Validation and efficacy of the Varix Trainer model as a Training device for esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

The Varix Trainer model 1 (VTM1) was created for trainees to safely practice basic endoscope manipulation skills. The VTM1 was tested to see if it could distinguish levels of endoscope manipulation skills (construct validity) and whether training with it could improve these skills faster (content validity). We enrolled 23 novice endoscopists, 18 second-year trainees, and 13 expert endoscopists.

Validation of the Thai version of the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS).

Background: Female genital self-image is associated with sexual health, sexual behavior, and gynecologic health behavior. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) is a simple, validated instrument that quantifies genital self-image in women. The study aim was to translate the original English FGSIS into Thai and test its psychometric properties among Thai-speaking women.

, , Genes as Feasible Markers for Premature Coronary Heart Disease Risk.

Beyond non-genetic risk factors, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) plays a major role in the development of CHD. FH is a genetic disorder characterized by heritable and severely elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can lead to premature cardiovascular disease, particularly familial coronary heart disease (FH-CHD). To explore genes indicating a risk of familial (premature) coronary heart disease (FH-CHD) development in FH, 30 Thai male volunteers were enrolled: 7 healthy controls (N), 6 patients with hypercholesterolemia (H), 4 with FH, 10 with CHD, and 3 with FH-CHD.

PPBP and DEFA1/DEFA3 genes in hyperlipidaemia as feasible synergistic inflammatory biomarkers for coronary heart disease.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is an important complication of atherosclerosis. Biomarkers, which associate with CHD development, are potential to predict CHD risk. To determine whether genes showing altered expression in hyperlipidaemia (H) and coronary heart disease (CHD) patients compared with controls could be CHD risk biomarkers.

Increased alpha-defensin expression is associated with risk of coronary heart disease: a feasible predictive inflammatory biomarker of coronary heart disease in hyperlipidemia patients.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disorder of the heart vessels that develops over decades, coupling inflammatory mechanisms and elevated total cholesterol levels under the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Without effective intervention, atherosclerosis consequently causes coronary heart disease (CHD), which leads to increased risk of sudden death. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils play a pivotal role in inflammation and atherogenesis.

Diffuse panbronchiolitis, the first case reports in Thailand.

Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is an important cause of progressive obstructive lung or chronic suppurative lung disease in the Far East (Japan, China and Korea). It is a distinctive sinobronchial syndrome with typical radiological and histologic features. We have identified three patients who have typical clinical manifestation and pathological confirmation.

Wells' syndrome with lock jaw: report of a case in Thai patient.

A case of Wells' syndrome with lock jaw in a 26-year-old Thai female is presented. The clinical features, the course of disease, the histological findings of tissue eosinophilia and flame figures and also significant peripheral blood eosinophilia support the diagnosis of Wells' syndrome in this patient. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reported in Thailand.