bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro antiplatelet activity of lusianthridin in human platelets
Authors:   , Swe Hla
Published: September 2023

Lusianthridin is a phenanthrene derivative isolated from Dendrobium venustum. Some phenanthrene compounds have antiplatelet aggregation activities via undefined pathways.  The objective of this study is to determine the inhibitory effects and potential mechanisms of lusianthridin on platelet aggregation. Turbidometric aggregometry method was used to measure the extent of platelet aggregation, then cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were measured by ELISA kit. Inhibitory effect of lusianthridin on cyclooxygenase enzymes was analyzed by COX fluorescent inhibitor screening assay kit. The results indicated that Lusianthridin most potently inhibited arachidonic acid -induced platelet aggregation by maximum percent inhibition of aggregation of 89.7 ± 1.2 % at 0.025 mM; whereas lusianthridin at 0.4 mM inhibited collagen and ADP-induced platelet aggregation by 84.5 ± 2.2  % and 51.9 ± 4.8  %, respectively. Lusianthridin also increased the delaying time of arachidonic acid-stimulated and the lag time of collagen-stimulated aggregations. Lusianthridin showed the inhibitory effect on the secondary wave of ADP-stimulated aggregation. Furthermore lusianthridin at 0.4 mM inhibited ADP-induced by significantly increase cAMP level in platelets (p < 0.05). Molecular docking analysis revealed that lusianthridin bound to the entrance site of cyclooxygenase -1 (COX-1) enzyme and probably the active region of COX-2 enzyme. In addition, lusianthridin showed inhibitory effects on both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activities with the IC50 value of 11.92 ± 0.00 µM and 0.21 ± 0.17 µM, respectively. These findings suggested that possible mechanisms of lusianthridin on antiplatelet activity might act via arachidonic acid-thromboxane and ADP-adenylate cyclase pathways.
DNA barcoding coupled with high resolution melting (BAR-HRM) analysis for differentiation white kwao khruea (pueraria candollei), black kwao khruea (mucuna macrocarpa), and red kwao khruea (butea superba)
Authors:   , Vejpanich Nonthapon
Published: September 2023

Kwao Khruea is the herbal product that known as a rejuvenation herb. In Thai traditional medicine, three species of Kwao Khruea including white Kwao Khruea (Pueraria candollei Wall. ex Benth.), black Kwao Khruea (Mucuna macrocarpa Wall.) and red Kwao Khruea (Butea superba Roxb. ex Willd.) have been used. Each Kwao Khruea accumulates different chemical constituents. White Kwao Khruea contains estrogenic biological activities while black and red Kwao Khruea accumulate testosterone-like activities. Black Kwao Khruea was reported to be potent than red Kwao Khruea. Because of similar common names with the difference in chemical compositions of Kwao Khruea herbs, it is necessary to differentiate those herbs for efficiency and safety purposes. Therefore, this study aims to differentiate the herbal species using genetic information by barcoding of the four core DNA regions including matK gene, rbcL gene, psbA-trnH transgenic spacer and internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The result showed that all four core barcode regions can differentiate those three Kwao Khruea. In addition, DNA barcoding coupled with high resolution melting (Bar-HRM) analysis of the PCR amplicons by real-time PCR was performed to investigate a particular DNA sequence in the matK gene and ITS. The melting temperature (Tm) of PCR products amplified by matK gene of red, white and black Kwao Khruea were 73.6ºC, 74.7ºC and 74.8ºC, respectively while the Tm of PCR amplicons from the ITS were 88.1ºC, 85.6ºC and 84.5ºC, correspondingly. In conclusion, DNA barcode coupled with HRM analysis has been successful to identify Kwao Khruea species in dietary supplements and traditional medicines containing Kwao Khruea as the main mixture. Our developed method is potentially used for the authentication of Kwao Khruea products prior to registration.
Development of cyclodextrin-based pickering nanoemulsion containing amphotericin b for treatment of fungal keratitis
Authors:   , Maw Phyo
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop pickering nanoemulsions (NEs) containing amphotericin B (AmB) for fungal keratitis therapy. The phase-solubility profiles of AmB in various aqueous cyclodextrin (CD) solutions were determined. The AmB solubilization in oils and surfactants was also examined. Two CDs i.e., gCD and 2-hydroxypropyl-g-CD (HPgCD), medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil) and phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) were chosen because of their high solubility increment of AmB. Solution-state by 1H-NMR studies demonstrated the formation of MCT oil/αCD, AmB/gCD and AmB/HPgCD complexes. Some interactions between AmB and CD have been observed by solid-state characterizations (FT-IR, PXRD and DSC). The interfacial tension at oil-water interface, CD analysis and the morphology studies have confirmed the affinity of αCD to MCT oil. Thus, MCT oil/αCD complex was used as solid particle to stabilize pickering NEs. The CD-stabilized pickering and non-pickering NEs loaded AmB were developed by using high pressure homogenizer. The physicochemical and chemical properties i.e., pH, osmolality, viscosity, particle size and size distribution, zeta potential, drug content and entrapment efficiency were within the acceptable range. The developed formulations showed less degree of aggregation of AmB and lower hemolytic activity when compared with commercial product, Amphotericin-B®. In vitro drug release through semipermeable membrane studies revealed that pickering NEs provided the sustained drug release owing to most of drug entrapped in the inner core. For antifungal activity, the AmB formulations were superior to AmB itself but equally and inferior to Amphotericin-B® against C. albicans and filamentous fungi, respectively. The stability studies i.e., freeze-thaw, accelerated and long-term stability have found that CD-based pickering NEs exhibited good physical and chemical stability in contrast to the respective non-pickering NEs that showed instability after storage for 3 months. Therefore, CD-based AmB pickering NEs had the potential formulations for further studies.
Marketing Strategy Development for Professional Services Firms: Case Study of Certified Audit Firms in Russia
Authors:   , Bushkov Dmitrii
Published: September 2023

This work is devoted to developing a strategy based on the Blue Ocean Strategy framework for audit firms in Russia. Today, audit firms in Russia are in an awkward position, caused by a fall of revenue in real terms, a high level of competition and a difficult economic situation. Therefore, audit firms are forced to look for new ways to grow their business. The paper analyzes the market for audit services in the period from 2009 to 2018, including structural analysis, revenue analysis, and assessment of the impact of the largest audit firms on the market. The historical background shows the formation of audit services in Russia and in the world. The new strategy is based on the use of emerging technologies in the audit business, such as Robotic Process Automation, Machine Learning, Blockchain, and others. The paper gives examples of the use of new technologies by the Big Four firms. Also, the case of AuditOnline is provided, a company specializing in the provision of audit services remotely. This work aims to develop a new development strategy for audit firms in Russia.
Protective mechanisms of polyphenols against NSAIDs-induced intestinal cell death in Caco-2 cells
Authors:   , Boonyong Cherdsak
Published: September 2023

Indomethacin (INDO) and diclofenac (DIC) cause intestinal cell death through reactive oxygen species (ROS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and mitochondrial dysfunction.  This study investigated the cytoprotective effects of certain natural polyphenolic antioxidants against INDO- and DIC-mediated Caco-2 cell death as well as underlying mechanisms.  In this study, caffeic acid (CAF), curcumin (CUR), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid (GAL), hypophyllanthin (HYPO), naringenin (NAR), phyllanthin (PHY), piperine (PIP), quercetin (QUE), rutin (RUT) and silymarin (SLY) were able to decrease ROS production in Caco-2 cells treated with INDO and DIC.  However, only EGCG, QUE and RUT (100 µM) could prevent INDO- and DIC-mediated cytotoxicity after 72-h treatment.  Their cytoprotective action could be related to suppression of CHOP expression, Bax/Bcl-2 ratios and loss of mitochondria membrane permeability (MMP).  Further study on the cytoprotective effect of EGCG demonstrated that its underlying mechanism involved with suppressions of p-PERK/p-eIF-2α/ATF-4/CHOP and p-IRE-1α/p-JNK1/2 expressions.  Another two polyphenols CAF and NAR (100 µM) protected Caco-2 toxicity from INDO treatment, but not DIC treatment.  Moreover, the effect of NAR involved with suppression of Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA ratios and loss in MMP.  Apparently, NAR did not affect CHOP expression.  A group of polyphenols including CUR (50 µM), GAL (100 µM), HYPO (10 µM), PHY (10 µM), PIP (10 µM) and SLY (100 µM) had no effects on INDO-/DIC-induced Caco-2 cytotoxicity.  Instead, CUR, NAR, PHY, PIP and SLY enhanced cytotoxicity caused by DIC exposure.  Further study on the potentiation effect of PHY suggested that this compound suppressed survival p-Nrf-2/HO-1 expression in DIC-treated cells, leading to increased activation of PERK/CHOP pathway and apoptosis.  Taken together, the cytoprotective capabilities of polyphenols against INDO-/DIC-induced Caco-2 apoptosis might be involved with suppressions of the specific ER stress signaling pathways, but not the direct ROS scavenging mechanism.
Anti-cancer effects of renieramycin T on human non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors:   , Petsri Korrakod
Published: September 2023

Mcl-1 targeted therapy is promising strategy for lung cancer treatment since it is contributed to aggressive lung cancer and chemotherapeutic resistance. At present, many compounds targeting on Mcl-1 are currently under different clinical stages of development for cancer treatment. Herein, we report the Mcl-1 targeting activity of renieramycin T (RT), an alkaloid isolated from the blue sponge Xestospongia sp. RT was shown to target on Mcl-1 through ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation in lung cancer cells including chemotherapeutic resistant primary lung cancer cells. Additionally, RT also affects the activation of p53 and decrease of Bcl-2 which can lead to apoptosis of cancer cells. The reason why RT has a major activities on Mcl-1 is further proven in the structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis. The SAR is depending on the specific chemical structure that reacts to the active site of drug action. For SAR study, five analogues of RT with different functional groups were tested for Mcl-1 targeting effects. It was known that Mcl-1 function is depended on its stability and its stability is regulated by phosphorylation at threonine 92, threonine 163, and serine 121 of the protein molecule by ERK, JNK, and p38. Therefore, binding to MAPK docking site with RT can prevent the Mcl-1 stabilization and finally induce its degradation. We found that cyanide and benzene ring in RT structure have an important role in Mcl-1 degradation since they have an ability to bind with arginine, positive charged amino acid in MAPK docking site of Mcl-1 sequence, with the high binding affinity. These data might have a benefit on further development of compounds as well as the design of novel drugs for treating Mcl-1-driven cancers.
Bioengineered regenerative therapy for diabetes mellitus: establishment of canine mesenchymal stem cell-derived insulin producing cells
Authors:   , Rodprasert Watchareewan
Published: September 2023

Trend of regenerative therapy for diabetes in human and veterinary practice has conceptually been proven according to Edmonton protocol and animal models. Establishing an alternative insulin-producing cell (IPC) resource is a challenge task for further clinical application. In this study, IPC generation from two practical canine mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs), canine bone marrow-derived MSCs (cBM-MSCs) and canine adipose-derived MSCs (cAD-MSCs), was of interest. The results illustrated that cBM-MSCs and cAD-MSCs contained distinct pancreatic differentiation potential and required the tailor-made induction protocols. Generation of functional cBM-MSC-derived IPCs needed an integration of genetic and microenvironment manipulation using hanging-drop culture of PDX-1-transfected cBM-MSCs under three-step pancreatic induction protocol. However, this protocol was resource- and time-consumed. Another study on cAD-MSC-derived IPC generation found that IPC-like colonies could be obtained by low attachment culture under three-step induction protocol. Further Notch signaling inhibition during pancreatic endoderm/progenitor induction yielded IPC-like colonies with trend of glucose-responsive C-peptide secretion. Thus, this study showed that IPC-like cells could be obtained from cBM-MSCs and cAD-MSCs by different induction techniques, and further signaling manipulation study should be conducted to maximize the protocol efficiency.
N, n-bis (5-ethyl-2-hydroxybenzyl) methylamine induces apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells via c-myc protein degradation
Authors:   , Sriratanasak Nicharat
Published: September 2023

Lung cancer is a common cancer disease that contributes as a major cause of cancer related death. The oncoprotein, c-Myc plays a major role in oncogenic malignancies. It has been shown that the up—regulated c-Myc relates with aggressiveness of cancers and treatment failure. In this study, we purposed N, N-bis (5-ethyl-2-hydroxybenzyl) methylamine (EMD), a benzoxazine dimer to be a novel c-Myc targeting compound and displayed evidence presenting the potential effect of EMD on c-Myc degradation in human lung cancer cells. EMD exhibited cytotoxicity to lung cancer cells through apoptosis induction. EMD dramatically eliminated c-Myc in the cells and initiated caspase-dependent apoptosis cascade. Cycloheximide chase assay showed that half-life of c-Myc protein was shortened by EMD. MG132, a potent selective proteasome inhibitor, could restore the c-Myc level conveying the involvement of ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation in the process. In addition, immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that EMD significantly increased c-Myc-ubiquitin complex formation. We further verified that EMD strongly decreased c-Myc protein levels in primary lung cancer cells. In addition, we also purposed that EMD has an anti-metastatic effect. Metastasis is the process that cancer cells detach from the original site to form a new tumor at distant site through blood or lymphatic vessels. Cell migration is a part of the metastasis cascade which regulated by several signals. Integrin signaling involves in cell survival and activation of cell migration. EMD at non-toxic concentrations reduced filopodia formation and cell migration. In addition, EMD significantly inhibited growth and survival of detached lung cancer cells. Moreover, EMD strongly decreased integrin b3 while other evaluated integrins, b1 and a5 were not altered. Other downstream of integrin signaling such as active focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and active protein kinase B (Akt) were significantly decreased after EMD treatment. Altogether, we identified EMD as a novel potential compound for lung cancer treatment.
Factors of age, anthropometric characteristics and lower extremity strength on multi-directional reach test in typical children aged 7 - 12 years
Authors:   , Hirunyaphinun Benjaporn
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of age, anthropometric characteristics and lower extremity strength with the Multi-Directional React Test (MDRT). Sixty children with typical development, aged 7 to 12 years old, were categorized into each age group. Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman rank correlation coefficient were conducted to examine the relationship between interesting variables (age, anthropometric characteristics and lower extremity strength) and the reach distances in forward, backward, leftward and rightward directions. The results of this study showed that multi-directional reach distances increased with age for all directions. Fair to moderate relationship (r = 0.28 – 0.58, p-value<0.05) was found between age-anthropometric variables and scores of the MDRT. In addition, a fair relationship (r = 0.27 – 0.49, p-value<0.05) was observed between lower extremity strength in several muscle groups and scores of the MDRT in each direction. The present study points out that knee flexor muscles significantly correlated best with the reach distances for all directions (r = 0.28 - 0.49, p-value<0.05). These finding may be helpful for physical therapists to comprehend the effects of interesting variables which clinically relevant on limits of stability in each direction. The MDRT is easy to assess problems in children with decreased limits of stability and also plan individualize program for balance training in the specific direction.
Effects of achilles tendon stretching in individuals with plantar fasciitis
Authors:   , Engkananuwat Phoomchai
Published: September 2023

Background and rationale: Since the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon are anatomically connected, it is therefore plausible that stretching of both structures simultaneously will result in a better outcome. Methods: Fifty participants aged 40-60 years with a history of plantar heel pain greater than one month were recruited. They were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 was instructed to stretch the Achilles tendon while Group 2 simultaneous stretched the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. The stretching interventions were performed for four weeks and the outcome measures were recorded at baseline, at the end of the 4th week, and at the end of three months. Results: After four weeks of both stretching protocol, participants in Group 2 demonstrated a greater significant increase in pressure pain threshold than participants in Group 1 (p = .040). No significant differences between groups were demonstrated in other variables (p > .05). Concerning within-group comparisons, both interventions resulted in significant reductions in pain at first step in the morning and average pain at the medial plantar calcaneal region over the past 24 hours while there were increases in the VAS-FA score and range of motion in ankle dorsiflexion (p < .001). More participants in Group 2 described their symptoms as being much improved to being completely improved than those in Group 1. Conclusion: The simultaneous stretching of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia for four weeks is an effective intervention for plantar heel pain. Compared to the stretching of the Achilles tendon by itself, the simultaneous stretching of the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia tends to be superior in some aspects.
Curling probe measurement in plasma
Authors:   , Sirithipvanich Chatchai
Published: September 2023

The curling probe is one of the active resonance absorption spectroscopic methods, the methods utilized the probe reflection coefficient spectrum to determine the plasma density. The proposed model of the curling probe uses the deviation of the most matched frequency, the frequency in which the minimum reflection coefficient occurs, when the probe is submerged in different mediums. The probe structure is simple and claimed to be robust and efficient. The experiments of a curling probe were performed and the simulations for the probe reflection coefficient for both previously reported probe and the constructed probe configuration have been conducted. The previously reported model could not describe our experimental and simulated results. However, our simulation and experiments conformed and indicated that the most matched frequency did not respond to the change of plasma density.
Effects of magnesium substitution on electronic properties of calcium difluoride
Authors:   , Chintananon Natthasart
Published: September 2023

We use density functional theory to find the phase transitions of CaF2. The results show that CaF2 adopts the fluorite structure, with the space group Fm-3m, in the range 0f 0-8 GPa and transforms into the cotunnite structure, with the space group Pnma, above 8 GPa. The electronic band structure of the Pnma-CaF2 structure expresses an insulating phase, and the bandgap collapses under pressure above 70 GPa. In this work, we proposed a new decoration of Ca/Mg-substituted fluorides MgxCa1-xF2, using the cluster expansion technique which is commonly used to study alloys. We found that the Mg0.25Ca0.75F2, with a Pm structure, is stable at 70 GPa. Our electronic band structure calculations indicate that the substitution of Mg increases the bandgaps of the Mg0.25Ca0.75F2 compounds above 70 GPa.
Structural phase transitions and electronic properties of LI2o2 and Na2o2 under high pressure for Co2 capture application
Authors:   , Jimlim Pornmongkol
Published: September 2023

Since pressure induces exotic chemical and physical properties of materials, investigation of the high-pressure effect on structural phase transition and the related properties is paramount. Structural phase transitions and electronic properties of Li2O2 and Na2O2 under high pressure were investigated using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. Structural phase transitions of Li2O2 up to 500 GPa were predicted at ~75 GPa from the P63/mmc to the P21 structures and at ~136 GPa from the P21 to the P21/c structures. The calculated band gaps of all phases increase with elevated pressure. At 11 and 40 GPa, the band gaps decrease, while the O-O bond lengths and the electron localization function (ELF) values increase, resulting in the O-O stretching mode softening. Structural phase transitions of Na2O2 up to 300 GPa were investigated with elevated temperature up to 600 K based on the quasi-harmonic approximation. Two new phases were predicted consisting of the Amm2 and the P21/c structures, which are stable at low temperatures in the 0-22 and 22-28 GPa pressure ranges, respectively. At the elevated temperature, the P-62m and the Pbam structures more favor temperature than the Amm2 and the P21/c structures, respectively. In the 2-3 and 9-10 GPa pressure ranges, some phonon modes softening and some elastic stiffnesses decreasing result in the phonon free energies decreasing and the ELF values increasing. Their band gaps also increase with increasing pressure. High-pressure Raman measurements and Raman calculations for Na2O2 provide the evidence for the presence of an unidentified structure at 8.6-21.5 GPa and the Pbam structure at 24.8 GPa. The calculated Gibbs free energy changes of the CO2 capture reactions by Li2O2 and Na2O2 suggest that the reactions are spontaneous under high pressure and temperature studied.
Charged fermion in two-dimensional wormhole with axial magnetic field
Authors:   , Rojjanason Trithos
Published: September 2023

We investigate the eﬀects of magnetic field on a charged fermion in a (1+2)-dimensional wormhole. Applying external magnetic field along the axis direction of the wormhole, the Dirac equation is set up and analytically solved in two scenarios, constant magnetic ﬂux and constant magnetic field through the throat of the wormhole. For the constant magnetic ﬂux scenario, the system can be solved analytically and exact solutions are found. For the constant magnetic field scenario, with the short wormhole approximation, the quantized energies and eigenstates are obtained. The system exhibits both the spin-orbit coupling and the Landau quantization for the stationary states in both scenarios. The intrinsic curvature of the surface induces the spin-orbit and spin-magnetic Landau couplings that generate imaginary energy. Imaginary energy can be interpreted as the energy dissipation and instability of the states. Generically, the states of charged fermion in wormhole are quasinormal modes (QNMs) that could be unstable for positive imaginary frequencies and decaying for negative imaginary ones. For the constant ﬂux scenario, the fermions in the wormhole can behave like bosons and have arbitrary statistics depending on the ﬂux. We also discuss the implications of our results in the graphene wormhole system.
The roles and perceptions of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs through governmental politics in the Preah Vihear Temple dispute
Authors:   , Duangratana Ornthicha
Published: September 2023

In the Thai-Cambodian Preah Vihear Temple dispute, the perceptions of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) are investigated. Through the employment of role theory, the MFA's national role conceptions (NRCs), since the Cold War period and with concentration on the years from 2008 to 2013, are explicated. The research presents that the organizational characteristics of the ministry conduce the propensity for cooperative NRCs. At the same time, as the agency dealing with foreign affairs, the material and ideational elements in the external environment are important determinants. Nevertheless, at times, the national public opinion and the decline of the MFA's autonomy have proven to counteract the ministry's organizational standpoint in the task of diplomacy and pragmatism in the dealings of external affairs. Moreover, whether the MFA's NRCs are translated to actual policy outcomes, it depends on the interplay of actors in the Thai foreign-policy domain. In the period covered, different dynamics between the foreign-policymaking actors are apparent. With the governmental politics approach, the dissertation demonstrates that Thailand's foreign policies do not represent the NRCs held by the MFA when governmental politics is high in confrontation and the MFA possesses low influence in the action channel.
Pregnancy outcome and exclusive breastfeeding status among adolescent mother in Matlab, Bangladesh: a retrospective cohort study
Authors:   , Shaheen Aminur
Published: September 2023

Background: Sixteen million adolescents give birth each year, constituting 11% of all births world-wide, mostly in low- and middle- income countries. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is an established subsidy for both mothers and infants but unfortunately the rate of breastfeeding among adolescent mothers is lowest worldwide. This paper reports on trends in adolescent pregnancy and associated adverse birth outcomes, ANC, facility delivery, practice of EBF in Matlab, Bangladesh. Methods: Total 5,774 adolescent mothers in the HDSS database between 2007 and 2015 were used as the study population. These data were used to examine trends in adolescent motherhood in the icddr,b service areas (ISA) and government service areas (GSA) between 2007 and 2015. Total 4,996 adolescent mothers were included in the analysis of perinatal and antenatal part. Chi-square tests and Binary logistic regression was used to document the statistical difference on outcome indicators in the two study areas. Results: The fertility rate was 27 in ISA and 20 in GSA per 1000 adolescent mothers, during the study period. The adjusted odds of an adolescent mother having a perinatal death in ISA, relative to GSA was 0.69. The adjusted odds of an adolescent mother accessing 4+ ANC visits in the GSA was 0.57 relative to ISA and that of an adolescent mother accessing facility-based delivery in the ISA was 6.63 relative to GSA. The incidence of abortion among adolescent mothers was significantly 18% lower in ISA compared to GSA. The prevalence of continuing EBF was significantly lower for an adolescent mother residing in GSA compared to an adolescent mother residing in ISA. Conclusion: Lower perinatal death and abortion in ISA than GSA, and higher rates of 4+ ANC visits, facility delivery and EBF among adolescent mothers in ISA than GSA indicate that interventions initiated by icddr,b have been effective in improving maternal and newborn outcomes.
Effectiveness of the enhanced psychological well-being intervention in family caregivers of schizophrenic patients
Authors:   , Thongthammarat Yada
Published: September 2023

Most of the family-based interventions focus on assisting patients more than the family caregivers.  Family caregivers of schizophrenic patients require intervention which focuses more on their strengths than on solving problems for schizophrenic patients.  For this study with 127 family caregivers of schizophrenic patients in Nonsung District, Nakornratchasima Province, Thailand, 63 were in the intervention group and 64 were in the control group.  The 4-session intervention was held every other week.  Psychological well-being and burden of care were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. The intervention group had significant increase in psychological well-being after receiving the intervention, but did not have significant decrease in burden of care after receiving the intervention.  Further research is needed to develop specific interventions to better alleviate burden of care for family caregivers, which might include skill-building and psychoeducation for schizophrenic patient care.
Standardization of leaf and stem of Thunbergia Laurifolia and quantitative analysis of rosmarinic acid in selected Thai medicinal plants
Authors:   , Hongsing Parichart
Published: September 2023

Rang-Jued or Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. is a species in family Thunbergiaceae. In Thailand, leaf and stem of T. laurifolia are used to treat fever, inflammation, as well as antidotes. Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton or Nga-Kee-Mon belongs to Labiatae family. The leaf of P. frutescens is used to treat allergy, fever and inflammation. Rosmarinic acid is the active compound in both plants which was used as a standard marker in this study. Quantification of rosmarinic acid in the three samples using TLC-densitometry and TLC-image analysis were not statistically significantly different (P > 0.05). The pharmacognostic specification of T. laurifolia leaf and stem including macroscopic evaluation, microscopic evaluation, physico-chemical parameters and chemical fingerprints were established in order to provide the quality control for medicinal plant as per World Health Organization recommended. In vitro biological activities indicated that the ethanolic extracts of T. laurifolia leaf and stem as well as rosmarinic acid had antioxidant and anti-diabetic potentials. Furthermore, both T. laurifolia ethanolic extracts and rosmarinic acid showed non-toxicity to cancer and normal cell lines according to standard criteria. However, the comet assay showed that the three test samples exhibited DNA damage in human lymphocytes which were proportional to the concentration.
Prostate cancer screening in Thailand: cost-effectiveness analysis and budget impact evaluation
Authors:   , Romyen Chavalit
Published: September 2023

Objectives: As public health insurance schemes in Thailand did not included prostate cancer screening in their benefits package, this study aimed to systematically gather the effectiveness and explore the cost effectiveness of difference prostate cancer screening programs for the Thai population and find the financial impact for adapting prostate cancer strategy.

Method: We perform systematic and network meta-analysis, health economic evaluation using Markov’s model to compare four prostate cancer screening strategies with no screening options. And we perform budget impact analysis to assess the potential burden for adopting selected strategy.  

Result: The result from systematic review and network meta-analysis suggest the difference of outcome between each prostate cancer screening strategies, ESRPC Scheme yield the most efficacy in term of prostate cancer diagnosis rate (OR 1.65; 95%CI 1.60-1.71) and Goteborg scheme yield the most efficacy in term of  prostate cancer related death(OR 0.41; CI 0.31-0.56). Based on the pharmacoeconomic result simulated by Markov’s model, ESRPC and Goteborg schemes compared to no screening strategy yield ICUR at 97,350 THB and 95,554 THB respectively while CAP Scheme and PLCO Schemes are dominated option.  For applying prostate cancer screening strategy (ESRPC Scheme), total budget impact per patients estimated for 5 years were 302.58, 601.92, 901.45, 1200.95 and 1500.64 THB respectively

Conclusion:  Comparing to No Screening option, ESRPC scheme and Goteborg scheme is Cost Effectiveness strategy options. (ICUR Within threshold of 1XGDP (Around 150,000-200,000 THB). Applying ESRPC screening scheme will affect budget impact in Thailand which needed to weight with clinical benefit as screening will improve life year gained and QALY.
Development of prediction model for chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetics in Thailand
Authors:   , Tuntayothin Wilailuck
Published: September 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major contributing factor that leads to end stage renal disease (ESRD) with unsuitable clinical management. Chornic kidney disease (CKD) prediction model could prevent the progression of CKD to ESRD. However, current CKD prediction models in patients with type 2 DM were developed to predict ESRD. This study aimed to develop prediction model for CKD stage 3 in patients with type 2 DM in Thailand. This was a 10-year retrospective cohort study obtaining data of patients with type 2 DM from electronic database of Taksin hospital during 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2017. The outcome variable was the present of CKD stage 3 which was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m2. The total patients of 2,178 were randomly assigned into training dataset for developing model (N=1,525) and validation dataset for model validation (N=653). The study used Cox proportional hazard regression for model development. For model performance, while model discrimination was conducted using Harrell’s C-statistic, model calibration was evaluated by Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square test and survival probability curve. The results showed that the median follow-up time was 1.29 years (interquartile range, 0.5- 2.5 years) and 385 patients or 17.68% with CKD stage 3. Data analysis identified five CKD stage 3 predictors including age, female, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, baseline eGFR, and Hemoglobin A1c. Based on these five CKD predictors, two CKD prediction models were developed, model 1 using laboratory testing data and model 2 using simplified or proxy data. Both models demonstrated good discrimination with C-statistic of 0.890 and 0.812, respectively, and accurate prediction. These two CKD prediction models are recommended for health providers to use as an input for decision making on clinical management which could prevent diabetic kidney disease and for raising patients’ awareness on health prevention.
Loyalty of Taylor Swift's fans and their uses of social media during crisis regarding music ownership controversy
Authors:   , Asavataweechok Nidawan
Published: September 2023

The objectives of this research were to study fans loyalty, fans’ perception on crisis management of Taylor Swift, and their uses of social media and to explore the relationship among these three variables. Two hundred and twenty-three respondents who are Taylor Swift’s fans, aged between 18 and 35 years old were asked to complete an online questionnaire survey. The results depicted that the respondents had a positive opinion about fans loyalty (M = 4.39). Moreover, the respondents had a positive perception on crisis management of Taylor Swift (M = 4.53) and use social media in a positive way (M = 4.28). In regard to the relationship among the variables, the research results demonstrated that the use of social media is positively related with fans loyalty (r = 0.795) and fans’ perception on crisis management of Taylor Swift (r = 0.557).
The relationship between Chinese viewers' attitude toward fansub videos and attitude toward sponsorship
Authors:   , Lou Ruiqi
Published: September 2023

This paper aimed to study Chinese viewers’ attitude toward watching fan-subtitled online courses, attitude toward sponsorship activity, and attitude toward sponsor brand. The relationships among three attitude variables were examined based on Fritz Heider’s balance theory. A quantitative approach was employed and an online questionnaire was distributed on the online forum of the most popular fansub group's website in mainland China. 216 samples were collected. The finding showed that three variables were favorable, and significantly positively correlated. This suggested that sponsoring fan-subtitled video could contribute to a positive attitude towards brands.
Generation z's attitude towards music consumption on Joox online music streaming application
Authors:   , Pibulpanuvat Ravisrarat
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate Thai generation Z’s attitude towards their music consumption on Joox online music streaming application. A qualitative approach was selected, using semi-structured, in-depth interviews.  Ten participants, Thai generation Z music listeners, aged 17-24 years old who consume Joox online music streaming application every day for at least six months, were selected through purposive, snowballing sampling methods. The interviews were interpreted using In Vivo coding. This study based on the theoretical framework of Ajzen and Fishbein’s (2000) theory of planned behavior which suggested that actual behavior is motivated by the combination of attitude towards the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.  

The result demonstrated that among all attitudinal kinds, a strong positive attitude towards music consumption and Joox application contributed to the unique and heavy music consumption of generation Z. Among all subjective norms that were identified, peers influence prominently motivated participants’ music selection and new music adoption. The convenience of online music streaming platforms and Joox application granted a strong perceived behavioral control among participants and made their gratified daily music consumption possible. This study also drew guidelines from uses and gratification theory and agenda setting theory. Additional notion of consumer involvement with music was found to be relevant to the interviewees’ consumption patterns.
Effects of tiered English reading instruction on reading comprehension ability and opinions of lower secondary school students
Authors:   , White Piyawadee
Published: September 2023

Differentiated Instruction (DI) is an instructional approach that can be used in English reading classrooms for second language learners to accommodate a wide range of student reading abilities. Tiering is one specific DI strategy that aims to adapt instruction to different levels so all students in a mixed-ability classroom are adequately challenged. This study explored the effects of tiering instruction on the English reading comprehension of secondary school students in Thailand. Three parts of each lesson were tiered: content (reading texts), process (the way students make sense of the reading texts), and product (post-reading tasks). The students were also tiered into three groups—basic, grade-level, and advanced—based on their self-assessed background knowledge of the topic of each lesson. The scores from the paralleled pretest and posttest were compared and a statistically significant improvement to the students’ overall comprehension was observed. The interviews revealed mostly positive sentiments amongst the students who used words like “joy”, “motivation”, “interest”, and “excitement” to describe their opinions of tiered reading instruction. The findings from this study suggest tiering is an effective strategy in mixed-ability English reading classrooms for second language learners. Further, tiering should be investigated as an instructional strategy for other language skills.
Structural system for precast concrete swimming pool
Authors:   , Prombandankul Waranyoo
Published: September 2023

โครงสร้างคอนกรีตเสริมเหล็กเป็นระบบการก่อสร้างหลักของประเทศไทยมาอย่างยาวนาน และระยะหลังมีการใช้ระบบโครงสร้างคอนกรีตสำเร็จรูปกันอย่างแพร่หลายมามากกว่า 10 ปี อย่างไรก็ตาม ระบบคอนกรีตสำเร็จรูปที่ใช้กันอยู่มีข้อจำกัดคือ ไม่สามารถใช้งานได้ในสภาวะใต้น้ำ วิทยานิพนธ์ฉบับนี้มีจุดมุ่งหมายในการพัฒนาระบบคอนกรีตสำเร็จรูปสำหรับโครงสร้างสระว่ายน้ำ โดยประยุกต์ใช้ยางรองคอสะพานเพื่อเป็นยางกันซึม ซึ่งยางจะต้องรับแรงเฉือนระหว่างชิ้นส่วนคอนกรีตและป้องกันการรั่วซึมน้ำของโครงสร้างได้ วิธีการศึกษาประกอบไปด้วย 2 การทดสอบหลัก หลังจากการออกแบบต้นแบบสระว่ายน้ำคอนกรีตสำเร็จรูปและรอยต่อระหว่างชิ้นส่วนโครงสร้าง การทดสอบแรกเป็นการทดสอบความสามารถในการรับแรงเฉือนและแรงอัดในเวลาเดียวกันเพื่อที่จะศึกษาพฤติกรรมการรับแรงเฉือนของยางในสภาวะจริง ผลการทดสอบแสดงถึงความสามารถในการรับแรงเฉือนของยางภายใต้หน่วยแรงอัดที่ 1 และ 2 เมกะพาสคาล สำหรับยางที่มีค่าความแข็งเท่ากับ 60 และ 70 ค่าแรงเฉือนสุดท้ายพบว่ามีค่าสูงกว่าค่าแรงเฉือนที่ต้องการสำหรับต้นแบบโครงสร้างสระว่ายน้ำสำเร็จรูป การทดสอบที่ 2 เป็นการทดสอบการป้องกันการซึมผ่านของน้ำภายใต้แรงอัดและแรงเฉือนในเวลาเดียวกัน การทดสอบออกแบบให้จำลองสภาพความลึกจริงของสระว่ายน้ำต้นแบบ นอกจากนี้ยังมีการประยุกต์ใช้วิธีไฟไนต์เอลิเมนต์ 3 มิติเพื่อวิเคราะห์หาการกระจายของความเค้นอัดที่เกิดจากการอัดแรง ผลการทดสอบการป้องกันการซึมผ่านของน้ำพบว่า มีปัจจัยอื่นที่สำคัญในการป้องกันการซึมผ่านของน้ำภายใต้สภาวะการรับแรงอัดและเฉือนคือ การคืบของยาง และความสม่ำเสมอของผิวสัมผัสที่รอยต่อชิ้นส่วนคอนกรีต

นอกจากนี้ วิทยานิพนธ์ฉบับนี้ยังประกอบไปด้วยแผนธุรกิจ ได้แก่ แผนการดำเนินงาน แผนการตลาด และ แผนการเงิน เพื่อศึกษาความเป็นไปได้และการนำเทคโนโลยีนี้ไปใช้ในเชิงพาณิชย์ สุดท้ายนี้ วิทยานิพนธ์ฉบับนี้ยังประกอบไปด้วยการใช้ทฤษฎีการยอมรับ และการใช้เทคโนโลยี (UTAUT) เพื่อศึกษาการยอมรับ และใช้งานโครงสร้างสระว่ายน้ำสำเร็จรูป
Correlation of allergen specific immunoglobulin to house dust mites and commensal microbes in atopic dogs and identification of major allergen in dermatophagoides farinae
Authors:   , Khantavee Nathrada
Published: September 2023

To confirm a causative allergen in atopic dogs could test through intradermal skin testing (IDT) or allergen-specific IgE serology testing (ASIS). ASIS is more practical, convenient and safer. However, the results of ASIS could be affected by source and type of allergen. Crude allergen extracts were still used in commercial testing and protein antigens of skin microbes were not included in the panel of testing. In this study, our group developed serology test for confirming house dust mite allergy called Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus, and measuring specific immunoglobulin to skin microbes on dogs like Malssezia pachydermatis yeast and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius  bacteria. The results was found that high IgE levels to house dust mites could be used to differentiate atopic dog with allergy to house dust mites and atopic dogs without allergy to house dust mites. Moreover, IgG1 levels could also use to differentiate house dust mite allergy and non-house dust mite allergy by using lower sample volumes than IgE about 100 times. In the other hand, total IgG and IgG2 levels could not be used to differentiate house dust mite allergy and non-house dust mite allergy in atopic dogs. Both of IgE and IgG1 levels showed the same degrees of agreement to IDT. By investigation through two-dimensional IgE blotting, ten proteins of house dust mites that related to house dust mite allergy in atopic dogs were found, Der f 28 protein is interesting and should be selected to apply for a component-resolved diagnostics.  Alpha-enolase, serine protease, and arginine kinase are the critical protein to be a cause of cross reaction. The results of specific immune response to skin microbes were found that atopic dogs had higher specific IgE levels to both skin microbes than healthy dogs. This indicated that skin microbes could act as allergen in atopic dogs. Other specific IgG1 and IgG2 to these skin microbes also high.  However, none of any types specific immunoglobulin to skin microbes related to skin severity scores in atopic dogs determining through the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index. We concluded that levels of specific immunoglobulin to skin microbes did not relate to skin severity.
Surveillance of economic and public health important respiratory and enteric viruses in dogs and pigs in Yangon, Myanmar
Authors:   , Mon Pont
Published: September 2023

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRD) and Canine gastroenteritis (CGE) are major important diseases of dogs. Porcine Respiratory Disease complex (PRDC) and Porcine Enteric Disease complex (PEDC) are major economic and public health important diseases of pigs. The objectives of this study were 1) to detect and 2) to genetically characterize the economical and public health important respiratory and enteric viruses of dogs and pigs in Yangon, Myanmar during January, 2018 to October, 2019. In this thesis, 143 nasal swabs and 143 rectal swabs from 2 small animal clinics and 2 dog shelters were tested for canine respiratory viruses including Canine Influenza virus (CIV) and Canine Parainfluenza virus (CPIV5) and canine enteric viruses including Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) and Canine Rotavirus (CRV). In this thesis, 600 nasal swabs and 600 rectal swabs were collected from 10 pig farms were tested for swine respiratory viruses including Swine Influenza virus (SIV), Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive virus (PRRSV) and swine enteric virus including Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDV). Our result showed that the CPV2 and CRV could be detected from dog samples and the SIV, PCV2 and PRRSV were detected from pig samples. The occurrence of each viruses was 25.27% (36/143) for CPV2, 0.01% (1/143) for CRV, 9.2% (11/120) for SIV, 31.7% (38/120) for PCV2 and 2.5% (3/120). Phylogenetic and genetic analyses result of complete VP2 gene of 15 selected Myanmar CPV2 revealed that Myanmar viruses could be subtyped as CPV-2c. 5 SIVs could be subtyped as pdmH1N1(n=3), rH1N1(n=1) and rH3N2(n=1). Phylogenetically and genetically, Myanmar SIVs possessed 3 genetic constellations. Phylogenetic and genotypic analyses of ORF2 gene and complete PCV2 sequences revealed that Myanmar PCV2 could be typed as PCV2b-1a, PCV2d-2 and PCV2e. In conclusion, we conducted a survey of economic and public health important respiratory and enteric viruses in dogs and pigs in Yangon Region, Myanmar and found that canine enteric virus (CPV) and swine respiratory viruses (SIV, PCV2 and PRRSV) are major causes of viral diseases of pigs in Myanmar. The information from this thesis are useful for Government, Ministry and local authorities as well as farmers, farm owners, pet owners and Veterinarians for disease prevention, control and vaccination strategies.
Detection and study of genetic diversity of selected vector-borne protozoa and rickettsia in buffaloes in Thailand by biomolecular method
Authors:   , Nguyen Hoang
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to determine the occurrence, geographical distribution and genetic diversity of tick and mosquito-borne protozoa and rickettsia in buffaloes by the PCR – sequencing approach. A total of 456 blood samples were collected in provinces of Thailand including Mukdahan, Uthai Thani, Lampang, Amnat Charoen, Nong Bua Lamphu, Phatthalung, Surin and Chachoengsao. DNA was extracted from buffalo blood and screened for the presence of pathogens, followed by sequencing. The results indicated that the overall prevalence of rickettsia, protozoa, and malaria were 41%, 25.4%, and 12.9% respectively. Double and triple infection of buffaloes with pathogens were observed in 19.1% of the samples. A significant association between A. marginale infection and the buffalo gender was seen by Pearson’s Chi-squared test. Nucleotide identity matrixes and phylogenetic trees of A. marginale and T. orientalis indicated that those isolates had high similarity and close relationships with each other. Nucleotide diversity values suggested that low levels of polymorphism and genetic diversity of A. marginale and T. orientalis were observed between different isolates owing to the highly conserved property. However, cytochrome b in P. bubalis population showed a higher number of segregating sites and nucleotide diversity. The present study revealed the infection of A. platys in buffaloes for the first time and extended the endemic area of malaria parasites to other unexplored provinces.