Scopus 2021
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/72906
Browse
Recent Submissions
Publication Metadata only One Health Information Management: Health System Reforms to Support Social Well-Being in Thailand(2021-01-01) Sangtien Youthao; Somsak Amornsiriphong; Mahidol UniversityBackground and Aim: The information about the health problems interaction between animal health, ecosystems, and human health that the “One Health (OH)” concept is becoming more complex. This study focused on OH information in Thailand to develop guidelines for establishing a “One Health Information Management (OHIM)” system by drafting the structure of an OH information strategic plan. Materials and Methods: A mixed methods approach was used and included questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observations in agencies across the country to gather evidence about actions relating to the OH concept, such as the Memorandum of Agreements between the Ministry of Public Health and eight main agencies. Results: The study concentrated on the key issue that understanding the OH concept is difficult, as the environment and human health sectors include less knowledge of this concept than the animal health sector. Further, there are concerns about the comprehension of OH concepts, and high-level information management and data storage relating to OH, including medicine, cattle, wild animal, environment, and environmental resource management. Data from OH researchers and publicly accessible government data are less integrated and inconsistently managed across agencies. Conclusion: The study of OHIM strategic development should consist of four important points: (1) Clarity in the OH concept, (2) OH staff development, (3) development of an OHIM data network and innovation, and (4) research and academic development, and global OHIM academic exchange. All of these points will lead to health system reforms to support social well-being.Publication Metadata only Authors’ Reply: Vitamin D Sufficiency and COVID-19: Is Vitamin D Binding Protein (and Its Polymorphism) the Missing Link?(2021-06-01) Nipith Charoenngam; Arash Shirvani; Niyoti Reddy; Danica M. Vodopivec; Caroline M. Apovian; Michael F. Holick; Siriraj Hospital; Boston University School of Medicine; Harvard Medical SchoolPublication Metadata only Ideal cardiovascular health behaviours in nationally representative school-based samples of adolescents in the caribbean(2021-01-01) Supa Pengpid; Karl Peltzer; University of Limpopo; University of the Free State; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Ideal cardiovascular health behaviour (CVHB) measures four ideal health behaviours (non-smoking, body mass index <85th Percentile, healthy diet, and physical activity). This study aimed to determine the prevalence, distribution, and correlates of ideal CVHB among adolescents in the Caribbean. Methods: Nationally representative cross-sectional data of 2016 or 2017 with complete CVHB measurements were analysed from 7556 school adolescents from four Caribbean countries. Results: The prevalence of 0–1 ideal metrics CVHB was 20.4%, 2 ideal metrics 48.7%, and 3–4 ideal metrics 30.8%. Only 5.0% had all 4 ideal CVHB metrics, 41.0% intermediate CVH (≥1 metric in the intermediate category and none in the poor category), and 54.0% had poor CVH (≥1 metric in poor category). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, compared to students from Dominican Republic, students from Jamaica (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.36, 95% confidence interval-CI: 1.01–1.85), students from Trinidad and Tobago (AOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.17–1.82) and male sex (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11–1.64) were positively associated with meeting 3–4 ideal CVHB metrics. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, rarely or sometimes experiencing hunger was negatively and high peer and parent support were positively associated with meeting 3–4 ideal CVHB metrics. Conclusion: The proportion of meeting 3–4 ideal CVHB metrics was low among adolescents in four Caribbean countries. Both high-risk and school-wide intervention programmes should be implemented in aiding to improve CVHB in Caribbean countries. Several factors associated with ideal CVHB were identified, which can be targeted in school health interventions.Publication Metadata only Rapid 500 mL albumin bolus versus rapid 200 mL bolus followed by slower continuous infusion in post-cardiac surgery patients: a pilot before-and-after study(2021-06-01) Fumitaka Yanase; Thummaporn Naorungroj; Salvatore L. Cutuli; Glenn M. Eastwood; Rinaldo Bellomo; Siriraj Hospital; Melbourne Medical School; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; Austin HospitalObjective: To evaluate the haemodynamic effects of rapid fluid bolus therapy (FBT) (500 mL of 4% albumin over several minutes) versus combined FBT (rapid 200 mL FBT followed by a 300 mL infusion over 30 minutes). Design: Single centre, prospective, before-and-after trial. Setting: A tertiary intensive care unit in Australia. Participants: Fifty mechanically ventilated post-cardiac surgery patients. Interventions: Rapid 4% albumin FBT versus combined FBT. Main outcome measures: We recorded haemodynamic parameters from before FBT to 30 minutes after FBT. A mean arterial pressure (MAP) response was defined by a MAP increase > 10%, and a cardiac index (CI) response was defined by a CI increase > 15%. Results: Immediately after rapid FBT versus combined FBT, there was a CI response in 13 patients (52%) compared with five patients (20%) respectively (P = 0.038), and a MAP response in 11 patients (44%) in each group. However, from FBT administration to 30 minutes, there was a time and group interaction such that MAP was higher in the rapid FBT group (P = 0.003), as was the case for central venous pressure (P = 0.002) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (P < 0.001). Body temperature fell immediately and was lower with rapid FBT but became warmer than with combined FBT later (P < 0.001). At 30 minutes, a MAP response was seen in ten patients (40%) compared with nine patients (36%) (P < 0.99) and a CI response was present in eight patients (32%) compared with 11 patients (44%) (P = 0.56) in the rapid versus combined FBT groups respectively. Conclusion: Rapid FBT was superior to combined FBT in terms of mean MAP levels and immediate CI response. However, the number of MAP responders or CI responders was similar at 30 minutes.Publication Metadata only Incorporating human mobility data improves forecasts of Dengue fever in Thailand(2021-12-01) Mathew V. Kiang; Mauricio Santillana; Jarvis T. Chen; Jukka Pekka Onnela; Nancy Krieger; Kenth Engø-Monsen; Nattwut Ekapirat; Darin Areechokchai; Preecha Prempree; Richard J. Maude; Caroline O. Buckee; Telenor ASA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Children's Hospital Boston; Thailand Ministry of Public Health; Mahidol University; Stanford University; Nuffield Department of Medicine; Harvard Medical SchoolOver 390 million people worldwide are infected with dengue fever each year. In the absence of an effective vaccine for general use, national control programs must rely on hospital readiness and targeted vector control to prepare for epidemics, so accurate forecasting remains an important goal. Many dengue forecasting approaches have used environmental data linked to mosquito ecology to predict when epidemics will occur, but these have had mixed results. Conversely, human mobility, an important driver in the spatial spread of infection, is often ignored. Here we compare time-series forecasts of dengue fever in Thailand, integrating epidemiological data with mobility models generated from mobile phone data. We show that geographically-distant provinces strongly connected by human travel have more highly correlated dengue incidence than weakly connected provinces of the same distance, and that incorporating mobility data improves traditional time-series forecasting approaches. Notably, no single model or class of model always outperformed others. We propose an adaptive, mosaic forecasting approach for early warning systems.Publication Metadata only Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults living in long-term care centers in Thailand, and risk factors for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety(2021-12-01) Maytinee Srifuengfung; Kitikan Thana-udom; Woraphat Ratta-apha; Sudsabuy Chulakadabba; Naratip Sanguanpanich; Natee Viravan; Siriraj HospitalBackground: There is a lack of data concerning impact of COVID-19 among older adults (OA) living at long-term care (LTC) centers. This study investigated how COVID-19 has affected this population. The prevalence of and risk factors for post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety were investigated. Methods: A semi-structured interview to determine the effect of COVID-19 was conducted to 200 OA at two government LTC centers. The 17-item Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale were used to evaluate post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, respectively. Results: Most OA reported moderate or severe impact of COVID-19. The most impacted area was financial due to decreased support from outside the center. Seventy percent of OA reported no or mild psychological stress from COVID-19; however, 5.5% had post-traumatic stress, 7.0% had depression, and 12.0% had anxiety. Higher psychological stress from COVID-19 and having respiratory tract infection symptoms were independently associated with post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. Receiving COVID-19 news via social media was independently associated with post-traumatic stress and depression. Having psychiatric comorbidity was independently associated with depression. Conclusions: OA living in LTC centers reported moderate or severe impact from COVID-19, especially financial, but relatively low psychological stress. Psychological stress from COVID-19, having respiratory tract infection symptoms, and receiving COVID-19 news via social media were risk factors for psychological disorders. Limitations: The data reflected the post-outbreak period. There is limitation in the generalizability of the results for other countries with different health care systems.Publication Metadata only Sex steroids and steroidogenesis-related genes in the sea cucumber, Holothuria scabra and their potential role in gonad maturation(2021-12-01) Tipsuda Thongbuakaew; Saowaros Suwansa-ard; Arada Chaiyamoon; Scott F. Cummins; Prasert Sobhon; University of the Sunshine Coast; Walailak University; Khon Kaen University; Mahidol UniversityThe sea cucumber Holothuria scabra is an economically valuable marine species which is distributed throughout the Asia–Pacific region. With the natural population declining due to over fishing, aquaculture of this species is deemed necessary. Hence, it is essential to understand the mechanisms regulating the reproduction in order to increase their populations. Sex steroids, including estrogens, androgens and progestogens, play an important role in reproduction in most vertebrates and several invertebrates. It has been proposed that sea cucumbers have the same sex steroids as vertebrates but the steroidogenic pathway in the sea cucumbers is still unclear. In this study, we demonstrated by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) that sex steroids (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) were present in H. scabra neural and gonadal tissues. In silico searches of available sea cucumber transcriptome data identified 26 steroidogenesis-related genes. Comparative analysis of encoded proteins for the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (HscStAR), CYP P450 10, 17 and 3A (HscCYP10, HscCYP17, HscCYP3A) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (Hsc3β-HSD, Hsc17β-HSD) with other species was performed to confirm their evolutionary conservation. Gene expression analyses revealed widespread tissue expression. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that HscStAR, HscCYP10, Hsc3β-HSD, and Hsc17β-HSD gene expressions were similar to those in ovaries and testes, which increased during the gonad maturation. HscCYP17 mRNA was increased during ovarian development and its expression declined at late stages in females but continued high level in males. The expression of the HscCYP3A was high at the early stages of ovarian development, but not at other later stages in ovaries, however it remained low in testes. Moreover, a role for steroids in reproduction was confirmed following the effect of sex steroids on vitellogenin (Vtg) expression in ovary explant culture, showing upregulation of Vtg level. Collectively, this study has confirmed the existence of steroids in an echinoderm, as well as characterizing key genes associated with the steroidogenic pathway. We propose that sex steroids might also be associated with the reproduction of H. scabra, and the identification of biosynthetic genes enables future functional studies to be performed.Publication Metadata only Horizon scanning of therapeutic modalities for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(2021-09-01) Chanthawat Patikorn; Sajesh K. Veettil; Pochamana Phisalprapa; Tuan Pham; Kris V. Kowdley; Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk; Chulalongkorn University; The University of Utah; Washington State University Pullman; Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol UniversityMany interventions have been investigated for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aims to summarize all investigated options to date and review the use of specific endpoints at different stages of ongoing trials of noncirrhotic NASH treatments. Using a horizon scanning approach, evidence were identified including meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and AMED (up to February 2020), recently published RCTs in PubMed (2015-April 2020), RCTs presented at conferences (AASL and EASL, 2015–2020), and ongoing RCTs in ClincalTrials.gov (2015-November 2020). We included 6 meta-analyses of RCTs, 30 published RCTs, 11 conference abstracts, and 62 ongoing RCTs. An evidence map was created to demonstrate the treatment effects of 49 therapeutic modalities for NASH. Only six interventions (6/49, 12.24%) met the histological surrogate endpoints for potential conditional FDA approval. Obeticholic acid is the only therapy demonstrating positive benefits in ≥1-point improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH in a phase 3 trial. The other therapies were all phase 2 studies. ≥1-point improvement in fibrosis with no worsening of NASH was shown in patients treated with cenicriviroc. NASH resolution with no worsening of fibrosis was shown in patients treated with liraglutide, semaglutide and resmetirom. Lanifibranor achieved both surrogate histological endpoints. Five ongoing RCTs (5/62, 8.06%) will investigate histological progression to cirrhosis, death, or liver-related clinical outcomes. In conclusion, some therapeutic modalities showed promising benefits, but further studies are warranted to find a definite treatment of NASH which prevents progression to cirrhosis and adverse liver outcomes.Publication Metadata only Venous thromboembolism in Asia and worldwide: Emerging insights from GARFIELD-VTE(2021-05-01) Pantep Angchaisuksiri; Shinya Goto; Alfredo E. Farjat; Henrik Fryk; Soo Mee Bang; Chern En Chiang; Zhi Cheng Jing; Katsuhiro Kondo; Jameela Sathar; Eric Tse; Sithakom Phusanti; Gloria Kayani; Jeffrey I. Weitz; Walter Ageno; Samuel Z. Goldhaber; Ajay K. Kakkar; Ramathibodi Hospital; Thrombosis & Atherosclerosis Research Institute; Seoul National University Bundang Hospital; Tokai University School of Medicine; University College London; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Thrombosis Research Institute; Veterans General Hospital-Taipei; Peking Union Medical College Hospital; The University of Hong Kong; Università degli Studi dell'Insubria; Kokura Kinen Hospital; Hospital AmpangBackground: Although epidemiological studies report a lower risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than in the Western world, VTE rates in Asia may be underestimated. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether VTE outcomes differ in Asia and the rest of the world (ROW). Methods: GARFIELD-VTE is a global, prospective, non-interventional study of real-world treatment practices. In this study, we compared baseline characteristics, treatment patterns, and 12-month outcomes in Asia and ROW. Results: Of the 10,684 enrolled patients, 1822 (17.1%) were Asian (China n = 420, Hong Kong n = 98, Japan n = 148, Malaysia n = 244, South Korea n = 343, Taiwan n = 232, Thailand n = 337). Compared with ROW patients, those from Asia were more often female (57.4% vs. 48.0%), non-smokers (74.0% vs. 58.9%) and had a lower BMI (24.8 kg/m2 vs. 29.1 kg/m2). Asian patients were more likely to be managed in the hospital (86.9% vs. 70.4%) and to have active cancer (19.8% vs. 8.1%) or a history of cancer (19.1% vs. 12.0%). Asian patients received no anticoagulation more frequently than ROW patients (6.5% vs. 2.1%). Over 12-months follow-up, the rate of all-cause mortality (per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval]) was higher in Asians (15.2 [13.4–17.3] vs. 5.9 [5.4–6.5]). Adjusted hazard ratios indicated a higher risk of all-cause mortality in Asian patients than the ROW (1.32 [1.08–1.62]). The frequencies of major bleeding and recurrent VTE were similar. Conclusion: Asian patients have different risk profiles, treatment patterns and a higher risk of mortality compared with the ROW.Publication Metadata only Effective low-cost preservation of human stools in field-based studies for helminth and microbiota analysis(2021-08-01) Katharina Stracke; Poom Adisakwattana; Suparat Phuanukoonnon; Tippayarat Yoonuan; Akkarin Poodeepiyasawat; Paron Dekumyoy; Kittipong Chaisiri; Alexandra Roth Schulze; Stephen Wilcox; Harin Karunajeewa; Rebecca J. Traub; Aaron R. Jex; Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; University of Melbourne; Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health SciencesMolecular studies of gastrointestinal infections or microbiotas require either rapid sample processing or effective interim preservation. This is difficult in remote settings in low-income countries, where the majority of the global infectious disease burden exists. Processing or freezing of samples immediately upon collection is often not feasible and the cost of commercial preservatives is prohibitive. We compared fresh freezing (the ‘gold standard’ method), with low-cost chemical preservation in (i) a salt-based buffer consisting of DMSO, EDTA and NaCl (DESS) or (ii) 2.5% potassium dichromate (PD), for soil-transmitted helminth detection and microbiota characterisation in pre-school and school-aged children from north-western Thailand. Fresh frozen samples were frozen at −20°C on collection and maintained at −80°C within ~3 days of collection until molecular analysis, with international shipping on dry ice. In contrast, chemically preserved samples were collected and stored at ~4°C, transported on wet ice and only stored at −20°C on arrival in Australia ~8 weeks after collection, with international shipping on wet ice. DESS and PD provided better sensitivity for STH diagnosis, estimating higher infection rates (>80% for Ascaris lumbricoides and >60% for Trichuris trichiura; versus 56% and 15% for these parasites in fresh frozen samples) and egg abundance (inferred as gene copy number estimates). All methods performed similarly for microbiota preservation, showing no significant differences in alpha-diversity based on overall richness or inverted Simpson's Index. All three methods performed similarly for RNA and protein preservation in a small subset of samples. Overall, DESS provided the best performance, with the added benefit of being non-toxic, compared with PD, hence making it particularly applicable for studies in remote and resource-poor settings.Publication Metadata only Periodontitis is associated with cardiovascular diseases: A 13-year study(2021-03-01) Niramol Tiensripojamarn; Attawood Lertpimonchai; Kanoknadda Tavedhikul; Artit Udomsak; Prin Vathesatogkit; Piyamitr Sritara; Orawan Charatkulangkun; Ramathibodi Hospital; Chulalongkorn University; Electricity Generating Authority of ThailandAim: To prospectively evaluate the association between periodontitis and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Thai adults. Materials and methods: Medical data from the questionnaires and physical examinations of 1850 participants aged 47‒73 years from EGAT study were gathered. Random half-mouth periodontal examination of each participant was performed by calibrated periodontists, and periodontal status was defined. The incidence of new CVD events, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, was verified by cardiologists. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Results: The prevalence of no/mild, moderate and severe periodontitis in the study participants was 11.7%, 52.7% and 35.6%, respectively. During the 13-year follow-up, CVD events occurred in 110 (5.9%) participants, with 82 (4.4%) from CHD and 28 (1.5%) from stroke. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, a significant association between severe periodontitis and the incidence of CHD was found compared with the no/mild periodontitis group with an HR of 4.53 (95% confidence intervals: 1.08‒19.02). However, no significant association was seen when considering total CVD events and stroke outcome. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that severe periodontitis is associated with an increased incidence of CHD, independent of established cardiovascular risk factors.Publication Metadata only Effects of intravenous tranexamic acid on ovarian reserve and intra-operative blood loss during laparoscopic cystectomy of endometriotic cyst: a pilot randomized controlled trial(2021-12-01) Prangthip Akkaranurakkul; Srithean Lertvikool; Woradej Hongsakorn; Orawin Vallibhakara; Siriluk Tantanavipas; Krissada Paiwattananupant; Wichai Ittichaikulthol; Apirom Vongsakulyanon; Sakda Arj Ong Vallibhakara; Makaramas Anantaburana; Areepan Sophonsritsuk; Ramathibodi Hospital; Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Strategies to preserve ovarian function after ovarian endometriotic cyst removal have been reported in many studies; however, no study has evaluated tranexamic acid administration during surgery. Objective: To evaluate feasibility of conducting a definitive trial and assessing the potential efficacy of tranexamic acid on ovarian reserve and intra-operative blood loss by comparing mean differences in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels following laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy between tranexamic acid and control groups. Materials and methods: A parallel two-arm pilot trial was conducted with 40 participants with endometriotic cysts who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. They were randomized 1:1 to either 1 g tranexamic acid (TXA) or no TXA (n = 20 per group). TXA was administered to the participants immediately after induction of general anesthesia and intubation. The primary outcome was the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial in terms of design and procedures (such as recruitment rate, retention, safety of intravenous 1 gm of TXA, sample size verification) and assess the efficacy of TXA on the ovarian reserve and intra-operative blood loss by comparing mean difference of AMH levels between TXA and control groups at pre- and 3 months post-surgery. Results: The recruitment and successful completion rates were 95% and 100%. Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. The mean difference of serum AMH levels (pre- and 3 months post-surgery) between the TXA and control groups was not significantly different. When performing a subgroup analysis, the mean difference of AMH levels (pre- and 3 months post-surgery) seemed to be higher in the bilateral than in the unilateral ovarian cyst group but not significantly different. Operating time was significantly longer in bilateral than in unilateral cysts. No post-operative complications or adverse effects were found. Conclusion: The full randomized controlled trial for evaluating effects of TXA administration during laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma on ovarian reserve was shown to be feasible. Several modifications should be added for improving feasibility, for example, increasing the TXA dose, modifying TXA administration, focusing on either patients with unilateral or bilateral ovarian cysts, and exploring other outcome measures, e.g., surgeons’ satisfaction. Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry, TCTR20190424002, Registered 24 April 2019.Publication Metadata only Improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia: recommendations for best clinical practice and the use of novel treatment strategies(2021-01-01) Ali T. Taher; Rayan Bou-Fakhredin; Antonis Kattamis; Vip Viprakasit; Maria Domenica Cappellini; Siriraj Hospital; American University of Beirut Medical Center; Università degli Studi di Milano; Ethnikó ke Kapodistriakó Panepistímio AthinónIntroduction: β-thalassemia is one of the most common inherited monogenic diseases. Many patients are dependent on a lifetime of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Although treatments have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL), life expectancy, and long-term health outcomes have improved in recent decades through safer RBC transfusion practices and better iron chelation strategies. Advances in the understanding of the pathology of β-thalassemia have led to the development of new treatment options that have the potential to reduce the RBC transfusion burden in patients with transfusion-dependent (TD) β-thalassemia and improve QoL. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of currently available treatments for patients with TD β-thalassemia, highlighting QoL issues, and providing an update on current clinical experience plus important practical points for two new treatments available for TD β-thalassemia: betibeglogene autotemcel (beti-cel) gene therapy and the erythroid maturation agent luspatercept, an activin ligand trap. Expert opinion: Approved therapies, including curative gene therapies and supportive treatments such as luspatercept, have the potential to reduce RBC transfusion burden, and improve clinical outcomes and QoL in patients with TD β-thalassemia. Cost of treatment is, however, likely to be a significant barrier for payors and patients.Publication Metadata only Interpretable SMILES-based QSAR model of inhibitory activity of sirtuins 1 and 2(2021-09-01) Apilak Worachartcheewan; Alla P. Toropova; Andrey A. Toropov; Reny Pratiwi; Virapong Prachayasittikul; Chanin Nantasenamat; Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) and sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) are NAD+-dependent histone deacetylases which play important functional roles in the removal of the acetyl group of acetyl-lysine substrates. Considering the dysregulation of Sirt1 and Sirt2 as etiological causes of diseases, Sirt1 and Sirt2 are lucrative target proteins for treatment, thus there has been great interest in the development of Sirt1 and Sirt2 inhibitors. Objective: This study compiled the bioactivity data of Sirt1 and Sirt2 for the construction of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models in accordance with the OECD principles. Methods: Simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES)-based molecular descriptors were used to characterize the molecular features of inhibitors while the Monte Carlo method of the CORAL software was employed for multivariate analysis. The dataset was subjected to 3 random splits in which each split separated the data into 4 subsets consisting of training, invisible training, calibration, and external sets. Results: Statistical indices for the evaluation of QSAR models suggested the good statistical quality of models of Sirt1 and Sirt2 inhibitors. Furthermore, mechanistic interpretation of molecular substructures that are responsible for modulating the bioactivity (i.e., promoters of increase or decrease of bioactivity) was extracted via the analysis of correlation weights. It exhibited molecular features involved in Sirt1 and Sirt2 inhibitors. Conclusion: It is anticipated that QSAR models presented herein can be useful as guidelines in the rational design of potential Sirt1 and Sirt2 inhibitors for the treatment of Sirtuin-related diseases.Publication Metadata only Epstein-barr virus infection alone or jointly with human papillomavirus associates with down-regulation of mir-145 in oral squamous-cell carcinoma(2021-12-01) Chukkris Heawchaiyaphum; Tipaya Ekalaksananan; Natcha Patarapadungkit; Suchin Worawichawong; Chamsai Pientong; Ramathibodi Hospital; Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University; Khon Kaen UniversityDown-regulation of tumor-suppressive miR-145 has been reported in various malignancies, including oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) that is influenced by several factors, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Oncoviruses can modulate the expression of cellular microRNAs. Therefore, we sought to investigate the association of miR-145 down-regulation in OSCC with EBV and/or HPV infection, which might be a possible mechanism of these viruses in oral carcinogenesis. Herein, prevalence of EBV, HPV, and their co-infection was significantly higher in tumors than normal tissues of OSCC. EBV infection alone or jointly with HPV was significantly associated with down-regulation of miR-145 in tumors compared with normal adjacent tissues. In cell lines infected with EBV or HPV, miR-145 was also down-regulated. Consistently, methylation of miR-145 was significantly greater in tumors, and well correlated with increased expression of DNMT3B, which was influenced by infection with EBV and HPV. In cell lines, only EBV infection was associated with increased expression of DNMT3B. Moreover, the level of EBV-LMP1 mRNA in tumors was negatively correlated with miR-145 and positively correlated with DNMT3B. Therefore, EBV alone or jointly with HPV is associated with down-regulation of miR-145 and may influence on miR-145 promoter methylation through the induction of DNMT3B in OSCC.Publication Metadata only Benefits of Thai Yoga on physical mobility and lower limb muscle strength in overweight/obese older women: A randomized controlled pilot trial(2021-05-01) Waree Widjaja; Thanarak Wongwattanapong; James J. Laskin; Amornpan Ajjimaporn; University of Montana; Mahidol UniversityBackground and purpose: Although Thai Yoga (TY) is reported to improve health-related fitness for the elderly, no study has yet carried out the effect of TY Program on physical mobility and lower-limb muscle strength in overweight/obese older women. Materials and methods: In a randomized controlled pilot design, twenty-two sedentary women with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2, aged 62 ± 1 years were randomly assigned to either a TY group for 60 min, 3 times a week or to a “no exercise” control (CON) group. Sit and reach (SRT), functional reach (FRT) and 30-s chair stand (CST-30), 8-foot up and go (8UGT), 6-min walk (6MWT)) and lower-limb muscle strength were measured at the beginning, 4, and 8 weeks. Results: At week 4, a significant between groups was obtained in CST-30, 8UGT, and 6MWT. At week 8, FRT, 8UGT, 6MWT and knee flexor and extensor muscle strength were improved in the TY over the CON. Significant improvement was found in all variables within the TY, but no change was observed in the CON. Conclusion: An 8-week TY program appears to provide beneficial improvements in physical mobility in overweight/obese older women.Publication Metadata only Bioethanol production from pretreated palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) using sequential enzymatic hydrolysis and yeast fermentation(2021-06-01) Supawadee Polprasert; Ornjira Choopakar; Panagiotis Elefsiniotis; Mahidol University; The University of Auckland; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT)This study investigated the effectiveness of steam pretreatment using distilled water or waste glycerol as solvents to produce soluble sugars via enzymatic hydrolysis of palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB). Subsequently, two yeast species (S. cerevisiae and P. stipitis) were introduced to stimulate the fermentation of the soluble sugars to ethanol. The fermentable sugar (glucose plus xylose) concentration generated during hydrolysis of pretreated PEFB was found to be mainly a function of the pretreatment conditions (i.e. type of solvent, liquid-phase pH, and reaction time) as well as the hydrolysis time. Glucose was the major component of fermentable sugar in all tests; while the xylose content fluctuated from 3 to over 40% of that of glucose, with the higher percentages obtained at the shortest pretreatment time. The use of alkaline waste glycerol (pH 11) as a solvent during pretreatment resulted in optimum hydrolysis with a mean fermentable sugar concentration of 51.5 ± 4.1 g/L, while the corresponding mean value of the waste glycerol tests (pH 8.3) was 35.3 ± 4.9 g/L. Regarding fermentation, alkaline waste glycerol pretreatment enhanced ethanol production by over 50% compared to distilled water. It was also observed that fermentation using a S. cerevisiae monoculture was more effective than that of an equivalent co-culture.Publication Metadata only Quantifying Avoidable Food Waste and Identifying Its Underlying Causes: A Case Study of a University Dormitory in Thailand(2021-01-01) Shimpei Iwasaki; Suphat Prasopsin; Thamarat Phutthai; Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University; Mahidol University; Fukuoka Women's UniversityTo develop well-planned and effective policies and programs for reducing avoidable food waste, it is important to quantify the actual food waste level in particular settings and assess relationships among consumers’ awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Recognizing these considerations, this paper measured avoidable food waste generated by university students living in dormitory buildings and identified its underlying causes in the case of Kanchanaburi campus, Mahidol University, Thailand. The study applied a food waste composition survey 18 times between January and May 2019 while administering questionnaires in October 2019 to the dormitory students. Based on these measures, the study identified 1,417 instances of avoidable food waste. Approximately half of the avoidable food waste had not even been eaten. Most of this waste was generated by female students. Some factors in terms of motivation, opportunity, and ability using a Motivation, Opportunity, Ability framework were found to have induced more food waste among female students. Due attention to the effect of avoidable food waste reduction includes educating dormitory students about food waste as well as more space and increased visibility of stored food in shared refrigerators. Targeting university students for reducing avoidable food waste in the setting of everyday life in dormitories is needed rather than simply focusing on the food service sector on campus.Publication Metadata only A simple and efficient preparation of bis(indolyl)methanes catalyzed by HCl/silica gel under solvent-free conditions(2021-01-01) Praewpan Katrun; Karnjana Atthawilai; Chutima Kuhakarn; Khon Kaen University; Mahidol UniversityA rapid, simple and efficient method for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) via the electrophilic substitution reaction of indoles with benzaldehydes promoted by hydrochloric acid supported on silica gel was developed. The advantages of the present method entail short reaction times, high yields, ease of experimental method and product isolation, benign reaction conditions and low cost.Publication Metadata only Evaluation of the binding mechanism of human defensin 5 in a bacterial membrane: A simulation study(2021-11-01) Tadsanee Awang; Phoom Chairatana; Ranjit Vijayan; Prapasiri Pongprayoon; Siriraj Hospital; Kasetsart University; United Arab Emirates UniversityHuman α-defensin 5 (HD5) is a host-defense peptide exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer on the Gram-negative bacterial membrane acts as a barrier to HD5 insertion. Therefore, the pore formation and binding mechanism remain unclear. Here, the binding mechanisms at five positions along the bacterial membrane axis were investigated using Molecular Dynamics. (MD) simulations. We found that HD5 initially placed at positions 1 to 3 moved up to the surface, while HD5 positioned at 4 and 5 remained within the membrane interacting with the middle and inner leaflet of the membrane, respectively. The arginines were key components for tighter binding with 3-deoxy-d-manno-octulosonic acid (KDO), phosphates of the outer and inner leaflets. KDO appeared to retard the HD5 penetration.