Cytotoxic Prenyl and Geranyl Coumarins from the Stem Bark of Casimiroa edulis

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the stem bark of Casimiroa edulis afforded four coumarins. Various spectroscopic experiments were used to characterize the isolated coumarins. The structures were identified as auraptene (K-1), suberosin (K-2), 5-geranyloxypsoralen (bergamottin) (K-3), and 8-geranyloxypsoralen (K-4), based on the chemical and spectral analysis. Among these compounds, suberosin (K-2) and 5-geranyloxypsoralen (bergamottin) (K-3) were isolated for the first time from this genus, and auraptene (K-1) was isolated from this plant for the first time. Cytotoxicity of pure compound K-4 and sub-fraction MD-3 was evaluated against HeLa and T47D cell lines and moderate activity was found with an IC50 value in the range 17.4 to 72.33 μg/mL

Sesquiterpene from Myanmar Medicinal Plant (<em>Curcuma comosa</em>)

Curcuma comosa (Zingiberaceae) is widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. In Myanmar, the rhizome of Curcuma comosa is called Sa-nwin-ga, and local people had used it as a traditional medicine for stomach ache, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. This species produces secondary metabolites of phenolic and nonphenolic groups. Phenolic groups like diarylheptanoids and flavonoids. While nonphenolics are terpenoids, especially sesqui- and monoterpenes. In this chapter, the group of sesquiterpene compounds from Curcuma comosa starts from the isolation technique, followed by the elucidation of the molecular structure, and their activity tests have been discussed

Coumarins from Myanmar edible fruit tree (Casimiroa edults)

Abstract: This research expresses the phytochemical study from the Myanmar edible fruit tree, Casimiroa edulis (Rutaceae). The result revealed that the isolation and identification of two furanocoumarins (bergapten 1 and isopimpinellin 2) from the stem bark of this plant. Their molecular structures were elucidated and identified by using NMR spectroscopy in combination with IR, UV and HRMS spectra data, respectively. Furthermore, these two compounds were investigated for their anti-diabetic activity. According to the result, bergapten 1 and isopimpinellin 2 are not essentially good for anti-diabetic activity. This is the first report of two furanocoumarins from the Myanmar edible fruit tree

Human resources for health: task shifting to promote basic health service delivery among internally displaced people in ethnic health program service areas in eastern Burma/Myanmar.

BACKGROUND: Burma/Myanmar was controlled by a military regime for over 50 years. Many basic social and protection services have been neglected, specifically in the ethnic areas. Development in these areas was led by the ethnic non-state actors to ensure care and the availability of health services for the communities living in the border ethnic-controlled areas. Political changes in Burma/Myanmar have been ongoing since the end of 2010. Given the ethnic diversity of Burma/Myanmar, many challenges in ensuring health service coverage among all ethnic groups lie ahead. METHODS: A case study method was used to document how existing human resources for health (HRH) reach the vulnerable population in the ethnic health organizations' (EHOs) and community-based organizations' (CBHOs) service areas, and their related information on training and services delivered. Mixed methods were used. Survey data on HRH, service provision, and training were collected from clinic-in-charges in 110 clinics in 14 Karen/Kayin townships through a rapid-mapping exercise. We also reviewed 7 organizational and policy documents and conducted 10 interviews and discussions with clinic-in-charges. FINDINGS: Despite the lack of skilled medical professionals, the EHOs and CBHOs have been serving the population along the border through task shifting to less specialized health workers. Clinics and mobile teams work in partnership, focusing on primary care with some aspects of secondary care. The rapid-mapping exercise showed that the aggregate HRH density in Karen/Kayin state is 2.8 per 1,000 population. Every mobile team has 1.8 health workers per 1,000 population, whereas each clinic has between 2.5 and 3.9 health workers per 1,000 population. By reorganizing and training the workforce with a rigorous and up-to-date curriculum, EHOs and CBHOs present a viable solution for improving health service coverage to the underserved population. CONCLUSION: Despite the chronic conflict in Burma/Myanmar, this report provides evidence of the substantive system of health care provision and access in the Karen/Kayin State over the past 20 years. It underscores the climate of vulnerability of the EHOs and CBHOs due to lack of regional and international understanding of the political complexities in Burma/Myanmar. As Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration gathers pace, this case study highlights potential issues relating to migration and health access. The case also documents the challenge of integrating indigenous and/or cross-border health systems, with the ongoing risk of deepening ethnic conflicts in Burma/Myanmar as the peace process is negotiated

A mixed methods evaluation of Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and Basic Life Support in Obstetrics (BLSO) in a resource-limited setting on the Thailand-Myanmar border [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Background: Short emergency obstetric care (EmOC) courses have demonstrated improved provider confidence, knowledge and skills but impact on indicators such as maternal mortality and stillbirth is less substantial. This manuscript evaluates Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and Basic Life Support (BLSO) as an adult education tool, in a protracted, post-conflict and resource-limited setting. Methods: A mixed methods evaluation was used. Basic characteristics of ALSO and BLSO participants and their course results were summarized. Kirkpatrick’s framework for assessment of education effectiveness included: qualitative data on participants’ reactions to training (level 1); and quantitative health indicator data on change in the availability and quality of EmOC and in maternal and/or neonatal health outcomes (level 4), by evaluation of the post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and stillbirth rate in the eight years prior and following implementation of ALSO and BLSO. Results: 561 Thailand-Myanmar border health workers participated in ALSO (n=355) and BLSO (n=206) courses 2008-2020. Pass rates on skills exceeded 90% for both courses while 50% passed the written ALSO test. Perceived confidence significantly improved for all items assessed. In the eight-year block preceding the implementation of ALSO and BLSO (2000-07) the PPH related MMR per 100,000 live births was 57.0 (95%CI 30.06-108.3)(9/15797) compared to 25.4 (95%CI 11.6-55.4)(6/23620) eight years following (2009-16), p=0.109. After adjustment, PPH related maternal mortality was associated with birth before ALSO/BLSO implementation aOR 3.825 (95%CI 1.1233-11.870), migrant (not refugee) status aOR 3.814 (95%CI 1.241-11.718) and attending ≤four antenatal consultations aOR 3.648 (95%CI 1.189-11.191). Stillbirth rate per 1,000 total births was 18.2 (95%CI 16.2-20.4)(291/16016) before the courses, and 11.1 (95%CI 9.8-12.5)(264/23884) after, p=0.038. Birth before ALSO/ BLSO implementation was associated with stillbirth aoR 1.235 (95%CI 1.018-1.500). Conclusions: This evaluation suggests ALSO and BLSO are sustainable, beneficial, EmOC trainings for adult education in protracted, post-conflict, resource-limited settings

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIDIABETIC, AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF THE SECONDARY METABOLITE COMPOUNDS FROM THE THREE PLANTS SPECIES COLLECTED IN TAUNGGYI REGION (MYANMAR)

The present study describes the isolation and structure elucidation of secondary metabolite compounds from Myanmar medicinal plants. Thirteen known compounds were identified from the stem bark of Casimiroa edulis, four were discovered for the first time from this genus. At the same time, three known sesquiterpenes, and a phenylpropanoid were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma comosa and Asparagus racemosus. Their structures were identified by comparison of experimental and published spectroscopic data. Some isolated compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. All of them were showed no significant activity. Compounds KNWT-1 to KNWT-7, KNWT-14, 15, and 16 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HeLa and T47D cell lines. KNWT-2, 7, 15, 16 showed moderate cytotoxic activity with IC50 value in the ranging from 10.93-77.18 g/mL. Although all isolated compounds were known, this was the first phytochemical study from Taunggyi medicinal plants

Raspberry Pi Based Image and Video Capturing of Wireless Access Point in ETC System

This project proposes the Raspberry based tollcollection system for toll tax collection. Current tollcollection systems in Myanmar make use of manualcash transactions. Exponential growth in traffic isobserved in past years. Manual toll collection systemsare major bottlenecks of high speed commutation.This results in problems like longer queues, wastageof time and increased fuel consumption at toll booths.This project implements an electronic toll collectionsystem using Raspberry Pi and passive RFID tags.These electronic booths automatically collect tollfrom user account corresponding to the RFID tagpasted on windshield of car. The toll is deducted fromthe user account each time it passes through a tollplaza. An RFID reader with high power and highdirectional property is placed overhead for detectingthe passive tags pasted on windshield. On-site LCDscreen displays details about the toll deducted andremaining account balance. Pi camera that isinstalled with LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL andPHP) and captures the cars passing the ETC. Onsuccessful transaction barricade is opened. Rechargefacility for accounts having insufficient balance isprovided on toll booths. This system addresses allissues like time wastage, fuel consumption andcollection errors at one go. Electronic system willalso bring transparency in toll tax collection and stopcorruption and tax evasion issues

Design and Implementation of Image and Video Capturing in ETTM System

This project proposes the Raspberry Pi with local server based image and video capturing in Electronic Toll and Traffic Management (ETTM) system for toll tax collection. Current toll collection systems in Myanmar make use of manual cash Management observed in past years. Manual toll collection systems are major bottlenecks of high speed commutation. Embedded Real time video monitoring system is designed, in which the embedded chip and the programming techniques are used. The central monitor which adopts Raspberry pi is the core of the whole system. First, Pi camera video data are collected by the embedded Linux system. All data are processed, compressed and transferred by the processing chip. Then video data are sent to the mobile client by wireless network. This project implements an electronic toll collection system using Raspberry Pi and passive RFID tags. The toll is deducted from the user account each time it passes through a toll plaza. Pi camera that is installed with LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) and captures the cars passing the ETC. Electronic system will also bring transparency in toll tax collection and stop corruption and tax evasion issues

Preparation and Characterization of TiO2 Electrospun Nano Fibres

Titanium dioxide nanofibres were fabricated by home-made horizontal and vertical experimental electrospinning set-ups. Electrospun titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibres were prepared by calcined titanium isopropoxide (TiP) and 2-Methoxyethanol (CH3OCH2CH2OH) with different molar ratios and it was formed on Al-foil substrate by different spinning time. TiO2 sol solution (Sol-gel) was characterized by TG-DTA, XRD and SEM analyses. SEM images revealed that Anatase TiO2 as-spun fibres on the Al foils were found to be between 120-250nm in diameters before and after calcinations with horizontal set-up for 30 minutes and vertical set-up for 40 minutes spinning time