Browsing by Author "King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 20 of 57
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Abundance and habitat associations of the globally endangered Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna in Southern Shan State, Myanmar
    (2021-09-08) Thura Soe Min Htike; Philip D. Round; Tommaso Savini; Naruemon Tantipisanuh; Dusit Ngoprasert; George A. Gale; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation
    The Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna is a globally endangered species presumed to be declining, for which basic parameters of population and habitat associations remain largely unquantified. We focused on Myanmar, which potentially constitutes ∼30% of the Giant Nuthatch global range and yet lacks recently published records. Our objectives were to survey key potential Giant Nuthatch localities in, or near, historical locations in Southern Shan State, assess its population status, and quantify habitat associations. Preliminary locality surveys focused on four potential forest patches, assessed by walking approximately 40 km of trails. The species was found in only one of the four localities (Mt. Ashae Myin Anauk Myin [AMAM]), an 18 km2 forest patch in Pindaya and Lawksawk Townships. Here, point counts and vegetation surveys were conducted at 46 locations using an adaptive cluster sampling design. N-mixture models were applied to estimate abundance and identify habitat variables correlated with abundance and detection probability. We also conducted a brief quantitative assessment of tree use and foraging behaviour during one breeding season. Our population estimate for AMAM was 56 individuals (95% CI 25-128) based on a sampled area of 3.25 km2. Abundance was positively associated with larger diameter trees, a higher proportion of pine and oak combined based on their total basal area, and negatively correlated with elevation. Foraging data suggested that Giant Nuthatch preferred to feed on trunks and large branches of larger diameter pines and Fagaceae trees. Based on the estimated population size, AMAM is probably a globally significant locality for Giant Nuthatch and the only confirmed locality in Myanmar since 1992 but is threatened by agricultural expansion. More detailed understanding of the habitat requirements of this endangered species and an assessment of its distribution at the landscape-level, especially in Shan State, would increase the precision of global population estimates.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Advances in catalytic production of value-added biochemicals and biofuels via furfural platform derived lignocellulosic biomass
    (2021-05-01) Pongtanawat Khemthong; Chakrit Yimsukanan; Thanitporn Narkkun; Atthapon Srifa; Thongthai Witoon; Suchat Pongchaiphol; Sirapassorn Kiatphuengporn; Kajornsak Faungnawakij; Kasetsart University; Thailand National Nanotechnology Center; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Research Network of NANOTEC - CU on Environment
    Lignocellulosic biomass; hemicellulose, has been recognized as one of the most important renewable bioresources for production of alternative biofuels and biochemicals. The successful utilization of biomass derived from agricultural feedstocks to replace petroleum and petrochemical products would strongly support the sustainable bio-economy and biorefinery industry around the world. C5 and C6 sugars produced by the deconstruction of lignocellulosic materials through hydrolysis processes can be further converted to key intermediate chemicals, including furfural, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furan and organic acids. Among these, furfural is considered as a promising biomass-derived platform which can be a key intermediate for producing a variety of C4 and C5 species, such as, furan, tetrahydrofuran, pentanediol, lactic acid, and levulinic acid. This review will show the catalytic processes, especially, heterogeneous catalysis, for converting furfural into value-added biochemicals and biofuels. The applications of these compounds are added as background information, and the research trends based on several publications and patents in the past decade are intensively analyzed.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Antibacterial potential of a novel peptide from the consensus sequence of dermaseptin related peptides secreted by agalychnis annae
    (2021-01-01) Ya’U Sabo Ajingi; Auwal Muhammad; Pongsak Khunrae; Triwit Rattanarojpong; Kovit Pattanapanyasat; Thana Sutthibutpong; Nujarin Jongruja; Siriraj Hospital; Kano University of Science and Technology; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    Background: The consistently increasing reports of bacterial resistance and the reemergence of bacterial epidemics have inspired the health and scientific community to discover new molecules with antibacterial potential continuously. Frog-skin secretions constitute bioactive compounds essential for finding new biopharmaceuticals. The exact antibacterial characterization of dermaseptin related peptides derived from Agalychnis annae, is limited. The resemblance in their conserved and functionally linked genomes indicates an unprecedented opportunity to obtain novel bioactive compounds. Objective: In this study, we derived a novel peptide sequence and determined its antibacterial potentials. Methods: Consensus sequence strategy was used to design the novel and active antibacterial peptide named 'AGAAN' from skin secretions of Agalychnis annae. The in-vitro activities of the novel peptide against some bacterial strains were investigated. Time kill studies, DNA retardation, cytotoxicity, betagalactosidase, and molecular computational studies were conducted. Results: AGAAN inhibited P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, and S. typhimurium at 20 µM concentration. E. coli and S. aureus were inhibited at 25 µM, and lastly, B. subtilis at 50 µM. Kinetics of inactivation against exponential and stationary growing bacteria was found to be rapid within 1-5 hours of peptide exposure, depending on time and concentration. The peptide displayed weak hemolytic activity between 0.01%-7.31% at the antibacterial concentrations. AGAAN efficiently induced bacterial membrane damage with subsequent cell lysis. The peptide's DNA binding shows that it also targets intracellular DNA by retarding its movement. Our in-silico molecular docking analysis displayed a strong affinity to the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. Conclusion: AGAAN exhibits potential antibacterial properties that could be used to combat bacterial resistance.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Antibiotic susceptibility of clinical burkholderia pseudomallei isolates in northeast thailand from 2015 to 2018 and the genomic characterization of β-lactam-resistant isolates
    (2021-05-01) Shirley Yi Fen Hii; Sarunporn Tandhavanant; Rungnapa Phunpang; Peeraya Ekchariyawat; Natnaree Saiprom; Claire Chewapreecha; Rathanin Seng; Ekkachai Thiansukhon; Chumpol Morakot; Narongchai Sangsa; Sunee Chayangsu; Somchai Chuananont; Kittisak Tanwisaid; Wirayut Silakun; Noppol Buasi; Seksan Chaisuksant; Tanin Hompleum; Ploenchan Chetchotisakd; Nicholas P.J. Day; Wasun Chantratita; Ganjana Lertmemongkolchai; T. Eoin West; Narisara Chantratita; Ramathibodi Hospital; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; Udon Thani Center Hospital; Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; Surin Hospital; Khon Kaen University; Khon Kaen Regional Hospital; Mahidol University; Nuffield Department of Medicine; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Wellcome Sanger Institute; Harborview Medical Center; Buriram Hospital; Sisaket Hospital; Roi Et Hospital; Nakhon Phanom Hospital; Mukdahan Hospital
    Melioidosis is an often fatal infection in tropical regions caused by an environmental bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei. Current recommended melioidosis treatment requires intravenous β-lactam antibiotics such as ceftazidime (CAZ), meropenem (MEM), or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC) and oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Emerging antibiotic resistance could lead to therapy failure and high mortality. We performed a prospective multicenter study in northeast Thailand from 2015 to 2018 to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility and characterize β-lactam resistance in clinical B. pseudomallei isolates. A collection of 1,317 B. pseudomallei isolates from patients with primary and relapse infections were evaluated for susceptibility to CAZ, imipenem (IPM), MEM, and AMC. β-Lactam-resistant isolates were confirmed by the broth microdilution method and characterized by whole-genome sequence analysis, penA expression, and β-lactamase activity. The resistant phenotype was verified via penA mutagenesis. All primary isolates were IPM susceptible, but we observed two CAZ-resistant isolates and one CAZ-intermediate isolate, two MEMCitation less-susceptible isolates, and one AMC-resistant and two AMC-intermediate isolates. One of 13 relapse isolates was resistant to both CAZ and AMC. Two isolates were MEM less susceptible. Strains DR10212A (primary) and DR50054E (relapse) were multidrug resistant. Genomic and mutagenesis analyses supplemented with gene expression and β-lactamase analyses demonstrated that the CAZ-resistant phenotype was caused by PenA variants: P167S (n = 2) and penA amplification (n = 1). Despite the high mortality rate in melioidosis, our study revealed that B. pseudomallei isolates had a low frequency of β-lactam resistance caused by penA alterations. Clinical data suggest that resistant variants may emerge in patients during antibiotic therapy and may be associated with a poor response to treatment.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Application of recombinant hyperthermostable keratinase for degradation of chicken feather waste
    (2021-09-01) Saranya Parinayawanich; Duangjai Sittipol; Ya'u Sabo Ajingi; Sudarut Rodpan; Kovit Pattanapanyasat; Nujarin Jongruja; Siriraj Hospital; Kano University of Science and Technology; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    Keratinase can degrade the complex protein structure, especially keratin from feathers resulting in short peptides and amino acids. Nowadays, the use of keratinase to degrade feathers in industry is worldwide because degradation products improve the value of feather waste for animal feed. Geoglobus acetivorans has specific gene (GacK) that can produce hyperthermostable keratinase enzyme. Thus, this research aimed to study the application of recombinant intracellular keratinase expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) to degrade poultry feather waste from the industry. The feather wastes were treated with the recombinant enzyme under harsh conditions of pH, temperature, EDTA and surfactants. The GacK enzyme was found to have keratinase activity, thermostability, EDTA and nonionic surfactant tolerance. GacK exhibited a potential stability at pH 9 after 1 h of feather degradation. With chicken feathers as substrate, GacK showed the highest specific activity of 481.63 ± 0.075 U/mg, the Km values of 1.38 ± 0.19 mg/ml, and the Vmax values of 505.46 ± 16.36 U/mg. Here, for the first time, it has been demonstrated that this recombinant hyperthermostable GacK, keratinase can efficiently degrade chicken feather waste from the industry. The findings of this investigation could be useful to the poultry industry in terms of proper chicken feather waste handling.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Arsenic speciation, the abundance of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria and microbial community structures in groundwater, surface water, and soil from a gold mine
    (2021-01-01) Prinpida Sonthiphand; Supeerapat Kraidech; Saowarod Polart; Srilert Chotpantarat; Kanthida Kusonmano; Pichahpuk Uthaipaisanwong; Chalida Rangsiwutisak; Ekawan Luepromchai; Chulalongkorn University; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    The arsenic speciation, the abundance of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria, and microbial community structures in the groundwater, surface water, and soil from a gold mining area were explored using the PHREEQC model, cloning-ddPCR of the aioA gene, and high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. The analysis of the aioA gene showed that arsenite-oxidizing bacteria retrieved from groundwater, surface water, and soil were associated with Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Gammaproteobacteria. In groundwaters from the mining area, there were relatively high ratios of aioA/total 16S rRNA gene copies and the dominance of As5+, which suggested the presence and activity of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the majority of the soil and surface water microbiomes were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi, whereas the groundwater microbiomes were dominated exclusively by Betaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria. Geochemical factors influencing the microbial structure in the groundwater were As, residence time, and groundwater flowrate, while those showing a positive correlation to the microbial structure in the surface water were TOC, ORP, and DO. This study provides insights into the groundwater, surface water, and soil microbiomes from a gold mine and expands the current understanding of the diversity and abundance of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria, playing a vital role in global As cycling.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Beneficial effects of cyclic ether 2-butoxytetrahydrofuran from sea cucumber holothuria scabra against aβ aggregate toxicity in transgenic caenorhabditis elegans and potential chemical interaction
    (2021-04-02) Taweesak Tangrodchanapong; Nilubon Sornkaew; Laphatrada Yurasakpong; Nakorn Niamnont; Chanin Nantasenamat; Prasert Sobhon; Krai Meemon; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    The pathological finding of amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates is thought to be a leading cause of untreated Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we isolated 2-butoxytetrahydrofuran (2-BTHF), a small cyclic ether, from Holothuria scabra and demonstrated its therapeutic potential against AD through the attenuation of Aβ aggregation in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model. Our results revealed that amongst the five H. scabra isolated compounds, 2-BTHF was shown to be the most effective in suppressing worm paralysis caused by Aβ toxicity and in expressing strong neuroprotec-tion in CL4176 and CL2355 strains, respectively. An immunoblot analysis showed that CL4176 and CL2006 treated with 2-BTHF showed no effect on the level of Aβ monomers but significantly reduced the toxic oligomeric form and the amount of 1,4-bis(3-carboxy-hydroxy-phenylethenyl)-benzene (X-34)-positive fibril deposits. This concurrently occurred with a reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the treated CL4176 worms. Mechanistically, heat shock factor 1 (HSF-1) (at residues histidine 63 (HIS63) and glutamine 72 (GLN72)) was shown to be 2-BTHF’s potential target that might con-tribute to an increased expression of autophagy-related genes required for the breakdown of the Aβ aggregate, thus attenuating its toxicity. In conclusion, 2-BTHF from H. scabra could protect C. elegans from Aβ toxicity by suppressing its aggregation via an HSF-1-regulated autophagic pathway and has been implicated as a potential drug for AD.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Capability assessment toward sustainable development of business incubators: Framework and experience sharing
    (2021-05-01) Nathasit Gerdsri; Boonkiart Iewwongcharoen; Kittichai Rajchamaha; Nisit Manotungvorapun; Jakapong Pongthanaisawan; Watcharin Witthayaweerasak; College of Management Mahidol University; Chulalongkorn University; Bangkok University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Thai Business Incubators and Science Parks Association
    Business incubators have been widely developed to advise, support, promote, and provide a nurturing environment for new business start-ups and entrepreneurs. The development of a framework for capability assessment allows the management of each incubator to understand its strengths and room for further improvement. Moreover, assessment results across a community, such as a nation or state, can provide insights into resource allocation and various management policies so that policymakers can support the development of business incubators under their supervision. This article describes the development of a capability assessment framework for business incubators (BIs) in Thailand. A case study demonstrating how the capability assessment is analyzed is also presented in the article.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Cardiothoracic ratio measurement using artificial intelligence: observer and method validation studies
    (2021-12-01) Pairash Saiviroonporn; Kanchanaporn Rodbangyang; Trongtum Tongdee; Warasinee Chaisangmongkon; Pakorn Yodprom; Thanogchai Siriapisith; Suwimon Wonglaksanapimon; Phakphoom Thiravit; Siriraj Hospital; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a promising tool for cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) measurement that has been technically validated but not clinically evaluated on a large dataset. We observed and validated AI and manual methods for CTR measurement using a large dataset and investigated the clinical utility of the AI method. Methods: Five thousand normal chest x-rays and 2,517 images with cardiomegaly and CTR values, were analyzed using manual, AI-assisted, and AI-only methods. AI-only methods obtained CTR values from a VGG-16 U-Net model. An in-house software was used to aid the manual and AI-assisted measurements and to record operating time. Intra and inter-observer experiments were performed on manual and AI-assisted methods and the averages were used in a method variation study. AI outcomes were graded in the AI-assisted method as excellent (accepted by both users independently), good (required adjustment), and poor (failed outcome). Bland–Altman plot with coefficient of variation (CV), and coefficient of determination (R-squared) were used to evaluate agreement and correlation between measurements. Finally, the performance of a cardiomegaly classification test was evaluated using a CTR cutoff at the standard (0.5), optimum, and maximum sensitivity. Results: Manual CTR measurements on cardiomegaly data were comparable to previous radiologist reports (CV of 2.13% vs 2.04%). The observer and method variations from the AI-only method were about three times higher than from the manual method (CV of 5.78% vs 2.13%). AI assistance resulted in 40% excellent, 56% good, and 4% poor grading. AI assistance significantly improved agreement on inter-observer measurement compared to manual methods (CV; bias: 1.72%; − 0.61% vs 2.13%; − 1.62%) and was faster to perform (2.2 ± 2.4 secs vs 10.6 ± 1.5 secs). The R-squared and classification-test were not reliable indicators to verify that the AI-only method could replace manual operation. Conclusions: AI alone is not yet suitable to replace manual operations due to its high variation, but it is useful to assist the radiologist because it can reduce observer variation and operation time. Agreement of measurement should be used to compare AI and manual methods, rather than R-square or classification performance tests.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Clinical evaluation of a developed paper-based Dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test for febrile illness patients
    (2021-06-01) Muhammad Hatta Prabowo; Supawat Chatchen; Patsamon Rijiravanich; Pana Klamkam; Thanit Chalermwatanachai; Kriengsak Limkittikul; Werasak Surareungchai; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; Universitas Islam Indonesia; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
    Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (DEN-NS1-PAD) based on a rapid NS1 antigen test for diagnosing dengue at the point of care. Methods: 219 serum samples from suspected dengue cases were tested with the developed DEN-NS1-PAD and commercial RDT by SD BIOLINE. The results were compared with the nested-PCR results. Results: The limit of detection of DEN-NS1-PAD was 0.78 ng mL−1. It showed 88.89% sensitivity, 86.67% specificity, and a substantial agreement correlation (κ = 0.7522) compared with nested-PCR. In contrast, SD BIOLINE for NS1 (SD-NS1) detection showed 87.88% sensitivity, 90.00% specificity, and had a substantial agreement correlation with nested-PCR (κ = 0.7788). Conclusions: DEN-NS1-PAD is a valuable tool for diagnosing DENV infections, especially for diagnosed patients with early acute phase samples with high viral load. DEN-NS1-PAD has better sensitivity than SD-NS1 but less specificity.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Comparative evaluation of the effect of microfluidisation on physicochemical properties and usability as food thickener and Pickering emulsifier of autoclaved and TEMPO-oxidised nanofibrillated cellulose
    (2021-09-01) Sirada Sungsinchai; Chalida Niamnuy; Anusorn Seubsai; Paweena Prapainainar; Pattra Wattanapan; Wasina Thakhiew; Vijaya Raghavan; Sakamon Devahastin; McGill University, Macdonald Campus; Kasetsart University; Khon Kaen University; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; The Academy of Science
    Although chemical-free production processes of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) have been investigated, comparative studies on the effect of chemical and chemical-free processes to produce NFCs are limited. Combined effect of either of these production routes and defibrillation condition has also never been studied. Here, thermally treated NFCs were produced through microfluidisation for 6–12 passes (ANFC6-ANFC12), while TEMPO-oxidised NFC (TONFC) was prepared at six passes. Proportion of nanocellulose, viscosity, Gʹ and Gʺ values increased with increased microfluidisation pass in the cases of ANFCs. ANFC12 exhibited gel-like behaviour with strongest three-dimensional network structure and required lowest concentration to enhance thin liquid foods into honey-like consistency. TONFC needed to be added by as much as 8.5, 1.3 and 2.3 times the amount of ANFC12 to achieve the same consistency in thickened water, milk and soup, respectively. ANFC12 can also be well used as Pickering emulsifier due to its higher viscosity and gel-like property.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Comparative genomics of Edwardsiella ictaluri revealed four distinct host-specific genotypes and thirteen potential vaccine candidates
    (2021-07-01) Vimbai Irene Machimbirike; Pichahpuk Uthaipaisanwong; Pongsak Khunrae; Ha Thanh Dong; Saengchan Senapin; Triwit Rattanarojpong; Sawannee Sutheeworapong; Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University; Mahidol University; Thailand National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    Edwardsiella ictaluri has been considered an important threat for catfish aquaculture industry for more than 4 decades and an emerging pathogen of farmed tilapia but only 9 sequenced genomes were publicly available. We hereby report two new complete genomes of E. ictaluri originated from diseased hybrid red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in Southeast Asia. E. ictaluri species has an open pan-genome consisting of 2615 core genes and 5592 pan genes. Phylogenetic analysis using core genome MLST (cgMLST) and ANI values consistently placed E. ictaluri isolates into 4 host-specific genotypes. Presence of unique genes and absence of certain genes from each genotype provided potential biomarkers for further development of genotyping scheme. Vaccine candidates with high antigenic, solubility and secretion probabilities were identified in silico from the core genes. Microevolution within the species is brought about by bacteriophages and insertion elements and possibly drive host adaptation.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Complete genome sequence of neisseria gonorrhoeae multilocus sequence type ST7363 isolated from Thailand
    (2021-10-01) Thitima Cherdtrakulkiat; Thidathip Wongsurawat; Piroon Jenjaroenpun; Sawannee Sutheeworapong; Wanna Leelawiwat; Joseph V. Woodring; Eileen F. Dunne; John R. Papp; Somporn Srifuengfung; Chanwit Tribuddharat; Siriraj Hospital; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Siam University; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Thailand Field Station; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
    A Neisseria gonorrhoeae multilocus sequence type (MLST) ST7363 strain was isolated from a patient at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, in 2010 and completely sequenced. This strain is susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime. A complete circular chromosome and circular plasmids were assembled from combined Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Illumina sequencing.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Correlating the Speed of Sound with the Gibbs Energy and Estimating the Speed of Sound in Fatty Acid Methyl Ester and Biodiesel
    (2021-05-01) Apinya Cheewaphan; Ubol Chuensumran; Suriya Phankosol; Kornkanok Aryusuk; Supathra Lilitchan; Kanit Krisnangkura; Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Suan Dusit University
    The relationship between the speed of sound (u) in biodiesel and the change in Gibbs energy (ΔG) has not been described in the literature. With the Gibbs energy additivity method, the relationship between u and ΔG can be expressed as ln(u2) = ΔG/RT + A, where R is the universal gas constant, T is the absolute temperature, and A is a constant. The molecule of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) was arbitrarily sub-divided into groups of atoms and a ΔG was assigned to each group of atoms. A new model correlating the speed of sound to the structure of fatty acid was derived. The proposed model was good for estimation of the speed of sound in both FAME and biodiesel at various temperatures with good accuracy. The absolute average deviations for the speed of sound in FAME (65 data points) and in biodiesel (175 data points) were 0.23% and 0.36%, respectively. Only the number of double bonds and carbon atoms of the fatty acid are required for the calculation.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of envelope protein VP37 from white spot syndrome virus reveals sulphate binding sites responsible for heparin binding
    (2021-01-01) Wasusit Somsoros; Takeshi Sangawa; Katsuki Takebe; Jakrada Attarataya; Kanokpan Wongprasert; Saengchan Senapin; Triwit Rattanarojpong; Mamoru Suzuki; Pongsak Khunrae; Osaka University; Mahidol University; Thailand National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization)
    White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the most virulent pathogen causing high mortality and economic loss in shrimp aquaculture and various crustaceans. Therefore, the understanding of molecular mechanisms of WSSV infection is important to develop effective therapeutics to control the spread of this viral disease. In a previous study, we found that VP37 could bind with shrimp haemocytes through the interaction between its C-terminal domain and heparin-like molecules on the shrimp cells, and this interaction can also be inhibited by sulphated galactan. In this study, we present the crystal structure of C-terminal domain of VP37 from WSSV at a resolution of 2.51 Å. The crystal structure contains an eight-stranded β-barrel fold with an antiparallel arrangement and reveals a trimeric assembly. Moreover, there are two sulphate binding sites found in the position corresponding to R213 and K257. In order to determine whether these sulphate binding sites are involved in binding of VP37 to heparin, mutagenesis was performed to replace these residues with alanine (R213A and K257A), and the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) system was used to study the interaction of each mutated VP37 with heparin. The results showed that mutants R213A and K257A exhibited a significant loss in heparin binding activity. These findings indicated that the sites of R213 and K257 on the C-terminal domain of envelope protein VP37 are essential for binding to sulphate molecules of heparin. This study provides further insight into the structure of C-terminal domain of VP37 and it is anticipated that the structure of VP37 might be used as a guideline for development of antivirus agent targeting on the VP37 protein.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Density, viscosity, physical CO2 diffusivity, and CO2 absorption capacity of novel blended N-methyl-4-piperidinol and piperazine solvent
    (2021-11-01) Rattanaporn Apaiyakul; Pipat Na Ranong; Thanthip Kiattinirachara; Pattaraporn Posoknistakul; Pet Pakchotanon; Ratana Jiraratananon; Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul; Teerawat Sema; Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute; Chulalongkorn University; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    In the present work, novel blended piperazine (PZ) and N-methyl-4-piperidinol (MPDL) solvent was investigated in terms of density, viscosity, physical diffusivity of CO2, and CO2 absorption capacity. Density and viscosity were measured over PZ/MPDL concentration ratios of 5/25, 10/20, and 15/15 %wt. and temperatures of 313, 323, and 333 K. Physical diffusivity of CO2 was calculated based on viscosity data by the modified Stokes–Einstein equation. Lastly, CO2 absorption capacity (mol CO2/mol amine) was experimentally determined in a temperature-controlled absorption reactor at 313 K and 10% v/v CO2. The results showed that density and viscosity of novel blended PZ-MPDL solvent increased as PZ concentration ratio increased and decreased as temperature increased. On another hand, physical diffusivity of CO2 decreased as PZ concentration ratio increased and increased as temperature increased. Based on the physical properties data (i.e., density, viscosity, and physical diffusivity of CO2), it can be summarized that the studied physical properties of PZ-MPDL were in the same ranges with those of conventional amine solvents. Additionally, it was found that CO2 absorption capacity of PZ-MPDL can be improved by increasing PZ concentration ratio. As a result, 15/15 %wt. PZ-MPDL showed the highest CO2 absorption capacity (0.741 mol CO2/mol amine) among the three studied concentrations. It also possessed 49% higher CO2 absorption capacity than the conventional benchmarking 30 %wt. monoethanolamine (MEA).
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Determining the migration routes and wintering areas of Asian sparrowhawks through satellite telemetry
    (2021-11-01) Andrew J. Pierce; Chukiat Nualsri; Kaset Sutasha; Philip D. Round; Kasetsart University; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Monnang Subdistrict Municipality
    Understanding the movements and requirements of individual species within bird migration flyways is of crucial conservation importance, especially along the East Asian Flyway considering the immense human pressure on the environment and habitats. We attached satellite transmitters to females of four Chinese Sparrowhawks Accipiter soloensis and four Japanese Sparrowhawks A. gularis mist-netted on their southward passage through Thailand. The Chinese Sparrowhawks wintered across a c. 3000 km-wide longitudinal span from Sumatra to Timor-Leste, spending 84–173 days on their wintering grounds before returning to breeding grounds in south and east China. Two were tracked for complete migration cycles of 14,688 and 9694 km, respectively. Three of four Japanese Sparrowhawks were tracked to wintering grounds in Sabah, Kalimantan, and the Bangka Belitung Islands where they spent 168–173 days before returning north. The Bangka Belitung winterer was tracked to presumed breeding grounds in Amurskiy Oblast, eastern Russia, traveling 7757 km in 53 days. Daily flights varied widely up to c. 800 and 382 km for Chinese and Japanese Sparrowhawk, respectively. With few individuals sampled, no significant differences were found within or between species, in the daily distances flown during southward or northward journeys. However, Japanese Sparrowhawks made fewer stopovers suggesting they traveled faster on northward migration than Chinese Sparrowhawks. Movements during the wintering and nesting periods were mostly confined to areas of less than 23 km2, although one wintering Chinese Sparrowhawk used an area of over 600 km2. Further work is needed to improve knowledge of the annual cycles of these and other migratory East Asian raptors and how they might differ among age- and sex-classes within species.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Development of reactive iron-coated natural filter media for treating antibiotic residual in swine wastewater: Mechanisms, intermediates and toxicity
    (2021-11-15) Athitaya Changduang; Tawan Limpiyakorn; Patiparn Punyapalakul; Parinda Thayanukul; Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management; Chulalongkorn University; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi
    Degradation mechanisms, surface phenomena, and the influence of co-existing organic matter on heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions were investigated using low-cost natural materials, to remove three veterinary antibiotics. Zeolite rock, laterite rock, and pumice rock were modified by adding ferric chloride. Fenton-like reactions yielded more than 50 % of antibiotic removal at a neutral pH. The modified zeolite exhibited the highest antibiotic removal efficiency. The heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction could be indicated by the simultaneous detection of Fe(II) and Fe(III) on the surface of the modified zeolite. Leaching iron was also observed to reduce the antibiotics with homogeneous Fenton-like reaction. The co-existing organic matter expressed by the COD below 400 mg/L did not have a considerable adverse impact on antibiotic removal. An H2O2 concentration as low as 20 μM was sufficient to react with the modified zeolite and degraded more than 70 % of the antibiotics at a neutral pH. The modified zeolite could be reused at least three times, with a removal efficiency of at least 80 %. The antibiotic degradation efficiencies in real treated swine wastewater were above 75 %. Moreover, the degradation intermediates and bacterial inhibition after treatment were investigated.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Digital Diagnosis of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Using Hybrid Deep Neural Networks
    (2021-01-01) Suraj Verma; Mohammad Abdur Razzaque; Usanut Sangtongdee; Chonlameth Arpnikanondt; Boonrat Tassaneetrithep; Alamgir Hossain; Siriraj Hospital; Teesside University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Cambodia University of Technology and Science (CamTech)
    Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious paediatric disease showing up symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, oral ulcers and rashes on the hands and foot, and even in the mouth. This disease has become an epidemic with several outbreaks in many Asian-Pacific countries with the basic reproduction number $R_{0} > 1$. HFMD's diagnosis is very challenging as its lesion pattern may appear quite similar to other skin diseases such as herpangina, aseptic meningitis, and poliomyelitis. Therefore, clinical symptoms are essential besides skin lesion's pattern and position for precise diagnose of this disease. A deep learning-based HFMD detection system can play a significant role in the digital diagnosis of this disease. Various machine learning and deep learning architectures have been proposed for skin disease diagnosis and classification. However, these models are limited to the image classification problem. The diagnosis of similar appearing skin diseases using the image classification approach may result in misclassification or misdiagnosis of the disease. Parallel integration of clinical symptoms and images can improve disease diagnosis and classification performance. However, no deep learning architecture has been developed to diagnose HFMD disease from images and clinical data. This paper has proposed a novel Hybrid Deep Neural Networks integrating Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) network and Convolutional Neural Network into a single framework for the diagnosis of HFMD using the integrated features from clinical and image data. The proposed Hybrid Deep Neural Networks is particularly a multi branched model comprising of Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) network in the first branch to extract the clinical features and the modified pre-trained CNN architecture: MobileNet or NasNetMobile in the second branch to extract the features from skin disease lesion images. The features learnt from both the branches are merged to form an integrated feature from clinical data and images, which is fed to the subsequent classification network. We conducted several experiments employing image data only, clinical data only and both sources of data. The analyses compared and evaluated the performance of a typical MLP model and CNN model with our proposed Hybrid Deep Neural Networks. The novel approach promotes the existing image classification model and clinical symptoms based disease classification model, particularly the MLP model. From the cross-validated experiments, the results reveal that the proposed Hybrid Deep Neural Networks can diagnose the disease 99%-100% accurately.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    PublicationMetadata only
    Disposable electrochemical sensor for food colorants detection by reduced graphene oxide and methionine film modified screen printed carbon electrode
    (2021-04-02) Chutimon Akkapinyo; Kittitat Subannajui; Yingyot Poo-Arporn; Rungtiva P. Poo-Arporn; Mahidol University; King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi; Synchrotron Light Research Institute
    A facile synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and methionine film modified screen printed carbon electrode (rGO-methionine/SPCE) was proposed as a disposable sensor for determination of food colorants including amaranth, tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carminic acid. The fabrication process can be achieved in only 2 steps including drop-casting of rGO and electropoly-merization of poly(L-methionine) film on SPCE. Surface morphology of modified electrode was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This work showed a successfully developed novel disposable sensor for detection of all 4 dyes as food colorants. The electrochemical behavior of all 4 food colorants were investigated on modified electrodes. The rGO-methionine/SPCE significantly enhanced catalytic activity of all 4 dyes. The pH value and accumulation time were optimized to obtain optimal condition of each colorant. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used for determination, and two linear detection ranges were observed for each dye. Linear detection ranges were found from 1 to 10 and 10 to 100 µM for amaranth, 1 to 10 and 10 to 85 µM for tartrazine, 1 to 10 and 10 to 50 µM for sunset yellow, and 1 to 20 and 20 to 60 µM for carminic acid. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated at 57, 41, 48, and 36 nM for amaranth, tartrazine, sunset yellow, and carminic acid, respectively. In addition, the modified sensor also demonstrated high tolerance to interference substances, good repeatability, and high performance for real sample analysis.