microalgal species in the Gulf of Thailand highlight the potential risk of human intoxication and fish killing events.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  12. Srisuka W, Aupalee K, Low VL, Yácob Z, Fukuda M, Saeung A, et al.
    Acta Trop, 2021 Jun;218:105889.
    PMID: 33722581 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105889
    A new black fly species, Simulium (Gomphostilbia) kiewlomense, is described from females, males, pupae and mature larvae in Thailand. This new species is placed in the S. asakoae species-group and is characterized by having a combination of the elongate female sensory vesicle, widened male hind basitarsus, which is much wider than the hind femur, small pupal terminal hooks, and light greenish larval abdominal segments 1-3. Taxonomic notes are given to separate this new species from other related species. A DNA analysis using the COI gene shows that this new species has two genoforms with 1.21% difference. This is the 28th species of the S. asakoae species-group in Thailand, strengthening the evidence for high species diversity of this species-group.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  13. Girelli G
    Int J Drug Policy, 2021 06;92:103155.
    PMID: 33994308 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103155
    BACKGROUND: in recent years, many Asian countries have witnessed an intensification in populist discourses identifying the death penalty as a central tool of drug control, with public opinion surveys referred to as invaluable evidence of public support for the death penalty. This paper will address the claim that the public supports capital punishment, and the role of surveys in shaping this discourse.

    METHODS: review of thirty-nine public opinion surveys on the death penalty carried out in five Asian countries which retain the death penalty for drugs or are considering re-introducing it. The review was conducted by analysing and comparing design, methodology, findings, and the relationship between these elements.

    RESULTS: all but two surveys recorded a majoritarian support for the death penalty, driven by beliefs in (a) deterrent effect of the death penalty, and (b) perfect justice - both disproven. Complex surveys found a low intensity of support, and a limited interest and knowledge by the public in capital punishment. Support for capital punishment is lower for drug offences specifically, and it decreases significantly when expressed with reference to real-life cases. Limited data suggest that the public in the focus countries has reservations on the effectiveness of the death penalty to reduce drug offences, and prefers a discretionary system of punishment. The analysis also revealed correlations between the framing of survey questions and their findings.

    CONCLUSION: Public opinion surveys conducted in China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand suggest that the public knows little and has little interest in the death penalty. Although majoritarian, its support is based on a faulty understanding of key facts related to capital punishment, and an increase in knowledge is correlated to a decrease in support. More rigorous polling exercises demonstrate that public support for capital punishment - both in general and for drug offences specifically - is instinctive, abstract, elastic, and contextual.

    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  14. Laoprom N, Prathummang S, Chuangchaiya S, Navanesan S, Munajat MB, Suwannatrai AT, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):25-30.
    PMID: 33973569 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.033
    Opisthorchiasis is endemic in parts of Southeast Asia, including the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. In these regions, the transmission by fish intermediate hosts has received little attention. We investigated the intensity of Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae (OV MC) in wild cyprinid fishes from five districts within the Nakhon Phanom Province, Northeast Thailand. Fishes were procured from local markets in five districts throughout three different seasons (hot, rainy and cold) between February 2018 and January 2019. The samples were identified, counted and weighed before metacercariae detection was performed via the artificial digestion method. A total of 2,149 freshwater fishes, representing 20 species were collected. The fish most commonly contaminated with OV MC were Anematichthys repasson and Hampala dispar. The intensity of OV MC in Nakhon Phanom was 0.23 OV MC/fish and varied among districts, ranging from 0.07 to 0.52. A low intensity of OV MC/fish (defined as <=1 cyst) was found in all three different seasons in the Nakhon Phanom Province; hot season (0.55), cold season (0.22) and the rainy season (0.13). The intensity of OV MC/fish was moderate (defined as >1 cyst) in the Renu Nakhon district (2.5) in the hot season. By fish species, H. dispar yielded the highest, with a moderate intensity of 2.1. In natural freshwater cyprinid fish in Nakhon Phanom, OV MC infection is endemic with intensity rates varying according to district, season and fish species.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  15. Leow BL, Khoo CK, Syamsiah Aini S, Roslina H, Faizah Hanim MS
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Jun 01;38(2):72-78.
    PMID: 33973576 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.2.043
    Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by rabies virus (RABV) and remains a public health problem in Malaysia. Malaysia was declared rabies-free in 2012, however rabies outbreaks occurred at few states in Peninsular Malaysia three years later; and for the first time, in Sarawak (East Malaysia) in 2017 which has caused more than 20 human deaths. This study describes the phylogenetic analysis of the complete nucleoprotein (N) gene of RABV from animal samples in Malaysia from year 2015 to 2018. The N gene of 17 RABVs from Perlis, Kedah and Sarawak were amplified and sequenced. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid similarities of N gene analysis indicated that there is high similarity among the local RABVs. Phylogenetic analysis of the N gene revealed that all Malaysia RABVs belonged to the Asian clade. Among these, RABVs from Peninsular Malaysia were clustered together with RABVs from Thailand, Vietnam and other Southeast Asia countries except Indonesia. However, RABVs from Sarawak were grouped together with Indonesian strains from Kalimantan. Our study provides baseline genetic information of the potential origins of the circulating RABVs in Malaysia. This crucial information helped the authority in policies making and strategies to be taken in outbreak control. Continuous surveillance program to monitor the disease trend, strict border control, vaccination of dog and cat population and public awareness are important steps to control the spread of the RABV.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  16. Apanaskevich DA, Apanaskevich MA, Nooma W, Ahantarig A, Trinachartvanit W
    Syst Parasitol, 2021 06;98(3):207-230.
    PMID: 33893604 DOI: 10.1007/s11230-021-09972-6
    Re-examination of the holotype of Dermacentor atrosignatus Neumann, 1906 (Acari: Ixodidae) stored in the Natural History Museum (London, UK) revealed that this taxon is identical with D. auratus Supino, 1897 and should be treated as a junior synonym of the latter species. A correct name for the distinct species previously identified as D. atrosignatus Neumann, 1906 sensu Wassef & Hoogstraal, 1984 should be D. tricuspis (Schulze, 1933) n. comb., n. stat. Adults of D. tricuspis are redescribed here. Re-examination of extensive holdings of Oriental Dermacentor Koch, 1844 ticks stored in the United States National Tick Collection revealed that a morphologically distinct new species of this genus, namely D. falsosteini D. Apanaskevich, M. Apanaskevich & Nooma n. sp. should be recognized. Adults of D. tricuspis and D. falsosteini n. sp. can be distinguished from other species of Oriental Dermacentor and each other by the colour pattern of the conscutum and scutum, the pattern of punctations on the pseudoscutum and scutum, the shape of female genital structures and spurs on coxa I. Dermacentor tricuspis is recorded from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand where the adults were mostly collected from various species of wild pigs (Artiodactyla: Suidae) and vegetation; few adults were available from other mammals (Artiodactyla: Bovidae; Carnivora: Canidae, Felidae, Ursidae; Pholidota: Manidae), as well as humans and reptiles (Squamata: Elapidae, Varanidae). One male was reared from a nymph collected on a rodent (Rodentia: Muridae). Dermacentor falsosteini n. sp. is found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand where the adults were collected from bearded pig, Sus barbatus Müller, wild boar, S. scrofa Linnaeus, unidentified wild pig, Sus sp. (Artiodactyla: Suidae), Malayan tapir, Tapirus indicus Desmarest (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae), human and vegetation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  17. Wongsalap Y, Kengkla K, Poolpun D, Saokaew S
    J Cardiol, 2021 06;77(6):669-676.
    PMID: 33455848 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2020.12.015
    BACKGROUND: Optimal medical therapy (OMT) is recommended for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at discharge. This study aimed to assess temporal trends of OMT prescription as a five-drug regimen at discharge and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with ACS in Thailand.

    METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary-care medical center in Thailand. Data were collected from an electronic medical database. Patients were categorized into OMT or non-OMT groups based on their discharge medications. OMT was defined as a combination of aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors, statins, beta-blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin receptor blockers. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. The secondary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) which was defined as a composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and all-cause mortality. The prescription trends were also estimated. A multivariate Cox's proportional hazard model was used to assess the association of OMT prescriptions at discharge with all-cause mortality and MACE.

    RESULTS: A total of 3531 patients discharged with ACS [mean age, 69.5 (SD 12.4) years; 58.3% male] were identified. Only 42.6% were discharged with OMT. The rates of OMT prescriptions did not change over time. However, the prescription of OMT with high-intensity statin was significantly increased from 5.0% in 2013 to 38.3% in 2018 (p for trend <0.001). Multivariable analyses indicated that OMT significantly reduced all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.77; 95%CI: 0.63-0.95; p=0.012) and MACE (adjusted HR 0.84; 95%CI: 0.71-0.99; p = 0.044). Subgroup analysis indicated that patients receiving OMT with high-intensity statins exhibited survival benefits (adjusted HR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.56-0.92; p=0.008).

    CONCLUSIONS: The five-drugs comprising OMT were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and MACE in patients with ACS. Nevertheless, OMT prescribing remains underused and could be enhanced in the real-world setting.

    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand/epidemiology
  18. Nguyen TH, Wang D, Rahman SU, Bai H, Yao X, Chen D, et al.
    Infect Genet Evol, 2021 06;90:104750.
    PMID: 33548490 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104750
    Rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) belongs to genus Tungrovirus within the family Caulimoviridae harbors circular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Rice tungro disease (RTD) caused by RTBV, responsible for severe rice yield losses in South and Southeast Asia. Here, we performed a systematic evolutionary and codon usage bias (CUB) analysis of RTBV genome sequences. We analysed different bioinformatics techniques to calculate the nucleotide compositions, the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU), and other indices. The results indicated slightly or low codon usage bias in RTBV isolates. Mutation and natural selection pressures have equally contributed to this low codon usage bias. Additionally, multiple factors such as host, geographical distribution also affect codon usage patterns in RTBV genomes. RSCU analysis revealed that RTBV shows mutation bias and prefers A and U ended codons to code amino acids. Codon usage patterns of RTBV were also found to be influenced by its host. This indicates that RTBV have evolved codon usage patterns that are specific to its host. The findings from this study are expected to increase our understanding of factors leading to viral evolution and fitness with respect to hosts and the environment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
  19. Andrieux-Meyer I, Tan SS, Thanprasertsuk S, Salvadori N, Menétrey C, Simon F, et al.
    Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2021 Jun;6(6):448-458.
    PMID: 33865507 DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(21)00031-5
    BACKGROUND: In low-income and middle-income countries, affordable direct-acting antivirals are urgently needed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The combination of ravidasvir, a pangenotypic non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor, and sofosbuvir has shown efficacy and safety in patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. STORM-C-1 trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir in a diverse population of adults chronically infected with HCV.

    METHODS: STORM-C-1 is a two-stage, open-label, phase 2/3 single-arm clinical trial in six public academic and non-academic centres in Malaysia and four public academic and non-academic centres in Thailand. Patients with HCV with compensated cirrhosis (Metavir F4 and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A) or without cirrhosis (Metavir F0-3) aged 18-69 years were eligible to participate, regardless of HCV genotype, HIV infection status, previous interferon-based HCV treatment, or source of HCV infection. Once daily ravidasvir (200 mg) and sofosbuvir (400 mg) were prescribed for 12 weeks for patients without cirrhosis and for 24 weeks for those with cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12; defined as HCV RNA <12 IU/mL in Thailand and HCV RNA <15 IU/mL in Malaysia at 12 weeks after the end of treatment). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02961426, and the National Medical Research Register of Malaysia, NMRR-16-747-29183.

    FINDINGS: Between Sept 14, 2016, and June 5, 2017, 301 patients were enrolled in stage one of STORM-C-1. 98 (33%) patients had genotype 1a infection, 27 (9%) had genotype 1b infection, two (1%) had genotype 2 infection, 158 (52%) had genotype 3 infection, and 16 (5%) had genotype 6 infection. 81 (27%) patients had compensated cirrhosis, 90 (30%) had HIV co-infection, and 99 (33%) had received previous interferon-based treatment. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were pyrexia (35 [12%]), cough (26 [9%]), upper respiratory tract infection (23 [8%]), and headache (20 [7%]). There were no deaths or treatment discontinuations due to serious adverse events related to study drugs. Of the 300 patients included in the full analysis set, 291 (97%; 95% CI 94-99) had SVR12. Of note, SVR12 was reported in 78 (96%) of 81 patients with cirrhosis and 153 (97%) of 158 patients with genotype 3 infection, including 51 (96%) of 53 patients with cirrhosis. There was no difference in SVR12 rates by HIV co-infection or previous interferon treatment.

    INTERPRETATION: In this first stage, ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir was effective and well tolerated in this diverse adult population of patients with chronic HCV infection. Ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir has the potential to provide an additional affordable, simple, and efficacious public health tool for large-scale implementation to eliminate HCV as a cause of morbidity and mortality.

    FUNDING: National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand; Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; Ministry of Health, Malaysia; UK Aid; Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF); MSF Transformational Investment Capacity; FIND; Pharmaniaga; Starr International Foundation; Foundation for Art, Research, Partnership and Education; and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand/epidemiology
  20. Srisuka W, Sulin C, Aupalee K, Phankaen T, Taai K, Thongsahuan S, et al.
    Insects, 2021 May 31;12(6).
    PMID: 34072677 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060504
    Black flies form a group of small blood-sucking insects of medical and veterinary importance. This study aimed to investigate the community structure, biodiversity and spatial and temporal distribution of adult black flies in tropical rain forests, by using malaise traps in Doi Inthanon National Park, northern Thailand. Malaise traps were placed along six elevational gradients (400 m to 2500 m, above sea level) at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai province, from December 2013 to November 2014. A total of 9406 adult female black flies belonging to five subgenera-Daviesellum (2%), Gomphostilbia (23%), Montisimulium (11%), Nevermannia (16%) and Simulium (48%)-were collected. Among 44 taxa found, S. tenebrosum complex had the highest relative abundance (11.1%), followed by the S. asakoae species-group (9.6%), the S. striatum species-group (7.7%), S. inthanonense (6.6%), S. doipuiense complex (6.4%), S. chomthongense complex (5.3%), S. chumpornense (5.1%) and S. nigrogilvum (4.1%). Two human-biting species-S. nigrogilvum and species in the S. asakoae species-group-were found in all of the collection sites with 100% species occurrence. Species richness was highest at mid elevation (1400 m), which is represented by 19 black fly species. The peak and lowest seasonal abundance was observed in the rainy and hot season, respectively. Seasonal species richness was highest in the cold season, except for that from elevation sites at 700 m, 1700 m and 2500 m. This study revealed that the malaise trap is effective in providing important data for further monitoring of the effects of environmental changes and conservation planning on the biodiversity of black flies in Doi Inthanon National Park.
    Matched MeSH terms: Thailand
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