Central Thailand Research Articles

Declining genetic polymorphism of the C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein-1 amidst increased Plasmodium knowlesi transmission in Thailand.

Recent reports from Thailand reveal a substantial surge in Plasmodium knowlesi cases over the past decades, with a more than eightfold increase in incidence by 2023 compared to 2018. This study investigates temporal changes in genetic polymorphism associated with the escalating transmission of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand over time using the prominent vaccine candidate, pkmsp1 as a marker. Twenty-five P. knowlesi samples collected in 2018-2023 were sequenced for the 42-kDa region of pkmsp1 and compared with 24 retrieved sequences in 2000-2009, focusing on nucleotide diversity, natural selection, recombination rate, and population differentiation. Seven unique haplotypes were identified in recent samples, compared to 15 in earlier samples. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity were lower in recent samples (π = 0.016, Hd = 0.817) than in earlier samples (π = 0.018, Hd = 0.942). Significantly higher synonymous substitution rates were observed in both sample sets (dS-dN = 2.77 and 2.43, p < 0.05), indicating purifying selection and reduced genetic diversity over time. Additionally, 8 out of 17 mutation points were located on predicted B-cell epitopes, suggesting an adaptive response by the parasites to evade immune recognition. Population differentiation analysis using the fixation index (Fst) revealed high genetic differentiation between parasite populations in central and southern Thailand or Malaysia. Conversely, the relatively lower Fst value between southern Thailand and Malaysia suggests a closer genetic relationship, possibly reflecting historical gene flow. This study highlights a decline in genetic diversity and evidence of purifying selection associated with the recently increased incidence of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand. The minor genetic differentiation between P. knowlesi populations from southern Thailand and Malaysia suggests a shared recent ancestry of these parasites and underscores the need for coordinated efforts between the two countries for the elimination of P. knowlesi.

The effects of livestock grazing on physicochemical properties and bacterial communities of perlite-rich soil.

Livestock grazing has been proposed as a cost-effective way to reclaim post-mining lands. It can enhance soil fertility and biodiversity, but its impacts on soil quality and microbial communities vary across soil types. Moreover, waste from grazing raises concerns about pathogens that could pose risks to animal and human health. This study investigated the effects of grazing on post-mining perlite-rich soil in central Thailand. A comparative analysis of soil physicochemical properties and bacterial diversity was conducted between grazed and ungrazed sites. Bacterial diversity was assessed using 16S amplicon sequencing. The perlite-rich soil was found to be sandy, acidic, and to have low nutritional content. Grazing significantly improved the soil texture and nutrient content, suggesting its potential as a cost-effective reclamation strategy. The 16S metagenomic sequencing analysis revealed that microbial communities were impacted by livestock grazing. Specifically, shifts in the dominant bacterial phyla were identified, with increases in Firmicutes and Chloroflexi and a decrease in Actinobacteria. Concerns about increased levels of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae due to grazing were not substantiated in perlite-rich soil. These bacteria were consistently found at low levels in all soil samples, regardless of livestock grazing. This study also identified a diverse population of Streptomycetaceae, including previously uncharacterized strains/species. This finding could be valuable given that this bacterial family is known for producing antibiotics and other secondary metabolites. However, grazing adversely impacted the abundance and diversity of Streptomycetaceae in this specific soil type. In line with previous research, this study demonstrated that the response of soil microbial communities to grazing varies significantly depending on the soil type, with unique responses appearing to be associated with perlite-rich soil. This emphasizes the importance of soil-specific research in understanding how grazing affects microbial communities. Future research should focus on optimizing grazing practices for perlite-rich soil and characterizing the Streptomycetaceae community for potential antibiotic and secondary metabolite discovery. The obtained findings should ultimately contribute to sustainable post-mining reclamation through livestock grazing and the preservation of valuable microbial resources.

Role of Social Support in Improving Quality of Life among Myanmar Women Migrant Workers in Central and Northern Thailand: Implications for Community Nursing

Background: Social support and quality of life (QoL) are crucial for the well-being of individuals. Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand represent a vulnerable population, yet there are limited studies on social support and QoL among these migrants. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated associations between social support and QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in central and northern Thailandthrough multistage sampling using a structured questionnaire. Social support was measured using the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey, and QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple linear regression was analysed to find the association between social support and QoL, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Results: Among 575 participants, they had an average overall social support score of 61.73 ± 16.47, with low support = 24.35%, moderate support = 46.43%, and high support = 29.22%. The average overall QoL score was 90.54 ± 13.23. Higher social support was positively associated with QoL (B = 4.781 for moderate support and B = 9.721 for high support, p &lt; 0.01). Higher education and easier access to emergency finances were also positively associated with QoL. Conclusion: Tailored social support interventions are recommended to enhance QoL among Myanmar women migrant workers in Thailand. Community nurses play a critical role in these interventions by providing education, facilitating access to resources, and fostering supportive networks.

Taxonomic revision of the king cobra Ophiophagus hannah (Cantor, 1836) species complex (Reptilia: Serpentes: Elapidae), with the description of two new species

The taxonomy of king cobras (Ophiophagus) was reevaluated using qualitative, mensural and meristic characters, based on 148 entire and five skeletal specimens, and supported by a recent molecular phylogenetic analysis. We provide nomenclatural synopses of both the genus and species-series nomina. We restrict the concept of Ophiophagus hannah s. str. to populations from eastern Pakistan, northern and eastern India, the Andaman Islands, Indo-Burma and Indo-China, south to central Thailand. The nomen Ophiophagus bungarus (Schlegel, 1837) comb. nov. is revived for the populations inhabiting the Sunda Shelf area, including the Malay Peninsula, the Greater Sunda Islands and parts of the southern Philippines. We describe two new species, Ophiophagus kaalinga Gowri Shankar, Das &amp;#38; Ganesh sp. nov. endemic to the Western Ghats of south-western India and Ophiophagus salvatana Gowri Shankar, Das &amp;#38; Wüster sp. nov., inhabiting the island of Luzon in northern Philippines. For the purpose of nomenclatural stability, we designate a neotype for Hamadryas hannah Cantor, 1836. A dichotomous identification key to the four species recognized here is provided.

Blending Mon and Thai cultural practices in Piphat Mon performance traditions of Central Thailand

Blending Mon and Thai cultural practices in <i>Piphat Mon</i> performance traditions of Central Thailand

Petrogenesis of REE-mineralized granitic plutons in central Thailand, Southeast Asian tin belt: New insights from geochemistry and zircon U–Pb geochronology

Granitic rocks including biotite granite and biotite-muscovite granite exposed in the Uthai Thani area, central Thailand are located on the main eastern and central granitic belts of Southeast Asia. The biotite granites are characterized by an equigranular texture, whereas biotite-muscovite granites exhibit a porphyritic texture with K-feldspar megacrysts. Geochemically, biotite granites show metaluminous to weakly peraluminous high-K calc-alkaline affinity, whereas biotite-muscovite granite exhibits strongly peraluminous and shoshonitic. The biotite granites and biotite-muscovite granites have trace element features consistent with formation in subduction and syn-collision settings, respectively. The pressure–temperature conditions of emplacement in biotite and biotite-muscovite granite types are 1.94–2.28 kbar/676 °C–713 °C and 1.39–2.00 kbar/669 °C–698 °C, respectively, indicating solidification in upper crustal paleo-depths. Positive εHf (t) values of zircon in the biotite granites indicate similarity to I-type granite of the Sukhothai Terrane, whereas negative εHf (t) values of zircon in the biotite-muscovite granites compare well with S-type granites form in the Inthanon zone. Zircon U–Pb geochronology indicates that biotite granites might have emplaced during the Late Triassic is related to Paleo-Tethys subduction beneath the Indochina terrane, whereas biotite-muscovite granites might have emplaced during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic period, probably as a result of collision between the Sibumasu and the Indochina Terranes. In the Uthai Thani area, the high total REE contents and the presence of primary REE minerals in granitic rocks reflect mineralization potential with respect to light REE, together with the magmatism related to Fe-Cu and Sn mineralization along the main granite belts in Thailand.

First detection and impact of bovine herpesvirus type 4 on dairy cattle reproduction in Thailand

Background and Aim: Postpartum reproductive tract infections pose significant challenges to dairy farms, leading to economic losses due to reduced fertility associated with uterine inflammation. In veterinary practice, numerous research groups have explored the underlying causes of subfertility in cows, including surveying endemic viral infections related to endometritis in local areas. This study investigated bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) infection in Thai dairy herds and assessed its impact on endometritis and subsequent reproductive outcomes. Materials and Methods: The present study analyzed BoHV-4 DNA in various samples, including milk, blood, and endometrial tissue, from 44 Holstein-Friesian cows 21–47 days postpartum across five dairy herds in Central Thailand. BoHV-4 glycoprotein B and thymidine kinase DNA sequences were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR, with sequence comparisons made to GenBank data for phylogenetic analysis. The endometritis status was diagnosed through vaginal mucus examination and endometrial cytology, with reproductive performance monitored up to the subsequent calving. Results: BoHV-4 DNA was identified in blood and endometrial tissues (15.91%) but not in milk samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the local BoHV-4 strains are similar to those identified in Brazil and Japan. Notably, the presence of BoHV-4 was correlated with reduced postpartum reproductive performance, particularly extending the interval from calving to the first service. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of integrating BoHV-4 genomic surveys and uterine health assessments to refine reproductive management strategies within the dairy industry. Keywords: bovine herpesvirus-4, dairy cattle, endometritis, phylogenetic analysis, reproductive performance, Thailand.

Cyrtodactylus panitvongi, a new cave-dwelling Bent-toed Gecko from Lopburi Province, central Thailand (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

We describe Cyrtodactylus panitvongi sp. nov. from Tham Khao Chan (14°58’42.2”N 101°18’40.6”E), a limestone cave in Lopburi Province, central Thailand. The new species is characterized by the following combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known snout-vent length of 85 mm, 15–18 interorbital scales, 35–37 interciliary scales, 10–12 supralabials, 9–11 infralabials, 29–33 paravertebral tubercles of which 22–25 between limb insertions, 18 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles at midbody, 40–42 ventral scale rows at midbody, poorly defined, non-denticulate ventrolateral folds, a series of 13 or 14 enlarged femoroprecloacal scales including 2 pores on the proximalmost scales on each side separated by a single smaller medial scale in males, or six precloacal pits on a continuous series of 32–34 enlarged femoroprecloacal scales in females, no precloacal groove or depression, two or three postcloacal spurs on each side of the base of the tail in males and females, no interdigital webbing, 16–19 total subdigital lamellae on 4th toe, a row of widened median subcaudal plates, a banded dorsal pattern including an uninterrupted nuchal collar and three dark bands on dorsum, 10 or 11 dark-colored rings on original tail, and a golden iris. This trogloxene species is added to a long list of squamates endemic to the Saraburi Group Limestones.

Two new cave-dwelling species of Bent-toed Geckos from Saraburi and Loei provinces, Thailand (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus)

We describe Cyrtodactylus meesookae sp. nov. from a cave on Khao Nam Phu (14°34’33.2”N, 101°08’42.6”E), a limestone hill in Saraburi Province, central Thailand, and C. wiboonatthapoli sp. nov. (previously confused with C. papilionoides) from a cave on Phu Pha Sana (17°10’33.8”N 101°57’52.5”E), a limestone hill in Loei Province, northeastern Thailand. These two micro-endemic, trogloxene species, separated by a distance of about 300 airline km, share a typical habitus for limestone-dwelling species and a relatively similar dorsal pattern, but they are readily distinguished by scalation characters.

Morphological description and genetic analysis of a new black fly species (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the subgenus Asiosimulium from central Thailand

BackgroundBlack flies are among the most medically and veterinary important insects, as adult females of certain species are the sole vector of Onchocerca volvulus. Here, a new black fly species belonging to the subgenus Asiosimulium Takaoka & Choochote, 2005, is described and formally named as Simulium (Asiosimulium) kittipati sp. nov.MethodsPupae and larvae of black flies were collected from available substrates in the stream from central Thailand. Pupae were individually separated in plastic tubes and maintained until adult flies emerged. The emerged adult flies associated with their pupal exuviae and cocoon as well as mature larvae preserved in 85% ethanol were used to describe the new species based on an integrated approach of morphological examination and molecular analysis of the COI gene.ResultsThe new species is characterized in the female by the medium-long sensory vesicle with a medium-sized opening apically, scutum with three faint longitudinal vittae, and the ellipsoidal spermatheca; in the male by the number of upper-eye (large) facets in 20 vertical columns and 21 horizontal rows, hind basitarsus slender, nearly parallel-sided, and median sclerite much wider and upturned apically; in the pupa by the head and thoracic integument densely covered with tiny tubercles, and the pupal gill of arborescent type with 28–30 filaments; and in the larva by the postgenal cleft deep, nearly reaching the posterior margin of the hypostoma, and dark pigmented sheath of the subesophageal ganglion. The DNA barcode successfully differentiated the new species from its congeners with an interspecific genetic divergence of 1.74–18.72%, confirming the morphological identification that the species is a new member of the subgenus Asiosimulium. Phylogenetic analyses also indicated that the new species is genetically closely related to Simulium phurueaense Tangkawanit, Wongpakam & Pramual, 2018, further supporting its morphological classification.ConclusionsThis is the ninth species assigned to the subgenus Asiosimulium within the genus Simulium Latreille, 1802. Taxonomic notes and identification keys are given to distinguish this new species from the eight known species members in its same subgenus. Additionally, a distribution map of all species members in this subgenus occurring in Thailand and other countries is provided.Graphical abstract

A new species of Thermocyclops Kiefer, 1927 (Crustacea, Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Cyclopidae) from temporary habitats, with a discussion on the diversity and distribution of the genus in Thailand

Thermocyclops Kiefer, 1927, is a genus of Cyclopidae, one of the most diverse families among cyclopoids. To date, 13 species of this genus have been recorded in Thailand. Through intensive sampling of rice fields in central Thailand and temporary waters in northeastern Thailand, one new species, Thermocyclops oryzaesp. nov., was discovered. This new species is clearly distinguished from other Thermocyclops by the presence of a serrated lobe on the posterior surface of the medial expansion of the basipodite of the fourth swimming leg. Moreover, it can be distinguished from its congeners by (i) ornamentation on the genital double-somite, succeeding two urosomites and caudal ramus; (ii) the length and width ratio of the caudal ramus; (iii) the length ratio of the innermost terminal seta (VI) and the outermost terminal seta (III); (iv) the number of setae on the second endopodal segment of the antenna; (v) projection and ornamentation on the intercoxal sclerites of the first to fourth swimming legs; (vi) the surface ornamentation of the medial margin of the basipodite of the first to fourth swimming legs; and (vii) the relative length of two apical spines of the third endopodal segment of the fourth swimming leg. The present discovery increases the number of species in this genus in Thailand to 14. A pictorial key to all species is proposed, and their ecologies and distributions within Thailand are updated and discussed.

A Study of Psychometric Properties of Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale – Thai Version among Thai Population

Objective: Individuals with psychiatric disorders are found to struggle with emotion regulation, which is considered a transdiagnostic factor. However, due to a limitation in the assessment of emotion regulation in Thailand, this study aimed to translate the Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) into Thai (DERS-Thai) and evaluate its psychometric properties. Materials and Methods: The DERS-Thai was initially translated by one of the researchers before being re-reviewed. A pre-testing phase was then conducted to preliminarily evaluate the psychometric properties of the DERS-Thai. Subsequently, the testing phase involved 446 participants who completed an online questionnaire platform containing demographic data, DERS-Thai, the Emotion Regulation Scale (ERQ), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). The factor structure was then evaluated, along with its concurrent and criterion validity, as well as its internal consistency. Results: DERS-Thai demonstrated acceptable content validity (I-CVI = 0.8 to 1.0, S-CVI/Ave = 0.85). In the testing phase with 446 participants (mean age = 29.19, SD = 8.50), predominantly female (81.8%), and mostly residing in central Thailand (81.31%), the original model did not fit well. After modification, fit indices were improved. DERS-Thai showed a negative correlation with ERQ and a moderate to strong correlation with DASS-21. Known-group analysis revealed significant differences in DERS-Thai scores between DASS-21 groups (p-value &lt; 0.001). The scale exhibited excellent internal consistency (α = 0.94, ω = 0.96). Conclusion: The DERS-Thai has demonstrated appropriate psychometric properties for assessing emotion regulationskills in individuals.

Effects of health education applying role play on decision making in acute myocardial infarction situation among older adults in community

Acute myocardial infarction is a silent killer for people worldwide, especially older adults who often experience atypical symptoms, causing late decision-making and a high mortality rate. The unrecognition of atypical symptoms, unconcerned about their risk, and not knowing how to deal with this critical situation are the barriers to a quick decision to visit the emergency department and delaying treatment, resulting in serious adverse outcomes. Therefore, specific and effective health education among older adults is needed. This double-blinded randomized controlled trial explored the effectiveness of health education by applying a role-play promoting decision-making ability program when expecting acute myocardial infarction occurrence among community-dwelling older adults. The participants were 96 community-dwelling older adults in central northeastern Thailand. We collected data between November 2021 and April 2022. The multi-stage sampling was applied to include participants. The intervention was the role-play promoting decision-making ability program and home visit. Outcomes were measured a week before attending and after finishing the intervention. T-tests, Mann–Whitney U test, Chi-square, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test compared the outcomes between and within groups. Moreover, adjusted analysis was also demonstrated. Results revealed that participants who attended the program improved their knowledge, belief, and decision-making; only perceived susceptibility did not show improvement. Moreover, after demonstrating an adjusted analysis, the program participants had better knowledge about symptoms, perceived benefits, barriers, self-regulation, possible calling 1669, and first action. In conclusion, a role-play promoting decision-making ability program can promote knowledge, belief, and decision-making when expecting acute myocardial infarction occurrence among community-dwelling older adults. This study proved that role-play is one strategy to promote the program's effectiveness by inducing attention before giving older adults health information. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can implement this program as part of standard practice.Clinical Trial Registration Number: TCTR20210928004 on 28/09/2021.

Dissemination of Urinary Escherichia coli Phylogroup B2 in Provincial and Community Hospitals in Uthai Thani, Central Thailand.

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes a variety of clinical infections in humans, including diarrhea, sepsis, and urinary tract infection. This bacterium is a common multidrug-resistant threat in community and hospital settings worldwide. This study examined the antimicrobial susceptibility and genetic relationship based on Clermont phylotyping and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR of 84 E. coli urinary isolates from provincial and community hospitals in Thailand. All isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin, and almost all isolates were susceptible to carbapenem, fosfomycin, and amikacin. High resistance rates to fluoroquinolone, ampicillin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were observed. Clermont phylogroup B2 was predominant (n = 58). Subtyping of the B2 phylogroup revealed diverse subgroups, of which subgroup V (n = 11), VII (n = 9), III (n = 6), and II (n = 6) were most prevalent. ERIC-PCR showed that the strains of the B2 subgroups III and V were spread between provincial and community hospitals and between hospital wards. This evidence suggests the need for comprehensive infection control monitoring, with strong active surveillance at all hospital levels.

Helicobacter pylori Cytotoxin-Associated Gene A (cagA) and Vacuolating Cytotoxin Gene A (vacA) Genotypes in Gastrointestinal Patients From Central Thailand.

Introduction The development of diseases associated with Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection is closely linked to its virulence genes, which vary by geographic region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) and vacuolating cytotoxin gene A (vacA) genes and their genotypes in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Methods Patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal disease based on endoscopic findings were recruited for the study. Gastric biopsies were collected to screen for H. pylori infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequently, infected samples were tested forcagAand vacA genes, and their genotypes were analyzed by sequencing. Results Among 250 cases, 56% (140/250) exhibited gastrointestinal diseases. Of these cases, 32.1% (45/140) were infected with H. pylori. Regarding gene detection, 40 (88.9%)samples were positive for cagA, while all samples were positive for vacA. For cagA, the Western type with the ABC pattern was the most prominent. There was a statistically significant association between cagA genotypes and clinical outcomes, with the Western type being more prevalent in gastritis patients. For vacA, there was a high prevalence of the s1 and i1, while the m1 and m2 showed similar prevalence. In our combined analysis, the dominant vacA genotype combinations were s1m1i1 (46.7%). There were no statistical differences between the vacA genotypesand clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of H. pylori cagA and vacA genes, but there were variations in their genotypes. A correlation was observed between the Western-type cagA and gastritis; however, no association was found between vacA genotypes and clinical outcomes.

Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage in Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Mainland Southeast Asian Metallurgy: Copper-base Metal Production, Exchange, and Consumption Behaviours at Khao Sai On, Nil Kham Haeng, Non Pa Wai, Phromthin Tai, Sab Champa, and Tha Kae in Central Thailand

Since its late 1970s to early 1980s discovery, the Khao Wong Prachan Valley (KWPV) of central Thailand has been assumed to have been a major supplier of copper in Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Early Historic Southeast Asia. KWPV was the first regional metal production system to be characterised by lead isotope (LI) analysis in the late 2000s, revealing a coherent signature easily distinguished from subsequent analyses of production systems at Phu Lon (northern Thailand) and the Vilabouly Complex (central Laos). Despite KWPV’s scale of production, its LI signature has scarcely been detected at Bronze Age metal consumption sites in nearby northeast Thailand and not at all in Iron Age assemblages. We study copper production and copper/bronze consumption behaviours of Iron Age and Early Historic sites in KWPV’s immediate vicinity: Khao Sai On, Phromthin Tai, Tha Kae, and Sab Champa. Khao Sai On and Phromthin Tai production signatures are highly consistent with those previously established, while the uranogenic tendency at Tha Kae explains outliers from Bronze Age Non Pa Wai and Nil Kham Haeng. Analysis of consumption assemblages reveals little to no consistency with local production signatures. This tendency was tested with LI Iron Age and Early Historic datasets for Ban Khu Muang, Ban Mai Chaimongkol, Ban Pong Manao, and Ban Pong Takhob. The pattern is clear: central Thai populations imported copper/bronze, potentially from the Vilabouly Complex or production loci with closely comparable signatures. We examine this counterintuitive behaviour inductively using Ricardo’s Law of Comparative Advantage combined with a technological appreciation of the relatively low productivity of central Thai primary copper production. This suggests central Thailand’s unattached copper producers freely exchanged copper for exotic goods (bronze, glass, semi-precious stone), with potentially poor terms of exchange, from their desire to participate in wider regional trends in conspicuous consumption.

Beyond ‘Community Craft Specialisation’ in Prehistoric Mainland Southeast Asian Metallurgy: Copper Smelting Behaviours at Khao Sai On, Nil Kham Haeng, Non Pa Wai, Phromthin Tai, and Tha Kae in Central Thailand

Archaeology in Lopburi Province has been under long-term development since the 1970s and has led to the discovery of Khao Wang Prachan Valley (KWPV) as one of three currently known primary copper production (mining and smelting) sites in Southeast Asia. However, since the 1980s, archaeometallurgical research has focused mainly on the two sites of Non Pa Wai (NPW) and Nil Kham Haeng (NKH), dated from the Neolithic (ca. 1800 B.C.) to Early Iron Age (ca. 2300 B.C.), that are known to have large sequences of archaeological material linked to copper production. Although other sites with evidence of copper production are known in this restricted geographical area, their assemblages have not previously been subjected to archaeometric study. This article discusses the results of archaeometallurgical analyses of slags from Khao Sai On (KSO), Tha Kae (TK), and Phromthin Tai (PTT) with sequences dated during the Middle-Late Iron Age. Slag analysis reveals that different smelting behaviours were occurring at these sites. One heterogenous smelting behaviour at Khao Sai On was probably linked to a smaller community practicing metallurgy among other activities, while Phromthin Tai shows more homogeneous production linked to a larger settlement. Although these three sites are located within 26 km of each other, smelters were probably exploiting different local copper deposits around KWPV. The results seem to support a community based type of production where production behaviours are linked to local geology, technical competence, and intensity of exploitation.

DYNAMIC SOIL PROPERTIES AFFECT THE ACIDITY OF ARTIFICIAL WETLANDS: A CASE STUDY IN THUNG YIEW PAK PHLI OF NAKHON NAYOK PROVINCE, THAILAND

This study examined the soil elements and properties of an area becoming an artificial wetland and compared them with those of an agricultural area. The study site is an artificial wetland in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand. Its soil properties and element content were compared with a nearby agricultural area using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the study found this artificial wetland to be within the soil acidity zone of central Thailand, with an average soil pH above 3.99 ± 0.49 and a topsoil organic matter average of 17090 ± 2685 mg kg-1, with aluminium (Al) and iron (Fe) as the major soil minerals. Compared to the agricultural area, the soil properties of the artificial wetland had slightly lower topsoil pH but significantly lower pH in the soil layer 100 cm deep in the agricultural area, and the EC in the artificial wetland was higher than in the agricultural area. However, there are three distinct patterns in the elemental composition of the artificial wetland: (1) A lower-quantity soil surface that improves with depth, (2) a high-quantity of topsoil that worsens with depth, and (3) highly variable soil quality below 50-100 cm. In the soil, the organic carbon in artificial wetlands has a ratio of 1:0.17:0.51 to reference area 1 and reference area 2, indicating that wetlands can store carbon in the soil. The element content of the topsoil and 50 cm soil layer is potentially influenced by land use and beneficial microbial activity, and the soil 100-150 cm layer has an element quantity shared with its parent soil. In this study, we sought to understand the physics and chemical composition of soil in an area transitioning to an artificial wetland over approximately 30 years.

Incident of violence escalation of patients with psychiatric emergencies boarding in the emergency department in the central region of Thailand and its association: a prospective observational study

BackgroundThis study investigates the incidence of violence escalation among psychiatric emergency patients admitted to general emergency departments in hospitals in central Thailand. In addition, patient and service delivery system factors associated with the survival time of violence escalation in 16 emergency departments in the central region of Thailand are determined. This is a prospective observational study, and the study sample includes 507 psychiatric emergency patients who are ≥ 18 years old. The patients are selected through stratified random and purposive sampling.MethodsPatient data—including demographic data, emergency services used, and clinical characteristics—are analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Kaplan–Meier method estimates the violence escalation curve, and the log-rank test compares the violence escalation-free time between the levels of the violent behavior group. In addition, univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses are performed to investigate the factors affecting violence escalation.ResultsThe incidence of violence escalation in psychiatric emergency patients in the emergency department is 7.3%, whereas the incidence rate of violence escalation is 3 per 100 psychiatric emergency patient visit hours. Factors affecting violence escalation include the violent behavior score at triage (aHR = 2.004; 95% CI: 1.051–3.823) and the nurse competency score (aHR = 0.147; 95% CI: 0.032–0.680).ConclusionsAssessing the violent behavior of psychiatric emergency patients at triage may assist emergency providers in monitoring patient behavior and providing early intervention to prevent the escalation of violent behavior. Furthermore, training emergency nurses in psychiatric emergency care is necessary.

Declining Genetic Polymorphisms of the C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein-1 Amidst Increased Plasmodium knowlesi Transmission in Thailand.

Recent reports from Thailand reveal a substantial surge in Plasmodium knowlesi cases over the past decade, with a more than eightfold increase in incidence by 2023 compared to 2018. This study investigates temporal changes in genetic polymorphism associated with the escalating transmission of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand over the past two decades. Twenty-five P. knowlesi samples collected in 2018-2023 were sequenced for the 42-kDa region of pkmsp1 and compared with 24 samples collected in 2000-2009, focusing on nucleotide diversity, natural selection, recombination rate, and population differentiation. Seven unique haplotypes were identified in recent samples, compared to 15 in earlier samples. Nucleotide and haplotype diversities were lower in recent samples (π = 0.016, Hd = 0.817) than in earlier samples (π = 0.018, Hd = 0.942). Significantly higher synonymous substitution rates were observed in both sample sets (dS - dN = 2.77 and 2.43, p < 0.05), indicating purifying selection and reduced genetic diversity over time. Additionally, 8 out of 17 mutation points were located on B-cell epitopes, suggesting an adaptive response by the parasites to evade immune recognition. Population differentiation analysis using the fixation index (Fst) revealed high genetic differentiation between parasite populations in central and southern Thailand or Malaysia. Conversely, the relatively lower Fst value between southern Thailand and Malaysia suggests a closer genetic relationship, possibly reflecting historical gene flow. In conclusion, our findings highlight a decline in genetic diversity and evidence of purifying selection associated with the recently increased incidence of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand. The minor genetic differentiation between P. knowlesi populations from southern Thailand and Malaysia suggests a shared recent ancestry of these parasites and underscores the need for coordinated efforts between the two countries for the elimination of P. knowlesi.