Science, Engineering and Health Studies

Transforming herbal medicines: Integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmaceutical advancements

Madhavi G. Patel — 2025-11-06

Herbal medicines have been known for centuries for healing and maintaining human health; according to the WHO, over 80% of the world’s population relies on them for primary healthcare. Different countries and cultures have their own traditional medicine systems that utilize natural products, and humans have utilized that vast reservoir of knowledge for the benefit of society. Over time, the availability of standardized conventional medicines has decreased interest in herbal medicines. However, following the emergence of life-threatening viral diseases, interest in herbal medicines has resurged, leading to their increased use as remedies or for preventive purposes. However, the inconsistent quality, arising from issues such as authenticity, geographical origin, species variation, and a lack of quality control, has cast doubt on the efficacy of these natural treatments. Currently, advancements in sophisticated techniques for establishing herbal standards, including modern extraction technologies such as supercritical fluid, ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction; analytical tools like HPLC-MS, spectroscopy, and DNA barcoding; and in silico approaches such as computational drug screening and network pharmacology, have renewed interest in herbal medicines. Historically, herbal medicines were prepared in traditional dosage forms, which have evolved into standardized preparations through scientific advancement. Modernizing the field through the development of nano-formulation, the enhancement of extraction and analytical techniques, and the application of DNA fingerprinting, biotechnological screening, and computational methods is establishing pharmacological efficacy and standardization. These innovations provide the proof of concept needed to convert ancient knowledge into modern remedies. Various formulation approaches, representing pharmaceutical innovations in herbal medicines, have been found to increase bioavailability by up to 5-50 times and improve the stability of dosage forms, resulting in enhanced efficacy. Recognizing these advancements, many countries have begun to regulate herbal products similarly to conventional medicines, implementing standards such as good manufacturing practices. The herbal market is expected to reach $437 billion by 2032, and these developments, combined with regulatory improvements, are assisting herbal treatments in gaining international recognition. Although herbal products are generally regarded as safe, multidisciplinary studies are needed to validate their safety and efficacy. Establishing clinical efficacy through clinical trials should be a primary focus of future research. With these innovations, herbal medicine holds the potential to address many challenges associated with chronic and communicable diseases.

A comprehensive review of polymeric bioinks for vat photopolymerization 3D bioprinting: Theories, current advances, progress, and pharmaceutic applications

Phuvamin Suriyaamporn — 2025-12-03

Polymeric bioinks utilized in vat photopolymerization 3D bioprinting represent a novel technology in pharmaceutical applications, enabling the precise creation of complex drug delivery systems and groundbreaking approaches to personalized medicine. Vat photopolymerization methods regulate the polymerization of photosensitive bioinks by sequentially creating precise layers through light exposure. These polymeric bioinks are formulated from biocompatible materials comprising polymers, photoinitiators, photoabsorbers, plasticizers, and additives. Frequently utilized biocompatible polymers comprise gelatin methacryloyl, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, and hyaluronic acid methacrylate. Critical parameters for these bioinks and the printing process include viscosity, temperature, printability, and fidelity, as well as mechanical properties, light intensity, exposure time, layer thickness, and post-processing. In pharmaceuticals, vat photopolymerization, a significant breakthrough in personalized medicine, is used to construct drug delivery devices for drug discovery and screening. Due to the high precision of this technology, it is possible to manufacture dosage forms with the desired release profile tailored to the patient, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the drug and patient compliance. Polymeric bioinks thus offer a novel approach to the production of pharmaceuticals through vat photopolymerization 3D bioprinting. Additional research has been directed toward the optimization of bioink characteristics to improve clinical outcomes and the customization of healthcare, revolutionizing the medical and pharmaceutical landscape through synergistic 3D bioprinting.

Predictive models of PM2.5 concentration with aerosol optical depth and meteorological data in Bangkok area using machine learning techniques

Ikwan Bensalam — 2025-05-30

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), is a significant global concern due to its adverse effects on human health and the environment. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to develop and compare machine learning models for predicting PM_2.5 concentrations, focusing on two monitoring stations in Bangkok. A comprehensive dataset integrating meteorological data and aerosol optical depth (AOD) information was utilized. The models employed in this research included multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM). Notably, the SVM model demonstrated superior predictive performance for ambient stations. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring the machine learning method to the specific monitoring station type. Furthermore, the inclusion of influential gas variables such as NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃ significantly enhanced the models' predictive capabilities. Fine-tuning hyperparameters further improved model performance. In conclusion, this research highlights the effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting PM_2.5 concentrations, with important implications for air quality management in urban environments.

Adaptive Lasso sparse logistic regression on high-dimensional data with multicollinearity

Narumol Sudjai — 2025-09-23

A combination of high-dimensional sparse data and multicollinearity problems can lead to instabilities in a predictive model when applied to a new data set. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) is widely employed in machine-learning algorithm for variable selection and parameter estimations. Although this method is computationally feasible for high-dimensional data, it has some drawbacks. Thus, the adaptive Lasso was developed using the adaptive weight on penalty function. This adaptive weight is related to the power order of the estimators. Hence, we focus on the power of adaptive weight on two penalty functions: adaptive Lasso and adaptive elastic net. This study aimed to compare the performances of the power of the adaptive Lasso and adaptive elastic net methods under high-dimensional sparse data with multicollinearity. Moreover, the performances of four penalized methods were compared: Lasso, elastic net, adaptive Lasso, and adaptive elastic net. They were compared using the mean of the predicted mean squared error for the simulation study and the classification accuracy for a real-data application. The results showed that the higher-order of the adaptive Lasso method performed best on very high-dimensional sparse data with multicollinearity when the initial weight was determined using a ridge estimator. However, in the case of high-dimensional sparse data with multicollinearity, the square root of the adaptive Lasso together with the initial weight using Lasso was the best option.

An easy platform for calculating biodiesel yield with a graphical user interface

Fajar Al Afghani — 2025-09-23

An algorithm for calculating the biodiesel yield from esterification/transesterification was developed. The algorithm was represented in a program to facilitate researchers in exploring different types of feedstocks and catalysts. The input program of the preliminary yield data was processed numerically to generate reaction rate constant (k), reaction order (n), and activation energy (Ea) as a part of the kinetics response. The study revealed that the transesterification of used cooking oil and methanol with 0.25 wt% KOH catalyst had pseudo-first-order kinetics, with Ea = 21.7 kJ/mol. The optimum % yield obtained through the calculation was 96.5% at 323 K (50°C) within 10 h of reaction time. This program succeeded in validating secondary data from experimental research with a tolerance level of 10–17%. The program was validated where the model accuracy (R²) for the first and second validations were 0.90 and 0.98, respectively. The application of this program is not limited to a specific biodiesel reaction design and can be extended to other designs as well.

Automatic question generation system for learning to create linear programming models

Kannika Boonkasem — 2025-10-17

Automatic question generation systems play a key role in enhancing the efficiency of teaching and learning, particularly in fields that involve complex problem-solving, such as linear programming (LP). This study presents the development and evaluation of a system designed to generate questions and answers related to business product mix problems in LP. Aimed at enhancing LP modeling skills, the system was tested on 132 undergraduate business students enrolled in a quantitative analysis course. The evaluation involved pre- and post-learning achievement tests, with data analyzed using t-tests and normalized gain (g) to measure learning progress. Results showed significant improvements in students’ performance on identical (t = 14.94, p<0.05) and different tests (t = 8.95), along with a moderate learning gain (g = 0.59). These findings indicate that the system not only reduces the instructional workload but also effectively enhances students’ understanding and application of LP concepts, making it a valuable tool in education.

Analyzing meteorological data with bootstrap-based confidence intervals for Poisson-Rani distribution parameter estimation

Wararit Panichkitkosolkul — 2025-11-11

The Poisson distribution is commonly used when events are assumed to be independent and occur at a consistent rate. This may not be generally applicable, and the Poisson distribution is not appropriate in situations where the underlying rate of occurrence displays variability. A mixed Poisson distribution such as the Poisson-Rani distribution permits the rate parameter to be random instead of constant. Bootstrap-based confidence intervals (CIs) were developed for the Poisson-Rani distribution parameter in this study. The percentile bootstrap (PB), basic bootstrap (BB), and bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap methods were compared for empirical coverage probabilities and expected lengths by the Monte Carlo simulation using the RStudio program with sample sizes of 10, 30, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000. The parameter values were set at 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.5, and 2 with 1,000 replications. The simulation results suggested that the bootstrap-based CIs required improvement to attain the nominal confidence level for small sample sizes. No significant differences were detected in the performances of bootstrap-based CIs when evaluating large sample sizes, with the BCa bootstrap CI exhibiting superior performance compared to the others. The application of bootstrap-based CIs to meteorological data yielded comparable results to the simulation study.

Simulation radiation shielding properties of tungsten carbide alloys

Sunantasak Ravangvong — 2025-11-19

This work evaluated the gamma rays shielding properties of tungsten carbide alloys. The mass attenuation coefficients (µ_m) of gamma rays for these alloys have been obtained at gamma rays energy ranges of 356–1,332 keV using WinXCom software and FLUKA Monte Carlo code simulation. The results are found to be in good agreement. The 0.832W+0.0498C+0.002Co+0.00092Fe+0.107Ni alloy sample showed the highest µ_m and radiation protection efficiency (RPE%) values, while half value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP) and transmission factor (TF%) values showed the lowest value compared with the others. These results indicate that this alloy sample, which has the highest density, possesses excellent g-rays shielding properties.

Optimal cutting conditions of abrasive waterjet cutting for Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alpha-beta alloy using the Aquila algorithm method

Ugochukwu Sixtus Nwankiti — 2025-10-02

This article introduces a novel method, namely the Aquila algorithm for optimizing the abrasive waterjet cutting process for machining Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alpha-beta alloy. The main parameters of the process are the waterjet pressure (WJP), traverse speed (TS) and the stand-off distance (SOD), while material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) are its responses. The Aquila algorithm optimizes the process parameters, thereby declaring the optimal thresholds for improved efficiency. Unlike previous studies, this work accounts for the optimization of the abrasive waterjet cutting parameters, providing direction on how much of each parameter to utilize for optimal performance of the system. Experimental data from the published literature was used to validate the proposed model. After performing the analysis, the optimal parameters at the convergence of the results after 300 iterations were WJP, TS, SOD, and MRR of 260 bar, 40 mm/min, 3 mm, and 164.74 mm³/min, respectively. This is when the response considered is the material removal rate. Considering the surface roughness as the output, the optimal solutions for WJP, TS, SOD, and SR were 256.27 bar, 24.54 mm³/min, 1.00 mm, and 2.54 mm³/min, respectively. The outcomes will assist process engineers in using optimal results for efficient decision-making in the abrasive waterjet machining process for the Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo alpha-beta alloy.

Optimization and parametric economic analysis for carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites with Taguchi-present worth method

Adeyinka Oluwo — 2025-10-02

Within the drilling community, an integrated method of the technical and economic parameters is needed to improve profit margins and for sustainable operations. In this article, a novel framework that establishes the economic dimension of the drilling operation for the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites is presented by fusing the Taguchi method with the present worth method. The present worth, level, interest rate and the value of the optimal parametric setting at the various levels are integrated. Then the optimal points for variables are identified based on derivatives with response tables developed from the orthogonal array and signal-to-noise ratios with parametric ranking. The optimal parametric setting obtained using the Taguchi method was SP₃PA₁FR₃TF₁/TF₃, matched against the optimal result of PW(i)_SP3PW(i)_PA₃PW(i)_FR₃PW(i)_TF₂ for the present worth derivative with respect to n. The Taguchi method yielded 3000 rpm (speed), 100° (point angle), 500 mm/min (feed rate) and 84.23 N (thrust force). However, the optimal results for the present worth derivative with respect to i were interpreted as 3000 rpm (speed), 135° (point angle), 500 mm/min (feed rate) and 197.35 N (thrust force). Moreover, the optimal results regarding the derivative of present worth with respect to n are 1000 rpm (speed), 135° (point angle), 100 mm/min (feed rate) and 197.35 N (thrust force). In addition, when Oke and Fagbolagun's model was deployed, the positions of the parameters/response with respect to the T-PW method’s evaluation were the thrust force (1st, -40.0460), spindle speed (2nd, -51.0999), point angle (3rd, -50.1034) and feed rate (4th, -50.2274). Thus, the work provides help to process engineers to control their operators and for budget planning purposes.

Overview on the potential of renewable energy generation in poultry farms: A case study in the Manjung Region, Malaysia

M. Devendran Manogaran — 2025-10-14

Poultry farming in the Manjung region of Malaysia is constantly expanding to accommodate the country's increase in protein intake. Consequently, poultry farming is facing problems such as high usage of energy and carbon emissions from waste due to a lack of energy alternatives and poor waste management. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the economic feasibility of introducing biogas and solar energy as an alternative energy source in broiler houses. The effectiveness of green energy to sustain the daily operations in the poultry farm was evaluated by calculating and comparing the energy generation from the aforementioned sources, thus reducing dependence on the national power grid and having more affordable, sufficient and environmentally benign energy. For the biogas production, waste from the poultry farms was anaerobically digested to produce methane and carbon dioxide and later methane was used to produce energy through combustion. On the other hand, solar energy was trapped via the photovoltaic modules and converted into electricity which could be used for lighting and ventilation in the poultry farm. Each cycle of biogas production depicted the potential amount of electricity generation at 27,452.04 kWh, which had a surplus of 15,522.04 kWh per cycle. By installing a 100-kW solar system in 25% of the total roofing area of broiler houses in Manjung, with the capacity of producing 12,000 kWh per month when optimal angle of installation of solar panel is achieved, a 5% grid consumption reduction through photovoltaic would be obtainable. This approach has the potential to advance the circular economy within the poultry industry, while also promoting the adoption of carbon-neutral farming practices.

A comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of glazed and open balconies in low-rise residences in moderate climates via field measurements and simulations

Rupal Pachauri — 2025-10-16

A global phenomenon currently prevails in installing an extensive array of glazing systems in multi-unit residential edifices. Some urban occupants are opting to sheath their balconies predominantly with glass to mitigate issues associated with open balconies (OBs), such as glare, pollution, wind, insects, birds, safety and noise and to augment their living space. The effectiveness of glazed balconies (GBs) in cold and warm climates has been extensively debated, and their advantages and disadvantages have been highlighted. Nonetheless, these studies have not examined the issues related to GBs in moderate climates. Hence, this research adopted a comprehensive approach towards user satisfaction, diverse design parameters, climatic conditions and simulation outcomes. This study explored occupants’ satisfaction levels and perceptions towards OBs and GBs via surveys and determined the issues that warranted attention. Furthermore, OBs and GBs were compared and juxtaposed against thermal comfort, temperature and humidity variation, daylight, and wind via field measurement and simulation. Daylight simulations were performed using Rhino and wind analyses using IESVE. The findings indicated that GBs perform better in moderate climates. Moreover, individuals with OBs were inclined towards installing balcony enclosures in the future. GBs considerably increased the temperature and reduced the humidity in comparison with their open counterparts.

Effects of shading and solar reflection from surrounding built environment on building performance

Prateek Bhagat — 2025-10-16

Awareness regarding the threats posed to individuals and property by uncontrolled solar reflections from the built environment has been increasing. Despite the severe adverse effects of uncontrolled solar reflections, legislation governing them is remarkably limited, and existing standards are not widely accepted. Without a proper methodology, designers cannot accurately evaluate the effect of a projected building’s reflections until after construction. This study developed a methodology to investigate the effects of shading and sunlight reflections from surrounding buildings. A toolchain was developed using the parametric design platform Rhino3D and Grasshopper. An existing scenario involving spatially proximal buildings in Gurugram was identified, modelled, and simulated. Compared with a standalone building simulation, the southwest and northwest façades experienced a 12% and 28.9% increase in total solar radiation, respectively, because of reflections from surrounding buildings. These findings demonstrate that standalone building simulations are not reliable predictors of energy consumption. The novel methodology developed in this study can be used to evaluate the effects of shading and sunlight reflections from the surrounding built environment.

Effects of ultrasonic mixing time and microwave irradiation time on biodiesel production from crude tung oil

Kittikorn Sasujit — 2025-10-24

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly alternative energy source for diesel engines that can be synthesized by the transesterification of vegetable oil or animal fat with alcohol. Tung oil (Vernicia montana Lour.) has poor oxidation stability due to the reactivity of the conjugated carbon–carbon double bonds in the constituent α-eleostearic acid. The ultrasonic and microwave-assisted transesterification of tung oil in the presence of an alkaline oxide catalyst was investigated. A laboratory batch process was optimized within parameter ranges for 28 kHz ultrasound mixing (5–20 min), microwave heating (0.5–3 min), methanol-to-oil molar ratio (3–9:1), and KOH catalyst concentration (0.5–1.5% w/w). The maximum transesterification yield was 93.68 ± 1.79%, with a higher heating value of 42.33 MJ/kg, a viscosity of 7.86 cSt, and a fatty acid methyl ester content of 98.83% w/w. The optimal procedure involved 15 minutes of ultrasonic mixing and 2 minutes of microwave heating at a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 8:1 and a KOH concentration of 1.25% w/w at 60 ± 5^°C. The optimized combination of ultrasonic mixing and microwave heating significantly improved the process conditions and product profile, indicating this technique to be an alternative to conventional methods of producing biodiesel.

Development of a low-cost continuous passive motion machine for the enhanced rehabilitation of elderly individuals with osteoarthritis

Siwasit Pitjamit — 2025-11-14

With the increasing global prevalence of osteoarthritis and the expansion of the aging population, this research presents an innovative low-cost continuous passive motion (CPM) machine tailored to meet the specific rehabilitation needs of elderly individuals, particularly those grappling with osteoarthritis. The primary aim of this study was to address the increasing demand for effective knee rehabilitation tools in this population. The newly developed CPM machine offers a versatile range of features, allowing users to customize the treatment times, knee joint motion angles, and speed levels. Statistical analysis demonstrated the accuracy and reliability of the machine, which is designed for knee rehabilitation in elderly individuals. A one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference between the machine’s performance and control units, both in terms of the angle replication and time measurements. The precision and consistency of the device were underscored by the close alignment of the CPM machine with goniometer measurements and the minimal error in time measurements, which did not exceed 2.66% and 0.13% during the first 20 minutes of use. These statistical findings confirm the efficacy of the CPM machine in delivering reliable and accurate knee rehabilitation, with potential benefits for improving quality of life and mobility.

Extraction of d-limonene from pomelo (Citrus maxima) peel waste using solvent-free microwave process and antioxidant activity analysis

Boonta Chutvirasakul — 2025-11-28

Solvent-free microwave assisted extraction has been performed as an efficient green technology for the extraction of d-limonene from pomelo peel waste. This environmentally friendly method does not require solvents or water and can be operated at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The extraction results were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that d-limonene was the most abundant compound in the extracted essential oils, comprising 95% of the total, with an additional 17 compounds detected. For 100 grams of pomelo peel, the energy requirement was 336.0 kJ to achieve the highest yield of 1.2% essential oil by weight of the pomelo peel plant material. The essential oil showed the antioxidant activities of IC50 at 4.87 + 0.06 mg/mL using ABTS radical scavenging assay.

Impact of utilizing refined glycerol as an energy source on broiler performance and meat quality

Pichet Sriboonyong — 2025-10-29

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using refined glycerol as an energy source in a broiler diet on productive performance and meat quality. The 2,000, one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments for 35 days. The chicks were fed the basal diet of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% refined glycerol. Each treatment was composed of 10 replicates with 50 birds per replicate (25 males and 25 females). The results revealed that using 5% refined glycerol in the broiler diet did not affect growth performance, but the addition of 7.5% refined glycerol negatively affected feed intake, weight gain, and performance index. However, using up to 7.5% refined glycerol in the diet did not affect the carcass traits and meat quality. Therefore, refined glycerol is suitable for use as an energy source and can be used up to 5% in the diet without adverse effects on growth performance and up to 7.5% with no effect on carcass traits and meat quality of broiler chickens.

Isolation of peat soil bacteria producing antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium

Dede Mahdiyah — 2025-11-26

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance poses a severe threat to public health, demanding the discovery of novel antibacterial agents. Peat soil is an extreme environment that can be used to isolate bacteria that produce bioactive compounds. This study examined the antibacterial activity of peat soil bacteria against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. Peat soil bacteria were isolated using tryptone soy agar (TSA), and their morphology and characteristics were assessed (Gram staining, catalase activity). The antibacterial activity of these bacteria was examined using the well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each isolated substance was determined using the dilution method, and the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined by the spread plate method. Nine bacterial isolates, termed peat soil bacteria-1–9 (PSB1–9), were obtained at dilutions of 1 × 10⁻⁷–1 × 10⁻¹ on TSA. Of these, PSB-7, PSB-8, and PSB-9 exhibited potential antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium and E. coli. These isolates were characterized as Gram-positive rods. The MICs of PSB-7–9 against E. coli were 4, 3, and 3 mg/mL, respectively. For S. Typhimurium, the MICs were 3, 4, and 4 mg/mL, respectively. However, none of the isolates exhibited bactericidal activity against either pathogen.

Browning inhibition and lipid peroxidation change of fresh-cut romaine lettuce by arginine treatment

Phrutiya Nilprapruck — 2025-12-03

This study aimed to assess the effect of sodium arginine on browning inhibition and lipid peroxidation in fresh-cut romaine lettuce kept for 15 days at 6±1 °C and 85% relative humidity. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with four treatments: The romaine lettuce was immersed in 0 (distilled water), 1 mM, 10 mM, and 20 mM arginine for 10 min. These results showed that the use of 20mM arginine can inhibit browning compared to other treatments. Reduced levels of phenolic compounds and phenylalanine ammonia lyase were linked to the suppression of browning in romaine lettuce, although polyphenol oxidase activity increased during storage. Additionally, there were studies on the change in lipid peroxidation, which is one of the causes of membrane deterioration. The result indicated that arginine can reduce the process of lipid peroxidation related to the decrease of lipoxygenase activity, malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content compared with the control. The inhibition of stress tolerance by arginine could relate to its influence on metabolic pathways, cellular signaling, or oxidative stress. Arginine enhances stress tolerance, which leads to the production of polyamines that stabilize cell membranes and proteins, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and regulate ion channels, enhancing stress resilience. Hence, these results indicated that arginine treatment inhibited browning symptoms and membrane damage in the process of lipid peroxidation.

Formulation of Andrographis tablet from the antisolvent semi-purified Andrographis extract

Nattawat Nattapulwat — 2025-02-25

Andrographis paniculata extract, administered at 180 mg/day of andrographolide for 5 consecutive days, has been used to treat mild cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This research formulated 30 mg film-coated tablets of andrographolide, derived from a partially purified extract of Andrographis obtained using the antisolvent technique. The powdered extract was combined with microcrystalline cellulose and colloidal silicon dioxide to create core tablets through the wet granulation method. These core tablets were then film-coated. The Andrographis extract powder contained 40.27±1.18% andrographolide. The average weights of the core and film-coated tablets were 381.9 mg and 392.4 mg, respectively, each contained 31.0 of andrographolide. The average friability and hardness of the core tablets were 0.12±0.01% and 8.7±0.2 kg, respectively. The film-coated tablets completely disintegrated within 23 min, and the distribution of the extracted content in the tablet was uniform. The Andrographis tablets used in this study met all USP criteria.

Factors affecting lung function among motorcycle taxi drivers in Thonburi district, Bangkok

Alongkot Prasansri — 2025-05-27

Motorcycle taxi drivers are another occupational group whose work inevitably exposes them to air pollution. This exposure places them at a higher risk of respiratory diseases and impaired lung function. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases and lung function impairments, along with their associated factors. A total of 208 participants were interviewed, and their lung function was tested using spirometry. The lung function parameters evaluated included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC). The prevalence of abnormal lung function was found to be 53.85%. Moreover, the results also showed the prevalence of respiratory symptoms: coughing, phlegm, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Factors associated with impaired lung function were identified, including being in the age 40–49-year age group, which significantly increase the risk of impaired lung function. Conversely, being overweight was found to reduce the risk. The study suggests that a surveillance system for monitoring lung function among motorcycle taxi drivers can focus on drivers aged 40 years and above, those who are underweight and at risk of impaired lung function, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, particularly coughing, as it is a key factor associated with lung function impairment.

Comprehension of labels of hazardous chemical household products among consumers

Kirana Roonnaphai — 2025-09-18

This study investigated the comprehension of chemical hazard labels according to the globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals (GHS), aiming to determine the factors associated with comprehension of GHS labels. The study participants included 310 Bangkok residents. Individuals were surveyed regarding demographics, use of hazardous chemical household products, and perceptions and comprehension of GHS labels. The results indicated that only 11.9% of the participants had a proficient level of correct perception of GHS labels, and 11.6% possessed a proficient level of comprehension. A significant association was found between proficient perception of the GHS labels, employment in government or private sectors, and comprehension of the GHS labels. This study's results can be used to develop more effective risk communication strategies that effectively convey product hazards to consumers, thereby reducing potential dangers from hazardous chemical household products.

Self-management as a determinant of quality of life in Thai patients with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: A cross-sectional study

Prapatsinee Prapaiwong — 2025-09-23

The current study aimed to determine whether certain variables, particularly self-management, were significantly associated with quality of life (QoL) among Thai patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A cross-sectional design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected from 92 patients undergoing CAPD at Banphaeo Dialysis Center, Bangkok using self-administered questionnaires and a body composition monitor. They were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that the mean score for overall self-management capabilities was 3.36, indicating a good level of self-management, whereas the mean score for overall QoL was 63.16, indicating a fair level. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the diet and fluid restriction component of self-management was a significant determinant of the overall QoL and SF-36 general health QoL, that the medications component of self-management was a significant determinant of the overall QoL and end-stage kidney disease-specific QoL, and that the duration of CAPD treatment was a determinant of the SF-36 general health QoL.

Experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding practice among ethnic minority mothers in rural areas of Bokeo province, Lao PDR

Krissana Kapheak — 2025-10-24

This qualitative study explores exclusive breastfeeding practices among ethnic minority mothers in Bokeo province, Lao PDR. Utilizing purposive sampling, the research engaged 36 ethnic mothers from five different villages, identified with the help of local health volunteers. This method ensured a diverse group of participants, representing various ethnic backgrounds, age groups, parity levels, and socioeconomic statuses within this marginalized region. The study investigates the intricate interplay between cultural traditions, socioeconomic challenges, and limited healthcare access that shape breastfeeding practices. Through in-depth interviews with these ethnic mothers, it unveils their unique experiences and decision-making processes regarding breastfeeding. Key findings highlight the influence of traditional beliefs such as colostrum avoidance and complementary feeding, alongside economic pressures that compel mothers to resume work soon after childbirth. Additionally, the limited access to healthcare information and support emerged as a significant barrier to exclusive breastfeeding. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive health interventions, enhanced community engagement, and supportive policies tailored to the specific needs of breastfeeding mothers in ethnically diverse, rural areas. Addressing this issue should involve a variety of measures, particularly community engagement. Involving community leaders or experienced members who have practiced breastfeeding can enhance cooperation from nursing mothers significantly.

Use of herbal products and associated factors among patients with non-communicable diseases in a rural northern Thai community: A cross-sectional study

Chanadda Wuttikul — 2025-11-11

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of herbal product use and associated factors among patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the community of Phayao province via home visits. Data were collected from 361 patients at three sub-district health-promoting hospitals using a developed structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were established. The results showed that 61.2% of patients used herbal products, totaling 398 items, with herbal extracts being the most common (30.4%). The primary purpose was treating or relieving symptoms of illness. Factors associated with increased herbal use included age over 60 years (aOR 2.11; 95% CI 1.14–3.91), monthly income below 10,000 THB (aOR 3.47; 95% CI 1.27–9.52), former smoking status (aOR 5.78; 95%CI 1.31–25.50), use of multiple health centers (aOR 2.46; 95% CI 1.55–3.92), receiving treatment at private hospitals/clinics (aOR 6.08; 95% CI 1.15–32.07), and obtaining information about herbal products from social media (aOR 3.49; 95%CI 1.87–6.52). Herbal product use is prevalent among rural patients with NCDs in Thailand. Influencing factors include patient characteristics (older age, former smoking), socioeconomic status, healthcare utilization patterns, and information sources. Healthcare providers should be aware of these trends to ensure safe and effective patient care for NCDs in rural settings.

Fabrication of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots for antioxidant applications

Koranat Dechsri — 2025-11-11

Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted attention because of their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis. Recently, CDs have demonstrated significant antioxidant activity due to their high surface functionalization, which enables them to effectively interact with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals. In this study, we aimed to synthesize nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (NS-CDs) using a microwave-assisted pyrolysis method, incorporating varying concentrations of nitrogen and sulfur. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The optimal formulation, 20-NS-CDs, was further assessed for total phenolic content and intracellular ROS. Finally, biocompatibility was evaluated using an MTT assay. The results revealed that the 20-NS-CDs had a particle size of 4.35 ± 1.84 nm and demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, as indicated by the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of approximately 0.96 ± 0.03 mg/mL. The total phenolic content was 21.1 ± 1.27 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram (mg GAE/g), consistent with previous studies, and the antioxidant activity was confirmed by a reduction in intracellular fluorescence in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the ability of 20-NS-CDs to scavenge free radicals holds significant potential for applications in health and environmental sciences.

Development and validation of a reliable reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying triterpenes in Centella asiatica: A step towards quality control of herbal products

Kittipat Suwanpitak — 2025-11-21

Centella asiatica (C. asiatica), a medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological properties, contains triterpenes with pharmaceutical activity, including madecassoside (MC), asiaticoside (AC), madecassic acid (MA), and asiatic acid (AA). However, the current assay for these triterpenes in the United States Pharmacopeia 36–National Formulary 31 could be enhanced with improved compound separation and shorter analysis times. A new reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated, which utilized a C18 column with low-pressure gradient elution and a rapidly altered mobile phase ratio (acetonitrile and 0.3% v/v phosphoric acid in water). This method offered significantly reduced analysis times and suitable peak shapes for all triterpenes. The retention times were 11.49, 11.84, 14.67, and 15.74 min for MC, AC, MA, and AA, respectively. The method displayed linearity (R² > 0.9907) across a 0.01–0.25 mg/mL range, and its accuracy was confirmed by spiked sample recoveries of 90.60%–111.50%. The repeatability and intermediate precision were outstanding, with percentage of relative standard deviations lower than 1.31% for all triterpenes. This validated RP-HPLC method offers an accurate and time-saving alternative for analyzing C. asiatica triterpenes, providing a practical solution for the pharma-ceutical and herbal product industries.

Cost and use of ‘Wann Pra Chim’ gel in U-Thong hospital: A 5-year retrospective study

Theerada Taesotikul — 2025-11-21

The development of medicinal plants for hospital use, akin to traditional medicine formulations, requires comprehensive fact-sheet information for support. This study aimed to retrieve and analyze data from the hospital information system on the use of “Wann Pra Chim” gel, which is developed in-house by U-Thong hospital. Over a 5-year period, a total of 4,320 patient records were analyzed, with a higher number of outpatient department (OPD) cases than inpatient department (IPD) cases. The majority of patients were general employees, unemployed individuals, and farmers. Physicians were the primary prescribers of the gel, accounting for the highest total gel volume. The most common diagnoses based on ICD-10 codes for which the gel was prescribed included assault by explosive material, pemphigus, and decubitus ulcers and pressure areas. A comparative cost analysis revealed that “Wann Pra Chim” gel had the lowest cost compared to two commercial alternatives, demonstrating its benefits in terms of cost and usage in volume for both OPD and IPD patients.

Pathogen patterns and clinical outcomes of empirical antibiotic treatment in cholangitis: Single-center retrospective study

Potjamarn Treethammakul — 2025-11-25

This retrospective cohort study determines patterns of pathogens and empirical antibiotic treatment among patients with cholangitis. We examined the clinical response and in-hospital all-cause mortality between empirical antibiotic treatment among patients with acute cholangitis at a general hospital in northeast Thailand. The Nelson-Aalen estimator and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve were respectively used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The prevalence of pathogens and patterns of empirical antibiotics used were also studied. Among 232 patients, 90 patients (38.8%) had positive blood/bile cultures with 107 pathogenic organisms. The most prevalent non-resistant bacteria were Escherichia coli (35.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.2%), to which all were susceptible to ceftriaxone and meropenem. About 16.8% of E. coli isolates exhibited ceftriaxone resistance, but all were sensitive to carbapenems. No difference was noted in clinical response and mortality rates between carbapenem-based and cephalosporin-based regimens (adjusted HR (aHR), 0.88; 95% CI, 0.66–1.19; p = 0.42 and 0.36; 95% CI 0.10–1.28; p = 0.12, respectively). In empirical antibiotic treatment of acute cholangitis, a carbapenem-based regimen demonstrated the same clinical response and mortality rate as a cephalosporin-based regimen; however, carbapenems should only be used among patients at high risk of resistant infections.

Development and evaluation of a triphala-based throat spray: Physicochemical properties, stability, and pharmacological potency

Phuvamin Suriyaamporn — 2025-12-03

Throat sprays are widely used, act quickly, and can help relieve a sore throat from several viral or bacterial infection. There are many types of throat sprays available today, depending on different components such as chemical compounds and herbal extracts. Triphala, a herb, consists of three dried fruits: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica. The chemical compounds in Triphala mainly consist of gallic acid, polyphenol, and tannin. These compounds have been reported to exhibit high antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects. Then, this study aimed to develop a throat spray containing Triphala extract with suitable physicochemical properties, pharmacological potency and stability. Throat sprays with Triphala extract were investigated for their physicochemical (physical characteristics, pH, spray ability, and viscosity) and pharmacological properties (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity). All formulations exhibited suitable sprayability, with pH values ranging from 3.2 to 4.2 and no significant differences observed. The formulations showed significantly higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities than the control. A stability study was performed over five weeks under three storage conditions. The formula containing 0.25% v/v Triphala extract exhibited suitable physicochemical and pharmacological properties. Moreover, the 0.25% v/v Triphala extract throat spray showed no precipitation under the three storage conditions, and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities did not change significantly after storage. This study demonstrated a novel, suitable Triphala extract throat spray formulation as an alternative treatment for sore throat.