Search

Context: Ultraviolet B (UVB) light irradiation causes skin problems by increasing cellular oxidants, melanogenesis, and morphological changes of melanocytes. The use of active compounds derived from plants to mitigate these problems has been studied. Piceatannol (PCT), a phytochemical in the phenolic group contained in Passiflora edulis fruit seed (PFS), has gained interest for its anti-melanogenesis effects. However, the inhibitory effect on morphological differentiation related to melanin production of PFS extract is absent. Aims: To investigate the effect of PFS extract on the inhibition of morphological differentiation associated with microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) mRNA expression and F-actin polymerization in UVB-induced hyperpigmented B16F10 cells. Methods: Three fractions of PFS extract were analyzed for their total phenolics, PCT proportion, and antioxidant capacity. The fraction with the highest PCT proportion and antioxidant activity was investigated for its reductive effects on cellular oxidants, number of melanin-containing cells, melanin content, MITF mRNA expression, and tyrosinase activity in UVB-induced B16F10 cells. Morphological differentiation, as well as F-actin polymerization and arrangement, were analyzed. Results: The PFS-F3 extract showed the highest antioxidant effect related to the proportion of PCT and phenolic contents. It attenuated cellular oxidants, the number of melanin-containing cells, melanin content, MITF mRNA expression, and tyrosinase activity. Differentiation, polymerization, and the arrangement of F-actin of most UVB-irradiated cells were repressed after treatment with the extract. Conclusions: The PFS extract rich in PCT attenuated morphological differentiation by suppressing the functions of MITF mRNA and F-actin polymerization through the reduction of cellular oxidants, resulting in a decrease in melanin production.

Abstract In this study, we investigated the humidity sensing properties of TiO2-based ceramics doped with tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) and indium tin oxide (ITO). Pure TiO2, 1%Ta-doped TiO2 (1%TTO), 1%ITO-doped TiO2 (1%ISTO), and 1%(Ta2O5 + ITO) co-doped TiO2 (1%ISTTO) ceramic samples were obtained by sintering at 1200 °C for 3 h. The rutile phase was observed in all samples. The lattice parameters of the single and co-doped samples were larger than those of pure TiO2, confirming the substitution of dopants. Porosity was observed in all ceramics. The mean grain sizes of all doped samples were significantly reduced compared to undoped TiO2. A homogeneous element dispersion was observed in the 1%TTO and 1%ISTTO ceramics, while segregation particles of related In-rich elements was observed in the 1%ISTO ceramic. Giant dielectric properties were not achieved in any samples due to the porosity. Nevertheless, excluding the undoped TiO2, the dielectric properties of all porous ceramics varied significantly with changes in humidity. The 1%ISTTO ceramic demonstrated superior humidity sensing properties, including a low maximum hysteresis error of 3.6% at 102 Hz. In contrast, the 1% TTO and 1% ISTO ceramics showed higher maximum hysteresis errors of 7.2% and 19.8%, respectively. Notably, the response and recovery times were 7.05 ± 0.18 and 2.48 ± 0.39 min, respectively, with good repeatability. This improvement is likely due to the synergistic effect of oxygen vacancies and $${\text{Ta}}_{{{\text{Ti}}}}^{ \cdot }$$ Ta Ti · defects on the surface, enhancing the humidity sensing properties of the 1% ISTTO ceramic, coupled with its optimal microstructure due to its lowest porosity and grain size.

AbstractContext Musculoskeletal system disorders (MSD) are prevalent around the world affecting the health of people, especially farmers who work hard in the field. Karen farmers use many medicinal plants to treat MSD.Objective This study collects traditional plant-based remedies used by the Skaw Karen to treat MSD and evaluates their active phytochemical compounds.Materials and methods The ethnobotanical study was conducted in six Karen villages in Chiang Mai province using semi-structured interviews were of 120 informants. The data were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices including use values (UV), choice value (CV), and informant consensus factor (ICF). Consequently, the 20 most important species, according to the indices, were selected for phytochemical analysis using LC–MS/MS.Results A total of 3731 use reports were obtained for 139 species used in MSD treatment. The most common ailments treated with those plants were muscular pain. A total of 172 high-potential active compounds for MSD treatment were identified. Most of them were flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and steroids. The prevalent phytochemical compounds related to treat MSD were 9-hydroxycalabaxanthone, dihydrovaltrate, morroniside, isoacteoside, lithocholic acid, pomiferin, cucurbitacin E, leonuriside A, liriodendrin, and physalin E. Sambucus javanica Reinw. ex Blume (Adoxaceae), Betula alnoides Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don (Betulaceae), Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. (Asteraceae), Plantago major L. (Plantaginaceae) and Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch. (Salicaceae) all had high ethnobotanical index values and many active compounds.Discussion and conclusions This study provides valuable information, demonstrating low-cost medicine plants that are locally available. It is a choice of treatment for people living in remote areas.

In this study, we suggest a new class of forward-backward (FB) algorithms designed to solve convex minimization problems. Our method incorporates a linesearch technique, eliminating the need to choose Lipschitz assumptions explicitly. Additionally, we apply double inertial extrapolations to enhance the algorithm's convergence rate. We establish a weak convergence theorem under some mild conditions. Furthermore, we perform numerical tests, and apply the algorithm to image restoration and data classification as a practical application. The experimental results show our approach's superior performance and effectiveness, surpassing some existing methods in the literature.

Abstract This research explores the capacitive humidity sensing properties of CuO ceramic, selected for its simplicity as an oxide and ease of fabrication, in addition to its remarkable dielectric properties. The CuO sample was fabricated by sintering at 980 °C for 5 h. A microstructure with a relative density of 88.9% was obtained. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of a pure CuO phase. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy revealed that the observed giant dielectric properties at room temperature (RT) were attributed to extrinsic effects, including the internal barrier layer capacitor and sample-electrode contact effects. A key focus of this study was to examine the giant dielectric properties of CuO ceramic as a function of relative humidity (RH) at RT and frequencies of 102 and 103 Hz. It was observed that the capacitance of CuO continuously increased with rising RH levels, ranging from 30 to 95%. Notably, the maximum hysteresis errors were constrained to 2.3 and 3.3% at 102 and 103 Hz, respectively. Additionally, the CuO ceramic demonstrated very fast response and recovery times, approximately 2.8 and 0.95 min, respectively. The repeatability of the humidity response of the capacitance was also established. Overall, this research highlights the high potential of CuO as a giant dielectric material for application in humidity sensors.

IntroductionOwing to advances in high-throughput genome sequencing, QTL-Seq mapping of salt tolerance traits is a major platform for identifying soil-salinity tolerance QTLs to accelerate marker-assisted selection for salt-tolerant rice varieties. We performed QTL-BSA-Seq in the seedling stage of rice from a genetic cross of the extreme salt-sensitive variety, IR29, and “Jao Khao” (JK), a Thai salt-tolerant variety.MethodsA total of 462 F2 progeny grown in soil and treated with 160 mM NaCl were used as the QTL mapping population. Two high- and low-bulk sets, based on cell membrane stability (CMS) and tiller number at the recovery stage (TN), were equally sampled. The genomes of each pool were sequenced, and statistical significance of QTL was calculated using QTLseq and G prime (G′) analysis, which is based on calculating the allele frequency differences or Δ(SNP index).ResultsBoth methods detected the overlapping interval region, wherein CMS-bulk was mapped at two loci in the 38.41–38.85 Mb region with 336 SNPs on chromosome 1 (qCMS1) and the 26.13–26.80 Mb region with 1,011 SNPs on chromosome 3 (qCMS3); the Δ(SNP index) peaks were −0.2709 and 0.3127, respectively. TN-bulk was mapped at only one locus in the overlapping 38.26–38.95 Mb region on chromosome 1 with 575 SNPs (qTN1) and a Δ(SNP index) peak of −0.3544. These identified QTLs in two different genetic backgrounds of segregating populations derived from JK were validated. The results confirmed the colocalization of the qCMS1 and qTN1 traits on chromosome 1. Based on the CMS trait, qCMS1/qTN1 stably expressed 6%–18% of the phenotypic variance in the two validation populations, while qCMS1/qTN1 accounted for 16%–20% of the phenotypic variance in one validation population based on the TN trait.ConclusionThe findings confirm that the CMS and TN traits are tightly linked to the long arm of chromosome 1 rather than to chromosome 3. The validated qCMS-TN1 QTL can be used for gene/QTL pyramiding in marker-assisted selection to expedite breeding for salt resistance in rice at the seedling stage.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are common in tropical and subtropical regions. Southern Thailand experiences an extended rainy season, leading to persistently moist soil. This condition supports the life cycle of STHs, hindering effective control due to reinfection and low drug efficacy. We implemented a novel STH control strategy during the dry season aimed at decreasing reinfection rates without enhancing sanitation or hygiene practices. However, there were unexpected, prolonged droughts linked to El Niño events from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, we assessed the effects of these drought conditions on further control measures without the use of anthelmintics.Methodology/principal findingsA longitudinal study was conducted from 2012 to 2016. Stool samples collected from 299 participants were analyzed using the Kato-Katz and agar plate culture methods. Participants who tested positive for STHs received a single 400 mg dose of albendazole. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated three weeks later. To confirm the control measures were implemented during the dry season, we monitored the number of rainy days following albendazole treatment for 52 days, of which 38 were without rain. Follow-up stool examinations were carried out in 2013 and 2016, with no additional doses of albendazole administered. Rainfall and rainy day data, which served as indicators of unexpected droughts due to El Niño, were collected from the nearest local meteorological stations. Before the drought, there was a decrease in STH prevalence in 2013-except for trichuriasis-attributable to the dry season control efforts. Despite these efforts, STH prevalence remained high. Remarkably, in 2016, following the drought period, the prevalence of trichuriasis, which had not changed previously, spontaneously declined without further albendazole treatment compared to 2013. Furthermore, the prevalence of strongyloidiasis remained unchanged likely due to its low susceptibility to drought conditions, as it can reproduce within hosts. Conversely, the prevalence of other STHs consistently declined. The drought and possible improvements in sanitation and hygiene practices contributed to this decrease by reducing rates of reinfection and new infection and by increasing the natural cure rate. Additionally, some participants infected with hookworms or Trichuris who were not cured by albendazole experienced natural remission.Conclusions/significanceControl measures implemented during the dry season, combined with a 14-month-long drought induced by the El Niño event of 2014-2016, and some improvements in sanitation and hygiene practices, contributed to a decrease in both the prevalence and intensity of STHs, except for S. stercoralis. Over time, S. stercoralis is likely to become the predominant species among the STHs.

Abstract Background The potent antiplasmodial activity of 1-hydroxy-5,6,7-trimethoxyxanthone (HTX), isolated from Mammea siamensis T. Anders. flowers, has previously been demonstrated in vitro. However, its in vivo activity has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimalarial activity and acute toxicity of HTX in a mouse model and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profile of HTX following a single intraperitoneal administration. Methods The in vivo antimalarial activity of HTX was evaluated using a 4-day suppressive test. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain and given HTX daily for 4 days. To detect acute toxicity, mice received a single dose of HTX and were observed for 14 days. Additionally, the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions as well as the histopathology of liver and kidney tissues were examined. HTX pharmacokinetics after intraperitoneal administration was also investigated in a mouse model. Liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma HTX and calculate pharmacokinetic parameters with the PKSolver software. Results HTX at 10 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed parasitemia in malaria-infected mice by 74.26%. Mice treated with 3 mg/kg HTX showed 46.88% suppression, whereas mice treated with 1 mg/kg displayed 34.56% suppression. Additionally, no symptoms of acute toxicity were observed in the HTX-treated groups. There were no significant alterations in the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney functions and no histological changes in liver or kidney tissues. Following intraperitoneal HTX administration, the pharmacokinetic profile exhibited a maximum concentration (Cmax) of 94.02 ng/mL, time to attain Cmax (Tmax) of 0.5 h, mean resident time of 14.80 h, and elimination half-life of 13.88 h. Conclusions HTX has in vivo antimalarial properties against P. berghei infection. Acute toxicity studies of HTX did not show behavioral changes or mortality. The median lethal dose was greater than 50 mg/kg body weight. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that HTX has a long elimination half-life; hence, shortening the duration of malaria treatment may be required to minimize toxicity.

Abstract Despite the importance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as a priority nosocomial pathogen, the genome sequences of Malaysian MRSA isolates are currently limited to a small pool of samples. Here, we present the genome sequence analyses of 88 clinical MRSA isolates obtained from the main tertiary hospital in Terengganu, Malaysia in 2016–2020, to obtain in-depth insights into their characteristics. The EMRSA-15 (ST22-SCCmec IV) clone of the clonal complex 22 (CC22) lineage was predominant with a total of 61 (69.3%) isolates. Earlier reports from other Malaysian hospitals indicated the predominance of the ST239 clone, but only two (2.3%) isolates were identified in this study. Two Indian-origin clones, the Bengal Bay clone ST772-SCCmec V (n = 2) and ST672 (n = 10) were also detected, with most of the ST672 isolates obtained in 2020 (n = 7). Two new STs were found, with one isolate each, and were designated ST7879 and ST7883. From the core genome phylogenetic tree, the HSNZ MRSA isolates could be grouped into seven clades. Antimicrobial phenotype-genotype concordance was high (> 95%), indicating the accuracy of WGS in predicting most resistances. Majority of the MRSA isolates were found to harbor more than 10 virulence genes, demonstrating their pathogenic nature.

Abstract Background People with autosomal recessive disorders often were born without awareness of the carrier status of their parents. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) recommends screening 113 genes known to cause autosomal recessive and X-linked conditions in couples seeking to learn about their risk of having children with these disorders to have an appropriate reproductive plan. Methods We analyzed the exome sequencing data of 1,642 unrelated Thai individuals to identify the pathogenic variant (PV) frequencies in genes recommended by ACMG. Results In the 113 ACMG-recommended genes, 165 PV and likely PVs in 60 genes of 559 exomes (34%, 559/1642) were identified. The carrier rate was increased to 39% when glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was added. The carrier rate was still as high as 14.7% when thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies were excluded. In addition to thalassemia, hemoglobinopathies, and G6PD deficiency, carrier frequencies of > 1% were found for Gaucher disease, primary hyperoxaluria, Pendred syndrome, and Wilson disease. Nearly 2% of the couples were at risk of having offsprings with the tested autosomal recessive conditions. Conclusions Based on the study samples, the expanded carrier screening, which specifically targeted common autosomal recessive conditions in Thai individuals, will benefit clinical outcomes, regarding preconception/prenatal genetic carrier screening.

Abstract In this study, we achieved significantly enhanced giant dielectric properties (EG-DPs) in Sc3+–Ta5+ co-doped rutile-TiO2 (STTO) ceramics with a low loss tangent (tanδ ≈ 0.05) and high dielectric permittivity (ε′ ≈ 2.4 × 104 at 1 kHz). We focused on investigating the influence of insulating surface layers on the nonlinear electrical properties and the giant dielectric response. Our experimental observations revealed that these properties are not directly correlated with the grain size of the ceramics. Furthermore, first-principles calculations indicated the preferred formation of complex defects, specifically 2Ta diamond and 2ScVo triangular-shaped complexes, within the rutile structure of STTO; however, these too showed no correlation. Consequently, the non-Ohmic properties and EG-DPs of STTO ceramics cannot be predominantly attributed to the grain boundary barrier layer capacitor model or to electron-pinned defect-dipole effects. We also found that the semiconducting grains in STTO ceramics primarily arise from Ta5+, while Sc3+ plays a crucial role in forming a highly resistive outer surface layer. Notably, a significant impact of grain boundary resistance on the nonlinear electrical properties was observed only at lower co-dopant concentrations in STTO ceramics (1 at%). The combination of low tanδ values and high ε′ in these ceramics is primarily associated with a highly resistive, thin outer-surface layer, which substantially influences their non-Ohmic characteristics.

# Background Over the past decade, there has been extensive research exploring the relationship between vascular health and mental well-being, encompassing aspects such as mood and cognition. However, there is a notable gap in research focusing on the mental and vascular conditions of minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients, particularly within the Thai population. # Objectives To investigate the clinical characteristics and mental issues related to vascular functions in patients who have experienced a minor ischemic stroke or TIA. This study, approved by the Buriram Hospital Ethics Committee (IRB: BR0033.102.1/8), adhered to the guidelines of the Helsinki Declaration and obtained informed consent from all participants. # Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Buriram Hospital, a government regional hospital located in Buriram province, Thailand, involving twenty-three participants diagnosed with minor ischemic stroke or TIA. Measurements included clinical characteristics, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-part Anxiety (HADS-A), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-part Depression (HADS-D), mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Linear regression analysis was employed to investigate the factors associated with vascular function (FMD and baPWV). # Results The factor related to FMD was HADS-D (β = -0.5, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.04). Factors associated with baPWV included age (β = 0.51, 95% CI 5.05 to 39.50) and the duration of minor ischemic stroke or TIA (β = 0.48, 95% CI 25.41 to 290.99). # Conclusions FMD shows a connection with depressive symptoms in patients with minor ischemic stroke or TIA. Therefore, it is important to detect and provide appropriate treatment for depressive symptoms in these patients, as it may lead to improvements in vascular function and better cerebrovascular outcomes.

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky ST198 is a major health threat due to its resistance to ciprofloxacin and several other drugs, including third-generation cephalosporins. Many drug-resistant genes have been identified in the Salmonella genomic island 1 variant K (SGI1-K). In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile and genotypic relatedness of two isolates of ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIPR) S. Kentucky ST198 from poultry in Northeastern Thailand. We successfully assembled the complete genomes of both isolates, namely SSSE-01 and SSSE-03, using hybrid de novo assembly of both short- and long-read sequence data. The complete genomes revealed their highly similar genomic structures and a novel variant of SGI1-K underlying multidrug-resistant (MDR) patterns, including the presence of blaTEM-1b, which confers resistance to beta-lactams, including cephalosporins and lnu(F) which confers resistance to lincomycin and other lincosamides. In addition, the chromosomal mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) were found at positions 83 (Ser83Phe) and 87 (Asp87Asn) of GyrA and at positions 57 (Thr57Ser) and 80 (Ser80Ile) of ParC suggesting high resistance to ciprofloxacin. We also compared SSSE-01 and SSSE-03 with publicly available complete genome data and revealed significant variations in SGI1-K genetic structures and variable relationships to antibiotic resistance. In comparison to the other isolates, SGI1-K of SSSE-01 and SSSE-03 had a relatively large deletion in the backbone, spanning from S011 (traG∆) to S027 (resG), and the inversion of the IS26-S044∆-yidY segment. Their MDR region was characterized by the inversion of a large segment, including the mer operon and the relocation of IntI1 and several resistance genes downstream of the IS26-S044∆-yidY segment. These structural changes were likely mediated by the recombination of IS26. The findings broaden our understanding of the possible evolution pathway of SGI1-K in fostering drug resistance, which may provide opportunities to control these MDR strains.IMPORTANCEThe emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIPR) Salmonella Kentucky ST198 globally has raised significant concerns. This study focuses on two poultry isolates from Thailand, revealing a distinct Salmonella genomic island 1 variant K (SGI1-K) genetic structure. Remarkably, multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were identified within the SGI1-K as well as other locations in the chromosome, but not in plasmids. Comparing the SGI1-K genetic structures among global and even within-country isolates unveiled substantial variations. Intriguingly, certain isolates lacked ARGs within the SGI1-K, while others had ARGs relocated outside. The presence of chromosomal extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes and lincosamide resistance, lnu(F), gene, could potentially inform the choices of the treatment of CIPRS. Kentucky ST198 infections in humans. This study highlights the importance of understanding the diverse genetic structures of SGI1-K and emphasizes the role of animals and humans in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

This research fills a significant knowledge gap by exploring the development of Big Data Analytics Skills (BAS), Diagnostic Skills (DS), and Forensic Accounting Skills (FAS) among Generation Z accounting students in Thailand. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study conducted an online survey of fourth-year accounting students from this generation, utilizing the convenience sampling technique. The investigation aimed to assess the impact of BAS and DS on FAS within the accounting student cohort. The sample consisted of 465 participants. Path analysis conducted using the SmartPLS program affirmed significant relationships: BAS significantly influences both DS (H1, β=0.817, p

Fine-temporal resolution rainfall is a prerequisite for flood risk-related studies. In recent years, satellite precipitation products (SPPs) have gained some attention in the hydro-meteorology field, but the application of these products for hydrological studies is still uncertain. This study discusses the methodology for temporal disaggregation of daily rain gauge (DRG) data using SPP for improved accuracy in hydrologic simulation. The objectives of this research article are (i) to temporally dis-aggregate the DRG data using 3-h SPP TRMM_3B42RT; (ii) to suggest the best approach in terms of hydrologic simulation capabilities using the compound factor (CF) technique. The hydrologic simulation in HEC-HMS was performed for various temporally disaggregated rain gauge (TDRG) data and results were analyzed using 10 efficiency criteria. The best approach was selected using the CF technique. The lowest CF of 2.4 reveals that peak discharge can be computed with less than 8% deviation using the TDRG data, which utilizes the least error tile/grid/pixel from rain gauge rainfall value out of four nearby tile/grid/pixel. This study concluded that flood volume can be computed with less than 5% deviation using DRG data but it failed to reproduce the flood peak. This approach has overcome the insufficiency of sub-daily rainfall observation. HIGHLIGHTS Evaluation of SPP TRMM_3B42RT for a major flood event using statistical measurements like RB (%), CC, and RMSE (mm/day).; Temporal disaggregation of the DRG data using 3-h SPP TRMM_3B42RT.; Identification of the best approach in terms of hydrologic simulation by using 10 efficiency criteria and the use of the CF technique.;

AbstractIn our investigation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films embedded with Au-BaTiO3 (AuBT) nanoparticles, we noted a synergistic improvement in both thermal stability and dielectric properties. PVDF films with varying concentrations of AuBT were expertly fabricated. Remarkably, the films retained their flexibility even at a high volume fraction of filler (fAuBT = 0.5). The predominant phases of PVDF (α, β, and γ) were observed. An increase in fAuBT resulted in a modest decrease in the melting temperature, while simultaneously causing a significant 40% increase in thermal conductivity compared to pure PVDF. The dielectric permittivity reached ∼160 at 1 kHz, while maintaining a loss tangent of ∼0.05. These improvements were attributed to discrete Au growth on BT particles, hindering conduction in PVDF. The rise in dielectric response resulted from interfacial polarization and inherent high dielectric permittivity of BT.

Objective: To assess the emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) and mortality in each Emergency Severity Index (ESI) triage level. In addition to identifying the cut-off point of EDLOS to predict 72-hour in-hospital mortality among adult non-traumatic patients in the ED of a university hospital. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by retrieving patient data from the hospital information system; from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2018. Patient characteristics, EDLOS, and in-hospital mortality rates were analyzed using the R program. The cut-off values of EDLOS, via the area under the curve for the best prediction of 72-hour in-hospital mortality in patients at different ESI levels, were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of ≤0.05. Results: Data from 71,247 patients with 123,356 visits were enrolled. EDLOS significantly decreased across ESI levels and the in-hospital mortality rates were highest in ESI 1, followed by ESI 2 and ESI 3. The predictive ability of EDLOS was the highest for ESI 4, followed by ESI 3. The cut-off point of EDLOS at 3.58 hours showed the best sensitivity, which was a significant risk factor for mortality after adjusting for other significant variables. An EDLOS longer than 4 hours was a significant factor for poor survival in patients with ESI 2 and ESI 3. Conclusion: A practical cut-off point of 4 hours EDLOS can be used to predict 72-hour in-hospital mortality. Healthcare providers in the ED should consider EDLOS as a safety indicator for quality assurance.

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate factors associated with time-to-referral due to worsening symptoms in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in southern Thailand. While underlying diseases have been evaluated to assess COVID-19 severity, the influence of vaccinations and treatments is also crucial.MethodsA cohort of 8,638 patients quarantined in home or community isolation with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was analyzed. Survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard ratio were employed to assess factors influencing time-toreferral.ResultsAge ≥ 60 years, neurologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were identified as significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 referral. Patients who received full- or booster-dose vaccinations had a lower risk of experiencing severe symptoms compared to unvaccinated patients. Notably, individuals vaccinated during the Omicron-dominant period had a substantially lower time-to-referral than those unvaccinated during the Delta-dominant period. Moreover, patients vaccinated between 1 and 6 months prior to infection had a significantly lower risk of time-to-referral than the reference group.DiscussionThese findings demonstrate early intervention in high-risk COVID-19 patients and the importance of vaccination efficacy to reduce symptom severity. The study provides valuable insights for guiding future epidemic management strategies and optimising patient care during infectious disease outbreaks.

The integration of surface-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) into polymer nanocomposites has been extensively studied for their potential to enhance dielectric properties. This study, however, pioneers the use of a novel hybrid filler comprising fMWCNTs coated with metal nanoparticles, specifically aimed at augmenting the dielectric performance of polymers. In our research, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposite films were synthesized using fMWCNTs with a diameter of ∼6–9 nm and a length of 5 μm, adorned with gold nanoparticles (nAu) of ∼5.4 ± 0.9 nm via an adapted Turkevich method. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on nAu−fMWCNTs hybrid powder and their nanocomposites in PVDF with varying filler concentrations, confirming the formation of nAu−fMWCNTs with a weight ratio of 1.1 : 98.9. Three−phase percolative nanocomposites were produced by dispersing the hybrid filler in N,N−dimethylformamide, facilitated by interactions between the negative charge of nAu−fMWCNTs (zeta potential of ∼ −40.43 ± 0.46 mV) and polar phases of PVDF. This was verified through zeta potential and Fourier−transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The dielectric permittivity (ε′) of the nanocomposites significantly increased from 17.8 to 524.8 (at 1 kHz) with filler loadings from 0.005 to 0.01 vol%, while the dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) showed a minor increase from 0.05 to 1.18. These enhancements are attributed to the elevated permittivity of nAu−fMWCNTs hybrid powder, PVDF's transition to the β−phase, and interfacial polarization effects. The restrained growth of nAu on fMWCNTs and the inhibition of conductive pathways in the polymer matrix contributed to the low tanδ values.

BackgroundEnteral feeding tubes play essential roles in clinical management and nutritional support. Knowledge of the abdominal wall is beneficial in surgical practice and safe for gastrostomy. Anthropometric parameters are currently used for clinical assessment in many clinical applications. That might be beneficial if we applied anthropometric measurement for thickness prediction of the abdominal wall to the schedule of patients' gastrostomy care. This study aimed to evaluate the anthropometric parameters of abdominal wall thickness (AWT).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study with anthropometric parameters and CT-measured anterior AWT were assessed and analyzed.ResultsThe data are collected from January 2020 to March 2021. Arm circumference and body mass index were strongly correlated with AWT at left upper quadrant area and anterior AWT at middle area. The data was created in an TAWT (Thammasat AWT) chart to represent body parameters to AWT.ConclusionsArm circumference is related to AWT. A TAWT chart is designed to help medical personnel evaluate the thickness of the abdominal wall and could guide estimating the gastrostomy tube length.

Abstract Asiatic acid (AA) and asiaticoside, pentacyclic triterpenoid compounds derived from Centella asiatica, are known for their biological effects in promoting type I collagen synthesis and inducing osteogenesis of stem cells. However, their applications in regenerative medicine are limited due to their low potency and poor aqueous solubility. This work aimed to evaluate the osteogenic induction activity of AA derivatives in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) in vitro. Four compounds were synthesised, namely 501, 502, 503, and 506. AA was used as the control. The 502 exhibited low water solubility, while the 506 compound showed the highest. The cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated that 503 caused significant deterioration in cell viability, while other derivatives showed no harmful effect on hPDLSCs. The dimethyl aminopropyl amine derivative of AA, compound 506, demonstrated a relatively high potency in inducing osteogenic differentiation. An elevated mRNA expression of osteogenic-related genes, BMP2, WNT3A, ALP, OSX and IBSP was observed with 506. Additionally, the expression of BMP-2 protein was enhanced with increasing dose of 506, and the effect was pronounced when the Erk signalling molecule was inhibited. The 506 derivative was proposed for the promotion of osteogenic differentiation in hPDLSCs by upregulating BMP2 via the Erk signalling pathway. The 506 molecule showed promise in bone tissue regeneration.

Abstract Mutations in whiB7 have been associated with both hypersusceptibility and resistance to various antibiotics in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Unlocking the secrets of antibiotic resistance in the bacterium, we examined mutations in the coding sequences of whiB7 of over 40,000 diverse Mtb isolates. Our results unveil the dominant c.191delG (Gly64delG) mutation, present in all members of the lineage L1.2.2 and its impact on WhiB7's conserved GVWGG-motif, causing conformational changes and deletion of the C-terminal AT-hook. Excitingly, we discovered six unique mutations associated with partial or total deletion of the AT-hook, specific to certain sublineages. Our findings suggest the selective pressures driving these mutations, underlining the potential of genomics to advance our understanding of Mtb's antibiotic resistance. As tuberculosis remains a global health threat, our study offers valuable insights into the diverse nature and functional consequences of whiB7 mutations, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mechanical force on possible dynamic changes of the matrix proteins deposition in the PDL upon in vitro mechanical and in vivo occlusal forces in a rat model with hypofunctional conditions. Materials and methods Intermittent compressive force (ICF) and shear force (SF) were applied to human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Protein expression of collagen I and POSTN was analyzed by western blot technique. To establish an in vivo model, rat maxillary molars were extracted to facilitate hypofunction of the periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue of the opposing mandibular molar. The mandibles were collected after 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks post-extraction and used for micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis. Results ICF and SF increased the synthesis of POSTN by human PDLSCs. Histological changes in the hypofunctional teeth revealed a narrowing of the PDL space, along with a decreased amount of collagen I, POSTN, and laminin in perivascular structures compared to the functional contralateral molars. Conclusion Our results revealed that loss of occlusal force disrupts deposition of some major matrix proteins in the PDL, underscoring the relevance of mechanical forces in maintaining periodontal tissue homeostasis by modulating ECM composition.