Classification of sternocleidomastoid muscle variations and comparison of its incidence among populations / Clasificación de variaciones del músculo esternocleidomastoideo y comparación de su incidencia entre poblaciones

SUMMARY: This study aimed to classify and investigate anatomical variations of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which is commonly used as an anatomical landmark to indicate the correct position for central venous catheterization, in a Thai population. Thirty- five embalmed cadavers from the Northeast Thailand (19 females and 16 males) were systemically dissected to reveal the SCM muscles in both sides for gross human anatomy teaching. Variations in the SCM origin and insertion were observed and recorded. The prevalence of anatomical variations was approximately 11.4 % (4 of 35 cadavers) and was not different by sex. Such variations were classified into 5 types based on origin, insertion, and presence of additional heads, as follows: type I (n=31; 88.6 %), type II (n=1; 2.85 %), type III (n=1; 2.85 %), type IV (n=1; 2.85 %), and type V (n=1; 2.85 %). Clinical considerations and prevalence of variant SCM muscle have also been discussed. Since the incidence of this anatomical variations was more than 10 %, the cervical surgeons should seriously consider this issue before insertion of a central venous catheter to avoid complications.

El estudio tuvo como objetivo clasificar e investigar las variaciones anatómicas del músculo esternocleidomastoideo (MEM), que se usa comúnmente como un punto de referencia anatómico para indicar la posición correcta para el cateterismo venoso central, en una población tailandesa. Se diseccionaron sistemáticamente 35 cadáveres embalsamados del noreste de Tailandia (19 mujeres y 16 hombres) para observar los músculos MEM en ambos lados para la enseñanza de la anatomía humana macroscópica. Se observaron y registraron variaciones en el origen y la inserción de MEM. La prevalencia de la variación fue de aproximadamente 11,4 % (4 de 35 cadáveres) y no fue diferente por sexo. Dichas variaciones se clasificaron en 5 tipos según el origen, la inserción y la presencia de cabezas adicionales, de la siguiente manera: tipo I (n=31; 88,6 %), tipo II (n=1; 2,85 %), tipo III (n=1; 2,85 %), tipo IV (n=1; 2,85 %) y tipo V (n=1; 2,85 %). También se discutieron las consideraciones clínicas y la prevalencia de la variante del músculo MEM. Dado que la incidencia de esta variación fue superior al 10 %, los cirujanos de cabeza y cuello deben considerar este tema antes de la inserción de un catéter venoso central para evitar complicaciones.

Human health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound heavy metal of anthropogenic sources in the Khon Kaen Province of Northeast Thailand.

The study aimed to assess the human health risk of PM2.5-bound heavy metals from anthropogenic sources in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand between December 2020 and February 2021. According to the findings, the geometric mean concentration of PM2.5 in the university area, residential area, industrial zone, and the agricultural zone was 32.78 µg/m3, 50.25 µg/m3, 44.48 µg/m3, and 29.53 µg/m3, respectively. The results showed that the estimated human health risk assessment, in terms of non-carcinogenic risks among children and adults in an urban area (residential and university), industrial zone, and the agricultural area, was of hazard index (HI) value of >1.0 indicating a greater chance of chronic effects occurring. This study showed that exposure to PM2.5-bound heavy metal may increase the likelihood that lasting effects will result in a very high carcinogenic risk (CR) in children in residential areas, and an industrial zone with total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values of 0.23 × 10 1 , and 0.12 × 10 1 , respectively while resulting in a high TCR of 3.34 × 10 - 2 and 4.11 × 10 - 2 within the university areas and agricultural zone, respectively. In addition, health risk assessments among adults demonstrate high TCR values of 4.40 × 10 - 1 (residential area), 2.28 × 10 - 1 (industrial zone), and 7.70 × 10 - 3 (agricultural zone), thus indicating a potential health risk to adults living in these areas while the university area was very low effects on carcinogenic risk ( CR ≤ 10 - 8 ) for adults. Therefore, lowering the risk of exposure to PM2.5 via the respiratory tract, for example, wearing a mask outside is a very effective self-defense strategy for people within and around the study site. This data study strongly supports the implementation of the air pollutant emission source reduction measures control and health surveillance.

Sociocultural, health knowledge, and health literacy among children ages 9-10 years in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy (HL) enables a person to make good decisions regarding health care, disease prevention, and health promotion to maintain and improve health. In Thailand, most existing studies focus on adults' HL rather than children. This research aimed to determine the influence of sociocultural and health knowledge on HL among children ages 9-10 years in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1650 children aged 9-10 years. The respondents were recruited using multistage random sampling from 39 primary schools of 13 provinces in all four regions of Thailand. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The multilevel analysis was used to determine the association between sociocultural, health knowledge, and HL while controlling the effects of covariates. The result was presented as adjusted odd ratios and its 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Of the total 1650 respondents, 86.24% (95% CI: 84.49%-87.82%) had adequate and excellent levels of HL. The multivariable analysis indicated factors that were significantly associated with adequate and excellent levels HL including adequacy of per diem (adjusted odds ratio [adj. OR] = 6.78; 95% CI: 3.54-12.97) and had good relationship with teachers (adj. OR = 2.19; 95% CI: 1.55-3.09). Sources of health education which were received health education from parents (adj. OR = 3.51; 95% CI: 2.39-5.14), from teachers (adj. OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.43-2.89), and from the Internet (adj. OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.12-2.99) were also significantly associated with HL. Another significant factor was had good level of health knowledge (adj. OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.30-2.66) when control clustering effect of region, provinces, school, and classroom size. CONCLUSIONS: More than 85% of children ages 9-10 years in Thailand had adequate and excellence levels of HL. Sociocultural and health knowledge had influence on children HL.

The alterations of microvasculature, tyrosine phosphorylation, and lipid peroxidation in kidney of rats treated with valproic acid / Alteraciones de la microvasculatura, fosforilación de tirosina y peroxidación lipídica en riñones de ratas tratadas con ácido valproico

SUMMARY: Valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug, has been demonstrated to damage histology and to change tyrosine phosphorylation patterns with increased oxidative stress in perirenal tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of VPA on microstructure, tyrosine phosphorylation, and lipid peroxidation of rat kidney. Adult male rats were divided into control and VPA-treated groups intraperitoneally injected with normal saline and VPA 500 mg/kgBW for 10 consecutive days, respectively (n = 7 each). The blood serum was examined for biochemical levels. The kidney tissues were routinely processed for histological observation. Total proteins from kidney were extracted to assay the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and phosphorylation expression. The results showed that VPA significantly decreased blood glucose levels while tend to increase urea nitrogen and creatinine. MDA levels in VPA group were significantly higher that of control. Renal cortex of VPA-treated animals revealed vasodilatations. Although the ratio of a renal phosphorylated 72 kDa protein/ beta actin expression seemed to be not different in both groups, VPA significantly decreased the intensity of beta actin. In conclusion, VPA dilates renal microvasculature with increasing of MDA but suppresses the actin expression.

RESUMEN: Se ha demostrado que el ácido valproico (AVP), un fármaco antiepiléptico, daña la histología y cambia los patrones de fosforilación de la tirosina con el aumento del estrés oxidativo en los tejidos perirrenales. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el efecto del AVP en la microestructura, la fosforilación de la tirosina y la peroxidación lipídica del riñón de rata. Se dividieron ratas macho adultas en grupos control y tratados con AVP. Durante 10 días consecutivos fueron inyectadas por vía intraperitoneal con solución salina normal y 500 mg / kg de PC respectivamente (n = 7 cada uno). Se analizó el suero sanguíneo para determinar los niveles bioquímicos. Los tejidos renales se procesaron de forma rutinaria para la observación histológica. Las proteínas totales del riñón se extrajeron para analizar los niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y la expresión de la fosforilación. Los resultados mostraron que el AVP disminuyó significativamente los niveles de glucosa en la sangre, mientras que tienden a aumentar el nitrógeno ureico y la creatinina. Los niveles de MDA en el grupo de AVP fueron significativamente más altos que los del control. La corteza renal de los animales tratados con AVP reveló vasodilataciones. Aunque la proporción de una expresión de proteína / actina de 72 kDa fosforilada renal no parece ser diferente en ambos grupos, el AVP disminuyó significativamente la intensidad de la actina beta. En conclusión, el AVP dilata la microvasculatura renal al aumentar el MDA, pero suprime la expresión de actina.

Anatomical variations of thyroid glands in northeastern-Thai embalmed cadavers / Variaciones anatómicas de la glándula tiroides en cadáveres embalsamados del noreste de Tailandia

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the variation patterns of thyroid glands in embalmed cadavers donated for anatomical studying and research in the northeastern part of Thailand. The crossed-sectional descriptive study was applied to systemically observe the thyroid gland in abnormality of 45 embalmed cadavers. The study was conducted in the Anatomy Laboratory of College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University. The indications of thyroid gland abnormalities were recorded by photographs before classification of data used further in a descriptive analysis using SPSS. The results showed that 8 of the 45 cadavers (17.8 %) were observed with thyroid gland abnormality (4 males; 8.9 % and 4 females; 8.9 %). Such variations could be classified into 3 types; pyramidal lobe (8.8 %), levator glandulae thyroideae (2.2 %) and the co-existing of levator glandulae thyroideae (8.8 %), respectively. The thyroid gland abnormality observed in this study was mainly related to many previous reports. Besides the number of thyroid variations are a crucial indication of thyroid gland abnormality recurring, these gland abnormalities are susceptible to the operation of radiology physicians in thyroidectomy and tracheostomy.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los patrones de variación de la glándula tiroides en cadáveres embalsamados donados para estudios e investigaciones anatómicas en el noreste de Tailandia. El estudio transversal descriptivo se aplicó para observar sistémicamente la glándula tiroides en caso de anomalía en 45 cadáveres embalsamados. El estudio se realizó en el Laboratorio de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina y Salud Pública de la Universidad de Ubon Ratchathani. Las anomalías de la glándula tiroides se registraron mediante fotografías antes de la clasificación de los datos y se utilizaron en un análisis descriptivo con SPSS. Los resultados mostraron que en 8 de los 45 cadáveres (17,8 %) se observaron anomalías de la glándula tiroides (4 hombres; 8,9 % y 4 mujeres; 8,9 %). Tales variaciones podrían ser clasificadas en 3 tipos: lóbulo piramidal (8,8 %), músculo elevador de la glándula tiroides (2,2 %) y la coexistencia del músculo elevador de la glándula tiroides (8,8 %), respectivamente. La anomalía de la glándula tiroides observada en este estudio se relacionó principalmente con informes anteriores. Además, la cantidad de variaciones tiroideas es una indicación crucial de la anomalía de la glándula tiroides que se repite, esta anomalía de la glándula es susceptible a las intervenciones de los médicos radiólogos en la tiroidectomía y la traqueotomía.

Antioxidant capacity of Momordica charantia extract and its protective effect on testicular damage in valproic acid-induced rats / Capacidad antioxidante del extracto de Momordica charantia y su efecto protector sobre el daño testicular en ratas inducidas con ácido valproico

Although Momordica charantia (MC) has preventive effects on tissue injuries, antioxidant capacity and protective effect of MC pulp and peel (MCP) on valproic acid (VPA)-testicular damage have never been reported. Fresh MCPs were aqueous extracted and determined for antioxidant capacity and momordicine I level by HPLC. Male rats were divided into 5 groups (control, VPA (500 mg/kgBW), MCP20/40/ or 80 mg/kgBW+VPA). In 30 experimental days, animals were pretreated with different doses of MCPs for 20 days before VPA injection for 10 consecutive days. Sperm concentration, testosterone hormone, and testicular histology of all groups were investigated. Expressions of testicular tyrosine phosphorylated and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) proteins were examined by Western blot. Results showed that MCP contains TPC (39.24±0.65 ug/mg garlic acid), antioxidant capacities (FRAP=33.08±0.21 ug/ mg ascorbic acid equivalent, IC50 of DPPH=389.8±3.20 ug/ml), and momordicine I (404.9 mg/g MCP). Sperm concentration in MCP80+VPA group was increased as compared to VPA group. Testosterone level in MCP treated groups was significantly increased. MCP protected testicular damage and could prevent the decrease of StAR and a 50-kDa phosphorylated protein expression in VPAtreated testis. In conclusion, MCP has antioxidant activities and can prevent male reproductive toxicity in VPA-induced rats.

A pesar que la Momordica charantia (MC) tiene efectos preventivos sobre las lesiones en los tejidos, capacidad antioxidante y un efecto protector de la pulpa y la cáscara de MC (CMC) sobre el ácido valproico (AVP), aún no se ha informado efectos sobre el daño testicular. Las CMC frescas fueron extraídas de forma acuosa y se determinó la capacidad antioxidante y el nivel de Momordicina I por HPLC. Las ratas machos se dividieron en 5 grupos: control, AVP (500 mg/kg de peso corporal), CMC20 / 40 / u 80 mg/kg de peso corporal + AVP . En 30 días experimentales, los animales fueron pretratados con diferentes dosis de CMC durante 20 días antes de la inyección de AVP durante 10 días consecutivos. Se investigó la concentración de espermatozoides, la hormona testosterona y la histología testicular de todos los grupos. Las expresiones de proteínas reguladoras agudas (StAR) fosforiladas con tirosina y esteroidogénicas testiculares se examinaron mediante inmunotransferencia de tipo Western. Los resultados mostraron que CMC contiene TPC (39.24 ± 0.65 ug / mg de ácido de ajo), capacidades antioxidantes (FRAP = 33.08 ± 0.21 ug / mg de ácido ascórbico equivalente, IC50 de DPPH = 389.8 ± 3.20 ug / ml) y momordicina I (404.9 mg) / g CMC). La concentración de esperma en el grupo MCP80 + AVP aumentó en comparación con el grupo AVP. El nivel de testosterona en los grupos tratados con CMC aumentó significativamente. La CMC protegió el daño testicular y pudo prevenir la disminución de StAR y una expresión de proteína fosforilada de 50 kDa en los testículos tratados con AVP. En conclusión, la CMC tiene efectos antioxidantes y puede prevenir la toxicidad reproductiva en ratas machos inducidas por VPA.

Lack of Association between Red Meat Consumption and a Positive Fecal Immunochemical Colorectal Cancer Screening Test in Khon Kaen, Thailand: a Population- Based Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: There is convincing evidence from epidemiological studies that meat consumption increases colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. However, assessment of any association with a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in CRC screening has been limited. If a link could be shown this might be helpful for establishing a risk group for colonoscopy. Objective: This study aimed to assess any association between meat consumption and other lifestyle factors and a positive FIT result in a Thai population. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 1,167 participants in a population-based randomized controlled trial. CRC was screened from May 2016 - February 2017. Subjects aged 45-74 years who met the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated to the study arm. A positive FIT was determined with cut-off 100 ng/mL. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze any relationship between lifestyle factors and a positive FIT. Result: The total number of subjects was 1,060 (90.8% return rate of FIT). With FIT100, FIT150, and FIT200, positive tests were found in 92 (8.68%), 74 (6.98%), and 60 (5.66%), respectively. No significant associations were noted with any of the variables, except for being aged 60-74 years (ORadj = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.03-2.54) Borderline significance was observed for high consumption of vegetables (ORadj = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.36-1.07) and being male (ORadj = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.87-2.22). Conclusion: Despite the evidence from the literature, no association was here found between a positive FIT result and meat consumption or other well-established lifestyle parameters. Being aged 60-74 years was a risk factor which should be taken into account in CRC screening strategy in countries like Thailand with limited access to endoscopy.

Preliminary Results: Colorectal Cancer Screening Using Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) in a Thai Population Aged 45-74 Years: A Population-Based Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide some details and the results to date of a colorectal cancer screening trial using a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Methods: A population-based randomized controlled trial began in May, 2016. All people aged 45 to 74 years living in Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, and willing to participate are being recruited using an outreach method. Enrolled participants are randomly allocated by a computer-generated randomization program either to a study arm (receive sample kit for FIT) or to a control arm (no provision of kit). Positive FIT cases are subsequently confirmed by a colonoscopy examination, and negative FIT cases are re-tested with FIT every two years. The preliminary results to date were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 1,060 enrolled participants provided a complete set of data. Of those randomly assigned to the study arm and tested by FIT, 92 (8.7%) were found to be positive, 39 (11.5%) males and 53 (7.4%) females. The f-Hb concentrations at the 75th, 90th and 95th percentiles for all age groups were higher in males than in females, and the distributions of f-Hb concentration varied with age, especially at the 95th percentile where f-Hb concentrations increased with age. Conclusion: The preliminary results of our screening trial have indicated that the prevalence of positive FIT cases is higher than in a similar recent and, at the time unique, previous study in Thailand. This finding is especially the case for males and those in the older age groups.