Background: The number of cerebral angiography procedures is increasing, resulting in higher X-ray radiation doses received by radiologists. Consequently, understanding the radiation doses received by radiologists and the accumulation of radiation in control rooms is crucial for guiding prevention strategies against radiation hazards. Objectives: This study aimed to measure and evaluate radiation doses to the hands, lenses of the eyes, and thyroids of radiologists performing cerebral angiography procedures, as well as to measure the accumulated radiation dose in the control room. Materials and methods: OSL dosimeters were placed on the eyeglass frames, thyroids, hands, and legs of radiologists performing 20 cerebral angiography procedures, as well as on the wall and window of the control room. Results: Radiologists’ average radiation doses were measured at specific body parts as follows: left eye (49 µSv), right eye (15 µSv), left hands (34 µSv), right hands (16 µSv), left legs (27 µSv), right legs (7 µSv), and thyroid glands (14 µSv). Notably, the received doses remained well within the maximum radiation dose limit established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). When calculating the maximum number of procedures that can be performed annually, we based it on the limit of the radiation dose that the eyes’ lenses should not exceed. Our findings revealed that the permissible number of procedures determined by the lens radiation dose limit, should not surpass 405 cases annually (equivalent to 34 cases per month). The radiation dose from therapeutic angiography procedures was discovered to be up to 5 times higher than that from diagnostic angiography procedures. The maximum accumulated radiation dose in the control room was 1.18 µSv/hr, which remained below the limit of the Department of Medical Sciences (< 3 µSv/hr). Conclusion: Radiologists receive less radiation from cerebral diagnostic angiography than therapeutic angiography. Organs on the left side were exposed to greater radiation levels than those on the right side. Wearing radiation protection devices during each procedure can reduce radiation exposure and mitigate long-term effects on radiologists. It is recommended to monitor and calculate the accumulated radiation dose of workers to ensure their exposure remains within safety limits.
{"title":"Radiation dose in radiologist from cerebral angiography using optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter","authors":"Tanyawimol Somtom, Thanakorn Somboot, Panatsada Awikunprasert, Sirikarn Kittichotwarat, Puttita Damchoo, Atithep Mongkolratnan, Tanapol Dachviriyakij","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.004","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The number of cerebral angiography procedures is increasing, resulting in higher X-ray radiation doses received by radiologists. Consequently, understanding the radiation doses received by radiologists and the accumulation of radiation in control rooms is crucial for guiding prevention strategies against radiation hazards. Objectives: This study aimed to measure and evaluate radiation doses to the hands, lenses of the eyes, and thyroids of radiologists performing cerebral angiography procedures, as well as to measure the accumulated radiation dose in the control room. Materials and methods: OSL dosimeters were placed on the eyeglass frames, thyroids, hands, and legs of radiologists performing 20 cerebral angiography procedures, as well as on the wall and window of the control room. Results: Radiologists’ average radiation doses were measured at specific body parts as follows: left eye (49 µSv), right eye (15 µSv), left hands (34 µSv), right hands (16 µSv), left legs (27 µSv), right legs (7 µSv), and thyroid glands (14 µSv). Notably, the received doses remained well within the maximum radiation dose limit established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). When calculating the maximum number of procedures that can be performed annually, we based it on the limit of the radiation dose that the eyes’ lenses should not exceed. Our findings revealed that the permissible number of procedures determined by the lens radiation dose limit, should not surpass 405 cases annually (equivalent to 34 cases per month). The radiation dose from therapeutic angiography procedures was discovered to be up to 5 times higher than that from diagnostic angiography procedures. The maximum accumulated radiation dose in the control room was 1.18 µSv/hr, which remained below the limit of the Department of Medical Sciences (< 3 µSv/hr). Conclusion: Radiologists receive less radiation from cerebral diagnostic angiography than therapeutic angiography. Organs on the left side were exposed to greater radiation levels than those on the right side. Wearing radiation protection devices during each procedure can reduce radiation exposure and mitigate long-term effects on radiologists. It is recommended to monitor and calculate the accumulated radiation dose of workers to ensure their exposure remains within safety limits.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"51 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Smily Jesu Priya Victor Paulra, Supaporn Chinchai, Peeraya Munkhetvit, Sarinya Sriphetcharawut
Background: Facial expression, tone of voice, body language, and context are unrecognizable to children with autism. Emotional arousal and emotion recognition (required emotion empathy and cognitive processing empathy) induce downstream illnesses in children with ASD. Thus, the proposed study aimed to develop a computer-based Emotional Recognition Memory Training Program (ERMTP) for ASD. Objective: Firstly, to develop and validate the ERMTP for social cognitive abilities in children with ASD and secondly, to conduct pilot-tested it in typically developing children and children with ASD. Materials and methods: This study consisted of 3 phases. The first phase was developing the ERMTP from the literature review. The second phase was analyzed for content validity with five experts about Task 1 (two activities) and Task 2 (nine activities) comprising ERMTP. Computer-based learning of six fundamental facial emotions (happy, sad, angry, fear, disgusted, and surprised) improves social cognition. Finally, the pilot test was analyzed to discover the ERMTP’s challenges for five children with typical development and ASD. Results: The ERMTP’s activity items have good content validity, especially regarding clarity and relevance. All five raters gave the intervention a 1.0 IOC for its distinct components. In the training program, we followed the expert instructions regarding background music or voice and the generalization task. Descriptive analysis indicated that all five normal-developing children followed emotional expressions and instructions (100%). All five parents reported there were changes in focus and memory skills. Emotion regulation, memory abilities, and the social cognition index demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) effects before and after ERMTP treatment in ASD. Conclusion: ERMTP seeks to improve the social cognition of children with ASD by the use of feedback from both specialists and the children themselves. However, further research will be necessary to investigate ASD using a randomized control trial.
{"title":"The development and content validity of the emotional recognition memory training program (ERMTP) for children with autism spectrum disorder: A trial phase","authors":"Smily Jesu Priya Victor Paulra, Supaporn Chinchai, Peeraya Munkhetvit, Sarinya Sriphetcharawut","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.020","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Facial expression, tone of voice, body language, and context are unrecognizable to children with autism. Emotional arousal and emotion recognition (required emotion empathy and cognitive processing empathy) induce downstream illnesses in children with ASD. Thus, the proposed study aimed to develop a computer-based Emotional Recognition Memory Training Program (ERMTP) for ASD. Objective: Firstly, to develop and validate the ERMTP for social cognitive abilities in children with ASD and secondly, to conduct pilot-tested it in typically developing children and children with ASD. Materials and methods: This study consisted of 3 phases. The first phase was developing the ERMTP from the literature review. The second phase was analyzed for content validity with five experts about Task 1 (two activities) and Task 2 (nine activities) comprising ERMTP. Computer-based learning of six fundamental facial emotions (happy, sad, angry, fear, disgusted, and surprised) improves social cognition. Finally, the pilot test was analyzed to discover the ERMTP’s challenges for five children with typical development and ASD. Results: The ERMTP’s activity items have good content validity, especially regarding clarity and relevance. All five raters gave the intervention a 1.0 IOC for its distinct components. In the training program, we followed the expert instructions regarding background music or voice and the generalization task. Descriptive analysis indicated that all five normal-developing children followed emotional expressions and instructions (100%). All five parents reported there were changes in focus and memory skills. Emotion regulation, memory abilities, and the social cognition index demonstrated statistically significant (p<0.05) effects before and after ERMTP treatment in ASD. Conclusion: ERMTP seeks to improve the social cognition of children with ASD by the use of feedback from both specialists and the children themselves. However, further research will be necessary to investigate ASD using a randomized control trial.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"50 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jureemas Wilaklang, Kalyanee Makarabhirom, S. Thayansin, Phurich Praneetvatakul
Background: Unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment (UVFMI) causes dysphonia and/or dysphagia, which can significantly affect a patient’s ability to communicate and perform regular daily life activities as well as the quality of life. Voice therapy offers a less invasive and more preferential method for patients. However, there are limitations concerning the integration of multiple therapy approaches. Voice therapy exercises with clear methodologies are required to plan and conduct therapy systematically, and frequency would be required for each exercise. Therefore, this study was conducted by applying the protocols of voice therapy in adult patients with unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment. Objective: This feasibility study is a prospective cohort, pre-post single arm, designed to determine whether the voice therapy protocol (VTP) can enhance voice quality in adult patients with unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment (UVFMI) in a pilot study. Materials and methods: All subjects received 12 sessions of voice therapy protocol, with each session conducted weekly for 45 minutes. The voice therapy protocol applied in this study consisted of vocal hygiene education, abdominal breathing exercises, vocal function exercises, pushing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, and applied resonance voice therapy. The outcomes of protocols for voice therapy were measured before and after treatment using subjective voice assessments (GIRBAS scale) and objective voice assessments (Dr. Speech program and electroglottography-EGG). Results: Cases 2, 7, 10, 11, and 13 improved after receiving VTP. As for other participants, there are still some voice parameters that need to be monitored. Overall, it was found that the participants’ voice parameters were changing within the acceptable range, with MPT, jitter, shimmer, and HNR values significantly different (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the voice therapy protocol was a worthwhile alternative and could be used to develop further treatment guidelines for adult patients with UVFMI at a speech clinic.
{"title":"Efficacy of the voice therapy protocol (VTP) for adult patients with unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment; a feasibility study","authors":"Jureemas Wilaklang, Kalyanee Makarabhirom, S. Thayansin, Phurich Praneetvatakul","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.017","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment (UVFMI) causes dysphonia and/or dysphagia, which can significantly affect a patient’s ability to communicate and perform regular daily life activities as well as the quality of life. Voice therapy offers a less invasive and more preferential method for patients. However, there are limitations concerning the integration of multiple therapy approaches. Voice therapy exercises with clear methodologies are required to plan and conduct therapy systematically, and frequency would be required for each exercise. Therefore, this study was conducted by applying the protocols of voice therapy in adult patients with unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment. Objective: This feasibility study is a prospective cohort, pre-post single arm, designed to determine whether the voice therapy protocol (VTP) can enhance voice quality in adult patients with unilateral vocal fold mobility impairment (UVFMI) in a pilot study. Materials and methods: All subjects received 12 sessions of voice therapy protocol, with each session conducted weekly for 45 minutes. The voice therapy protocol applied in this study consisted of vocal hygiene education, abdominal breathing exercises, vocal function exercises, pushing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, and applied resonance voice therapy. The outcomes of protocols for voice therapy were measured before and after treatment using subjective voice assessments (GIRBAS scale) and objective voice assessments (Dr. Speech program and electroglottography-EGG). Results: Cases 2, 7, 10, 11, and 13 improved after receiving VTP. As for other participants, there are still some voice parameters that need to be monitored. Overall, it was found that the participants’ voice parameters were changing within the acceptable range, with MPT, jitter, shimmer, and HNR values significantly different (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the voice therapy protocol was a worthwhile alternative and could be used to develop further treatment guidelines for adult patients with UVFMI at a speech clinic.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"53 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Benjamaporn Hancharoenkul, Peanchai Khamwong, Ubon Pirunsan, Leonard Joseph
Background: The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) among poultry slaughterhouse workers (PSW) has been reported in the shoulder, arm, and hand due to the involvement of repetitive and forceful upper limb movements. An intervention program is needed to reduce upper limb pain and improve upper limb functions among PSW. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of workplace intervention programs on musculoskeletal pain, upper limb functions, and work ability among PSW. Materials and methods: A total of 48 participants (21 males and 27 females) who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. The participants were allocated into two groups: The workplace intervention group (WIG, N=24; 10 males; 14 females) and the control group (CG, N=24; 11 males; 13 females). The WIG performed the exercise training with elastic resistance bands (ERB) and stretching exercises for eight weeks, and the CG did not perform any activity. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder reach flexibility test, active range of motion (AROM), the disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (KKU-DASH), and Thai Work Ability Index (Thai WAI) were used as outcome evaluations. The two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures (group x time) were used for statistical analyses, and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Approximately 79.1% (N=19) of the participants in WIG reported significantly decreased pain intensity of upper limb 3.06 (0.83 to -5.4) in the right side (p<0.01) and 1.96 (1.6 to -5.6) in the left side (p<0.001) after the 8-week intervention. Meanwhile, shoulder flexibility in WIG significantly increased (p<0.001) to around 3.55 cm. (0.67 to 8.20) on the right side and 5.61 cm. (2.0 to 10.67) on the left side. For AROM in WIG, neck flexion, lateral neck flexion, neck rotation, and left shoulder flexion significantly increased (p<0.05), as well as KKU-DASH and Thai WAI scores (p<0.001). There was no significant difference within-group in all variables in CG. Conclusion: The workplace intervention program significantly reduced upper limb pain and increased neck movement and shoulder flexion among PSW. The training programs also improved work ability and reduced disability with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions among PSW.
{"title":"The effects of workplace intervention programs to manage work-related musculoskeletal pain among poultry slaughterhouse workers: A randomized controlled trial","authors":"Benjamaporn Hancharoenkul, Peanchai Khamwong, Ubon Pirunsan, Leonard Joseph","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.002","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The prevalence rate of work-related musculoskeletal pain (WMSP) among poultry slaughterhouse workers (PSW) has been reported in the shoulder, arm, and hand due to the involvement of repetitive and forceful upper limb movements. An intervention program is needed to reduce upper limb pain and improve upper limb functions among PSW. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of workplace intervention programs on musculoskeletal pain, upper limb functions, and work ability among PSW. Materials and methods: A total of 48 participants (21 males and 27 females) who met the inclusion criteria were recruited into the study. The participants were allocated into two groups: The workplace intervention group (WIG, N=24; 10 males; 14 females) and the control group (CG, N=24; 11 males; 13 females). The WIG performed the exercise training with elastic resistance bands (ERB) and stretching exercises for eight weeks, and the CG did not perform any activity. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), shoulder reach flexibility test, active range of motion (AROM), the disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (KKU-DASH), and Thai Work Ability Index (Thai WAI) were used as outcome evaluations. The two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated measures (group x time) were used for statistical analyses, and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Approximately 79.1% (N=19) of the participants in WIG reported significantly decreased pain intensity of upper limb 3.06 (0.83 to -5.4) in the right side (p<0.01) and 1.96 (1.6 to -5.6) in the left side (p<0.001) after the 8-week intervention. Meanwhile, shoulder flexibility in WIG significantly increased (p<0.001) to around 3.55 cm. (0.67 to 8.20) on the right side and 5.61 cm. (2.0 to 10.67) on the left side. For AROM in WIG, neck flexion, lateral neck flexion, neck rotation, and left shoulder flexion significantly increased (p<0.05), as well as KKU-DASH and Thai WAI scores (p<0.001). There was no significant difference within-group in all variables in CG. Conclusion: The workplace intervention program significantly reduced upper limb pain and increased neck movement and shoulder flexion among PSW. The training programs also improved work ability and reduced disability with upper extremity musculoskeletal conditions among PSW.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"54 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patcharanun Sutthiphan, Phuanjai Rattakorn, Supaporn Chinchai, N. Wongpakaran, S. Tanprawate, Nopdanai Sirimaharaj
Background: Older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders (mild NCD) have a higher risk of major NCD. Cognitive deterioration can cause a deficit in working memory and language. Recent studies have shown some involvement overlapping the brain structure of working memory and language skills. Therefore, working memory intervention effectively enhances language skills in mild NCD. However, more research on this topic in Thailand is required. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and implement a pilot study on a working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD. Materials and methods: This study was a developmental research design with two phases. Phase one involved the development and examination of the content validity of the working memory program for improving language skills by five experts. Phase two involved piloting the program with three older adults with mild NCD. The participants were asked to provide suggestions about the clarity of content and images, language usage, font size, the comprehensibility of instructions in each activity, and the quality of audio files used to complement the program activities through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data. Results: The program comprised nine activities associated with the phonological loop, visual-spatial sketchpad, episodic buffer, and central executive tasks. The program’s content validity was evaluated by five experts, resulting in a content validity index of 0.94, meeting the established criteria. Among the pilot users, three participants meeting the specified criteria indicated their ability to use and practice the program at home effectively. While most participants agreed that the images were clear and the font size was appropriate, there were concerns regarding the clarity of the training process steps and instructions. Additionally, some participants encountered challenges in accessing audio files through quick response (QR) codes. Conclusion: In summary, the pilot study of the working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD passed the content validity test and underwent revisions based on suggestions from the pilot users. Consequently, the program could enhance the language abilities of older adults with mild NCD. The next phase will investigate its effectiveness in improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD.
{"title":"Working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders: A pilot study","authors":"Patcharanun Sutthiphan, Phuanjai Rattakorn, Supaporn Chinchai, N. Wongpakaran, S. Tanprawate, Nopdanai Sirimaharaj","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.013","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders (mild NCD) have a higher risk of major NCD. Cognitive deterioration can cause a deficit in working memory and language. Recent studies have shown some involvement overlapping the brain structure of working memory and language skills. Therefore, working memory intervention effectively enhances language skills in mild NCD. However, more research on this topic in Thailand is required. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and implement a pilot study on a working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD. Materials and methods: This study was a developmental research design with two phases. Phase one involved the development and examination of the content validity of the working memory program for improving language skills by five experts. Phase two involved piloting the program with three older adults with mild NCD. The participants were asked to provide suggestions about the clarity of content and images, language usage, font size, the comprehensibility of instructions in each activity, and the quality of audio files used to complement the program activities through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the collected data. Results: The program comprised nine activities associated with the phonological loop, visual-spatial sketchpad, episodic buffer, and central executive tasks. The program’s content validity was evaluated by five experts, resulting in a content validity index of 0.94, meeting the established criteria. Among the pilot users, three participants meeting the specified criteria indicated their ability to use and practice the program at home effectively. While most participants agreed that the images were clear and the font size was appropriate, there were concerns regarding the clarity of the training process steps and instructions. Additionally, some participants encountered challenges in accessing audio files through quick response (QR) codes. Conclusion: In summary, the pilot study of the working memory program for improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD passed the content validity test and underwent revisions based on suggestions from the pilot users. Consequently, the program could enhance the language abilities of older adults with mild NCD. The next phase will investigate its effectiveness in improving language skills in older adults with mild NCD.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"53 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jitapa Chawawisuttikool, Chatchai Phirawatthakul, Warintun Thomchaita, Chatchai Tieachanpan, O. Prasartwuth
Background: To prevent running related injuries and return to sport activities, monitoring the running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation) especially outdoor running is crucial. Previous studies investigated the reliability of these parameters in laboratory settings. However, the nature of outdoor runs is different (curve, uphill, other runners, etc.) and challenging in terms of equipment (simple) and environments (grass, asphalt, rubber, etc.). Therefore, the reliability of these parameters using a fitness watch synced with accelerometer needed to be investigated. Objective: To investigate the reliability of running parameters measured using fitness watches and accelerometers during outdoor runs. Materials and methods: 30 healthy volunteers (age 25.8±9.6 years, height 167.2±9.3 cm, weight 62.4±14.2 kg, and body mass index 22.2±3.8 kg/m2) participated in the study. They wore a fitness watch and attached a synced accelerometer at their pants. They completed 2 running laps (800 meters each) at their comfortable speeds. Resting periods were provided between laps. To control the speed for the second lap, the watch was set the maximum and minimum speed and set vibration and sound alarm mode. Running parameters include cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. Results: The reliability of the four running parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation), indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3,k)) was 0.94, 0.97, 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. Very high reliability values were confirmed. Conclusion: Using a fitness watch synced with an accelerometer during outdoor runs, running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation) illustrated very high levels of reliability.
{"title":"Reliability of running parameters using fitness watches synced with accelerometers during outdoor runs","authors":"Jitapa Chawawisuttikool, Chatchai Phirawatthakul, Warintun Thomchaita, Chatchai Tieachanpan, O. Prasartwuth","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.019","url":null,"abstract":"Background: To prevent running related injuries and return to sport activities, monitoring the running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation) especially outdoor running is crucial. Previous studies investigated the reliability of these parameters in laboratory settings. However, the nature of outdoor runs is different (curve, uphill, other runners, etc.) and challenging in terms of equipment (simple) and environments (grass, asphalt, rubber, etc.). Therefore, the reliability of these parameters using a fitness watch synced with accelerometer needed to be investigated. Objective: To investigate the reliability of running parameters measured using fitness watches and accelerometers during outdoor runs. Materials and methods: 30 healthy volunteers (age 25.8±9.6 years, height 167.2±9.3 cm, weight 62.4±14.2 kg, and body mass index 22.2±3.8 kg/m2) participated in the study. They wore a fitness watch and attached a synced accelerometer at their pants. They completed 2 running laps (800 meters each) at their comfortable speeds. Resting periods were provided between laps. To control the speed for the second lap, the watch was set the maximum and minimum speed and set vibration and sound alarm mode. Running parameters include cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. Results: The reliability of the four running parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation), indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3,k)) was 0.94, 0.97, 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. Very high reliability values were confirmed. Conclusion: Using a fitness watch synced with an accelerometer during outdoor runs, running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation) illustrated very high levels of reliability.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"51 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Tatu, Wachirawit Tondee, Pornchai Khamtong, Lamplimas Tangphan, Jidapa Jaitiang
Background: Four university students of northern Thai descent were found to be HbE/βO-thalassemia. However, they all had a mild form of this disease, categorized as Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia. Objectives: To analyze involvement of types of β-globin mutations, α-thalassemia, and XmnI-Gγ site in mild clinical symptoms observed in four Thai non-transfusion dependent HbE/βO-thalassemia cases. Materials and methods: EDTA blood samples were collected from the patients and their family members after signing the informed consent. Automated complete blood count with blood smear examination, hemoglobin typing, molecular analysis for α and β-globin mutations, β-globin gene haplotypes, and XmnI-Gγ site were performed on all blood samples. In addition, nucleotide sequencing of β-globin gene and globin chain separation were performed for patient#3 and their parents. Results: The first three patients had hemoglobin levels ranging 8.5-11.2 g/dL, while the fourth patient had hemoglobin level of 6.7 g/dL. The first and fourth patients were compound heterozygote for βE (HBB:c.79G>A) and β17 (HBB:c.52A>T) alleles with typical hemoglobin pattern of EF. The second patient was compound heterozygote for βE and β41/42 (HBB:c.126_129delCTTT) alleles also with typical hemoglobin pattern of EF. The third patient was compound heterozygote of βE and βIVS1-1(HBB:c.92+1G>T), however, with atypical hemoglobin pattern of EE. Family analysis found co-inheritance of Hb Constant Spring (HBA2:c.427T>C) and the XmnI-Gγ site (T at rs7482144) in the first two patients, of SEA-αO thalassemia (NG_000006.1:g.26264_45564del19301) and XmnI-Gγ site in the third patient, and of only XmnI-Gγ site in the fourth patient. Conclusion: These family studies proved the fact that co-existence of SEA-αO thalassemia and Hb Constant Spring in HbE/βO-thalassemia could lead to mild clinical severity. Minimal effect of XmnI-Gγ site on clinical symptoms of this disease was emphasized. This information should be useful in prenatal diagnosis of HbE/β-thalassemia.
{"title":"Non-transfusion dependent HbE/βO-thalassemia as the results of co-existent SEA-αO thalassemia, Hb Constant Spring, and XmnI-Gγ site: Thai family studies","authors":"T. Tatu, Wachirawit Tondee, Pornchai Khamtong, Lamplimas Tangphan, Jidapa Jaitiang","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.006","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Four university students of northern Thai descent were found to be HbE/βO-thalassemia. However, they all had a mild form of this disease, categorized as Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia. Objectives: To analyze involvement of types of β-globin mutations, α-thalassemia, and XmnI-Gγ site in mild clinical symptoms observed in four Thai non-transfusion dependent HbE/βO-thalassemia cases. Materials and methods: EDTA blood samples were collected from the patients and their family members after signing the informed consent. Automated complete blood count with blood smear examination, hemoglobin typing, molecular analysis for α and β-globin mutations, β-globin gene haplotypes, and XmnI-Gγ site were performed on all blood samples. In addition, nucleotide sequencing of β-globin gene and globin chain separation were performed for patient#3 and their parents. Results: The first three patients had hemoglobin levels ranging 8.5-11.2 g/dL, while the fourth patient had hemoglobin level of 6.7 g/dL. The first and fourth patients were compound heterozygote for βE (HBB:c.79G>A) and β17 (HBB:c.52A>T) alleles with typical hemoglobin pattern of EF. The second patient was compound heterozygote for βE and β41/42 (HBB:c.126_129delCTTT) alleles also with typical hemoglobin pattern of EF. The third patient was compound heterozygote of βE and βIVS1-1(HBB:c.92+1G>T), however, with atypical hemoglobin pattern of EE. Family analysis found co-inheritance of Hb Constant Spring (HBA2:c.427T>C) and the XmnI-Gγ site (T at rs7482144) in the first two patients, of SEA-αO thalassemia (NG_000006.1:g.26264_45564del19301) and XmnI-Gγ site in the third patient, and of only XmnI-Gγ site in the fourth patient. Conclusion: These family studies proved the fact that co-existence of SEA-αO thalassemia and Hb Constant Spring in HbE/βO-thalassemia could lead to mild clinical severity. Minimal effect of XmnI-Gγ site on clinical symptoms of this disease was emphasized. This information should be useful in prenatal diagnosis of HbE/β-thalassemia.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"50 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114688","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jitapa Chawawisuttikool, Chatchai Phirawatthakul, Warintun Thomchaita, Chatchai Tieachanpan, O. Prasartwuth
Background: To prevent running related injuries and return to sport activities, monitoring the running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation) especially outdoor running is crucial. Previous studies investigated the reliability of these parameters in laboratory settings. However, the nature of outdoor runs is different (curve, uphill, other runners, etc.) and challenging in terms of equipment (simple) and environments (grass, asphalt, rubber, etc.). Therefore, the reliability of these parameters using a fitness watch synced with accelerometer needed to be investigated. Objective: To investigate the reliability of running parameters measured using fitness watches and accelerometers during outdoor runs. Materials and methods: 30 healthy volunteers (age 25.8±9.6 years, height 167.2±9.3 cm, weight 62.4±14.2 kg, and body mass index 22.2±3.8 kg/m2) participated in the study. They wore a fitness watch and attached a synced accelerometer at their pants. They completed 2 running laps (800 meters each) at their comfortable speeds. Resting periods were provided between laps. To control the speed for the second lap, the watch was set the maximum and minimum speed and set vibration and sound alarm mode. Running parameters include cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. Results: The reliability of the four running parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation), indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3,k)) was 0.94, 0.97, 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. Very high reliability values were confirmed. Conclusion: Using a fitness watch synced with an accelerometer during outdoor runs, running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation) illustrated very high levels of reliability.
{"title":"Reliability of running parameters using fitness watches synced with accelerometers during outdoor runs","authors":"Jitapa Chawawisuttikool, Chatchai Phirawatthakul, Warintun Thomchaita, Chatchai Tieachanpan, O. Prasartwuth","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.019","url":null,"abstract":"Background: To prevent running related injuries and return to sport activities, monitoring the running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation) especially outdoor running is crucial. Previous studies investigated the reliability of these parameters in laboratory settings. However, the nature of outdoor runs is different (curve, uphill, other runners, etc.) and challenging in terms of equipment (simple) and environments (grass, asphalt, rubber, etc.). Therefore, the reliability of these parameters using a fitness watch synced with accelerometer needed to be investigated. Objective: To investigate the reliability of running parameters measured using fitness watches and accelerometers during outdoor runs. Materials and methods: 30 healthy volunteers (age 25.8±9.6 years, height 167.2±9.3 cm, weight 62.4±14.2 kg, and body mass index 22.2±3.8 kg/m2) participated in the study. They wore a fitness watch and attached a synced accelerometer at their pants. They completed 2 running laps (800 meters each) at their comfortable speeds. Resting periods were provided between laps. To control the speed for the second lap, the watch was set the maximum and minimum speed and set vibration and sound alarm mode. Running parameters include cadence, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. Results: The reliability of the four running parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation), indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC (3,k)) was 0.94, 0.97, 0.98 and 0.99, respectively. Very high reliability values were confirmed. Conclusion: Using a fitness watch synced with an accelerometer during outdoor runs, running dynamic parameters (cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and vertical oscillation) illustrated very high levels of reliability.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"51 10","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gulshan Sharma, Era Upadhyay, Akshay Kulkarni, Archna Sagalgile
Background: The association of air pollution with the COVID-19 pandemic majorly caused respiratory diseases among the major outcomes of COVID-19 infection. In addition, meteorological factors play an important role in spreading COVID-19 infection in humans who have been exposed to air pollutants. Objectives: This study aims to estimate and comprehend the linkages between the contribution of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters to the spreading coronavirus infection in Gurugram, a badly affected city in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: We employed some statistical analysis on daily average data of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological conditions with daily COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to February 2022. To optimize PM2.5 concentrations linked with COVID-19 instances, a time series analysis was performed. The Pearson correlation test investigated the relationships between PM2.5levels, meteorological data, and COVID-19 instances. The PCA was applied to reveal the most significant factor attributable to affecting the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Gurugram. Results: The highest cases of COVID-19 (250,000) were observed in February 2022 when PM 2.5 concentration was 286.6µg/m3, 12.64 oC temperature, 73.81% RH, and 68.265 km/h wind speed while minimum cases (3125) were found in March 2020 with the 18.18µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration, 10.62.oC temperature, 50.05% RH, and 83.295km/h wind speed. Conclusion: The principal component analysis helped conclude the results, which revealed that the daily COVID-19 cases were significantly positively correlated with PM 2.5 concentrations, RH, and temperature. However, daily COVID-19 cases were negatively or poorly correlated with wind speed. COVID-19 pandemic is prominently affected by PM 2.5, while RH and temperature were found to be important meteorological factors significantly affecting its human-to-human transmission. This study may provide useful indications to regulatory bodies to modify environmental health policies.
{"title":"COVID-19 transmission due to interplay between PM2.5 and weather conditions","authors":"Gulshan Sharma, Era Upadhyay, Akshay Kulkarni, Archna Sagalgile","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.012","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The association of air pollution with the COVID-19 pandemic majorly caused respiratory diseases among the major outcomes of COVID-19 infection. In addition, meteorological factors play an important role in spreading COVID-19 infection in humans who have been exposed to air pollutants. Objectives: This study aims to estimate and comprehend the linkages between the contribution of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological parameters to the spreading coronavirus infection in Gurugram, a badly affected city in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: We employed some statistical analysis on daily average data of PM 2.5 concentrations and meteorological conditions with daily COVID-19 cases from March 2020 to February 2022. To optimize PM2.5 concentrations linked with COVID-19 instances, a time series analysis was performed. The Pearson correlation test investigated the relationships between PM2.5levels, meteorological data, and COVID-19 instances. The PCA was applied to reveal the most significant factor attributable to affecting the rate of COVID-19 transmission in Gurugram. Results: The highest cases of COVID-19 (250,000) were observed in February 2022 when PM 2.5 concentration was 286.6µg/m3, 12.64 oC temperature, 73.81% RH, and 68.265 km/h wind speed while minimum cases (3125) were found in March 2020 with the 18.18µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration, 10.62.oC temperature, 50.05% RH, and 83.295km/h wind speed. Conclusion: The principal component analysis helped conclude the results, which revealed that the daily COVID-19 cases were significantly positively correlated with PM 2.5 concentrations, RH, and temperature. However, daily COVID-19 cases were negatively or poorly correlated with wind speed. COVID-19 pandemic is prominently affected by PM 2.5, while RH and temperature were found to be important meteorological factors significantly affecting its human-to-human transmission. This study may provide useful indications to regulatory bodies to modify environmental health policies.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"50 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114765","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Cressey, Sudalak Sankunkit, Chonnipa Chaovatin, Natteewan Doungjinda, A. Lungkaphin
Background: Although atorvastatin is commonly used as a hypolipidemic agent, it confers many health benefits in which the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We have previously shown that combined treatment of atorvastatin and insulin effectively restored renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats; nevertheless, the underlying mechanism was not known. Objective: To determine whether the reno-protective effect of atorvastatin and insulin is mediated through its impact on autophagy. Materials and methods: Markers of autophagy, LC3, and p62/SQSTM1, in rat kidney tissues and cell lines treated with atorvastatin and/or insulin were determined by Western blot analysis. Results: Levels of both LC3-I and LC3-II proteins in kidney tissues of STZ-diabetic rats treated with atorvastatin and insulin were significantly increased. The autophagic flux was examined in vitro and showed that high glucose culture conditions suppressed the autophagic flux in kidney cells. Treatment with insulin moderately increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II. Interestingly, atorvastatin increased autophagic flux only in the hyperglycemic but not in the normoglycemic condition. p62/SQSTM1 protein level was decreased in response to high glucose treatment but increased with the addition of insulin and/or atorvastatin. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that atorvastatin may represent a novel regimen in providing prevention and protection for diabetic nephropathy through the underlying mechanisms of inducing autophagy and p62/SQSTM1.
{"title":"Atorvastatin increases autophagic flux and p62/SQSTM1 of kidney cells in hyperglycemic conditions and treatment in combination with insulin improves renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats","authors":"R. Cressey, Sudalak Sankunkit, Chonnipa Chaovatin, Natteewan Doungjinda, A. Lungkaphin","doi":"10.12982/jams.2024.016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12982/jams.2024.016","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Although atorvastatin is commonly used as a hypolipidemic agent, it confers many health benefits in which the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We have previously shown that combined treatment of atorvastatin and insulin effectively restored renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats; nevertheless, the underlying mechanism was not known. Objective: To determine whether the reno-protective effect of atorvastatin and insulin is mediated through its impact on autophagy. Materials and methods: Markers of autophagy, LC3, and p62/SQSTM1, in rat kidney tissues and cell lines treated with atorvastatin and/or insulin were determined by Western blot analysis. Results: Levels of both LC3-I and LC3-II proteins in kidney tissues of STZ-diabetic rats treated with atorvastatin and insulin were significantly increased. The autophagic flux was examined in vitro and showed that high glucose culture conditions suppressed the autophagic flux in kidney cells. Treatment with insulin moderately increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II. Interestingly, atorvastatin increased autophagic flux only in the hyperglycemic but not in the normoglycemic condition. p62/SQSTM1 protein level was decreased in response to high glucose treatment but increased with the addition of insulin and/or atorvastatin. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that atorvastatin may represent a novel regimen in providing prevention and protection for diabetic nephropathy through the underlying mechanisms of inducing autophagy and p62/SQSTM1.","PeriodicalId":298884,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Associated Medical Sciences","volume":"54 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139114836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}