Scopus 2022
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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.Item Metadata only Development of nine microsatellite loci for Trypanosoma lewisi, a potential human pathogen in Western Africa and South-East Asia, and preliminary population genetics analyses(2022-01-01) Ségard A.; Romero A.; Ravel S.; Truc P.; Dobigny G.; Gauthier P.; Etougbetche J.; Dossou H.J.; Badou S.; Houéménou G.; Morand S.; Chaisiri K.; Noûs C.; de Meeûs T.; Ségard A.; Mahidol UniversityTrypanosoma lewisi belongs to the so-called atypical trypanosomes that occasionally affect humans. It shares the same hosts and flea vector of other medically relevant pathogenic agents as Yersinia pestis, the agent of plague. Increasing knowledge on the population structure (reproductive mode, population size, dispersal) of this parasite thus represents a challenging but important issue. The use of polymorphic genetic markers, together with suitable population genetics tools, is a convenient way to achieve such objectives. To date, the population biology of T. lewisi is poorly known and, to our knowledge, no population genetics studies have ever been conducted. Here, we present the development of nine microsatellite markers of this species. We investigated their polymorphism in different countries from Africa and South-East Asia from DNAs extracted from the spleen of their rodent reservoirs (essentially rat species). Several amplification problems arose, especially with SouthEast Asian individuals. This led to retain only those individuals with complete genotypes (most of them originating from West Africa, notably Cotonou, Benin) to ensure an optimal estimate of het-erozygosity. Our results pointed towards a mainly (at least 95-99%) clonal mode of propagation, a strong subdivision at the smallest scale available (i.e., urban neighborhoods, i.e. 0.250 km²), and a generation time most probably shorter than 4 months. In future studies, more extensive sampling at smaller geographic scales (i.e., households), within a one-or two-months window and with improved amplification conditions, should lead to a more precise picture of the fine population structure of this parasite.Item Metadata only The monkeypox virus: A public health challenge threatening Africa(2022-12-01) Manirambona E.; Musa S.S.; Shomuyiwa D.O.; Salam F.A.; John O.O.; Dinyo D.G.A.; Haruna U.A.; Sow A.U.; Lucero-Prisno D.E.; Ezie K.N.; Samai M.; Aziato L.; Manirambona E.; Mahidol UniversityOn 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization reported monkeypox cases in over 75 countries and, as a result, declared the virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Despite Africa being the centre of the zoonotic disease evolution, its healthcare systems have not provided optimum attention to the problem. The African healthcare system is under the threat of a repeat of the situation that transpired during the COVID-19 pandemonium if stringent measures are not implemented immediately. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic should inform emergency preparedness and response from African countries. Concerted and sustainable efforts can be achieved by reviewing and redesigning strategic preparedness plans for testing and vaccination as in previous pandemics. Africa needs to drive this response with collaboration and a united response, and with the use of strategic communication and a sense of urgency. Africa should prioritise access to available vaccines and invest in systems development for local vaccine production. In this article, we argue that monkeypox virus has serious public health implications in Africa and the region.Item Metadata only ‘The broker also told me that I will not have problems after selling because we have two and we can survive on one kidney’: Findings from an ethnographic study of a village with one kidney in Central Nepal(2022-10-01) Shrestha B.; Adhikari B.; Shrestha M.; Poudel A.; Shrestha B.; Sunuwar D.R.; Mishra S.R.; Sringernyuang L.; Shrestha B.; Mahidol UniversityKidney selling is a global phenomenon engraved by poverty and governance in low-income countries with the higher-income countries functioning as recipients and the lower-income countries as donors. Over the years, an increasing number of residents in a village near the capital city of Nepal have sold their kidneys. This study aims to explore the drivers of kidney selling and its consequences using ethnographic methods and multi-stakeholder consultations. An ethnographic approach was used in which the researcher lived and observed the residents’ life and carried out formal and informal interactions including in-depth interviews with key informants, community members and kidney sellers in Hokse village, Kavrepalanchok district. Participants in the village were interacted by researchers who resided in the village. In addition, remote interviews were conducted with multiple relevant stakeholders at various levels that included legal workers, government officers, non-government organization (NGO) workers, medical professionals, and policymaker. All formal interviews were audio-recorded for transcription in addition to field notes and underwent thematic analysis. The study identified processes, mechanisms, and drivers of kidney selling. Historically, diversion of a major highway from the village to another village was found to impact the livelihood, economy and access to the urban centres, ultimately increasing poverty and vulnerability for kidney selling. Existing and augmented deprivation of employment opportunities were shown to foster emigration of villagers to India, where they ultimately succumbed to brokers associated with kidney selling. Population in the village also maintained social cohesion through commune living, social conformity (that had a high impact on decision making), including behaviours that deepened their poverty. Behaviours such as alcoholism, trusting and following brokers based on the persuasion and decision of their peers, relatives, and neighbours who became the new member of the kidney brokerage also contributed to kidney selling. The other reasons that may have influenced high kidney selling were perceived to be a poor level of education, high demands of kidneys in the market and an easy source of cash through selling. In Hokse village, kidney selling stemmed from the interaction between the brokers and community members’ vulnerability (poverty and ignorance), mainly as the brokers raised false hopes of palliating the vulnerability. The decision-making of the villagers was influenced heavily by fellow kidney sellers, some of whom later joined the network of kidney brokers. Although sustained support in livelihood, development, and education are essential, an expanding network and influence of kidney brokers require urgent restrictive actions by the legal authority.Item Metadata only The challenges of the low birth rate in China(2022-06-01) Lucero-Prisno D.E.; Kouwenhoven M.B.N.; Vicerra P.M.M.; Ma Z.F.; Méndez M.J.G.; Gacutno-Evardone A.J.A.; Manirambona E.; Gyeltshen D.; Musa S.S.; Lucero-Prisno D.E.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: The population growth rate of China has been steadily declining owing to the low birth rate of the country. The Chinese census also indicates that the population is also rapidly ageing because of increasing life expectancy in conjunction with the low birth rate. Method: We performed a commentary to point out the challenges of the low birth rate in China. A comprehensive data search was performed in data bases such as Google Scholar and PubMed using predetermined search term. Results: The decline in birth rate is due to societal changes including increasing standard of living. Although the Chinese government has recently allowed couples to have up to three children in a major policy shift, many couples remain unwilling to have more than one child due to the high cost. An increasing fraction of Chinese women, particularly among the highly-educated urban dwellers, no longer regard marriage and parenthood as essential aspects of life. Conclusion: If not addressed urgently, the declining young population will impact China's future socio-economic situation, as there will be a smaller workforce relative to an increasing dependent older population. The repercussions may cascade to other spheres of China's status, including socioeconomic, security and global influence, if not addressed decisively. It is imperative that the country develops policies, strategies, and approaches to tackle this issue, including human capital development and the use of technology and innovations.Item Metadata only Can Thailand achieve COVID-19 herd immunity?(2022-06-01) Jitanan M.; Chirasatienpon T.; Tiamjan R.; Amnatsatsue K.; Nguanjairak R.; Miranda A.V.; Lin X.; Gyeltshen D.; Vicerra P.M.M.; Kouwenhoven M.B.N.; Jitanan M.; Mahidol UniversityThe COVID-19 outbreak has had a great impact on the social, economic, and health systems of Thailand. A variety of measures to curb the spread of the disease were implemented since the beginning of the pandemic, including a strict national lockdown protocol. The Thai government aimed to achieve herd immunity through an efficient vaccination programme. Initially, vaccine supply shortage and a lack of vaccine options plagued the health system, but this has since been improved. Continuous monitoring of the situation through research is being carried out to assess the level of immunity among the population whereby the current general recommendation is presently a fourth booster dose for adults. Hurdles towards achieving herd immunity remain. One such issue is the low level of vaccine literacy among those that are unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated. Another obstacle is the sizeable rate of hesitancy towards getting booster doses. Achieving herd immunity in the Thai population would require multilateral cooperation, improved health promotion to target population groups, such as older adults, and a developed distribution system for those with limited access, such as those in the rural areas.