Siriraj Medical Journal

Number 4, 2013

96-99
Factors In uencing Patients’ Awareness of the Bene ts of Patch Testing: A Questionnaire Survey

Authors: Waranya Boonchai, M.D., Rasthawathana Desomchoke, M.D., Pacharee Iamtharachai, B.Sc., Daranee Sornmek, B.N.

Abstract

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Background: Patch testing is a well-established method of diagnosing contact dermatitis; although it is a complex and time consuming process. Objective: To determine the factors in uencing patients’ awareness of the bene t of patch testing by using a questionnaire survey. Methods: This is a descriptive study using 28 questions to survey in the patients who consecutively visited the contact dermatitis clinic, Siriraj Hospital during 2010. The survey concerned about patients’ perceptions about our contact dermatitis clinic services in several dimensions. The satisfaction score ranges from least (1) to most (5) satisfaction. Results: There were 150 patients, 22 males (15%) and 128 females (85%) (M:F ratio: 1:6) with mean age of 40.8 years (range, 16-71 years). The patients with bachelor degree or higher background showed statistically signi cant increases associated with the ability to remember, avoid allergens and recognize allergens in personal products (p=0.02, p < 0.00 and p=0.03, respectively). There was a signi cant difference in patients’ satisfaction regarding the test procedure (p=0.04) in age groups of 21-40 years old and >40 years old (Mean=4.17 and 4.43, respectively). The lower educational group had signi cantly more satisfaction about medical educational sheet than the higher educational level group (Mean=4.40 and 4.18, respectively, p=0.05). Conclusion: The patients have the high level of satisfactions towards the service at the contact dermatitis clinic, Siriraj Hos- pital. Factors in uencing patients’ awareness of the bene ts and results of patch testing are age and educational background.

100-104
Development of the Method of the Ultra Perfor- mance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) with Photo Diode Array Detector for Determination of 7 Tricyclic Antidepressants’ Concentrations in Human Plasma

Authors: Rasda Boonprasert, M.Sc., Paiboon Tummarintra, M.Sc., Pinit Plabjuy, B.Sc., Teera Kolladarungkri, M.D.

Abstract

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Objective: Depression is one of the most common human illnesses. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) are widely used for the Anti-depressive medication including Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Desipramine, Nortriptyline, Doxepin, Trimipramine and Clomipramine. The adverse effects have become major medical problems with severe morbidity and mortality from their cardiovascular and neurological toxicity. Several studies have reported the relationship between their toxic effects and elevated plasma concentration of TCAs. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of these drugs might be useful. This study aimed to develop and validate the method of ultra performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array (UPLC/ PDA) for determination of 7 TCAs’ concentrations in human plasma. Methods: Chromatographic separation was carried out by the ACQUITY UPLCTM BEH Shield RP, 1.7 μm (100 x 2.1 mm.I.D.) and used Acetronitrile/Phosphate Buffer Solution (pH 8) with gradient program as a mobile phase. The ACQUITY UPLC® Photodiode Array (PDA) Detector was performed at wavelengths between 200-380 nm and quanti cation was done at 215 nm. The Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), was used for extraction. The method was developed and fully validated according to USFDA guideline. Results: This method has an excellent separation result for 7 TCAs’ concentrations in 5 minutes. The limit of quanti cation (LOQ) was 20 ng/mL for all TCAs. This method was fully validated in terms of selectivity, accuracy, precision, linearity (r2>0.9975) and stability. The recoveries of extraction ranged from 56.11-76.37% with repeatability. Conclusion: A rapid, sensitive, accurate and reproducible UPLC/PDA method for quanti cation of TCAs level in human plasma were developed and validated, suggesting that the developed methods are useful for the future routine analysis.

105-111
Brahmi Extract Attenuated Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment and Cell Death of Rat Hippocampal CA1 Neurons after the 2-VO Induced Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Authors: Sarayut Vattananupon, Pranee Chadvongvan, Pravit Akarasereenont, M.D., Ph.D., Sompol Tapechum, M.D., Ph.D., Kanokwan Tilokskulchai, B.Sc.(Pharm.), Ph.D., Narawut Pakaprot, M.D., Ph.D.

Abstract

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Background: Vascular dementia, a learning and memory af icted disease, is caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion which leads to neuronal injury and death. Brahmi extract is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to enhance learning and memory and to promote brain functions. Objective: To examine the therapeutic potential of Brahmi extract as an alternative treatment for vascular dementia in the rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Methods: The chronic cerebral hypoperfusion was induced by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-VO), causing vascular dementia. After the occlusion, Brahmi extract was given for 2 months, and the spatial learning and memory tests were then performed after 2 months of drug administration. At the end, all animals were sacri ced, and the brains were removed for histological examination and counting of the hippocampal CA1 neurons. Results: The 2-VO induced cerebral hypoperfusion reduced the hippocampal CA1 neuron count and impaired the spatial learning and memory. Brahmi extract, on the other hand, could attenuate the memory de cit and neuronal reduction. Conclusion: Brahmi extract attenuated the de cit induced by the permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, suggesting the neuroprotective effects of Brahmi extract against the cerebral hypoperfusion.

112-116
Determination of KISS1, KISS1R and Kisspeptin in Fat Tissue of Normal Weight and Obese Humans and Correlations between Serum Kisspeptin and Leptin

Authors: Chantacha Sitticharoon, M.D., Ph.D., Vipada Boonpuan, M.Sc., Chalermchai Mitrpant, M.D., Ph.D., Malika Churintaraphan, M.Sc.

Abstract

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Number of views: 324

Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide mainly expressed in the hypothalamus, has a major role in reproductive regulation. Previous studies showed that Kiss1 mRNA expression is also found in adipose tissue in rats. This study aimed to determine KISS1, KISS1R, and leptin expression in fat tissues. Both KISS1 and KISS1R mRNA expressions were extremely low in human subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues in real-time PCR analysis. Nested real-time PCR was done for both KISS1 and KISS1R primers showing that the expressions of KISS1 and KISS1R mRNA were highly determined in visceral, but not in subcutaneous adipose tissues. Serum kisspeptin levels were not different between obese and normal weight subjects and were positively correlated with serum leptin (R=0.381, p<0.05). In conclusion, KISS1 and KISS1R expressions were detected in visceral adipose tissue.

117-119
Anatomical Variations of Ulnar Artery in Hand: Clinical Importance

Authors: Rajesh Thangarajan, M.Sc., Biswabina Ray, M.S., Alok Saxena, M.Sc.

Abstract

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The ulnar artery shows different patterns in hand and provides major contribution in the formation of super cial palmar arch. We have dissected twenty four hand specimens to follow the course of the ulnar artery and its branches. Classi- cal radio-ulnar arch was observed in all hand specimens except one female cadaveric specimen where four common palmar digital arteries were arising from the convexity of the SPA instead of three as seen in classical radio-ulnar arch. The rst common palmar digital artery was dividing into arteria radialis indicis and arteria princeps pollicis. The arch was completed by super cial palmar branch of radial artery. One exclusive communication was reported between radial artery proper and arteria princeps pollicis. Knowledge about arterial variations will be useful for cardiovascular surgeons, radiologists and anatomists working in this area. Occlusion of the arteries may lead to ischemia characterised by claudication, rest pain and gangrene if untreated. Therefore, anatomy of the arteries and the possibility of developing collateral circulation is of utmost importance.

120-122
Multiple Cerebral Abscess Caused by Cladophialo- phora bantiana

Authors: Somsak Nillapong, M.D.

Abstract

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Multiple cerebral abscess caused by Cladophialophora bantiana (C. bantiana) is a rare disease. A 36 year-old healthy male , presented with progressive right hemiparesis, seizure and left frontal lobe mass. He failed to respond to em- pirical treatment with broad spectrum antibiotic. The aspiration of his brain abscess grew C. bantiana, so he was treated with antifungal therapy and subsequently with surgical removal of all abscesses. Despite the high mortality rate, he survived with remarkably improved cognition and right side weakness (after four years follow up).