Meta-analysis of cytokine gene polymorphisms and outcome of heart transplantation.

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of assessing the association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and graft rejection in heart transplantation. We identified relevant studies from Medline and Embase using PubMed and Ovid search engines, respectively. Allele frequencies and allele and genotypic effects were pooled.

Development of an airborne lead analysis kit and its application.

We developed a method to analyze airborne lead concentrations in the field. It was a modification of the colorimetric method using the reaction between 4(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR) and lead with cyanex302 in an acid medium to reduce interfering metals. The lead concentration was detected with a photometer made in Thailand.

Assessment of nicotine dermal contact and urinary cotinine of tobacco processing workers.

Objective: To assess the dermal contact of nicotine dust, subjective symptoms and urinary cotinine of post curing tobacco workers.

Material And Method: Dermal hand wipes of residual nicotine dust samples, morning urine samples and subjective symptoms were collected from 30 workers. The hand-wipe samples and urine samples were analyzed for nicotine and cotinine by a GC/MS, respectively.

Assessment of nicotine inhalation exposure and urinary cotinine of tobacco processing workers.

Objective: To study the composition of tobacco dust, atmospheric nicotine concentration, urinary cotinine excretion and the subjective symptoms of workers in dry tobacco leaf preparation.

Material And Method: The tobacco dust in air of the breathing zone of workers and the urine samples of these workers and a comparison group were collected and analyzed by GC/MS. The accuracy, precision and detection limit of the methods were determined.

A mixture model application in disease mapping of malaria.

Disease mapping, a method for displaying the geographical distribution of disease occurrence, has received attention for more than 2 decades. Because traditional approaches to disease mapping have some deficiencies and disadvantages in presenting the geographical distribution of disease, the mixture model--as an alternative approach--overcomes some of these deficiencies and provides a clearer picture of the spatial risk structure. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate the geographical distribution of malaria in Thailand during 1995, 1996, and 1997 by applying the mixture model to disease mapping, and (2) to investigate the dynamic nature of malaria in Thailand during the 3-year time frame by applying the space-time mixture model.