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Tag: Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University trains sniffer dogs to detect people infected with COVID-19 in Thailand

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University (CUVET) unveiled its latest effort in training a pack of sniffer dogs to detect people with COVID–19.  The project reached 95% accuracy, and the dogs are ready for duty at airports in support of the normal screening process.

Temperature screening only works in symptomatic COVID-19 cases, but sniffer dogs are trained to detect asymptomatic people.

The “Sniffer Dogs to Detect Asymptomatic COVID–19 Cases” project is the latest work by CUVET, in collaboration with Chula Faculties of Medicine and Science with funding support from Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production Co., Ltd.

“A dog’s sense of smell is 50 times better than humans, so we thought of tapping into this potential,  particularly in Labrador Retrievers with their long nasal cavity.  They are very sensitive to scents, friendly, and easy to train.  We picked six dogs to be initially trained in this project”, said Prof. Dr. Kewali Chatdarong, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, CUVET, and head of the research project.

Tests showed that this pack of dogs was 94.8% accurate in their detection of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, comparable to other countries, such as Finland, Germany, France, and Australia, etc.

Prof. Dr. Kewali Chatdarong, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, CUVET
Prof. Dr. Kewali Chatdarong,

Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation, CUVET

“The research team collected sweat samples of infected persons.  These samples are confirmed secretion with no viral contamination.  We blotted the underarm sweat with cotton pads and socks and stored the samples in a biosafety laboratory. Then, these cotton pads and socks were put in cans for the dogs to sniff. After the dogs smelled these samples, they would immediately sit down identifying an infectious person though asymptomatic.”

“All testing procedures were safe for both the dogs and personnel involved.  The team used sweat samples from people infected with COVID-19 and let the dogs sniff from the distance. All tools were sterilized,” confirmed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan, infectious disease veterinarian, one of the researchers.

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan, infectious disease veterinarian
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Somporn Techangamsuwan,

Infectious disease veterinarian

This research was conducted over a period of six months and divided into three phases. The first phase of two months was spent testing the dogs’ ability and training them to distinguish the infected person’s odor with accuracy, speed, and certainty. The preparatory training received support from the Border Patrol Police 43rd Division and PQA Associate Co., Ltd.

Next, came practical trials at the airports, ports, and popular tourist destinations by letting the dogs sniff people’s feet. The third phase focused on new screening tools such as sensors to identify people fitting the infection profile, by the faculty members of the Faculty of Science, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thammanoon Nuchak and Dr. Chadin Kulsing.

“This is Thailand’s prototype project of canine training for medical use. In the future, there will be training to detect other diseases such as diabetes, depression, malaria, and Alzheimer’s,” Prof. Dr. Kewali, the Project Leader concluded.

Chulalongkorn University successfully uses stem-cell transplantation to treat systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary fibrosis

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (CU Medi), Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society (Chulalongkorn Hospital), in collaboration with the Departments of Hematology, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Infectious diseases, held a press conference on “Thailand’s first successful treatment of systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary fibrosis by stem cell transplantation”.

Prof. Dr. Suttipong Wacharasindhu

Prof. Dr. Suttipong Wacharasindhu, Dean of CU Medi and Director of Chulalongkorn Hospital said that both CU Medi and Chulalongkorn Hospital have been developing the services, healthcare innovation, medical equipment, and application of modern technology to patient care to ready themselves for the current and future changes in the field of medicine. They have an extensive body of research and medical innovations on stem cells.

Most recently, the Rheumatology Division, in collaboration with Hematology, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Infectious Diseases Departments were the first in Thailand to successfully treat two systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary fibrosis by stem-cell transplantation.  Such success demonstrates the expertise, specialization, and dedication of the healthcare teams in applying knowledge, research and medical technology on stem cells to help improve patients’ quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Thiraphong Tanthawichien

Prof. Dr. Thiraphong Tanthawichien, Head of the Department of Medicine, CU Medi said that the success in treating systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary fibrosis by stem cell transplantation is a source of great pride for CU Medi.  It is a modern treatment that is made possible because of the cooperation from specialists in various fields and will be optimized to benefit the whole country in the future.

Prof. Dr. Manathip Osiri

Prof. Dr. Manathip Osiri, Head of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, CU Medi said that systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that can cause malfunctions of many internal organs.  It is characterized by the formation of fibrosis on the skin and internal organs. It hardens the skin and causes fibrosis in the lungs, and cardiac muscles, and can lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure. Most patients suffer chronic symptoms, while some can suffer acute onsets and die.

Medications to treat this disease and control its progression include vasodilator drugs, immunosuppressants, used in combination with drugs that help slow down or reduce the fibrosis.  However, these drugs are only effective in patients with gradual symptoms.  In patients with acute and aggressive progression, treatment by regenerating the immune system to regulate its function will help slow down the disease progression, reduce damage to the organs, and prevent premature death.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Udomsak Bunworasate, Head of Hematology, CU Medi revealed that the way to effectively treat this type of autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis in the organs is aiming to eliminate the malfunctioning immune cells and normalize the immune system.  Such treatment is usually not possible with a regular dose of immunosuppressants but should be done with a high dose together with antibody treatment, followed by stem-cell transplantation created from the patients’ stem cells harvested during the treatment.

The hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation will help patients recover faster, and regenerate new immune cells.  In other words, this is a rearrangement of the immune system by stem-cell transplantation.

The first step is to select the right patients for the treatment. The next step is to harvest the stem cells and freeze them. During this period, the patients are kept in a sterilized room and cared for by a team of doctors and nurses specializing in caring for people with low immunity. After the stem cells start to work, patients will have their immune systems restored to normal and can be discharged from the hospital. They will then be periodically monitored, to see the progress of stem-cell transplantation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamon Kaewkitinarong

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamon Kaewkitinarong, Head of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, CU Medi, observed that most systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary fibrosis also suffer from noninfectious inflammation. Patients often show symptoms of dry coughs and shallow breaths which induce hyperventilation. They are easily fatigued after exertion and become less active.  Disease progression differs for each patient and is unpredictable.

Dr. Chakkapat Vanichanan

Dr. Chakkapat Vanichanan, Lecturer and Transplant Infectious Disease Specialist, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn Hospital, concluded that preparing the patients by assessing the risk of infection and screening for latent infection before stem-cell transplantation, as well as prescribing antibacterial drugs are very important preventive steps to reduce the likelihood of infections.

The top concern for systemic sclerosis patients with pulmonary abnormality who are candidates for stem-cell transplantation is pneumonitis which may be caused by bacteria, especially drug-resistant bacteria, or fungal infection.  This will worsen the already-troubled respiratory system and can cause early respiratory failure and deterioration of the lungs in the long run.  Therefore, intensive monitoring after stem-cell transplantation plus immediate prescription of antibacterial drugs once there is a sign of infection will reduce the death rate in the patients.

Smart light bulbs for better visibility by Chulalongkorn researchers

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Smart LED light bulbs for the elderly, the latest innovation from Chula and its partners, can do more than emitting light.  They enhance the contrast among the primary colors of light thereby improving visibility and reducing accidents in the elderly.  The product is expected to hit the market in May.

If members of your household, especially the elderly, frequently stub and bruise their toes, knees, or shoulders on doors and furniture, do not be too quick to conclude that it is because of their absent-mindedness, or the clutter around them.  The culprit may be poor lighting in your home.

“Older people and those suffering from low vision have difficulty distinguishing the contrast of objects’ surface or uneven pathway, and often trip and fall, “explained Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichayada Katemake, a representative of the research team from the Department of Imaging and Printing Technology, Chula Faculty of Science, about the rationale behind the ” Living Innovations to Improve Visibility in Seniors and People with Low Vision“ research project supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

the research team from the Department of Imaging and Printing Technology, Chula Faculty of Science
The research team from the Department of Imaging and Printing Technology, Chula Faculty of Science

Researchers from various disciplines within Chulalongkorn have been collaborating in this project, namely the Department of Imaging and Printing Technology, Faculty of Science; the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering; and the Department of Housing, Faculty of Architecture with support from the partners, i.e. the Faculty of Medicine, Metta Pracharak Hospital and Lighting & Equipment PCL.

“Our research found that  ‘white light’ — a combination of three-color wavelengths: red, green, and blue can enhance the contrast of different surfaces enabling the elderly and people with low vision to see more clearly and move around with more agility.  It also gives brighter white light that amplifies the contrast between certain pairs of colors as well.

The findings lead to the development of the smart LED lightbulbs of the future, now ready for the public, that transcends the visual limitations of these vulnerable groups.“We have successfully manufactured long LED bulbs and are now expanding our product lines to other types of bulbs.  A field test is scheduled in May 2021 at the Vision Rehabilitation Center, Metta Pracharak Hospital, and the housing for low-vision people.  The field test will be in line with the ethical research process to ensure safety.”

In addition to the smart light bulb project, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichayada also elaborated on other projects that are currently under development, such as a vision-simulating application for people with low vision. (The Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act 2534 B.E. defines people with low vision as those with only 20-feet of visibility compared to 70 feet in people with normal vision).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichayada Katemake, Department of Imaging and Printing Technology, Chula Faculty of Science
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichayada Katemake
Department of Imaging and Printing Technology, Chula Faculty of Science

“This application simulates low-vision visibility and allows designers to see through that vision, complete with the blind spots, so they can select appropriate colors with noticeable dimensionality and contrasts. The app uses the mobile phone camera to photograph desired areas, so that designers can create safe furniture and home appliances for all ages,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pichayada added.

Also under development is Guide Light – an innovative night light with revolutionized color mix and brightness that does not disrupt the elderly’s sleep when they need to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.  The color palette, combo, and brightness threshold, as well as saturation and contrast values, are chosen for high visibility, with clear indicators on the color values and matching criteria.  This is perfect for home appliance designers — another alternative product for families with elderly or people with low vision.

Chulalongkorn University launches a campaign to communicate innovations developed for fighting COVID-19

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has taken a bold step in commutating its transformation to an innovation-centric university with its “Innovations for Society” campaign.

The campaign uses a short movie to inform the public about the various innovations that Chula has successfully developed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of Chula’s mission to play a leading role in “Creating Knowledge and Innovation to Promote Sustainable Development for Society”.

The short film, “Innovations for Society: Innovations against COVID,” uses a storytelling technique from the point of view (POV) of an ad agency person who has to dig deep into her creative arsenal to come up with a pitch for the client to approve.

Chula’s target is “to communicate a myriad of innovations against COVID-19 that are full of technical and complicated jargon in a fun and engaging way in 3 minutes.”

The film director is able to successfully tie all the information into a coherent, cute and funny storyline that the audience has to smile at.  The storyline is divided into 3 parts.

First, it starts with “preventive innovations” such as a face-mask spray to protect us from virus and dust, and CU-RoboCovid — the medical-support robot. Then, it describes “screening innovations” such as the Chula Covid-19 Strip Test, Chula Express Analysis Mobile Unit (EAMU), and COVID-19 data incubator website that’s developed with other partners.

Finally, the story concludes with “remedy innovations” such as COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, tobacco vaccine, Chula MOOC (massive open online course), and Quick MBA from home that provides cutting-edge professional knowledge to the Thai people with novel ways to earn a living during the COVID-19 crisis.

Chula’s innovations against COVID-19 are part of the university’s mission to serve society with technological breakthroughs as well as to be a driving force for Thai society to continue along the path of robust growth.

Watch the full clip at https://youtu.be/3gYGcX5H9l8.

Chulalongkorn University launches new mental wellness platforms for students

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has opened Mind Café and Mind Space, the latest mental wellness platforms for Chula students during the time of social distancing to help them cope with the stress of life, studies, and relationships.

During the past five years, stress about school, the future, relationships with others, and depression have topped the list of concerns when students came to receive counselling at Chula Student Wellness.  These problems seem to have increased proportionately as more enhanced social distancing is required during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Prof. Dr. Thanyawat Phothisiri, Head of Student Wellness

“There has been a steady rise in students’ mental health problems.  Topping the chart are issues relating to their studies — either they don’t understand their subjects or don’t like their subjects.  And now during COVID-19, with online classes, students find themselves even more stressed.” Professor Dr. Thanyawat Phothisiri, Head of Student Wellness, discussed the rationale behind increasing outreach channels for students while they are stuck at home through the online platforms: Mind Café and Mind Space.

“If students are feeling unhappy and cannot find a way out, they can answer a questionnaire at the Mind Space web application, then make an appointment with a psychologist; or come in for a quick chat with a psychologist on Mind Café for preliminary assessment,” said Professor Dr. Thanyawat.

Mind Café is now fully operational, while Mind Space is 50-percent complete and is expected to be fully functional sometime in August.  Students will be able to book appointments in advance. Moreover, Student Wellness plans to provide an after-hour consultation in a semi-hotline format that will allow students to be able to chat at night.

These online channels seem to have helped solve students’ problems successfully,” Professor Dr. Thanyawat said. “Since Chula launched Mind Space in November last year, over 1,700 students out of 40,000 have already used the apps and more are expected.

Noppasit Siricharoonchai, Acting Head of Student Wellness and Psychologist

Mind Café is designed to have a relaxing atmosphere in which students feel free to discuss various issues in their daily lives in either Mind Talk or Mind Exercise.

Mind Talk allows students to have a quick conversation with a psychologist for primary screening.  This channel is suitable for students who are unsure about how serious their problems are.  Sometimes the initial conversation may already make them feel better, if not, they can make an appointment for a full consultation session,” said Noppasit Siricharoonchai, Acting Head of Student Wellness and psychologist.

Mind Exercise is a space for students to exercise their mind, to build immunity against life problems.  Various speakers give talks about different issues of interest to students that are often encountered in their daily life.  For instance, recent topics include “How to Take a Mind Break”, “Study: Is it Wrong Not to Be Productive?”, or “Collaboration: When Team (Does Not) Work?”.

A web application that allows students to recognize their basic mental state, Mind Test is a psychological questionnaire to examine 4 areas: 1) depression, anxiety, and stress, 2) problem-solving, 3) general mental health, and 4) career readiness.

“After students have received the results, the system will recommend articles in Mind Support and activities in the section called Mind Workshop that are suitable for each student, or it may recommend an appointment that enables them to speak with a psychologist,” Noppasit explained.

Another outstanding feature of Mind Space is Mind Journey, which is like a mental health profile of each student.

“Students can record their daily mood to assess their emotional state through the Mind Tracking system.  The system keeps track of the data and shows the results in an overview. Additionally, records of students’ app usage history can also be accessed,” said Noppasit.

Whether students just want to get to know themselves or look for a way to heal, Mind Café and Mind Space are ready to be their confidants. Yet, it’s best if everyone has a strong Mind Immunity.

“Both platforms’ contents focus on self-development which will yield preventive effects for future problems.  For example, after students learned about self-management, personality, and positive thinking, their lives will brighten up, and this could reduce the need for therapy in the long run,” said Noppasit.

“Mental healthcare is important. Whenever we feel unbearable distress, it’s not only us who suffer from the mental conditions, but those near and dear to us may suffer because of our   mental state as well.” Noppasit concluded.

Chula signs MoU to develop cannabis for use in medicine

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BLOOM (Thailand) Co. Ltd. to develop cannabis for medical, health, and beauty uses.

The MOU was signed by Assistant Professor Dr. Rungpetch Sakulbumrungsil, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Professor Dr. Polkit Sangvanich, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dr. Vorachart Petnunthawong, Board of BLOOM (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

Professor Dr. Wanchai De-Eknamkul, from the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, gave opening remarks for the MOU signing ceremony at the Community Pharmacy Laboratory (Osotsala), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University.

Chulalongkorn University signs MoU to promote book culture and system for Thailand

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

The Institute of Thai Studies, Chulalongkorn University, has signed an MoU with the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture, and the Book Studies Foundation to support book culture and book system in Thailand.

“Chulalongkorn University will take the lead in creating knowledge and innovation for society towards sustainable development.  The university’s missions are to benefit the public by developing people and creating a lifelong learning culture for a sustainable economy and society,” stated Professor Dr Chakkaphan Sutthirat, Vice President for Research Affairs.

He added, “Creating a book culture would help Thai people be more competitive globally, since reading books will create knowledge that leads to further thoughts, evolutions and change.   Moreover, books build quality people and strengthen the nation’s foundation. Although books and publications may have lost their lustre to some, reading is still an essential skill for social development.”

“Chulalongkorn University is, therefore, delighted to support this collaboration and hopes that this is a point of beginning for the book culture and the book system to impact Thai society”, concluded Professor Dr Chakkaphan.

Present to sign the MOU were Professor Dr Chakkaphan Sutthirat, Vice President for Research Affairs, Chulalongkorn University; Mr Chai Nakhonchai, Director-General of Department of Cultural Promotion; and Mr Makut Onrudee, Founder of Book Studies Foundation.  Mr Itthiphol Kunplome, the Minister of Culture, presided over the signing ceremony.

Chulalongkorn University develop an embalming fluid to preserve animal cadavers

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Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Veterinary Science (CUVET) has found formulas to preserve animal cadavers to be studied by students in place of carcinogenic formalin and are able to keep the cadavers soft for years.

The CUVET faculty members have spent over 4 years developing this embalming fluid to preserve the animal cadavers, aka “the headmasters”, for students to study.  This is to replace the foul-smelling and carcinogenic formalin, which can have seriously noxious health effects on par with cigarettes and asbestos, and has also been shown to be toxic to the environment.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Siripong Kiatkittikul, Head of the Department of Surgery and Director of the Animal Hospital revealed that this technology was developed in collaboration with the Departments of Physiology, Surgery, and Anatomy of CUVET.

 

“We have expanded on the technology that Chula Faculty of Medicine has used to preserve human cadavers and adapted it to be used with animal cadavers. At present, we have successfully created two formulas: the “formalin–free headmaster“ formula, which is used in anatomy classes that require relatively hard and dry bodies to study musculoskeletal structures.  The “soft headmaster“ formula is used on cadavers for students to practice surgery.  These cadavers need to be soft with pliable organs, joints and muscles just like those of real animals. “

 

“First, we experimented with chunks of meat, then the animal organs. Currently, the formulas are applied to the “headmasters” like dogs and cats, rabbits, pigs, sheep.  The exceptions are for horses and cows that we only embalm just parts of the animals.”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirakarnt added that the formulas can preserve the cadavers for up to 2-3 years in the freezer, and 3-4 months after they are removed from the freezer to be studied.  The formulas are also being developed to kill fungi and bacteria in the cadavers soon.