Biodegradation of polystyrene by three bacterial strains isolated from the gut of Superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae).

Aims: To isolate polystyrene-degrading bacteria from the gut of superworms and investigate their ability to degrade polystyrene (PS).

Methods And Results: Three PS-degrading bacteria identified as Pseudomonas sp. EDB1, Bacillus sp.

Analysis of IL-4 promoter and VNTR polymorphisms in Thai patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Thailand. Cytokines play important roles in defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Interleukin (IL)-4 is one of the anti-inflammatory cytokines and has been found to be elevated in TB patients.

Tenofovir versus Placebo to Prevent Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis B.

Background: Pregnant women with an elevated viral load of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have a risk of transmitting infection to their infants, despite the infants' receiving hepatitis B immune globulin.

Methods: In this multicenter, double-blind clinical trial performed in Thailand, we randomly assigned hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive pregnant women with an alanine aminotransferase level of 60 IU or less per liter to receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or placebo from 28 weeks of gestation to 2 months post partum. Infants received hepatitis B immune globulin at birth and hepatitis B vaccine at birth and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 months.

Human Papillomavirus infection and cervical lesions in HIV infected women on antiretroviral treatment in Thailand.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, HPV genotypes and cytological/histological high-grade (HSIL+/CIN2+) lesions.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study within a prospective cohort of HIV-infected women on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Cervical specimens were collected for cytology and HPV genotyping (Papillocheck).

Area of Skin Numbness After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does Minimally Invasive Approach Make Any Difference From Standard Approach?

Background: Skin numbness after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was reported in relation to injury of the infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve (IPBSN).

Methods: Phase I study: A nonrandomized and nonconsecutive selection of 30 patients undergoing unilateral TKA, using minimally invasive surgery approach, and 30 patients having standard approach were included. Area of skin numbness was periodically evaluated and compared until 1-year follow-up (FU).