Genomic analysis and virulence of human Streptococcus suis serotype 14.

Purpose: Streptococcus suis serotype 14 is the second most prevalent serotype being highly prevalent in Southeast Asia. This study aimed to characterize genetic background, population structure, virulent genes, antimicrobial-resistant genes, and virulence of human S. suis serotype 14.

Accuracy of Preliminary Maxillary Canine and Anchorage Tooth Movement in Premolar Extraction Cases Using 12 In-House Clear Aligners: A Randomised Control Trial Comparing Power Arm and Control.

Objectives: To investigate maxillary canine movement accuracy and anchorage during space closure in first premolar extraction cases (maximum anchorage) using In-House Clear Aligners (IHCAs).

Materials And Methods: A randomised controlled trial with a split-mouth design recruited 16 adults in university setting. Each patient was randomly assigned by side for canine retraction using 12 IHCAs to both the experimental palatal power arm (Pa) and non-Pa control (C).

Performance of A-DROP, NEWS2, and REMS in predicting in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation in pneumonia patients in the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening respiratory tract infection. Many Early Warning Scores (EWS) were developed to detect patients with high risk for adverse clinical outcomes, but few have explored the utility of these EWS for pneumonia patients in the Emergency Department (ED) setting. We aimed to compare the prognostic utility of A-DROP, NEWS2, and REMS in predicting in-hospital mortality and the requirement for mechanical ventilation among ED patients with pneumonia.

Comparison of the effectiveness of a serious game and pre-recorded lecture in diagnosis and treatment planning of oral lesions for dental students.

This research evaluated the effectiveness of an online simulation-based serious game as a learning tool in diagnosis and treatment planning for oral lesions (SimOL) in comparison to a pre-recorded lecture-based approach and to determine its appropriate integration into the undergraduate dental curriculum. A crossover randomized control trial was conducted with a cohort of 77 dental undergraduates. They were randomly assigned into two groups.

Genetic factors regulating Plasmodium falciparum gametocytogenesis identified by phenotypic screens.

Successful transmission of Plasmodium falciparum from one person to another relies on the complete intraerythrocytic development of non-pathogenic sexual gametocytes infectious for anopheline mosquitoes. Understanding the genetic factors that regulate gametocyte development is vital for identifying transmission-blocking targets in the malaria parasite life cycle. Toward this end, we conducted a forward genetic study to characterize the development of gametocytes from sexual commitment to mature stage V.

Comparative evaluation of spatiotemporal methods for effective dengue cluster detection with a case study of national surveillance data in Thailand.

Dengue fever poses a significant public health burden in tropical regions, including Thailand, where periodic epidemics strain healthcare resources. Effective disease surveillance is essential for timely intervention and resource allocation. Various methods exist for spatiotemporal cluster detection, but their comparative performance remains unclear.

Bee pollen peptides as potent tyrosinase inhibitors with anti-melanogenesis effects in murine b16f10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos.

One important functional food ingredient today, valued for its health properties and ability to prevent disease, is bee pollen, which comprises a combination of nectar, pollen from plants, and the secretions of bees. In this research, the tyrosinase (TYR) inhibiting abilities of the peptides derived from bee pollen protein hydrolysates are investigated. Various proteases were utilized to generate these peptides, followed by testing at different concentrations.

Phosphorylation of SNW1 protein associated with equine melanocytic neoplasm identified in serum and feces.

Equine melanocytic neoplasm (EMN) represents a form of skin tumor observed predominantly in grey horses aged over 15 years. Despite its prevalence, current therapeutic and preventive strategies for EMN have been subject to limited investigation. This study endeavors to shed light on potential phosphoproteins present in equine serum and fecal samples, potentially linked to EMN, with a specific focus on functional interactions in EMN pathogenesis.

Pharmacogenomic landscape of the Thai population from genome sequencing of 949 individuals.

Inter-individual variability in drug responses is significantly influenced by genetic factors, underscoring the importance of population-specific pharmacogenomic studies to optimize clinical outcomes. In this study, we analyzed whole genome sequencing data from 949 unrelated Thai individuals and conducted an in-depth analysis of 3239 genes involved in drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, or immune-mediated adverse drug reactions. We identified 43 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 134 diplotypes, and 15 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, all with moderate to high clinical significance.

Analysis of complete genomes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis sublineage 2.1 (Proto-Beijing) revealed the presence of three pe_pgrs3-pe_pgrs4-like genes.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC), the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), demonstrates considerable genotypic diversity with distinct geographic distributions and variable virulence profiles. The pe-ppe gene family is especially noteworthy for its extensive variability and roles in host immune response modulation and virulence enhancement. We sequenced an Mtb genotype L2.

Development of a New Score Based on Image Defined Risk Factors to Standardize Surgical Risk in Neuroblastoma Resection - A SIOPEN Collaborative Study.

Background And Aims: Image Defined Risk Factors (IDRFs) assess surgical risk in neuroblastoma (NB) and guide neoadjuvant therapy. Despite chemotherapy IDRFs may persist in 70 % of cases. Several studies have suggested that not all IDRFs hold equal significance and that the presence of an IDRF does not inherently signify unresectability.

Identifying the sources of mercury exposure in dental workers.

Dental professionals who handle dental amalgam are at risk of mercury exposure, though the prevalence and severity of elevated mercury levels from non-occupational sources are not well characterized. We report two dental workers who had elevated urinary mercury levels (37 and 25.6 mcg/L) during routine health screenings.

Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination in Thailand: Averted Deaths and Severe Infections Across Age Groups.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the pivotal role of vaccines in mitigating the devastating impact of the virus. In Thailand, the vaccination campaign against SARS-CoV-2 began on 28 February 2021, initially prioritizing healthcare professionals before expanding into a nationwide effort on 7 June 2021. This study employs a mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission with vaccination to analyze the impact of Thailand's COVID-19 vaccination program from 1 March 2021 to 31 December 2022.

Production of Hyaluronidase by .

Hyaluronidases have been a subject of great interest in medical and cosmeceutical applications. Previously, our group demonstrated that the venom glands of contain hyaluronidase enzymes (VesT2s), and heterologous expression of the corresponding gene () in systems results in inclusion bodies, necessitating functional folding using urea. Here, we report the successful heterologous expression of VesT2a in the expression system, with gene construction achieved using Golden.

Efficacy of a Herbal Toothpaste During Active Periodontal Treatment: A Clinical Study.

This study investigated the efficacy of a herbal toothpaste containing (test group) compared with a sodium bicarbonate toothpaste (active control group) and a standard toothpaste (benchmark group) on periodontitis treatment outcomes. Fifty-four periodontitis patients were randomly allocated into three groups. The patients received mechanical instrumentation and instruction on oral hygiene using a toothbrush with the toothpastes and dental floss.

Secondary organizing pneumonia after infection.

This editorial explores the clinical implications of organizing pneumonia (OP) secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis, as presented in a recent case report. OP is a rare condition characterized by inflammation in the alveoli, which spreads to alveolar ducts and terminal bronchioles, usually after lung injuries caused by infections or other factors. OP is classified into cryptogenic (idiopathic) and secondary forms, the latter arising after infections, connective tissue diseases, tumors, or treatments like drugs and radiotherapy.

Association between exposure to gender and sexual diversity in media (GSDM) and Thai adolescents' attitude towards LGBT individuals: a cross-sectional study in Bangkok schools.

Objective: In recent years, global media has increasingly represented lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, contributing to greater societal acceptance of diverse sexualities and gender identities. However, in Thailand, negative attitudes towards LGBT individuals remain prevalent, and media portrayals, both positive and negative, play a critical role in shaping public perceptions. These portrayals can significantly influence how different groups, particularly adolescents, view LGBT individuals.

Optimizing the Appropriate Mode of the Pulse-Modulated Holmium Laser in a Pop-Dusting Benchtop Model.

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of different holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser modes for lithotripsy in the "dusting era" and identify the optimal laser mode for producing stone fragments measuring ≤0.5 mm.

Methods: We used plaster of Paris-made artificial stones crushed into 2-3 mm pieces, weighing 1 g in total.

In silico prediction and experimental evaluation of LIP3228 of pathogenic Leptospira as a potential subunit vaccine target against leptospirosis.

A protein subunit vaccine comprising conserved surface-exposed outer membrane proteins (SE-OMPs) is considered a promising platform for leptospirosis vaccine. The search for novel vaccine candidates that confer high protective efficacy against leptospirosis is ongoing. The LIP3228 protein was previously identified as a conserved and abundant SE-OMP with the potential to serve as an effective vaccine candidate.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Thai version of the core outcome measures index for the back (COMI-back) in patients with low back pain.

Purpose: To translate and culturally adapt the Core Outcome Measures Index for the back (COMI-back) into Thai and to evaluate its psychometric properties in Thai-speaking patients with low back pain (LBP).

Methods: The translation process followed a standardized forward-backward method with two independent translators, followed by synthesis and back-translation. An expert committee reviewed the translations for cultural and conceptual equivalence.

Improved environmental DNA detection sensitivity of Opisthorchis viverrini using a multi-marker assay.

Opisthorchiasis, caused by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, is endemic to Southeast Asian countries and constitutes a major health problem as it increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. However, owing to the complicated life cycle of O. viverrini, there is no rapid method for monitoring the risk of infection in the environment.

Short-Term Safety of Nutri-Jelly in Adults Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Excessive water consumption from liquid or reconstituted oral nutrition supplements may increase risk of fluid overload in renal patients. Nutri-jelly, a ready-to-eat texture-modified diet with 52.8% water, some protein, low potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, could be an alternative.

Malaria elimination challenges in countries approaching the last mile: a discussion among regional stakeholders.

Background: The national malaria control programmes in Cambodia, Nepal, and Bhutan aim to achieve malaria elimination by 2025-2030. While the vivax malaria burden remains challenging, the consistent decline in falciparum malaria in these countries over the last five years suggests that the goal is achievable. However, unexpected cases in previously falciparum malaria-free districts continue to occur.

Prevalence and characteristics of microplastic contamination in soft drinks and potential consumer exposure.

Microplastics (MPs) contamination in human food is a growing concern due to potential health risks. Recent studies have indicated that MPs have been found in various human tissues and organs, including the placenta, lungs, liver, and blood. This highlights the importance of investigating the presence and concentration of MPs in food products, as it directly relates to human health and safety.