Scopus 2026
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Item Metadata only Multiplex real-time PCR with high-resolution melting analysis for rapid identification of carbapenem and colistin resistance genes in clinical Enterobacterales isolates(2026-12-01) Luk-In S.; Phopin K.; Bangmuangngam S.; Chatsuwan T.; Wannigama D.L.; Shein A.M.S.; Lawung R.; Tantimongcolwat T.; Luk-In S.; Mahidol UniversityConventional susceptibility testing requires 18–48 h and often delays therapy, whereas existing molecular assays are costly and limited. Real-time PCR’s ubiquity in hospitals offers a rapid multiplex screening platform. We established a single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay coupled with high-resolution melting analysis to detect seven resistance genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like, blaVIM, blaIMP, mcr-1, and mcr-3). Validated on 577 clinical Enterobacterales isolates and a standard strain, the assay exhibited distinct melt peaks for each target, with intra- and inter-run CVs < 0.1%. Compared with reference PCR, the assay offered overall sensitivity of 97.3%, the specificity of 99.5%, the PPV of 99.7%, and the NPV of 95.4%, yielding a kappa coefficient of 0.936 (95% CI 0.913–0.958) with “high concordance”. Codetection of the blaNDM and blaOXA-48-like genes improved the sensitivity from 82.7% to 92.9% when precision melt analysis software was used. The assay demonstrated good quantitative analytical performance, with efficiencies ranging from 91 to 114% (R2 = 0.96–0.99), and a minimum of 102 copies required to confidently detect all targets. In under 4 h, this cost-effective assay leverages existing platforms for comprehensive surveillance of carbapenem and colistin resistance, enabling timely antimicrobial stewardship and infection control.Item Metadata only Unveiling a novel Neobacillus strain: Optimization, metabolomic, and genomic insights into polyvinyl chloride microplastic biodegradation(2026-06-01) Choonut A.; Wongfaed N.; Poolpol A.; Jumpa T.; Boonlue S.; Wantala K.; Pinyakong O.; Reungsang A.; Plangklang P.; Sittijunda S.; Choonut A.; Mahidol UniversityPolyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC-MPs) are persistent environmental contaminants requiring effective remediation strategies. This study investigated microbial-mediated biodegradation by isolating bacteria from landfill soil samples with prolonged plastic waste exposure. PVC microplastics (Mn ≈ 35,000 g/mol, Mw ≈ 62,000 g/mol) were used as the substrate. Two microbial consortia, CPVC-KKU2 and CPVC-KKU6, demonstrated acid and lipase production capabilities. Subsequent isolation yielded five bacterial strains, with Bacillus sp. PVCKKU2 and Neobacillus sp. PVCKKU3 exhibiting notable lipase activity. Under incubation conditions at 37 °C, PVCKKU2 and PVCKKU3 achieved 1.66 ± 0.17% and 7.04 ± 0.65% PVC-MP weight loss over 35 days, respectively, with PVCKKU3 demonstrating the highest degradation efficiency. Biochemical tests indicated nitrate reduction, arginine utilization, and glucose fermentation potential. FTIR revealed oxidative modifications, possible dechlorination, and polymer chain cleavage, while SEM confirmed surface deterioration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimized conditions for PVC-MP biodegradation by PVCKKU3, predicting pH 7.7, ammonium nitrate 1.3 g/L, and PVC-MP 0.92% (w/v), resulting in 7.65% predicted degradation, validated experimentally at 8.07%. LC-MS metabolomic analysis revealed notable modulation of amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle intermediates, and glutathione pathways, with detection of key aliphatic and aromatic degradation intermediates. Whole-genome sequencing of PVCKKU3 revealed a genome size of 5.91 Mbp containing seven putative biosynthetic gene clusters. Comparative genomic analysis identified 12 unique gene clusters predicted to be associated with PVC degradation. These findings establish Neobacillus sp. PVCKKU3 as a promising candidate for PVC-MP bioremediation and provide genomic foundations for future enzyme-based remediation strategies.Item Metadata only A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-arsenical adulticide protocols using moxidectin and doxycycline for the treatment of adult heartworm infection in dogs(2026-01-01) Santiwattanatarm T.; Sakcamduang W.; Kongkaew C.; Anothaisintawee T.; Taechikantaphat M.; Santiwattanatarm T.; Mahidol UniversityNon-arsenical protocols combining topically applied moxidectin with oral doxycycline (Moxi-Doxy) have shown adulticidal effects against Dirofilaria immitis, but recommendations across clinical guidelines remain inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the adulticidal efficacy and post-treatment complications of the Moxi-Doxy protocol for canine heartworm infection. Six bibliographic databases (CAB Abstracts, CNKI, Embase, LILACS, MEDLINE, and Scopus) and six grey literature sources were searched from inception to November 2024. Comparative and pre-post (before-and-after-treatment) studies reporting efficacy or post-treatment complications were included. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE approach. Outcomes included antigen test results, adult worm counts, microfilaria numbers, and reported post-treatment complications. Fourteen studies involving 358 dogs, primarily with stage 1–2 heartworm disease, were included. The meta-analysis showed a time-dependent adulticidal effect of Moxi-Doxy. In comparative studies, antigen-negative conversion rates were similar to those of melarsomine from 9 months onward, with the highest certainty of evidence at 18 months. Across pre-post studies, the proportion of dogs achieving antigen-negative status increased progressively, reaching 99% by 12 months (95% confidence interval, CI: 99–100%; certainty of evidence, CoE: moderate). Microfilaria numbers declined rapidly after treatment. Complication outcomes were limited and variably reported. Topically applied moxidectin with oral doxycycline demonstrates a time-dependent adulticidal efficacy for stage 1–2 canine heartworm infection, appears to be well-tolerated, and may serve as a practical alternative in situations where melarsomine is unavailable or contraindicated. However, limited comparative data, heterogeneity, and risk of bias highlight the need for further high-quality randomized trials with long-term follow-up.Item Metadata only Deciphering the impact of SNAI1 gene on renal tubular cell proteome, nucleolar stress, ribosome biogenesis, senescence, DNA damage response, and focal adhesion dynamics(2026-07-01) Kanlaya R.; Nonthawong K.; Suntivichaya M.; Yoodee S.; Thongboonkerd V.; Kanlaya R.; Mahidol UniversitySnail1, encoded by SNAI1 gene, is an essential protein that regulates epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which leads to extracellular matrix accumulation and kidney fibrosis, but with unclear cellular and molecular mechanisms. This study compared the cellular proteome of SNAI1-overexpressed renal tubular cells with that of vector-control cells by label-free quantitative proteomics, followed by functional assessments using various assays. A total of 233 proteins showed significant changes in their levels by ectopic SNAI1 expression. Of these, immunoblotting confirmed the decreases in HSP60 and HSP70 and the increase in DDX1. Bioinformatic analyses revealed the top 10 transcription factors as key upstream regulators of the altered cellular proteome, and translational regulation, ribosome, cell cycle regulation, and cellular senescence were primarily associated with these altered proteins. Gene ontology enrichment showed that focal adhesion, the structure where cells maintain their interior-extracellular matrix interactions, was one of the major affected cellular components. Experimental validations demonstrated that SNAI1-overexpressed cells displayed increases in nucleophosmin, nucleolar organizer regions, cell size, granularity, p21, γH2AX, MMP-9 secretion, and paxillin expression, confirming the bioinformatic predictions. This study has broadened our knowledge of Snail1 functions beyond its established role as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition regulator. In addition to alterations in the cellular proteome, ectopic SNAI1 expression induced nucleolar stress, ribosome biogenesis, senescence, and DNA damage response in renal tubular cells. Moreover, Snail1 also affected the dynamics of focal adhesion, which is imperative for cell migration, by regulating paxillin expression. These findings may offer new therapeutic targets related to Snail1-dependent mechanisms for effective management of kidney fibrosis.Item Metadata only Corrigendum to “Contactless point-of-care detection of latent tuberculosis biomarker Hsp16.3 using a high-sensitivity magnetoimpedance biosensor” [Sens. Actuators: A 400 (2026) 117493](2026-01-01) Pornprom T.; Pakamwong B.; Sangswan J.; Punkvang A.; Thongdee P.; Suttisintong K.; Leanpolchareanchai J.; Hongmanee P.; Lumjiaktase P.; Chailapakul O.; Jampasa S.; Pungpo P.; Thiabgoh O.; Pornprom T.; Mahidol UniversityThe authors regret The authors regret that the Acknowledgment section in the original article was incorrect. The correct Acknowledgment is provided below: This research was supported by Ubon Ratchathani University and the Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry (PERCH-CIC). This research project is supported by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT): NRCT5-RGJ63020 to T. Pornprom. Chulalongkorn University, Walailak University, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University and National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency were gratefully acknowledged for supporting this research.Item Metadata only Managing green supply chain performance through digital twin technology – insights from SMEs and large firms(2026-06-01) Phonthanukitithaworn C.; Ketkaew C.; Phonthanukitithaworn C.; Mahidol UniversityAs supply chains transition toward Society 5.0, firms face growing pressure to adopt digital technologies that simultaneously enhance resilience and environmental sustainability. This study investigates how firm readiness is associated with Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) support conditions for digital twin adoption and how such adoption is associated with higher green supply chain performance in Thailand. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods (QUANT → QUAL) design was employed. Quantitative data from 607 employees across SMEs (n = 366) and large firms (n = 241) were analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis, followed by 40 in-depth interviews to contextualize the statistical results. The findings show that firm readiness is strongly positively associated with technological and organizational support in both firm types, while its association with environmental support is significantly stronger for SMEs. Technological support is associated with digital twin adoption in SMEs but not in large firms, and organizational support exhibits a negative or insignificant effect, reflecting execution and coordination challenges. Environmental support is associated with adoption across both groups. Digital twin adoption is significantly associated with higher green supply chain performance in SMEs and large firms, with stronger operational gains observed among SMEs. Qualitative insights explain these differences by revealing that SMEs rely on readiness to activate ecosystem support, whereas large firms depend on integration and governance mechanisms. This study extends the TOE framework by positioning firms’ readiness as a size-contingent mechanism and provides context-sensitive insights for accelerating sustainable digital transformation in emerging economies.Item Metadata only A redescription of Schistura jarutanini (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from the Mae Klong River Basin in western Thailand(2026-01-01) Page L.M.; Kavanaugh E.M.; Cagle D.K.; Tangjitjaroen W.; Delano C.V.; Tongnunui S.; Williams B.R.; Sooksawat T.; Randall Z.S.; Page L.M.; Mahidol UniversityAlthough originally described as a cave-inhabiting species, Schistura jarutanini is an epigean species rarely found in caves. Recent collections in the Mae Klong and Ataran River basins provide a more complete description of the species, type locality, relationships, and distribution. Among species for which molecular sequence data are available, S. jarutanini is mostly closely related to S. mahnerti with which it is sympatric. The two species are easily distinguished by color pattern and number of branched anal-fin rays. Headwater stream capture, or possibly underground dispersal, explains variation across lineages in S. jarutanini better than does dispersal within drainages.Item Metadata only HACR-Net: An Efficient hybrid attention network for MRI image super-resolution(2026-04-01) Muhammad A.; Hajian A.; Achakulvisut T.; Aramvith S.; Muhammad A.; Mahidol UniversityHigh-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important role in clinical diagnosis and pathological assessment, due to its non-invasive nature and lack of ionizing radiation. However, the acquisition of high-resolution MRI is often constrained by hardware limitations and a prolonged scanning duration. To address these limitations, super-resolution (SR) techniques have been introduced to reconstruct high-resolution images from low-resolution inputs. However, despite these advances, existing methods often struggle to effectively extract shallow features, model complex contextual dependencies, and preserve fine anatomical details. To address these limitations, we propose a Hybrid Attention and Channel Retention Network (HACR-Net) for MRI image SR. HACR-Net incorporates a Hybrid Attention Module (HAM) to mitigate information loss during shallow feature extraction by jointly leveraging channel and spatial attention, enhancing informative features, and preserving spatially significant regions. A Multiscale Feature Aggregation Block (MFAB) is incorporated to capture global structural details, local texture, and high-frequency details. Complementing MFAB, the Channel Retention Attention Block (CRAB) enhances the recovery of fine contextual detail through a bottleneck design crafted to maintain a wider channel width and reduce information loss during feature compression. Extensive experiments on two benchmark datasets, IXI and BraTS2018, demonstrate that HACR-Net achieves high-performance reconstruction with only 1.67M parameters and 81.3G FLOPs, offering significant reductions in model size and computational cost compared to existing methods.Item Metadata only Epidemiology of player injuries in Europe’s top five professional football leagues: trends, risk factors and economic impact(2026-01-01) Stasi A.; Poggio A.; Stasi A.; Mahidol UniversityIn recent years, professional European football has experienced a substantial increase in player injuries, threatening athlete welfare, team performance and financial sustainability. Utilizing secondary analysis of epidemiological and financial data sets, this study analyses injury patterns, risk factors and economic impacts across the top five European leagues—Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1—between the 2020/21 and 2023/24 seasons. Drawing on data from UEFA, FIFA and the Howden Group, the findings reveal a 37% increase in total injury incidence and a near-doubling of economic losses, exceeding €730 million in 2023/24 alone. Hamstring and soft-tissue injuries dominate, with young players (U21) showing the steepest rise in severity. Fixture congestion, inadequate recovery time and environmental factors such as surface conditions and travel fatigue are identified as key structural drivers. The findings suggest a need for coordinated governance reforms, including mandatory rest intervals, standardized medical protocols and centralized injury databases. The analysis indicates that sustainable football management should integrate player welfare as an economic and ethical priority to safeguard the sport’s long-term integrity.Item Metadata only Efficacy of 1064-nm Picosecond Laser in the Treatment of Lichen Planus Pigmentosus: A Split-Face Randomized Controlled Trial(2026-04-01) Rutnin S.; Smitthisakda S.; Wittayabusarakam N.; Yongpisarn T.; Sakpuwadol N.; Thadanipon K.; Rutnin S.; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is an uncommon variant of lichen planus that causes visible pigmentation and significantly impacts quality of life. Current treatments for LPP are limited, with inconsistent outcomes from topical, oral, and laser therapies. The 1064-nm picosecond laser has shown potential in managing pigmented skin disorders; however, evidence regarding its effect on LPP remains scarce. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction of the 1064-nm picosecond laser in treating LPP. Methods: The study was a randomized, split-face controlled trial. Twelve patients with biopsy-confirmed LPP were enrolled, with one side of each participant treated with four sessions of the 1064-nm picosecond laser at monthly intervals. The Modified Dermal Pigmentation Area and Severity Index (mDPASI) and melanin index (MI), assessed by three-dimensional imaging, were measured before each treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months following the last treatment. Physician global assessment (PGA) and patient satisfaction scores were assessed at 1 and 6 months following the last treatment. Additionally, adverse events were recorded. Results: A total of 12 patients with LPP, aged 55 ± 11.1 years, were recruited, and 11 completed the study. During the 6 months following the end of laser treatment, no significant differences were found in MI, mDPASI, or PGA between treatment and control groups. However, satisfaction scores showed a significant improvement on the treated side compared to the control. The mean overall pain score was 3.70 ± 1.72, with no major adverse events reported. Conclusion: The 1064-nm picosecond laser demonstrated limited effectiveness in improving LPP clinical outcomes. Further studies with sham-controlled trials and larger sample sizes are needed to optimize treatment parameters and sessions, and to validate the role of the picosecond laser as a therapeutic option for LPP.Item Metadata only Comparison of Local Versus General Anesthesia in Open Inguinal Hernioplasty: A Prospective Study on Postoperative Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness(2026-04-01) Phalanusitthepha C.; Kitkanphatthanalert B.; Thongchuam C.; Akaraviputh T.; Jirachaipitak S.; Suwatthanarak T.; Phalanusitthepha C.; Mahidol UniversityObjective: This study evaluates whether performing open inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia with same-day discharge is comparable to general anesthesia with inpatient admission, with respect to postoperative outcomes, recovery time, and healthcare costs. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Siriraj Hospital and included 30 adults undergoing unilateral open inguinal hernioplasty. Patients were allocated to either local anesthesia with same-day discharge (n=15) or general anesthesia with inpatient admission (n=15). Postoperative pain, recovery time, operative efficiency, complications, and total hospital costs were assessed. Results: Postoperative pain at rest at 8 and 24 hours was lower in the LA group compared with the GA group (1.93±1.10 vs 2.53±1.55 p=0.233, 0.87±0.83 vs 1.80±1.65 p=0.032). Patients in the LA group resumed normal activities significantly earlier, and total hospital costs were significantly lower (1.00+0.54 vs 1.40+0.51 p = 0.022, 13,453 THB vs. 41,226 THB; p<0.001). Operative time, theater time, complications, and patient demographics (age, BMI, ASA classification) were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Open inguinal hernioplasty under local anesthesia in a day-surgery setting demonstrated clinical outcomes comparable to those of general anesthesia with inpatient admission. Additionally, this approach was associated with faster functional recovery and significantly reduced hospital costs. Local anesthesia represents a safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative for appropriately selected patients.Item Metadata only Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Gallbladder Drainage Using a 19-Gauge Needle and a Modified Slim Metal Stent: A Simplified Approach (With Video)(2026-04-01) Chuncharunee A.; Hara K.; Haba S.; Kuwahara T.; Okuno N.; Matsumoto S.; Koda H.; Oshiro K.; Yamazaki Y.; Chuncharunee A.; Mahidol UniversityEndoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) is a promising therapeutic option for surgically unfit patients with acute cholecystitis. Data on the use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) in this setting remain limited, especially in the cancer population. We describe a simplified needle-to-stent EUS-GBD technique and report its early clinical outcomes using a 19-gauge Franseen-tip FNB needle and a modified slim FCSEMS. We applied this technique in consecutive patients with acute cholecystitis secondary to malignant biliary obstruction between September 2022 and September 2025. Early outcomes were technical and clinical success, adverse events, and 30-day mortality. Eighteen patients were included. The median gallbladder size was 90 mm, and the wall-to-lumen puncture distance was 15 mm. The first part of the duodenum was the main access route (88.9%). Both technical and clinical success rates were 100%. Over a median follow-up of 6 months, one patient (5.6%) developed recurrent cholecystitis, which was successfully treated endoscopically. No severe adverse event or 30-day mortality occurred. This technique is both feasible and safe.Item Metadata only Needs assessment for national wildlife health programs(2026-06-01) Noguera Z. L.P.; Sleeman J.M.; Muvunyi R.; Suwanpakdee S.; Wiratsudakul A.; Sangkachai N.; Olson S.H.; Pruvot M.; Noguera Z. L.P.; Mahidol UniversityWildlife health programs are essential for monitoring and managing wildlife populations, which in turn supports biodiversity, ecosystem stability, the economy, and public health. By conducting a comprehensive and systematic needs assessment, countries can ensure that their wildlife health initiatives and programs are fit for purpose and sustainable. This needs assessment tool aims to identify programmatic gaps and set priorities in developing or scaling up local and national wildlife health programs. The needs assessment was organized in four phases: planning, data gathering (through semi-structured interviews), data analysis and recommendations. The tool itself covers fundamental programmatic components, such as detection and identification of diseases, pathogens and toxic agents, information management, and analysis and communication. We assessed the performance of the first version of this tool, which was piloted in the Kingdom of Thailand and Republic of Rwanda, considering usability, adaptability, actionable insights, stakeholder feedback and continuous improvement. Based on the evidence gathered, we suggest an expansion of this tool to include the urgency and impact of addressing gaps and needs as well as implementation capacity (from none to very high) to support the prioritization of criteria within each component of a wildlife health program. This needs assessment can help identify priority areas for wildlife health program improvement, thereby optimizing the impact of investments.Item Metadata only The Upregulation of Anti-apoptotic BIRC3 Expression Facilitates Zika Virus Infection(2026-04-01) Pandeya A.; Songprakhon P.; Ruangsawat P.; Malakar S.; Noisakran S.; Morchang A.; Uiprasertkul M.; Phatihattakorn C.; Auewarakul P.; Yenchitsomanus P.T.; Limjindaporn T.; Pandeya A.; Mahidol UniversityObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate the apoptotic gene expression profile and to identify the genes involved in apoptosis and ZIKV infection. Materials and Methods: SH-SY5Y cell line was infected with ZIKV at an MOI of 5. The cells were stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide to determine apoptosis. A real-time polymerase chain reaction array was employed to determine the apoptotic gene expression profile in a ZIKV-infected SH-SY5Y cell line. Western blot analysis was performed to confirm the expression of BIRC3 in both SH-SY5Y and A549 cell lines. Knockdown of the BIRC3 was done in ZIKV-infected A549 cell line using BIRC3-specific siRNA. The ZIKV production was measured by focus-forming unit assay. Results: Apoptotic genes in both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, such as TNF-α, TRAIL, FAS, CASP8, CASP9, and BIRC3, were found to be upregulated. The anti-apoptotic gene BIRC3 was selected and found to be upregulated at the protein level in both ZIKV-infected SH-SY5Y and ZIKV-infected A549 cell lines. Knockdown of the BIRC3 gene in ZIKV-infected A549 cell line decreased Zika virus NS1 protein expression and Zika virion production. Conclusion: The upregulation of anti-apoptotic BIRC3 expression facilitates Zika virus infection.Item Metadata only Balancing IL-17: Implications for immune tolerance, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health(2026-06-01) Soongsathitanon J.; Pongcharoen S.; Soongsathitanon J.; Mahidol UniversityInterleukin-17 (IL-17), a pro-inflammatory cytokine best known for its role in autoimmune disease, has emerged as a key immunomodulator in pregnancy. Its presence at the maternal–fetal interface reflects a finely tuned balance in which IL-17 contributes not only to host defense and tissue remodeling but also to processes essential for early gestation, including trophoblast invasion, angiogenesis, and immune tolerance. However, excessive or dysregulated IL-17 activity is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, miscarriage, and fetal growth restriction. IL-17 is also implicated in pregnancy-related manifestations of maternal autoimmune diseases, highlighting its relevance in both maternal health and fetal development. This review synthesizes current evidence on the physiological and pathological roles of IL-17 across the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, integrates findings from human and animal studies, and discusses emerging clinical applications, including its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies. Understanding the context-dependent actions of IL-17 may provide new opportunities to improve reproductive outcomes and guide future translational research in reproductive immunology.Item Metadata only Letter to Editor: Practice preference of revision surgery for recurrent lumbar disc herniation: an international survey of AO spine members(2026-01-01) Santipas B.; Kim J.S.; Santipas B.; Mahidol UniversityItem Metadata only Diagnostic Utility of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent for Identifying Iron Deficiency in Hospitalized Children in a Thalassemia-endemic Region: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study(2026-01-01) Sinlapamongkolkul P.; Pusongchai T.; Buaboonnum J.; Satayasai W.; Surapolchai P.; Sinlapamongkolkul P.; Mahidol UniversityObjective: Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) has been identified as a useful marker for diagnosing and monitoring iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This study evaluated anemia prevalence and assessed RET-He’s effectiveness in detecting IDA in pediatric inpatients with high thalassemia burden. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed involving children aged 6 months to 15 years admitted with anemia. RET-He and red blood cell (RBC) indices were compared to explore diagnostic implications. Results: Among the 881 pediatric inpatients included during the study period, 17% (154 patients) were identified as having anemia. IDA was the major cause of anemia (98%), including IDA (70.1%) and IDA coexisting with thalassemia (27.9%). Median RET-He (IQR) of all anemic patients was 21.05 (18.70, 24) pg. Notably, RET-He values were lower in patients with combined IDA and thalassemia than in those with IDA alone (p = 0.004). Significant correlations were observed between RET-He and RBC indices such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). With a cut-off of ≤20.3 pg, RET-He showed moderate sensitivity (70.3%) and specificity (60.5%) for diagnosing IDA. Conclusion: These findings advocate for RET-He’s use as an iron status marker in hospitalized children, especially in areas endemic for thalassemia. Low RET-He in non-responders to iron therapy should raise suspicion of underlying thalassemia.Item Metadata only Transition pathways from vulnerability to viability of small-scale fisheries in Africa and Asia(2026-01-01) Muhl E.K.; Armitage D.; Nayak P.K.; Pradhan S.; Abdelbaset M.; Aheto D.; Adade R.; Akintola S.L.; Arizi E.K.; Attipoe E.; Blythe J.; Bundy A.; Chuenpagdee R.; Choudry A.; Das B.K.; Devi C.; Fakoya K.; Hara M.; Hossain S.; Isaacs M.; Islam G.M.N.; Islam M.M.; Kusumawardhani H.A.; Junrashote K.; Li Y.; Manase M.; Mbaye A.A.; Kosamu I.; Mukherjee J.; Namikawa T.; Njaya F.; Odoi J.; Prado D.; Rahman E.; Rouhani Q.; Alam M.R.S.; Sall A.; Sambou C.; Sammogam R.; Sarr A.; Sarr K.Y.; Satumanatpan S.; Selim S.A.; Susilowati I.; Warren V.; Woiso J.F.; Yahya B.M.; Muhl E.K.; Mahidol UniversityThis perspective paper examines transition pathways that move small-scale fisheries from vulnerability towards viability. We understand ‘vulnerability to viability transition pathways’ as integrative and one that extends beyond economic concerns to include social, political, cultural and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries. Our findings draw on a reflexive and qualitative assessment of country-specific case studies from across Africa and Asia to collaboratively identify transition pathways reflected in these contexts. Common pathways that emerged included: (1) building governance networks and partnerships; (2) centring small-scale fisheries tenure and rights; (3) advancing a gender and intersectional perspective on viability pathways; (4) enhancing opportunities for ecologically sensitive and diversified livelihoods; and (5) co-creating and co-producing the knowledge required to catalyse transition pathways. Outcomes of this analysis provide context-specific foundations upon which to further co-develop a research agenda on small-scale fisheries vulnerability to viability transitions. Insights from this analysis also contribute to the identification of the transdisciplinary capacities needed to build more viable and resilient small-scale fisheries in the context of ongoing debates about blue economy expansion, and in relation to country-level commitments to implement provisions of the FAO small-scale fisheries guidelines. In advancing a vulnerability to viability pathways lens, this paper frames small-scale fisheries transitions as governance-mediated, justice-oriented, relational and inherently non-linear processes. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.Item Metadata only Evaluation of the underutilized Malpighia glabra L. fruits as a future functional food: nutritional composition, phenolic profile, biological activities, and synergistic effects with pharmaceutical drugs(2026-01-01) Kemsawasd V.; Thangsiri S.; Sahasakul Y.; Aursalung A.; Inthachat W.; Temviriyanukul P.; Kittibunchakul S.; Suttisansanee U.; Kemsawasd V.; Mahidol UniversityMalpighia glabra L., commonly known as acerola or Barbados cherry, is a non-commercial tropical fruit species in Thailand that is primarily consumed fresh by local communities. Limited scientific data have restricted its potential for future food applications. In this study, we investigated the nutritional composition, phenolic profiles, and in vitro biological activity of M. glabra fruits. Results demonstrated that the ripened fruits (100 g fresh weight) provided low energy (36.9 kcal) with negligible fat content but exceptionally high vitamin C content (838 mg). The ethanolic extract exhibited strong antioxidant activities as examined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay (250.98 µmol Trolox equivalent (TE) per g dry weight (DW)), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay (642.35 µmol TE per g DW), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay (443.90 µmol TE per g DW). These activities were attributed to the phenolic composition, of which rutin was the predominant compound, as detected by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The extract also demonstrated in vitro inhibition of α-glucosidase, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.81 mg mL−1, and β-secretase, with an IC50 value of 5.45 mg mL−1. Synergistic interactions were observed in vitro between the extract and acarbose (an anti-diabetic drug) and the extract and donepezil (an anti-Alzheimer's drug). These findings characterize the nutritional composition and in vitro bioactivities of ripened M. glabra fruits, supporting further investigation into their potential development as functional food ingredients.Item Metadata only Optical Interventions for Myopia Control(2026-04-01) Surachatkumtonekul T.; Limmahachai A.; Surachatkumtonekul T.; Mahidol UniversityPediatric myopia is a major public health challenge driven primarily by progressive axial elongation, which substantially increases the lifetime risk of vision-threatening complications, such as myopic macular degeneration. Accordingly, contemporary management emphasizes myopia control rather than simple refractive correction. Current strategies include behavioral modification, low-dose atropine, and — most critically — optical interventions. These interventions encompass a variety of myopia-control spectacle lenses, such as Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS), Highly Aspherical Lenslet (HAL), and newer designs such as Cylindrical Annular Refractive Elements (CARE) and Lenslet-ARray-Integrated (LARI), which use lenslet arrays to project a plane or volume of myopic defocus in front of the peripheral retina. In contrast, Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) employs microscopic light-scattering elements to reduce retinal image contrast without forming a secondary focal plane. Beyond spectacles, additional modalities, including multifocal soft contact lenses, dual-focus designs, and orthokeratology, rely on the same underlying principle of myopic defocus. All these optical strategies operate by manipulating the peripheral visual profile to suppress pro-elongation signals in the growing eye. Existing evidence demonstrates a 30%–60% reduction in axial elongation, depending on the technology employed. Combination therapy, particularly the integration of optical devices with low-dose atropine, offers superior efficacy compared with monotherapy, especially in children with rapid progression. Standard monitoring includes axial length measurement every six months and cycloplegic refraction one to two times per year. General practitioners play a pivotal role in identifying high-risk children — such as those with early-onset myopia, rapid refractive shifts, or a strong family history of high myopia — and in facilitating timely referral to ophthalmologists for definitive evaluation and evidence-based intervention.
