Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in Chao Phraya River, Thailand.

Understanding heavy metals in rivers is crucial, as their presence and distribution impact water quality, ecosystem health, and human well-being. This study examined the presence and levels of nine heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in 16 surface water samples along the Chao Phraya River, identifying Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cr as predominant metals. Although average concentrations in both rainy and dry seasons generally adhered to WHO guidelines, Mn exceeded these limits yet remained within Thailand's acceptable standards. Seasonal variations were observed in the Chao Phraya River, and Spearman's correlation coefficient analysis established significant associations between season and concentrations of heavy metals. The water quality index (WQI) demonstrated varied water quality statuses at each sampling point along the Chao Phraya River, indicating poor conditions during the rainy season, further deteriorating to very poor conditions in the dry season. The hazard potential index (HPI) was employed to assess heavy metal contamination, revealing that during the dry season in the estuary area, the HPI value exceeded the critical threshold index, indicating the presence of heavy metal pollution in the water and unsuitable for consumption. Using the species sensitivity distribution model, an ecological risk assessment ranked the heavy metals' HC5 values as Pb > Zn > Cr > Cu > Hg > Cd > Ni, identifying nickel as the most detrimental and lead as the least toxic. Despite Cr and Zn showing a moderate risk, and Cu and Ni posing a high risk to aquatic organisms, the main contributors to ecological risk were identified as Cu, Ni, and Zn, suggesting a significant potential ecological risk in the Chao Phraya River's surface water. The results of this study provide fundamental insights that can direct future actions in preventing and managing heavy metal pollution in the river ecosystem.

Immune response enhancement by dietary supplementation with Caesalpinia sappan extract in weaned pigs challenged with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

BACKGROUND: At present, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) caused by the PRRS virus (PRRSV) is one of the most severe epidemics impacting pig farming globally. Despite the fact that a number of studies have been conducted on potential solutions to this problem, none have proven effective. The focus of problem solving is the use of natural ingredients such as plant extracts. Popular throughout Asia, Caesalpinia sappan (CS) is a therapeutic plant that inhibits PRRSV in vitro. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the efficacy of CS extract dietary supplementation on the productive performance, antibody levels, immunological indicators, and lung pathology of PRRSV-challenged weaned pigs. A total of 32 weaned piglets (28 days old) were randomized into 4 groups and kept separately for 14 days. The treatments were organized in a 2 × 2 factorial design involving two factors: PRRSV challenge and supplementation with 1 mg/kg CS extract. The pigs in the PRRSV-challenged groups were intranasally inoculated with 2 mL of PRRSV (VR2332) containing 104 TCID50/mL, while those in the groups not challenged with PRRSV were inoculated with 2 mL of normal saline. RESULTS: In the PRRSV-challenged group (CS + PRRSV), supplementation with CS extract led to an increase in white blood cells (WBCs) on Day 7 post infection (p < 0.05) and particularly in lymphocytes on Days 7 and 14. The antibody titer was significantly greater in the CS + PRRSV group than in the PRRSV-challenged group not administered CS (PRRSV group) on Day 14 postinfection (S/P = 1.19 vs. 0.78). In addition, CS extract administration decreased the prevalence of pulmonary lesions, which were more prevalent in the PRRSV-challenged pigs that did not receive the CS extract. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that supplementation with CS extract is beneficial for increasing WBC counts, especially lymphocytes, increasing the levels of antibodies and reducing the prevalence of lung lesions in PRRSV-infected pigs.

Sperm quality variables of sex-sorted bull semen produced by magnetic-activated cell sorting coupled with recombinant antibodies targeting Y-chromosome-bearing sperm.

The immunological sexing method using antibodies offers cost-effective, high-volume production but faces challenges in terms of X-sperm purity in sexed semen. This research aimed to produce sexed bull semen using highly specific recombinant antibodies in magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), evaluate sperm quality and kinematic parameters, and verify the sex ratio of sperm, embryos, and live calves. Fresh semen from two Angus bulls was separated into two equal groups: conventional (CONV) semen and semen sexed using MACS with Y-scFv antibody conjugation to separate two fractions, i.e., the X-enriched and Y-enriched fractions. Then, computer assisted semen analysis and imaging flow cytometry were used to evaluate sperm motility and kinematic variables, acrosomal integrity, sperm viability, and sperm sex ratios. The results showed that sperm motility and quality did not differ between X-enriched and CONV semen. However, the Y-enriched fraction showed significantly lower sperm quality than the X-enriched fraction and CONV semen. The sperm ratio revealed that X-sperm accounted for up to 79.50% of the X-enriched fraction, while Y-sperm accounted for up to 78.56% of the Y-enriched fraction. The sex ratio of embryos was examined using in vitro fertilization. The cleavage rates using CONV and X-enriched semen were significantly higher than that using Y-enriched semen. Accordingly, 88.26% female blastocysts were obtained by using X-enriched semen, and 83.58% male blastocysts were obtained by using Y-enriched semen. In farm trials, 304 cows were subjected to AI using X-enriched and CONV semen. The pregnancy rate did not differ between the X-enriched and CONV semen groups. On the other hand, X-enriched semen generated significantly more live female calves (83.64%) than CONV semen (47.00%). The MACS sexing method significantly enhanced the X-sperm purity in sexed semen, producing high-quality sperm, a high percentage of female blastocytes, and a high percentage of live female calves.

New insights from poly-lactic acid and ionomer films coupled with recombinant antibodies for processing sexed-sorting bovine sperm.

In this study, the efficacy of ionomers and poly-lactic acid (PLA) as an alternative solid material combined with scFv antibodies specific to bovine Y-sperm (Y-scFv) was studied to create a novel method of sexing technology. The coupling efficiency of Y-scFv to the surface of PLA, Na+ and Zn2+ ionomer film was between 2 and 8 mg/mL. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm that Y-scFv was bound with a carboxylic acid group in each film. Therefore, Na+, Zn2+ ionomers and PLA films conjugated with 4 and 8 mg/mL Y-scFv showed the highest concentration of Y-sperm in the eluted fraction. Considering that the elute fraction was enriched Y-sperm fraction, it contained 67.70-77.94 % of the Y-sperm ratio related to the produced supernatant fraction, which contained up to 69.31-76.01 % enriched X-sperm. In addition, the sperm quality after the sexing process was analyzed by CASA and imaging flow cytometry, which showed that each polymer did not have a negative effect on sperm motility and acrosome integrity for X-sperm. The capacity of ionomer and PLA combined with Y-scFv are used for bovine sperm sexing.

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Capacity of Traditional Plants, Northern Thailand.

Traditional plants have played a significant role in human culture and medicine throughout history. These plants have the capability to synthesize a diverse range of chemical compounds that serve essential biological functions. This study's objective was to analyze the phytochemical composition of five traditional plants, namely Emilia sonchifolia, Chloranthus erectus, Caesalpinia mimosoides, Acacia concinna, and Tacca chantrieri, native to northern Thailand, using LC-QTOF/MS analysis and assess their potential bioactivity through various assays including DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, total phenolic compounds, and total flavonoid content. The findings revealed the presence of natural bioactive compounds in each plant extract, which exhibited pharmacological activity. Notably, Caesalpinia mimosoides displayed the highest antioxidant capacity across all plant extracts (IC50 in DPPH with the methanol extract was 0.03 and 898.18 mg AAE/100 g with the ethanol extract), along with elevated levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content, which showed the highest TFC at 46.79 µgRE/g in the methanol extract. In conclusion, traditional plants possess notable biological constituents and antioxidant properties, suggesting their potential for bioactive applications. Based on these findings, these indigenous plants can serve as a valuable resource in traditional medicine, offering the possibility of uncovering new products with similar capabilities and additional therapeutic attributes worthy of future exploration.

Isolation and Identification of Microorganisms and Antibiotic Resistance Microorganisms from Beehives Located in Palm, Corn and Longan Plantations, Thailand.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of microorganisms and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in beehives located on different plantations in Thailand. Seventeen swabs immersed in transport media were utilized for samples from different zones within beehives. Traditional microbial culture-based methods, biochemical tests, MALDI-TOF MS (VITEK® MS, bioMerieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), and antibiotic drug susceptibility (disk-diffusion) tests were used to detect microorganism and antimicrobial resistance bacteria. The results from 16 beehive swabs found Gram-positive bacteria at 59.5%, Gram-negative bacteria at 35.1%, and fungi (yeast) at 5.4%. These organisms are classified as 11, 11, and 2 types of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi (yeast), respectively. Furthermore, no organism showed resistance to vancomycin or cefoxitin for antibiotic drug susceptibility testing. In contrast, all Acinetobacter spp. were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, imipenem, and meropenem, except for Acinetobacter schindleri, which was resistant to ceftazidime and cefotaxime. For other organisms, due to the limitations of tests to identify some environmental microbial species, the antimicrobial susceptibility test results cannot be interpreted as resistant or susceptible to the drug for these organisms. The study's findings will support prevention, healthcare services, and public health systems.

Exploring the Functional Properties of Propolis, Geopropolis, and Cerumen, with a Special Emphasis on Their Antimicrobial Effects.

Bee propolis has been touted as a natural antimicrobial agent with the potential to replace antibiotics. Numerous reports and reviews have highlighted the functionalities and applications of the natural compound. Despite much clamor for the downstream application of propolis, there remain many grounds to cover, especially in the upstream production, and factors affecting the quality of the propolis. Moreover, geopropolis and cerumen, akin to propolis, hold promise for diverse human applications, yet their benefits and intricate manufacturing processes remain subjects of intensive research. Specialized cement bees are pivotal in gathering and transporting plant resins from suitable sources to their nests. Contrary to common belief, these resins are directly applied within the hive, smoothed out by cement bees, and blended with beeswax and trace components to create raw propolis. Beekeepers subsequently harvest and perform the extraction of the raw propolis to form the final propolis extract that is sold on the market. As a result of the production process, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as botanical origins, bee species, and the extraction process, have a direct impact on the quality of the final propolis extract. Towards the end of this paper, a section is dedicated to highlighting the antimicrobial potency of propolis extract.

Dopamine as a polymerizable reagent for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using horseradish peroxidase.

We demonstrate that dopamine can be used as a reagent for colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Dopamine was able to be polymerized in the presence of HRP and H2O2, and black polydopamine was obtained after the enzymatic reaction. Because of the black color, the absorbance was significantly changed in the whole range of the visible light region. Here, an indirect competitive ELISA based on the polymerization of dopamine was performed to detect a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, enrofloxacin. The antibiotic is commonly used in livestock farming. The anti-antibiotics antibody was produced from egg yolk from chicken hens. In the visible range, sufficient absorbance changes of ∼0.4∼0.5 and a low background level for the ELISA response were obtained, and the 50 % inhibitory concentration value at 450 nm was determined to be 26 ppb. The performance of the indirect competitive ELISA based on the polymerization of dopamine was compared to that based on the oxidation of catechol because dopamine has a catechol skeleton. By the complex of HRP and H2O2, catechol can be oxidized to o-benzoquinone having a maximum absorption wavelength of 420 nm. It was shown that the absorbance change in the case of polydopamine was about 2.5 times higher than that of catechol, where the background levels were similar. This confirms that the polymerization of dopamine significantly enhanced the photosignal.

Effects of urinary of organophosphate metabolites on nerve conduction and neurobehavioral performance among farmers in northern Thailand.

Farmers are regarded as a high-risk population for pesticide exposure because of the frequency of their occupational exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides. The purposes of this study were 1) to compare urinary OP metabolites, nerve conduction, and neurobehavioral (NB) performance between farmers and a control group, as well as between baseline measurement and after spraying OP pesticides; 2) to investigate the factors associated with increased urinary OP metabolites after spraying OP pesticides; and 3) to investigate the effects of OP metabolites on changes in nerve conduction and NB performance after spraying OP pesticides. This study was conducted with a sample size of 71 farmers and a control group of 26. The findings showed that after spraying OP pesticides total dialkylphosphate (DAP) levels were significantly higher than baseline levels. Multiple linear regression showed that increased urinary OP metabolites among farmers after spraying pesticides were negatively associated with wearing a mask when spraying OP pesticides and positively associated with the number of years of farm work and type of sprayer equipment. The results also showed a positive association between the increased urinary total diethylphosphate (DEP) levels and the decreased amplitude of motor nerve conduction. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between increased urinary total DEP and decreased right amplitude of sympathetic skin response (SSR). An increase in urinary total DMP was positively associated with a decrease in raw score and a standard score of visual-motor integration (VMI). Our findings provide evidence that exposure to OP pesticides can cause a deficit in nerve conduction and NB performance in farmers. These findings may contribute to the early detection of neurological disease and inform strategies to prevent damage to the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Antioxidant and Phytochemical Potential of and Phytochemicals in Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne in Northern Thailand.

Gymnema inodorum (Lour.) Decne is a vegetable local to Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidant and phytochemical potential of G. inodorum found in Chiang Mai Province; antioxidant compounds of G. inodorum were tested via DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, and total phenolic compound and total flavonoid contents were analyzed. Anti-inflammatory effects were focused on regarding pharmacological potential. The gymnemic acid level was analyzed by HPLC-UV, and other potential chemicals were analyzed by LC-QTOF/MS. The quantifications of gymnemic acid contents analyzed using HPLC-UV showed that the highest gymnemic acid concentrations were found in the air-dried and roasted 1-day-fermented leaf extracts (0.1258 ± 0.0157 µg/mg). The highest free radical scavenging activity via DPPH assay was found in baked leaf extract, with an IC50 of 8.99 mg/mL, and via ABTS assay in baked and roasted leaf extracts, with an IC50 of 1.05 mg/mL. FRAP assays showed the highest free radical scavenging activity for the baked leaf extract, with 0.0085 ± 0.008 mM Fe2+/g sample. The total phenolic contents of fresh G. inodorum leaf extracts obtained with ethanol, methanol and water were 0.19 ± 0.0004, 0.21 ± 0.0010 and 0.10 ± 0.0008 µg GAE/g, respectively. The total flavonoid contents of fresh G. inodorum leaf extracts obtained with ethanol, methanol and water were 74.56 ± 28.00, 71.88 ± 16.11 and 10.74 ± 3.63 µg QE/g, respectively. The LC-QTOF/MS analysis of the fresh G. inodorum leaf extract showed that 6-hydroxykaempferol 7-rutinoside was the most abundant compound. In the study, G. inodorum, a plant local to Northern Thailand, is shown to be a useful plant with high antioxidant and phytochemical potential properties.

Exposure to organophosphate insecticides, inappropriate personal protective equipment use, and cognitive performance among pesticide applicators.

Inappropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among pesticide applicators may increase urinary organophosphate (OP) metabolite levels and subsequently increase risks of cognitive performance. Therefore, this study aims to (1) compare urinary OP metabolite levels and cognitive performance between pre-and post-pesticide application seasons; (2) PPE use and factors associated with PPE use linked to increased urinary OP metabolite levels during pesticide application; and (3) the association between urinary OP metabolite levels and cognitive performance. This longitudinal follow-up study on 79 pesticide applicators was carried out between October 2021 and January 2022. The applicators were interviewed, collected urine samples, and tested for cognitive performance in pre-and post-pesticide application seasons. The results found that the levels of urinary OP metabolites in post-application season were significantly higher than those in pre-application season (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis found that increased total diethylphosphate (DEP) and total dialkylphosphate (DAP) levels were associated with not wearing gloves while mixing pesticides [beta (ß) ± standard error (SE) = -43.74 ± 18.52, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = -80.84, -6.64 for total DEP and -50.84 ± 19.26, 95% CI = -89.41, -12.26 for total DAP] and also with not wearing a mask while spraying pesticides (ß ± SE = -31.76 ± 12.24, 95% CI = -56.28, -7.24 for total DEP and -33.20 ± 12.63, 95% CI = -58.49, -7.92 for total DAP) after adjusting for covariates. The scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Thai, Thai Mental State Examination, and Mini-Cognitive test in post-pesticide application were significantly lower than those in pre-pesticide application (p < 0.001). However, no association was found between urinary OP metabolite levels and cognitive decline. Our findings indicate that inappropriate PPE use during pesticide application was the major factor affecting urinary OP metabolite levels among pesticide applicators. Wearing gloves when mixing pesticides and a mask when spraying pesticides were key factors in reducing occupational exposure to OP. Exposure to OP at low levels and for short periods of exposure may not affect cognitive performance significantly. Therefore, long-term exposure and exposure to high levels of OP should be investigated further.

Development of IgY-Based Indirect Competitive ELISA for the Detection of Fluoroquinolone Residues in Chicken and Pork Samples.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are among the antibiotics whose widespread use in farm-raised animals results in potentially harmful residues in the end products. Additionally, most Thai farmers use antibiotics. Amoxicillin and enrofloxacin were commonly used by pig farms, and hens were given enrofloxacin to prevent immunization side effects. Moreover, antibiotic overuse has harmed food safety in the long term, and the use of low-dose antibiotics causes bacterial resistance. Herein, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) was used to make a fast, easy, sensitive, and cost-effective method for monitoring FQs residues. After immunizing hens with mixed multi-hapten ciprofloxacin-bovine serum albumin (CPFX-BSA) with norfloxacin-bovine serum albumin (NFX-BSA), the IgY antibody purified from egg yolk was used for the detection of FQs residues in chicken and pork samples. The efficiency of the IgY antibody showed excellent sensitivity, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of enrofloxacin at 0.05 µg/mL, far below the MRLs defined by the EU for muscle samples, which was not to exceed 100 µg/kg. The recovery range for chicken muscle samples spiked with ENFX concentrations of 1.00-0.01 µg/mL was 86.65-112.71%, similar to pork samples, which were 84.24-117.22.2%. This method has a lot of potential for analyzing fluoroquinolones in complex samples quickly, easily, and at a low cost on-site. The IgY-based ic ELISA was developed to detect ciprofloxacin (CPFX), norfloxacin (NFX), and enrofloxacin (ENFX) residues; it confirms that IgY could be a promising choice for the detection of antibiotic residues in food samples.

Changes in agricultural context and mental health of farmers in different regions of Thailand during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Thailand's agricultural sector is crucial to the country's development and economy. The COVID-19 pandemic caused negative effects on the agricultural context and the mental health of Thai farmers. This study aimed to compare changes in the agricultural context and mental health among farmers in different regions of Thailand during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also investigated the determinants associated with the mental health of farmers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2021 to January 2022 in Thailand, with 1,676 Thai farmers interviewed. RESULTS: The results found that the Central region found to be the highest impact of increased agrochemical costs (91.0%) and decreased crop yields (92.0%), while the highest in the North and the North-East was found in decreased crop product prices (84.0 and 66.4%). In the context of economic status, the greatest impact in the Central region was found to be in increased household expense (96.3%), while the highest impact in the North, the North-East, and the South was found in decreased household income (91.5, 80.0, and 69.8%, respectively). Regarding mental health, the Central region was found to be the highest prevalence of extremely high stress and severe depression symptoms (18.3 and 23.4%), whereas the South region was found to be the highest prevalence of severe anxiety symptoms (7.4%). Interestingly, the multivariate analysis also found that the agricultural factors associated with mental health were decreased working days, changes in agrochemical type and crop cultivation, decreased crop rotation, increased difficulty in accessing agrochemicals and markets, decreased crop yields, and increased household debt. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study are useful for government and relevant organizations to plan and implement supportive measures and improve mental health services to mitigate both short and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic suit on the regions. Specific measures and facilities should be tailored toward the target regions.

The Simultaneous Determination of Chlorpyrifos-Ethyl and -Methyl with a New Format of Fluorescence-Based Immunochromatographic Assay.

The improper and excessive use in agriculture of chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPSM) and chlorpyrifos-ethyl (CPSE) may affect the health of human beings. Herein, a fluorescence-based immunochromatographic assay (FICA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of CPSM and CPSE. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) with equal recognition of CPSM and CPSE was generated by the careful designing of haptens and screening of hybridoma cells. Instead of labeling fluorescence with mAb, the probe was labeled with goat-anti-mouse IgG (GAM-IgG) and pre-incubated with mAb in the sample. The complex could compete with CPS by coating antigen in the test line. The new format of FICA used goat-anti-rabbit IgG (GAR-IgG) conjugated with rabbit IgG labeled with fluorescence microspheres as an independent quality control line (C line). The novel strategy significantly reduced nonspecific reactions and increased assay sensitivity. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed FICA showed a linear range of 0.015-64 mg/L and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 mg/L for both CPSE and CPSM. The average recoveries of CPS from spiked food samples by FICA were 82.0-110.0%. The accuracy was similar to the gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) results. The developed FICA was an ideal on-site tool for rapid screening of CPS residues in foods.

Divergent Approach for Regioselective Synthesis of Linearly and Angularly Fused Benzoimidazoquinazolinones from Isatoic Anhydrides.

Ph3P-I2-mediated condensation reactions of isatoic anhydrides and o-phenylenediamines have been developed for the regioselective syntheses of a wide range of linearly and angularly fused benzoimidazoquinazolinones. The selectivity of the products relies on the generation of either highly electrophilic oxyphosphonium or less reactive imidate intermediates. A direct amine attack at the C-2 position of the oxyphosphonium intermediate presumably drives the reaction toward the linearly fused products, whereas an attack of the diamine at the C-4 position of the in situ generated cyclic imidate leads to the angularly fused derivatives. This strategy serves as a practical handle for the efficient synthesis of other related heterocycles.

The reliability of neurobehavioral tests in a thai adult population / A confiabilidade dos testes neurocomportamentais em uma população adulta tailandesa

ABSTRACT Early detection of decline in neurobehavioral (NB) performance requires reliable methods of testing. Although NB tests have been shown to be consistent and reliable in Western countries, there has been limited research in Asian populations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of NB tests in a Thai adult population and examine the impact of demographic data on NB tests. The aspects of the tests chosen were memory, attention, hand-eye coordination, motor speed, and dexterity. Methods: The three NB tests used were digit span, Purdue Pegboard, and visual-motor integration. All three were administered to a population of 30 Thai adults. Results: The outcomes of all Pearson's correlation coefficient tests (r) were positive and greater than 0.60, and subtest-retest reliability correlation coefficients ranged from 0.63 (p<0.001) to 0.81 (p<0.001). Interestingly, the outcomes of all of these tests were not affected by demographic data, with the exception of the Purdue Pegboard test, in which performance on the preferred hand and both hands assessment was weakly associated with age (β=-0.09, p<0.001 and β=-0.08, p<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: NB tests have adequate reliability and are useful for the evaluation of clinical memory, attention, hand-eye coordination, motor speed, and dexterity in Thai adults. These tests were not affected by demographic data. However, further studies to measure the validity of the digit span, Purdue Pegboard, and visual-motor integration tests are needed.

RESUMO A detecção precoce do declínio no desempenho neurocomportamental (NC) requer métodos confiáveis de teste. Embora os testes NC tenham se mostrado consistentes e confiáveis em países ocidentais, as pesquisas em populações asiáticas ainda são limitadas. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a confiabilidade de teste-reteste dos testes NC em uma população adulta tailandesa e o impacto dos dados demográficos nos testes NC. Os aspectos dos testes escolhidos foram memória, atenção, coordenação óculo-manual, velocidade motora e destreza. Métodos: Os três testes RC utilizados foram o digit span, o Purdue Pegboard e a integração visomotora. Todos os três foram usados em uma população de 30 adultos tailandeses. Resultados: Os resultados de todos os testes de coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) foram positivos e superiores a 0,60, e os coeficientes de correlação de confiabilidade subteste-reteste variaram de 0,63 (p<0,001) a 0,81 (p<0,001). Curiosamente, os resultados de todos esses testes não foram afetados pelos dados demográficos, com exceção do teste Purdue Pegboard, no qual o desempenho na mão preferida e a avaliação de ambas as mãos foi fracamente associado à idade (β=-0,09, p<0,001 e β=-0,08, p<0,05, respectivamente). Conclusão: Os testes NC apresentam confiabilidade adequada e são úteis para avaliação da memória clínica, atenção, coordenação óculo-manual, velocidade motora e destreza em adultos tailandeses. Esses testes não foram afetados por dados demográficos. No entanto, são necessários mais estudos para medir a validade dos testes de digit span, Purdue Pegboard e IVM.

Tentative Identification of Phytochemicals from Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia Extracts by LC-QTOF/MS and Their Bioactive Potential.

The Smilacaceae family has been used as a food source and herbal medicine for a long time. This study aims to identify the phytochemicals extracted from Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia by using LC-QTOF/MS analysis and determine their bioactive potential. Compounds were identified from S. glabra and S. corbularia extracts by LC-QTOF-MS and it was found that longistylin A and CAY10435 have higher degrees of matching compounds (99.66% and 99.87%). Smilax glabra showed antioxidant capacity, i.e., DPPH and ABTS at percentage inhibitions of 71.94 ± 1.46% and 59.84 ± 4.80%, respectively, and FRAP at 730.69 ± 33.62 mg AAE/100 g sample. The total phenolic compound contents of the ethanol, methanol, and water extracts were 0.017 ± 0.001, 0.015 ± 0.001, and 0.016 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents were 0.043 ± 0.002, 0.033 ± 0.002, and 0.006 ± 0.003 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-inflammatory capacity showed 97.26% protection and 2.74% hemolysis. The antimicrobial activity can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 62.5 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 500 mg/mL. Smilax corbularia showed antioxidant capacity, i.e., DPPH and ABTS at percentage inhibitions of 72.24 ± 0.64% and 39.87 ± 2.37%, respectively, and FRAP at 208.33 ± 50.80 mg AAE/100 g sample. The total phenolic compound contents of the ethanol, methanol, and water extracts were 0.006 ± 0.000, 0.007 ± 0.002, and 0.002 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g, respectively, while the total flavonoid contents of the ethanol and methanol extracts were 0.012 ± 0.001 and 0.008 ± 0.000 mg QE/g, respectively. The anti-inflammatory capacity showed 96.64% protection and 3.36% hemolysis. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts can inhibit Gram-positive bacteria with a MIC of 31.25 mg/mL and MBC of 125 mg/mL for the ethanol extract and a MIC of 125 mg/mL and MBC of 62.5 mg/mL for the methanol extract. In conclusion, Smilax glabra and Smilax corbularia were found to contain several phytochemicals that can be used for further study. Both Smilax species can also be used as sources of antioxidants and herbal medicines for killing Gram-positive bacteria.

The Assessment of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure among School Children in Four Regions of Thailand: Analysis of Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolites in Students' Urine and Organophosphate Pesticide Residues in Vegetables for School Lunch.

In Thailand, pesticides containing organophosphates (OP) are frequently applied to crops to suppress insects. School children can be exposed to OPs on a daily basis, from food consumption to breathing and touching pesticides drifted near classrooms. Living in an agricultural area can also be one of the causes. As a result, it is important to monitor OPs residues in the food chain and biomarkers of exposure. The Gas Chromatography-Flame Photometric Detector method was employed to examine the relationship between OPs residue and DAPs (Diakly phosphate) in four targeted locations in Thailand, as well as to examine the residues of OPs in vegetable samples and DAPs in 395 school children's urine samples. Vegetables were found to contain at least one OP, with chlorpyrifos being the most prevalent. The OPs detected frequencies for Sakon Nakhon, Chiang Mai, Phang Nga, and Pathum Thani are 96.1%, 94%, 91.7%, and 83.3%, respectively. The overall centration level of OPs showed 0.3261 mg/kg, 0.0636 mg/kg, 0.0023 mg/kg, 0.0150 mg/kg, 0.2003 mg/kg, 0.0295 mg/kg, and 0.0034 mg/kg for diazinon, dimethoate, pirimiphos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, profenofos, ethion, and triazophos, respectively. Nearly 98% of school children were detected with at least one DAP. The overall level of dimethyl phosphate metabolites (5.258 µmole/mole creatinine) in urine samples is higher than diethyl phosphate metabolites (2.884 µmole/mole creatinine), especially in the case of Pathum Thani. Our findings show a consistent relationship between OPs in vegetables from wet markets and DAPs in urine samples of school children in various parts of Thailand.

High-Efficiency Bovine Sperm Sexing Used Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting by Coupling scFv Antibodies Specific to Y-Chromosome-Bearing Sperm on Magnetic Microbeads.

Sperm sexing technique is favored in the dairy industry. This research focuses on the efficiency of bovine sperm sexing using magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) by scFv antibody against Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-scFv) coupled to magnetic microbeads and its effects on kinematic variables, sperm quality, and X/Y-sperm ratio. In this study, the optimal concentration of Y-scFv antibody coupling to the surface of magnetic microbeads was 2-4 mg/mL. PY-microbeads revealed significantly enriched Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (Y-sperm) in the eluted fraction (78.01-81.43%) and X-chromosome-bearing sperm (X-sperm) in the supernatant fraction (79.04-82.65%). The quality of frozen-thawed sexed sperm was analyzed by CASA and imaging flow cytometer, which showed that PY-microbeads did not have a negative effect on X-sperm motility, viability, or acrosome integrity. However, sexed Y-sperm had significantly decreased motility and viability. The X/Y-sperm ratio was determined using an imaging flow cytometer and real-time PCR. PY-microbeads produced sperm with up to 82.65% X-sperm in the X-enriched fraction and up to 81.43% Y-sperm in the Y-enriched fraction. Bovine sperm sexing by PY-microbeads showed high efficiency in separating Y-sperm from X-sperm and acceptable sperm quality. This initial technique is feasible for bovine sperm sexing, which increases the number of heifers in dairy herds while lowering production expenses.

Efficiency of Gum Rosin-Coated Personal Protective Clothing to Protect against Chlorpyrifos Exposure in Applicators.

An ideal theoretical model for personal protective clothing (PPC) is to protect wearers from external workplace hazards while meeting certain ergonomic requirements. This study aims to compare the efficiency of different personal protective clothing in its protection against chlorpyrifos, including gum rosin-coated PPC, commercial PPC (Tychem® coverall), and everyday clothing, during application under field conditions. Perception of discomfort and physiological effects after wearing PPC were also investigated. Thirty-one applicators were invited and consented to participate in the study. The study established that the median percentage of chlorpyrifos protection efficiency was 90.7% for commercial PPC, 89.2% for gum rosin-coated PPC, and 76.5% for everyday PPC. When the protection efficiency was compared among the different types of PPC, the percentage protection efficiency of gum rosin-coated PPC was not significantly different from that of commercial PPC. The percentage protection efficiencies of commercial PPC and gum rosin-coated PPC were significantly higher than that of everyday PPC. The major characteristics of gum rosin-coated PPC were water-repellency, breathability, low cost, and ease of manufacture. Therefore, this study suggests that gum rosin-coated PPC is a reasonable alternative PPC for farmers, particularly in low and middle-low-income countries and tropical climates, to protect against pesticides while providing acceptable comfort.