Epidemiology of cercarial stage of trematodes in freshwater snails from Chiang Mai province,Thailand

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological situation of cercarial trematodes infection in freshwater snails from different water resources in Chiang Mai province,Thailand.Methods:The snail specimens were collected from 13 districts of Chiang Mai province during April 2008 to February 2012.The prevalence of cercarial infection in snails was investigated using the crushing method.The drawing was done with the help of a camera lucida for the morphological study.Results:A total of 2479 snail individuals were collected and classified into 7 families,11 genera,and 14 species,Among them,8 snails species were found to be infected with an overall prevalence of 17.27%(428/2479),which infected with nine groups of cercariae;gymnocephalous cercaria,strigea cercaria,megalurous cercaria,monostome cercaria,parapleurolophocercous cercaria(Haplorchis cercaria),pleurolophocercous cercaria,furcocercous cercaria(Transversotrema cercaria),xiphidiocercaria,and virgulate cercaria.The parapleurolophocercous cercaria was found to be the dominant type among the cercarial infection in the snails(64.25%).Conclusions:The various species of snails found in the research location act as the intermediate hosts for the high prevalence of parasitic infection of many species of mammals.This work will provide new information on both the distribution and first intermediate host of trematodes.

Prevalence of infection and molecular confirmation by using ITS-2 region of Fasciola gigantica found in domestic cattle from Chiang Mai province,Thailand

Objective:To investigate the infection of Fasciola gigantka(F.gigantka)in domestic cattle from Chiang Mai province and molecular confirmation using ITS-2 region.Methods:The liver and gall bladder of Bubalus bubalis(B.bubalis)and Bos taurus(B.taunts)from slaughterhouses were examined adult worms and prevalence investigation.The species confirmation with phylogenetic analysis using ITS-2 sequences was performed by maximum likelihood and UPGMA methods.Results:The total prevalences of infection in B.bubalis and Bubalus taurus(B.taurus)were67.27%and 52.94%respectively.The respective prevalence in both B.bubalis and B.taurus were acquired from Doi-Saket,Muang,and Sanpatong districts,with 81.25%,62.50%and 60.00%for B.bubalis and 62.50%,50.00%and 47.06%for Bos taunts respectively.The species confirmation of F.gigantka and some related species by basing on maximum likelihood and UPGMA methods used,4 groups of trematodes were generated,first F.gigantka group including specimen of Chiang Mai,second 2 samples of F.hepatica,third group of 3 rumen flukes;Orthocoelium streptocoelium,F.elongatus and Paramphistomum epliclitum and fourth group of 3 minute intestinal flukes:Haplorchis taichui,Stellantchasmu falcatus.Haplorchoides sp.and liver fluke;Opisthorchis civerrini respectively.Conclusions:These results can be confirmed the Giant liver fluke which mainly caused fascioliasis in Chiang Mai was identified as F.gigantka and specimens were the same as those of F.gigantka recorded in olher different countries.Nucleotide sequence of ITS-2 region has been proven as effective diagnostic tool for the identification of F.gigantka.

Image-Based Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer: Review and Experiences in Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Cervical cancer is the one of the most common cancer in female patients inThailand. Radiotherapy has the role for the treatment of cervical cancer by postoperative, radical and palliative treatments. For radical radiotherapy, the combination of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy will be used to increase the tumor dose to curative goal. With the new development of medical images (Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Ultrasonography (US)), the treatment with brachytherapy will be developed from point-based to volume-based concepts. Many studies reported the benefit of image-based brachytherapy over conventional brachytherapy and clinical benefit of using image-based brachytherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Treatment Results of Adjuvant Brachytherapy as Monotherapy in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Study from Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Purpose: To report the retrospective study of using intravaginal brachytherapy as adjuvant monotherapy for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 47 patients who received completely surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by multidisciplinary team were enrolled. All patients received intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) with the dose of 5.5 - 7 Gy in 2 - 6 fractions. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 44 months, the local control, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 100%, 97.9%, 97.9% and, 97.9%, respectively. Only age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of 0.046. Two patients (4.3%) developed late genitourinary toxicity. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant IVBT as monotherapy for endometrial carcinoma is feasible.

Accumulation of microcystins in water and economic fish in Phayao Lake, and fish ponds along the Ing River tributary in Chiang Rai, Thailand

This study determined the levels of microcystins in water and fish from Phayao Lake, Phayao Province and selected fish ponds along the Ing River tributary in Chiang Rai Province. Samples were collected monthly for 8 months (January to August 2011 for Phayao Lake, and November 2008 to June 2009 for fish ponds) and were analyzed by HPLC. The highest total microcystin-LR levels in water and fish in Phayao Lake were recorded in April 2010 at 2.60 ± 2.48 μg·L-1 and 0.20 ± 0.03 μg·kg-1 dry weight, respectively. Microcystis aeruginosa Kütz were the dominant species (271.6 ± 72.4 mm3/m3) in the lake. Colony number of Microcystis spp showed a positive correlation with soluble orthophosphate (r2 = 0.77). Similarly, Nile tilapia ponds surveyed along the tributary in Chiang Rai were contaminated with microcystins as well. The highest concentration detected in water was in March 2009 (0.58 ± 0.24 μg·L-1), whilst the maximum concentration in fish was recorded in April 2009 (2.68 ± 0.51 μg·kg-1 dry weight). Microcystis spp. dominated the pond waters and was positively correlated with chlorophyll a (r2=0.80) and soluble nitrate (r2=0.71). The highest concentration of the cyanobacteria was recorded in February 2009 at 4272.5 ± 62.3 mm3/m3. Results showed that total microcystin-LR concentration in fish in Chiang Rai ponds were higher than in Phayao Lake. This study suggested the possible health risks associated with the bioaccumulation of microcystins in fish (Nile tilapia) cultivated in fish ponds along the tributary in Chiang Rai and in Phayao Lake.

Adjuvant External Beam Radiotherapy ±Brachytherapy in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Study from Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Purpose: To report the retrospective study of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) as adjuvant treatment for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 152 patients received complete surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by a multidisciplinary team to receive EBRT ± IVBT. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 43 months, the disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 96.9%, 96.9% and 96.9%, respectively. Stage and age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of less than 0.001. From five to ten percent of patients developed Grades 1-2 late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities, respectively. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant EBRT ± IVBT for endometrial?carcinoma yielded treatment results and acceptable toxicities.

Risk Factors of Malnutrition among Karen Children in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors of malnutrition and its association with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) among Karen hill tribe children. We conducted a study on blood samples from children from Baan Yang Poa School, Chiang Mai, Thailand aged between 9 and 15 years old. Of 193 children, 31 (16.1%) had malnutrition and 12 (6.2%) had IDA. Children who had at least five family members were found to have a significantly higher risk of malnutrition (P = 0.005), a reflection of the importance of socioeconomic factors in the problem of malnutrition. We also found that malnutrition was not associated with IDA although the assessment of the association of malnutrition and other types of anaemia is still of interest.

Altitudinal Effect on Diversity and Distribution of Araceae in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province in Thailand

The relationships between Araceae diversity and altitude gradients in mountain ecosystem at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Chiang Mai Province in Thailand, were studied during January 2016-March 2018. The strip-plots, 10 m × 1,000 m along the five nature trails, were established from 300-500, 501-800, 801-1,100, 1,101-1,400, 1,401-1,685 m above mean sea level (amsl). Twenty species of 11 genera were found. Alocasia navicularis and Lemna sp. were found at 300-500 m amsl, wild taro (Colocasia esculenta) was at 300-800 m amsl, A. acuminata was at 300-1,400 m amsl, while Amorphophallus krausei, Hapaline benthamiana, Lasia spinosa, Rhaphidophora chevalieri and R. megaphylla were at 501-800 m amsl, but dwarf taro (C. affinis) was at 501-1,400 m amsl, Homalomena aromatica was at 801-1,100 m amsl, A. fuscus, A. thaiensis were at 801-1,685 m amsl, A. yunnanensis was at 1,101-1,685 m amsl, only five species, Arisaema consanguineum, A. kerrii, Remusatia hookeriana, R. peepla and Sauromatum horsfieldii were found at 1,401-1,685 m amsl. Species diversity in the rainy season was the highest (1.75), the top five dominant species were dwarf taro (C. affinis), wild taro (C. esculenta), A. fuscus, A. acuminata and A. thaiensis (importance value index (IVI%): 61.54, 24.13, 17.12, 16.52 and 9.60, respectively). In dry season, the dominant species was wild taro. The altitude gradients showed the main effect on diversity and distribution of Araceae.

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare in Thailand:A Case Study from Chiang Mai

Purpose:This study aims to examine the level of behavioral health integration in primary care clinics among patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes in Chiang Mai,Thailand.It also aims to explore the provider perceived prevalence of behavioral problems and need for an expert behavioral health consultant on the primary care team and the risk and protective factors of the patients’psychological and cardio-metabolic health outcomes.Methodology:Using survey data between 2017 and 2018 regarding the level of integration as measured by a Practice Integration Profile,provider ratings of prevalence and need based on a Provider Survey,and patient lifestyle and behavioral problems with a Health Risk Assessment in six primary health care settings in Chiang Mai,Thailand(n=335).We conducted ordinary least squares regressions to explore the relationship between each of the patient psychological and cardio-metabolic health outcomes and physical,mental health and substance abuse variables while controlling for the demographics.Results:The results showed overall high levels of integration,but significant variability across clinics.Providers rated prevalence of health risk and need for a Behavioral Health Consultant as moderate.Results of the patient health risk assessment were variable,with some problems high severity,others low.Conclusion:The results reflect a need for integrated behavioral health into the health care system in Thailand especially for those who are in the chronic illness condition.Recommendations for future study include an evaluation of the translation quality and validity and reliability of the study measures under the Thai context.This study fills the research gap of lacking research on the level of integrated care in clinics in Thailand.

Daytime-nighttime variations in the concentration of PM_(0.1) carbonaceous particles during a biomass fire episode in Chiang Mai,Thailand

Carbonaceous aerosols affect air quality adversely,affect global warming,and human health.However,our understanding of the impact of ultrafine(PM_(0.1))carbonaceous particulate matter is incomplete,particularly the effects during haze episodes.This study monitored diurnal variations in PM_(0.1) in Chiang Mai,Thailand,from March to April 2020.We investigated carbonaceous PM_(0.1) collected by an ambient nano-sampler and evaluated their effect by using a carbon analyzer(IMPROVE_TOR).The results showed that burning large open areas in the dry season was crucial for increasing the particle mass concentration because of the large open burnings that occurred in this area.The majority of biomass fires near the sampling site occurred during the night,which would allow more particles to be released thus resulting in higher concentrations of PM_(0.1).Hence,the release of PM_(0.1) during the night would obviously result in higher concentrations than that during the day.In the eight carbon profiles,organic carbon 3(OC3)was predicted to be a marker of biomass fires.The carbon indices displayed that PM_(0.1) was influenced by biomass burning both daytime and nighttime.The findings reported herein should be of great impor-tance in terms of establishing biomass burning control policies for mitigating heavy haze pollution in Thailand and elsewhere.

生如夏花之绚烂,逝如秋叶之静美——记泰国蜂学专家Panuwan教授

一、Panuwan教授生平简介Panuwan Chantawannakul(1974-2022),出生于泰国清迈,1995博士毕业于英国卡迪夫大学(Cardiff University),获微生物学博士学位。生前任清迈大学理学院生物学系教授,博士生导师。在蜜蜂病理、微生物多样性和天然产物等领域发表了一系列具有国际影响力的文章。Panuwan教授学术背景扎实,自1991年赴英国攻读博士开始即从事蜜蜂科学研究,博士毕业后,先后多次前往日本、英国、德国、比利时、瑞士、美国等国进行博士后训练或访学,与美国农业部蜜蜂研究室、瑞士伯尔尼大学、日本国家畜牧业和草原科学研究所、中国农业科学院蜜蜂研究所等机构建立了很好的合作关系。

Petrogenesis for the Chiang Dao Permian High-Iron Basalt and Its Implication on the Paleotethyan Ocean in NW Thailand

The Changning-Menglian suture in SW Yunnan has been accepted as the Paleotethyan main ocean. However, it has been a matter of debate as to its southerly extension in NW Thailand（the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai vs. Nan-Uttaradit zone）. Our field investigation identified the high-iron basaltic rocks in the Chiang Dao Permian standard profile in NW Thailand. The high-iron rocks provide crucial records for understanding the controversy on the location of Paleotethyan main ocean in NW Thailand. The Early Permian high-iron samples show extremely high Fe Ot（20.96 wt.%–25.56 wt.%） and TiO2（6.07 wt.%–6.34 wt.%） and low SiO2（38.54 wt.%–43.46 wt.%） and Mg O（1.61 wt.%–2.40 wt.%） contents. Such characteristics are similar to those of the Fenner differentiation trend rarely observed in the natural system, distinct from those of the ＂normal＂ Bowen trend. Their chondrite- normalized REE and primitive mantle-normalized patterns are generally similar to those of typical OIB. The initial 87Sr/86 Sr ratios and εNd（t） values range from 0.704 677 to 0.705 103 and 3.16 to 3.48, respectively, falling near the field of typical OIB（oceanic-island basalt）. These data synthetically suggest that the Chiang Dao high-iron rocks are the products of high-degree partial melting of peridotite with Fe-rich eclogitic blobs/streaks in response to a seamount setting. In comparison with the Permian tectonic setting in SW Yunnan and NW Thailand, it is inferred that the Paleotethyan Ocean was located between the Shan-Thai terrane of Sibumasu and Sukhothai arc along the Inthanon zone of the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai rather than Nan-Uttaradit zones.

Abiotic and Biotic Factors Controlling Grain Aroma along Value Chain of Fragrant Rice:A Review

The aroma of fragrant rice is one of the grain quality attributes that significantly influenceconsumer preferences and prices in world markets. The volatile compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) isrecognized as a key component of the aroma in fragrant rice. The variation in grain 2AP content amongvarious fragrant rice varieties is associated with the expression of the badh2 gene, with 19 alleles havingbeen identified so far. The grain 2AP content is strongly influenced by environmental and managementfactors during cultivation as well as post-harvest conditions. This review pinpointed the major abiotic andbiotic factors that control grain 2AP content. Abiotic factors refer to water, temperature, light quality,fertilizer application (both macro- and micro-nutrients), and soil properties, including salinity, while bioticfactors include microorganisms that produce aromatic compounds, thus influencing the grain aroma infragrant rice. Post-harvest management, including storage and drying conditions, can significantly impactthe grain 2AP content, and proper post-harvest conditions can intensify the grain aroma. This reviewsuggests that there are rice varieties that can serve as potential sources of genetic material for breedingrice varieties with high grain aroma content. It offers an overview of recent research on the major factorsaffecting the aroma content in fragrant rice. This knowledge will facilitate further research on theproduction of high-quality rice to meet the demands of farmers and consumers.

Determination of Material Parameters of EVA Foam under Uniaxial Compressive Testing Using Hyperelastic Models

The objective of this research was to determine the mechanical parameter from EVA foam and also investigate its behavior by using Blatz-Ko,Neo-Hookean,Mooney model and experimental test.The physical characteristic of EVA foam was also evaluated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The results show that Blatz-Ko and Neo-Hookean model can fit the curve at 5%and 8%strain,respectively.The Mooney model can fit the curve at 50%strain.The modulus of rigidity evaluated from Mooney model is 0.0814±0.0027 MPa.The structure of EVA foam from SEM image shows that EVA structure is a closed cell with homogeneous porous structure.From the result,it is found that Mooney model can adjust the data better than other models.This model can be applied for mechanical response prediction of EVA foam and also for reference value in engineering application.

Abdominal cocoon syndrome-a rare culprit behind small bowel ischemia and obstruction:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Abdominal cocoon syndrome(ACS)represents a category within sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis,characterized by the encapsulation of internal organs with a fibrous,cocoon-like membrane of unknown origin,resulting in bowel obstruction and ischemia.Diagnosing this condition before surgery poses a cha-llenge,often requiring confirmation during laparotomy.In this context,we depict three instances of ACS:One linked to intestinal obstruction,the second exclu-sively manifesting as intestinal ischemia without any obstruction,and the final case involving a discrepancy between the radiologist and the surgeon.CASE SUMMARY Three male patients,aged 53,58,and 61 originating from Northern Thailand,arrived at our medical facility complaining of abdominal pain without any prior surgeries.Their vital signs remained stable during the assessment.The diagnosis of abdominal cocoon was confirmed through abdominal computed tomography(CT)before surgery.In the first case,the CT scan revealed capsules around the small bowel loops,showing no enhancement,along with mesenteric congestion affecting both small and large bowel loops,without a clear obstruction.The second case showed intestinal obstruction due to an encapsulated capsule on the CT scan.In the final case,a patient presented with recurring abdominal pain.Initially,the radiologist suspected enteritis as the cause after the CT scan.However,a detailed review led the surgeon to suspect encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis(ACS)and subsequently perform surgery.The surgical procedure involved complete removal of the encapsulating structure,resection of a portion of the small bowel,and end-to-end anastomosis.No complications occurred during surgery,and the patients had a smooth recovery after surgery,eventually discharged in good health.The histopathological examination of the fibrous membrane(cocoon)across all cases consistently revealed the presence of fibro-collagenous tissue,without any indications of malignancy.CONCLUSION Individuals diagnosed with abdominal cocoons commonly manifest vague symptoms of abdominal discomfort.An elevated degree of clinical suspicion,combined with the application of appropriate radiological evaluations,markedly improves the probability of identifying the abdominal cocoon before surgical intervention.In cases of complete bowel obstruction or ischemia,the established norm is the comprehensive removal of the peritoneal sac as part of standard care.Resection with intestinal anastomosis is advised solely when ischemia and gangrene have been confirmed.

Recent progress in two-dimensional metallenes and their potential application as electrocatalyst

In this article,we looked at metallenes,a novel class of two-dimensional(2D)metals that are attracting interest in the energy and catalysis sectors.Catalysis is one area where their exceptional physicochemical and electrical characteristics might be useful.Metallenes are unique because they include several metal atoms that are not in a coordinated bond.This makes them more active and improves their atomic uti-lization,which in turn increases their catalytic potential.This article delves into the potential of two-dimensional metals as electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction,fuel oxidation,oxygen evolution,and oxygen reduction reactions in the context of sustainable energy conversion.Owing to the exception-ally high surface-to-volume ratio,large surface area as well as their optimized atomic use efficiency,2D materials defined by atomic layers are crucial for surface-related sustainable energy applications.Due to its exceptional properties,such as high conductivity and the ability to enhance the exposure of active metal sites,2D metallenes have recently attracted a lot of interest for use in catalysis,electronics,and energy-related applications.With their highly mobility,adjustable surface states,and electrical struc-tures that can be fine-tuned,2D metallenes are promising nanostructure materials for use in energy con-version with the sustainable applications.

Validity,Reliability,and Measurement Invariance of the Thai Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale

Background:In recent years,there has been increased research interest in both smartphone addiction and social media addiction as well as the development of psychometric instruments to assess these constructs.However,there is a lack of psychometric evaluation for instruments assessing smartphone addiction and social media addiction in Thailand.The present study evaluated the psychometric properties and gender measurement invariance of the Thai version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale(SABAS)and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale(BSMAS).Method:A total of 801 Thai university students participated in an online survey from January 2022 to July 2022 which included demographic information,SABAS,BSMAS,and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form(IGDS9-SF).Results:Confirmatory Factor Analyses(CFAs)found that both the SABAS and BSMAS had a one-factor structure.Findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of both instruments and also supported measurement invariance across genders.Moreover,scores on the SABAS and BSMAS were correlated with scores on the IGDS9-SF.Conclusion:The results indicated that the SABAS and BSMAS are useful psychometric instruments for assessing the risk of smartphone addiction and social media addiction among Thai young adults.

Identifying visual sensitive areas:an evaluation of view corridors to support nature-culture heritage conservation in Chiang Mai historic city

The visual integrity of mountains contributing to cultural landscapes as nature-culture attributes is often obscured by the vertical intrusive built environment,especially in bufer areas of protected heritage zones.Therefore,this study argued that even low/medium-rise buildings that inappropriately appear in the horizontal visual plane could be a factor increasing sensitivity to this panoramic view.An integrative tool–visual sensitivity assessment–consists of Viewshed and Skyline analysis considering the pedestrian’s visual limitation in identifying the sensitive areas of the mountain view corridor in the historic city of Chiang Mai.The visible mountain areas(VMAs)were determined as a baseline,and their relationship with the visible building areas(VBAs)was then examined using statistical correlation to defne a strong negative relationship as the visual sensitive areas in fve zones.The results showed that the bufer zone was found to have more areas with visual sensitivity values,but this varies depending on the characteristics of buildings and the assessment from the view corridor.Meanwhile,in height-restricted areas,such as historic area zone 5,there are some concerns about the visual intrusion,which necessitates continuous monitoring using the assessment result as a guideline.Incorporating the results into implementation could support cultural landscape conservation in Chiang Mai city.The method is applicable in historic cities with similar settings to produce the baseline for the built environment that is harmonious with the cultural and historical characteristics of the city and with respect to its broader setting.