Glycated albumin (GA) has been previously introduced as a promising biomarker for glycemic monitoring in diabetes patients with thalassemia. In this study, a label-free graphene oxide (GO)-modified aptasensor was developed for the rapid detection of GA. The fabrication of the aptasensor was dependent on the covalent interaction of the amine-functionalized GA-specific aptamer with the carboxylic groups of GO. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) analysis was carried out for the measurement of GA-aptamer binding to their specific proteins. The peak current changes before and after incubation with GA protein were directly proportional to the concentration. The developed aptasensor exhibited a broad linearity (1–10,000 µg mL⁻¹), a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.031 µg mL⁻¹, and high selectivity for GA detection. In addition, the aptasensor was successfully applied to detect GA in both spiked and clinical serum samples. The comparison of the developed method with a commercial assay validated the reliability of the aptasensor for clinical application. Therefore, the newly developed aptasensor is a promising tool for GA measurements in diabetic patients with underlying thalassemia.

Background: Anemia is a globally well-known major public health problem. In Southeast Asia where there is ethnic diversity, both iron deficiency (ID) and inherited hemoglobin disorders (IHDs) are prevalent and are considered to be the major factors contributing to anemia. However, little is known about the anemia burden among the ethnic minorities. In this study, we determine the burden of anemia, in relation to ID and IHDs, among the Karen ethnic minorities living in the rural area of lower northern Thailand.Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted at Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani province. Study participants included 337 Karen people aged over 18 years. Socio-economic and health-related information were obtained through interviews and recorded by local health staff. Anemia, IHDs and ID were diagnosed according to standard laboratory methods. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors of moderate-to-severe anemia.Results: The prevalence of overall anemia was 27.9% (95% CI = 23.2–33.0). Mild and moderate anemia were detected in 18.7% (95% CI = 14.7–23.3) and 8.9% (95% CI = 6.1–12.5) respectively. Severe anemia was found in one case (0.3%). Various forms of IHDs were identified in 166 participants, constituting 49.3% (95% CI = 43.8–54.7). The most common form of IHDs was α⁺-thalassemia (32.9%), followed by β-thalassemia (12.2%), α⁰-thalassemia (4.2%), hemoglobin E (3.9%), and hemoglobin Constant Spring (0.9%). Among 308 participants who were investigated for ID, the prevalence was discovered to be 6.8% (95% CI = 4.3–10.2). Analysis of risk factors of moderate-to-severe anemia revealed that individuals with ID, β-thalassemia and age > 65 years were at high risk with adjusted odds ratio of 17 (95% CI = 3.8–75.2), 6.2 (95% CI = 1.4–27.8) and 8.1 (95% CI = 1.6–40.4) respectively.Conclusions: Anemia among the Karen is of public health significance; and IHDs are the major contributing factors. Because of the high risk of developing moderate-to-severe anemia, special attention should be paid to individuals affected with ID, β-thalassemia and the elderly. Public awareness of the health burden of severe thalassemia syndromes should also be campaigned.

Interprofessional education (IPE) is vital for preparing a competent health workforce. Despite the proven benefits of interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), barriers to its implementation persist. Given the importance of health professionals' perspectives for IPCP success, we investigated the perceptions of IPCP among final-year health science students at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, while they transition into practice. A cross-sectional online survey conducted from February to April 2023 included 989 students across six health science disciplines, with a response rate of 57.8%. Using the SPICE-R2 questionnaire on a five-point Likert-type scale, we assessed perceptions related to interprofessional teamwork, roles and responsibilities, and patient outcomes. Results showed significant diversity in IPCP perceptions and experiences with IPE. Nursing students consistently demonstrated the highest IPCP perceptions, while medical and public health students scored the lowest. Positive perceptions about IPCP were notably associated with nursing students and those satisfied with the learning process. Dentistry students and those with IPE experience also exhibited more favorable views on teamwork. This study suggests the need to address disparities in IPCP perceptions among student groups, which is essential for enhancing interprofessional collaboration in future health professionals.

Hemoglobin Constant Spring (Hb CS) and Hb Pakse' (PS) are the common non-deletional α⁺-thalassemia found in Thailand. These two variants can cause severe thalassemia syndromes, especially in fetus and neonate. Molecular diagnosis is the only confirmatory method because Hb CS and Hb PS are usually missed by routine screening and Hb analysis. Therefore, we aimed to develop rapid direct PCR for the diagnosis of Hb CS and PS genes. Multiplex direct PCR assays for identifying the Hb CS and PS genes in whole blood (WB) and amniotic fluid (AF) specimens were developed. The assays were firstly validated on 290 unrelated whole blood specimens. Hb CS and PS carriers were identified in 67 (23.1%) and 6 (2.1%) cases, respectively. A 100% concordant result as compared to routine PCR assay was observed. The direct PCR assays have been applied successfully for prenatal diagnosis in two families. The result showed that the fetuses were affected by homozygous Hb CS and compound heterozygous Hb CS/Hb PS. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of these families was observed using the newly developed assays. These assays should be applicable in routine thalassemia diagnostics as well as in the large-scale screening of Hb CS and PS in the region.

Background: Many globin chain variants were interpreted as β-thalassemia or hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) at routine investigation. We described this in a large cohort of Thai subjects. Methods: Hematological data of 43,414 subjects encountered at our thalassemia diagnostic center from January 2013 to July 2025 were reviewed. A total of 372 subjects with hemoglobin (Hb) variants were selectively recruited with leftover DNA specimens for further analysis. Hb analysis was done using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary electrophoresis. β-globin gene mutations were identified using PCR and related techniques. Results: Among 372 subjects recruited, a total of 21 different Hb variants were found. The levels of Hb A ₂ , Hb F, Hb variants, and DNA diagnostic requests were recorded. Hb variants with normal Hb A ₂ and Hb F levels were requested for β-thalassemia or HPFH in 12.3% (95% CI = 7.9–16.8). This error was increased in Hb variants with Hb A ₂ ≥ 3.6% [50.6% (95% CI = 39.8–61.4) and odds ratio of 7.3 (3.6–13.8)] and Hb F ≥ 5.0% [52.2% (95% CI = 37.7–66.6) and odds ratio of 7.8 (3.6–16.7)], especially in those with Hb A ₂ ≥ 3.6% and Hb F ≥ 5.0% [71.9% (95% CI = 56.3–87.5) and odds ratio of 18.2 (7.1–48.9)]. Hbs Hope, Tak, Cook, C, Lepore, and Q-Thailand were found to be associated with high proportions of the error. Conclusions: Hb variants with increased Hb A ₂ levels and/or co-migration with Hb F are associated with a high proportion of mis-interpretation of β-thalassemia in routine practice. Combining Hb analysis using two different methods, and molecular analysis should help improve laboratory interpretation of the cases.

Introduction: Anemia is a common complication in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in regions where thalassemia and iron deficiency are prevalent. However, the relative contribution of genetic hemoglobin disorders in this context has not been well characterized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and to identify factors associated with its occurrence among patients with T2DM in northeastern Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 patients with T2DM attending two community health-promoting hospitals in northeastern Thailand. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, hematologic indices, renal function, iron status, and thalassemia genotypes were collected. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Factors associated with anemia were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: The prevalence of anemia was 54.3%. Thalassemia and related hemoglobinopathies were present in 60.5% of participants, and iron deficiency in 39.5%. Independent predictors of anemia included two or more α-globin gene defects or Hb E co-inherited with α-thalassemia (adjusted OR: 37.8; p = 0.002), Hb E trait (OR: 3.6; p = 0.006), iron deficiency (OR: 3.7; p < 0.001), and chronic kidney disease stages 2 (OR: 3.5; p = 0.002) and 3–4 (OR: 15.7; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Anemia was highly prevalent among patients with T2DM in this community-based cohort from northeastern Thailand. Thalassemia-related genotypes, iron deficiency, and chronic kidney disease were significantly associated with anemia. These findings highlight the importance of considering inherited hemoglobin disorders when evaluating anemia in T2DM patients in hemoglobinopathy-endemic regions.