Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Medicine

Clinical and Imaging Features of Melioidosis: A Study at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital

Nuttaya Pattamapaspong — 2026-05-25

Objective Melioidosis is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The clinical presentations are diverse with high mortality. The disease requires timely and appropriate antibiotics. Imaging studies play an important role in the diagnosis. This study evaluated clinical manifestations, risk factors, and imaging patterns of melioidosis.

Methods This retrospective study reviewed medical records and imaging studies of patients with melioidosis conclusively identified by cultures at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital during 2017–2023.

Results Of 33 melioidosis patients, most were male (75.76%) and the mean age was 57. Fever (66.67%) and localized pain (48.48%) were the common symptoms, while septicemia occurred in 33.33% of cases. Diabetes mellitus (48.48%) was the predominant risk factor. Imaging studies, including chest radiographs, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography, detected infections in 90.90% of the patients, with lung involvement being the most frequent (39.39%). CT was particularly effective in identifying pulmonary and visceral abscesses,
while MRI aided in diagnosing osteoarticular infections. Imaging successfully guided specimen collection in 78.57% of hemoculture-negative cases.

Conclusions This study underscores the importance of imaging in diagnosing melioidosis, particularly in patients with risk factors, and highlights the need for tailored imaging strategies based on clinical features.

Inhibitory Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) on Leukemic Cell Proliferation in Human Promyelocytic Leukemia HL-60 Cells

Sawalee Saosathan — 2026-08-17

Objective Leukemia is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells, and although chemotherapy remains a standard treatment, toxicity, relapse, and drug resistance continue to pose major clinical challenges. These limitations draw attention to the need for safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. Natural products have attracted considerable interest due to their diverse bioactive constituents and promising anti-cancer effects. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been reported to offer several health benefits, including antioxidant, anti- stress, anti-inflammatory, weight-reducing, and anti-cancer properties. This study was designed to investigate the capability of VCO to inhibit HL-60 (human promyelocytic leukemia) cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Methods VCO was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay; HL-60 cells were treated with various VCO concentrations for 48 hours. Additionally, cell cycle analysis was conducted by means of staining with propidium iodide, and an apoptosis assay was performed with Annexin V-FITC.

Results GC-MS analysis revealed that VCO contains lauric acid (LA), caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid. After treatment, VCO exhibited cytotoxic effects in HL-60 cells with IC₅₀ values between 269 and 300 µg/mL, and its activity was compared to commercial lauric acid (C-LA). Additionally, VCO was found to inhibit cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis confirmed that VCO induced cell cycle arrest at the G1-phase. Furthermore, an apoptosis assay demonstrated that treatment with VCO induced apoptotic cell death in HL-60 cells.

Conclusion These findings suggest that the anti-leukemic effect of VCO is associated with cell cycle arrest and reduced cell viability through apoptosis.

Evaluation of Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Lipid Profiles in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) Surgery Compared to a Control Group

morteza Golbashirzadeh — 2026-06-26

Objective Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly coronary artery disease (CAD), remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly accelerates the progression of CAD through metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidemia and elevated homocysteine levels. This study aimed to evaluate cardiovascular biomarkers and lipid profiles in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, compared to a non-diabetic control group.

Methods A total of 200 participants were included in this study, consisting of 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who had undergone CABG or angioplasty, and 100 age‑matched individuals with type 2 diabetes without any history of cardiovascular disease, who served as controls.

Results Homocysteine levels were elevated in 75.0% of diabetic patients versus 58.0% of controls (p = 0.03). Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was observed in 93.0% of diabetics compared to 68.0% of controls (p = 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), troponin, or CK-Mb levels between groups (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia and low HDL-C are significantly associated with CAD in diabetic populations. The presence of elevated homocysteine in a substantial proportion of the control group may reflect subclinical metabolic dysfunction or undiagnosed risk factors, warranting further investigation.

Conclusions These results underscore the potential utility of homocysteine and HDL-C as biomarkers in cardiovascular risk stratification. Their integration into routine screening protocols may enhance early detection and preventive strategies, particularly in high-risk or resource- limited settings.

Comparative Assessment of Serum Vitamin D and Calcium Levels in Hypothyroid Patients in Albayda, Libya

Nusieba A. Mohammed Ibrahim — 2026-05-25

Objective Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of numerous organs, including the thyroid gland. For that reason, a deficiency in vitamin D is considered a potential risk factor for developing various thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism. The present study aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of vitamin D and calcium in individuals who have been diagnosed with primary hypothyroidism.

Methods The research was conducted on a cohort of 100 hypothyroid patients at the Department of Internal Medicine, Albayda Medical Center, in Albayda, Libya. Serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and thyroid profiles (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4) were measured in all participants. A control group consisting of 100 healthy individuals was used for comparison. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20.0 with independent t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results Our findings indicate that the serum levels of vitamin D and calcium were significantly lower among the hypothyroid group compared to the control group (12.21 ± 2.02 ng/mL and 4.40 ± 1.24 mg/dL vs 45.53 ± 10.51 ng/mL and 10.88 ± 1.45 mg/dL, p = 0.008 and 0.006, respectively). However, we noticed non-significant differences in changes in the serum levels of vitamin D and calcium between males and females in the hypothyroid group (p = 0.578 and 0.410, respectively). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the TSH levels of the hypothyroid group had statistically significant negative correlations with the serum vitamin D and calcium levels (r = −0.144, p = 0.030 and r = −0.145, p = 0.029, respectively).

Conclusions Based on these results, it is strongly advised that individuals with hypothyroidism be screened for vitamin D and calcium deficiencies and, if necessary, receive appropriate supplementation.

Efficacy of Task-Oriented Mirror Therapy on Enhancing Functional Recovery for Unilateral Neglect Post Stroke

Dhanusia S — 2026-05-25

Objective Stroke is a neurological condition with multiple complications, one of the most common being Unilateral Spatial Neglect (USN), where patients lose awareness of one side of their body. Both task-oriented
mirror therapy and task-oriented therapy can aid in improving functional performance. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of task-oriented mirror therapy with task-oriented therapy in improving functional recovery among patients with USN.

Methods This was a comparative study of 30 individuals. Using the sealed envelope method, participants were randomly assigned into group A or group B with 15 individuals in each group as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A was administered task-oriented mirror therapy and group B was administered task-oriented therapy. The therapy sessions were conducted for 45 minutes daily, 5 times a week, over a span of 4 weeks. The outcome measures were evaluated using the Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS) and the Line Bisection Test.

Results Task-oriented mirror therapy had a greater impact on unilateral spatial neglect compared to task-oriented therapy without a mirror. A notable difference was found in the post-test mean and standard deviation values for CBS in group A [8.20 ± 2.624] and Group B [15.07 ± 3.105], as well as for line bisection test in group A [7.27 ± 1.534] and Group B [14.53 ± 2.973], both with a p < 0.001.

Conclusion Task-oriented mirror therapy showed better improvement in functional outcomes for patients with unilateral spatial neglect compared to task-oriented therapy.

การศึกษาความชุกของการตรวจพบพยาธิสภาพทางระบบประสาทจากการตรวจภาพรังสีวินิจฉัยในผู้ป่วยภาวะตาเขเข้าชนิดเกิดเฉียบพลันภายหลัง

Thunyaluck Jiwanarom — 2026-05-25

วัตถุประสงค์: เพื่อกำหนดความชุกของการตรวจพบพยาธิสภาพทางระบบประสาทจากภาพรังสีวินิจฉัยในผู้ป่วยภาวะตาเขเข้าชนิดเกิดเฉียบพลันภายหลัง และเพื่ออธิบายลักษณะเฉพาะของผู้ป่วยกลุ่มที่มีผลภาพรังสีวินิจฉัยผิดปกติ

วิธีการ: การศึกษาเชิงย้อนหลังจากเวชระเบียนของผู้ป่วยที่ได้รับการวินิจฉัยว่ามีภาวะตาเขเข้าชนิดเกิดเฉียบพลันภายหลัง โดยมีเกณฑ์คัดเข้าดังนี้ อายุขณะเริ่มมีอาการมากกว่า 6 เดือน ค่าสายตาหลังหยอดยาคลายการเพ่ง น้อยกว่า +3.00 ไดออปเตอร์ และได้รับการตรวจภาพรังสีวินิจฉัยทางระบบประสาท ระหว่างปี พ.ศ. 2557–2567

ผลการศึกษา: ผู้ป่วยที่เข้าเกณฑ์ทั้งหมดมี 46 ราย เป็นเพศชาย 28 ราย (60.9%) อายุเฉลี่ยทั้งกลุ่ม 10 ปี มุมเบี่ยงเบนเฉลี่ยระยะไกล 35.9 พริซึมไดออปเตอร์ และระยะใกล้ 36 พริซึมไดออปเตอร์ ในผู้ป่วย 46 รายนี้ ผลการตรวจภาพระบบประสาทพบความปกติ 43 ราย (93.5%) และพบความผิดปกติ 3 ราย (6.5%) โดยความผิดปกติที่พบได้แก่ ความผิดปกติของหลอดเลือดขนาดเล็กในสมอง 1 ราย และถุงน้ำอะรัคนอยด์ในสมอง 2 ราย อายุเฉลี่ยขณะเริ่มมีอาการในกลุ่มที่มีภาพระบบประสาทผิดปกติเท่ากับ 4 ปี ขณะที่กลุ่มภาพปกติมีอายุเฉลี่ย 8.88 ปี (P = 0.085) มุมเบี่ยงเบนเฉลี่ยระยะใกล้เท่ากับ 23.3 พริซึมไดออปเตอร์ เทียบกับ 36.8 พริซึมไดออปเตอร์ (P = 0.26) และมุมเบี่ยงเบนเฉลี่ยระยะไกลเท่ากับ 21.7 พริซึมไดออปเตอร์ เทียบกับ 36.9 พริซึมไดออปเตอร์ (P = 0.18) ในกลุ่มภาพผิดปกติและภาพปกติตามลำดับ ไม่พบผู้ป่วยรายใดมีอาการหรืออาการแสดงทางระบบประสาทที่ผิดปกติร่วม

สรุปผล: ในผู้ป่วยภาวะตาเขเข้าในที่เกิดเฉียบพลันภายหลังที่ได้รับการตรวจภาพรังสีวินิจฉัยทางระบบประสาท พบความผิดปกติร้อยละ 6.5 ทั้งนี้ไม่พบปัจจัยทำนายใดที่มีความสัมพันธ์อย่างมีนัยสำคัญทางสถิติกับการพบความผิดปกติดังกล่าว แม้ความผิดปกติจากการตรวจภาพระบบประสาทจะพบได้ไม่บ่อยและยังไม่สามารถระบุปัจจัยทำนายที่ชัดเจน แต่แพทย์ยังคงควรตระหนักถึงความเป็นไปได้ของพยาธิสภาพในสมองที่อาจแฝงอยู่เสมอ

การทำนายการเกิดภาวะทารกแรกเกิดน้ำหนักน้อยจากการตรวจสารชีวะเคมีควอดรูเปอร์ในโรงพยาบาลสันป่าตอง จังหวัดเชียงใหม่

Surachai ponglopisit — 2026-08-17

Objective This study aimed to develop a predictive model for low birth weight (LBW) using maternal history and the second trimester biochemical quadruple screening test in singleton pregnancies delivered at Sanpatong Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study collected data from medical records of 873 singleton pregnancy women who underwent the quadruple test at 14-16 weeks of gestation and delivered at Sanpatong Hospital between October 1, 2016, and September 30, 2023. Data collected included maternal characteristics, quadruple test results, obstetric complications, and birth weight. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze associations between various factors and LBW. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: The incidence of LBW was 6.76% (59 out of 873 deliveries). Significant factors associated with LBW in multivariable analysis included maternal body mass index (BMI) (AOR = 0.924, p = 0.018), nulliparity (AOR = 0.524, p = 0.021), high-risk quadruple test for aneuploidy (AOR = 16.061, p = 0.006), preeclampsia (AOR = 3.573, p = 0.007), preterm labor (AOR = 36.526, p < 0.001), fetal growth restriction (AOR=45.726, p < 0.001), MoM of AFP (AOR = 2.598, p = 0.001), and MoM of -hCG (AOR = 1.352, p = 0.003). Four predictive models were developed: history-only (AUC = 0.673), biochemical-only (MoM of AFP and -hCG; AUC = 0.604), a combined model (history + biochemical; AUC = 0.707), and a full combined model (history + biochemical + complication; AUC = 0.902). The full combined model demonstrated superior performance in predicting LBW.

Conclusions: The full combined model incorporating clinical history and quadruple test biochemical markers (AFP and -hCG) effectively predicts LBW. These findings suggest the potential for early identification of at-risk pregnancies, enabling timely interventions to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

The Brain’s Gendered Architecture: An MRI Study of Cortical and Subcortical Volume Differences

Sujatha Nagari — 2026-08-17

Objective For the advancement of neuroscience and therapeutic applications, it is crucial to understand how cerebral and subcortical volumes change across sexes. This study utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate volumetric variations in various brain areas across different sexes.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 healthy participants (100 males and 100 females). High-resolution MRI scans were acquired using a 1.5T General Electric Signa scanner, and cortical segmentation was performed using a standardized semi-automated method. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS, with independent sample t-tests employed to compare volumetric differences between sexes. Effect sizes were computed using Cohen’s d, and multiple comparisons were adjusted via the Bonferroni method.

Results There were considerably greater volumes of total cerebral white matter (p < 0.001, d = -1.1), total cortex (p < 0.001, d = -0.635), and total cerebrum (p < 0.001, d = -1.352) in males. Males also had considerably bigger ventricular structures, such as the lateral (p < 0.001, d = -0.71) and third (p < 0.001, d = -1.229) ventricles, although there was no significant difference in the fourth ventricle (p = 0.171). Males had substantially greater volumes in the inferior temporal gyrus (p < 0.001, d = -0.58), middle temporal gyrus (p < 0.001, d = -0.55), and superior temporal gyrus (p < 0.001, d = -0.73) among cortical areas with low-density sex hormone receptors. Significant differences were seen in the occipital pole (p < 0.001, d = -1.342), thalamus (p < 0.001, d = -1.282), and postcentral gyrus (p < 0.001, d = -1.536) in areas with high-density sex hormone receptors.

Conclusions This study confirms significant sex-based differences in brain volume, particularly in cortical and subcortical structures. These findings highlight the role of sex hormones in shaping neuroanatomy and provide insights for future research on sex-specific neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Gout Through the Ages: Past, Present, and Future

Worawit Louthrenoo — 2026-05-25

Gout is a disease unique to humans, resulting from the evolutionary loss of functional uricase, the enzyme that converts uric acid to the more soluble allantoin. This loss causes elevation of serum uric acid (SUA). With sustained hyperuricemia, deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in and around joints and extra-articular tissues occurs. Clinically, gout manifests as recurrent episodes of acute inflammatory arthritis and, when untreated or undertreated, may progress to more frequent flares, tophus formation, and structural joint damage. Persistent hyperuricemia is also linked to nephrolithiasis, chronic kidney disease progression, and increased cardiometabolic burden. This review summarizes gout across the past, the present, and the future. Historical perspectives span early descriptions dating to the Egyptian period and extend through the period just prior to the discovery of light microscopy that led to enabling identification of MSU crystals. The modern era is reviewed through the development of classification criteria; mechanisms of MSU crystal-induced inflammation; genetic determinants of urate homeostasis; and the roles of renal and intestinal urate transport in hyperuricemia. Metabolomic signatures and gut microbiota are discussed alongside current approaches to urate- lowering therapy (ULT) and flare prevention. Future directions include precision, individualized medicine integrating clinical features with molecular and imaging data to improve risk stratification and guide therapy. They also include targeted anti-inflammatory strategies, newer ULT and uricosuric agents, and the application of metabolomics and microbiome science. Finally, the long-term possibility of uricase gene restoration as a transformative approach to reconstitute urate metabolism and potentially modify disease course is discussed.

The Potential of Pomegranate as a Therapy for Thyroid Eye Disease: A Systematic Review

Devi Azri Wahyuni — 2026-06-26

Pomegranate (Punica granatum), a natural antioxidant, may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in thyroid eye disease (TED), an autoimmune disorder affecting approximately one-third of patients with thyroid disease. This systematic review evaluated its efficacy and safety in TED management. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search of ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SagePub identified English-language full-text articles published from 2010 to 2024. Editorials and non-DOI reviews were excluded. From over 400 publications screened, eight met the inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests that quercetin, a key flavonoid in pomegranate, can neutralize superoxide anions, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and induce apoptosis in tumor cells. In-vitro studies further indicate that quercetin suppresses fibroblast proliferation and reduces hyaluronic acid secretion in TED. These findings support pomegranate’s potential as an adjunct therapy for TED; however, further clinical trials are needed to establish optimal dosage, formulation, and bioavailability for therapeutic use.

Pseudomonas Putida Bacteraemia in a Haemodialysis Patient from Karnataka, India: A Rare Case Report

Vimal Kumar Karnaker — 2026-06-26

Pseudomonas putida is a Gram-negative, non-fermenting bacillus traditionally considered a low-virulence environmental organism, but increasingly recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen in healthcare settings. Infections are most often reported in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), diabetes, malignancies, or indwelling medical devices. We report a case of P. putida bacteremia in a 69-year-old female with ESRD on maintenance haemodialysis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, who presented with acute breathlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, and altered sensorium. Blood cultures performed using the BacT/Alert^® system grew P. putida, confirmed by VITEK 2 Compact and MALDI-ToF. The isolate was resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole but remained susceptible to ceftazidime, cefepime, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones. Empiric meropenem therapy was continued upon identification, leading to marked clinical improvement within five days. Four cycles of haemodialysis were administered; however, the patient was discharged against medical advice due to financial constraints, and follow-up cultures could not be obtained. This case underscores the clinical significance of P. putida as an emerging nosocomial pathogen in patients with multiple comorbidities. Rapid identification, timely initiation of effective empiric therapy, and antimicrobial stewardship are essential to improve patient outcomes and mitigate complications, particularly as multidrug-resistant strains of P. putida are increasingly reported worldwide.