Heavy metals and probabilistic risk assessment via rice consumption in Thailand.

In this study, heavy metals including Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in 55 Thai local rice (4 varieties) were measured using ICP-MS. Health risks were estimated from various Thai population groups, classified according to ages and genders. The potential impact on Thai population who consumed Thai local rice contained heavy metals was assessed by means of probabilistic approach.

Green and facile synthesis of water-soluble carbon dots from ethanolic shallot extract for chromium ion sensing in milk, fruit juices, and wastewater samples.

Self-functionalized carbon dots (CDs) were prepared from ethanolic shallot extract to obtain a total phenolic precursor. The total phenolic extract was then heated at 180 °C for four hours in an autoclave. Only 1 mg L of CDs had high fluorescence emission at 430 nm after excitation at 340 nm and manifested a high selectivity for Cr(vi) ions.

Application of isotope techniques to study groundwater resources in the unconsolidated aquifers along the Ping River (Thailand).

Severe droughts during the dry season and floodings during the rainy season are among the major problems encountered in the valleys along the Ping River in Thailand. Improving our understanding of the groundwater resources in this agricultural area is an important issue for the sustainable development of the region. Hence, in order to gain understanding on the groundwater flow dynamics in the unconsolidated shallow aquifers along the Ping River, stable (C, O, H, noble gases) and radioactive (H, C) isotope techniques were combined with hydrogeochemical tools.

Noncovalent Sericin-Chitosan Scaffold: Physical Properties and Low Cytotoxicity Effect.

This research aims to utilize sericin, which is the waste from boiling silk cocoon, for the supramolecular scaffold preparation with chitosan. A suitable method for the self-assembled scaffold formation of sericin and chitosan at 1:1 stoichiometry is presented and the morphological and physical properties of the scaffold are studied. The effect of an alcohol/NaOH solution on the secondary structure of sericin protein within the sericin-chitosan scaffold, with adjusted pH, was investigated.

Geographic effects on stable isotopic composition of precipitation across Thailand.

This study investigated the spatial variation of isotopes in precipitation over Thailand in relation to geographic condition. Monthly data (2013-2015) of stable isotopes (H and O) in precipitation within the region 5°37'-20°27'N, 98°04'-105°31'E were analysed using the least squares regression method to determine the possible effects of latitude and longitude on O and -excess in precipitation. Results showed that the spatial variability of isotopes in precipitation is affected by both continental and amount effects and that the variation is slightly greater in terms of latitude than longitude.

Comparison of Ga-labeled RGD mono- and multimers based on a clickable siderophore-based scaffold.

Cyclic pentapeptides containing the amino acid sequence arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD) have been widely applied to target αβ integrin, which is upregulated in various tumors during tumor-induced angiogenesis. Multimeric cyclic RGD peptides have been reported to be advantageous over monomeric counterparts for angiogenesis imaging. Here, we prepared mono-, di-, and trimeric cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic-D-phenylalanine-lysine (c (RGDfK)) derivatives by conjugation with the natural chelator fusarinine C (FSC) using click chemistry based on copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC).

Combined sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique: The first proof-of-concept to suppress Aedes aegypti vector populations in semi-rural settings in Thailand.

Background: Important arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus infections, are transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti vector. So far, controlling this vector species with current tools and strategies has not demonstrated sustainable and significant impacts. Our main objective was to evaluate whether open field release of sterile males, produced from combining the sterile insect technique using radiation with the insect incompatible technique through Wolbachia-induced incompatibility (SIT/IIT), could suppress natural populations of Ae.

Tracing underground sources of pollution to coastal waters off Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand.

We explored the possibility that an underground pathway, "submarine groundwater discharge" (SGD), may contribute to the observed coastal contamination from a large industrial complex on the Gulf of Thailand. Three surveys were performed to map the area for the natural groundwater tracers radon, thoron and salinity. The results from all three surveys were internally consistent showing a point source adjacent to a large pier that serves the complex.

Measuring the radiation exposure of Norwegian reindeer under field conditions.

Models and approaches have been developed to predict radiation exposure of wildlife under field conditions. However, there have been few attempts to directly measure radiation exposure of wildlife in the field and confirm the doses predicted by models. This is a potential issue for stakeholder acceptance of modelling-based assessments.

DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF POLY (VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE)/BARIUM TITANATE NANOCOMPOSITES UNDER GAMMA IRRADIATION.

The main focus of this study is to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on the electrical properties of PVDF/BT nanocomposites. A 1.25 MeV gamma-ray was delivered to the composite films with different BaTiO3-volume fraction, ƒBT = 0-0.

Modifying the Siderophore Triacetylfusarinine C for Molecular Imaging of Fungal Infection.

Purpose: Aspergillus fumigatus produces the siderophore triacetylfusarinine C (TAFC) for iron acquisition which is essential for its virulence. Therefore, TAFC is a specific marker for invasive aspergillosis. We have shown previously that positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with [Ga]TAFC exhibited excellent targeting properties in an A.

Combined sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique: sex separation and quality of sterile Aedes aegypti male mosquitoes released in a pilot population suppression trial in Thailand.

Background: The sterile insect technique (SIT), which is based on irradiation-induced sterility, and incompatible insect technique (IIT), which is based on Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility (a kind of male sterility), have been used as alternative methods to reduce mosquito vector populations. Both methods require the release of males to reduce fertile females and suppress the number of natural populations. Different techniques of sex separation to obtain only males have been investigated previously.

Synergistic Inhibition of Human Carcinoma Cell Growth Co-Delivery of p53 Plasmid DNA and bcl-2 Antisense Oligodeoxyribonucleotide by Cholic Acid-modified Polyethylenimine.

Background/aim: This study investigated the co-delivery of plasmid DNA and antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (AS ODN) into carcinoma cells by cholic acid-modified polyethylenimine (PEI-CA).

Materials And Methods: PEI-CA/plasmid DNA and AS ODN complexes were formulated and evaluated for delivery of plasmid DNA and AS ODN in HeLa cells. The efficiency of co-delivery of plasmid DNA and AS ODN was evaluated by cell growth inhibition using p53 and bcl-2 AS ODN.

CHARACTERIZATION OF AN IN-HOUSE DEVELOPED MULTI-CYLINDRICAL MODERATOR NEUTRON SPECTROMETER.

This article describes the characterization of an in-house developed multi-cylindrical moderator neutron spectrometer, which consists of a cylindrical 3He proportional counter and cylindrical moderator shells of different sizes. The response matrix of the spectrometer was calculated by Monte Carlo simulations for neutron energies from 1 × 10-8 to 10 MeV and verified with measurements in 0.144 MeV, 1.

Andrographis paniculata Diterpenoids Protect against Radiation-Induced Transformation in BALB/3T3 Cells.

One of the most concerning side effects of exposure to radiation are the carcinogenic risks. To reduce the negative effects of radiation, both cytoprotective and radioprotective agents have been developed. However, little is known regarding their potential for suppressing carcinogenesis.

Developing Targeted Hybrid Imaging Probes by Chelator Scaffolding.

Positron emission tomography (PET) as well as optical imaging (OI) with peptide receptor targeting probes have proven their value for oncological applications but also show restrictions depending on the clinical field of interest. Therefore, the combination of both methods, particularly in a single molecule, could improve versatility in clinical routine. This proof of principle study aims to show that a chelator, Fusarinine C (FSC), can be utilized as scaffold for novel dimeric dual-modality imaging agents.

CXCR4-targeted Nanoparticles Reduce Cell Viability, Induce Apoptosis and Inhibit SDF-1α Induced BT-549-Luc Cell Migration In Vitro.

Background: CXCR4 possesses a critical role in several intracellular events such as chemotaxis, invasion and adhesion, which are associated with metastasis of cancer cell.

Objective: In this study, CXCR4 targeted polymeric nanoparticle was developed for delivering cytotoxic drug and blocking the chemokine induced migration of cells expressing CXCR4.

Method: A peptide which was a linear form of CXCR4 antagonist (LFC131) was attached to PLGA nanoparticles (LFC131-NPs) and PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating DOX (LFC131-DOX-NPs).

Effect of freeze-thaw process on physical properties, microbial activities and population structures of anaerobic sludge.

Effects of the freeze-thaw process on physical properties, cell viability, microbial activities and population structures of anaerobic sludge were investigated. It was found that the sludge volume index was greatly reduced from 16.4 mL/g in the original sludge to 4.

Gamma sterilization of diclofenac sodium loaded- N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles for ophthalmic use.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical properties of N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC), diclofenac sodium (DC) and diclofenac sodium loaded N-trimethylchitosan nanoparticles (DC-TMCNs), and to determine suitable doses of gamma rays for sterilization of DC-TMCNs. Physicochemical properties of TMC, DC and DC-TMCNs before and after exposure to gamma rays at various doses were investigated. It was found that gamma irradiation at doses of 5-25kGy did not cause any significant changes in physical and chemical properties of TMC, DC and DC-TMCNs.

Radical intermediate generation and cell cycle arrest by an aqueous extract of Thunbergia Laurifolia Linn. In human breast cancer cells.

Thunbergia Laurifolia Linn. (TL) is one of the most familiar plants in Thai traditional medicine that is used to treat various conditions, including cancer. However, the antitumor activity of TL or its constituents has never been reported at the molecular level to support the folklore claim.

Microdosimetry of the full slowing down of protons using Monte Carlo track structure simulations.

The article investigates two approaches in microdosimetric calculations based on Monte Carlo track structure (MCTS) simulations of a 160-MeV proton beam. In the first approach, microdosimetric parameters of the proton beam were obtained using the weighted sum of proton energy distributions and microdosimetric parameters of proton track segments (TSMs). In the second approach, phase spaces of energy depositions obtained using MCTS simulations in the full slowing down (FSD) mode were used for the microdosimetric calculations.

Development and Evaluation of Diclofenac Sodium Loaded-N-Trimethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles for Ophthalmic Use.

The ophthalmic preparation of diclofenac sodium (DC) for relieving ocular inflammation is presently available in the market only as an eye drop solution. Due to its low occular bioavailability, it requires frequent application leading to low patients' compliance and quality of life. This study was conducted to develop formulations of DC loaded-N-trimethyl chitosan nanoparticles (DC-TMCNs) for ophthalmic use to improve ocular biavailabiltiy of DC.

[(68)Ga]FSC-(RGD)3 a trimeric RGD peptide for imaging αvβ3 integrin expression based on a novel siderophore derived chelating scaffold-synthesis and evaluation.

Over the last years Gallium-68 ((68)Ga) has received tremendous attention for labeling of radiopharmaceuticals for positron emission tomography (PET). (68)Ga labeling of biomolecules is currently based on bifunctional chelators containing aminocarboxylates (mainly DOTA and NOTA). We have recently shown that cyclic peptide siderophores have very good complexing properties for (68)Ga resulting in high specific activities and excellent metabolic stabilities, in particular triacetylfusarinine-C (TAFC).

Targeted delivery of doxorubicin to A549 lung cancer cells by CXCR4 antagonist conjugated PLGA nanoparticles.

Doxorubicin is used to treat a variety of cancers, but dose limiting toxicity or intrinsic and acquired resistance limits its application in many types of cancer. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor which implicates in metastasis of cancers including lung cancer. LFC131, a peptide inhibitor of CXCR4-ligand binding, is a linear type of low molecular weight CXCR4 antagonist.