Khon Kaen University

A man in his early 20s was referred for refractive surgery evaluation. His best corrected distance visual acuity was 20/60 in both eyes. Preoperative manifest refraction was +13.00 sphere with a 0.75 cylinder in both eyes. Posterior segment examination revealed bilateral pseudopapilloedema with a papillomacular retinal fold and a chorioretinal fold. Numerous formulas for intraocular lens (IOL) power were calculated. Bilateral clear lens extraction was performed, resulting in residual spherical equivalents of +4.50 in the right eye and +3.375 in the left eye. There was no accurate IOL power formula for posterior microphthalmos with extremely high hyperopia; however, the Hoffer Q formula may yield the least error in IOL power.

Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes can vary due to various factors, including patient clinical condition, complexity of coronary lesions, expertise of operators, and quality of the PCI center. Aims This study evaluated the influence of PCI center volume and operator experience on patient outcomes after the procedure. Methods Retrospective data on demographic, clinical details, and outcomes for all patients undergoing PCI across 39 hospitals in Thailand from 2018 to 2019 were retrieved. PCI center volume was categorized based on annual number of interventions: low (< 200), intermediate (200–499), and high (≥ 500). Operator experience was assessed by years of practice (low [< 5] and high [≥ 5]) and the number of PCI cases performed annually (low [< 75] and high [≥ 75]). The evaluated PCI outcomes were: PCI failure; procedural complications; PCI‐related in‐hospital mortality; 1 year post‐intervention all‐cause mortality. Results A total of 19,701 patients who underwent PCI were included in the analysis, of whom 17,432 had follow‐up data available after 1 year. Of these, 58.1% presented with either ST‐elevation or non‐ST elevation myocardial infarction/unstable angina, while 41.9% had stable CAD. Nearly half of the patients had triple‐vessel or left‐main disease, and 8.7% presented with cardiogenic shock. The percent with PCI failure, procedural complications, PCI‐related in‐hospital death, and 1‐year all‐cause mortality were 4.9%, 5.1%, 2.7%, and 11.8%, respectively. Despite patients in higher‐risk profiles being treated at high‐volume PCI centers and by experienced operators, there were no significant differences in PCI failure, PCI‐related in‐hospital mortality nor 1‐year all‐cause mortality compared to those treated at low or intermediate volume PCI centers. However, high‐volume PCI centers had procedural complications more frequently (4.7%) than did intermediate (3.9%) and low‐volume (2.5%) centers ( p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, no significant associations were found between PCI center volume and PCI outcome. Similarly, no significant relationship was found between operator experience and procedural complications, nor 1‐year all‐cause mortality. Nevertheless, operators with more years of practice were associated with lower PCI‐related in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [95% CI] of 0.75 (0.57, 0.98); p < 0.038). Additionally, operators conducting a higher number of PCIs annually tended to have less PCI failures (odds ratio [95% CI] of 0.76 (0.57, 1.01); p = 0.062). Conclusion A center's PCI volume did not significantly impact PCI outcome. In contrast, operator experience did impact outcomes. This result highlights areas for improvement and can help reform strategies for national PCI systems at both center and operator levels.

There is a growing number of reports on the occurrence of benzimidazole resistance-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene of various helminths of veterinary, and public health concerns. However, a comprehensive analysis of their occurrence, and their contributions to conferring benzimidazole resistance among hookworms has yet to be done. The objectives of this systematic review are to summarize and synthesize peer-reviewed evidence on the occurrence of these resistance-associated mutations in hookworms, document their geographical distribution, and assess their contributions to conferring phenotypic resistance. Three databases were systematically searched using specific keywords. Research that assessed the occurrence of benzimidazole resistance-associated SNPs in hookworms, papers that reported the geographical distribution of these SNPs, and studies that investigated the SNPs’ resistance-associated phenotypic effects were included in the review. Research that was not done in hookworms, papers not in the English language, and literature reviews and book chapters were excluded. Critical appraisal checklists were used to determine the risk of bias in the selected papers. Data were extracted from the selected studies and analyzed. PROSPERO Systematic Review Protocol Registration No.: CRD42024510924. A total of 29 studies were included and analyzed. Of these, four were conducted in a laboratory setting, eight described the development and validation of SNP detection methods, and the remaining 17 involved field research. Seven SNP-induced amino acid substitutions at four loci were reported among several hookworm species: Q134H, F167Y, E198A, E198K, E198V, F200Y, and F200L. SNPs have been reported in isolates occurring in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Haiti, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Resistance mutations have not been reported in Asia. E198A and F200L were reported in Ancylostoma ceylanicum with laboratory-induced resistance. F167Y and Q134H conferred resistance in A. caninum, as revealed by in vitro investigations and field assessments. There is insufficient peer-reviewed evidence to prove the association between SNP occurrence and resistance. Mutations in the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene confer benzimidazole resistance in A. caninum and A. ceylanicum, but similar evidence is lacking for other human hookworms. Understanding benzimidazole resistance through further research can better inform treatment, prevention, and control strategies.

Background Epidemiologically important food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are recognized as biological carcinogens of Group 1A, while Opisthorchis felineus is in Group 3 as noncarcinogenic to humans. Mechanisms of the biological carcinogenesis are still elusive. Some studies highlight chronic inflammation as a key factor and common pathway for cancer initiation and progression. Nonetheless, the chronic inflammation alone does not explain why these three species differ in carcinogenicity. We focused this study on genome-wide landscapes of liver gene expression and activation of cellular pathways in Mesocricetus auratus golden hamsters infected with C. sinensis (South Korea), O. viverrini (Thailand), or O. felineus (Russia) at 1 and 3 months after infection initiation. Methodology/Principal findings Liver transcriptomes of golden hamsters (HiSeq Illumina, 2X150 bp) were sequenced at 1 and 3 months postinfection. Data processing was carried out using the following bioinformatic and experimental approaches: analysis of differential gene expression, estimates of proportions of affected liver cell types, liver histopathology, and examination of weighted gene coexpression networks. All infections caused enrichment with inflammatory response signaling pathways, fibrogenesis and cell proliferation, and IL2–STAT5, TNF–NF-κB, TGF-β, Hippo, MAPK, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. Nevertheless, species-specific responses to each infection were noted too. We also identified species-specific responses of liver cell types, differentially expressed gene clusters, and cellular pathways associated with structural liver damage (such as periductal fibrosis, epithelial neoplasia, and inflammation). Conclusions/Significance This is the first comparative analysis of gene expression landscapes in the liver of experimental animals infected with O. viverrini, O. felineus, or C. sinensis. The trematodes have species-specific effects on the hepatobiliary system by triggering signaling pathways, thereby leading to differences in the severity of hepatobiliary structural lesions and contributing to the pathogenicity of closely related foodborne trematodes.

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology is vital for a cleaner and more sustainable future, offering high efficiency, quiet operation, fuel flexibility, and zero-emission energy production with versatile applications. The drawbacks of PEMFC include its high cost, susceptibility to degradation, and challenges in scaling up production for commercial use. The gas diffusion layer (GDL), the catalyst layer (CL), and the polymer electrolyte are all very important parts of fuel cell technology. Through the optimization of these components, researchers may strive to develop fuel cells that are more efficient, cost-effective, durable, and high-performing, therefore enabling the provision of clean and sustainable energy. In this article, we have reviewed the various components of GDL, CL, and polymer electrolyte materials and their impact on the performance of PEMFC. The various characteristics of the GDL such as porosity, hydrophobic/hydrophilic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and carbon materials, are fully discussed in this review article. These topics also cover the CL’s properties, including the catalyst, carbon support, ionomer, and solvent. Explore the different polymer electrolytes that are based on aliphatic Nafion and aromatic hydrocarbons-based membrane. Finally, this review paper gives suggestions for the way forward in regard to creating electrodes and electrolytes for PEMFCs that are cost-effective, efficient, and durable.

Introduction Malayemys khoratensis is a freshwater turtle species endemic to northeastern Thailand and Lao PDR. While M. khoratensis is relatively common and widespread in Thailand, its population size and demographic trends remain largely unknown, as direct population estimates are lacking. This species faces significant threats from consumption, exploitation, and trade. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic trends of M. khoratensis in northeastern Thailand, using two mitochondrial DNA genes, Cyt b and ND4 . Method We grouped the turtles based on three major river basins in northeastern Thailand: Mun, Chi, and Northeast Mekong to assess population structure and test the isolation-by-basin hypothesis. The Cyt b and ND4 genes of 49 M. khoratensis individuals across 15 provinces in Thailand were sequenced, and 15 sequences from a previous study of Ihlow et al. (2016) were included into the analyses. We constructed a haplotype network from the concatenated sequences and analyzed the population structure with the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Additionally, we used a Bayesian Skyline plot (BSP) analysis to estimate the effective female population size and explore the demographic history of this species. Results Our analysis identified 13 unique haplotypes defined by 26 polymorphic sites from 64 samples. The total haplotype diversity for M. khoratensis was 0.819, while nucleotide diversity was 0.0031. The haplotype network and AMOVA revealed no distinct population structure among the river basins, suggesting gene flow across these regions. The BSP estimated a stable effective female population size of approximately 130,000 individuals since around 100,000 years ago (late Pleistocene). Conclusion Our findings indicated no significant population structure by river basin, which may be due to natural movement between basins or potential human-mediated translocations linked to the turtle trade. The demographic trend of M. khoratensis appears to have been stable over time. However, given the ongoing exploitation of this species, we recommend regular monitoring of population trends to support its long-term survival.

This research introduces an innovative algorithm for the encryption and decryption of greyscale digital imaging and communications in medicine images utilizing Laplace transforms. The proposed method presents a ground breaking approach to image encryption, effectively concealing visual information and ensuring a robust, secure, and reliable encryption process. By leveraging the inherent strengths of Laplace transform, the algorithm guarantees the complete retrieval of the original image without any loss, provided the correct decryption key is used. To thoroughly evaluate the performance of the algorithm, multiple tests were conducted, including extensive statistical analyses and assessments of encryption quality. Key performance metrics were carefully measured, including correlation coefficients and entropy values, which ranged from 7.89 to 7.99. Additionally, the algorithm's effectiveness was demonstrated through peak signal‐to‐noise ratio values, which spanned from 7.597 to 9.915, indicating the degree of similarity between the original and encrypted images. Furthermore, the number of pixels change rate values, ranging from 99.519241 to 99.609375, highlighted the algorithm's ability to produce significantly different encrypted images from the original. The unified average changing intensity values, falling between 35.72345678 and 35.78233456, further underscored the algorithm's proficiency in altering pixel intensities uniformly. Overall, this research offers a significant advancement in the field of image encryption, combining theoretical robustness with practical efficiency.

Background and Aim: Mutations in the β-tubulin genes of helminths confer benzimidazole (BZ) resistance by reducing the drug’s binding efficiency to the expressed protein. However, the effects of these resistance-associated mutations on tubulin dimer formation in soil-transmitted helminths remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of these mutations on the in silico dimerization of hookworm α- and β-tubulins using open-source bioinformatics tools. Materials and Methods: Using AlphaFold 3, the α- and β-tubulin amino acid sequences of Ancylostoma ceylanicum were used to predict the structural fold of the hookworm tubulin heterodimer. The modeled complexes were subjected to several protein structure quality assurance checks. The binding free energies, overall binding affinity, dissociation constant, and interacting amino acids of the complex were determined. The dimer’s structural flexibility and motion were simulated through molecular dynamics. Results: BZ resistance-associated amino acid substitutions in the β-tubulin isotype 1 protein of hookworms altered tubulin dimerization. The E198K, E198V, and F200Y mutations conferred the strongest and most stable binding between the α and β subunits, surpassing that of the wild-type. In contrast, complexes with the Q134H and F200L mutations exhibited the opposite effect. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that wild-type and mutant tubulin dimers exhibited similar dynamic behavior, with slight deviations in those carrying the F200L and E198K mutations. Conclusion: Resistance-associated mutations in hookworms impair BZ binding to β-tubulin and enhance tubulin dimer interactions, thereby increasing the parasite’s ability to withstand treatment. Conversely, other mutations weaken these interactions, potentially compromising hookworm viability. These findings offer novel insights into helminth tubulin dimerization and provide a valuable foundation for developing anthelmintics targeting this crucial biological process.

Purpose: Although the clinical outcomes of on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump CABG (OPCAB) are well established, their metabolomic impacts remain underexplored. This study aims to compare the metabolic profiles of ONCAB and OPCAB to identify differential metabolites associated with clinical outcomes. Methods: In a prospective cohort study conducted between January 2023 and September 2023, 100 plasma samples from 20 patients undergoing isolated elective CABG (10 per group) were analyzed. Samples were collected preoperatively and at multiple postoperative time points (Days 0–3) and processed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR). Advanced statistical modeling was applied to identify differential metabolites. Results: No significant differences were found in clinical outcomes, although ONCAB showed higher postoperative CKMB levels. Both procedures induced metabolomic alterations, with ONCAB demonstrating a more substantial impact, particularly on Day 0. Key metabolites, including leucine, succinate, creatine, glucose, and adenine, affected starch and sucrose metabolism. Conclusion: ONCAB induces more pronounced metabolic shifts immediately postsurgery, involving protein and energy turnover, oxidative stress, and disrupted glucose metabolism, indicative of cellular stress responses. A comprehensive understanding of these metabolic changes is critical for informing targeted interventions and supports the use of OPCAB as a preferred strategy for patients with elevated metabolic risks.

Heterogeneous cobalt-based catalysts have recently gained attention as persulfate activators to degrade dyes and organic pollutants in sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs). This study fabricated magnetic cobalt nanoparticles embedded in a carbonaceous hydrogel (Co@C) using high-temperature pyrolysis of the Co²⁺-embedded chitosan-graft-poly(acrylic acid) (Co²⁺-embedded CTS-g-PAA) hydrogel. Subsequently, the prepared Co@C was evaluated as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for degrading azo dyes. The catalyst showed the highest performance toward reactive red 141 (RR141) than Congo red, methyl orange, direct yellow 50, and reactive black 5. RR141 was completely degraded within 10 min, with a 3.20 min–1 pseudo-first-order rate constant. The degradation rate increased with higher catalyst dosage, PMS dosage, and temperature. The pH of the solution had a minimal effect on the degradation of RR141, indicating that the catalyst could be effective across a wide pH range. Moreover, the quenching experiment and the electron paramagnetic resonance analysis indicated that the catalytic system generated SO4•−, HO•, O2•−, and ¹O2. The RR141 degradation was slightly affected by Cl⁻, NO3⁻, and SO4²⁻. The catalyst demonstrated high efficiencies in real water samples. The catalyst could be easily recovered using a magnet and reused for ten cycles with only a 10% degradation efficiency loss. Furthermore, the catalyst could effectively degrade other organic pollutants, including tetracycline and 4-nitrophenol. This study demonstrates that the Co@C catalyst can effectively purify wastewater via SR-AOPs. Graphical abstract

The 5th generation of wireless technology with a continuum leap rushing towards the future in the world of communication has a puzzle that enables the autonomous machine to work in site making a louder voice that shows the era where even if we cannot be fully robotic, we can make the machines do the work by sitting on a faraway control room. Making ways clear to see the work done miles away on construction sites the 5 th generation has not only brought the people close through communication but also made them work collegiately with a clearer view front. The paper discusses 5G and the other related technologies that are emerging all over the world and how it is needed specifically in the construction industry. In the present paper, we tried to shed light on the acceptance and implementation of 5G technology in the construction sector. It is seen that the construction sector in India is lagging behind when it comes to implementation and availability of required support and resources for the 5G implementation.

Actuarial science is increasingly using machine learning. Machine learning has improved actuarial pricing prediction by forecasting future claims. Insurers are testing these algorithms, but model explainability and implementation cost are issues. The current literature barely touches upon this broad field of inquiry. Fujita et al. published a 2020 study on predictive frequency models using AGLM, GLM, GAM, and GBM. König and Loser (2020) compared GLMs, neural networks, and XGBoost for frequency prediction. We want to add to existing research by forecasting pure premium rather than frequency or severity, comparing four methodologies, and analyzing and presenting a wide range of quantitative and qualitative performance evaluation metrics. This paper compares four approaches for predicting pure premium: GLM, AGLM, XGBoost, and neural networks. On a test set, the study compares each model's pros and cons in P&C insurance pricing, as well as its quantitative and qualitative performance. Despite these obstacles, machine learning in actuarial pricing has clear benefits. By may improve risk profiles, pricing accuracy, profitability, and market competitiveness by using massive volumes of data and advanced analytics. However, getting these results needs a holistic approach that balances machine learning's technical sophistication with insurance's regulatory and operational limits. Further research should construct interpretable machine learning models customized to insurance pricing needs and limits while addressing the ethical, regulatory, and implementation obstacles to their adoption.

Background Paediatric septic shock is a formidable challenge worldwide that significantly impacts health care systems. This nationwide retrospective study analyses the prevalence and mortality rates of paediatric septic shock across Thailand from 2015 to 2022, focusing on hospital burdens, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy. Methods The study included paediatric patients ranging from infants to individuals under 18 years of age who were admitted to hospitals due to septic shock across Thailand. Data were retrospectively gathered from the Thai National Health Security Office for the years 2015–2022. The data included demographic data, clinical outcomes, and hospital burden indicators such as mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy. Results From 2015 to 2022, there were 30,718 paediatric admissions for septic shock, with a peak in 2019. The highest incidence was observed in infants, accounting for 44.7% of the cases. The prevalence rate increased from 190 per 100,000 population in 2015 to a peak of 280 per 100,000 population in 2020. Mortality rates decreased from 30.7% in 2015 to 20.2% in 2022, with a peak of 40.5% observed in the central region in 2015. The study highlighted a substantial health care burden, with 34.9% of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and 23.4% needing renal replacement therapy. Conclusions Despite a decrease in mortality, paediatric septic shock remains a significant burden on the health care system in Thailand. Urgent improvements in resources and adherence to clinical guidelines, especially in under-resourced areas, are necessary. Addressing disparities in mortality and resource usage across hospital levels is vital for improving outcomes and reducing the health care burden of paediatric patients with septic shock. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-024-05193-7.

Detection of Strogyloides-specific IgG antibodies in urine and serum has been used in diagnostic and epidemiological studies on strongyloidiasis. However, the usefulness of these assays in assessing responses to anthelmintic treatment is unclear. Thus, we evaluated the diagnostic performance and temporal profiles of Strongyloides-specific IgG antibodies in a cohort of participants at baseline and post-treatment. The participants were prospectively screened for baseline parasitic infections by fecal examination [agar plate culture technique (APCT) and formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT)] and digital droplet polymerase reaction (ddPCR) for Strongyloides stercoralis. At each sampling point, Strongyloides-specific IgG in urine and serum were measured by an in-house S. ratti-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At baseline, 169 of 351 participants (48.1%) had S. stercoralis infection by the combined fecal examination and ddPCR. The diagnostic sensitivities of IgG in urine and serum were 91.1% and 88.2%, respectively. The participants were given treatment with a single oral dose of ivermectin (IVM, 200 μg/kg) and were followed up by fecal and immunological diagnosis at 3 to 18 months post-treatment. The cure rate of IVM treatment evaluated by APCT and ddPCR was 88.3% at three months post-treatment. The profiles of IgG in urine in the curative treatment group showed a significant trend of decline with time post-treatment (Kruskal-Wallis test = 113.4–212.6, p value < 0.0001) and the lowest levels were seen 12 months post-treatment. The treatment response (> 50% reduction in urinary IgG antibody units) was 100%, and conversion from positive to negative results was 65.4%. The treatment response and conversion to negative assessed by serum IgG-ELISA were similar to those by urine IgG-ELISA. The results from this long-term diagnostic study highlight the utility of urinary IgG and serum IgG for screening and monitoring treatment outcomes in strongyloidiasis.

Human strongyloidiasis is an important intestinal parasitic disease that affects public health globally and is transmitted through contact with infective larvae on contaminated soil. Immunocompromised hosts can experience hyperinfection, which can lead to fatal systemic strongyloidiasis. Here, an innovative point-of-care (POC) test kit, the strongyloidiasis immunochromatographic blood test (the NIE-SsIR whole-blood ICT) kit is described. The kit was used to detect anti- Strongyloides IgG antibody in whole-blood samples (WBSs) instead of serum to diagnose strongyloidiasis. The kit is based on a mixture of two recombinant Strongyloides stercoralis protein antigens (NIE and SsIR) and colloidal-gold-labeled conjugates of anti-human IgG antibody to evaluate diagnostic values with simulated and fresh anticoagulated WBSs. The NIE-SsIR whole-blood ICT kit showed potentially high diagnostic values with simulated WBSs, obtained by spiking patients’ sera with red blood cells. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 93.0%, 93.7%, 88.6%, and 96.2%, respectively, at the prevalence of disease simulated under the laboratory conditions of 34.5%. In addition, 18 of 20 fresh anticoagulated WBSs from strongyloidiasis cases were positive, and all 15 WBSs from healthy volunteers were negative. The NIE-SsIR whole-blood ICT kit is a simple and convenient POC testing tool and can possibly be used with fingerstick blood samples, thereby not requiring the drawing of venous blood and separation of the serum. The NIE-SsIR whole-blood ICT kit can assist clinical diagnosis in remote areas and field settings without sophisticated equipment.

Background Effective management of pulmonary edema in the emergency department (ED) is crucial given its significant global impact on health. This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis: “Does the utilization of Automatic B-lines via ultrasonography in patients with pulmonary edema facilitate faster diuretic administration in a developing country?” Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary academic center in Thailand. Patients with pulmonary edema admitted to the ED between January 2023 and June 2024 were enrolled. Ultrasound documentation and electronic ED medical records were compared to assess the time of diuretic administration between patients who had lung ultrasounds utilizing automatic B-lines and those who had manual B-lines counted by physician eye inspection. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the use of automatic B-lines and early diuretic administration. Results The study included 134 patients with pulmonary edema. The time to diuretic administration was significantly shorter in the automatic B-lines group (median time [Q1-Q3], 55 min; range, 35–110 min) compared to the non-automatic B-lines group (median time, 100 min; range, 75–145 min). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, early diuretic administration within 60 min of triage was significantly more likely in the automatic B-lines group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–2.45) than in the non-automatic B-lines group. Conclusions In a developing country, patients with pulmonary edema who had lung ultrasound evaluation with automated B lines experienced a fastest diuresis compared to those who utilized ultrasonography without automatic B lines. Implementing automatic B-lines as an early screening protocol could enhance clinical practice in the ED.

In 2018, Dvořák and Postle introduced the concept of DP-coloring which is a generalization of list coloring and recently, Bernshteyn and Kostochka used this concept to give a new coloring, called edge DP-coloring. The edge DP-chromatic number of a graph G is denoted by $\chi _{DP}'(G)$. Note that $\chi _{DP}'(G) \ge \varDelta$. It is interesting to find sufficient conditions of a graph G satisfying $\chi _{DP}'(G)=\varDelta$. In this paper, we give the sufficient conditions of a graph G in terms of its maximum degree and maximum average degree satisfying $\chi '_{DP}(G)=\varDelta$. Consequences are inferred for planar graphs in terms of their maximum degree and girth. Moreover, we also prove that a planar graph G with maximum degree $\varDelta$ satisfying $\chi '_{DP}(G)=\varDelta$.