Northern Thai Research Articles

Classification of Northern Thai Rice Varieties Using Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) on Google Earth Engine with Sentinel Imagery: A Case Study in Buak Khang Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province

Classification of Northern Thai Rice Varieties Using Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) on Google Earth Engine with Sentinel Imagery: A Case Study in Buak Khang Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province

Differential impacts of ambient PM2.5 exposure on sperm quality in northern Thailand.

This study aimed to explore the correlation between ambient particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration and sperm quality among northern Thai men exposed to the seasonal air pollution from the agricultural burning process. The demographic data and semen analysis of Thai men living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who visited the infertile clinic were collected. The correlation test between the monthly amount of PM2.5 and sperm quality was carried out. From 2017 to 2021, 1,109 Thai men visited the Infertile Clinic. The correlation test between PM2.5 and sperm quality in years with a better climate revealed a weak positive correlation between the mean PM2.5 and percentage of progressive motile sperm and normal morphology (r=0.08, p=0.05 and r=0.1, p=0.02). However, there was a negative correlation between the mean PM2.5 and sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal sperm morphology during the years with a higher amount of ambient PM2.5, and especially PM2.5 exposure 3 months before semen collection (r=-0.12, p=0.01, r=-0.11, p=0.003, r=-0.15, p=0.004). Exposure to a high amount of PM2.5 air pollution negatively affects sperm quality.

Embracing Global Voices: An Exploration of Thai Teachers’ Attitudes and Practices on Culturally Diverse ELT Materials in a Northern Thai University

In recent times, the advancement of technology and globalization has significantly impacted educational practices worldwide, making teaching and learning increasingly complex and interconnected. In the field of English Language Teaching (ELT), these changes have challenged traditional approaches and necessitated the integration of more culturally diverse materials to reflect the global usage of English. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate teachers’ attitudes toward cultural diversity and their representation of cultures in ELT materials at a Thai university. Situated in Thailand’s diverse cultural landscape, the research explores how teachers’ cultural backgrounds, institutional policies, and student feedback influence the selection and depiction of cultural content. Utilizing a qualitative approach that employs semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and classroom observations, the study seeks to uncover the extent to which global cultures are represented in their ELT materials. In addition, it aims to identify trends in teachers’ practices and perceptions, highlighting a potential shift towards a more inclusive curriculum that mirrors the global context of English language teaching and learning. Consequently, this study contributes to the broader discourse on the importance of cultural diversity in education, offering practical recommendations for educators and policymakers in globalized educational environments.

Comprehensive breast cancer risk analysis with whole exome sequencing and the prevalence of BRCA1 and ABCG2 mutations and oncogenic HPV.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and also the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. A comprehensive understanding of breast cancer risk factors and their incidences is useful information for breast cancer prevention and control planning. The present study aimed to provide information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and copy number variations (CNVs) in breast cancer, the allele frequency of two SNPs in breast cancer-related genes BRCA1 DNA repair associated (BRCA1; rs799917) and ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2; rs2231142), and the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in a normal population living in Phayao Province, Northern Thailand. One breast cancer and 10 healthy samples were investigated by whole exome sequencing (WES) and compared for genetic variation. The WES data contained SNPs in genes previously implicated in breast cancer and provided data on CNVs. The allele frequencies for SNPs rs799917 and rs2231142 were also examined. The SNP genotype frequencies were 35.88% CC, 46.54% CT, and 17.58% TT for rs799917 and 33.20% CC, 46.88% CA, and 19.92% AA for rs2231142. A total of 825 human whole blood samples were examined for HPV infection by PCR, and the pooled DNA was tested for HPV infection using metagenomic sequencing. No HPV infections were detected among all 825 samples or the pooled blood samples. The incidence of breast cancer among the tested samples was estimated based on acceptable breast cancer risk factors and demographic data and was 1.47%. The present study provided data on SNPs and CNVs in breast cancer-related genes. The associations between SNPs rs2231142 and rs799917 and breast cancer should be further investigated in a case-control study since heterozygous and homozygous variants are more common. Based on the detection of HPV infection in the blood samples, HPV may not be associated with breast cancer, at least in the Northern Thai population.

PaSCoNT - Parallel Speech Corpus of Northern-central Thai for automatic speech recognition

This paper proposed a Parallel Speech Corpus of Northern-central Thai (PaSCoNT). The purpose of this research is not only to understand the different linguistic characteristics between Northern and Central Thai, but also to utilize this corpus for automatic speech recognition. The corpus is composed of speech data from dialogues of daily life among northern Thai people. We designed 2,000 Northern Thai sentences covering all phonemes, in collaboration with linguists specialized in the Northern Thai dialect. The samples in this study are 200 Northern Thai dialect speakers who had been living in Chiang Mai province for more than 18 years. The speech was recorded in both open and closed environments. In the speech recording, each speaker must read 100 pairs of Northern-Central Thai sentences to ensure that the speech data comes from the same speaker. In total, 100 h of speech were recorded: 50 h of Northern Thai and 50 h of Central Thai. Overall, PaSCoNT consists of 907,832 words and 6,279 vocabulary items. Statistical analysis of the PaSCoNT corpus revealed that 49.64 % of words in the lexicon belongs to the Northern Thai dialect, 50.36 % from the Central Thai dialect, and 1,621 vocabulary items appeared in both Northern and Central Thai. Statistical analysis is used to examine the difference in speech tempo, i.e. time per phoneme (TTP), syllable per minute (SPM), between Northern and Central Thai. The results revealed that there were statistically significant differences speech tempo between Central and Northern Thai. The TTP speaking and articulation rate of Central Thai is lower than Northern Thai whereas SPM speaking and articulation rate of Central Thai is higher than Northern Thai. The results also showed that the ASR model training using Northern Thai speech corpus provides the lower WER% when testing using Northern Thai testing speech data and provides the higher WER% when testing using Central Thai Testing speech data and vice versa. However, the ASR model training using the PaSCoNT speech corpus provides the lower WER% for both Northern Thai and Central Thai testing speech data.

Gender differences in behaviors toward acceptance of donor egg, sperm, and embryo in Northern Thai infertile couples.

This study aimed to examine the behavior towards the acceptance of donor egg, donor sperm, and donor embryo of Northern Thai infertile couples, separated between men and women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the CMEx Fertility Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The questionnaires consisted of sociodemographic questions and the acceptance of couples toward donor egg, sperm and embryo. The couples filled in the answers separately. A total of 250 infertile couples were assessed. There were no differences in the acceptance rate of donor egg, sperm and embryo between the men and the women. Male acceptance rates were 25.6%, 18.8%, and 18.8%, respectively; while female acceptance rates were 24.4%, 18.4%, and 19.2%, respectively. Most couples (over 70%) concordantly rejected the donation program. Around 10% of couples had discordant answers. The concordance accepted for couples for donor egg, sperm and embryo was only 20%, 13.2%, and 14.8%. Older people and those who had been infertile for a longer period were significantly more likely to accept donation programs. There is no difference concerning the acceptance of donor gametes and embryo among men and women. Most participants reject the utilization of donor programs, the overall acceptance rate is relatively low. This may indicate the need for more adequate information and education for the community to enhance prevention programs rather than focus on the treatment with donor gametes or embryos.

#850 The association between proteinuria and stroke: results from the non-communicable diseases screening programme of Chiang Mai Region, Northern Thailand

Abstract Background and Aims Stroke is a significant global health issue, representing the second leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability. It can be classified into two main types: ischemic stroke, caused by blockage of a brain blood vessel, and haemorrhagic stroke, resulting from blood vessel rupture. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is another prevalent health concern, affecting approximately 10% of all populations worldwide. CKD impairs kidney function and has been associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular events, including stroke. Within the Northern Thai population, the prevalence of CKD is higher than the global average, underscoring the importance of investigating the relationship between CKD and stroke in this region. Method All patients for which accurate proteinuria measurement was obtained as part of the NCD screening program in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand were included in the study. Multilinear cox regression analysis was used to estimate the hazards ratio for the association between proteinuria on stroke. The model was adjusted for other significant confounders of the association including age, sex, CKD, diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia Results In a cohort of 3967 patients for which accurate proteinuria measurements were obtained and for whom had complete data for covariates, there was no evidence for an association between proteinuria and stroke. Hazards ratio for stroke in patients with trace proteinuria (adjusted for covariates) was 1.08 (95% CI 0.80-1.45) and positive proteinuria 0.06 (0.78-1.44) compared to a baseline of no proteinuria. Conclusion This study provides important insights into stroke risk factors in the Northern Thai population. The lack of substantial association between proteinuria and stroke suggests that proteinuria may not independently contribute to stroke risk in this cohort. Generalizability, however, is limited due to overrepresentation of diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia in the cohort, which is a strong independent risk factor for stroke. Increasing age is identified as the most critical risk factor for stroke. Understanding these associations can guide targeted interventions and public health strategies for stroke prevention in this population. The study limitations highlight the importance of analysis of a cohort that is more representative of a wider population in terms of chronic disease, such as diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia, and highlights the importance of longer follow up to fully elucidate whether proteinuria has an association with stroke. Furthermore the study raises questions as to whether measurement of proteinuria via urine dipstick analysis may limit conclusions that can be drawn compared to more robust methods such as urine albumin:creatinine or urine protein:creatinine ratios. Finally this study may be underpowered to detect subtle changes of a hazards ratio of less than 1.2, so is at risk of a type 2 statistical error.

Association between sociodemographic factors and health beliefs related to breast cancer screening behavior among Northern Thai women: a hospital-based study

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is crucial for reducing mortality rates. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of demographics/social determinants of health on beliefs about the practice of self-breast examination, using mammogram and ultrasound in the context of breast cancer screening among Thai women in a hospital-based setting for implying program planning and future research. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two health centers in Chiang Mai Province from August 2021 to December 2021, involving 130 Thai women ages 40 to 70 years. Data were collected by a survey using a questionnaire to gather sociodemographic information, and health beliefs about breast cancer and screening behavior utilizing the modified Thai version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (MT-CHBMS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression models were employed for examining association between sociodemographic factors and health beliefs about the practice of self-breast examination (BSE), using mammogram (MG) and ultrasound (UTS). Health insurance schemes were associated with Benefit-MG, Barrier-BSE, Barrier-MG and Barrier-UTS subscales. Additionally, monthly income was associated with Barrier-MG and Barrier-UTS subscales. The most common barriers reported were “embarrassment”, “worry”, and “takes too much time”. To enhance breast cancer screening in Thailand, program planning and future research should focus on health insurance schemes, especially women with social security schemes, as they may be the most appropriate target group for intervention.

Diversity of Plant Colorant Species in a Biodiversity Hotspot in Northern Thailand

Growing concerns regarding health and eco-safety have led to a resurgence in the recognition of natural products. Although plant colorants are often mentioned in ethnobotanical studies in northern Thailand, they have not been comprehensively examined. This study aims to (i) investigate the colorant plants used by ethnic minorities in northern Thailand and (ii) compare colorant plants used among the groups in northern Thailand with other regions worldwide. Data on colorant plants used by ten ethnic groups across 142 villages in northern Thailand were extracted in a systematic review of 42 published references. The importance of the colorant plant species was evaluated using the ethnobotanical index “use value” (UV), and the homogeneity of knowledge was assessed using the “information consensus factor” (ICF). The similarity of colorant plants used among the ethnic minority groups and beyond was evaluated using Jaccard’s index. The 42 published references included information about 104 colorant plant species belonging to 85 genera and 43 families from seven provinces in northern Thailand. This represents nearly half of the 212 colorant plant species reported across all 72 provinces in Thailand. The most important species were Strobilanthes cusia and Morinda angustifolia, which are sources of blue and red colors. Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, and Lamiaceae were the plant families with most species used as colorants. The colorant plant species yielded ten different color shades, with blue being the most prevalent. The Jaccard’s index varied from 0 to 0.27 among the northern Thai ethnic minorities and from 0 to 0.13 for regions outside of northern Thailand. The regions located closest to northern Thailand exhibited the highest degree of similarity. This study provides valuable insights into the traditional knowledge and usage of dye plants in northern Thailand, contributing to preserving the cultural heritage and providing basic knowledge for the sustainable use of natural colorants for modern applications.

Non-transfusion dependent HbE/βO-thalassemia as the results of co-existent SEA-αO thalassemia, Hb Constant Spring, and XmnI-Gγ site: Thai family studies

Background: Four university students of northern Thai descent were found to be HbE/βO-thalassemia. However, they all had a mild form of this disease, categorized as Non-Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia. Objectives: To analyze involvement of types of β-globin mutations, α-thalassemia, and XmnI-Gγ site in mild clinical symptoms observed in four Thai non-transfusion dependent HbE/βO-thalassemia cases. Materials and methods: EDTA blood samples were collected from the patients and their family members after signing the informed consent. Automated complete blood count with blood smear examination, hemoglobin typing, molecular analysis for α and β-globin mutations, β-globin gene haplotypes, and XmnI-Gγ site were performed on all blood samples. In addition, nucleotide sequencing of β-globin gene and globin chain separation were performed for patient#3 and their parents. Results: The first three patients had hemoglobin levels ranging 8.5-11.2 g/dL, while the fourth patient had hemoglobin level of 6.7 g/dL. The first and fourth patients were compound heterozygote for βE (HBB:c.79G>A) and β17 (HBB:c.52A>T) alleles with typical hemoglobin pattern of EF. The second patient was compound heterozygote for βE and β41/42 (HBB:c.126_129delCTTT) alleles also with typical hemoglobin pattern of EF. The third patient was compound heterozygote of βE and βIVS1-1(HBB:c.92+1G>T), however, with atypical hemoglobin pattern of EE. Family analysis found co-inheritance of Hb Constant Spring (HBA2:c.427T>C) and the XmnI-Gγ site (T at rs7482144) in the first two patients, of SEA-αO thalassemia (NG_000006.1:g.26264_45564del19301) and XmnI-Gγ site in the third patient, and of only XmnI-Gγ site in the fourth patient. Conclusion: These family studies proved the fact that co-existence of SEA-αO thalassemia and Hb Constant Spring in HbE/βO-thalassemia could lead to mild clinical severity. Minimal effect of XmnI-Gγ site on clinical symptoms of this disease was emphasized. This information should be useful in prenatal diagnosis of HbE/β-thalassemia.

Relationship of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities in Gymnema inodorum leaf extracts

Gynmena inodorum (GI) is a green leafy vegetable used in the Northern Thai cuisine which has antioxidant activities and may be applicable for preventing oxidative stress and aging-related disease. However, understanding the relationship between GI phytonutrients and their antioxidant properties has been unclear. The aims of this study were to identify the GI leaf phytochemicals and to study their antioxidant activities. A chromatogram of LC-ESI-MS/QTOF-MS showed that the GI leaves were potentially composed of phenolics, quinic acids, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins. This study was able to authenticate quercetin, kaempferol, and triterpenoid GIA1 in the samples. The GI materials with high contents of phenolics, flavonoids, quercetin, and kaempferol showed significant relation to antioxidation and protection in endothelial cell death suppressed by reactive nitrogen species. Meanwhile, triterpenoids had a low antioxidant impact. Ultimately, GI leaves with high phenolic compounds are a promising raw material to develop as an antioxidant functional food.

In The Shadow of Great History: A Research of The Lost Villages in Northern Thailand

This historical essay depicts the origins and current status of a northern Thai region known as Lost Villages. After the Chinese Civil War in the twentieth century, a remnant unit of the Kuomintang (KMT) rolled over from mainland China to Thailand and flourished here. However, caught between the competing political parties, their legal identity has always been in question. At the same time, they are in dire need of economic, educational, and policy support. After a literature review and field research, the author attempts to unravel the mystery of their identity and to make them more fully known by the outside world in order to establish sustained international assistance.

Possible Association between Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus and Its Effect on the Detection Rate of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in the Placenta and Fetus.

Background: The prevalence of HBV infection and HBV genotypes varies from country to country, and the role of HBV genotypes in the presence of HBV in the placenta and fetus has never been explored. This study was conducted to (1) identify HBV genotypes, and their frequencies, that infected Northern Thai pregnant women; (2) evaluate the association between HBV genotypes and the detection rate of HBV DNA in the placenta and fetus; (3) evaluate the association between specific mutations of the HBV genome and HBV DNA detection in placental tissue; and (4) identify the mutation of the HBV genome that might occur between maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood. Methods: Stored samples of the maternal blood, placental tissue, and cord blood that were collected from 145 HBsAg-positive pregnant Thai women were analyzed to identify HBV DNA. Results: Approximately 25% of infected mothers had fetal HBV DNA detection, including cases with concomitant HBV DNA detection in the placenta (77.3%). A total of 11.7% of cases with placental detection had no HBV DNA detection in the maternal blood, indicating that the placenta could be a site of HBV accumulation. Of the 31 HBV-positive blood samples detected by nested PCR, the detected strains were subgenotype C1 (77.4%), subgenotype B9 (9.7%), and subgenotype C2, B2, B4, and recombinant B4/C2 (3.2% for each). Genotype B had a trend in increased risk of placental HBV DNA detection compared to genotype C, with a relative risk of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.07-1.84). No specific point mutation had a significant effect on HBV DNA detection in placental tissue. Mutation of C454T tended to enhance HBV DNA detection in placental tissue, whereas T400A tended to have a lower detection rate. No mutation was detected in different sample types collected from the same cases. Conclusions: HBV DNA detection in the fetus was identified in approximately 25% of HBV-positive mothers, associated with the presence of HBV in the placenta in most cases. The placenta could possibly be a site of HBV accumulation. Subgenotype C1 was the most common subgenotype, followed by subgenotype B9. HBV genotype B possibly had a higher trend in intrauterine detection than HBV genotype C. Mutation is unlikely to occur during intrauterine exposure.

Maize boom, bust and beyond: Investigating land use transitions in the northern Thai uplands

Over the past few decades, increasingly intensive maize farming by smallholders in the uplands of northern Thailand has produced a maize boom that has fed the country’s livestock industry. Despite continuously high demand for feed maize, its cultivation has declined unexpectedly over the past decade, pointing to a major land use transition in the uplands. This study investigates the causes of this maize bust and its accompanying land use changes from the perspectives of smallholders. Drawing from fieldwork in the northern province of Nan, we examined their household-level decision-making, challenges, and future visions around land use and livelihoods. Data was collected through a survey of 347 households across 10 villages and semi-structured interviews with 45 smallholders and 8 of their children. We found that many smallholders are being squeezed out of maize because of surging production costs and labor shortages due to aging and the economic out-migration of younger household members. However, rather than abandoning farming altogether, these smallholders are investing in less labor-intensive perennial crops for livelihood security amidst an uncertain future, signaling a pivotal land use transition in the northern uplands. Our data suggests that the ability to make this transition depends on access to land and financial resources. This raises questions around policy support for smallholders with fewer resources who remain dependent on maize despite the growing production risks.

Predisposing factors of non-syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate in the northern Thai population: A 10-year retrospective case-control study.

The most common congenital anomaly is orofacial cleft, which is categorized into two main types: cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate only (CPO). One of the most accepted etiologies is multifactorial (gene-environment). This study aimed to identify the amendable risk factors of an orofacial cleft in Northern Thailand. A retrospective case-control study in Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital was conducted from 2011 to 2020. One hundred and seventeen cases of CL/P and CPO were included. Forty-nine normal children were enrolled in a time-matched control group. Exploratory survey data on maternal exposures were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the adjusted association between maternal exposures and CL/P, and CPO occurrence. Multivariate analysis identified three predisposing factors that increased the risk of CL/P and CPO. The first factor was caffeine consumption with a total amount of 560 mg/week (adjusted OR: 7.59; 95% CI: 2.48-23.23; p < 0.001). The second factor was any smoker or passive smoking (adjusted OR: 8.47; 95% CI: 1.63-43.92; p = 0.011). The third factor was a low socioeconomic status (income of lower than 270 USD/month; adjusted OR: 4.05; 95% CI: 1.07-15.27; p = 0.039). From the 10-year study in Northern Thailand: caffeine consumption, exposure to cigarette smoke, and low socioeconomic status were identified as associated negative factors for orofacial clefts. We propose that preconceptional counseling for risk reduction should be emphasized in reducing the mother's exposure to these factors. Future investigations in large multicenter populations are suggested.

A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Older Persons and Family Experiences with Extreme Weather Conditions in Northern Thailand.

Extreme weather can cause ill health in older persons due to a direct thermal effect on the body's thermoregulation and difficulties in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and accessing the health services they need. To understand experiences in relation to their exposures to extreme weather and how they responded to such weather conditions, including cold snaps, heat and air pollution in northern Thai communities, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted to uncover details and the essence of perspectives and experiences of older persons and family members. Three focus group discussions with 15 older persons and 15 family members occurred in three communities in Chiang Rai, a northern province of Thailand. Thematic analysis was performed. Experiences of older persons and families in relation to extreme weather conditions were described in five themes: local actions against weather changes, the double challenges, awareness and reactions to weather changes, protective and comfortable living environments, and mitigation of the impacts of weather conditions. Seasonal adaptability was key for older persons to stay safe and healthy during extreme weather changes. Heat, cold snaps, and air pollution made health and daily living routine maintenance among older persons challenging, especially among those with declining health. Older persons and families employed predictive and adaptive strategies to avoid and minimise extreme weather impacts and maximise their comfort and optimal living.

Environmental and Socio-Cultural Factors Impacting the Unique Gene Pool Pattern of Mae Hong-Son Chicken.

Understanding the genetic diversity of domestic chicken breeds under the impact of socio-cultural and ecological dynamics is vital for the conservation of natural resources. Mae Hong Son chicken is a local breed of North Thai domestic chicken widely distributed in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand; however, its genetic characterization, origin, and diversity remain poorly understood. Here, we studied the socio-cultural, environmental, and genetic aspects of the Mae Hong Son chicken breed and investigated its diversity and allelic gene pool. We genotyped 28 microsatellite markers and analyzed mitochondrial D-loop sequencing data to evaluate genetic diversity and assessed spatial habitat suitability using maximum entropy modeling. Sequence diversity analysis revealed a total of 188 genotyped alleles, with overall nucleotide diversity of 0.014 ± 0.007, indicating that the Mae Hong Son chicken population is genetically highly diverse, with 35 (M1-M35) haplotypes clustered into haplogroups A, B, E, and F, mostly in the North ecotype. Allelic gene pool patterns showed a unique DNA fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, as compared to other breeds and red junglefowl. A genetic introgression of some parts of the gene pool of red junglefowl and other indigenous breeds was identified in the Mae Hong Son chicken, supporting the hypothesis of the origin of the Mae Hong Son chicken. During domestication in the past 200-300 years after the crossing of indigenous chickens and red junglefowl, the Mae Hong Son chicken has adapted to the highland environment and played a significant socio-cultural role in the Northern Thai community. The unique genetic fingerprint of the Mae Hong Son chicken, retaining a high level of genetic variability that includes a dynamic demographic and domestication history, as well as a range of ecological factors, might reshape the adaptation of this breed under selective pressure.

Health literacy, self-efficacy, self-care behaviors, and glycemic control among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study in Thai communities

BackgroundProperly understanding the health information of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the basis for better risk factor management, which also positively affects their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate diabetes health literacy (HL), self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors associated with glycemic control among older adults with T2DM in northern Thai communities.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 older adults over the age of 60 diagnosed with T2DM. The study was conducted in Phayao Province from January to May 2022. Simple random sampling of the patient list for the Java Health Center Information System program was used. Questionnaires were used to collect data on diabetes HL, self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors. Blood samples were tested for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and glycemic controls, such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).ResultsThe mean age of participants was 67.1 years. FBS (mean ± SD = 108.5 ± 29.5 mg/dL) and HbA1c (mean ± SD = 6.6 ± 1.2%) levels were found to be abnormal in 50.5% (≥ 126 mg/dL) and 17.4% (≥ 6.5%) of the subjects, respectively. There was a strong correlation between HL and self-efficacy (r = 0.78), HL and self-care behaviors (r = 0.76), and self-efficacy and self-care behaviors (r = 0.84). The eGFR was significantly correlated with diabetes HL (r = 0.23), self-efficacy (r = 0.14), self-care behaviors (r = 0.16), and HbA1c (r = -0.16) scores. Linear regression after adjusting for sex, age, education, DM duration, smoking, and drinking alcohol showed that FBS level was inversely associated with diabetes HL (Beta = -0.21, R2 = 11.0%), self-efficacy (Beta = -0.43, R2 = 22.2%), and self-care behavior (Beta = -0.35, R2 = 17.8%), whereas HbA1C level was negatively associated with diabetes HL (Beta = -0.52, R2 = 23.8%), self-efficacy (Beta = -0.39, R2 = 19.1%), and self-care behavior (Beta = -0.42, R2 = 20.7%).ConclusionDiabetes HL was related to self-efficacy and self-care behaviors in elderly T2DM patients and was shown to influence their health, including glycemic control. These findings suggest that implementing HL programs to build competence in self-efficacy expectations is important for contributing to improvements in diabetes preventive care behaviors and HbA1c control.

Ancestry evaluation from subtrochanteric shape of femur using Tallman and Winburn's Adjusted Platymeric Index: A validation study in the Northern Thai population

Background: Ancestry estimation of unidentified human skeletons using metric parameters of bones other than the skull, such as the subtrochanteric shape of the femur, is a challenging method in cases with limited information from cranial examination. The results of multiple studies show that the subtrochanteric shape can differentiate Asian and non-Asian individuals. However, the cut-point of the platymeric index for subtrochanteric shape might need adjustment for each region or country for higher accuracy, due to interpopulation and intrapopulation variation. Objectives: This study aims to validate the cut-point adjusted for the Thai population suggested by Tallman and Winburn and observes the differences between each sex within the same population. Materials and methods: The researchers conduct the study by collecting and calculating multiple parameters (such as femoral subtrochanteric diameters and shape, and platymeric index) from 130 northern Thai individuals collected from the Chiang Mai University bone collection, then making comparisons with the traditional cut-point, and comparing these parameters between different populations and sex. Results: The results show that the accuracy of ancestry estimation is improved from 46.38% to 57.49%, using an adjusted cut-point. This study also notes that the platymeric index of the northern Thai samples is significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than the north-eastern samples recorded by Tallman and Winburn. Moreover, the index of the male Thai samples is significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than the female samples from the same bone collection. Conclusion: This study approves the use of the adjusted cut-point in the northern Thai region and indicates an intrapopulation variation and sexual dimorphism of subtrochanteric shape which might influence ancestry assessment.

Relationships between Phenotypes and Chemotypic Characteristics of Local Gymnema inodorum Plants in Northern Thailand

Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne or Chiang Da, the local northern Thai vegetable, is renowned for its anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic properties and is highly sought after by the functional food industry. This research investigated the relationship between the physiological characteristics, genetic variation, and chemical compositions of different Chiang Da accessions. Two commercial lines (COM1 and COM2) and eight local accessions (BAC1-8) of Chiang Da were gathered and maintained in the same study plot for the investigation of their morphological characteristics, genetic variation, and nutritional and phytochemical constituents. From the morphological data, the two commercial lines were clearly distinctive with their closely related leaf structures. Random amplification of the polymorphic illustrated the genetic diversity between the local accessions and commercial strains in a similar pattern as described by their morphology characteristics and proximate contents. The phytochemical characteristics, nonetheless, projected the two commercial lines in separate groups. The outcome of this study could be beneficial toward the selection of the Chiang Da strains with specific traits for plant breeding programs of functional food interest.