Scopus 2020
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Publication Metadata only Early and late outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm compared between severe and non-severe infrarenal neck angulation(2020-01-01) Khamin Chinsakchai; Pichawat Suksusilp; Chumpol Wongwanit; Kiattisak Hongku; Suteekhanit Hahtapornsawan; Nattawut Puangpunngam; Frans L. Moll; Nuttawut Sermsathanasawadi; Chanean Ruangsetakit; Pramook Mutirangura; University Medical Center Utrecht; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University© The Author(s) 2020. Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm with severe infrarenal neck angle (>60°) has long been thought to be an obstacle to endovascular aneurysm repair. However, some previous studies reported endovascular aneurysm repair to be safe and efficacious for treating abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with severe neck angulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the early and late outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm compared between patients with severe and non-severe infrarenal neck angulation. Methods: Fifty-four severe and 144 non-severe neck angulation patients who were treated at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during January 2010–October 2013 were recruited. The primary endpoints were intraoperative neck complications (e.g., type 1A endoleak or proximal graft migration) and immediate adjunct aortic neck procedures. The secondary endpoints included perioperative mortality, overall survival, and the proportion of patients that were reintervention-free at five years compared between the severe and non-severe groups. Results: Severe angulation patients were significantly older than non-severe angulation patients (77 ± 6.3 vs. 74 ± 7.9 years; p = 0.021). The median proximal angle was significantly greater in the severe group (82° vs. 13.5°; p < 0.001). Intraoperative proximal neck complications developed in 29.6% of patients in the severe angulation group compared with 9.0% in the non-severe group (p < 0.001). Significantly more patients in the severe group required intraoperative adjunct procedures (29.6% vs. 7.6%; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in perioperative mortality between groups. At the five-year follow-up, there was no significant difference between groups for overall survival or the proportion of patients that remained reintervention-free. Conclusions: Endovascular aneurysm repair to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with severe proximal neck angulation is technically feasible and safe Although the severe angulation group had a higher rate of intraoperative neck complications and immediate adjunct neck procedures than the non-severe group, there was no significant difference between groups for 30-day mortality, overall survival or the proportion of patients who remained reintervention-free at five years.Publication Metadata only A comprehensive review of treatment options for recalcitrant nongenital cutaneous warts(2020-01-01) Kanchana Leerunyakul; Sasima Thammarucha; Poonkiat Suchonwanit; Suthinee Rutnin; Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University© 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Introduction: The treatment of recalcitrant nongenital cutaneous warts has always been challenging for dermatologists as they often recur and relapse. Multiple treatment options have been investigated to improve the outcome. This review provides an overview of the current treatment modalities and summarizes the efficacy and side effects of each treatment option for recalcitrant nongenital cutaneous warts. Methods: A PubMed search was performed through July 2019 to include all English language reports investigating the treatment for recalcitrant nongenital cutaneous warts, regardless of design. Results: A total of 144 studies were included in this review. The treatment options for recalcitrant nongenital cutaneous warts can be divided into three groups: destructive treatment, immunotherapy, and cytotoxic agents. Although both destructive therapies and cytotoxic agents demonstrated high complete response rates, immunotherapy, which is a minimally invasive method, was superior in terms of the clearance of distant warts. Intralesional mumps–measles–rubella injections and purified protein derivatives currently demonstrate high efficacy with well-established clinical evidence. Conclusions: Many upcoming treatment modalities, especially immunotherapy, are promising. However, more comparative studies are required to verify the efficacy and safety profile.Publication Metadata only Comparison of spherical and rod-like morphologies of SBA-15 for enzyme immobilization(2020-01-01) Sarawut Kingchok; Soraya Pornsuwan; Mahidol University; School of Materials Science and Innovation© 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. Mesoporous silica, namely SBA-15, has been used for enzyme immobilization to help improve thermal stability of the enzymes and, in some cases, increase the enzymatic activity. It has been shown that morphology of SBA-15 is one of the factors influencing kinetics of enzyme adsorption. We reported, here, the adsorption kinetics and peroxidase activity of cytochrome c (cytc) in spherical SBA-15 in comparison of three different rod-like (fibrous, fiber, and rope) SBA-15 samples. The experimental adsorption profile fitted much better to the pseudo-second order than the pseudo-first order model. The maximum loading capacity of cytc was 466, 423, 390, and 352 mg/g for fibrous, rope, fiber, and spherical SBA-15, respectively. The rate constant for cytc adsorption for spherical SBA-15 was 3 times slower than rope and fiber SBA-15, and 15 times slower than fibrous SBA-15. The activity of cytc after immobilization in SBA-15 samples depended on the amount of cytc loading. The cytc loading in all SBA-15 at lower than 10 µmol/g showed higher activity than in free cytc in solution. The maximum activity of immobilized cytc was found in spherical SBA-15 at cytc loading of 1.00 µmol/g (~ 7 times higher than in free cytc). Finally, the Fe(III) at the heme group of cytc/SBA-15 samples with high activity was examined to contain high-spin state. The investigation in this work could suggest useful information for the preparation of SBA-15 for enzyme immobilization to appropriate applications, such as drug delivery.Publication Metadata only Sphere-like and flake-like ZnO immobilized on pineapple leaf fibers as easy-to-recover photocatalyst for the degradation of congo red(2020-01-01) Siraprapha Deebansok; Taweechai Amornsakchai; Pannagorn Sae-Ear; Punnama Siriphannon; Siwaporn Meejoo Smith; King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang; Mahidol University© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. This work reports immobilization of ZnO photocatalyst on very fine pineapple leaf fiber (PALFs) by a by polyelectrolyte coating method, for the removal of colored pollutants from water stream, allowing for simple recovery after use. It also emphasizes on the effect of defect structure containing in ZnO of hierarchical sphere-like and flake-like morphologies on the color removal performance. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO/PALFs for degradation of congo red (CR) dye was examined under static (dark) and UV/visible irradiation conditions, and effective color removal (>95 %) was achieved, as the results of adsorption and photo-oxidation processes. Results from photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that the sphere-like ZnO, bearing zinc vacancies (VZn), zinc interstitials (Zni), singly ionized oxygen vacancies (Vo+), and oxygen vacancies (Vo), has superior photocatalytic activity up to 3.6 times compared to that of flake-like ZnO. With the recyclability up to 3 cycles (>84 % color removal efficiencies), the ZnO immobilized on PALFs have shown a great promise as an easy-to-recover photocatalyst for the removal of colored pollutants in wastewater treatment processes.Publication Metadata only Sacrifice Elements in Intention to Adopt Airline Crisis Communication with Mobile Apps(2020-01-01) Suwadee Talawanich; Norman Au; School of Hotel and Tourism Management, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Mahidol University© 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. This research examines the impact of the determinants of perceived value and intention to adopt mobile applications for airline crisis communication. Value-based adoption model and prospect and mental accounting theories underpin the proposed research model. The findings obtained from structural equation modeling show that airline passengers assign a large weight to the benefits of such apps, namely, usefulness of location-based messages and usefulness of customized-need messages, with an emphasis on the former. Conversely, sacrifice elements are considered negligible. The factors affecting the intention to adopt airline mobile applications during crises are validated theoretically. Suggestions for desired airline mobile application features are also discussed.Publication Metadata only Pediatric primary central nervous system tumors registry in Thailand under National Health Security Office schemes(2020-01-01) Bunchoo Pongtanakul; Nongnuch Sirachainan; Pacharapan Surapolchai; Pimlak Charoenkwan; Worawut Choeyprasert; Patcharee Komwilaisak; Su on Chainansamit; Nittaya Witsanuyothin; Yujinda Lertrakul; Piya Rujkijyanont; Somjai Kanjanapongkul; Darintr Sosothikul; Kleebsabai Sanpakit; Thirachit Chotsampancharoen; Somporn Wangruangsathit; Nintita Sripaiboonkij Thokanit; Sommaphun Tabjareon; Suradej Hongeng; Sappasitthiprasong Hospital; Chulalongkorn University; Khon Kaen University; Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Khon Kaen Regional Hospital; Thammasat University; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health; Phramongkutklao College of Medicine; Prince of Songkla University; Chiang Mai University; Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital; Nakhon Ratchasima Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital© 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. Background: Few epidemiological studies of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors have been performed using data from Southeast Asian national registries. Therefore, we aimed to examine data on CNS tumors from the first national childhood CNS tumor registry in Thailand. Methods: Newly diagnosed children with benign and malignant primary CNS tumors from 20 nationwide hospitals were included. Two eras in the Thai registry were studied to compare national protocol effectiveness, including 2003–2005 (before establishment of a pediatric CNS tumor protocol) and 2011–2012 (post-establishment). Results: The first study period had 300 patients with an incidence of 7.5/1,000,000 person-years and the second had 168 patients with an incidence of 13.24/1,000,000 person-years. The three most common tumors were gliomas, medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), and germ cell tumors. The most common tumor site was the cerebellum, followed by the brainstem and pineal region. Five- and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates were 46.62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 40.85–52.18) and 41.78% (95% CI 36.11–47.34), respectively, for the first period. The second period had a 5-year OS of 64.75% (95% CI 56.70–71.68). OS rates for gliomas, germ cell tumors, medulloblastoma/PNET, and ependymomas were better in the second period than in the first period. Conclusions: The incidence of primary childhood CNS tumors in our study is lower compared with other reports. Improvement of OS in the second study period might be because of establishment of the Thai Pediatric Oncology Group, and national protocols for childhood CNS tumors.Publication Metadata only Cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis of infliximab and its biosimilar in patients with refractory moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease using real world evidence in Thailand(2020-01-01) Pochamana Phisalprapa; Chayanis Kositamongkol; Julajak Limsrivilai; Satimai Aniwan; Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya; Pises Pisespongsa; Taya Kitiyakara; Suporn Treepongkaruna; Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk; Chulalongkorn University; The University of Utah; Bumrungrad International Hospital; Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University© 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Aims: This study aimed to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of infliximab and its biosimilar compared to conventional therapy in refractory moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease (CD) in Thailand. Materials and methods: A Markov model was used to estimate lifetime costs and health benefits of infliximab from a societal perspective. Our analyses consisted of three choices of treatment (conventional therapy, infliximab originator, and biosimilar) and three treatment scenarios (infliximab 2 years and 3 years if relapse, infliximab 2 years and lifelong if relapse, and infliximab lifelong). The input parameters were obtained from the CD registry and systematic literature reviews. The results were reported as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in 2017 USD per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. The sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the influence of parameter uncertainty. Threshold sensitivity analyses were carried out to determine the optimal drug prices. Finally, budget impact analyses were conducted. Results: None of the scenarios was cost-effective at Thai willingness-to-pay threshold (4,706 USD/QALY gained). The lowest ICER of 30,121 USD/QALY gained was reported in the scenario that included only standard dose of infliximab biosimilar with the maximum of 5-year treatment. The drug prices need to be reduced by at least 72% to allow infliximab biosimilar to be cost-effective. The 5-year budget impact was only 695,958 USD for the current biosimilar price. Conclusions: Infliximab for the treatment of refractory moderate-to-severe CD in Thailand would be cost-effective if the drug prices were significantly decreased. The best value for money strategy was infliximab biosimilar with a restricted duration of treatment.Key points The use of infliximab and its biosimilar in a restricted duration of maximum 5-year is not cost-effective for patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease refractory to conventional therapy, unless their price was lowered around 72–90% in Thailand. The estimated budget impact for adopting infliximab or its biosimilar for such indication has potential financial feasibility. Policy makers may consider cost-effectiveness and budget impact findings as well as other aspects such as rarity of disease as a part of the decision making process.Publication Metadata only Knowledge of stroke and medication adherence among patients with recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack in Indonesia: a multi-center, cross-sectional study(2020-01-01) Karina Kumaladewi Widjaja; Suvatna Chulavatnatol; Thanarat Suansanae; Yosi Irawati Wibowo; Achmad Firdaus Sani; Wardah Rahmatul Islamiyah; Surakit Nathisuwan; Universitas Surabaya; Universitas Airlangga; Mahidol University© 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG. BackgroundThere is a limited data in Indonesia regarding the stroke knowledge and medication adherence among stroke survivors.ObjectiveTo assess the level of stroke knowledge and medication adherence along with their relationship among stroke survivors.SettingTwo tertiary-care hospitals in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.MethodsA prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among 215 stroke survivors. Stroke Knowledge Test and the Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale questionnaires were used to evaluate stroke knowledge and medication adherence, respectively. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the rela tionship between stroke knowledge and medication adherence. Main outcome measuresRelationship between stroke knowledge and medication adherence.ResultsA total of 215 patients with mean age of 56.34 ± 8.69 years were recruited into this study. Mean Stroke Knowledge Test score was 7.89 ± 3.38 with 76.7% had low level of stroke knowledge. Mean Morisky Green Levine Adherence Scale was 3.05 ± 1.11 with 52.1% had low to medium medication adherence. Education and duration of stroke correlated with stroke knowledge level (Spearman’s correlation coefficient: 0.307, p = 0.001 and 0.128, p = 0.041, respectively). Age and disability correlated with medication adherence (Spearman’s correlation coefficient: 0.169; p = 0.013 and 0.171; p = 0.012), respectively. After adjustment for covariates, stroke knowledge level was independently associated with medication adherence (adjusted OR: 4.37, 95% CI 2.00–9.53; p < 0.001).ConclusionStroke knowledge was low among Indonesian stroke survivors and independently related to medication adherence. Attempts should be made to increase stroke knowledge which may improve medication adherence among stroke survivors.Publication Metadata only Existence and distribution of Niemann–Pick type 2C (NPC2) in prawn reproductive tract and its putative role as a cholesterol modulator during sperm transit in the vas deferens(2020-01-01) Piyaporn Surinlert; Chompoonut Sukonset; Thitiporn Khongkha; Charoonroj Chotwiwatthanakun; Rapeepun Vanichviriyakit; Wattana Weerachatyanukul; Somluk Asuvapongpatana; Mahidol University; Thammasat University© 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. Sequestering of cholesterol (CHO) is a hallmark molecular event that is known to be associated with sperm gaining their fertilizing ability in a broad array of animals. We have shown previously that the level of CHO declines in the Macrobrachium rosenbergii sperm membrane when they are migrating into the vas deferens, prompting us to search for CHO transporters, one of which is Niemann–Pick type 2C (NPC2), within the prawn male reproductive tract. Sequence comparison of MrNPC2 with other NPC2, from crustaceans to mammals, revealed its conserved features in the hydrophobic cavity with 3 amino acids forming a CHO lid that is identical in all species analyzed. Expressions of MrNPC2 transcript and protein were detected in testicular supporting and interstitial cells and along the epithelial cells of the vas deferens. As confirmed by live cell staining, the testicular sperm (Tsp) surface was devoid of MrNPC2 but it first existed on the vas deferens sperm, suggesting its acquisition from the luminal fluid, possibly through trafficking of multi-lamellar vesicles during sperm transit in the vas deferens. We further showed that recombinant MrNPC2 had a high affinity towards CHO in the lipid extracts, either from Tsp or from lipid vesicles in the vas deferens. Together, our results indicated the presence of MrNPC2 in the male reproductive tract, which may play an important role as a CHO modulator between the sperm membrane and vas deferens epithelial communication.Publication Metadata only Mature gonadal histology and gametogenesis of the tortoise beetle Aspidimorpha sanctaecrucis (Fabricius, 1792) (coleoptera: Cassidinae: Chrysomelidae): Histological observation(2020-01-01) Piyakorn Boonyoung; Sinlapachai Senarat; Jes Kettratad; Wannee Jiraungkoorskul; Narit Thaochan; Kong Wah Sing; Theerakamol Pengsakul; Pisit Poolprasert; Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya; Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University; Chulalongkorn University; Kunming Institute of Zoology Chinese Academy of Sciences; Mahidol University; Prince of Songkla University© 2020, Prince of Songkla University. All rights reserved. The gonadal structure of insects has been well reported but there is a lack of such information from tortoise beetles that are an economically important insect. In this study, the gonadal structure and differentiating stage of gametogenesis of tortoise beetles Aspidomorpha sanctaecrucis are examined using the histological technique. At the level of light microscopy, our results revealed that the A. sanctaecrucis male reproductive system has a pair of testicular structures that consist of six seminiferous tubules. All zones contained various stages of spermatogenesis and could be divided into five stages depending on the shape and histological organization, particularly chromatin organization, which was divided into spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes with 8 sub-steps (leptotene, zygotene, pachytene, diplotene, diakinesis, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase), secondary spermatocytes, spermatids (two sub-steps), and spermatozoa. A pair of ovaries was observed in the female A. sanctaecrucis. Each ovary is considered to be a meroistic ovariole that exists with nurse cells. The differentiating oogenic stages including previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages were observed. Our study provides baseline data that will be useful for future work involved in the ultrastructure and physiology of the reproductive tissue in tortoise beetles, especially the differential characterizations of the seminiferous tubule and ovarian type in beetles.Publication Metadata only Cytogenetic verification of Curcuma candida (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand and Myanmar(2020-01-01) Nattapon Nopporncharoenkul; Thaya Jenjittikul; Ngarmnij Chuenboonngarm; Kesara Anamthawat-Jónsson; Puangpaka Umpunjun; Haskoli Islands; Mahidol University© 2020 Forest Herbarium. Curcuma candida is a conservation-vulnerable species, rare and endemic to the Tenasserim Range (Thio Khao Tanaosri). This species was initially classified into the genus Kaempferia, based on morphology of specimen from Myanmar, and was given the name K. candida in 1830, but the first specimen from Thailand was only discovered in 2000. With the addition of molecular evidence, the species was transferred to Curcuma. The aim of the present study was therefore to find cytogenetic identity of C. candida, by investigating mitotic and meiotic divisions of five accessions obtained from the border districts of Thailand and Myanmar, in comparison with previous cytogenetic records of Curcuma and Kaempferia. The results show that C. candida is diploid with 2n = 42 and there is no variation among accessions. All accessions showed meiotic figure representing 21 bivalents during microsporogenesis, indicating the secondary base number x = 21. These chromosomal characteristics are closely similar to those found in diploid Curcuma species. The present paper also includes field observation and description of the plant phenology. The work has underlined an urgent need to protect this species in nature. During the sample collection trips we witnessed an excessive collection of edible flowers for local consumption.Publication Metadata only Fraud and error misstatements and auditor liability: The moderating role of the evaluator’s auditing knowledge(2020-01-01) Thanyawee Pratoomsuwan; Orapan Yolrabil; Mahidol University; Thammasat University© 2020 by De La Salle University. Although a restatement is usually assumed to result from fraudulent behavior, Plumlee and Yohn (2010) studied whether a restatement might be attributed to both errors in the corporation’s internal controls and intentional misrepresentation. Moreover, prior research supports the notion that investors, regulators, boards, and other stockholders differentiate between fraud and error (Hennes et al., 2008). This study provides a preliminary understanding of how undetected fraud and error misstatements affect auditor liability, given the same outcome severity. A 2x2 between-subject experiment was conducted using undergraduate accounting students to represent evaluators who have high levels of auditing knowledge and nonaccounting students to represent evaluators with low levels of auditing knowledge. The results from the experiment indicate that evaluators with high auditing knowledge assess auditors as less liable in cases of undetected misstatements due to fraud rather than an error. In contrast, less knowledgeable evaluators rate auditors as being more liable in such cases. The findings of this study provide some insights that benefit the audit profession, standard setters, and the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) concerning the auditor’s responsibility relating to fraud by demonstrating that different types of misstatements (i.e., fraud and error) contribute to differences in auditor liability judgments, especially when misstatements are evaluated by evaluators with different levels of auditing knowledge. This finding also suggests that the auditor litigation risk created by the expectation gap will remain despite any attempt to minimize it.Publication Metadata only Epidemiology, outcomes, and risk factors for mortality in critically ill women admitted to an obstetric high-dependency unit in sierra leone(2020-01-01) Claudia Marotta; Luigi Pisani; Francesco Di Gennaro; Francesco Cavallin; Sarjoh Bah; Vincenzo Pisani; Rashan Haniffa; Abi Beane; Daniele Trevisanuto; Eva Hanciles; Marcus J. Schultz; Michael M. Koroma; Giovanni Putoto; University of Sierra Leone; Mahidol University; Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam; Università degli Studi di Padova; Princess Christian Maternity Hospital; Network for Improving Critical Care Systems and Training; Research Section; Independent Statistician© 2020 by The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. A better understanding of the context-specific epidemiology, outcomes, and risk factors for death of critically ill parturients in resource-poor hospitals is needed to tackle the still alarming in-hospital maternal mortality in African countries. From October 2017 to October 2018, we performed a 1-year retrospective cohort study in a referral maternity hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The primary endpoint was the association between risk factors and highdependency unit (HDU) mortality. Five hundred twenty-three patients (median age 25 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 21-30 years) were admitted to the HDU for a median of 2 (IQR: 1-3) days. Among them, 65% were referred with a red obstetric early warning score (OEWS) code, representing 1.17 cases perHDUbed per week;11%of patients died in HDU, mostly in the first 24 hours from admission. The factors independently associated with HDU mortality were ward rather than postoperative referrals (odds ratio [OR]: 3.21;95%CI: 1.48-7.01; P = 0.003); admissions with red (high impairment of patients' vital signs) versus yellow (impairment of vital signs) or green (little or no impairment of patients' vital signs)OEWS (OR: 3.66; 95% CI: 1.15-16.96; P = 0.04); responsiveness to pain or unresponsiveness on the alert, voice, pain unresponsive scale (OR: 5.25; 95% CI: 2.64-10.94; P £ 0.0001); and use of vasopressors (OR: 3.24; 95% CI: 1.32-7.66; P = 0.008). Critically ill parturients were predominantly referred with a red OEWS code and usually required intermediate care for 48 hours. Despite the provided interventions, death in theHDUwas frequent, affecting one of 10 critically ill parturients. Medical admission, a red OEWS code, and a poor neurological and hemodynamic status were independently associated with mortality, whereas adequate oxygenation was associated with survival.Publication Metadata only The effect of maternal body mass index and gestational age on circulating trophoblast yield in cell-based noninvasive prenatal testing(2020-01-01) Tachjaree Panchalee; Liesbeth Vossaert; Qun Wang; Brielle R. Crovetti; Anne K. McCombs; Ronald J. Wapner; Ignatia B. Van den Veyver; Arthur L. Beaudet; Columbia University Irving Medical Center; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; Texas Children's Hospital Houston; Baylor College of Medicine; Luna Genetics© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Objective: To examine the effects of maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (GA) on the number of single circulating trophoblasts (SCT). Methods: Maternal blood was collected in 20 to 40 mL. All singleton pregnant women at any gestation were recruited. Trophoblasts were recovered by immunomagnetic enrichment and stained for cytokeratin and CD45. Candidate trophoblasts were identified by fluorescence microscopy. Results: Blood samples were collected from 425 singleton pregnancies from April 2018 to December 2019. At least one candidate cell was identified in 88% (373/425). There was an inverse correlation between trophoblasts yield and increasing BMI (r = −0.19, P <.001). The mean ± SD number of trophoblasts/mL was 0.12 ± 0.22 in the underweight group (n = 5), 0.23 ± 0.25 in the normal weight (n = 169), 0.18 ± 0.19 in the overweight (n = 114), and 0.13 ± 0.15 in the obese (n = 109). Significantly more cells were identified in the normal weight than those in the obese (P =.001). In addition, the mean ± SD number of cells/mL was 0.21 ± 0.21 at GA of 10 to 14 weeks (n = 260), 0.14 ± 0.23 at GA ≥15 (n = 102) and 0.12 ± 0.12 at GA <10 (n = 63); P <.001. Conclusion: The lower number of SCT was identified from the samples of women with a high BMI. Cell recovery for SCT testing seems optimal at GA of 10 to 14 weeks, but earlier and later testing is still possible.Publication Metadata only Biofilm formation of cariogenic bacteria on vanillin-incorporated orthodontic retainer PMMA resin(2020-01-01) Sroisiri Thaweboon; Mari Fujita; Keiji Nagano; Boonyanit Thaweboon; Health Sciences University of Hokkaido; Mahidol University© 2020 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland. Orthodontic retainers made of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin are generally used after finished orthodontic treatment to hold teeth in the right position and avoid the shift out from the alignment. The use of these devices can place patients at greater risk of dental caries through the biofilm accumulation of caries-associated bacteria and food debris on the rough surfaces or inherent porosities of PMMA surfaces of appliances themselves. Vanillin, the major component of flavoring agent vanilla, has been demonstrated to have antimicrobial activity against many types of microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial property of vanillinincorporated orthodontic retainer PMMA resin on the biofilm formation of cariogenic bacteria. The self-curing orthodontic retainer PMMA resin samples were produced according to the percentage of vanillin adding (0%, 0.1% and 0.5% vanillin) (SCG Chemicals, Thailand). All samples were coated with sterile unstimulated saliva. Then the cariogenic bacterial suspensions of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25715, Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 33478, Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 and Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 314 were added and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere for 48 h to allow the biofilm formation. The amount of vital biofilm was determined by WST Microbial Cell Counting Kit (Dojindo Molecular Technologies, USA) at 460 nm. One-way ANOVA and Turkey’s test were employed for the statistical analysis. A significant inhibitory effect against all tested bacteria was observed in 0.5% vanillin incorporated samples compared with 0% vanillin. The percentage of biofilm reduction was 23-45%. The adding of 0.1% vanillin showed suppressive effect only on Lactobacillus spp. In conclusion, the incorporation of 0.5% vanillin to self-curing orthodontic retainer PMMA resin could significantly inhibit biofilm formation of cariogenic bacteria (S. mutans, S. sobrinus, L. casei and L. acidophilus). Using this PMMA resin, removable orthodontic appliances with antimicrobial property can be applied to prevent dental caries or tooth demineralization in orthodontic patients.Publication Metadata only Vegetation history and human impacts from Thong Pha Phum, western Thailand during the past 700 years(2020-01-01) Paramita Punwong; Apichaya Englong; Paweena Traiperm; Akkaneewut Chabangborn; Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University; Chulalongkorn University; Mahidol University© 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. Palaeoecological analyses including pollen and charcoal analyses on a sediment core (NP3) collected from Nong Pling freshwater spring area in Thong Pha Phum, western Thailand are used to reconstruct past environmental change. The results demonstrate that there were changes in plant composition over the past 700 years resulting from interactions between hydrological conditions in relation to rainfall variability, and anthropogenic activity. Open vegetation such as grasses and lowland forest were established in Nong Pling freshwater spring forest from at least around ad 1300 suggesting drier conditions than present until around ad 1460. After that, decreased lowland forest and increased freshwater spring taxa together with the low charcoal contents indicate wetter conditions than during the former period, which allowed freshwater spring taxa to establish until around ad 1800. There were some fluctuations between freshwater spring taxa and lowland forest with open vegetation, probably due to rainfall fluctuations particularly after ad 1800 until the present. Moreover, recent increases in total charcoal accumulation, especially in large particles and the appearance of domesticated grass pollen may be related to recent human interaction within the ecosystems in Thong Pha Phum.Publication Metadata only Data mining techniques: Which one is your favorite?(2020-01-01) Pannapa Changpetch; Moya Reid; Bentley University; Mahidol University© 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Based on a statistical analysis, undergraduate business students are shown to prefer classification tree over six other standard data mining techniques. Data were collected over a 4-year period from students taking a data mining course offered at a business university in the US. The principal reason given by students for this preference is that classification tree is a highly visual technique—a quality that makes its results relatively easy to comprehend. Educators can draw on this information in their classroom practice with both business students and students in other majors taking data mining courses. Researchers can benefit from it in relation to effectively presenting data mining results to multiple audiences.Publication Metadata only Incidence of large for gestational age and predictive values of third-trimester ultrasound among pregnant women with false-positive glucose challenge test(2020-01-01) Pornpimol Ruangvutilert; Thanthip Uthaipat; Chutima Yaiyiam; Dittakarn Boriboonhirunsarn; Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University© 2020, © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This cohort study aimed to determine the association between false-positive 50-g GCT and incidence of LGA and to evaluate predictive roles of third-trimester ultrasonographic examination. A total of 200 women with false-positive 50-g GCT and 188 women without GDM risks were enrolled. Third-trimester ultrasonographic examinations were offered. Rate of LGA during third trimester and at birth were compared between groups. Factors associated with LGA and diagnostic properties of third-trimester ultrasonography were evaluated. Incidence of LGA by third-trimester ultrasound and at birth were significantly higher in women with false-positive GCT (19.0% vs. 10.6%, p =.03 and 22% vs. 13.8%; p =.04). Factors associated with LGA included multiparity (adjusted OR 2.32, p =.01), excessive weight gain (adjusted OR 2.57, p =.01) and LGA by ultrasound (adjusted OR 9.79, p <.001). Third-trimester ultrasonography had 47.1% sensitivity, 92.1% specificity and LR + and LR- of 5.96 and 0.57 in identifying LGA infants. Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Women with abnormal GCT but normal OGTT (false positive GCT) might have some degree of glucose intolerance so that GDM-related outcomes could develop, including LGA, macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and caesarean delivery. Roles of ultrasonography in the prediction of LGA and macrosomia has been reported with mixed results. What do the results of this study add? The results showed that the incidence of LGA, by third-trimester ultrasound and at birth, were significantly increased in women with false-positive GCT. Multiparity, excessive weight gain and LGA by third-trimester ultrasound significantly increased the risk of LGA. Third-trimester ultrasonography had 47.1% sensitivity, 92.1% specificity and LR + and LR- of 5.96 and 0.57 in identifying LGA infants. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? More intensive behavioural and dietary interventions, together with weight gain control and monitoring, may be needed in women with false-positive GCT to minimise the risk of LGA. Third trimester ultrasonographic examination might be helpful to detect and predict LGA at birth and should be included into routine clinical practice. Further studies that are more widely generalisable are needed to elucidate the relationship between false-positive GCT and adverse pregnancy outcomes and to investigate the benefits of ultrasonographic examination in the prediction of LGA and macrosomia.Publication Metadata only Performance Optimization of Naphthalene-Diimide-Based Porous Organic Polymer Cathode for Sodium-Ion Batteries(2020-01-01) Feng Yuan Chou; Jhih Ciang Tang; Hsuan Yi Lee; Jui Chin Lee; Sakhon Ratchahat; Teng Hao Chen; Watchareeya Kaveevivitchai; Tamkang University; National Cheng Kung University; Mahidol University© Redox-active organic electrode materials offer several advantages over traditional inorganic compounds, such as structural and chemical tunability for multielectron reactions, high redox stability, sustainability, and environmental friendliness. Herein, a porous organic polymer (POP), condensed from naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivative monomer and triformylphloroglucinol (TFP), has been prepared and used as a cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The electrochemical performance of the rigid amorphous NDI-TFP polymer has been further optimized by exfoliation. A specific capacity almost as high as the theoretical value can be obtained from the exfoliated compound with rate capability and capacity retention far superior to the nonexfoliated polymer despite the low surface area of the exfoliated material. These results are in contrast to the traditional perception that crystalline frameworks with large uniform pores and high surface areas are required as host materials for large-sized guest ions such as Na+. Using the exfoliation technique to reduce the stacking thickness and make the redox-active sites more accessible to Na ions, superior electrochemical properties can be achieved. To further elucidate the redox mechanism of the NDI-TFP polymer, several spectroscopic techniques have been used to reveal the multielectron redox activities of the NDI moieties. To the best of our knowledge, the NDI-TFP polymer is the first redox-active amorphous POP to be exfoliated and used as a cathode material for SIBs. The obtained mechanistic understanding of the redox-active POPs may pave the way for the design of organic-based electrode materials for next-generation high-performance energy storage systems.Publication Metadata only The global crisis of visual impairment: an emerging global health priority requiring urgent action(2020-01-01) John Ross Rizzo; Mahya Beheshti; Todd E. Hudson; Pattanasak Mongkolwat; Wachara Riewpaiboon; William Seiple; Olugbenga G. Ogedegbe; Rajesh Vedanthan; NYU Tandon School of Engineering; NYU Langone Health; Mahidol University; Lighthouse Guild