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The ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial, comprising over 47 000 patient-years of placebo-controlled observation, demonstrated important reductions in the risk of recurrent ischaemic cardiovascular events with the monoclonal antibody to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 alirocumab, as well as lower all-cause death. These benefits were observed in the context of substantial and persistent lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with alirocumab compared with that achieved with placebo. The safety profile of alirocumab was indistinguishable from matching placebo except for a ∼1.7% absolute increase in local injection site reactions. Further, the safety of alirocumab compared with placebo was evident in vulnerable groups identified before randomization, such as the elderly and those with diabetes mellitus, previous ischaemic stroke, or chronic kidney disease. The frequency of adverse events and laboratory-based abnormalities was generally similar to that in placebo-treated patients. Thus, alirocumab appears to be a safe and effective lipid-modifying treatment over a duration of at least 5 years.

Abstract The gut microbiota metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)—derived from dietary phosphatidylcholine—is mechanistically linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and increased cardiovascular risk. This study examined the relationship between fasting plasma TMAO levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in a cohort of patients at high risk of cardiovascular events (CORE-Thailand Registry). Of the 134 patients, 123 (92%) had established cardiovascular disease, and 11 (8%) had multiple risk factors. Fasting plasma TMAO levels were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Within this prospective cohort study, the median TMAO was 3.81 μM [interquartile range (IQR) 2.89–5.50 μM], with a mean age of 65 ± 11 years; 61% were men, and 39.6% had type II diabetes. Among 134 patients, 65 (49%) were identified as the high-TMAO group (≥ 3.8 μM), and 69 (51%) were identified as the low-TMAO group (

Abstract Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed pharmacogenomics (PGx), enabling thorough profiling of pharmacogenes using computational methods and advancing personalized medicine. The Thai Pharmacogenomic Database‐2 (TPGxD‐2) analyzed 948 whole genome sequences, primarily from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cohort. This study is an extension of the previous Thai Pharmacogenomic Database (TPGxD‐1) and specifically focused on 26 non‐very important pharmacogenes (VIPGx) genes. Variant calling was conducted using Sentieon (version 201808.08) following GATK's best workflow practices. We then annotated variant call format (VCF) files using Golden Helix VarSeq 2.5.0. Star allele analysis was performed with Stargazer v2.0.2, which called star alleles for 22 of 26 non‐VIPGx genes. The variant analysis revealed a total of 14,529 variants in 26 non‐VIPGx genes, with TBXAS1 had the highest number of variants (27%). Among the 14,529 variants, 2328 were novel (without rsID), with 87 identified as clinically relevant. We also found 56 known PGx variants among the known variants (n = 12,201), with UGT2B7 (19.64%), CYP1B1 (8.9%), SLCO2B1 (8.9%), and POR (8.9%) being the most common. We reported a high frequency of intermediate metabolizers (IMs) in CYP2F1 (34.6%) and CYP4A11 (8.6%), and a high frequency of decreased functional alleles in POR (53.9%) and SLCO1B3 (34.9%) genes. This study enhances our understanding of pharmacogenomic profiling of 26 non‐VIPGx genes of notable clinical importance in the Thai population. However, further validation with additional computational and reference genotyping methods is necessary, and novel alleles identified in this study should undergo further orthogonal validation.

Charinya Chaichanabut,1 Piyamitr Sritara,2 Jintana Sirivarasai3 1Master of Science Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital and Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 3Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandCorrespondence: Jintana Sirivarasai, Nutrition Unit, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, Tel +662-201-1483, Fax +662-201-2625, Email jintana.sir@mahidol.ac.thPurpose: Endothelial dysfunction is a key mechanism in the development of hypertension and is closely linked to impairment of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and hyperhomocysteinemia. Genetic polymorphisms of eNOS (rs1799983 and rs2070744) are strongly associated with the risk of hypertension in individuals of Asian ethnicities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these polymorphisms and the risk of hypertension associated with homocysteine levels.Participants and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 370 Thai men aged 40– 60 years from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand cohort study for both variants genotyping by TaqMan allelic discrimination analysis. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters were also analyzed.Results: In the high blood pressure group (n = 267), systolic and diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels were higher in those with homocysteine levels ≥ 15 μmol/L than in those with homocysteine levels < 15 μmol/L (p < 0.05). Significant risk of hypertension was found in GG and GT of rs1799983 (G894T), and in TT and TC of rs2070744 (T-786C), with higher ORs in heterozygous genotypes (all p values < 0.05). Further evaluation of the interactions between SNPs and HCY revealed that individuals with the GT or TC genotype, together with hyperhomocysteinemia, had an increased risk of hypertension (all p< 0.05).Conclusion: eNOS variants rs1799983 and rs2070744 may be risk factors for hypertension linked to hyperhomocysteinemia. These findings provide potentially useful healthcare strategies for the management of hypertension.Keywords: endothelial nitric oxide synthase, polymorphisms, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia

Abstract Obesity is highly associated with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer-related death. We determined the diagnostic performance of the complex-based chemical shift technique MRI-PDFF for quantifying liver fat and its correlation with histopathologic findings in an obese population within 24 h before bariatric surgery. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, Institutional Review Board-approved study of PDFF-MRI of the liver and MRI-DIXON image volume before bariatric surgery. Liver tissues were obtained during bariatric surgery. The prevalence of NAFLD in the investigated cohort was as high as 94%. Histologic hepatic steatosis grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were observed in 3 (6%), 25 (50%), 14 (28%), and 8 (16%) of 50 obese patients, respectively. The mean percentages of MRI-PDFF from the anterior and posterior right hepatic lobe and left lobe vs. isolate left hepatic lobe were 15.6% (standard deviation [SD], 9.28%) vs. 16.29% (SD, 9.25%). There was a strong correlation between the percentage of steatotic hepatocytes and MRI-PDFF in the left hepatic lobe (r = 0.82, p

Abstract Computational methods analyze genomic data to identify genetic variants linked to drug responses, thereby guiding personalized medicine. This study analyzed 942 whole‐genome sequences from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cohort to establish a population‐specific pharmacogenomic database (TPGxD‐1) in the Thai population. Sentieon (version 201808.08) implemented the GATK best workflow practice for variant calling. We then annotated variant call format (VCF) files using Golden Helix VarSeq 2.5.0 and employed Stargazer v2.0.2 for star allele analysis. The analysis of 63 very important pharmacogenes (VIPGx) reveals 85,566 variants, including 13,532 novel discoveries. Notably, we identified 464 known PGx variants and 275 clinically relevant novel variants. The phenotypic prediction of 15 VIPGx demonstrated a varied metabolic profile for the Thai population. Genes like CYP2C9 (9%), CYP3A5 (45.2%), CYP2B6 (9.4%), NUDT15 (15%), CYP2D6 (47%) and CYP2C19 (43%) showed a high number of intermediate metabolizers; CYP3A5 (41%), and CYP2C19 (9.9%) showed more poor metabolizers. CYP1A2 (52.7%) and CYP2B6 (7.6%) were found to have a higher number of ultra‐metabolizers. The functional prediction of the remaining 10 VIPGx genes reveals a high frequency of decreased functional alleles in SULT1A1 (12%), NAT2 (84%), and G6PD (12%). SLCO1B1 reports 20% poor functional alleles, while PTGIS (42%), SLCO1B1 (4%), and TPMT (5.96%) showed increased functional alleles. This study discovered new variants and alleles in the 63 VIPGx genes among the Thai population, offering insights into advancing clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx). However, further validation is needed using other computational and genotyping methods.

Siwaphorn Chaimati,1 Prapimporn Chattranukulchai Shantavasinkul,2 Piyamitr Sritara,2 Jintana Sirivarasai3 1Doctoral Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital and Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 3Nutrition Division, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, ThailandCorrespondence: Jintana Sirivarasai, Nutrition Division, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand, Tel +662-201-1483, Fax +662-201-2625, Email jintana.sir@mahidol.ac.thPurpose: The renin–angiotensin system plays an important role in the central regulation of blood pressure (BP). Genetic variations of angiotensinogen (AGT) and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1) may increase susceptibility to elevated BP and hypertension. This study investigated the effects of AGT rs699 and AGTR1 rs5186 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on BP at baseline and at a 5-year follow-up.Paticipants and Methods: The study population consisted of participants from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand cohort study (n=354); data were collected at baseline (2013) and 5 years later (2018). Genotyping of the two SNPs was performed using TaqMan® assay and statistical analyses were performed with SNPStats software.Results: The frequencies of the two SNPs were within the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p=0.22 for AGT rs699 and p=0.06 for AGTR1 rs5186). For each SNP, mutant genotypes were significantly associated with increased systolic BP and/or diastolic BP in the codominant and recessive models. Risk alleles of AGT rs699 and AGTR1 rs5186 were associated with increased odds of hypertension and hypertension with metabolic syndrome at follow-up.Conclusion: Overall, our results suggest that polymorphisms of genes in the renin–angiotensin system increase susceptibility to the development and progression of hypertension and the development of the metabolic syndrome.Keywords: angiotensinogen, angiotensin II receptor type 1, polymorphisms, hypertension, metabolic syndrome

Lymphoscintigraphy evaluates the lymphatic system using radiocolloid compounds like 99mTc-sulfur colloid and 99mTc-nanocolloid, which vary in particle size and distribution timing. A local in-house Dextran kit (15–40 nm) was developed in 2005 and began clinical use in 2008 to localize sentinel lymph nodes; diagnose lymphedema; and detect lymphatic leakage. The normal drainage pattern remains unexplored. We retrospectively analyzed 84 upper extremity lymphoscintigraphies from 2008 to 2021. 99mTc in-house Dextran was intradermally injected into both hands, followed by whole-body imaging at specified intervals (≤15 min; 16–30 min; 31–45 min; 46–60 min), with some receiving delayed imaging. Visual and quantitative analyses recorded axillary and forearm lymph nodes and liver, kidney, and urinary bladder activity. Results showed 92% (77/84) upper extremity lymphatic tract visualization within 45 min. Axillary node detection rates increased from 46% (≤15 min) to 86% (46–60 min). Delayed imaging further revealed nodes. Epitrochlear or brachial node visualization was rare (4%, 3/84). Hepatic, renal, and urinary bladder activity was noted in 54%, 71%, and 93% at 1 h, respectively. The axillary node uptake ratio was minimal (99mTc in-house Dextran, offering insights into its clinical application

Objectives: It is unclear how metabolomic assessment of biological aging performs in non-White populations and whether such an approach can predict future mortality. We aimed to evaluate the application of serum metabolomics combined with machine learning methodologies to predict incident diabetes and mortality in a Thai population. Design, setting and participants: We analyzed serum samples and mortality data over 11 years from among 454 participants with no previous history of diabetes and with a fasting plasma glucose ≥85th percentile (5.4 mmol/L) but

Objectives: The Thai Osteoporosis Foundation (TOPF) is an academic organization that consists of a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals managing osteoporosis. The first clinical practice guideline for diagnosing and managing osteoporosis in Thailand was published by the TOPF in 2010, then updated in 2016 and 2021. This paper presents important updates of the guideline for the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in Thailand. Methods: A panel of experts in the field of osteoporosis was recruited by the TOPF to review and update the TOPF position statement from 2016. Evidence was searched using the MEDLINE database through PubMed. Primary writers submitted their first drafts, which were reviewed, discussed, and integrated into the final document. Recommendations are based on reviews of the clinical evidence and experts' opinions. The recommendations are classified using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation classification system. Results: The updated guideline comprises 90 recommendations divided into 12 main topics. This paper summarizes the recommendations focused on 4 main topics: the diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis, fracture risk assessment and indications for bone mineral density measurement, fracture risk categorization, management according to fracture risk, and pharmacological management of osteoporosis. Conclusions: This updated clinical practice guideline is a practical tool to assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing, evaluating, and managing osteoporosis in Thailand.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide, even in countries with abundant sunshine. Understanding the risk factors for vitamin D deficiency is important to inform public health recommendations. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of vitamin D status in Thai individuals to assess changes in vitamin D status over time and identify potential determinants. Study design: This study is a long term prospective cohort study. Methods: Of the 1239 participants who were employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry from samples collected in 2009 and 2019. Results: There was a significant 14.8% increase in serum total 25(OH)D (P

Integrated omics-based platforms from epigenomics and proteomics technologies are used to identify several important mechanisms in obesity etiology, food components, dietary intake, regulation of biological pathways, and potential new intervention targets. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze whether dietary factors involved in the methylation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are implicated in differential protein expression in people with normal weight and obesity. Methods: The participants were classified into the non-obese (N = 100) and obese (N = 133) groups. DNA methylation levels of the TNF-alpha gene and proteomics were analyzed using the pyrosequencing method and LC-MS-MS, respectively. Results: Comparison between geometric means of DNA methylation of TNF-α showed lower levels in subjects with obesity than in those without obesity (p < 0.05). There were associations between dietary factors and some metabolic syndrome components and TNF-α DNA methylation levels. Proteomic analysis showed important signaling pathways related to obesity, with 95 significantly downregulated proteins and 181 upregulated proteins in the non-obese group compared with the obese group. Conclusion: This study shows an association between the dietary factors involved in the methylation of TNF-α and differential protein expression related to obesity. However, a large sample size in future studies is required to confirm our results.

Teetat Kongratanapasert,1,&ast; Supasek Kongsomros,2,5,&ast; Nlin Arya,3 Kripitch Sutummaporn,3 Witthawat Wiriyarat,3 Yada Akkhawattanangkul,4 Tussapon Boonyarattanasoonthorn,5 Nithi Asavapanumas,5 Phongthon Kanjanasirirat,6 Ampa Suksatu,2 Khanit Sa-ngiamsuntorn,7 Suparerk Borwornpinyo,6,8 Pornpun Vivithanaporn,5 Somchai Chutipongtanate,5,9 Suradej Hongeng,6,9 Boonsong Ongphiphadhanakul,10 Arunee Thitithanyanont,2 Phisit Khemawoot,5 Piyamitr Sritara10 1Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 3Department of Preclinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand; 4Department of Clinical Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhonpathom, 73170, Thailand; 5Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Samutprakarn, 10540, Thailand; 6Excellence Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 7Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 8Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 9Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand; 10Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Phisit Khemawoot, Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bang Phli, Samut Prakarn, 10540, Thailand, Tel/Fax +66 28395161, Email phisit.khe@mahidol.ac.thBackground: The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to the suffering of people around the world, with an inaccessibility of specific and effective medication. Fingerroot extract, which showed in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, could alleviate the deficiency of antivirals and reduce the burden of health systems.Aim of Study: In this study, we conducted an experiment in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters to determine the efficacy of fingerroot extract in vivo.Materials and Methods: The infected hamsters were orally administered with vehicle control, fingerroot extract 300 or 1000 mg/kg, or favipiravir 1000 mg/kg at 48 h post-infection for 7 consecutive days. The hamsters (n = 12 each group) were sacrificed at day 2, 4 and 8 post-infection to collect the plasma and lung tissues for analyses of viral output, lung histology and lung concentration of panduratin A.Results: All animals in treatment groups reported no death, while one hamster in the control group died on day 3 post-infection. All treatments significantly reduced lung pathophysiology and inflammatory mediators, PGE2 and IL-6, compared to the control group. High levels of panduratin A were found in both the plasma and lung of infected animals.Conclusion: Fingerroot extract was shown to be a potential of reducing lung inflammation and cytokines in hamsters. Further studies of the full pharmacokinetics and toxicity are required before entering into clinical development.Keywords: Boesenbergia rotunda, Zingiberaceae, panduratin A, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, hamster

Abstract Background The prevalence of cognitive impairment in older adults is gradually increasing, and this is leading to many adverse outcomes. Common causes of cognitive impairment in advancing age are mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. However, how the nutritional status and nutrient intake are related to MCI and dementia is controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake with the risk of MCI and dementia. Methods This retrospective cohort study involved 821 participants aged ≥ 50 years from a previous population-based cohort study: the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) study in 2013–2014 (baseline) and 2018–2019 (follow-up). Dietary intake was recorded using a 12-month self-reported food frequency questionnaire. MCI and dementia were diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment with ADL and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) at study entry and at the 5-year follow-up. Results Among the 821 participants, the mean age was 60.0 ± 4.3 years, and the incidence rate of MCI and dementia was 42.5 and 11.2 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. The rate of MCI and dementia was higher in participants aged ≥ 60 years and with an education level of

Objective: To develop and evaluate a low-iodine diet (LID) instructional media for preparing radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy on LID practices, and knowledge in thyroid patients. Material and Methods: This study was a randomized control trial (RCT), consisting of 120 thyroid participants; divided into 2 groups: a control group (original leaflet) and an intervention group (video and booklets). The efficacy of LID media was determined by measuring iodine intake, urine I/Cr ratio, knowledge tests, satisfaction surveys, and facilitators and barriers during the LID period. Results: This study was conducted with 96 individuals. The energy and biggest nutrient intake changes were significantly lower than the baseline. The iodine intake levels of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Conversely, the urine I/Cr ratio and proportion of participants that achieved the criteria of both groups showed no significant difference via inter-group. Participants evaluated “agreed” and “strongly agreed” for satisfaction assessment. Furthermore, both groups suggested the importance of social support and encouragement to attain their goal. Conclusion: The results of the efficacy of LID instructional media were evidence-based for developing and evaluating LID multimedia for preparing RAI therapy in thyroid patients in Thailand. There are also good instruments for advice to thyroid patients in the hospital.

Abstract Excess body weight is associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs) and premature death. This study aimed to find the causal pathways between excess body weight and CVEs through risk factors in a general adult population. A total of 7921 employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand were enrolled during 1997–2009. Baseline characteristics and blood test results were collected. A body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m2, using WHO criteria for Asians was defined as excess body weight. A mediation analysis was applied to assess potential causal pathways. BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 was considered as an independent variable, whereas diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were considered as mediators, and CVEs (i.e., fatal and non-fatal coronary artery disease or stroke) were considered as the outcomes. The prevalence of BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2, DM, HT, and CKD were 62.7%, 7.8%, 28.1% and 11.8% respectively. During an average of 17.2 ± 5.5 years follow-up, subjects with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 compared with those with lower BMIs more frequently developed CVEs (9.4 vs 6.2%, P

Abstract Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to be associated with anaemia. Circulating 25(OH)D consists of both epimeric and nonepimeric forms. However, the relative roles of epimeric and nonepimeric vitamin D in regulating anaemia and haemoglobin levels remain unknown. Therefore, in this study, we examined the effect of vitamin D, including its epimers, on haemoglobin levels, independently of its effect on circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). This was a cross-sectional study of 1655 subjects from a long-term follow-up cohort at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. Venous blood sample were collected for determination of vitamin D [25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, 3′-epi-25(OH)D2, and 3′-epi-25(OH)D3], haemoglobin, and hsCRP levels. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with circulating haemoglobin levels, while no association was found between total serum 25(OH)D and haemoglobin levels. However, when total 25(OH)D was separated into 3′-epimeric and non-3′-epimeric forms, 3′-epi-25(OH)D was significantly associated with haemoglobin levels, independently of age, sex, and BMI (P

ObjectiveUniversal health coverage can decrease the magnitude of the individual patient's financial burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the residual financial hardship from the patients' perspective has not been well-studied in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to evaluate the residual financial burden in patients with CKD stage 3 to dialysis in the “PD First Policy” under Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) in Thailand.MethodsThis multicenter nationwide cross-sectional study in Thailand enrolled 1,224 patients with pre-dialysis CKD, hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD) covered by UCS and other health schemes for employees and civil servants. We interviewed patients to estimate the proportion with catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and medical impoverishment. The risk factors associated with CHE were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.ResultsUnder UCS, the total out-of-pocket expenditure in HD was over two times higher than PD and nearly six times higher than CKD stages 3–4. HD suffered significantly more CHE and medical impoverishment than PD and pre-dialysis CKD [CHE: 8.5, 9.3, 19.5, 50.0% (p < 0.001) and medical impoverishment: 8.0, 3.1, 11.5, 31.6% (p < 0.001) for CKD Stages 3–4, Stage 5, PD, and HD, respectively]. In the poorest quintile of UCS, medical impoverishment was present in all HD and two-thirds of PD patients. Travel cost was the main driver of CHE in HD. In UCS, the adjusted risk of CHE increased in PD and HD (OR: 3.5 and 16.3, respectively) compared to CKD stage 3.ConclusionsDespite universal coverage, the residual financial burden remained high in patients with kidney failure. CHE was considerably lower in PD than HD, although the rates remained alarmingly high in the poor. The “PD First' program” could serve as a model for other LMICs. However, strategies to minimize financial distress should be further developed, especially for the poor.

Summary: Background: Due to limited access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention for the management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs), fibrinolysis serves as a vital alternative reperfusion therapy. Among fibrinolytic agents, the cost-effectiveness of tenecteplase (TNK) in LMICs as compared to streptokinase (SK) for STEMI management remains unknown. Methods: Cost-effectiveness was analyzed using a hybrid model consisting of short-term analysis (30-days decision tree model) and long-term analysis (Markov model). Both health care provider and societal perspectives over a lifetime horizon with 3% discount rate were considered. Input parameters were obtained from Thailand's national health database, a network meta-analysis and literature review. Outcome measure was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) determined by an incremental cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gain. An ICER of less than $5,590 per QALY gain is considered cost-effective. Series of sensitivity analyses were also performed. Findings: From the societal perspective, TNK increases cost by $827 and increases QALY by 0·173. Thus, the ICER is $4,777 per QALY gained. Similarly, the ICER from health care provider perspective is $4,664 per QALY gained. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, using 5,590 USD per QALY as threshold, the probability of TNK being cost-effective was 83% from both perspectives. The most influential parameters were risk ratio of death for treatment with TNK compared to SK and drug cost of TNK. Interpretation: In a resource-limited country like Thailand, tenecteplase is a cost-effective fibrinolytic drug for treatment of STEMI compared to streptokinase. Funding: None.

This study aimed to investigate whether the morphology of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is associated with chewing patterns while considering skeletal morphology, sex, age, and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). A cross-sectional observational study of 102 TMJs of 80 patients (age 16–40 years) was performed using pretreatment records of cone-beam computed tomography imaging of the TMJ, mandibular kinesiographic records of gum chewing, lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs, patient history, and pretreatment questionnaires. To select appropriate TMJ measurements, linear regression analyses were performed using TMJ measurements as dependent variables and chewing patterns as the independent variable with adjustment for other covariates, including Nasion-B plane (SNB) angle, Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (FMA), amount of lateral mandibular shift, sex, age, and symptoms of TMD. In multiple linear regression models adjusted for other covariates, the length of the horizontal short axis of the condyle and radius of the condyle at 135° from the medial pole were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the chewing patterns in the frontal plane on the working side. “Non-bilateral grinding” displayed a more rounded shape of the mandibular condyle. Conversely, “bilateral grinding” exhibited a flatter shape in the anteroposterior aspect. These findings suggest that the mandibular condyle morphology might be related to skeletal and masticatory function, including chewing patterns.

Purpose. Osteoporotic VF is frequently asymptomatic and affects not only women but also men. Identifying patients at risk is essential for early management and prevention. BMD and the TBS are measurements of bone strength and trabecular microarchitecture, respectively. Their role in VF prediction in men is less well-studied. We determined the BMD and TBS predictive ability for osteoporotic VF in men. Methods. A total of 115 male participants of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) cohorts without a history of VF who completed the baseline BMD and TBS measurements in 2012 and a thoracolumbar spine radiograph in 2017 were recruited. The VF was assessed using the Genant semiquantitative method. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the fracture. The area under the receiving operator curve (AUC) was analyzed to define VF predictive ability. Results. Forty subjects (34.78%) had VFs. The unadjusted relative risks (95% confidence interval) for VF for one standard deviation decrease in the TBS and low TBS were 1.319 (1.157–1.506) and 2.347 (1.496–3.682), respectively, and remained significant after BMD and age adjustment. For VF prediction, combined models had a greater AUC than models predicted from a single variable. The use of low TBS, femoral neck BMD, and age provided the best AUC (0.693). Conclusion. BMD and the TBS could predict osteoporotic VF in male EGAT employees. The use of both BMD and the TBS in the VF prediction process improved predictive ability.

Abstract Plasma Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a gut microbiota metabolite from dietary phosphatidylcholine, is mechanistically linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and adverse cardiovascular events. We aimed to examine the relationship between plasma TMAO levels and subclinical myocardial damage using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-cTnT). We studied 134 patients for whom TMAO data were available from the Cohort Of patients at a high Risk of Cardiovascular Events—Thailand (CORE-Thailand) registry, including 123 (92%) patients with established atherosclerotic disease and 11 (8%) with multiple risk factors. Plasma TMAO was measured by NMR spectroscopy. In our study cohort (mean age 64 ± 8.9 years; 61% men), median TMAO was 3.81 μM (interquartile range [IQR] 2.89–5.50 μM), and median hs-cTnT was 15.65 ng/L (IQR 10.17–26.67). Older patients and those with diabetic or hypertension were more likely to have higher TMAO levels. Plasma TMAO levels correlated with those of hs-cTnT (r = 0.54; p

Jintana Sirivarasai,1 Kanchaporn Chaisungnern,2 Pachara Panpunuan,3 Suwannee Chanprasertyothin,4 Sirintorn Chansirikanjana,3 Piyamitr Sritara3 1Graduate Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 2Master of Science Program in Food and Nutritional Toxicology, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 3Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 4Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandCorrespondence: Jintana SirivarasaiGraduate Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 RAMA 6 Road, Ratchatavee District, Bangkok, 10400, ThailandTel +662-201-1483Fax +662-201-2625Email jintana.sir@mahidol.ac.thPurpose: Many age-related structural and functional changes in the brain have important consequences. Long-term exposure to mercury and the impact of functional polymorphisms of metal-regulating proteins such as metallothioneins (MTs) can result in neurological-neurobehavioral effects in elderly individuals. Therefore, the aims of this study are to examine the associations between biomarkers of mercury exposure and cognitive impairment and to investigate the effect of the rs8052394 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the potential modifier gene MT1A on different domains of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).Materials and Methods: We studied 436 participants aged ≥ 55 years from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand study. They underwent a physical examination, an extensive cognitive assessment with the MoCA (cutoff < 26 points), and a biochemical analysis related to diabetes and dyslipidemia. The blood mercury level was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Genotyping of the MT1A rs8052394 SNP was performed by the restriction fragmentation length polymorphism method.Results: The mean age of the study population was 58.8± 3.01 years, and most had ≥ 12 years of education (75.7%). The primary study finding was that the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Thai adults was 39.7%. The frequency distributions of the G allele of the rs8052394 SNP of the MT1A gene were significantly associated with the total and sub-domain MoCA scores. The prevalence of MCI was significantly associated with increased age, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, the third tertile of blood mercury concentration, and the rs8052394 variant genotype of MT1A (P values for all odds ratios < 0.05).Conclusion: These findings suggested that neurocognitive effects associate with mercury exposure and genetic susceptibility in toxicokinetics. Public health strategies can be used to implement as a comprehensive action plan to educate vulnerable populations on how to reduce mercury exposure. Concurrently, impact of such genetic predisposition requires replication for identifying and protecting susceptible individuals from mercury toxicity.Keywords: MT1A, genetic variations, blood mercury, mild cognitive impairment

Background Genome-wide association studies have identified the alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase gene (FTO) as the first susceptibility gene of obesity. In the present study, we utilized targeted metabolomics in an attempt to further elucidate mechanisms underlying the action of the FTO gene. Methods This study was part of a health survey of employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (n = 79, 10 female and 69 male). Targeted metabolomics was performed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry using Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ-p180 kit. Genotyping of FTO rs9939609 was performed by real-time PCR (TaqMan™ MGB probes). Results Using OPLS-DA variable importance in projection (VIP), tryptophan was found to be among the metabolites with the 10 highest VIP scores. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that kynurenine and tryptophan were positively correlated only in subjects with the rs9939609 A allele (n = 32, r = 0.56, p

Abstract Objective The lateral pterygoid is vital in coordinating multidimensional jaw movements. Since a vector in three‐dimensional (3D) space is defined by two 3D points, the role of the lateral pterygoid in 3D jaw movements is defined by its origin and insertion. Reportedly, the lateral pterygoid is inserted into not only the pterygoid fovea but also into the medial surface of the condylar process. The objective was to investigate the morphological features of the region of the lateral pterygoid that inserted into the medial surface of the condylar process. Material and Methods Ten head halves of seven cadaveric donors were analyzed. In all specimens, the insertion area on the medial surface of the condylar process was measured based on microcomputed tomography images. Muscle fibers were separated into ≥50 small bundles, and positional relationships between the origins and insertions were investigated. Results Overall, 28.8 ± 5.0% of the insertion area of the lateral pterygoid was situated on the medial surface of the condylar process. Moreover, muscle fiber arrangement revealed that origins of the muscle bundles inserting into the medial surface in seven specimens posteriorly occupied the lateral plate of the pterygoid process longitudinally, whereas those in three specimens mainly occupied the posteroinferior portion. Conclusions Muscle bundle inserting on the medial surface of the condylar process had a broad insertion area and a distinct origin on the posterior region of the lateral plate of the pterygoid process. This muscle bundle could act as one of the significant subunits within the lateral pterygoid. Therefore, anatomical coordination mechanisms underlying jaw movement cannot be elucidated without considering this subunit.

Rossukon Wongdokmai,1 Prapimporn Chattranukulchai Shantavasinkul,2 Suwannee Chanprasertyothin,3 Pachara Panpunuan,2 Dujrudee Matchariyakul,4 Piyamitr Sritara,2 Jintana Sirivarasai5 1Doctoral Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital and Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 2Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 3Research & Innovation, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; 4Health Office, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand; 5Graduate Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, ThailandCorrespondence: Jintana SirivarasaiGraduate Program in Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 270 Rama 6 Road, Ratchatavee District, Bangkok, 10400, ThailandTel +662-201-1483Fax +662-201-2625Email jintana.sir@mahidol.ac.thBackground: Effects of the micronutrient selenium have been proposed in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) that involve impairments in glucose metabolic pathways and the insulin signaling cascade, mediated through oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the evidence collected to date through animal and epidemiologic studies has been inconclusive. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationships of selenium status and inflammation with T2DM and obesity.Methods: Participants in the re-survey of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)2 study conducted in 2013 (N=655, age 45– 60 years) were allocated to three groups based on their body mass index (World Health Organization Asia-Pacific Classification), and their serum selenium and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and other clinical parameters were compared.Results: Significant differences in serum selenium and hs-CRP among the groups were associated with differences in fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin, as well as differences in the prevalence of prediabetes or T2DM. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals) for prediabetes or diabetes were 1.991 (1.318– 3.009) and 3.786 (2.087– 6.896) for the lowest and highest tertiles of serum selenium concentration in the entire sample and obese participants, respectively. Furthermore, the rising extent of hs-CRP increased the significantly associated with prediabetes or diabetes (adjusted ORs; 2.268 for the entire sample, 4.043 for the overweight and 1.910 for the obesity).Conclusion: Selenium status may be linked to both obesity and T2DM through its effects on signaling pathways. Further nutrigenomic studies are required to clarify the relationship between selenium and metabolic diseases.Keywords: serum selenium, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammation, high sensitivity C-reactive protein

Abstract Cognitive impairment is commonly found in the elderly population. Evidence suggests that mitochondrial function in lymphocytes are potential biomarkers in the progression of neurodegeneration, as peripheral mitochondrial function is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the elderly population. Therefore, we hypothesize that impaired mitochondrial ATP production and oxidative stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are associated with cognitive impairment in the elderly population. Data were collected from 897 participants from the EGAT (The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) cohort. The participants were classified to be in the normal cognition group (n = 428) or mild cognitive impairment group (n = 469), according to their MoCA score. The association of mitochondrial function and cognitive status was analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. MCI participants had higher age, systolic blood pressure, waist/hip ratio, and lower plasma high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, when compared to the normal cognition group. In addition, estimated glomerular filtration rate were lower in the MCI group than those in the normal cognition group. Collectively, MCI is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in PBMCs as indicated by decreasing mitochondrial ATP production, increasing proton leak, and oxidative stress, in the elderly population, independently of the possible confounding factors in this study.

Objective Body mass index (BMI), uric acid, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are risk factors for reduced kidney function and are associated with fetuin-A levels, but their causal pathways remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate this knowledge gap. Methods A repeated cross-sectional design was used to assess causal pathway effects of fetuin-A on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is mediated through BMI, uric acid, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Results Among 2305 participants, the mean eGFR at baseline decreased from 98.7 ± 23.6 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 in 2009 to 92.4 ± 22.9 mL/minute/1.73 m 2 in 2014. Fetuin-A was significantly associated with eGFR , suggesting that increasing fetuin-A levels predict a decrease in eGFR. Additionally, the indirect effect of fetuin-A on eGFR, as assessed through BMI, was also significant. The effects of fetuin-A on eGFR through other mediation pathways showed variable results. Conclusions Our study revealed a possible role of fetuin-A in the etiology of declining renal function through mediating body mass index, uric acid, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension via complex causal pathways. Further studies to clarify these mediated effects are recommended.

Rationale & Objective: Recent evidence suggests a role for magnesium as a calcification inhibitor. Increased magnesium abundance may attenuate vascular calcification and promote bone formation. Study Design: Parallel-group, 1:1-allocation-ratio, quasi-experimental study. Setting & Participants: The study was conducted at hemodialysis centers in Bangkok, Thailand. Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis were screened for coronary artery calcification (CAC) and bone mineral density (BMD), and those with a CAC score of ≥300 were included and matched according to the initial CAC score. The intervention and control groups consisted of 20 patients in each arm. Interventions: A high (1.75 mEq/L) or standard (0.7 mEq/L) dialysate magnesium concentration was delivered for 26 weeks. Outcomes: Changes in the CAC score and BMD and the progression of CAC. The safety outcomes included occurrence of cramps recorded as per usual care. Results: The median CAC score of all patients was 1,792. Serum and ionized magnesium concentrations increased substantially in the high dialysate magnesium group. At the end of the study, the CAC score increased significantly in both the groups, with no significant difference between the groups. The number of participants with CAC progression was comparable between the 2 groups. In exploratory subgroup analyses stratified by the median CAC score, a significant decline in CAC and fewer participants with CAC progression were observed in the subgroup with lower CAC scores that received the high dialysis magnesium concentration. Bone mineral density was largely unchanged in both groups. The number of participants experiencing cramps and the number of episodes of muscle cramps were markedly lower among patients who received the high dialysis magnesium concentration. Limitations: The participants had severe vascular calcification at baseline; therefore, the findings might not apply to those with less-established calcification. Moreover, cramps were not systematically ascertained. Conclusions: The high dialysis magnesium concentration did not alleviate the progression of CAC or improve BMD in patients with severe calcification receiving hemodialysis; however, muscle cramps were less frequent among those treated with high dialysate magnesium. Further study is required to determine a possible favorable effect of high dialysis magnesium concentration in individuals with mild-to-moderate calcification.

Background. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) practice and outcomes vary substantially in different parts of the world. The contemporary data of PCI in Asia are limited and only available from developed Asian countries. Objectives. To explore the pattern of practice and results of PCI procedures in Thailand as well as a temporal change of PCI practice over time compared with the registry from other countries. Methods. Thai PCI Registry is a prospective nationwide registry that was an initiative of the Cardiac Intervention Association of Thailand (CIAT). All cardiac catheterization laboratories in Thailand were invited to participate during 2018-2019, and consecutive PCI patients were enrolled and followed up for 1 year. Patient baseline characteristics, procedural details, equipment and medication use, outcomes, and complications were recorded. Results. Among the 39 hospitals participated, there were 22,741 patients included in this registry. Their mean age (standard deviation) was 64.2 (11.7) years and about 70% were males. The most common presentation was acute coronary syndrome (57%) with a high proportion of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (28%). Nearly two-thirds of patients had multivessel disease and significant left main stenosis was reported in 11%. The transradial approach was used in 44.2%. The procedural success rate was very high (95.2%) despite the high complexity of the lesions (56.9% type C lesion). The incidence of procedural complications was 5.3% and in-hospital mortality was 2.8%. Conclusion. Thai PCI Registry provides further insights into the current practice and outcomes of PCI in Southeast Asia. The success rate was very high, and the complications were very low despite the high complexity of the treated lesions.

Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients in the geriatric population, but the importance of zinc status and dietary zinc intake has been poorly characterized. We aimed to explore the relationships among dietary zinc intake, serum zinc concentrations and multimorbidity in a cross-sectional study of 300 employees of Electric Generating Authority of Thailand aged ≥ 60 years. Comprehensive questionnaires were completed, and clinical and laboratory assessments were performed. Factors associated with low serum zinc concentrations were identified using multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses. The mean serum zinc level was 80.5 (12.8) µg/dL. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, being female and having been in education for ≤12 years were independent risk factors for the lowest tertile (T1) of serum zinc. After additional adjustment for clinical and biochemical parameters, there was a significant association between depression (Thai Geriatric Depression Scale-15 score > 5) and low serum zinc levels (T1 vs. T3, odds ratio (OR): 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–4.77). Furthermore, as serum albumin increased, serum zinc concentration substantially increased (T1 vs. T3, OR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.002–0.070). Therefore, the early detection of risk factors and the further management of depression and low serum albumin may assist physicians in preventing low serum concentrations.

Abstract Background Herbal and traditional medicines (HTM) are widely used in Asian countries. Specific data on prevalent of HTM usage and association with chronic diseases in the Thai population is currently lacking. We examined the prevalence and factors associated with HTM use in a Thai worker population. In addition, we explored the relationship between HTM use and therapeutic control of cardiovascular risk factors and documented the most common types of HTM used in various chronic diseases. Methods Employees of EGAT (The Electric Generating Authority of Thailand) who had participated in a health examination were studied. Each participant documented their HTM consumption and self-reported chronic diseases in a questionnaire. Clinical disease and therapeutic control were also defined by concomitant laboratory tests. Results Of a total of 6592 subjects, 32.6% were HTM-users. Age

Abstract In the era of precision medicine, treatments that target specific modifiable characteristics of high-risk patients have the potential to lower further the residual risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events. Correction of atherogenic dyslipidemia, however, remains a major unmet clinical need. Elevated plasma triglycerides, with or without low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), offer a key modifiable component of this common dyslipidemia, especially in insulin resistant conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. The development of selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha modulators (SPPARMα) offers an approach to address this treatment gap. This Joint Consensus Panel appraised evidence for the first SPPARMα agonist and concluded that this agent represents a novel therapeutic class, distinct from fibrates, based on pharmacological activity, and, importantly, a safe hepatic and renal profile. The ongoing PROMINENT cardiovascular outcomes trial is testing in 10,000 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, elevated triglycerides, and low levels of HDL-C whether treatment with this SPPARMα agonist safely reduces residual cardiovascular risk.

Objectives. This study compares glycoproteomes in Thai Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients with those of cognitively normal individuals. Methods. Study participants included outpatients with clinically diagnosed AD (N=136) and healthy controls without cognitive impairment (N=183). Blood samples were collected from all participants for biochemical analysis and for Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping by real-time TaqMan PCR assays. Comparative serum glycoproteomic profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was then performed to identify differentially abundant proteins with functional relevance. Results. Statistical differences in age, educational level, and APOE ɛ3/ɛ4 and ɛ4/ɛ4 haplotype frequencies were found between the AD and control groups. The frequency of the APOE ɛ4 allele was significantly higher in the AD group than in the control group. In total, 871 glycoproteins were identified, including 266 and 259 unique proteins in control and AD groups, respectively. There were 49 and 297 upregulated and downregulated glycoproteins, respectively, in AD samples compared with the controls. Unique AD glycoproteins were associated with numerous pathways, including Alzheimer’s disease-presenilin pathway (16.6%), inflammation pathway mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling (9.2%), Wnt signaling pathway (8.2%), and apoptosis signaling pathway (6.7%). Conclusion. Functions and pathways associated with protein-protein interactions were identified in AD. Significant changes in these proteins can indicate the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and they have the potential to serve as AD biomarkers. Such findings could allow us to better understand AD pathology.

Abstract Background Anticoagulation therapy is a standard treatment for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) that have risk factors for stroke. However, anticoagulant increases the risk of bleeding, especially in Asians. We aimed to investigate the risk profiles and pattern of antithrombotic use in patients with NVAF in Thailand, and to study the reasons for not using warfarin in this patient population. Methods A nationwide multicenter registry of patients with NVAF was created that included data from 24 hospitals located across Thailand. Demographic data, atrial fibrillation-related data, comorbid conditions, use of antithrombotic drugs, and reasons for not using warfarin were collected. Data were recorded in a case record form and then transferred into a web-based system. Results A total of 3218 patients were included. Average age was 67.3 ± 11.3 years, and 58.2% were male. Average CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED score was 1.8 ± 1.3, 3.0 ± 1.7, and 1.5 ± 1.0, respectively. Antiplatelet was used in 26.5% of patients, whereas anticoagulant was used in 75.3%. The main reasons for not using warfarin in those with CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2 included already taking antiplatelet (26.6%), patient preference (23.1%), and using non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) (22.7%). Anticoagulant was used in 32.3% of CHA2DS2-VASc 0, 56.8% of CHA2DS2-VASc 1, and 81.6% of CHA2DS2-VASc ≥2. The use of NOACs increased from 1.9% in 2014 to 25.6% in 2017. Conclusions Anticoagulation therapy was prescribed in 75.3% of patients with NVAF. Among those receiving anticoagulant, 90.9% used warfarin and 9.1% used NOACs. The use of NOACs increased over time.

The health effects of saturated fat, particularly tropical oil, on cardiovascular disease are unclear. We investigated the effect of tropical oil (palm and coconut oils), lard, and other common vegetable oils (soybean and rice bran oils) that are widely used in tropical and Asian countries on lipid profiles. We performed an umbrella review of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane) were searched up to December 2018 without language restriction. We identified nine meta-analyses that investigated the effect of dietary oils on lipid levels. Replacement of polyunsaturated fatty-acid-rich oils (PUFAs) and monounsaturated FA-rich oils (MUFAs) with palm oil significantly increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), by 3.43 (0.44–6.41) mg/dL and 9.18 (6.90–11.45) mg/dL, respectively, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), by 1.89 (1.23–2.55) mg/dL and 0.94 (−0.07–1.97) mg/dL, respectively. Replacement of PUFAs with coconut oil significantly increased HDL-c and total cholesterol –by 2.27 (0.93–3.6) mg/dL and 5.88 (0.21–11.55) mg/dL, respectively—but not LDL-c. Substituting lard for MUFAs and PUFAs increased LDL-c–by 8.39 (2.83–13.95) mg/dL and 9.85 (6.06–13.65) mg/dL, respectively—but not HDL-c. Soybean oil substituted for other PUFAs had no effect on lipid levels, while rice bran oil substitution decreased LDL-c. Our findings show the deleterious effect of saturated fats from animal sources on lipid profiles. Replacement of unsaturated plant-derived fats with plant-derived saturated fats slightly increases LDL-c but also increases HDL-c, which in turn may exert a neutral effect on cardiovascular health.

Abstract Background Asians have among the highest prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease in the world. A risk score capable of identifying high risk individuals at the primary care level could allow targeted therapy to prevent future development of CKD. Risk scores for new CKD have been developed in US general populations, but the impact of various risks factors for development of CKD may differ in Asian subjects. In this study, we aimed to develop risk models and simplified risk scores to predict the development of decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 10 years in an Asian general population using readily obtainable clinical and laboratory parameters. Methods Employees of EGAT (The Electric Generating Authority of Thailand) were studied prospectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess risk factors and used to derive risk models and risk scores for developing decreased GFR at 10 years: Model 1 (Clinical only), Model 2 (Clinical + Limited laboratory tests), and Model 3 (Clinical + Full laboratory tests). The performance of the risk models or risk scores to predict incident cases with decreased GFR were evaluated by tests of calibration and discrimination. Results Of 3186 subjects with preserved GFR (eGFR ≥60) at baseline, 271 (8.5%) developed decreased GFR (eGFR