Background and Aims: The study aimed to determine the proportion of iron deficiency (ID) anemia (IDA) among vegans in northeast Thailand and to explore whether mathematical formulas derived from red blood cell (RBC) indices are applicable for IDA screening in the study population. Methods: Blood samples from 234 individuals (age 6–45 years) living in a vegan community were taken. Complete blood cell count, serum ferritin, hemoglobin profiles and DNA analysis for α-thalassemia were determined. Anemia was defined using the WHO criteria adjusted for age and sex. Serum ferritin <15 ng/ml was considered as ID. A number of mathematical formulas derived from RBC indices were applied to screen ID among anemic individuals. Results: Anemia was found in 41.5% (95% CI = 35.1–48.1%) of the study participants. The overall proportion of thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies was 56.4% (95% CI = 49.8–62.9%). Of the anemic participants, 45.4% had ID. Based on the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, 4 formulas were applicable for predicting ID among anemic individuals (highest sensitivity of 86.4%). Conclusions: The proposed formulas might be used as proxy indicators for the identification of ID among anemic children and adult vegans if more sophisticated laboratory determinations are not available due to limited financial resources.

Background and Aims: A pilot screening program for thalassemia was initiated in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This study aimed to describe the genotype diversity and hematologic features of thalassemia among the participating pregnant women. Methods: Blood samples of 411 pregnant Laotian women were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb) profiles were determined using a capillary zone electrophoresis system. Mutations of α- and β-globin genes were investigated using a polymerase chain reaction and related techniques. Results: As many as 26 different thalassemia genotypes including non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia, i.e. Hb E-β-thalassemia, Hb H, and EA Bart's diseases, were identified. A variety of phenotypic expressions of hematologic features and Hb profiles were observed, including an unusual phenotype of Hb E-β⁰ thalassemia with 89.1% Hb E, 1.6% Hb F, and 9.3% Hb A₂. Conclusions: The remarkable genotype-phenotype diversity indicates a need for careful laboratory interpretation in order to provide appropriate genetic counseling and care to the Laotian population.

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The kidneys play a vital role in eliminating wastes and maintaining electrolyte and acid balance in the human body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidney functions irreversibly decline and eventually requires hemodialysis or renal transplantation. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week nutrition education program on self-care behavior and kidney functions in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with pre-dialysis CKD in the CKD Clinic were appointed to the 8-week nutrition education program on basic kidney functions, CKD etiology, CKD delaying strategies, and dietary counseling. Primary outcomes were the knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores on pre-dialysis self-care. Secondary outcomes were the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Baseline and post-intervention scores of all outcomes were measured. Results show that most of the participants were female and aged ≥ 60. The nutrition education program significantly improved post-intervention knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores. Moreover, laboratory results of BUN, sCr, eGFR, and serum sodium levels were stable. Even though the mean potassium and phosphorus levels increased, there were improvements in the post-intervention measurements.

Pathogenesis of neurological diseases is associated with free-radical-mediated inflammatory processes. Phenolic compounds, saponin, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are nutraceuticals with neuroprotective properties. Lentinus squarrosulus is a mushroom with high proteins low calories, and nutraceuticals. This research aimed to investigate the nutraceutical contents of total phenolic compounds, saponins, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and antioxidant activity in this mushroom after drying and frying for snack production. The nutraceutical contents and antioxidant activity were measured by Folin–Ciocalteu method and 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. The stability of these nutraceuticals was also determined after drying and deep frying mushrooms in preparation for snack production. Results showed that the mushrooms after drying at 50 and 60 °C until the moisture content was below 12 % (according to Thai Community Products Standard) had water activity (aW) of 0.52 to 0.59. The dried mushrooms had lower lightness, redness, and yellowness with the increased drying temperature (p ≤ 0.05). The total phenolic content of dried mushrooms was not significantly different from that of fresh mushrooms, but saponin, GABA, and antioxidant activity were higher than in the fresh samples.