Scopus 2025
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Item Metadata only Rapid Assessment of Soil Available Phosphorus and Exchangeable Potassium Content Using Portable Near-Infrared Sensors: A Non-Destructive Approach(2025-01-01) Pansak W.; Phromchaona N.; O-Siriphun A.; Tannamjai P.; Pansak W.; Mahidol UniversityThe I-DIN portable near-infrared sensor was developed by ScaNxt Scientific Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in collaboration with Global-Crops Co., Ltd. to assess soil nutrients, including organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), directly in the field. This sensor provides a rapid, non-destructive method for soil sample analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of the I-DIN portable near-infrared sensor in predicting available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium contents in soil. The results indicated that the sensor performed moderately well in estimating available phosphorus, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.50, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.20, a ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of 1.17, and a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.71. However, the sensor exhibited unreliable performance in predicting exchangeable potassium. Additional research is required to enhance the effectiveness of the I-DIN portable near-infrared sensor in evaluating soil Pavai and Kexch contents. Future studies could investigate factors such as adjusting the soil sample particle size (e.g., to 1 mm or 0.5 mm) and expanding the number of soil samples to improve test accuracy.Item Metadata only Body Dissatisfaction: Searching for a Link Between Depressive Symptoms, Body Image, and Eating Patterns Among Thais(2025-01-01) Rhein D.; Rhein D.; Mahidol UniversityThis research aims to comprehensively examine the correlation between body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, and eating patterns among Thais aged 18 to 24 years, while also determining potential variances between sexes. Given the societal pressures surrounding body image, the researchers hypothesized that females would report higher levels of body dissatisfaction and more pronounced depressive symptoms compared to their male counterparts. To test this hypothesis, a self-administered survey was distributed online, effectively gathering data from 628 participants with a mean age of 20 years. The survey comprised six self-report questionnaires designed to assess various dimensions of body image and mental health. Data analysis employed both Pearson’s product-moment correlation and Welch’s two-sample t-test to explore relationships and differences among groups. The Pearson test revealed a positive correlation among the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), Body Dissatisfaction Scale (BDS), and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) scores, indicating interconnectedness among these variables. Additionally, Welch’s two-sample t-test demonstrated that female respondents reported significantly higher CES-D and BDS scores than their male peers, highlighting critical sex differences in body image and mental health outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of addressing body dissatisfaction and its psychological implications, particularly among young women in Thailand.Item Metadata only Seasonal variation in wing morphometry of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) in Thailand: Climatic effects on phenotypic traits(2025-10-01) Chapoopuang W.; Jai-oun S.; Gulmala K.; Panpongsith P.; Suankaew P.; Ratanapisutpun P.; Weluwanarak T.; Chaiphongpachara T.; Changbunjong T.; Chapoopuang W.; Mahidol UniversityThe stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae) is a globally significant mechanical vector of medical and veterinary importance. Understanding morphological variation offers insight into environmental influences on development, dispersal, and population structure in insects such as the stable fly. This study aimed to investigate how seasonal and climatic variations affect wing size and shape in S. calcitrans, as these traits are closely associated with biological functions including flight performance, host-seeking behavior, and vectorial capacity. Wing size and shape variation were examined across three geographically distinct sites in Thailand using geometric morphometrics, followed by multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the influence of climatic variables on size, and a two-block partial least squares analysis to assess their influence on shape. Overall, S. calcitrans exhibited significantly larger wing size during the cool season compared to the hot and rainy seasons, particularly in females (p < 0.05); no significant seasonal differences were observed in males based on pooled data (p > 0.05). Regression estimates revealed significant sex-specific responses to climatic variables (p < 0.05): male wing size decreased with increasing temperature and wind speed, whereas female wing size declined with temperature and rainfall but increased with relative humidity. Mahalanobis distance analysis confirmed significant seasonal effects on wing shape in both sexes, with the most pronounced differences occurring between the cool and rainy seasons. Wing shape variability also showed sex-specific climatic associations: in males, no climatic variables were significantly associated with wing shape (p > 0.05), whereas in females, wing shape was associated with wind speed (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the wing morphometric responses of S. calcitrans to seasonal and climatic influences, offering important insights into the environmental drivers of phenotypic variation and their potential implications for dispersal, population structure, and vector management strategies.Item Metadata only Problems and needs of the older adults and their families infected with COVID-19 in the community of Northeastern Thailand: a qualitative study(2025-08-01) Hinkaew B.; Yodsuban P.; Kasemsuk W.; Siripoon P.; Hinkaew B.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted older adults, particularly those with chronic illnesses, due to their heightened vulnerability and limited access to care. In Northeastern Thailand, many older adults live alone and face multifaceted health and social challenges. This study aimed to explore the problems and needs of older adults and their families infected with COVID-19 within the social and cultural context of this region. Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted using data collected through observations, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), field notes, and participant observations in community settings. A total of 48 informants were purposively selected, including representatives from public and community organizations, health service units, local administrative organizations, local leaders and village headmen, and older adults and their family members who had been infected with COVID-19. Results: The study identified five key themes reflecting the problems and needs of older adults and their families affected by COVID-19. Socially, participants experienced isolation and limited access to support networks. Economic challenges included income loss and insufficient financial assistance. Environmental issues involved inadequate housing and restricted access to essential services. Health-related problems encompassed physical decline and limited healthcare access. Politically and administratively, delays in assistance and ineffective coordination among agencies were reported. Conclusions: Older adults and their families infected with COVID-19 encounter complex and multidimensional challenges. Community nurses play a vital role as health system managers in addressing these needs and ensuring accessible and appropriate primary health care services.Item Metadata only Beclin-1 enhances autophagy and inhibits apoptosis to facilitate virus infection in Penaeus vannamei(2025-12-01) Jaree P.; Tungwaravut S.; Wongdontri C.; Rodphai K.; Somboonwiwat K.; Jaree P.; Mahidol UniversityBeclin-1 is a crucial autophagy regulator that also affects innate immunity, including apoptosis. At the present day, nothing is known about Beclin-1 in crustaceans, especially Penaeid shrimp. This work examined the function of Beclin-1 from the Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei (PvBECN1), under both normal and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge circumstances. The phylogenetic tree analysis placed PvBECN1 in the same group as other Beclin-1 from penaeid shrimp. PvBECN1 was composed of BH3 domain, coiled-coil domain, and autophagy-specific (BARA) domain. PvBECN1 transcription was highest in the intestine and gill. Following WSSV infection, PvBECN1 expression increased in gills and hemocytes, though further investigation specifically focused on the hemocytes as a key immunological tissue. PvBECN1 silencing was conducted to obtain insight into the function of PvBECN1 during the virus infection. We discovered that suppressing PvBECN1 increaesd the survival rate of WSSV-infected shrimp by reducing the viral load. In term of immunity, PvBECN1 silencing, in both normal and WSSV infected conditions, led to a decrease in the percentage of autophagic activity. Concurrently, there was a significant increase in late apoptotic hemocyte cells and caspase 3/7 activity, demonstrating the involvement of PvBECN1 in innate immunity. Furthermore, following PvBECN1 knockdown, there was an altered expression of immune-related genes, including antimicrobial peptides and interferon-like genes. Interestingly, during WSSV infection, PvBECN1-silenced shrimp only exhibit overexpression of crustin and vago5. Ultimately, the virus enhances its replication and evades antiviral defense via triggering the PvBECN1 transcript.Item Metadata only Analytical and Structural Evaluation of Recombinant Human Serum Albumin and Fragment F8 for Aptamer-Based Urinary Biomarker Detection(2025-07-22) Archapraditkul C.; Vanichtanankul J.; Saeyang T.; Chawjiraphan W.; Boonbanjong P.; Pongprayoon P.; Japrung D.; Archapraditkul C.; Mahidol UniversityHuman serum albumin (HSA) is a key biomarker for early detection of kidney disorders such as microalbuminuria. However, its structural complexity and susceptibility to degradation in urine challenge current diagnostic assays, particularly immunoturbidimetric methods that depend on epitope stability. In this study, we expressed and characterized full-length recombinant HSA (rHSA) and its proteolytic fragment F8 (residues 496–585) in both Escherichia coli and rice-based systems to explore their suitability for biosensor validation and diagnostic use. Comparative analysis via SDS-PAGE, LC–MS/MS, and dynamic light scattering revealed differences in solubility and aggregation profiles between expression systems, with rice-derived rHSA showing greater resistance to proteolytic degradation. The F8 fragment retained structural integrity and remained detectable in both native and protease-treated samples. Using a previously developed Cy5-labeled ssDNA aptamer-based fluorescence aptasensor, we evaluated binding to rHSA and F8 across a clinically relevant concentration range (0.37–1500 μg/mL). Sigmoidal fluorescence recovery curves with R2> 0.99 were observed for all recombinant proteins. Notably, the aptasensor successfully detected both targets even under conditions mimicking nonfresh urine, highlighting its diagnostic robustness. These findings establish recombinant F8 as a stable, diagnostically relevant biomarker candidate and confirm the practical utility of aptamer-based platforms for albumin detection in diverse testing scenarios.Item Metadata only A prospective comparison of fungal load in paired sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for Pneumocystis pneumonia diagnosis: Clinical thresholds and diagnostic accuracy(2025-01-01) Phoompoung P.; Thampanyawat P.; Jitmuang A.; Kunwipakorn K.; Phornkhakhanumphorn T.; Thanintorn N.; Sarasombath P.T.; Phoompoung P.; Mahidol UniversityBackground: To compare diagnostic performances and accuracy of non-invasive specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for diagnosing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised pneumonia patients. Methods: A prospective study of 112 immunocompromised patients to evaluate P. jirovecii fungal loads in paired sputum and BALF from the same patients. Patients were classified as definite PCP, probable PCP, and non-PCP based on criteria blinded to qPCR results. Optimal diagnostic cut-offs were derived, and agreement between specimen types was analyzed. Results: A BALF fungal load threshold of 2,613 DNA copies/μL demonstrated high sensitivity (82.6 %, 95 % CI: 62.9–93.0) and specificity (96.7 %, 95 % CI: 90.8–99.1) for PCP diagnosis. In sputum, a cut-off of 474 DNA copies/μL offered moderate sensitivity (65.2 %, 95 % CI: 44.9–81.2) and high specificity (89.0 %, 95 % CI: 80.9–93.9), enabling the exclusion of PCP in patients with low clinical suspicion. Fungal loads in sputum correlated well with BALF but showed greater variability in confirmed PCP cases, highlighting limitations for non-invasive diagnosis in high-risk patients. Conclusion: Non-invasive fungal load in sputum provides a valuable tool for excluding PCP in immunocompromised pneumonia patients, potentially reducing the need for bronchoscopy.Item Metadata only Sphenoethmoid mucocele: a rare cause of optic neuropathy(2025-01-01) Mitarnun W.; Aegakkatajit K.; Roila N.; Uepechpong N.; Mitarnun W.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: The causes of optic neuropathy include ischemic optic neuropathy, infectious agents, inflammatory processes, and compressive lesions. Although a paranasal sinus mucocele is a rare cause of compressive optic neuropathy, it can be treatable with early diagnosis and appropriate management. This study aims to highlight the importance of recognizing and managing paranasal sinus mucoceles as a treatable cause of optic neuropathy. Case Report: A 61-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia who presented with a one-month history of vision loss in her left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cystic lesion compressing the left optic nerve, suggestive of a sphenoethmoid mucocele. Mucocele marsupialization and antibiotics improved her vision, highlighting the paranasal sinus mucocele as a potential cause of optic neuropathy. Conclusion: Recognizing paranasal sinus mucoceles as a potential cause of optic neuropathy is important, despite their rarity, as they may be treatable. A multidisciplinary approach, including surgical intervention and infection control, is key to their management.Item Metadata only Factors influencing negative emotional stages in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia prior to surgery(2025-01-01) Sinporn N.; Wongkongkam K.; Danaidutsadeekul S.; Chinsakchai K.; Sinporn N.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: Negative emotional stages are defined as stress, anxiety, and depression. These psychological symptoms can occur among patients with peripheral arterial disease before surgery especially those who present with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Objective: This study aims to examine predictive factors of negative emotional stages - age, smoking, walking ability, signs and symptoms - of patients with CLTI before surgery. Methods: This is a descriptive study of 90 patients with CLTI before surgery who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria recruited from two tertiary hospitals, in Bangkok, Thailand. The walking impairment questionnaire, Rutherford's categories, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS - 21) were used for collecting data. Results: Of 90 preoperative CLTI patients, 57.8 % were male, with an average age of 71.90 years (SD = 11.32). The participants had depression and anxiety equal to 24.4 % and stress for 7.8 %. The majority of the participants had depression, anxiety, and stress scores in mild levels, 13.3 % (x¯ = 3.30, SD = 2.69), 17.8 % (x¯= 2.36, SD = 2.14), and 4.4 % (x¯= 3.47, SD = 3.12), respectively. 32.2 % of the participants had a negative emotional stage in one symptom. The multiple linear regression analysis by the backward method found that age can predict depression symptoms with statistically significant (β = -0.282, p < .05). Walking ability can predict anxiety symptoms with statistically significant (β = -0.278, p < .05). Age and walking ability can predict stress symptoms with statistically significant (β = -0.207, p < .05, β = -0.302, p < .05). Conclusions: This study shows that age and walking ability influence negative emotional states in patients with CLTI before surgery.Item Metadata only Efficacy of polynucleotide, fractional CO2 laser, and their combination in treating striae distensae: a randomized intraindividual clinical trial(2025-12-01) Thanasarnaksorn W.; Sintopachakul M.; Suwanachinda A.; Sirithanabadeekul P.; Thanasarnaksorn W.; Mahidol UniversityStriae distensae (SD), or stretch marks, are common atrophic dermal scars that can significantly impact psychological well-being. Despite various treatment options, effective management remains challenging. Fractional CO₂ laser (FrCO₂) therapy is widely used for its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin remodeling but carries a risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Polynucleotides (PN), with larger molecular structures and higher concentrations than polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), improve fibroblast viability and enhance collagen synthesis, both of which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PN injections compared with FrCO₂ laser monotherapy and their combination in the treatment of SD. In a 20-week prospective, randomized, intraindividual clinical trial, twenty volunteers with SD persisting for over 12 months were enrolled. Each abdominal lesion was divided into three treatment zones: PN monotherapy, FrCO₂ laser monotherapy, and a combination of both. Outcomes were assessed using digital photography, Antera 3D imaging, and histological evaluations at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 20. Nineteen patients completed the trial which mean age was 42.45 ± 11.94 years. After a 20-week period, three treatment groups—polynucleotide injections, fractional CO2 laser, and their combination—showed significant improvement in the volume and width of striae (P < 0.001, mean vol change; -0.73, -0.67. -0.77, mean width change; -0.18, -0.18, -0.2 respectively). No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding striae volume and width reduction; however, the combination therapy showed the highest mean reduction in improving both the volume and width of striae. Polynucleotide treatment was most effective in improving roughness and the Manchester scar scale of striae and exhibited fewer adverse effects compared to FrCO2 laser and combined therapy. Melanin levels increased in the laser and combined treatment groups but remained unchanged in the Polynucleotide group. In conclusion, PN injections are a safe and effective option for treating SD, with comparable efficacy to FrCO₂ laser and fewer side effects. The combination of PN and laser may offer enhanced outcomes through potential synergistic mechanisms however it still carries a high risk of PIH associated with FrCO₂. Further studies are needed to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety.Item Metadata only Neuronal differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells induced by co-treatment of ergothioneine(2025-09-01) Thongsuk A.; Seemaung P.; Phanthong P.; Janebodin K.; Ruangsawasdi N.; Gonmanee T.; Phruksaniyom C.; Chodchavanchai T.; Balit T.; White K.L.; Thonabulsombat C.; Songsaad A.T.; Thongsuk A.; Mahidol UniversityObjective Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are promising adult stem cells that present multilineage differentiation ability. Interestingly, ergothioneine (ERGO) has the potential to uptake into the organic cation transporter N1 (OCTN1) to promote neuronal differentiation. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the effect of co-treatment of ergothioneine on the neuronal differentiation of hDPSCs. Methods The hDPSCs were established from the impacted third molars. Subsequently, the hDPSCs investigated the cell viability with ergothioneine at concentrations of 0–500 µM for 30 hours. The non-cytotoxic concentration of ergothioneine was synergistically induced with the neuronal induction medium. The characteristics of differentiated cells were verified as neuronal cells (d-hDPSCs) by identification of the Nissl substance. The optimal concentration of ergothioneine, which triggered the highest neuronal differentiation of hDPSCs, was further confirmed by neuronal phenotypes via immunofluorescent staining, gene expression, and the ability of neurotransmitter release by intracellular calcium oscillation. Results The isolated cells from human dental pulp tissue were characterized as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), verified as hDPSCs. The cellular toxicity of ergothioneine was not observed up to 500 µM for 30 hours. The d-hDPSCs presented a neuronal-like shape and positively expressed the Nissl substance. Interestingly, the highest number of neuronal-like cells was detected at 500 µM of ergothioneine. These neuronal-like cells exhibited the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) expression and dynamic change of intracellular Ca2+, suggesting potential functional neuronal characteristics. Furthermore, co-treatment of ergothioneine at 500 µM triggered neurogenic maturation by decreasing Nestin and NES expression and increasing Beta-III tubulin, TUBB3, and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression, respectively. Conclusion Co-treatment of ergothioneine at 500 µM can enhance neuronal differentiation, which has the potential to promote neurogenic maturation. Therefore, these findings suggest the alternative of using hDPSCs and the potential of ergothioneine co-treatment as stem cell-based therapy for further transplantation to cure various neurological diseases.Item Metadata only Red Seaweeds in Aquaculture: Impacts on growth, immunity, antioxidant status, gene expression, and gut health(2025-01-01) Kamble M.T.; Wongprasert K.; Chavan B.R.; Daunde V.V.Y.; Palekar G.K.R.; Tayade S.H.; Thompson K.D.; Gabriel N.N.; Medhe S.V.; Pirarat N.; Kamble M.T.; Mahidol UniversityRed seaweeds (Rhodophyta) and their polysaccharides represent promising, sustainable solutions for boosting aquaculture productivity. Rich in bioactive compounds such as carrageenan, agar, and sulfated galactans, these seaweeds have demonstrated the ability to improve growth, health, and disease resistance in various aquaculture species. This review examines the applications, benefits, and limitations of red seaweeds in aquaculture, with particular attention to their roles as feed binders, partial fishmeal replacements, feed supplements, and immunostimulants. Species such as Gracilaria, Kappaphycus, and Porphyra have been shown to enhance immune responses, promote gut health, and mitigate nutrient pollution in aquaculture systems. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including high cultivation costs, variability in bioactivity, and supply chain constraints. This review highlights the growing potential of red seaweeds for sustainable aquaculture while identifying research needs related to dosage optimization, delivery strategies, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms of their effects. Supplementation with red seaweeds aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, offering an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics with the potential to yield both environmental and economic benefits in aquaculture.Item Metadata only Evaluation of common genetic risk factors for differentiated thyroid cancer in the Thai population(2025-10-01) Yeetong P.; Laipiriyakun A.; Sriprapaporn J.; Ausavarat S.; Yeetong P.; Mahidol UniversityDifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. This disease includes papillary and follicular thyroid tumors, and accounts for the majority of thyroid cancer cases. Although both genetic and environmental variables contribute to the genesis of DTC, specific genetic variants in the Thai population remain to be fully understood. The present case-control study aimed to investigate six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with DTC susceptibility that had previously been described in genome-wide association studies; namely, rs944289, rs2439302, rs966423, rs116909374, rs1799782 and rs861539, and assess these within a Thai population. A total of 233 patients with histologically confirmed DTC (84.1% papillary, 12.9% follicular, 2.6% mixed and 0.4% Hürthle cell) and 176 control subjects with no history of thyroid disease were enrolled in the present study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used for genotyping. The results of the present study revealed that the six SNPs were not statistically significant (P<0.05) in the Thai population. Moreover, results of the sex-stratified analysis demonstrated that statistically significant associations were apparent between three SNPs in males; namely, SNPs rs2439302 (CC vs. CG genotype: OR, 3.325; P=0.024), rs966423 (CC vs. CT genotype: OR, 0.263; P=0.024; C vs. T allele: OR, 3.780; P=0.015) and rs1799782 (CC vs. CT genotype: OR, 0.194; P=0.046). Collectively, results of the present study may provide useful insights into the genetic diversity associated with cancer risk within the Thai population and highlight the requirement for sex stratification in genetic investigations of thyroid cancer.Item Metadata only Influence of Different Gelatin and Honey Contents on the Physicochemical Properties, Sensory Acceptance, and the Potential Use of Coffee Husk Extract in Healthy Gummy Jelly(2025-01-01) Jiamjariyatam R.; Phucharoenrak P.; Samosorn S.; Dolsophon K.; Lorliam W.; Krajangsang S.; Jiamjariyatam R.; Mahidol UniversityThe aims of this study were to investigate the effects of gelatin and honey on the physical properties of gummy jelly, and to study the effects of coffee husk extract sup plementation on consumer acceptance to assess the feasibility of developing a healthier gummy jelly. The results showed that gelatin and honey significantly increased redness (ranging from 6.52 to 8.85) and yellowness (ranging from 1.59 to 3.44). Water activity was inversely related to gelatin content. The gummy jelly recipe with 20 g gelatin and 90 g honey achieved the highest consumer acceptance at 7.43 for overall acceptance. The increase in gelatin content resulted in a decrease in consumer acceptance, particularly regarding taste and texture. The sup plementation of coffee husk extracts into gummy jelly resulted in significantly decreased consumer acceptance in terms of flavor (7.75 to 5.70) and taste (7.80 to 5.35), but no effect on the acceptance of texture. However, gummy jelly that contained 9% coffee husk extracts continued to be moderately accepting (6.10 of overall acceptance). In this study, encapsulation using reverse spherification techniques was investigated for taste-masking. It was effectively masked taste and flavor, and the encapsulated beads remained stable in gummy jelly for 7 days. This study indicates that coffee husk extracts have the potential to be used as a functional ingredient for healthy gummy jelly. Encapsulation can enhance consumer acceptance by masking the taste of coffee husk extracts. These results provide information for applying coffee husk extract in the development of other health food products.Item Metadata only Bioindicators of potentially toxic elements in Mangrove ecosystems(2025-11-01) Maung T.Z.; Phusantisampan T.; Pichtel J.; O-Thong S.; Meeinkuirt W.; Maung T.Z.; Mahidol UniversityMangrove ecosystems are facing an increased risk of contamination from toxic elements originating from anthropogenic activities. Bioindicating organisms indigenous to an ecosystem can be used to assess the degree of pollution. Microorganisms are the most applied biota in the evaluation of environmental quality using bioindicators, as they can be evaluated via high-throughput metagenomics sequencing technology. The current review provides a comprehensive report of potentially toxic element (PTE) accumulation, associated bioindicators, and analytical approaches for metals and biota in mangrove ecosystems. The review explores microbial interactions with key environmental variables such as pH, redox potential, and salinity. The behaviors of specific metals and related bioindicators in a typical mangrove ecosystem are presented. The review focuses on microbial bioindicators, their abundance and composition, and their analysis via metagenomics. The current review, with emphasis on mangrove ecosystems, provides a foundation for understanding PTE bioindicators and their interactions with the environment. These findings can support future bioindicator-based programs, including ecosystem health assessments and metagenomics-driven monitoring for conservation and restoration.Item Metadata only MOLECULAR DETECTION OF ENTAMOEBA DISPAR FROM SURFACE WATER SAMPLES IN THAILAND(2025-07-12) Pinthong N.; Nitatsukprasert C.; Rattaprasert P.; Thima K.; Chavalitshewinkoon-Petmitr P.; Pinthong N.; Mahidol UniversityAccurate identification of Entamoeba species is crucial for a better understanding of the nature of these protozoan parasites and obtaining precise epidemiological data. Humans typically become infected with Entamoeba through the fecal-oral route, particularly from contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation. Therefore, it becomes important to determine the prevalence of human Entamoeba in surface water samples. We extracted DNA from surface 140 water samples collected along locations along canals, Pathum Thani Province, Thailand, for analysis of the presence of Entamoeba dispar, E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii using quantitative PCR, and of Entamoeba coli using nested PCR. Samples (14%) were positive for E. dispar and negative for the other three species. Although infection with E. dispar is generally non-pathogenic, intestinal symptoms in E. dispar infected patients have beebn reported in various regions. Routine surveillance of Entamoeba spp in surface water samples should help reduce the prevalence of amebiasis in Thailand.Item Metadata only Using slime to enhance students’ understanding of tidal force and its effect on ocean: two water bulges(2025-11-01) Senayai S.; Nopparatjamjomras T.R.; Chittaree R.; Nopparatjamjomras S.; Senayai S.; Mahidol UniversityTidal force refers to the difference in gravitational pulls exerted by one celestial body on different parts of another body such as the Moon and the Earth. Tidal force is complicated for students to understand because it is an abstract scientific idea, difficult to demonstrate, touch, or perceive by people’s senses. However, the concept of tidal force is useful for explaining phenomena such as the formation of two water bulges. This is important because some students mistakenly believe there is only one bulge on the side facing the Moon, as typical explanations focus solely on the Moon’s attraction. This paper uses a combination of slime as a physical model and a diagram to help students understand the tidal force and its effect on ocean: two water bulges.Item Metadata only Genitourinary syndrome of menopause among breast cancer survivors: An untold story(2025-08-31) Saraluck A.; Phenwan T.; Peerawong T.; Saraluck A.; Mahidol UniversityObjective Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common symptom among breast cancer survivors (BCSs). However, its impact on the quality of life of BCSs is not routinely addressed by all healthcare providers. Similarly, not all patients consult their healthcare providers regarding these symptoms. In this study, we aimed to investigate the proportion of BCSs who reported GSM symptoms and to explore their attitudes toward disclosing these symptoms. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to March 2023 at two tertiary university hospitals in southern Thailand. BCSs completed a self-reported questionnaire containing information regarding GSM. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing the disclosure of GSM symptoms by BCSs. Results The mean age of the 173 participants was 49.0±9.2 years. 45.7% (79/173) of BCSs reported at least one GSM symptom. The most common symptoms were nocturia (45.7%) and vaginal dryness (45.1%). Among the symptomatic women, 61.8% never disclosed their symptoms due to embarrassment. Among those who disclosed GSM symptoms, 31.8% reported them to their spouses, while 25.8% and 19.7% disclosed them to their gynaecologists and family, respectively. A higher education level was significantly associated with symptom disclosure (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.58-12.12; p=0.004). Most participants (97.7%) believed that physicians should initiate discussions on GSM. Conclusion GSM is prevalent but under-reported among Thai BCSs, possibly due to cultural embarrassment. Healthcare providers should adopt a proactive, culturally sensitive approach to facilitate early identification and individualised care for GSM symptoms in this population, thereby enhancing the quality of life of BCSs.Item Metadata only Emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST14 co-harboring blaNDM-1, blaOXA-232, mcr-1.1, and a novel IncI1 tet(X4) plasmid, with evidence of ColKP3 mobilization under antibiotic pressure(2025-01-01) Phuadraksa T.; Choominthong Y.; Wichit S.; Yainoy S.; Phuadraksa T.; Mahidol UniversityCompanion animals and environmental niches act as interconnected reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, facilitating their persistence and horizontal transfer across hosts and ecosystems. Pet-associated environments, within the One Health framework linking human, animal, and environmental health, remain an underrecognized source of AMR dissemination. Pet grooming facilities generate wastewater containing bacteria from animal skin, fecal matter, and contaminated surfaces, potentially acting as factors that facilitate environmental contamination and zoonotic transmission. Here, we describe the isolation and complete genomic characterization of an extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strain from wastewater at a pet grooming facility in Bangkok, Thailand. Whole-genome sequencing identified the isolate as sequence type (ST) 14, a globally disseminated high-risk clone associated with multidrug resistance and clinical outbreaks. The strain harbored four clinically significant resistance genes, blaNDM-1, blaOXA-232, mcr-1.1, and tet(X4), each located on distinct plasmids. To our knowledge, this is the first report of tet(X4) in K. pneumoniae ST14. The gene was found on a novel IncI1-type plasmid with a composite transposon, suggesting recent acquisition through horizontal gene transfer. Conjugation assays confirmed high transfer efficiency and phenotypic tigecycline resistance. In this study, although blaOXA-232 was carried on a non-conjugative ColKP3-type plasmid, colistin selection facilitated its transfer with plasmid size expansion, indicating antibiotic-driven mobilization. These findings highlight the evolutionary adaptability of K. pneumoniae ST14 and the risk posed by pet-associated wastewater as a reservoir for clinically important AMR genes. Integrated genomic surveillance and targeted One Health interventions are urgently needed to prevent environmental and zoonotic spread.Item Metadata only Access versus utilization: determinants of insecticide-treated net non-use in Myanmar(2025-12-01) Win K.M.; Show K.L.; Sattabongkot J.; Cui L.; Nguitragool W.; Parker D.M.; Aung P.L.; Win K.M.; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Vector control has played a pivotal role in malaria control and elimination efforts, with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) recognized as one of the most effective and widely accepted strategies. This study assessed ITN use and identified factors associated with non-use among individuals with access to ITNs in Myanmar. Methods: Data were drawn from the nationally representative 2015–2016 Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey. Access to ITNs was defined as having at least one ITN per two household members, and ITN use as having slept under an ITN the night before the survey. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted using the “svyset” command in STATA to account for the two-stage stratified cluster sampling design. Results: Among 6,140 individuals with access to ITNs, approximately one-third (31.6%, 95% CI 28.3%–35.0%) reported not using them. Factors associated with higher odds of ITN non-use were age 15–34 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.31; 95% CI 1.07–1.61) and ≥ 50 years (aOR: 1.33; 95% CI 1.07–1.67), rural residence (aOR: 1.82; 95% CI 1.10–3.01), and belonging to the fourth wealth quintile, representing higher socioeconomic status (aOR: 1.74; 95% CI 1.06–2.85). Conclusions: Despite having access to ITNs at that time, a substantial proportion of individuals in Myanmar did not use them. These historical findings highlight behavioural and contextual barriers that existed before recent health system disruptions due to political unrest and COVID-19. Although present-day challenges differ, understanding past determinants of ITN non-use remains valuable for designing behaviour change communication (BCC) strategies, especially in regions where ITN distribution remains feasible.