Scopus 2026
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Item Metadata only Temporal Lysophosphatidic Acid Supplementation Enhances Megakaryocyte Differentiation and Platelet Production From Human Hematopoietic Progenitors(2026-06-01) Jiamvoraphong N.; Lorthongpanich C.; Septham P.; Klaihmon P.; Kheolamai P.; Laowtammathron C.; Imsoonthornruksa S.; Ketudat-Cairns M.; Issaragrisil S.; Jiamvoraphong N.; Mahidol UniversityPlatelet shortages and limited storage stability restrict global platelet transfusion capacity, highlighting the need for efficient in vitro platelet production systems. This study establishes a simple, non-genetic and cost-effective system for efficient in vitro platelet-like particle (PLP) production from human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) using a Phase-specific modulation of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling modulation. Temporal control of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an activator of YAP/TAZ activity, significantly enhanced megakaryocyte differentiation, expansion and PLP production, resulting in an approximately 15-fold increase in PLP yield at the end of the procedure. Furthermore, LPA extended the expansion period of HSPC-derived megakaryocytes up to 8 days, resulting in a greater than 20-fold increase in the number of HSPC-derived CD41+ megakaryocytes. Moreover, replacement of expensive commercial recombinant human thrombopoietin (C-rhTPO), one of the major cost-driving components in in vitro PLP production, with recombinant human thrombopoietin produced in Escherichia coli (W-rhTPO) further improved the cost-effectiveness of the procedure. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that temporally controlled Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling, together with affordable cytokine supplementation, provides a robust and GMP-compatible platform for large-scale PLP manufacturing for future clinical applications. We believe that this system will enable scalable PLP generation, even in resource-constrained settings, to increase human platelet supply for many life-saving therapies in the future.Item Metadata only How do network structures of depressive symptoms differ between asian patients with bipolar depression and those with unipolar depression?(2026-08-01) Yoon H.; Kim H.S.; Lee S.; Choi T.Y.; Jung S.W.; Yoon H.J.; Kim H.S.; Yang H.J.; Jeong N.; Moon E.; Baek J.H.; Si T.M.; Kallivayalil R.A.; Tanra A.J.; Nadoushan A.H.J.; Chee K.Y.; Javed A.; Sim K.; Pariwatcharakul P.; Lin S.K.; Sartorius N.; Shinfuku N.; Kato T.A.; Kamali M.; Nierenberg A.A.; Park S.C.; Yoon H.; Mahidol UniversityObjective: The investigation focused on differences in the overall network structures of depressive symptoms between patients with bipolar depression (BD) and those with unipolar depression (UD), emphasizing their unique symptom dynamics and centralities. Methods: Data from the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns for Antidepressants, Phase 3 (REAP-AD3), were used to estimate depressive symptom networks for 240 patients with BD and 2905 patients with UD. A Network Comparison Test (NCT) was conducted to evaluate differences in global strength, edge weights, and node centralities between the two networks. An additional NCT was performed using the same sample size in both groups. Results: Anhedonia emerged as the most central symptom in BD, while persistent sadness was the most central symptom in UD. Global strength was higher in the BD network in the full-sample NCT (p = 0.04), but not in the equal sample-size analysis (p = 0.20). However, no significant differences were identified in overall network structure invariance. Conclusions: These findings underscore distinct depressive symptom networks in BD and UD. Anhedonia and energy dysregulation were prominent in BD, whereas persistent sadness and self-rumination were more pronounced in UD. Despite the non-significance of other NCT results, the full-sample pairwise network comparison suggested that BD patients exhibit a more integrated symptom structure than UD patients, with stronger overall connectivity between symptoms, which may be linked to neurobiological distinctions such as widespread abnormalities in white matter connectivity and increased within-network connectivity in BD.Item Metadata only Alarms and alarm management with automated versus conventional ventilation in neurocritical care patients(2026-12-01) van Limpt G.J.C.; van Vliet P.; Molenaar M.A.; de Bie A.J.R.; van Haren L.; van Leijsen T.D.; Robba C.; Sinnige J.S.; Horn J.; Neto A.S.; Paulus F.; Schultz M.J.; Buiteman–Kruizinga L.A.; van Limpt G.J.C.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: False or clinically irrelevant alarms are a major driver of ICU alarm fatigue and nursing workload. Ventilator alarms make up a large share, and although automated ventilation modes can reduce manual adjustments, their effect on alarm burden is still unclear. This issue can be particularly relevant in neurocritical care patients, where precise ventilator and alarm management is imperative for patient safety. Objectives: This explorative post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial compared alarm frequency and management between automated ventilation and conventional ventilation in neurocritical care patients. Methods: Ventilator alarms and manual ventilator changes were captured continuously from the ventilator for up to 24 h per patient. The primary endpoint was a composite of workload-relevant alarms; with alarm management interventions at the ventilator as a key secondary outcome. Additional endpoints included redundant alarms, alarm duration and ventilator management. Results: 13 patients received automated ventilation and 24 received conventional ventilation. No difference was observed in workload-relevant alarm frequency between automated and conventional ventilation (3.28 [2.87 to 4.30] vs 3.73 [1.66 to 7.33] alarms per hour; P = 0.81), while alarm management interventions at the ventilator were lower with automated ventilation (0.14 [0.10 to 0.15] vs 0.21 [0.17 to 0.31] interventions per hour; P = 0.01). Other alarm frequencies, duration of alarms and ventilator management were similar. Conclusions: In this exploratory post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial in neurocritical care patients during the early phase of mechanical ventilation, automated ventilation did not reduce the frequency of total or workload-relevant alarms, nor their duration, but was associated with fewer alarm management interventions compared to conventional ventilation. Implications for clinical practice: Automated ventilation may not reduce alarm frequency in neurocritical care patients, but the observed reduction in alarm-related bedside interventions suggests a potential benefit for nursing workload.Item Metadata only Management system—dependent alterations in colonic mucosal architecture of swine: An Alcian Blue histochemistry and histomorphometric analysis of goblet cell density, epithelial height, and mucin—stromal ratio(2026-06-01) Chaiyawong N.; Churud K.; Wanpen P.; Intarachuen M.; Promsuban C.; Chaiyawong N.; Mahidol UniversityBackground and Aim: Swine management systems can influence intestinal morphology, epithelial organization, and mucosal secretory activity through differences in environmental exposure, nutrition, hygiene, and husbandry practices. However, comparative histological evaluations of colonic mucin architecture among commercial swine production systems remain limited. This study aimed to compare goblet cell density, epithelial height, and mucin–stromal ratio in the colon of swine raised under beta-agonist-free, hygienic, and free-range management systems using Alcian Blue histochemistry and quantitative histomorphometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Colonic tissue samples were collected from clinically healthy market-weight swine raised under beta-agonist-free, hygienic, and free-range conditions (n = 10 per group). Tissue sections were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, and stained with Alcian Blue (pH 2.5) to visualize acidic mucins. Quantitative histomorphometric analyses were performed using ImageJ/Fiji software to determine goblet cell density, epithelial height, and mucin–stromal ratio. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test, and significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Significant differences in colonic mucosal architecture were observed among the three management systems. Swine raised under the beta-agonist-free system exhibited significantly greater epithelial height (252.43 ± 17.27 μm) compared with hygienic (206.27 ± 20.66 μm) and free-range swine (228.84 ± 18.42 μm) (p < 0.05). Goblet cell density was also highest in the beta-agonist-free group (46.76 ± 7.16 cells/field), followed by the free-range and hygienic groups. The mucin–stromal ratio was significantly elevated in beta-agonist-free swine (1.82 ± 0.14) compared with free-range (1.43 ± 0.12) and hygienic swine (1.09 ± 0.10) (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed among epithelial height, goblet cell density, and mucin–stromal ratio. Conclusion: Different swine management systems are associated with measurable alterations in colonic mucosal architecture. Beta-agonist-free swine demonstrated enhanced epithelial development, increased goblet cell abundance, and higher mucin–stromal ratio values, suggesting distinct structural adaptations of the colonic mucosa associated with production practices. The mucin–stromal ratio may serve as a useful integrative histomorphometric indicator for evaluating intestinal mucosal organization in swine.Item Metadata only The impact of payment methods on oral health promotion and prevention programmes: scoping review(2026-12-01) Gaewkhiew P.; Chaianant N.; Sabbah W.; Tussanapirom T.; Gaewkhiew P.; Mahidol UniversityObjectives: To explore and assess the effect of payment schemes on oral health promotion and prevention programmes. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey & O’Malley framework. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via Scopus), and The Cochrane Library were searched. Unpublished literature was also collected. Searching and screening were conducted until 31 July 2025. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews. All studies comparing payment methods for oral health prevention and promotion were included. A conceptual framework linking payment mechanism to provider incentive, service delivery behaviour, and preventive care outcomes was used to guide synthesis, with findings classified across three outcome levels: utilisation (Level 1), quality of preventive care processes (Level 2), and clinical oral health outcomes (Level 3). The studies were grouped according to the payment system, their impact on the service provider and receiver, and their advantages and disadvantages. After summarising the results, the data were analysed by consulting experts and compared with existing policies. Quality assessment was carried out using Joanna Brigg’s Institute’s Quality appraisal tools. Results: Out of the 30 studies included, the review found that payment systems have various forms, with four main payment systems being Pay for performance (n = 3), Fee for service (n = 15), Capitation (n = 10), and Global Budget (n = 2). Other payment systems such as salary, treatment vouchers, or direct payment by the employer were also identified, and have been shown to increase preventive dental services and oral health promotion activities. Conclusions: Fee-for-service payment is consistently associated with higher treatment volumes but lower rates of preventive care delivery, while capitation incentivises prevention but carries risks of patient selection and service reduction without adequate risk adjustment. Pay-for-performance and value-based payment approaches show promise for improving preventive care quality, though evidence remains limited. No single payment model reliably promotes oral health prevention across all contexts. A mixed payment model combining the activity incentives of fee-for-service, the cost-sharing principles of capitation, and the quality orientation of value-based payment offers the most promising framework for advancing oral health promotion. Policymakers should consider hybrid financing structures supported by quality monitoring, and further research is needed to evaluate their long-term effects on clinical oral health outcomes.Item Metadata only Psychosocial Determinants of Intention to Use Dual Contraception Among Thai Female Students: Integrating the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behavior(2026-01-01) Suntonpiyapan A.; Sarnkhaowkhom C.; Santre S.; Suntonpiyapan A.; Mahidol UniversityBackground: Dual contraception, the concurrent use of condoms and another effective method, is recommended for adolescents to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Identifying determinants of adolescent females’ intention to use dual contraception is essential for promoting sexual and reproductive health. This study integrates the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior and to examine influencing factors. Objective: To identify determinants of intention to use dual contraception among female upper secondary school students in Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 female upper secondary school students in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire between November 2025 and January 2026. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall intention to use dual contraception was high (M = 4.17, SD = 0.78). Eleven variables were significantly associated with intention (p < 0.05), including Grade Point Average, knowledge of dual contraception, personal life goals, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity of unintended pregnancy and STIs, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy. Five factors significantly predicted intention, in descending order of predictive power: self-efficacy in dual contraception use (β = 0.395, t = 9.105, p = 0.000) perceived barriers to use dual contraception (β = −0.183, t = −4.743, p = 0.000); perceived severity of unintended pregnancy and STIs (β = 0.180, t = 3.497, p = 0.000); perceived susceptibility to risks of non-use (β = 0.121, t = 2.810, p = 0.005); and perceived behavioral control (β = 0.100, t = 2.234, p = 0.026). These variables jointly explained 61.60% of the variance in intention (Adjusted R2 = 0.616, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Intention to use dual contraception among female students was high and was significantly associated with personal, cognitive, and psychosocial factors derived from the integrated theoretical framework. The findings can inform the development of targeted interventions, adolescent-friendly services, and collaborative strategies to enhance informed decision-making and promote dual-method contraceptive use among adolescents.Item Metadata only Corrigendum to ‘Antimicrobial and immunoprotective effects of Bacillus safensis BS22LVI against acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)’ [Aquaculture Volume 613 Part 1 2026 1 February 2026 743327] (Aquaculture (2026) 613(P1), (S004484862501213X), (10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.743327))(2026-10-15) Lee J.Y.; Kang H.Y.; Park J.; Heo Y.U.; Lee Y.; Soowannayan C.; Nguyen T.L.; Kim D.H.; Lee J.Y.; Mahidol UniversityThe authors regret that an additional funding acknowledgement was inadvertently omitted from the Acknowledgments section and would like to revise the Acknowledgments as follows:Item Metadata only Linking VOC assessment and cost-effectiveness for emission management in petroleum and petrochemical industrial estate(2026-12-01) Jookjantra P.; Keawboonchu J.; Malakan W.; Lee K.; Thepanondh S.; Jookjantra P.; Mahidol UniversityManaging volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in industrial complexes requires clear links between emission sources, atmospheric dispersion, and their contributions to ambient exposure. This study links VOC assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis to support emission management in a petroleum and petrochemical industrial estate in Thailand. Annual emissions were estimated at 12,465 kg for benzene and 1,337 kg for 1,3-butadiene, with storage tanks dominating benzene releases (54.42%) and wastewater treatment systems governing 1,3-butadiene emissions (62.50%). Atmospheric dispersion modeling using AERMOD indicated compliance with Thai ambient air quality standards at all public-access receptors, with predicted concentrations below 1.7 µg/m³ for benzene and 0.33 µg/m³ for 1,3-butadiene, although elevated concentrations occurred near emission sources. Source apportionment revealed that storage infrastructure contributed 81–97% of ambient benzene concentrations at critical receptors, while wastewater treatment systems accounted for 74–76% of 1,3-butadiene exposure. Cost-effectiveness indicators and investment appraisal metrics were applied to evaluate emission control options. Lower-capital interventions were consistently prioritized. Activated carbon vapor recovery achieved a 95% reduction in benzene emissions, while hard-pipe wastewater modification reduced 1,3-butadiene emissions by 97.89% with minimal capital requirements. These findings indicate that substantial exposure reduction is achievable without reliance on capital-intensive controls.Item Metadata only Interdisciplinary Workshop on XR and AI Interfaces for Stress Management(2026-01-01) Dong Z.; Zhang J.; Siriaraya P.; Hirai T.; Liew K.; Thanyadit S.; Intharah T.; Yomaboot P.; Ens B.; Clark A.; Piumsomboon T.; Dong Z.; Mahidol UniversityModern young people typically experience stress in their studies and daily lives, making management methods essential for stress reduction and psychological well-being. With the continued advancement of XR and AI, the effectiveness and functionality of these techniques in stress management are drawing increasing attention. The integration of XR and AI offers expanded possibilities for stress regulation. To explore the future potential of combinations of XR and AI in stress management, we organised an interdisciplinary workshop comprising experts in psychology, interaction design, XR and AI. This workshop generated two preliminary research concepts that served as a prelude for further research.Item Metadata only An End-to-End Deep Learning Pipeline for Automated Mandible Virtual Surgical Planning Using Real-World Clinical Data(2026-01-01) Kamboonsri N.; Sriwaranon T.; Tantisereepatana N.; Puncreobutr C.; Lohwongwatana B.; Olson G.B.; Tel A.; Robiony M.; Achakulvisut T.; Vateekul P.; Kamboonsri N.; Mahidol UniversityVirtual surgical planning (VSP) is essential step in mandible reconstruction, involving multiple tasks, such as structure segmentation, cutting-plane definition, and implant planning. While many studies have shown promising results on subtasks using specialized ML models, these models are typically developed in isolation. This fragmentation prevents their seamless integration into a unified, automated clinical pipeline. We present a fully automated VSP assistant integrated into 3D Slicer combining segmentation, reconstruction, and planning modules into a single clinical framework. The proposed pipeline was validated on real clinical datasets, including unhealthy mandible dataset containing mandible abnormalities, healthy mandible dataset with normal mandible, and fibula dataset of normal fibula. Quantitative evaluation using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) yielded scores of 0.911 for mandible segmentation, 0.854 for defect segmentation, 0.908 for fibula segmentation, and 0.816 for mandible reconstruction. Planning module reduced average operation time by 57% while maintaining accuracy comparable to manual planning. End-to-end evaluation on real clinical cases demonstrated a dramatic reduction in the total time engineer spent completing tasks from average of 5 hours 21 minutes using the manual workflow to 29 minutes 38 seconds. Our results demonstrate that automated VSP offers a practical, clinically precise solution that reduces the time-intensive nature of VSP, bridging the gap between isolated ML research and real-world surgical practice.Item Metadata only Enhancing Methane Production from Palm Oil Industry Waste through Thermotolerant Bacterial Bio-augmentation: Optimization and Kinetic Analysis(2026-01-01) Saelor S.; Tukanghan W.; Khongkliang P.; In-Chan S.; Phruksaphithak N.; Saelor S.; Mahidol UniversityThis study investigated bio-augmentation strategies to enhance biogas production from palm oil industry residues through thermotolerant anaerobic digestion. Two bacterial strains, Cellulomonas sp. (HD19AZ1) and Themoanaerobacterium thermosaccarolyticum (PSU-2), were evaluated at various inoculum to microorganism (I:S) ratios for both single digestion of empty fruit bunches (EFB) and co-digestion with palm oil mill effluent (POME). Results demonstrated that bio-augmentation significantly improved substrate biodegradability and methane yields. With HD19AZ1, the optimal I:S ratio of 70:10% for single digestion achieved methane yields of 146.38 mL-CH₄/gVS (a 24.94 mL-CH₄/gVS substrate improvement), while the 65:15% ratio for co-digestion yielded 166.55 mL-CH₄/gVS (33.38 m³/tonne substrate improvement). These represented increases of 33.59% and 39.65% in biodegradability for single and co-digestion, respectively. Volatile solids removal reached 41.82% in single digestion and 47.59% in co-digestion under optimal conditions. Kinetic analysis revealed that bio-augmentation with HD19AZ1 achieved methane production rates of 3.90 mL-CH₄/d for single digestion and 6.70 mL-CH₄/d for co-digestion, while PSU-2 augmentation increased rates by 2.14 times compared to control samples. The hydrolysis constant (Kh) ranged from 0.0214-0.0375 d⁻¹ for single digestion and 0.0095-0.0232 d⁻¹ for co-digestion, with lag phases of 5.15-16.11 days and 18.29-43.14 days, respectively. Modified Gompertz modeling confirmed these parameters with R² values exceeding 0.97. This study demonstrates that strategic bio-augmentation with thermotolerant bacteria significantly enhances methane production from palm oil industry waste by improving substrate accessibility and accelerating the hydrolysis of recalcitrant lignocellulosic components, offering promising applications for industrial-scale biogas production.Item Metadata only A Bayesian Approach to Confidence Interval Estimation for the Ratio of Variances of Two Log-Normal Populations: Application to Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentration Data(2026-02-01) Preedachitkun R.; Ritkumrop L.; Preedachitkun R.; Mahidol UniversityAbstract: In Thailand, Particulate Matter (PM2.5) pollution is a significant environmental and public health issue. It comes from a variety of sources, including industrial emissions, urban traffic, and seasonal biomass burning in different regions. Effective monitoring, risk assessment, and policymaking require an understanding of PM2.5 variability in addition to average concentration levels. This work examines three different types of priors — the independence Jeffreys prior, the uniform prior, and the Jeffreys-rule prior — to investigate Bayesian credible intervals (BCIs) for the ratio of variances of two independent log-normal distributions. Through extensive simulations, the performance of these BCIs was evaluated under different sample sizes (10 to 200) and variance ratios (one set at 0.1 and the remaining ones varying from 0.1 to 2.0). A balanced and an unbalanced design effect analysis was conducted. The BCI based on the uniform prior is a conservative alternative, according to the simulation results, since it consistently produces wide intervals while achieving coverage probabilities (CPs) near the nominal 0.95 level. The most effective interval estimates, with comparatively narrow intervals and reliable CPs, are provided by the Jeffreys-rule prior, especially for moderate to large sample sizes. However, in some cases, particularly with large sample sizes and unbalanced designs, where CPs fall below the nominal level, the BCI based on the independence Jeffreys prior performs worse than expected. When large, balanced sample conditions are satisfied, all approaches converge toward nominal CPs, with the Jeffreys-rule prior providing the most accurate estimates. The proposed procedures were applied to analyze daily PM2.5 mass concentration data from two ecologically distinct areas of Thailand: Si Phum, Chiang Mai (rural) and Phaya Thai, Bangkok (urban), to demonstrate their practical utility. The results indicate that PM2.5 concentrations in Bangkok are more stable, while the rural site in Si Phum exhibits greater variability, likely due to seasonal agricultural activities. These findings underscore the importance of location-specific statistical modeling for environmental monitoring and provide guidance for targeted public health interventions and air quality management strategies.Item Metadata only Prophylactic effects of native swine probiotics on Salmonella Typhimurium infection: evidence from immune responses and gut microbiome stability(2026-07-01) Khongkool K.; Taweechotipatr M.; Payungporn S.; Sawaswong V.; Lertworapreecha M.; Khongkool K.; Mahidol UniversityProbiotics provide strain-specific health benefits and may help protect against enteric pathogens. This study examined the protective effects of single- and multi-strain probiotics against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in a mouse model. Mice received Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TBRC-15420, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TBRC-15434, Saccharomyces cerevisiae TBRC-19857, or a mixture of the three strains for 30 days before oral challenge with S. Typhimurium. Clinical outcomes, body weight change, pathogen clearance, histopathology, intestinal secretory IgA, and gut microbiota composition were then evaluated. No mortality was observed during the experiment, although infected mice showed transient clinical signs after challenge. Probiotic-treated mice lost less body weight than control mice, with the multi-strain treatment showing the most pronounced effect among the treatments tested and L. plantarum TBRC-15420 showing the strongest effect among the single-strain treatments. Intestinal sIgA values were descriptively higher in several probiotic-treated mice, particularly in the TBRC-15434 and TBRC-15420 groups. Probiotic treatment was also associated with lower S. Typhimurium recovery from the small intestine and reduced bacterial translocation to the liver and spleen, with no detectable bacteria in probiotic-treated groups by day five. Histological observations from representative sections suggested better-preserved intestinal, liver, and spleen architecture in probiotic-treated mice. Microbiome profiling showed descriptive compositional patterns, including relatively higher Bacteroidetes abundance and lower Proteobacteria abundance in several probiotic-treated groups. Overall, these findings suggest that native swine probiotics may help reduce S. Typhimurium burden and support host resilience during infection, although larger studies are needed to confirm the immune and microbiome-related effects.Item Metadata only Sustainable Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes by Trametes versicolor Laccase: In Vitro Evaluation and In Silico Mechanistic Insights(2026-07-01) Pluemjai J.; Nutho B.; Nonting B.; Pakketa P.; Khammuang S.; Sarnthima R.; Sanachai K.; Pluemjai J.; Mahidol UniversityLaccase, a copper-containing enzyme, exhibits remarkable catalytic versatility by oxidizing a wide range of phenolic and non-phenolic substrates. This property makes laccase a promising biocatalyst for bioremediation applications. Textile wastewater, which contains environmentally hazardous dyes such as congo red, indigo carmine, and malachite green, poses a significant environmental challenge. In this study, we investigated the use of laccase from Trametes versicolor for dye decolorization through a combined approach of enzymatic treatment and computational analysis to elucidate the underlying decolorization mechanisms. The decolorization of congo red, indigo carmine, and malachite green was most effective at pH 5, 4, and 7, respectively. Among the tested dyes, malachite green exhibited near complete decolorization, exceeding 90% within 24 h across concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 400 µM at 0.2 U/mL laccase activity. Kinetic analysis revealed that the Trametes versicolor laccase–malachite green system followed Michaelis–Menten behavior, with a Km of 612.11 µM and a Vmax of 0.195 µM/min, respectively. Molecular docking and subsequent molecular dynamics simulations provided predictive insights into potential key binding residues at the T1 copper site of laccase. Binding mode analysis suggested that malachite green may adopt a compact orientation within the T1 copper pocket, potentially interacting with hydrophobic and aromatic residues, including F162, L164, F332, and P391, as well as potentially forming stabilizing interactions with the hotspot residue C453. Furthermore, phytotoxicity assessment using mung bean demonstrated that laccase treatment effectively reduced malachite green toxicity, as evidenced by improved seed germination. Collectively, these findings highlight the effectiveness of Trametes versicolor laccase for dye decolorization under specific conditions and provide insights for developing optimized enzymatic strategies for bioremediation.Item Metadata only Activation of G protein-coupled receptor 40 alleviates STAT6 activation, airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in allergic asthma(2026-01-01) Yimnual C.; Sontikun J.; Yaovakhan V.; Kuno S.; Pothipan P.; Muanprasat C.; Soontornniyomkij V.; Moonwiriyakit A.; Yimnual C.; Mahidol UniversityG-protein coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), also termed free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1) is a promising molecular target for treating chronic metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Despite the antiasthmatic benefit of GPR40 agonists such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, it remains unclear whether GPR40 activation improves allergic asthmatic outcomes. The present study investigated the ameliorative effect of GPR40 activation on IL-13-induced allergic inflammation in human bronchial epithelial 16HBE14o-cells and in the ovalbumin-induced asthmatic murine model. The increasing concentration of GPR40 agonists GW9508 and TAK875, markedly mitigated IL-13–induced STAT6 phosphorylation and MUC5AC hypersecretion, suggesting mitigated type 2 inflammation in 16HBE14o-cells. The selective GPR40 antagonists DC260126 and GW1100 both strikingly abolished the anti-inflammatory effect of GW9508. In the asthmatic mouse model, intraperitoneal administration of GW9508 (10 mg/kg) alleviated ovalbumin-induced mucus hypersecretion and airway inflammation, with a reduction in STAT6 phosphorylation in lung tissue. Our findings suggest that GPR40 activation represents a novel therapeutic strategy for STAT6-mediated or type-2-inflammation mediated diseases such as allergic asthma.Item Metadata only Repellent Efficacy of Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Essential Oil and Its Topical Formulations Against Aedes aegypti(2026-01-01) Sutthanont N.; Perre E.V.D.; Saetung P.; Sutthanont N.; Mahidol UniversityThis study evaluated the repellent efficacy of catnip (Nepeta cataria) essential oil and its potential for development into safe topical products. Pure catnip oil was first tested against Aedes aegypti using the Arm-in-Cage (AIC) method, providing complete protection (CPT) for 220.00 ± 6.32 minutes, thereby confirming its strong intrinsic repellent activity. To create user-appropriate products, a 20% dilution of catnip oil was incorporated into two topical prototypes: a spray and a gel. Both were assessed using the AIC method, with repellency recorded at 30-minute intervals over a 3-hour exposure period. The spray demonstrated a mean repellency of 84.70 ± 2.68%, while the gel maintained a slightly higher repellency of 91.83 ± 2.09%, with CPTs of 110.00 ± 20.00 and 130.00 ± 14.83 minutes, respectively. Skin patch testing confirmed that both formulations were well tolerated, with no irritation observed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate catnip essential oil formulated into topical spray and gel prototypes and to assess both their repellency and skin tolerability in human volunteers. These findings indicate that catnip oil is an effective natural mosquito repellent and that 20% spray and gel formulations can provide safe, reliable protection against Ae. aegypti.Item Metadata only Gut microbiota and fecal 2-methylbutyric acid in coronary heart disease: a cross-sectional study(2026-12-01) Dechkhajorn W.; Topanurak S.; Prasongsukarn K.; Benjathummarak S.; Sutthikornchai C.; Maneerat Y.; Dechkhajorn W.; Mahidol UniversityThe influence of gut microbiota diversity and/or metabolite levels on the development of coronary heart disease (CHD) is unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated whether specific gut microbiota and/or their metabolites are associated with CHD development. The study cohort comprised 55 Thai male volunteers, including 24 normal controls (N), 17 patients with hyperlipidemia (H), and 14 with CHD. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and branched short-chain fatty acid (BSCFA) contents of fecal water extracts. We also determined the gut microbiota composition for each group using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Although comprising only a minor proportion, an unidentified Eubacterium spp. with 100% sequence similarity to E. liposum was more dominant in CHD than the N (false discovery rate (FDR) = 0.0002) or H groups (FDR = 0.0018). Furthermore, the CHD group exhibited significantly higher levels of 2-methylbutyric acid, a BSCFA, than the N (FDR = 0.0006). In addition, Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a moderately significant association between 2-methylbutyric acid and CHD development (r = 0.5037, p = 0.0001). In conclusion, our observations revealed that patients with CHD had a prominent abundance of Eubacterium and 2-methylbutyric acid. Further in-depth studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.Item Metadata only Prevalence and Factors Related to STI-Associated Symptoms and Health-Seeking Behavior Among the Filipino Youth(2026-01-01) Mallari E.F.I.; Peltzer K.; Suen M.W.; Flores A.D.; Mallari E.F.I.; Mahidol UniversityIntroduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health concern, disproportionately affecting young people due to high sexual risk behaviors, stigma, and limited access to care. In the Philippines, where human immunodeficincy virus (HIV) cases are rapidly increasing, evidence on STI symptoms and related health-seeking behaviors among youth is limited. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of STI symptoms and health-seeking behaviors among Filipino youth, with analyses stratified by sex. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of 15–24-year-old Filipinos, the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5). 3,120 sexually experienced individuals were included in the analysis. Results: Overall, 31.9% of the Filipino youth reported to have ever experienced STI-associated symptoms, with pain during urination and itching in the genital area as the most common. Among the 1,032 who reported STI-associated symptoms, less than one-third sought help for their symptoms. Logistic regression results of the pooled sample show that female sex, younger age, rural residence, lower educational attainment, commercial sex, STI knowledge, and awareness of aquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are linked to STI-associated symptoms. Health-seeking behaviors were associated with female sex, never received payment for sex, consistent condom use, ever heard of antiretroviral (ARV) medication, and ever tested for HIV. Conclusions: This study provides national prevalence estimates for STI-associated symptoms and health-seeking behavior among Filipino youth. The findings underscore a critical need for public health interventions to shift from reactive, symptom-based care toward proactive strategies. To improve health outcomes among Filipino youth, sexual and reproductive health programs must emphasize preventive education and risk-based screening. Enhancing access to services is essential to empower vulnerable populations to seek care based on sexual risk and knowledge rather than the onset of physical symptoms.Item Metadata only The duality of food production and consumption in the United States: Science, health, and practices(2026-01-01) Shomuyiwa D.O.; Ogun S.O.; Alabi O.S.; George N.S.; Fadele K.P.; Elam C.O.; Ekerin O.; Lucero-Prisno D.E.; Shomuyiwa D.O.; Mahidol UniversityThe United States food system is a paradox of abundance and inequity, characterized by high agricultural productivity and innovation on one hand, and growing public health, environmental, and socio-economic challenges on the other. This chapter examines the duality of food production and consumption in the U.S., tracing how scientific advances, industrial-scale farming, and market dynamics have shaped food availability, quality, and accessibility. While innovations such as biofortification, precision agriculture, and controlled environment farming have improved yield and efficiency, they often come at the cost of nutritional value, environmental sustainability, and equity. The chapter highlights how marginalized communities face disproportionate exposure to food insecurity, ultra-processed diets, and environmental health risks, while farmers themselves contend with economic pressures, mental health challenges, and shrinking autonomy. Community-based food systems, including Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), urban agriculture, food co-ops, and grassroots food sovereignty movements, offer promising models for a healthier, more equitable future. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for holistic, cross-sectoral approaches that realign agricultural priorities with public health goals, support farmer livelihoods, and ensure access to nutritious food for all. By addressing the intersections of health, sustainability, and justice, this chapter contributes to a broader reimagining of food systems that center people, planet, and shared prosperity.Item Metadata only Dialdehyde pineapple starch as a reactive carbohydrate platform for pyridyl–acylhydrazone crosslinked networks in Au and Pd recovery(2026-09-15) Todee B.; Srirattanaprasit N.; Prombandachok J.; Kammoon P.; Ruengsuk A.; Namnouad P.; Depijan M.; Sangtawesin T.; Kamonsutthipaijit N.; Tantirungrotechai J.; Amornsakchai T.; Smith S.M.; Bunchuay T.; Todee B.; Mahidol UniversityThe development of sustainable adsorbents for noble-metal recovery is essential for circular resource utilization. Here, a nitrogen-rich carbohydrate adsorbent was prepared by upcycling pineapple-stem starch via oxidation to dialdehyde starch, followed by crosslinking with pyridine-2,6-dicarbohydrazide (PCH) to form an acylhydrazone ligand network (DAS–PCH). FTIR, solid-state NMR, CHNS, and TGA confirmed successful oxidation and network formation with improved thermal stability. Nitrogen content increased with PCH loading across the series. Among the series, DAS–PCH5 delivered strong noble-metal uptake, reaching capacities of 194 mg g−1 for Pd(II) and > 250 mg g−1 for Au(III) under the tested conditions. Notably, a real-sample demonstration using an acidic gold-leaf leachate afforded quantitative Au, corresponding to an adsorption capacity of 631.51 mg g−1. Kinetic studies revealed rapid Au(III) uptake (equilibrium within 30 min), whereas Pd(II) adsorption was slower. Adsorption was strongly pH dependent and favored acidic media. XPS, PXRD, and TEM analyses are consistent with ligand-assisted adsorption and partial reduction followed by immobilization of the adsorbed noble-metal species, with Au(III) undergoing more extensive reduction to Au(0) nanoparticles than Pd(II). The adsorbent showed high selectivity for Au and Pd and retained excellent performance over repeated adsorption–desorption cycles. Overall, biomass-derived starch offers a sustainable platform for high-performance noble-metal recovery.