bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of home visit and telephone tracking program on knowledge, caregiver burden and quality of life among dementia caregivers Ratchaburi province Thailand
Authors:   , Magteppong Worarat
Published: September 2023

Background: Elders with dementia have serious behavioral problems and require extensive care from caregivers. This poses a significant problem for patients’ families. Multicomponent interventions have been reported to be more effective than interventions targeting one point of caregiver functioning. This study aims to examine the effect of a home visit and telephone tracking program on knowledge, caregiver burden, and quality of life among dementia caregivers.

Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental with two group comparisons during November 2018 – July 2019. The participants of this study comprised 62 dementia caregivers (31 participants in intervention and 31 participants in control group) from Ratchaburi Hospital in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand. The intervention group received a home visit and telephone tracking program while the control group received usual care. Data was collected at baseline, immediately after the end of the program, and three months after the end of the program by questionnaires to compare the knowledge, caregiver burden, and quality of life of dementia caregivers.

The majority of both groups were female, 41-60 years, daughter of dementia patients and graduated from primary school and high school. The sociodemographic data of dementia caregivers, level of knowledge, caregiver burden, and quality of life among dementia caregivers before receiving the home visit and telephone tracking program are similar between intervention and control group (p > .05). The results indicated the knowledge score and quality of life of intervention group were found significantly higher than control group following the intervention immediately after the end of the program or week 8 (p < .001) and three months after the end of the program or week 20 (p < .001). The caregiver burden score of dementia caregiver in intervention group decreased while the caregiver burden score of dementia caregiver in control increased at week 8 (p < .001). The caregiver burden score of both groups was decreased at week 20. However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups as demonstrated by ANOVA (F (1.58) = 2.394, p = 0.127).

Conclusion: The home visit and telephone tracking program had a positive effect on knowledge and quality of life in dementia caregivers. However, the program did not affect caregiver burden. Reducing the caregiver burden should increase the duration of the program and add other activities into the program.
Effects of polyaniline thickness on photovoltaic properties of PANI/tio2 photovoltaic cells
Authors:   , Auisakul Akkharaphak
Published: September 2023

Polyaniline (PANI) is a cheap conducting polymer that exhibits p-type properties with high conductivity and unique redox properties. In this work, PANI was synthesized directly on TiO2/FTO substrates by electropolymerisation from acidic aqueous solutions of aniline to form PANI/TiO2 p-n junctions with photovoltaic properties. The thickness of the PANI layer was varied by varying electrodeposition time: 15, 30, and 45 min at the same current density of 2 mA cm-2. The thicknesses of the deposited PANI layers were examined with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Short-circuit currents (ISC) and open-circuit voltages (VOC) of fabricated Pt/PANI/TiO2/FTO cells are investigated. It was found that the PANI electrodeposition time at least 30 min corresponding to a PANI thickness of 399 nm was required for the cell to exhibit significant photovoltaic properties. Furthermore, the TiO2 nanorods that is a remarkable morphology of the n-type TiO2 was synthesized by electrochemical anodization of titanium in a fluoride-based electrolyte with varying anodization times: 45 and 60 min at the constant potential of 60 V. It was found that the anodization time at 60 min is the sufficient condition for the PANI electrodeposition at 45 min to exhibit photovoltaic properties.
Lead poisoning among communication radio-repair workers in signal Department Royal Thai Army Samutsakhon Province, Thailand
Authors:   , Thongsringklee Manasawee
Published: September 2023

Chronic exposure to low dose of lead can affect to every systems and organs of the human body. Lead poisoning have been found among communication radio-repair workers because lead is routinely used for soldering. The longitudinal study design was used to investigate blood lead level (BLL) and hair lead level (HLL), to determine the association of BLL and HLL with signs and symptoms of lead poisoning among workers and to determine the health risk assessment of lead exposure among workers. There were 66 repair workers in exposed group and 54 office workers in low exposed group at baseline. And, there were 54 workers in exposed group and there were 48 workers in low exposed group at endpoint. General characteristics, Knowledge, Awareness, and PPE used (KAP) of lead exposure, and signs and symptoms were investigated by using a questionnaire. Hair samples were collected to measure excreted lead level. Blood samples were collected to measure lead level and to diagnose anemia, hepatic and kidney functions. Hypertension was also assessed. Descriptive statistic was used to describe all variables. Chi-square test, Independent T-test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare the variables between both groups. Spearman’s correlation was used to determine the correlation between BLL and HLL. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association of BLL and HLL with signs and symptoms. The results showed the average age, education levels, and study at Signal school of low exposed group were higher than exposed group except for milk drinking (P-value < 0.05). The low median scores of knowledge and PPE used among workers were shown. The highest median BLL and HLL of exposed group were 5.5 µg/dL and 2.9 µg/g, respectively. Low positive correlation between BLL and HLL was also found (P-value < 0.05). The associations between BLL and signs and symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, excessive tiredness or weakness, headache or dizziness, nervous irritability, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and hypertension were shown (P-value < 0.05). And, there were the associations of nervous irritability and muscle and joint pain with HLL (P-value < 0.05). The adverse health effects for lead exposure can be occurred with a chance of 2.4 time in expose group at baseline and can be occurred with a chance of 2.5 and 3.5 times in low exposed and exposed groups, respectively at endpoint. The findings can be summarized that there were existing adverse effects of low lead levels on the workers. Because of low knowledge and used of PPE among workers, lead poisoning protection program that consists of increasing in KAP of lead exposure should be applied as a guideline.
Household pyrethroid insecticides exposure in relation to pyrethroid metabolite and GABA level effects of young children in urban area, Bangkok Thailand
Authors:   , Kunno Jadsada
Published: September 2023

Pyrethroids are commonly used in households and affect to nervous system in children. Data on pyrethroids exposure related to neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is unknown. This study investigated the relationship between 3-PBA metabolites and GABA concentrations, and also determined the factors influencing pyrethroids metabolites among young children in urban areas. A repeated cross-sectional design was designed to collect the information on PYR insecticide exposure between wet (November – December 2018) and dry (April – May 2019) seasons. To collect the data, urine samples were collected from children age 2–3 years(n = 80), and the questionnaires were used with parents. The study focused on children living in full time households where PYR insect products have been applied daily. Urine samples were analyzed for the 3-PBA metabolite using gas chromatography (GC/MS) and GABA concentrations using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (ELISA). Spearman correlations was used to determine the relationship between 3-PBA metabolite and GABA concentrations in each season, and binary logistic regression was applied to determine an association between 3-BPA metabolite and the exposure variables in each season. Mann–Whitney U test was used to evaluate difference in continuous data between wet and dry seasons. Chi-square test was applied to present difference in categorical data between wet and dry seasons. The results revealed a negative association between an increase in 3-PBA metabolite concentrations and low GABA concentrations in urine in both seasons (rs = -0.230, p-value 0.004). This study also found the increase in 3-PBA metabolite was significantly associated with the increase in cypermethrin (rs = 0.226, p-value < 0.05), and allethrin (rs = 0.274, p-value < 0.05) in dry season, but not in wet season (rs = 0.160, p-value > 0.05). Moreover, the association between exposure factors and 3-PBA metabolite concentrations were observed. seldom cleaned the floor was significantly associated with increased 3-PBA metabolite concentration in wet season (p-value = 0.038, OR = 0.089, 95%CI 0.009 – 0.870). In addition, genders and always walk bare feet inside household in a day were significantly associated with increased 3-PBA metabolite concentration in dry season (p-value = 0.041, OR = 0.333, 95%CI 0.116 – 0.956) and (p-value = 0.009, OR = 6.789, 95%CI 1.597 – 28.854), respectively. Hence, these factors could affect the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in pyrethroids-exposed children. The study suggests that health education, raising awareness and strategies to reduce the risks from long-term PYR insecticide exposure of children living in households should be implemented.
Ethanol dehydration over WO3/TiO2 catalysts using titania derived from sol-gel and solvothermal methods with palladium modification
Authors:   , Tresatayawed Anchale
Published: September 2023

In this research, the characteristics and catalytic activity of WO3/TiO2 prepared by sol-gel and solvothermal and their metal modified were investigated. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, the catalyst performance of WO3/TiO2 catalysts using titania derived from sol-gel and solvothermal methods over ethanol dehydration reaction was examined. The results showed that the different preparation methods essentially altered the physicochemical properties of TiO2 supports. It revealed that the titania derived from solvothermal method denoted as TiO2-SV exhibited higher surface area and pore volume, and larger amounts acid sites than the one obtained from sol-gel method (TiO2-SG). As a result, the different characteristics of support catalyst seemingly influenced the catalytic properties of WO3/TiO2 catalysts.  It showed that the highest ethanol conversion (ca. 88%) at 400oC was achieved by the WO3/TiO2-SV catalysts due to its high acidity. Furthermore, WO3/TiO2-SV catalyst is promising to convert ethanol into ethylene and diethyl ether, having the highest ethylene yield of ca. 77% at 400°C and highest diethyl ether yield of ca. 26% at 250°C. These can be attributed to proper pore structure, acidity and distribution of tungsten. In the second part, the Pd modification and supporting effect of WO3/TiO2 catalysts on catalytic ethanol dehydration to ethylene and diethyl ether were investigated. The catalyst characterization and activity examination results indicated that the different sequence during impregnation influenced the physicochemical properties and catalyst activity.  The Pd incorporated into catalysts enhanced the ethanol conversion depending on the sequence of impregnation. The diethyl ether is the main product at low temperature, whereas ethylene is the main product at high temperature. At low temperature (ca. 200 to 300oC), the Pd incorporated over W/TiO2 catalyst resulted in an increasing of diethyl ether yield. It is worth noting that the ethanol conversion increased by palladium modification, while diethyl ether selectivity did not change. This can be attributed to the higher amount of weak acids sites present after Pd modification into catalyst. Among the catalysts, the PdW/TiO2 catalyst (co-impregnation) accomplished the highest diethyl ether yield of 41.4% at 300oC. At high temperature (ca. 350 to 400oC), the W/Pd/TiO2 catalyst (with sequential impregnation of Pd on TiO2 followed by W) achieved the highest ethylene yield of 68.1% at 400oC. Thus, the modification of Pd onto W/TiO2 upon different sequence of Pd and W impregnation improved diethyl ether and ethylene yield in catalytic ethanol dehydration.
Development of bioplastic blown films to be used as a packaging for dried banana
Authors:   , Wongthanaroj Apinya
Published: September 2023

This research aimed to study effects of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) contents on properties of polylactic acid / poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) / poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PHBV/PBAT) blends to be used as a packaging for solar-dried bananas. The blend of PLA and PHBV (PLA/PHBV) was fixed at weight ratio of 80/20 while the PBAT content was varied from 0-30 wt%. The films were prepared by melt compounding and blown film extrusion. It was found that the addition of PBAT decreased barrier properties of PLA/PHBV film. Gas barrier which is oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) increased with increasing of PBAT content. The barrier properties of all blends were shown the acceptable values for dried banana storage. It was found that the blend with 20% of PBAT content show high flexibility. Meanwhile, morphology and thermal properties of films were also studied. Hence, PLA/PHBV with 20% PBAT (PB2) was selected to pack dried banana for 4 months at room temperature. Color change, moisture content, water activity and texture of dried banana during storage time were determined. The dried banana packed in commercial film was tested as control. The results show that the color change of dried banana in both commercial and bioplastic film show similar result. However, at the same storage time, the dried banana in PB2 film had lower moisture content and water activity than that in commercial film resulting in higher hardness value. Additionally, no fragmentation was visually observed in PB2 film during 6 months of soil burial test because the temperature, moisture content and pH of soil were not controlled in the suitable condition.
Historical evolution of Bangkok(1782-1910): from water-basedcity to the emergence of road-based city
Authors:   , Wu Chunni
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the development process of Bangkok involving its transformation into a road-based city and eventually the ‘real center’ of Siam during 1782-1910. Even though its development into a road-based city was not directly related to its transformation into the real center of the kingdom, this important change significantly enhanced its power-center status. From the time Bangkok was designated to be the seat of royal government in 1782, the city gradually became a ‘floating city’ with a relatively prosperous network of waterways through continuous efforts of the former three sovereigns before King Rama IV and King Rama V ascended the throne. From 1861 onwards, modern roads emerged in this central city and increasingly could compete with the original waterways, which had significantly represented and supported the features and the function of the city at that time. What is more, Bangkok began to redefine its role as the ‘real center’ of the kingdom in political, economic and cultural terms, which chiefly owed to its gradual transformation through the modernization and centralization of the country during the reigns of King Rama Ⅳ-Ⅴ. This article discusses the transformation of transportation means in Bangkok during 1861-1910. What was the impact of the modernization of transport modes upon the development of the capital city in terms of its identity? What contributed to the construction of roadways during the reigns of King Rama Ⅳ-Ⅴ?
Quality factors that influence satisfaction of the football association of Thailand under patronage of his majesty the king facebook fanpage followers
Authors:   , Intharaprasit Unyarat
Published: September 2023

The study aims to explore how the different quality dimensions affect the social media users’ satisfaction and to study quality factors that influence user satisfaction of FA Thailand Facebook fan page followers. The research was designed as quantitative study. Non-Probability Sampling (Accidental or Haphazard Sampling) was used in this study. The sample of this research is 400 who were FA Thailand Facebook fan page follower. The majority of them were male, which accounted for 332 persons and 68 respondents were female. We used a web survey tool and online surveys were created as web forms with a database to store the answers and statistical software to provide analytics. Most respondents for 196 of them were between 26 – 33 years old. The results showed that the service quality of FA Thailand Facebook fan page was perceived as “Agree” (X̄ = 3.59), the information quality of FA Thailand Facebook fan page was perceived as “general” (X̄ = 3.40) and the system quality of FA Thailand Facebook fan page was perceived as “general” (X̄ = 3.42). The results showed that information quality has the strongest influence on user satisfaction toward the use of FA Thailand Facebook fan page, followed by service quality and system quality respectively, with statistical significance at the level of 0.05.
Single fixed-time artificial insemination with fresh or frozen thawed semen in pig
Authors:   , Pearodwong Pachara
Published: September 2023

Single fixed-time AI is the breeding protocol inseminating the sows once with either fresh or frozen-thawed (FT) semen at fixed time after ovulation induction without estrus detection. To develop the success single fixed-time AI protocol in Thailand, factors affecting the efficacy of single fixed-time AI were evaluated. Additionally, we also evaluated the effect of using lecithin in cryopreservation extender on FT semen qualities in order to find the possibility to perform single fixed-time AI using sperm preserved in lecithin based extender. It was found that administration of 10 ug buserelin at 72 h after weaning decreased weaning-to-ovulation interval compared to spontaneous ovulation (127.6 vs. 157.2 h). However, the response of buserelin injection was also affected by season and weaned sows conditions. Hot season prolonged ovulation time. Weaned sows with lactation length (LL) ≥20 days, litter weight (LW) <67 kg, or body condition score (BCS) ≥3, or high backfat reserve after weaning had better buserelin responses. The single fixed-time AI using 10 ug buserelin injection at 72 h after weaning and insemination the sows at 32 h later was successfully performed under tropical climate with acceptable litter size compared to conventional AI (12.0 vs. 12.8 piglets per litter). A decreased litter size was also observed when single fixed-time AI was performed in the hot season or using intrauterine insemination (IUI) with a reduced number of sperm. Finally, the FT semen qualities of sperm preserved in cryopreservation extenders containing 20% egg yolk or 3% lecithin and 10% egg yolk were higher than those in 6% lecithin extender. In conclusion, the present study found that hot season decreased response of buserelin injection, delayed ovulation time and decreased sows reproductive performances after single fixed-time AI. Weaned sows with LL ≥20 days, LW <67 kg, BCS ≥3 or high backfat had better responses to buserelin injection. Single fixed-time AI using the IUI with a reduced number of sperm decreased litter size. Replacing of egg yolk with lecithin in cryopreservation extender did not increase FT semen qualities. The precise concentration of lecithin should be further investigated to perform single fixed-time AI using FT semen preserved in lecithin-based extender.
Determination of feline ab blood types in Bangkok and vicinities by the tube test
Authors:   , Sangkaew Teerawee
Published: September 2023

The most important blood group system in cats is the AB system, which is identified by the presence and absence of antibodies and the antigen on the surface of red blood cells. Blood type A, B and AB are recognized in cats worldwide. The presence of strong alloantibodies against type A in all type B cats, and those with high titer against type B in some type A cats can cause significant transfusion reactions when cats are transfused with mismatched blood. Frequencies of blood types in a cat population is essential for estimating risks of transfusion reactions. The objectives of the study were to determine the frequencies of AB blood types in purebred and non-purebred domestic cats in Bangkok and vicinities, Thailand, and to assess the performances of the standard tube agglutination test. Whole blood samples were collected from 320 clinically healthy client-owned cats that lived in Bangkok and nearby provinces.  Blood typing was performed by a standard tube agglutination method following the optimization of reagents in the assay, at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. The alloantibody test was performed consecutively to determine whether cats were type B or type AB. The stability of reagents used in the assay was also evaluated. Overall, 229 non-purebred (domestic shorthair) cats and 91 purebred cats were enrolled in the study. Of the cats, the frequencies of type A and type B blood were 97.5% and 2.5%, respectively. No type AB cats were identified. All domestic shorthair cats had type A blood. Type B blood was found in 17.1% of Persian and 4.0% of Scottish Fold cats. The rest of purebred cats were type A. However, the sample size of each purebred was limited in this study. The reagents in the tube test were stabilized at 4°C for at least 21 days. This is a large survey of feline AB blood types in the Bangkok area. This study suggests that type A is most common in domestic shorthair cats, so they are at low risk of developing transfusion reaction due to mismatched blood transfusion. Type B was found in at least two purebred cats. Therefore, blood typing is necessary for blood transfusion purposes, particularly among purebred cats.
The invention of plastic plate for the semiquantitative detection of somatic cells in farm bulk tank milk
Authors:   , Jiarpinitnun Piyarat
Published: September 2023

Bulk tank milk somatic cell count (BTM SCC) is worldwide acceptable as an indicator of subclinical mastitis and milk quality at the farm level. Several countries determine the BTM SCC level for quality control and milk pricing. In Thailand, BTM SCC standard is set at 500,000 cells/ml and premium milk quality is set at less than 100,000 cells/ml. Milk collecting centers (MCCs) use CMT (California Mastitis Test) for screening raw milk quality. However, CMT has an error and high variation. This study aims to invent a new semiquantitative device for determining BTM SCC and to validate the device in comparison with FossomaticTM FC and CMT. The results showed that the use of a specifically designed plastic plate with a mixture of specific chemical reagents and BTM is able to discriminate a semiquantitative BTM SCC according to reading scores 0,1,2 and 3. The reading scores is significantly correlated with FossomaticTM FC (r=0.80, p<0.05) and CMT (r=0.94, p<0.05) at the laboratory testing. At MCC, this new semiquantitative device is able to determine BTM SCC in which the test reading is correlated with the FossomaticTM FC (r=0.85, p<0.05). The accuracies of the test device are equal to 91.18% (95%CI = 93.66% – 98.19%) at SCC level less than 100,000 cells/ml and equal to 96.41% (95%CI = 87.42% – 94.10%) at SCC level more than or equal to 500,000 cells/ml.
Development of mucoadhesive nanovaccine against columnaris disease in red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.)
Authors:   , Kitiyodom Sirikorn
Published: September 2023

Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) is very important and high production of freshwater fish in Thailand. Columnaris disease has been now recognized as one of the most serious infectious diseases in farmed tilapia. The disease is caused by Flavobacterium columnare. Among the prevention and control strategies, vaccination is one of the most effective approach. According to the pathogenesis of this bacteria, the characteristic lesion is almost at mucosal area of skin and gill. Therefore, hypothesized that the mucosal nanovaccine with mucoadhesive characteristic could be suitable vaccination method to control columnaris disease. In this study, we determined vaccine strain candidate by clinical field isolation, morphology and molecular characterization and virulent ability test. We prepared chitosan-complexed nanovaccines (CS-NE) through emulsification and homogenization techniques followed by coating with mucoadhesive polymer chitosan. The physiochemical properties of CS-NE were analyzed. Their mucoadhesive characteristics, vaccine efficacy and immune responses were also evaluated. The analysis of hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential also indicated the successful modification of CS-NE that were positively charged, nano-sized and spherical. In vivo mucoadhesive study demonstrated the excellent affinity of the CS-NE toward fish gills as confirmed by TEM, bioluminescence imaging, fluorescent microscopy, and spectrophotometric quantitative measurement. Following vaccination with the prepared nanovaccines by immersion 30 mins, the challenge test was then carried out 30-60-90- and 120-days post-vaccination and resulted in 89,91,71 and 61 % mortalities, respectively in the control fish. The RPS of CS-NE vaccinated fish was calculated at 78,61,50 and 36, respectively. As a result, the formulated biomimetic nanovaccine mocking the mucoadhesive characteristic of live F. columnare can help achieve better adsorption on mucosal surfaces and more efficient vaccine efficacy that revealed in MALT histology. We evaluated immune response of CS-NE fish vaccinated include serum bactericidal activity, ELISA-IgM specific F. columnare, MALT histology and relative gene expression. Significantly higher serum bacterial activity and ELISA-specific IgM antibodies in CS-NE was also seen. The MALT histology revealed a significant higher leucocyte cell accumulation and antigen uptake, in accordance with our result of up-regulation of IgT, IgM, TNF α, IL1β and MHC-1 genes in gill, kidney and spleen. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of mucoadhesive nanovaccine-immersion vaccination as an effective delivery method for prevention and control columnaris disease in tilapia.
Epidemiological surveillance of feline morbillivirus infection in the aspects of polymerase chain reaction, indirect elisa and immunohistochemistry
Authors:   , Chaiyasak Surangkanang
Published: September 2023

Feline morbillivirus (FeMV), a relatively new virus, has been discovered in domestic cats and associated with kidney diseases since 2012 in Hong Kong. The FeMV study gained widely attentions in many countries whereas the pathogenesis remains elusive. These studies aimed to provide the FeMV knowledge in Thai domestic cat by performing the genetic-based, serological-based and pathological-based studies of FeMV-infected in Thai cats. Additionally, the indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rabbit polyclonal antibody against FeMV matrix (FeMV-M) protein was produced for seroprevalence and viral localization by immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques, respectively. Our results revealed the FeMV RNA prevalence at 11.9% and seroprevalence at 66.9% in cats derived from shelters and households. The FeMV Thai strains were clustered in FeMV-1A genotype without evidence of viral recombination. Urine sample provided more FeMV positivity rate when compared with blood sample, however the significant correlation between FeMV positive urine and urine characteristics was not observed. To study the localization and distribution of FeMV in two moribund FeMV-positive-PCR cats with history of acute hematuria and, grossly, acute hemorrhagic cystitis, histopathology, IHC, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed. Microscopically, the prominent lesions revealed scattering intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies (ICIB) in renal epithelial cells locating at corticomedullary junction and renal pelvis. By TEM, the ultrastructural morphology demonstrated the aggregation of electron-dense ribonucleocapsid herringbone-like structure in the cytoplasm of renal tubular epithelial cells, where the inclusion materials were found. Moreover, the immunoreactive signals were also visualized in the ICIB of renal epithelial cells, cytoplasm of tracheal, bronchial, and bronchiolar epitheliums, circulating lymphocytes and infiltrating histiocytes in spleen and mesenteric lymph node, and neuroglial cells in the white matter of brain, suggesting systemic viral infection. Importantly, we proposed that FeMV is a renal epitheliotropic virus, similarly to other morbilliviruses, by existing viral inclusions without integral pathological changes of kidney disease. Furthermore, we have reported the two black leopards (Panthera pardus) which were positive to FeMV-1A genotype and associated with chronic kidney disease. In conclusion, we suggested that domestic and non-domestic felids are susceptible to FeMV infection. However, the association between FeMV and kidney diseases throughout its pathogenesis is needed further investigations.
Evidence of vertical and horizontal transmission of Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis in hybrid red tilapia (Orerochromis sp.)
Authors:   , Nguyen Vuong
Published: September 2023

Francisellosis caused by Franciscella orientalis (formerly named: Franciscella noatunensis subspecies orientalis) has been reported as one of the most important emergent diseases of warm water fish. However, little is known about its transmission, fastidious nature, survival, and persistence in multiple environments and global presence. This study aims to investigate vertical transmission, horizontal transmission by vectors and effect of other organisms on the outbreak of francisellosis in hybrid red tilapia. To prove the transmission of F. orientalis from subclinically infected tilapia mouthbrooders to their offspring through the current practice of fry production in tilapia hatcheries, experimentally infected hybrid red tilapia broodstock were mated and their offspring were examined for the presence of F. orientalis. The results showed that the ovary and testis of all 3 pairs of the broodstock, as well as their fertilized eggs, yolk-sac larvae, 5, and 30-day old fry were F. orientalis positive by F. orientalis-specific PCR and in situ DNA hybridization. Upon the vector transmission experiment, mosquito larvae Aedes aegypti was able to acquire F. orientalis in immersion challenge test at a dose of 0.895 x 107 CFU mL-1 and cohabitated with infected fish. Hybrid red tilapia fed by infected pupae at 25oC showed more severe histopathological lesions of typical granulomas resembling for francisellosis infection and positive F. orientalis detection by specific PCR comparing with 30oC. Additionally, co-infection challenge of F. orientalis and Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in hybrid red tilapia successfully mimicked typical signs and histopathological manifestations of both diseases. Synergistic effect of the two pathogens infection in fish leading to the exacerbated mortality. In conclusion, the study provided evidence of vertical transmission of F. orientalis in hybrid red tilapia with the current practice in tilapia hatcheries. Our finding suggested mosquito larvae are available to acquire and transmit F. orientalis to healthy red tilapia and might be an important environment reservoir for the bacterium in nature. The ectoparasite Ich infection can enhance the severity of franciscellosis caused by F. orientalis infection in hybrid red tilapia.
Risk assessment of vibrio parahaemolyticus in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) from retail market
Authors:   , Yokyingyong Praphatsorn
Published: September 2023

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the leading cause of seafood borne gastroenteritis in many countries including Thailand. It is a gram-negative, halophilic bacterium which was normally found in estuarine environment and seafood. The infection usually occurred from consuming raw, inadequate cooked, or cross-contaminated seafood. Risk assessment is a scientific tool to evaluate health hazard from V. parahaemolyticus infection. In this study, a risk of V. parahaemolyticus infection from raw shrimp consumption (Litopenaeus vannamei) was conducted. This study estimated the prevalence and level of V. parahaemolyticus in 2 retail types across 6 provinces nationwide by 3-tubes MPN. Risk assessment from raw shrimp consumption was estimated from prevalence and level of pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus carrying tdh and trh genes by multiplex PCR. The prevalence of total and pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus was 66% and 1.4%, respectively.  Pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus carrying tdh and trh genes were 0.93% and 0.46%, respectively. V. parahaemolyticus isolates carrying both tdh and trh genes was not detected by multiplex PCR. Estimated daily risk for raw shrimp consumption was predicted at 1.02×10-4 equivalent to incidence rates per 100,000 people at 3,711 cases per year. Sensitivity analysis from simulation showed that risk estimates was highly correlated with probability of illness (correlation coefficient or r = 0.94), followed by time between retail to consumption (r = 0.22), concentration at consumption (r = 0.16), and dose (r = 0.15).  Moreover, the study has found the proper cooking of shrimp such as 60°C for 2 minutes can reduce risk from V. parahaemolyticus to safe negligible level.
Genetic characteristics of avian influenza a viruses isolated from Thai free-grazing ducks and their pathogenicity potential in animal models
Authors:   , Chaiyawong Supassama
Published: September 2023

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) can infect several animal species and humans. In Thailand, free-grazing ducks are reservoir hosts of influenza A virus. The free-grazing ducks are potentially interface with wild birds and domestic birds and subsequently cause interspecies transmission of IAVs. This thesis composes of three study phases. Phase 1 is surveillance of influenza A in free-grazing ducks. Phase 2 is genetic characterization and diversity analysis of influenza A viruses from free-grazing ducks. Phase 3 is challenge of influenza A viruses isolated from free-grazing ducks in animal models. For phase 1, multi-years surveillance of IAVs in free-grazing ducks was conducted in central and lower northern parts of Thailand. Our results found 1.77% of influenza A virus from oropharyngeal swabs (n=2,012) and cloacal swabs (n=2,012), 70.24% of influenza A antibody and 6.40% of specific H5 subtype antibody from serum samples (n=1,959). Of 71 IAV positive samples, 15 subtypes of IAVs could be identified and the predominant subtypes were subtypes H3N8 and H4N6. For phase 2, representative viruses (n=26) were characterized by whole genome sequencing. The results from phylogenetic analysis of 8 genes of Thai influenza viruses revealed new reassortant viruses (n=3) (H11N9, H4N6 and H11N7). While the origin of most Thai IAVs was from Avian Eurasian lineage I. According to the origins of each gene, the gene constellation of 26 representative viruses was identified to 24 patterns. For phase 3, influenza A virus subtype H1N3 (n=1) and H11N9 (n=1) were selected for animal challenge study. Both H1N3 and H11N9 viruses can infect chickens and quails. Chickens and quails can shed the viruses and develop antibody response during the experiment period. The viruses can also transmit to contacted chickens and quails. In summary, our results confirmed that free-grazing ducks are important reservoir hosts of influenza A virus and the H1N3 and H11N9 viruses from free grazing ducks were able to infect and transmit to chickens and quails. Thus, the results from multi-years influenza A surveillance in free-grazing ducks, the genetic characteristics and the pathogenicity of the viruses in animal models provided useful information for influenza prevention and control measures both in animals and humans in the future.
Genetic characterization of canine parvovirus and circovirus in dogs in Vietnam
Authors:   , Tuong Nguyen
Published: September 2023

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) emerged and caused severe enteritis in dogs since the 1970s. The last variant, CPV-2c is considered as the high virulent strain and spread ubiquitous worldwide. This strain was early detected in Vietnam since 2002, but the whole genome is still fragmentary. In this study, we attempted to gain the whole genome of CPV-2c from the Vietnamese infected dogs as the first report of the full-length CPV-2c sequence originated from Asia. The Vietnamese CPV-2c exhibited the common mutations in both structural and nonstructural proteins and shared a typical evolutionary pattern with Asian strains. Besides, Vietnamese sequences presented some new mutations and clustered with current Chinese CPV-2 to create a new Asia-IV clade in the phylogeny. The substitution rate was estimated based on the data set of 199 sequences over the last 42 years of viral emergence, and confirmed that CPV-2 is a rapidly evolving ssDNA virus. Moreover, CPV-2 is highly co-infected with other enteric viruses to cause the disease. Among them, Canine circovirus (CanineCV) is the most prevalent, about 19.7%. Then, we further characterized the full-genome of this virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CanineCV is divided into four different genotypes (CanineCV-1, -2, -3, and -4) with typically replaced amino acids in the Replicase and Capsid proteins. Both CanineCV-1 and 4 co-circulated in Vietnam and shared 86-87.6% of nucleotide similarity. The recombination event has occurred at nucleotide position 420-1020 in one Vietnamese CanineCV strain (CanineCV-VN-6) with the major and minor parents derived from America and China, respectively. Future study should be emphasized on the continuous surveillance of CPV-2 and CanineCV in other regions in Vietnam to draw the whole information regarding epidemiology, genotype, mutation and evolution of both enteric viruses.
Process synthesis and design of integrated biorefinery in pulp and paper industry
Authors:   , Mongkhonsiri Ghochapon
Published: September 2023

Integration of biorefinery into pulp and paper industry has been considered as sustainable development for pulp and paper industry and lignocellulosic biorefinery. High value-added biochemical, biofuel and bioenergy productions could be implemented into existing pulp mills by material and utility integration. A systematic methodology employing a superstructure-based process synthesis, process design and innovation is an effective approach to explore potential pathways for both economic and environmental sustainability with support from computer-aided tools. A superstructure of the multi-product biorefinery process network with the pulp and paper industry is developed and optimized with the objective to maximize profit. The synthesis results project the optimal integrated biorefinery combined with pulp and paper mills for further design. Process design and evaluation provide useful insights to assess the process performance and define process weakness for improvement by innovation. The cleaner alternatives implementing the CO2 utilization via methanol production and solar energy is considered for process innovation comparing to the base case. Integrated biorefinery systems into the existing pulp mill is proven that can potentially enhance profitability and environmental benefit beyond conventional pulp mill and promote bioproducts for sustainable society.
Detection and differentiation of haemosporidian parasites in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) using molecular diagnostic approach
Authors:   , Nguyen Thi
Published: September 2023

Haemosporidioses in domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) are not only widely distribute but causing high mortality and non-specific symptoms. The multiplex PCR assay developed in this study can concurrently detect and differentiate four haemosporidian parasites Leucocytozoon caulleryi, Leucocytozoon sabrazesi, Plasmodium juxtanucleare, and Plasmodium gallinaceum. Comparing to microscopic examination performed in parallel on 157 samples, multiplex PCR assay exhibited significantly higher detection rate in diagnosis of haemosporidians (p = 0.000). The results showed that, L. sabrazesi, P. juxtanucleare, and P. gallinaceum detection rate of multiplex PCR were all higher than that of microscopic examination with p = 0.002, 0.000, and 0.004, respectively. Detection limit of multiplex PCR on quadruple targets mixture was 109 copies/µl. Multiple infections were also detected more effectively by multiplex PCR. The commonness of mix infection in chicken haemosporidian parasites was further confirm as the new method have been applied to field samples from Nan province, Prachinburi province, and Chachoengsao province, in which mix infections were detected in all three sampling sites, ranging from 4% to 37%. Overall, infection rate of haemosporidian parasites in chickens from three province were 77.2%, 93.8%, and 39.5%, respectively, by using multiplex PCR. This study contributes a protocol to detect all four avian haemosporidian parasites in chicken, either single or mixed infections.
PCR-based detection and differentiation of piroplasms and malaria parasites from goats in Thailand
Authors:   , Huynh Tu
Published: September 2023

A novel multiplex PCR (mPCR) was developed to identify and differentiate malaria parasite (Plasmodium caprae), and two piroplasms (Babesia bigemina and Theileria luwenshuni) in Thai goats. Three pairs of primer were designed to be species-specific, targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in mitochondria. Plasmids containing each parasite’s DNA was serially diluted to evaluate the sensitivity of singleplex and mPCR assays. The specificity of the primer sets was confirmed by testing for amplification from DNA of each pathogen and other related hemoparasites. A total of 100 goat blood samples from five provinces of Thailand was used to validate the reliability and application of the assay. The detection limit of the mPCR in this study was 108 parasite copies and the diagnostic specificity in detection of P. caprae and T. luwenshuni was found to be high (94.9%-100%). The high level of diagnostic sensitivity (100%) in the detection of T. luwenshuni was also recorded. However, the diagnostic sensitivity of mPCR was found to be low (50%) in the detection of P. caprae from field-collected blood samples. These results demonstrated the successful establishment of the mPCR presented by its same level of sensitivity to each single PCR counterparts and its ability to simultaneous detection all three parasites in one reaction. This study also describes the first report of Theileria luwenshuni and Babesia bigemina in goats of Thailand.
Chondroprotective efficacy of undenatured collagen type II on canine osteoarthritis secondary to medial patellar luxation
Authors:   , Kunsuwanachai Susolos
Published: September 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is found secondary from medial patellar luxation (MPL) which is one of the most common diseases in small-breed dogs. Managements of the disease are surgical correction or a medical treatment. In the patients who are unable to do the surgical correction, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remains the drug of choice for OA therapy. Nowadays nutraceuticals have become more popular since there are no side effects once given for a long period of time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical chondroprotective effects of undenatured collagen type-II (UCII) on OA secondary to canine medial patellar luxation. Nine small-breed dogs received UCII for 120 days. Ultrasonographic, radiographic examinations, lameness score, blood collection and CBPI were evaluated for comparison the results between before and after received UCII. One-Way Anova and paired T-test was used to analyze the statistical significance of data. The results revealed a statistically significant difference between before and after received UCII in CBPI (p-value <0.05). Lameness score, radiographic examinations and blood collection were no significantly different. CBPI and the ultrasonographic scores has significantly improve even if only joint effusion from all of ultrasonographic examination was significant difference. In conclusion, UCII may be the choice of OA nutraceutical chondroprotective products which could be a co-treatment with the MPL treatment as UCII can improve the clinical signs.
Impacts and adaptive measures for groundwater use in the Mekong delta. case study : Tra Vinh province
Authors:   , Van Tuan
Published: September 2023

Because of the rapid growth of population and fast economic development in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD), the surface water resources are unable to meet these demands and groundwater is also over-abstracted.  Groundwater depletion and saline water intrusion become the main problems that threaten drinking water supplies, farming systems, and livelihoods in the delta, especially coastal areas. It is necessary to provide a fully comprehensive picture of groundwater use (GWU) and its impact issues

In Tra Vinh Province, a coastal province of VMD, dependency on GW increases from north to south which has a strong relation with availability of freshwater in major rivers during the dry season. In the dry season 2018,  GWU was estimated to be 346,279 m3day-1 based on the field survey data;  approximately 52 % of this use is for agricultural activities. Land surface temperature sensing technology is proved to be a good tool for interpolating distribution of GWU. In Tra Vinh Province for better GW management. The GW system in the study area has moved from a pristine system to a developed system then become a depleted system at present. Thus, the existing status of groundwater resources is unsustainable due to increasing of 25 years of GWU. The concept for sustainable yields in both quantity and quality, in the long run, has been introduced and proved to be beneficial by determining equilibrium state and controlling saline GW movement. The results of the sustainable models indicate that the current GWU (2018) needs to be reduced by 49 % to match with the sustainable yield of the aquifer system in Tra Vinh Province.

In order to propose adaptive measures for sustainable GWU, a new land use structure of the Mekong Delta Plan is considered as a suitable measure to reduce a high proportion of GW demand in Tra Vinh Province. Adaptive behavior models (ABM) are developed based on Fogg Theories to understand behavior of local farmers in term of changing agricultural activities to cope with the effect of climate change.  ABM can help to clarify additional recommendations to enhance the successful implementation of the Mekong Delta Plan by adding more incentive and resources suited to each specific farmers and zones.