Use of EPS-Filled Tires as Lightweight Construction Material

The purpose of this research is to study the possibility of recycling discarded automobile tires as a lightweight construction material by injecting expanded polystyrene (EPS) into the hollow space of the tires. The observation from compression tests on used tires revealed that the tread wall of these tires bent toward their own center. This inward deformation should provide confining stress to the contained EPS, and thus the compressive strength of EPS-tire composite was expected to be higher than that of EPS. To produce EPS-filled tire prototypes for this study, EPS type II, with density of 24 kg/m3, was injected into hollow space of used tires. These EPS-tire prototypes had some air pockets unfilled with EPS inside. The air pockets were filled by injecting sealant foam made of polyurethane intermediate available in hardware stores. Compression tests on individual and stacked EPS-tires were carried out in the laboratory. Result from compression tests revealed that the yield strength of EPS-tires was higher than that of EPS, but with a lower elastic modulus. The laboratory compression tests were simulated by using a computer program UDEC, which was based on the distinct element method (DEM). The two-dimensional UDEC, along with a three-dimensional finite element program KENLAYER, were used to simulate plate load tests on subgrade soil covering EPS-tire embankment to find modulus of reaction on top of subgrade, which is needed for the pavement design. It appeared that the EPS-tires studied in this research were relatively soft when compared with conventional embankment materials for highway embankments. The cost analysis shows that systems of EPS-tires are more expensive than other treatment methods for soft ground problems at present mainly due to the cost of handling the tires during the manufacturing process. However, if the manufacturing technique were improved, and the manufacturing cost were reduced due to mass production, a system of EPS-tire embankment would be an attractive alternative to solve the issue of used tires disposed in landfills

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum activates the TRAIL death receptor complex and inhibits topoisomerase I

Abstract Six species of Cratoxylum are found in Thailand. Whether the Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (CFP) has anticancer properties requires investigation. CFP exhibited cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Based on FTIR microspectroscopy, CFP raised the respective lipid and nucleic acid content and β-pleated sheet in HepG2 cells, suggesting a change in the secondary protein structure. CFP induced apoptosis by increasing the activities of various caspases. Overexpression of TRAILR2 indicated the extrinsic pathway while expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio indicated the intrinsic pathway and decreased expression of Bid indicated cross-talk between the two. CFP alkylated the DNA and caused DNA damage, which may be the initial step in the intrinsic pathway. CFP indirectly and directly inhibited Top IB enzyme activity and decreased PARP—the protein-related DNA repair process. CFP could, thus, protect the resistance mechanism of cancer by reversing the effect of Top as confirmed by apoptosis induction in the resistant HepG2 cells. The phytochemical analysis suggested that the compounds playing an important role in the anticancer activity of CFP are a group of xanthones

Effectiveness of guided self-help in decreasing expressed emotion in family caregivers of people diagnosed with depression in Thailand: a randomised controlled trial

Background: High expressed emotion (EE) can extend the duration of illness and precipitate relapse; however, little evidence-based information is available to assist family caregivers of individuals with depression. In the present exploratory study, we examined the effectiveness of a cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) based guided self-help (GSH) manual in decreasing EE in caregivers of people with depression, in Thailand. Method: A parallel group randomised controlled trial was conducted, following CONSORT guidelines, with 54 caregivers who were allocated equally to GSH or control group (standard outpatient department support). In addition, both groups were contacted weekly by telephone. EE was assessed, using the Family Questionnaire (FQ), at baseline, post-test (Week 8) and follow-up (Week 12). Results: FQ scores at baseline indicated that both groups had similar, though moderately high level of EE. However, between baseline and post-test EE scores decreased markedly in the intervention group, but in contrast, they increased slightly in the control group. Between post-test and follow-up, little change took place in the EE scores of either group. Overall, the intervention group recipients of GSH showed a significant decrease in EE whereas the control group recipients of standard outpatient department support reported a slight increase in EE. Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary evidence that GSH is beneficial in reducing EE in caregivers, which is advantageous to family members with depression and caregivers. The approach may be used as an adjunct to the limited outpatient department support given to caregivers by mental health professionals and, perhaps, to caregivers who do not attend these departments

Inter-Individual Variation in CYP3A4 and CYP3A5- Mediated Drug Metabolism

Cytochrome P450 enzymes, especially those of the CYP3A family, play a major role in the metabolism of many drugs.' Patient response to drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 varies considerably and part of this variability is due to genetic polymorphism ot the CYP3A5 enzyme. In this study, human liver microsomes (HLM) were prepared from a panel of 26 liver samples and total soluble protein was evaluated. The CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 protein contents were determined by Western blotting and metabolic studies of individual HLM were performed with three selected substrates, ALP, MDZ and TST using HPLC. Results from the 26 HLM preparations revealed a high variability in CYP3A4 (366.7-1.06 pmol/mg protein, 346 fold) and CYP3A5 (4.26 -0.14 pmol/mig protein, 30 fold) content. As might be expected, the two samples with the CYP3A5*l/*3 genotype expressed higher CYP3A5 protein level than the other 24 samples (CYP3A5*3/*3) indicating the consequence of the CYP3A5*1 allele on CYP3A5 protein expression.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

A Grounded Theory Study of Thai Family Caregiving Process for Relatives with First Episode Psychosis

This grounded theory study explored the family caregiving process for relatives with first-episode psychosis related to schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The study was conducted during May 2013-March 2014 in lower northeastern region of Thailand using semi-structured interviews and observations, and involved 31 participants from 18 Thai families. The data were analyzed by using Strauss and Corbin\u27s constant comparative method until theoretical saturation was achieved. The core category emerging from the data was Balancing family life, which consisted of three phases: 1) Communicating to gain support and understanding, 2) Capturing solution, and 3) Engaging in the family caregiving role. To keep balance in their family life, family members needed to encourage and support each other and gain understanding toward the illness on Phase I. They also consulted one another; got suggestions from older or senior person; or depended on the primary caregiver\u27s decision for capturing solutions for care for their relatives in Phase 2. Finally, in Phase 3 they developed their sense of caring; shared care responsibility; provided essential care and controlling illness symptoms once they engage in the family caregiving role. These rich findings provide insight into caregiving in the Thai family context, especially in how they interacted and helped each other in order to provide care for relatives with first episode psychosis. Understanding of this process can assist with the development of interventions to enhance family members\u27 abilities to take on the caregiver role and to provide effective care for their relatives with first-episode psychosis

The diagnostic tests and functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in young adults: A 4-year hospital-based observational study.

Background and objectivesIschemic strokes in young adults have been a significant concern due to various potential etiologies and had substantial clinical and public health impacts. We aimed to study the diagnostic tests, etiologies, and functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in young adult patients.MethodsThe data were retrieved from the Chiang Mai University Hospital Stroke Registry between January 2018 and December 2021. Consecutive AIS or TIA patients were included if they were 18-50 years and had no stroke mimics. Study outcomes were proportions of positive diagnostic tests, and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsOf 244 enrolled patients, 59.0% (n = 144) were male, and 38.1% (n = 93) were aged 18-40, classified as the younger age group. There was a high incidence of diabetes (24.5%) and dyslipidemia (54.3%) among patients aged 41-50, associated with small-vessel occlusion and large-artery atherosclerosis stroke classification in this age group. Patients aged 18-40 years had more other determined etiologies (39.8%), with hypercoagulability (8.2%), arterial dissection (7.8%), and cardiac sources (6.6%) being the first three causes, which were associated with higher anticoagulant treatment. The cerebrovascular study, cardiac evaluation using echocardiography, and antiphospholipid syndrome testing were commonly performed, of which computed tomography angiography provided a high proportion of positive results (80.3%). 76.3% of young adult patients had excellent functional outcomes (mRS 0-1) with a median mRS of 0 (interquartile range 0-1) at 90-day follow-up.ConclusionsStroke of other determined etiology remained the common cause of stroke in young adults, and most affected individuals had excellent clinical outcomes. Blood tests for arterial hypercoagulability and noninvasive vascular and cardiac evaluations are encouraged in selected patients to determine the stroke etiology and guide for appropriate preventive strategies