Northeast Region Of Thailand Research Articles

Pathogenesis of sudden unexplained nocturnal death (lai tai) and endemic distal renal tubular acidosis

Sudden unexplained nocturnal death (SUND), a disorder of unknown cause that occurs in otherwise healthy young adults, mostly male, during their sleep, is prevalent in the north-east region of Thailand, where it has been known for generations as lai tai. It occurs in the same population and area where hypokalaemic periodic paralysis (HPP), endemic distal renal tubular acidosis (EdRTA), and renal stones are also endemic. SUND has occurred in families of patients with EdRTA, and HPP can present as sudden onset of muscle paralysis with potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure from severe hypokalaemia occurring in the middle of the night. Surveys in which serum and urinary potassium have been measured indicate a deficiency of the electrolyte in the population. Potassium deficiency is probably the prime factor responsible for SUND and HPP. Low urinary citrate concentrations and the high prevalence of acidification defects in the population indicate that potassium deficiency is also responsible for the prevalence of EdRTA and for renal stones.

Small-scale hatcheries in north-east Thailand

Abstract. The development of small-scale hatcheries is placed in perspective with olher commercial methods of fish seed production, private and public, in the north-east region of Thailand. Case studies of six small-scale hatcheries operated by farmers in this region are presented with details of the production, costs and returns of these farms in relation to their size, location, species of fish produced, amount of capital invested and marketing and sales strategies, Rates of return were found to be favourable, with the exception of a group-based hatchery. The relationship between the production of carp and tilapia fry. which is believed tn be incompatible under present systems, is discussed. The wider implications of the role of small-scale hatcheries to provide fish seed for farmers in rural areas and the future of public sector involvement are considered.