Decreased serum cholinesterase levels among a sample of a rural Thai population.
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Adolescent↗
Biomedical subjects
Suphan Soogarun
Publications and source records attributed to Suphan Soogarun.
Platelet parameters in subjects infected with hookworm.
Hookworm is an important intestinal parasite infection with high prevalence in tropical countries. In addition to iron deficiency anaemia, the human hookworm appears to have evolved a number of complementary strategies to overcome the host's haemostatic processes. These include the inhibition of blood coagulation, platelet aggregation and mediator release, and the secretion of fibrinogenolytic enzymes. In this work, we studied the platelets in the subjects with detection of hookworm infection from screening stool examination comparing to those without. One hundred subjects were included, studied for stool parasite and platelet parameters. Of our 100 subjects, hookworms were identified in stools of six cases, giving an infection rate equal to 6%. The platelet parameters of the subjects showed a statistically significant lowering of mean platelet volume (MPV) in the subjects with hookworm infection. Also, we detected a non-significant lower platelet count in subjects with hookworm infections. Of interest, the alteration in platelet size, identified by platelet parameters, has never been documented in the literature. This observation might be a pathological process or might be an accidental finding in our study.
Animals↗
A trend of platelet indices in patients with green pit viper toxin.
The green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris and Trimeresurus macrops) is a common venomous snake in Thailand. The green pit viper venom has major effects on the hematologic system. The venom is found to have a thrombin-like effect in vitro but cause a defibrination syndrome in vivo. Unlike other pit viper snakes (such as Malayan pit viper and Russel's pit viper), the venomous effect on red blood cells is rarely mentioned. Clinical features of venomous snake bites vary from asymptomatic to fatal bleeding. In this study, an attempt was made to discern hematologic parameters in green pit viper envenomation and to characterize the changes in blood cells. The study included data from 40 patients who were hospitalized at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital during 1995 to 1999 and 40 normal, healthy subjects as control. Concerning platelet determination, significantly decreased (p < 0.05) total platelet count and mean platelet volume (MPV) were demonstrated in envenomous blood. The changes in blood cells may be partly due to the effect of green pit viper toxin on the platelet morphology. However, the explanation of this phenomenon requires further investigation for the specific pathophysiology. The components of green pit viper venom that have these hematologic effects in humans are interesting and should be further identified.
Blood Platelets↗
Platelet parameters in Toxoplasma gondii IgG-seropositive subjects.
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Blood Platelets↗
Report on blood cholinesterase among vegetable growers.
We report our study on serum cholinesterase in vegetable growers, a risk occupation in a rural area of Thailand. In this study, 70 subjects (35 vegetable growers and 35 controls) were studied. The mean blood cholinesterase level in vegetable growers (17.7 +/- 7.0 U/ml) was significantly lower than that of the control group (24.7 +/- 12.4 U/ml) (p=0.01).
Agriculture↗
A note on urine trans, trans muconic acid level among a sample of Thai police: implication for an occupational health issue.
Benzene exposure is of particular concern because recent research indicating that benzene exposure can result in chronic toxicity, therefore, monitoring for benzene exposure among at-risk workers is recommended. In exposure- and risk-evaluation, the monitoring of benzene by peripheral biomarker has several advantages over technical assessment of exposure. For this purpose, the urine trans, trans muconic acid (ttMA)e level is accepted as a useful monitoring tool for early diagnosis of dangerous exposure. Apart from the industrial workers, there are other occupations with high risk for benzene exposure. In this study, we study another at-risk occupation, the police. Thirty-nine urine samples were obtained from 39 Thai police working close to traffic in an urban area. All 39 samples were analyzed for ttMA level and compared to 10 other controls. The average urine ttMA level for the control and exposed group were < 0.05 mg/gCr and was 0.79 +/- 1.43 mg/gCr, respectively. Significant higher urine ttMA acid level among the police were observed (p <.05). Working in the air pollution in the urban area can be health hazard for the police. Exposure to the benzene from automobile exhaust can be an important occupational problem for these police.
Benzene↗
Leukocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid with the automated hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3.
BACKGROUND: Presently, the counting of leukocytes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is still performed manually. This requires sufficiently experienced medical technologists. At present, specific automated systems for CSF cell counting are not available. In this study, we evaluated the use of the automated hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3 in the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS: We tested the hematology analyzer, Technicon H*3, which was not designed for CSF analysis. Sixty CSF samples were analyzed by the analyzer, Technicon H*3. Then the counts obtained were compared with the manual microscopic method. RESULTS: Linearity was tested by both plasma and normal saline solution (NSS). Concerning the NSS dilution, a good correlation can be observed at theoretical number of WBC > 30 cells/microL and so did the plasma dilution. The results of the comparison of both methods used for the determination of total leukocytes in the CSF gave a good correlation (r = 0.984). Concerning the determinations of neutrophils and lymphocytes, the correlation coefficients were 0.855 and 0.835, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, the use of this automated analyzer for cell counting in CSF is probably feasible. The high degree of accuracy and linearity that is offered by the analyzer should prompt us and the manufacturers to remedy the interfering factors as described by improving the algorithms. Once this is done, these analyzers may be very useful for cell counts in CSF.
Automation↗
The formol-ether concentration technique for intestinal parasites: comparing 0.1 N sodium hydroxide with normal saline preparations.
The formol-ether method is a widely used technique for stool examination. We performed a comparative study of 0.1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and normal saline preparation for the formol-ether technique in the detection of intestinal parasites. Of 30 parasite-containing stool samples, 22 (73%) were positive by 0.1 N NaOH and 18 (60%) were positive by normal saline. The detection rate of both preparations was not significantly different (p>0.05).
Animals↗
Vaccinating Thai adolescents against hepatitis A: is it cost-effective?
Hepatitis A infection is a common disease in tropical countries, including Thailand. Hepatitis A vaccination of children and adolescents has been recommended by many countries. We performed a cost-benefit analysis in order to determine the best strategy for Thailand. Three strategies were tested: a) no intervention; b) vaccination without screening; c) vaccination after screening. A review of the literature was performed in order to set the path probability of each strategy. The cost of intervention of each strategy was identified; the outcome cost was the total economic loss due to hepatitis A infection as the result of each strategy. Benefit was the final total cost according to each strategy (cost of intervention and economic loss due to possible hepatitis A infection). Surprisingly, the most benefit was gained from a strategy of no intervention. Vaccination after screening was the worst strategy. Our results indicated that hepatitis A vaccination for Thai adolescents was not cost-effective.
Adolescent↗
Using reticulocyte indices to identify alpha-thalassemia--a preliminary report.
Thalassemia poses an important public health problem in Thailand. The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand has conducted many programs for the control of thalassemia. These programs are useless if there is no effective, affordable method of screening for carriers. We report on the possibility of using an automated reticulocyte analyzer in order to identify alpha-thalassemia. Thirty-one control subjects and 14 couples, whose offsprings were affected with thalassemia H (7 alpha-thalassemia-1 and 7 alpha-thalassemia-2) were studied. We found that almost all reticulocyte parameters could be used as diagnostic marker of alpha-thalassemia-1 carriers. Unfortunately, alpha-thalassemia-2 had only 5 parameters that were significantly different when compared to normal controls. This is the report to focus attention on the use of reticulocyte parameters in the screening of alpha-thalassemia.
Case-Control Studies↗
Facilities for the disabled in the commercial districts of Bangkok--are they adequate?
Equal rights for the disabled are widely accepted, at least in principle. Basic public facilities for these people are minimum requirements. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive survey of three basic facilities (wheelchair ramps, elevators and modified toilet) in public buildings, of more than 5 floors in the Silom and Siam business areas of Bangkok. Of a total of 62 buildings surveyed, no building had all three facilities. The slope ramps, elevators and modified toilets were found in 26, 49, and 1 buildings respectively. Facilities for the disabled in this area of Bangkok were inadequate. All public buildings should provide appropriate facilities: special legislation may be warranted.
Architectural Accessibility↗
A note on the platelet count in Thai vegans.
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Diet, Vegetarian↗
Cancer risk for Thai traffic police exposed to traffic benzene vapor.
Benzene exposure is of particular concern because recent research indicates that it can result in chronic toxicity, with an elevated risk of carcinogenesis. Exposure to benzene from automobile exhaust can be an important occupational problem for police. The present study was conducted to estimate risk of Thai traffic police developing cancer due to contact with traffic benzene vapor during daily work. According to the data obtained, the estimated predicted cancer incidence for traffic police is 0.05 case per 70-year period, simply translated as 1.8 cancer cases per 100,000 traffic police per year. This is clearly a cause of concern and annual check up and monitoring for benzene exposure among traffic police should be set up as part of a program for primary prevention of occupation -- related cancer.
Benzene↗
Inhibition of Heinz body induction in an in vitro model and total antioxidant activity of medicinal Thai plants.
Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and known to possess antioxidant properties that may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. We screen aqueous extracts from 20 medicinal plants in Thailand that were believed to possess anti-tumor activity, help immune-stimulating property and maintain blood stasis. The antioxidant activities were investigated in two bioassays. Firstly, we demonstrated inhibition of Heinz bodies induction caused by oxidants under in vitro condition. The percentages of Heinz body inhibition activity in plant extracts from Terminalia citrina, Cassia timoriensis, and Derris elliptica were the highest followed by Anamirta cocculus, and Oroxylum indicum respectively. In addition, we investigated total antioxidant activity in plant extracts by improved ABTS radical cation decolorization assay. The total antioxidant activity of the extract from Terminalia citrina was also the highest activity followed by Ficus pubigera, Derris elliptica, Anamirta cocculus, Caesalpinia sappan, and Oroxylum indicum respectively. Our results suggest medicinal Thai plants as valuable sources of antioxidants, which may have a potential anti-carcinogenic activity.
Benzothiazoles↗