Chanthaburi Province Research Articles

Evaluation of blaOXA-48-like point mutation carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in Prapokklao Hospital, Thailand.

In this study, we aimed to investigate genetic variation and CPE among blaOXA-48-like carrying isolates recovered from Prapokklao Hospital, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, during 2016-2017. A total of 122 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) were recovered from clinical samples in Prapokklao Hospital. All CRE samples were confirmed by standard biochemical tests and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test strips (E-test). The carbapenemase production was determined using the modified Hodge test (MHT), the modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), and EDTA-CIM (eCIM). Three single mutations (E168Q, S171A, and R214S) were characterized in this study. This mutation might reflect the hydrolysis of the modified β-lactam spectrum, especially carbapenem, by OXA-48-like. Our report provides evidence of the blaOXA-48-like point mutation and carbapenemase-producing phenotype of CRE detected in this healthcare setting. Effective control measures and active surveillance of drug resistance in nosocomial pathogens are crucial for controlling diseases associated with difficult-to-treat bacteria.

Factor Affecting to Purchasing Behavior of Agricultural Chemical of Farmers in Chanthaburi Province

Factor Affecting to Purchasing Behavior of Agricultural Chemical of Farmers in Chanthaburi Province

The Influence of Chemical Fertilizers on the Effectiveness of Biochar in Mitigating Cadmium Mobility in Soil

The focus of this study was to explore how various fertilizers influence the movement of cadmium in soil treated with biochar. The research utilized a strong acid sandy loam soil from Chanthaburi Province, naturally rich in organic matter with moderate cation exchange capacity and low nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfate, salinity and chloride levels. The soil was purposely contaminated with 50 mg kg-1 of cadmium and treated with biochar derived from water hyacinth through pyrolysis at 450°C for an hour. This biochar displayed moderate alkalinity, high organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity, but low nitrogen content. Analytical techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed to study the surface characteristics of the biochar. The cadmium adding soil was blended with 10% biochar and various chemical fertilizers at a 0.04% ratio. Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) extraction was used to assess the bioavailability of cadmium to plants in the soil, while sequential extraction was conducted to identify the different forms of cadmium present in the soil. The study revealed distinct effects of different fertilizers on cadmium mobility. Fertilizers like 46-0-0 and 0-3-0 caused a transformation of cadmium from stable to less stable forms, increasing the bioavailability of cadmium to plants. Conversely, fertilizers such as 15-15-15, 0-0-50, 0-0-60, and 0-52-34 shifted cadmium from less stable to more stable forms, resulting in decreased cadmium extracted by DTPA. Other fertilizers showed no significant impact on cadmium mobility in the soil. A stepwise linear regression analysis highlighted that nitrogen content, potassium content, and electrical conductivity were influential factors affecting cadmium mobility.

Microplastic contamination in the Chanthaburi estuarine ecosystem, Eastern part of Thailand

Aim: The prevalence of plastic particles has become a global crisis for the environment pollution and human life. This study aimed to investigate the contamination of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments and to determine the relationships between MPs pollution and types of land use. Methodology: Two invertebrate species (Anadara granosa and Litopenaeus vannamei) and sediment samples were collected for the analysis of MPs accumulation in the Chanthaburi estuarine ecosystem. The microplastics contamination and pollution were determined with visual identification and environmental index, respectively. The abundance and the land use type of MPs in Chanthaburi Province were compared by a Geographic Information System (GIS). Results: The MPs contamination in the white shrimps were higher than the cockles. The black filamentous type of MPs was a major characteristic which ranged between 0.43–0.85 mm, 0.45–0.65 mm and 1.25 – 3.05 mm in A. granosa, L. vannamei and sediment, respectively. The MPs pollution index (PLI and BCF) showed low levels in the hazardous category. The Chanthaburi land use analysis showed variation in the land use change and a strong correlation between green areas and the MPs contamination. Interpretation: The statistical analysis suggested differences between MPs abundance in our samples.The utilization of agriculture and forest land use types could relieve the impact of MPs accumulation.This study also demonstrated the need for managing MPs pollution in Thai marine ecosystems. Key words: Anadara granosa, Chanthaburi, Estuarine ecosystem, Litopenaeus vannamei, Microplastics

An unusual diarrheal outbreak in the community in Eastern Thailand caused by Norovirus GII.3[P25

BackgroundSentinel laboratory surveillance for diarrheal disease determined norovirus to be the most common cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis in people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. An increase in patients presenting with diarrhea and vomiting in hospitals across Chanthaburi province between December 2021 and January 2022 led to the need for the identification of viral pathogens that may be responsible for the outbreak.MethodsFecal samples (rectal swabs or stool) from 93 patients, of which 65 patients were collected during the December 2021 to January 2022 outbreak, were collected and screened for viral infection by real-time RT-PCR. Positive samples for norovirus GII were then genotyped by targeted amplification and sequencing of partial polymerase and capsid genes. Full genome sequencing was performed from the predominant strain, GII.3[P25].ResultsNorovirus was the most common virus detected in human fecal samples in this study. 39 of 65 outbreak samples (60%) and 3 of 28 (10%) non-outbreak samples were positive for norovirus genogroup II. One was positive for rotavirus, and one indicated co-infection with rotavirus and norovirus genogroups I and II. Nucleotide sequences of VP1 and RdRp gene were successfully obtained from 28 of 39 positive norovirus GII and used for dual-typing; 25/28 (89.3%) were GII.3, and 24/28 (85.7) were GII.P25, respectively. Norovirus GII.3[P25] was the predominant strain responsible for this outbreak. The full genome sequence of norovirus GII.3[P25] from our study is the first reported in Thailand and has 98.62% and 98.57% similarity to norovirus found in China in 2021 and the USA in 2022, respectively. We further demonstrate the presence of multiple co-circulating norovirus genotypes, including GII.21[P21], GII.17[P17], GII.3[P12] and GII.4[P31] in our study.ConclusionsAn unusual diarrhea outbreak was found in December 2021 in eastern Thailand. Norovirus strain GII.3[P25] was the cause of the outbreak and was first detected in Thailand. The positive rate during GII.3[P25] outbreak was six times higher than sporadic cases (GII.4), and, atypically, adults were the primary infected population rather than children.

Comparative Analysis of Glaucoma Screening Uptake Among First-Degree Relatives After Community-Based and Hospital-Based Approaches.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) can be genetically transmitted among first-degree relatives (FDRs). Therefore, screening for glaucoma in FDRs can significantly increase the chances of early detection. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in glaucoma screening uptake among FDRs in community and hospital-based settings and the underlying factors, as well as the prevalence of glaucoma in FDRs. Probands and FDRs who underwent screening were classified into two: community-based (group 1) and hospital-based (group 2). They were invited for screening by Village Health Volunteers and ophthalmic nurses, respectively, using information brochures. The FDRs underwent eye examinations, and those with suspected glaucoma underwent further testing for confirmation. The response rates of probands were 261 (38.2%) for group 1 and 196 (48.8%) for group 2. The uptake screening of FDRs was 30.1% and 64.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified that female FDRs {odds ratio [OR]=1.64; 95% CI 1.14-2.38} and those aged above 45 years (OR=2.06; 95% CI 1.32-3.21) were more likely to participate. FDRs residing outside Chanthaburi Province were less likely to attend than those within Chanthaburi (OR=0.36;95% CI 0.22-0.58). FDRs related to probands with blindness were more likely to participate (OR=1.69; 95% CI 1.13-2.54), as were FDRs with secondary school education or higher (OR=2.49;95% CI 1.48-4.18). Those receiving both medical and surgical treatment were more likely to participate (OR=2.22;95% CI 1.51-3.25). The prevalence of glaucoma was 8.3%, and 19.2% of screened FDRs were glaucoma suspects. Group 1 showed a significantly lower screening uptake than Group 2. The factors influencing the uptake of screening by FDRs are gender, age, geographic location, visual acuity of the worse eye in probands, education status of FDRs, and treatment modalities of probands.

An Investigation of a Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Vegetables in Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, December 2021–January 2022

An Investigation of a Norovirus Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Vegetables in Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, December 2021–January 2022

Vegetation structure and carbon stock of restored mangrove on abandoned shrimp pond in the International Mangrove Botanical Garden Rama IX, Thailand

Abstract. Wongprom J, Maneeanakekul S, Tara A, Chandaeng W, Duangnamon D, Rueangket A, Wechakit D, Wanthongchai P, Maknual C. 2023. Vegetation structure and carbon stock of restored mangrove on abandoned shrimp pond in the International Mangrove Botanical Garden Rama IX, Thailand. Biodiversitas 24: 5821-5830. The conversion of mangrove forest into shrimp aquaculture has severely impacted biodiversity and increased carbon emissions. Restoration program is thus urgently needed for such mangrove forests. In this study, we investigated the vegetation structure and composition, and biomass and carbon stock of restored mangrove on abandoned shrimp pond. Observation plots at restoration sites with age of 3-year-old (MF3) and 14-year-old (MF14) were established in the International Mangrove Botanical Garden Rama IX, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand and at abandoned shrimp pond (ASP) and protected mangrove forest (PMF) as reference sites. The diameters and heights of mangrove species were measured and identified in order to determine the vegetation structure, composition, biomass, and carbon stock. Soil samples from four soil depths, i.e. 0-15, 15-30, 30-50, and 50-100 cm, were collected to quantify the soil carbon stock. The results showed the good growth of Rhizophora stand planted at the restored sites with high vegetation biomass and carbon stock. This species also promoted species diversity, suggesting that Rhizophora spp. are suitable species for the restoration of abandoned shrimp pond. The vegetation biomass and carbon stock of MF14 (230.99 t ha-1 and 102.54 t C ha-1, respectively) was higher than that of PMF (133.84 t ha-1 and 64.94 t C ha-1, respectively). Higher vegetation and soil carbon stocks of the restored mangrove forest was positively influenced by the Rhizophora stand. However, the ecosystem carbon pool of PMF was higher (366.38 t C ha-1). This result indicates that the conservation of mangrove forest is significant to maintain the forest diversity, ecosystem function, and reducing carbon emissions, while mangrove forest restoration is essential to improve the vegetation structure and increase the soil and vegetation carbon stocks.

The Community Development Operation Model of Ban Nam Sai Community, Thung Benja Sub-district, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province

Community development operations are important because they help strengthen communities. The objectives of this research were to analyze and examine the consistency of the community development operations (CDO) model with empirical data, and to study the weight of direct, indirect, and total effect of factors influencing on CDO of Ban Nam Sai Community, Thung Benja Sub-district, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi Province. The population in this study was 173 people who are representing households living in Nam Sai Village. The samples were 121 people, calculating by Taro Yamane’s formula. The research tool in this study was the questionnaire-based survey. Analyzed and examined the consistency of the community development model of Ban Nam Sai community with empirical data based on the model goodness of fit indices used a Structural Equation Model. Analyzed weight of direct, indirect and total effect of causal factors on community development operation of Ban Nam Sai community by used a Structural Equation Model with statistic Path analysis. The results were found that The CDO model of Ban Nam Sai community developed consistent with the empirical data. It was also found that Leadership, public participation and community communication had direct effects on community development operations of Ban Nam Sai community. Besides, community communication was found a direct effect on public participation. Among these studied variables, leadership was found to have an indirect effect on community operations of Ban Nam Sai Community through public participation and community communication. Community communication also had an indirect effect on the community development operation of the Ban Nam Sai community through public participation. The total effect on community development operations of Ban Nam Sai community. The highest total influential factor was public participation, followed by leadership and community communication respectively. Suggestion from the research results, the community development operation model of Ban Nam Sai Community is suitable for use. The model should be developed and applied to use to the similar context of communities/villages for further community development.

Total Protein Content of Bee Bread in Apis cerana Combs and Tetragonula pegdeni Storage Pots of Different Plant Sources from Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

Bee bread is produced from fermented pollen. It is a popular bee product with high levels of protein and nutrients. The bee bread samples were collected from eight indigenous bee colonies in Chanthaburi province: three colonies of Apis cerana and five colonies of Tetragonula pegdeni. The study aims to compare the total protein content of bee bread using the Bradford assay and to identify the plant families that are food sources for these bees using the acetolysis. The results revealed that the protein content of bee bread from A. cerana ranged between 1.48±0.14 and 7.03±0.54 g/100 g, whereas it ranged between 1.78±0.43 and 2.60±0.13 g/100 g in T. pegdeni. Moreover, this result reveals a correlation between the food plant diversity and bee foraging. The pollen grains from bee bread of A. cerana and T. pegdeni were dominant in the family Fabaceae, high-protein plants. Besides, A. cerana (AC3) had the highest protein content of the main mixture of Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Malvaceae pollen. Furthermore, the major plant families in this bee bread were Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Juncaceae. Tetragonula pegdeni had a greater pollen diversity of bee bread than A. cerana, which was dominant in the families Xyridaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae, Poaceae, and Rutaceae. As a result, the total protein content of the A. cerana colonies was higher than that of the T. pegdeni colonies. As a result, bee bread may be used as a protein source derived from bee products.

Late Holocene coastal dynamics south of the Chanthaburi estuary, eastern Gulf of Thailand

AbstractBeach ridges are depositional features that allow reconstruction of past sea-level variations, sediment dynamics, and storm activity. However, there are still very few systematic studies focusing on beach ridges available from the Gulf of Thailand. Along the east coast, satellite images provide evidence of beach ridges in the Chanthaburi Province, extending as far as 6 km inland, oriented parallel to the current coastline. These can be divided into a set of landward ridges (5.3–6.0 km inland) and seaward ridges (0.4–1.8 km inland) that are separated by an arm of the Chanthaburi estuary. Optically stimulated luminescence dating of 26 sand samples from 12 pits of ridge profiles suggests that the landward set of beach ridges formed ca. 3500 yr ago, while the seaward set of ridges formed between ca. 2100–1200 years ago, which also includes the modern active beach. It appears that the landward set of beach ridges developed during a period of relatively stable sea level followed by a rapid regression presently occupied by the arm of the Chanthaburi estuary. The seaward set of beach ridges apparently reflects a millennium of slowly retreating coastline until the modern beach ridge formed.

A Study of Entrepreneurs’ Confidence in Geographical Indications for Value Adding of Gems and Jewelry Products in Chanthaburi Province

Geographical Indications (GI) give goods made from local resources more legitimacy and create value additions for various products. Gems and Jewelry are products that have contributed to Chanthaburi’s long-standing renown but have not yet been recognized for GI. The principles are to 1) investigate the entrepreneurial viewpoints regarding the belief that GI will increase the value of its products, 2) contrast the views of those products toward the use of GI to boost value and inspire confidence in customers, 3) examine the link between variables influencing the value added of gems and jewelry products with GI. In-depth interviews were used as the research methodology. Data was gathered from 14 owners of Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in gems and jewelry businesses who were required to be members of the Chanthaburi Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (CGA). The finding revealed that entrepreneurs support and encourage the registration of GI for gems and jewelry products to increase the company’s reliability, boost product market value, and foster customer trust. Gems and jewelry entrepreneurs in Chanthaburi trust GI to add value; therefore, GI is a tool that may be utilized to enhance the worth of gems and jewelry products. Plus, it increases consumers’ trust in the product’s origin and quality.

Norovirus GII.3[P25] in Patients and Produce, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, 2022

An increase in acute gastroenteritis occurred in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, during December 2021‒January 2022. Of the norovirus genotypes we identified in hospitalized patients and produce from local markets, genotype GII.3[P25] accounted for one third. We found no traceable link between patients and produce but found evidence of potential viral intake.

Biodiversity and Functional Distribution of Macrofungi from Plant Genetic Conservation Area, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

The aims of this study were to investigate the biodiversity and functional distribution of macrofungi within the Plant Genetic Conservation Area of Rambhai Barni Rajabhat University, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, and to identify the macrofungi by sequence analysis of their internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. One hundred and eighty-five macrofungi samples were collected from the survey routes in 2021. The macrofungi with different morphologies were selected to perform molecular identification by sequence analysis of ITS. A total of 41 samples of representative macrofungi were classified into 2 phyla, 5 classes, 11 orders, 21 families, and 34 genera. The macrofungi were found to be in the phylum Basidiomycota (35 taxa, 85.4%), the family Polyporaceae (10 taxa, 24.4%), and Microporus xanthopus was the most frequently found species in every month of samples collection. Their role in the ecosystem was saprotroph (40 taxa, 97.6%), symbiotroph (7 taxa, 17.0%), and pathotroph (4 taxa, 9.8%). In addition, there was no published information about the edibility of many of the macrofungi (29 taxa, 70.7%); however, some edible (8 taxa, 19.5%) and poisonous macrofungi (4 taxa, 9.8%) had previously been reported. Interestingly, some macrofungi samples need more investigation for further identification, and additional genes may be required for the study.

Plant Community Composition and Carbon Storage of Mangrove Forest at Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre, Chanthaburi Province

Plant Community Composition and Carbon Storage of Mangrove Forest at Kung Krabaen Bay Royal Development Study Centre, Chanthaburi Province

Water Consumption Assessment of Mangosteen: A Bottom-Up Approach

A water consumption assessment using a bottom-up approach is applied in this research; the smallest level of water consumption assessment shows the water consumption behavior at the farm level of 55 mangosteen farms in the Khlung District of Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, in the production year 2019. The findings revealed that the average water footprint (WF) was 774.60 m3/ton, which was divided into a green water footprint of 519.04 m3/ton and the blue water footprint of 255.56 m3/ton. Stage 5 was the mangosteen’s growth stage that had the highest WF: this stage was the fruit’s maturation period, whose WF was equivalent to 41.16% of the yearly water consumption. The WF of mangosteen data for the production year 2019 is a crucial baseline that will enable farmers to understand the actual water consumption in mangosteen production at the farm level. It will be feasible to determine the trend of changing water use, particularly if the mangosteen WF data is regularly gathered each year and it has led to appropriate water consumption planning per the needs of the mangosteen. Furthermore, this research also raised farmers’ awareness concerning the water consumption of mangosteen production.

Problems and Needs of Local Leaders towards Sustainable Agriculture in Organic Laying Hens Learning

This research aims to study the problems and needs of local leaders towards sustainable agriculture in organic agriculture learning. Participants were 40 local leaders in the communities raising good-humored egg-laying hens. They are farmers who adhere to the sufficiency economy philosophy and intend to develop into an organic egg-laying hen production system in Khao Khitchakut District, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. The tool used in the study was a questionnaire on farmers: production conditions, problems, and demand issues for good-humored egg-laying hens. The results found that they raised good-humored egg-laying hens and intended to develop into an organic system. However, they had less knowledge, experience, organic feed ingredients and understanding of organic feed production. The problem and demand in production remained at a low to moderate level. Even though the result indicated that the level of problems and needs are not high, knowledge development and the community's understanding of organic farming continue unceasingly since there is a demand for good-humored eggs. The government agencies should promote the transfer of production technology, production standard, inputs support, farm accounting, group publicity, online marketing, packaging suitable for long-distance transport and give suggestions for the group to have strength and sustainability in production.

Factors on Modern Entrepreneurship Affect the Efficiency of Restaurant Operators: Business Education Study

This research has the following objectives: 1) To study the focus factors of modern entrepreneurship of restaurant business in Chanthaburi Province during the Covid-19 pandemic; 2) To study the business performance of restaurant operators in Chanthaburi Province during the Covid-19 pandemic; 3) To study the relationships between the focus factors of modern entrepreneurship and the business efficiency of restaurant operators in Chanthaburi Province during the Covid-19 pandemic. The samples used in the study were the restaurant operators in Chanthaburi Province of 344 cases. The tool used to collect data is an online questionnaire (Google Form). The results showed that most of the entrepreneurs were females, aged 31- 40 with undergraduate degrees, married status, and owning model business for a period of 6-10 years. Their estimated revenues from doing business is about 100,000 - 150,000 baht per month and the number of employees in the establishment is 1- 5 people. According to the study, the finding indicates: 1) The focus factor on modern entrepreneurship is very inclusive 2) Business performance of restaurant operators in Chanthaburi Province during the Covid-19 pandemic range is very high. Our hypothesis tests showed; the focus on modern entrepreneurship includes creativity and innovation, proactive capabilities in the pursuit of opportunities to confront risks, and to recognition and acceptance of affects the business performance of restaurant operators in Chanthaburi Province. The Covid-19 pandemic range is statistically significant at 0.05. The outcomes resulted from testing of the relationship between the focus factors of modern entrepreneurship and business performance with Multiple Regression Analysis found the variables that were positively correlated with statistically significant business performance at 0.05, including creativity and innovation proactive ability to work the pursuit of opportunities to confront risks and the perception and acceptance of technology through the coefficients at 0.164, 0.121, 0.100, 0.271, respectively in which the equation can be written as follows. Y = 1.235 + 0.164(CI) + 0.121(PC) + 0.100(R) + 0.271(Tech)

Identification of bacterial species from healthy wood of Aquilaria crassna using colony PCR

Agarwood is one of the most expensive, sacred and valuable woods used in the biotechnology industry. This natural raw material is in high demand as a commodity and can be used to manufacture a variety of products. Isolating a microbe from its environment is crucial because several bacterial strains can produce novel compounds for biotechnological applications. Exploration of bacterial strains, such as bacterial endophytes, has been associated with bioactive compounds of the agarwood plant. The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify bacteria from Agarwood trees in the Kaeng Hang Maeo Sub-district of Chanthaburi Province, Thailand by using molecular biology techniques. A colony PCR technique without prior DNA extraction for rapid and simple detection of bacteria was performed. After the DNA sequence analysis, the results showed that most populations in the normal layer are belonged to Pantoea dispersa (99%). Through analysis of phylogenetic tree by neighbor-joining method, the sequences of the 16s rRNA gene were analyzed to understand evolutionary relationships of bacteria found in agarwood. In conclusion, good amplification of the 16s rRNA sequence (1.5 kb) was detected with the specificity of the target sequences of the 16s RNA. In addition, the isolated bacterial strains are the most common species in agarwood, however, there has been no previous research on isolating these bacterial strains in Aquilaria crassna.

Type and Distribution of Microplastics in Beach Sediment along the Coast of the Eastern Gulf of Thailand

In the oceans and coasts, plastic waste poses a global threat to biodiversity. This study examined the types and distribution of microplastics in beach sediment along the coast of the eastern Gulf of Thailand in March 2018 (northeast monsoon = dry season) and July 2018 (southwest monsoon = rainy season). Microplastic samples were collected from six stations including Koh Khramyai Beach (Chonburi Province), Koh Mannai Beach (Rayong Province), Chao Lao Beach (Chanthaburi Province, 3 stations), and Ploy Dang Beach (Trat Province). The results showed that the highest average abundances of microplastics in March and July were at Koh Mannai Beach (1698 pieces/m2) and Koh Khramyai Beach (799 pieces/m2), respectively. However, no microplastics were found at Ploy Dang Beach in July. According to polymer-type identification using an FTIR spectrometer, 17 polymer types were found in this study. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET = 39.6%) and polyamide (PA = 22.8%) were the polymer types found in the highest proportions in March and July, respectively. In addition, the fiber shape and transparent color of microplastics were found to be the most abundant.