Scopus 2022
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Item Metadata only Microencapsulation of Lysiphyllum strychnifolium extract using pectin as a carrier matrix and its characterization(2022-02-08) Goli A.S.; Leanpolchareanchai J.; Chewchinda S.; Yahuafai J.; Nontakham J.; Sato H.; Sato V.H.; Goli A.S.; Mahidol UniversityLysiphyllum strychnifolium (Craib) A. Schmitz (LS, Fabaceae) is one of the folklore medicines in Thailand. The previous studies have demonstrated several pharmacological activities and high polyphenolic substances possessed by this plant. However, the suitable encapsulation of LS extract has not been discovered. This study aimed to develop LS microcapsules using spray-drying technique with pectin as a carrier. Moreover, the powder analysis and characterization were also conducted. The effects of inlet temperatures (80, 100, and 120°C) and carrier concentrations (1, 5, and 10 %w/v) on the encapsulation yield (EY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), total phenolic content (TPC), and main markers (trilobatin and yanangdaengin) of LS microcapsules were studied. Finally, the characterization was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results indicated that S2 microcapsule formulation, pectin to extract ratio 10:1 (w/w) at inlet temperature of 100°C, was chosen as the optimal condition because of the positive tendency to acquire higher EE as pectin level was increased. On the contrary, the level of TPC and markers was reduced due to the more addition of pectin. The FTIR, XRD, and DSC results suggested that the well-encapsulated microcapsules were obtained for S2 formulation and SEM represented the semi-spherical structure of its microstructures. The development of LS microcapsules with the proximity to gain the advantageous powder analysis and characteristic has been achieved. Therefore, this approach could be used for the subsequent manufacturing of LS extract.Item Metadata only Hospital pharmacists’ satisfaction with antimicrobial resistance management in Thailand(2022-02-08) Khunjan S.; Anuratpanich L.; Pumtong S.; Khunjan S.; Mahidol UniversitySince 2017, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) management has been one of the key performance indicators (KPIs) of tertiary hospitals in Thailand. Pharmacists are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team combating AMR in hospitals. There has been no previous research on Thai pharmacists’ satisfaction with AMR management. This study aimed to investigate hospital pharmacists’ opinions, attitudes, and job satisfaction regarding AMR management as well as the relationships between variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Self-administered questionnaires were posted to both public and private hospitals (n=1,298) across Thailand. Between April and July of 2021, data was collected. Descriptive statistics, Mann Whitney U test, and Kruskal Wallis test were used for analysis. A total of 249 pharmacists who were actively involved in AMR management in their hospitals completed questionnaires. The response rate was 19.2%. The respondents’ average age was 37.20±8.2 years. Most of the pharmacists (77.5%) were female. The average number of years spent as a hospital pharmacist was 12.3±8.2. Approximately 63% believed it was worthwhile to work in AMR management and they liked their current job. Secondary hospital pharmacists had more favorable attitudes than tertiary hospital pharmacists. In terms of job satisfaction, pharmacists in secondary hospitals reported higher level of satisfaction with their salary than pharmacists in the tertiary hospitals (p=0.000). Regarding gender, work competency and career path were found to be statistically significant (p < .05). Males expressed greater satisfaction with work competency than females, whereas females expressed greater satisfaction with their career path. Pharmacists' opinions, attitudes, and job satisfaction with AMR management were significantly positively associated. It can be stated that the hospital pharmacists were optimistic about AMR management. While the majority of them expressed satisfaction with their jobs, improving some factors such as job-related skills and career path is necessary to retain health care professionals in hospitals.Item Metadata only Antimicrobial effect of coconut oil on Staphylococcus aureus: an implication of Staphylococcus epidermidis induced fermentation(2022-02-08) Mahaklan L.; Pratuangdejkul J.; Satitpatipan V.; Mahaklan L.; Mahidol UniversityStaphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal bacterium of human skin. S. epidermidis possesses lipolytic activity to digest skin surface lipids into the smallest unit of fatty acids (FAs). Most FAs hold antimicrobial properties essential for protecting skin from invading microorganisms. In this study, we were interested in virgin coconut oil (VCO), the source of several medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) such as lauric acid and caprylic acid. Those MCFAs products demonstrated remarkable antibacterial activity. Our results showed that crude supernatant from the culture medium of S. epidermidis with VCO fermentation exhibited the growth inhibition effect on Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium causes a wide range of skin diseases. A co-culture of S. epidermidis and S. aureus in a rich medium with 2.5% (v/v) VCO significantly reduced the growth of S. aureus compared to those without VCO (p-value <0.05). Moreover, time-kill kinetics study showed that the supernatant from the culture medium of S. epidermidis with VCO fermentation showed an efficient antimicrobial activity against S. aureus after 18 hours of incubation. Our results concluded that the culture of S. epidermidis with VCO plausibly induced fermentation of natural lipid sources aiming the production of MCFAs with antibacterial activity, particularly suppression of skin pathogen S. aureus growth. The skin commensal bacterium S. epidermidis might help produce MCFAs from skin products containing VCO and make more benefits for skin infection protection.Item Metadata only CRISP: a deep learning architecture for GC × GC-TOFMS contour ROI identification, simulation and analysis in imaging metabolomics(2022-03-10) Mathema V.B.; Duangkumpha K.; Wanichthanarak K.; Jariyasopit N.; Dhakal E.; Sathirapongsasuti N.; Kitiyakara C.; Sirivatanauksorn Y.; Khoomrung S.; Mathema V.B.; Mahidol UniversityTwo-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) provides a large amount of molecular information from biological samples. However, the lack of a comprehensive compound library or customizable bioinformatics tool is currently a challenge in GC × GC-TOFMS data analysis. We present an open-source deep learning (DL) software called contour regions of interest (ROI) identification, simulation and untargeted metabolomics profiler (CRISP). CRISP integrates multiple customizable deep neural network architectures for assisting the semi-automated identification of ROIs, contour synthesis, resolution enhancement and classification of GC × GC-TOFMS-based contour images. The approach includes the novel aggregate feature representative contour (AFRC) construction and stacked ROIs. This generates an unbiased contour image dataset that enhances the contrasting characteristics between different test groups and can be suitable for small sample sizes. The utility of the generative models and the accuracy and efficacy of the platform were demonstrated using a dataset of GC × GC-TOFMS contour images from patients with late-stage diabetic nephropathy and healthy control groups. CRISP successfully constructed AFRC images and identified over five ROIs to create a deepstacked dataset. The high fidelity, 512 × 512-pixels generative model was trained as a generator with a Fréchet inception distance of <47.00. The trained classifier achieved an AUROC of >0.96 and a classification accuracy of >95.00% for datasets with and without column bleed. Overall, CRISP demonstrates good potential as a DL-based approach for the rapid analysis of 4-D GC × GC-TOFMS untargeted metabolite profiles by directly implementing contour images. CRISP is available at https://github.com/vivekmathema/GCxGC-CRISP.Item Metadata only A nursing perspective of the financial planning model for disaster preparedness(2022-01-01) Margono; Hidayah N.; Krongthaeo S.; Margono; Mahidol UniversityIndonesia tends to be at a high risk of natural disasters, non-natural disasters, and social disasters. To minimize disaster impact, planning and management of finances are crucial. Unfortunately, a nursing study discussing the financial model during a disaster is lacking in the literature. The study aims to develop a financial planning model integrating Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center in Magelang, Indonesia. An observational approach was involved in the study design. The member of One Muhammadiyah One Response (OMOR) in several districts was engaged. A checklist and closed-ended questions were used for the data collection process. The study established a financial planning model that can be helpful for community nurses working in disaster areas. Fur ther study is required to evaluate the collaboration with other healthcare professionals in disaster preparedness.Item Metadata only Thaitone Colors: Language Structure and Relationship to Thai Society(2022-01-01) Taibanguai K.; Srichampa S.; Taibanguai K.; Mahidol UniversityThis article aims to analyze the language structure of basic color terms and non-basic color terms of Thaitone and to examine how these color terms relate to culture and environment in the Thai context. The present research uses analysis based on ethnolinguistic concepts, semantic fields and sociocultural perspectives. The results indicate that 156 Thaitone colors can be divided into ten groups: red, yellow, orange, green, black, white, blue, purple, gold, and brown. Thaitone colors are currently at the seventh stage of the Berlin & Kay's hierarchy of basic color terms and consist of nine basic color terms, except sky blue, dark blue, and pink. Thaitone naming construction can be seen in both basic and non-basic color terms. For basic color terms, only one method appears—basic color term without comparison—while four constructions have been developed for non-basic color terms: 1) non-basic terms without comparison, 2) non-basic color terms with comparison added, 3) non-basic color terms with modifying words added, and 4) only comparison words. All comparison words are found to be the name of entities consisting of 90 inanimate names, 19 animate names, and 6 supernatural names. The semantic domains show that these color terms are closely linked to Thai society and the environment. This relationship can be observed in four basic concepts, namely: 1) Thai society adheres to beliefs, faith, and religious power; 2) Thai society is rich in natural objects; 3) Thai society has a variety of ways of life; and 4) Thai society places a strong emphasis on rhetoric.Item Metadata only The 2021 WHO catalogue of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex mutations associated with drug resistance: a genotypic analysis(2022-04-01) Walker T.M.; Miotto P.; Köser C.U.; Fowler P.W.; Knaggs J.; Iqbal Z.; Hunt M.; Chindelevitch L.; Farhat M.R.; Cirillo D.M.; Comas I.; Posey J.; Omar S.V.; Peto T.E.A.; Suresh A.; Uplekar S.; Laurent S.; Colman R.E.; Nathanson C.M.; Zignol M.; Walker A.S.; Crook D.W.; Ismail N.; Rodwell T.C.; Barilar I.; Battaglia S.; Borroni E.; Brandao A.P.; Brankin A.; Cabibbe A.M.; Carter J.; Chetty D.; Claxton P.; Clifton D.A.; Cohen T.; Coronel J.; Dreyer V.; Earle S.G.; Escuyer V.; Ferrazoli L.; Gao G.F.; Gardy J.; Gharbia S.; Ghisi K.T.; Ghodousi A.; Cruz A.L.G.; Grazian C.; Groenheit R.; Guthrie J.L.; He W.; Hoffmann H.; Hoosdally S.J.; Jarrett L.; Joseph L.; Jou R.; Kambli P.; Khot R.; Koch A.; Kohl T.A.; Kohlerschmidt D.; Kouchaki S.; Lachapelle A.S.; Lalvani A.; Grandjean L.; Lapierre S.G.; Laurenson I.F.; Letcher B.; Lin W.H.; Liu C.; Liu D.; Malone K.M.; Mandal A.; Masjö M.; Matias D.; Meintjes G.; Mendes F.F.; Merker M.; Mihalic M.; Millard J.; Mistry N.; Moore D.A.J.; Musser K.A.; Ngcamu D.; Hoang N.N.; Niemann S.; Nilgiriwala K.S.; Nimmo C.; O'Donnell M.; Okozi N.; Oliveira R.S.; Paton N.I.; Pinhata J.M.W.; Plesnik S.; Puyen Z.M.; Rabodoarivelo M.S.; Rakotosamimanana N.; Rancoita P.M.V.; Rathod P.; Robinson E.R.; Rodger G.; Walker T.M.; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Molecular diagnostics are considered the most promising route to achievement of rapid, universal drug susceptibility testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). We aimed to generate a WHO-endorsed catalogue of mutations to serve as a global standard for interpreting molecular information for drug resistance prediction. Methods: In this systematic analysis, we used a candidate gene approach to identify mutations associated with resistance or consistent with susceptibility for 13 WHO-endorsed antituberculosis drugs. We collected existing worldwide MTBC whole-genome sequencing data and phenotypic data from academic groups and consortia, reference laboratories, public health organisations, and published literature. We categorised phenotypes as follows: methods and critical concentrations currently endorsed by WHO (category 1); critical concentrations previously endorsed by WHO for those methods (category 2); methods or critical concentrations not currently endorsed by WHO (category 3). For each mutation, we used a contingency table of binary phenotypes and presence or absence of the mutation to compute positive predictive value, and we used Fisher's exact tests to generate odds ratios and Benjamini-Hochberg corrected p values. Mutations were graded as associated with resistance if present in at least five isolates, if the odds ratio was more than 1 with a statistically significant corrected p value, and if the lower bound of the 95% CI on the positive predictive value for phenotypic resistance was greater than 25%. A series of expert rules were applied for final confidence grading of each mutation. Findings: We analysed 41 137 MTBC isolates with phenotypic and whole-genome sequencing data from 45 countries. 38 215 MTBC isolates passed quality control steps and were included in the final analysis. 15 667 associations were computed for 13 211 unique mutations linked to one or more drugs. 1149 (7·3%) of 15 667 mutations were classified as associated with phenotypic resistance and 107 (0·7%) were deemed consistent with susceptibility. For rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, fluoroquinolones, and streptomycin, the mutations' pooled sensitivity was more than 80%. Specificity was over 95% for all drugs except ethionamide (91·4%), moxifloxacin (91·6%) and ethambutol (93·3%). Only two resistance mutations were identified for bedaquiline, delamanid, clofazimine, and linezolid as prevalence of phenotypic resistance was low for these drugs. Interpretation: We present the first WHO-endorsed catalogue of molecular targets for MTBC drug susceptibility testing, which is intended to provide a global standard for resistance interpretation. The existence of this catalogue should encourage the implementation of molecular diagnostics by national tuberculosis programmes. Funding: Unitaid, Wellcome Trust, UK Medical Research Council, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.Item Metadata only A COMPARISON OF FOREST REGENERATION IN AN ABANDONED RUBBER PLANTATION AND LOGGED-OVER FOREST WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR FOREST-ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION IN SOUTHEAST THAILAND(2022-01-01) Kansuntisukmongkol K.; Brockelman W.Y.; Wongprom P.; Maxwell J.F.; Kansuntisukmongkol K.; Mahidol UniversityRubber plantations have been encroaching into upland areas in Southeast Asia for many decades. Such monocultural expansion is a major driver of deforestation in many countries. In Thailand, illegal rubber plantations are subject to government forfeiture and most have been abandoned, allowing subsequent forest regeneration. In Rayong Province, Southeast Thailand, rubber has expanded into upland forest areas since 1987. Here, we report on tree regeneration and ground flora in a rubber plantation abandoned 20 years ago in semi-evergreen forest in the province and compare it with a regenerating forest that was selectively logged prior to 1978. We also surveyed mammals and birds at each site, to determine the potential for zoochorous seed dispersal. The tree flora (≥10 cm DBH) of the abandoned rubber plantation was dominated by Leucaena leucocephala (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae), and the sapling layer (1–5 cm DBH) by Streblus ilicifolius (Moraceae). The non-native L. leucocephala had been introduced by the plantation owner to enrich the soil. Rubber trees (up to 33 years old) still dominated the upper canopy. Native small-tree density (5–10 cm DBH) was 66% higher and native large-tree density (≥10 cm DBH) was 24% lower in the abandoned rubber plantation (ARP) than in the logged evergreen forest (LEF), indicating an earlier successional status in the former. Species richness and diversity of woody plants were higher in the LEF than in the ARP in most strata, except for tree and shrub species ≥5 cm DBH, of which 73 species had re-established in the ARP (despite competition from the alien L. leucocephala), compared with 63 species in the LEF. Native liana species were common in both plots (22 species in the ARP; 24 in the LEF). Of all native trees and shrubs ≥5 cm in DBH in the ARP 73% were known to be dispersed by animals, in comparison with 79% for the LEF. Longterm research is needed to determine if native species, recruiting into the ARP from nearby logged natural forests, will be able to outcompete the alien species and become dominant.Item Metadata only Blended learning in acids and bases: an alternative to science teaching for lower secondary schools(2022-08-01) Cyril N.; Coll S.; Ketpichainarong W.; Rajoo M.; Cyril N.; Mahidol UniversityThis literature suggests that using a blended approach to learning by incorporating digital technologies may be more appealing to students than merely using digital devices. This experimental research reported in this work investigated if blended learning using a virtual learning environment improved students’ understanding of acid–base chemistry. The sample was drawn from Grade 8 students and compared the performance of students taught using formal learning and blended learning approaches. A total of 53 students from two different classes, were conveniently assigned to experimental (N = 22) and control (N = 31) groups. Data comprised pre- and post-tests of conceptual understanding, focus group interviews, examination of digital postings, student-written responses, and teacher planning diaries. Statistically significant differences were seen in the academic performance of the experimental group. The findings thus may suggest the use of a blended learning environment improves student understanding when learning acids and bases compared to the control group.Item Metadata only Endotracheal intubation of patients in left semi‑prone position before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A randomised controlled study(2022-10-01) Apinyachon W.; Thamnoranart M.; Lavanrattanakul P.; Sangasilpa I.; Suragul W.; Apinyachon W.; Mahidol UniversityBackground and Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is generally performed with the patient in the left semi‑prone position. The patients are usually intubated in the supine position and subsequently turned to the left semi‑prone position. This turning procedure may cause the injuries to the patient or unstable haemodynamics. Previous studies show that the success rates of intubation in the lateral position are comparable to that of intubation in the supine position, even so, there are some difficulties. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the effect of the semi‑prone position on the success rate of intubation. Methods: This randomised controlled trial included 88 patients aged 18 to 80 years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA PS) of I–III with no predicted difficult intubation, and who were undergoing ERCP. The subjects were randomly assigned to be intubated in the supine or semi‑prone position. The 44 patients in the supine group were intubated in the supine position. The other 44 patients were intubated in the semi‑prone position. The primary outcome was the success rate of the first intubation attempt. Results: There were no differences between the two groups in age, ASA PS and preoperative airway characteristics. Endotracheal intubation was successful in all patients with the first intubation attempt successful in 43 patients (97.7%) in the supine group and 42 (95.5%) in the semi‑prone group (P = 0.556). Conclusion: For patients undergoing ERCP, the success rate of endotracheal intubation in the left semi‑prone position was comparable to that in the supine position.Item Metadata only SCOPING REVIEW: FATHERHOOD AND MASCULINITY AS SMOKING CESSATION AIDS(2022-12-29) Rohmah N.; Lamy F.R.; Felix M.S.; Phukao D.; Rohmah N.; Mahidol UniversitySmoking behavior, particularly among young fathers, has become a worldwide concern. However, men’s smoking behavior with partners is still the subject of limited research. This scoping review analyzes the available information, identifies research gaps, and offers viable future study topics as the first step toward such a synthesis. The purpose of this study was to identify factors of reasons for smoking and reasons for quitting smoking in young fathers. Systematic searches for published, empirical studies with an explicit goal were conducted in two databases: google scholar and PubMed; frequent searches for published empirical research with an express purpose were done. The PRISMA flowchart depicted fifty-seven (2004-2021) relevant studies. The results identified the reason to continue smoking, reason for smoking cessation, father’s role in smoking cessation, and masculine influence on smoking cessation. In conclusion, smoking is one of the stress management efforts when this is the point of a father, whether to continue smoking to reduce stress or decide to stop smoking for family health reasons. This scoping review contributes to furthering gender focus on males and health promotion programs in preventive non-communicable disease attributes from tobacco seen from a social context.Item Metadata only Contamination of bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) in human urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) samples and their effects on uEVs study(2022-12-01) Noonin C.; Peerapen P.; Thongboonkerd V.; Noonin C.; Mahidol UniversityBacterial overgrowth is common for improperly stored urine. However, its effects on human urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) study had not been previously examined nor documented. This study investigated the presence of bacterial EVs (bEVs) contaminated in uEVs samples and their effects on uEVs study. Nanoscale uEVs were isolated from normal human urine immediately after collection (0-h) or after 25°C-storage with/without preservative (10 mM NaN3) for up to 24-h. Turbidity, bacterial count and total uEVs proteins abnormally increased in the 8-h and 24-h-stored urine without NaN3. NanoLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS identified 6–13 bacterial proteins in these contaminated uEVs samples. PCR also detected bacterial DNAs in these contaminated uEVs samples. Besides, uEVs derived from 8-h and 24-h urine without NaN3 induced macrophage activation (CD11b and phagocytosis) and secretion of cytokines (IFN-α, IL-8, and TGF-β) from macrophages and renal cells (HEK-293, HK-2, and MDCK). All of these effects induced by bacterial contamination were partially/completely prevented by NaN3. Interestingly, macrophage activation and cytokine secretion were also induced by bEVs purified from Escherichia coli. This study clearly shows evidence of bEVs contamination and their effects on human uEVs study when the urine samples were inappropriately stored, whereas NaN3 can partially/completely prevent such effects from the contaminated bEVs.Item Metadata only Low-fat, Plant-based Ice Creams Formulated with Rice Bran Oil and Rice Bran Oil Organogel(2022-01-01) Jaroennon P.; Nuanchankong J.; Lilitchan S.; Manakla S.; Jaroennon P.; Mahidol UniversityLow-fat, plant-based ice creams were novelty formulated by replacing milk with rice bran oil and rice bran oil organogel emulsion. The protein in milk was substituted by soy protein. The viscosity and emulsion stability of the plant-based ice cream mixtures were measured and compared with conventional milk ice cream. Frozen ice cream properties, including overrun, firmness and melt down rate were investigated as well as nutritional and sensory properties. Result found that the viscosity of the plant-based ice cream mix including organogel (398 mPa·s) and rice bran oil (363 mPa·s) exhibited higher value than those of conventional ice cream mix (289 mPa·s). The emulsion stability of milk, organogel and rice bran oil ice cream mixtures were 88.72±0.80, 88.00±0.10 and 80.12±0.65, respectively. The overrun of organogel ice cream (38.31± 0.91) showed lower quality characteristics than the milk ice cream (39.40±1.03) while rice bran oil ice cream had the lowest overrun (37.02±0.01) (P<0.05). The reduction of overrun related with texture of ice cream. The firmness of rice bran oil ice cream (16.4±0.91) showed lower quality characteristics than organogel ice cream (15.3± 0.87) followed by the milk ice cream (14.4±0.91). The melt down rate of plant-based ice creams (organogel: 0.46±1.75, rice bran oil: 0.45±1.65) are improved when compared with the milk ice cream (0.67±1.65) may be because of high viscous of ice cream mix and the properties of soy protein. The nutritional properties were improved for plant-based ice cream formulations. Especially, total fat content of organogel was lower than rice bran oil because of the lower fat of organogel. Sensory testing scores of the taste and flavors was decreased as well as appearance and color characteristics. Texture and body of the organogel ice creams were not different when compared to the conventional milk ice cream. Although, firmness of organogel was higher than conventional ice cream but panelists cannot perceive the difference. Nevertheless, rice bran oil ice cream had the lowest score (P<0.05) in texture and body which may be due to the high firmness value. Therefore, low-fat, plant-based ice cream formulated with rice bran oil organogel is a successful approach in order to obtain lower fat without compromising their qualities except the taste and flavor because of soy protein flavor.Item Metadata only VERIFYING AND GENERALIZING ARNDT’S COMPOSITIONS(2022-12-01) Hopkins B.; Tangboonduangjit A.; Hopkins B.; Mahidol UniversityIn 2013, Joerg Arndt recorded that the Fibonacci numbers count integer compositions where the first part is greater than the second, the third part is greater than the fourth, etc. We provide two combinatorial proofs that verify his observation. Also, we generalize the descent condition and establish families of recurrence relations. Compositions with parts restricted to 1 and 2 play an important role.Item Metadata only “We face the same risk as the other health workers”: Perceptions and experiences of community pharmacists in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic(2022-07-01) Wulandari L.P.L.; Khan M.; Probandari A.; Batura N.; Ferdiana A.; Mashuri Y.A.; Wibawa T.; Daraninggar D.; Dewi B.K.; Day R.; Jan S.; Schierhout G.; Yeung S.; Wiseman V.; Liverani M.; Wulandari L.P.L.; Mahidol UniversityIn many countries, community pharmacies have played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing essential medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE), disseminating information on disease prevention and management, and referring clients to health facilities. In recognition of this, there are increasing calls for an improved understanding of the challenges and experiences faced by these providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a view to providing them with better support and guidance now and during future emergencies. Between January and February 2021 we conducted 21 qualitative interviews to explore the experiences, safety concerns, and attitudes of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians during the COVID-19 crisis in Indonesia, a country that has recorded more than four million cases since the start of the pandemic. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on pharmacy practices in Indonesia. Most participants implemented preventive measures and adapted their business models to the changing circumstances. The shift to remote sales and home delivery allowed many pharmacies to maintain, and even increase their profit margins due to greater demand for medicines and PPE. However, many participants were concerned about the increased risk of infection due to limited social distancing and prolonged interactions with clients, many of whom displayed COVID-19 symptoms. Importantly, there was a general perception that the government did not sufficiently recognize these risks. In conclusion, the government should consider developing additional operational guidelines and regulatory frameworks to improve the safety, operation, and involvement of community pharmacies in the current pandemic response efforts and any future public health emergencies.Item Metadata only RESOLVING PHYLOGENETIC AND TAXONOMIC CONFLICT IN BEGONIA(2022-08-18) Ardi W.H.; Campos-Domínguez L.; Chung K.F.; Dong W.K.; Drinkwater E.; Fuller D.; Gagul J.; Garnett G.J.L.; Girmansyah D.; Goodall-Copestake W.P.; Hughes M.; Jacques E.L.; Jara-Muñoz O.A.; Julia S.; Kidner C.A.; Kiew R.; Krishna N.; Li R.; Marasinghe L.D.K.; Maw M.B.; Lin C.W.; Moonlight P.W.; Nguyen H.T.; Nguyen H.Q.; Phutthai T.; Pradeep A.K.; Rajbhandary S.; Rubite R.R.; Scherberich D.; Souvannakhoummane K.; Sreenath M.; Tebbitt M.C.; Thomas D.C.; Tian D.; Tseng Y.H.; Wilson H.P.; Ardi W.H.; Mahidol UniversityBegonia is the world’s fastest-growing genus and a focus of intense taxonomic research. To support this, a stable and useful sectional classification is needed. This paper reviews the feasibility and challenges of creating an infrageneric classification for Begonia based on phylogenetic data, and how to overcome phylogenetic and taxonomic conflict. In particular, it (i) tests genus-wide patterns of incongruence between phylogenies based on the nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes; (ii) explains organelle inheritance and its contribution to phylogenetic incongruence, and (iii) presents a manifesto for a workable and stable subgeneric classification in light of the above and lays the foundation for a collaborative Begonia Phylogeny Group.Item Metadata only Diversity and lipolytic activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented foods and plant materials in Thailand(2022-01-01) Techo S.; Kuncharoen N.; Tanasupawat S.; Techo S.; Mahidol UniversityLactic acid bacteria (LAB) originated from fermented foods, are generally known to possess the lipolytic activity which provides the desirable flavor of the products. However, the researches on their lipolytic activity are limited. Therefore, LAB with lipolytic activity derived from traditional fermented foods and plants in Thailand were isolated and identified based on the phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequences. The isolates were identified as Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (four isolates), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (three isolates), Limosilactobacillus fermentum (four isolates), Enterococcus hirae (two isolates), and each isolate of Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Companilactobacillus tucceti, Companilactobacillus farciminis, Lacticaseibacillus porcinae, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Lipolytic activity of isolates was in the range of 0.16 ± 0.01–1.07 ± 0.02 U/mL. Enterococcus faecalis MP1-3 from mum displayed the highest lipolytic activity (1.07 ± 0.02 U/mL). Various inducers including tributyrin, Tween 20, Tween 40, Tween 60, Tween 80, and palm oil were used for lipolytic activity assay of isolate MP1-3 which cultivated in production medium at 30°C for 72 h. The greatest lipolytic activity (3.28 ± 0.22 U/mL) was found when supplemented the medium with Tween 20. The results suggest that Enterococcus faecalis MP1-3 could be chosen for further lipase purification and characterization.Item Metadata only SIX NEW SPECIES OF WURFBAINIA (ZINGIBERACEAE) FROM THAILAND(2022-05-03) Kaewsri W.; Sangvirotjanapat S.; Kaewsri W.; Mahidol UniversitySix new species are described from Thailand: Wurfbainia ellipticarpa, W. geostachyoides, W. globosa, W. longiflora, W. parviflora and W. yingyongii. A line drawing and photographs, information on phenology, distribution, ecology and etymology, and a proposed IUCN conservation category are provided for each species. A key to the species of Wurfbainia in Thailand is also provided.Item Metadata only Contribution of genetic factors to high rates of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia on the Thailand-Myanmar border(2022-06-01) Bancone G.; Gornsawun G.; Peerawaranun P.; Penpitchaporn P.; Paw M.K.; Poe D.D.; Win D.; Cicelia N.; Mukaka M.; Archasuksan L.; Thielemans L.; Nosten F.; White N.J.; McGready R.; Carrara V.I.; Bancone G.; Mahidol UniversityVery high unconjugated bilirubin plasma concentrations in neonates (neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia; NH) may cause neurologic damage (kernicterus). Both increased red blood cell turn-over and immaturity of hepatic glucuronidation contribute to neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. The incidence of NH requiring phototherapy during the first week of life on the Thailand-Myanmar border is high (approximately 25%). On the Thailand-Myanmar border we investigated the contribution of genetic risk factors to high bilirubin levels in the first month of life in 1596 neonates enrolled in a prospective observational birth cohort study. Lower gestational age (<38 weeks), mutations in the genes encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and uridine 50-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1 were identified as the main independent risk factors for NH in the first week, and for prolonged jaundice in the first month of life. Population attributable risks (PAR%) were 61.7% for lower gestational age, 22.9% for hemi or homozygous and 9.9% for heterozygous G6PD deficiency respectively, and 6.3% for UGT1A1*6 homozygosity. In neonates with an estimated gestational age ≥ 38 weeks, G6PD mutations contributed PARs of 38.1% and 23.6% for “early” (≤ 48 hours) and “late” (49–168 hours) NH respectively. For late NH, the PAR for UGT1A1*6 homozygosity was 7.7%. Maternal excess weight was also a significant risk factor for “early” NH while maternal mutations on the beta-globin gene, prolonged rupture of membranes, large haematomas and neonatal sepsis were risk factors for “late” NH. For prolonged jaundice during the first month of life, G6PD mutations and UGT1A1*6 mutation, together with lower gestational age at birth and presence of haematoma were significant risk factors. In this population, genetic factors contribute considerably to the high risk of NH. Diagnostic tools to identify G6PD deficiency at birth would facilitate early recognition of high risk cases.Item Metadata only Rapid review of the front-of-pack labelling schemes in Thailand(2022-11-01) Suya I.; Lorenzetti L.; Lebrun V.; Poowanasatien A.; Jones A.; Pettigrew S.; Bhatia T.; Kantachuvesiri S.; Hanbunjerd K.; Vijitsoonthornkul K.; Yuan M.; Saenyakul P.; Kowal P.; Suya I.; Mahidol UniversityThailand has used front-of-pack labelling (FoPL) policies to support its public health objectives of improving consumer nutrition to reduce the risk of noncommunicable disease. A rapid literature review explored the current types of FoPL systems in Thailand and how they are understood by consumers. Twelve studies were included, most of which examined the mandatory Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) label. Evidence showed gaps in consumer comprehension of the GDA—consistent with international literature demonstrating the GDA is not as effective at improving identification and choice of healthier foods as interpretive labels. Thai consumers reported somewhat better comprehension when colors or text were added to the GDA. Thai stakeholders should consider supplementing or replacing the GDA with one of the newer FoPL systems shown to be more effective in other countries. More rigorous research is necessary to ensure potential FoPL schemes have intended effects among Thai consumers to inform policy action.