Browse publications by year: 2018

  1. Fulltext Low Levels of Knowledge, Attitudes and Preventive Practices on Leptospirosis among a Rural Community in Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia
    Nozmi N, Samsudin S, Sukeri S, Shafei MN, Wan Mohd WMZ, Idris Z, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2018 04 06;15(4).
    PMID: 29642390 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040693
    Little is known on the knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices (KAP) of leptospirosis worldwide. This study embarked on assessing the KAP of leptospirosis among rural communities in Malaysia. A total of 444 participants (223 male; 221 female) aged between 18 and 81 years old were surveyed by using a self-administered questionnaire. A majority of participants had poor knowledge level (57.0%), unacceptable attitudes (90.3%) and unacceptable preventive practices (69.1%) on leptospirosis, and only 29.7% knew "rat-urine disease" as leptospirosis. Only 34.2% of the participants knew the bacteria could enter via wound lesions. Ethnicity and income were strongly associated with knowledge level and preventive practices, respectively (p-values < 0.05). As for attitudes, ethnicity, income and education type were significantly associated (p-values < 0.05). Only 36.5% of the participants were willing to see a doctor and did not mind if their house or surrounding area is dirty (59.7%). Surprisingly, only 32.9% had used rubber boots during floods. By logistic regression analysis, ethnicity was the only significant predictor for both knowledge level (an odds ratio (AOR) = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.222-0.680) and preventive practices (AOR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.204-2.734). Ethnicity (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.239-0.665), income (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.041-2.385) and education type (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI = 1.237-10.986) were strong predictors for attitudes. Among the KAP variables, attitude (AOR = 4.357, 95% CI = 2.613-7.264) was the only predictor for the preventive practices by logistic regression analysis. The KAP elements on leptospirosis are still lacking and poor health seeking behavior and attitudes are of our utmost concern. Thus, effective strategies should be planned to impart knowledge, and develop proactive approaches and good preventive modules on leptospirosis to this leptospirosis-prone community.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Income; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Rural Population*; Health Behavior; Odds Ratio; Young Adult; Floods
  2. Fulltext Association between Urinary Aflatoxin (AFM₁) and Dietary Intake among Adults in Hulu Langat District, Selangor, Malaysia
    Sulaiman SH, Jamaluddin R, Sabran MR
    Nutrients, 2018 Apr 07;10(4).
    PMID: 29642443 DOI: 10.3390/nu10040460
    Aflatoxin is a food contaminant and its exposure through the diet is frequent and ubiquitous. A long-term dietary aflatoxin exposure has been linked to the development of liver cancer in populations with high prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in foods. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the association between urinary aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁), a biomarker of aflatoxin exposure, with the dietary intake among adults in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, Malaysia. Certain food products have higher potential for aflatoxin contamination and these were listed in a Food Frequency Questionnaire, which was given to all study participants. This allowed us to record consumption rates for each food product listed. Concomitantly, urine samples were collected, from adults in selected areas in Hulu Langat district, for the measurement of AFM₁ levels using an ELISA kit. Of the 444 urine samples collected and tested, 199 were positive for AFM₁, with 37 of them exceeding the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.64 ng/mL. Cereal products showed the highest consumption level among all food groups, with an average intake of 512.54 g per day. Chi-square analysis showed that consumption of eggs (X² = 4.77, p = 0.03) and dairy products (X² = 19.36, p < 0.01) had significant associations with urinary AFM₁ but both food groups were having a phi and Cramer's V value that less than 0.3, which indicated that the association between these food groups' consumption and AFM₁ level in urine was weak.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Food Contamination*; Humans; Malaysia; Male; Middle Aged; Biomarkers/urine; Chi-Square Distribution; Urinalysis/methods; Aflatoxin M1/adverse effects; Aflatoxin M1/urine*; Risk Assessment; Young Adult; Recommended Dietary Allowances
  3. Fulltext Use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in People With Dementia in Vietnam and Its Associated Factors
    Nguyen TA, Pham T, Vu HTT, Nguyen TX, Vu TT, Nguyen BTT, et al.
    Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen, 2018 Nov;33(7):423-432.
    PMID: 29642720 DOI: 10.1177/1533317518768999
    This study examined the use of potentially inappropriate medicines that may affect cognition (PIMcog) in people with dementia and its associated factors. Medical records of all outpatients with dementia attending a tertiary hospital in Vietnam between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016, were examined. Medicine use was assessed against a list of PIMcog. Variables associated with having a PIMcog were assessed using a multiple logistic regression. Of the 128 patients, 41% used a PIMcog, 39.1% used cholinesterase inhibitors (CEIs) concomitantly with anticholinergics, and 18% used antipsychotics. The number of hospital visits (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.16) and number of treating specialists (adjusted OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45-0.83) were associated with PIMcog use. This study highlights a high-level use of medicines that can further impair cognition or reduce the effectiveness of CEIs in people with dementia. Efforts to improve quality use of medicines for this population are warranted.
    MeSH terms: Potentially Inappropriate Medication List/standards*; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/administration & dosage*; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/adverse effects; Cognition/drug effects; Dementia/epidemiology*; Female; Humans; Male; Antipsychotic Agents/administration & dosage*; Antipsychotic Agents/adverse effects; Vietnam/epidemiology; Cholinergic Antagonists/administration & dosage*; Cholinergic Antagonists/adverse effects
  4. Fulltext Operational utility of the reverse-transcription recombinase polymerase amplification for detection of dengue virus
    Tan KK, Azizan NS, Yaacob CN, Che Mat Seri NAA, Samsudin NI, Teoh BT, et al.
    BMC Infect Dis, 2018 04 11;18(1):169.
    PMID: 29642856 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3065-1
    BACKGROUND: A method for rapid detection of dengue virus using the reverse-transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) was recently developed, evaluated and made ready for deployment. However, reliance solely on the evaluation performed by experienced researchers in a well-structured and well-equipped reference laboratory may overlook the potential intrinsic problems that may arise during deployment of the assay into new application sites, especially for users unfamiliar with the test. Appropriate assessment of this newly developed assay by users who are unfamiliar with the assay is, therefore, vital.

    METHODS: An operational utility test to elucidate the efficiency and effectiveness of the dengue RT-RPA assay was conducted among a group of researchers new to the assay. Nineteen volunteer researchers with different research experience were recruited. The participants performed the RT-RPA assay and interpreted the test results according to the protocol provided. Deviation from the protocol was identified and tabulated by trained facilitators. Post-test questionnaires were conducted to determine the user satisfaction and acceptability of the dengue RT-RPA assay.

    RESULTS: All the participants completed the test and successfully interpreted the results according to the provided instructions, regardless of their research experience. Of the 19 participants, three (15.8%) performed the assay with no deviations and 16 (84.2%) performed the assay with only 1 to 5 deviations. The number of deviations from protocol, however, was not correlated with the user laboratory experience. The accuracy of the results was also not affected by user laboratory experience. The concordance of the assay results against that of the expected was at 89.3%. The user satisfaction towards the RT-RPA protocol and interpretation of results was 90% and 100%, respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: The dengue RT-RPA assay can be successfully performed by simply following the provided written instructions. Deviations from the written protocols did not adversely affect the outcome of the assay. These suggest that the RT-RPA assay is indeed a simple, robust and efficient laboratory method for detection of dengue virus. Furthermore, high new user acceptance of the RT-RPA assay suggests that this assay could be successfully deployed into new laboratories where RT-RPA was not previously performed.

    MeSH terms: Dengue; Dengue Virus; Personal Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Research; Research Personnel; Volunteers; Recombinases; Reverse Transcription
  5. Fulltext Nipah Virus Infection
    Ang BSP, Lim TCC, Wang L
    J Clin Microbiol, 2018 06;56(6).
    PMID: 29643201 DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01875-17
    Nipah virus, a paramyxovirus related to Hendra virus, first emerged in Malaysia in 1998. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic infection to fatal encephalitis. Malaysia has had no more cases since 1999, but outbreaks continue to occur in Bangladesh and India. In the Malaysia-Singapore outbreak, transmission occurred primarily through contact with pigs, whereas in Bangladesh and India, it is associated with ingestion of contaminated date palm sap and human-to-human transmission. Bats are the main reservoir for this virus, which can cause disease in humans and animals. There are currently no effective therapeutics, and supportive care and prevention are the mainstays of management.
    MeSH terms: Abattoirs; Animals; Bangladesh/epidemiology; Chiroptera/virology; Disease Outbreaks; Disease Reservoirs/virology*; Encephalitis/epidemiology; Encephalitis/virology; Humans; India/epidemiology; Malaysia/epidemiology; Singapore/epidemiology; Swine/virology; Nipah Virus/genetics; Henipavirus Infections/history; Henipavirus Infections/epidemiology*; Henipavirus Infections/transmission*; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Phoeniceae/virology
  6. Posterior Layering of Fluorine-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose in the Urinary Bladder
    Khoo ACH
    Indian J Nucl Med, 2018 4 13;33(2):165-166.
    PMID: 29643684 DOI: 10.4103/ijnm.IJNM_148_17
    An 89-year-old man undergoing fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) study posttherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma was noted to have 18F-FDG posterior layering of the urinary bladder. This phenomenon of posterior layering of 18F-FDG in the urinary bladder during PET/CT studies is physiological, and it is important to recognize to avoid misinterpretation and unnecessary investigations. The hypotheses for the cause of this phenomenon are highlighted in these interesting images including the reversed phenomenon where there is anterior layering of 18F-FDG.
  7. Identification of Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 and Forkhead Box A1 As the Potential Bisphenol A Responsive Genes in the Neonatal Male Rat Brain
    Ubuka T, Moriya S, Soga T, Parhar I
    Front Endocrinol (Lausanne), 2018;9:139.
    PMID: 29643838 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00139
    Perinatal exposure of Bisphenol A (BPA) to rodents modifies their behavior in later life. To understand how BPA modifies their neurodevelopmental process, we first searched for BPA responsive genes from androgen and estrogen receptor signaling target genes by polymerase chain reaction array in the neonatal male rat brain. We used a transgenic strain of Wistar rats carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein tagged to gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) promoter to investigate the possible interaction of BPA responsive genes and GnIH neurons. We found upregulation of transmembrane protease serine 2 (Tmprss2), an androgen receptor signaling target gene, and downregulation of Forkhead box A1 (Foxa1), an ER signaling target gene, in the medial amygdala of male rats that were subcutaneously administered with BPA from day 1 to 3. Tmprss2-immunoreactive (ir) cells were distributed in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus in 3 days old but not in 1-month-old male rats. Density of Tmprss2-ir cells in the medial amygdala was increased by daily administration of BPA from day 1 to 3. Tmprss2 immunoreactivity was observed in 26.5% of GnIH neurons clustered from the ventral region of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus to the dorsal region of the arcuate nucleus of 3-day-old male rat hypothalamus. However, Tmprss2 mRNA expression significantly decreased in the amygdala and hypothalamus of 1-month-old male rats. Foxa1 mRNA expression was higher in the hypothalamus than the amygdala in 3 days old male rats. Intense Foxa1-ir cells were only found in the peduncular part of lateral hypothalamus of 3-day-old male rats. Density of Foxa1-ir cells in the hypothalamus was decreased by daily administration of BPA from day 1 to 3. Foxa1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus also significantly decreased at 1 month. These results suggest that BPA disturbs the neurodevelopmental process and behavior of rats later in their life by modifying Tmprss2 and Foxa1 expressions in the brain.
    MeSH terms: Amygdala; Animals; Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus; Benzhydryl Compounds; Female; Hypothalamic Area, Lateral; Hypothalamus; Infant, Newborn; Male; Olfactory Bulb; Phenols; Pregnancy; Receptors, Androgen; Rodentia; Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus; Down-Regulation; Up-Regulation; Rats, Wistar; Rats
  8. Fulltext Nutrients and Oxidative Stress: Friend or Foe?
    Tan BL, Norhaizan ME, Liew WP
    Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2018;2018:9719584.
    PMID: 29643982 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9719584
    There are different types of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress sources that trigger inflammation. Much information indicates that high intakes of macronutrients can promote oxidative stress and subsequently contribute to inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B- (NF-κB-) mediated cell signaling pathways. Dietary carbohydrates, animal-based proteins, and fats are important to highlight here because they may contribute to the long-term consequences of nutritionally mediated inflammation. Oxidative stress is a central player of metabolic ailments associated with high-carbohydrate and animal-based protein diets and excessive fat consumption. Obesity has become an epidemic and represents the major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms of nutritionally mediated oxidative stress are complex and poorly understood. Therefore, this review aimed to explore how dietary choices exacerbate or dampen the oxidative stress and inflammation. We also discussed the implications of oxidative stress in the adipocyte and glucose metabolism and obesity-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Taken together, a better understanding of the role of oxidative stress in obesity and the development of obesity-related NCDs would provide a useful approach. This is because oxidative stress can be mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors, hence providing a plausible means for the prevention of metabolic disorders.
    MeSH terms: Food*; Humans; Oxidative Stress/physiology*
  9. Abundance, Fishing Season and Management Strategy for Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) in Pangkajene Kepulauan, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
    Wiyono ES, Ihsan
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):1-15.
    PMID: 29644012 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.1
    In order to manage blue swimming crabs in Pangkajene Kepulauan, management measures are required. Since the environment which affects the abundance of the blue swimming crab varies seasonally, it is necessary to take into account the seasonal nature with the aim of developing a management strategy. The objectives of this study are to define the abundance of and fishing season of blue swimming crabs in the Pangkajene Kepulauan waters, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The fishing season was analysed using seasonal index analysis, while fish abundance was analysed by means of Equilibrium-Schaefer. The result of this study demonstrated that fishermen allocate their fishing gear all year, although the fish catch is seasonal. Based on analysis of the result, the fishing season for the blue swimming crabs is short. The peak fishing season starts in May and finishes in June. However, in order to enable their families to earn a living, fishermen operated their fishing gear throughout the year. As a result, both catch landing and effort were close to maximum sustainable yield (MSY). In order to reduce fishing pressure, it is necessary to reduce fishing gear and have a seasonal arrangement regarding fishing gear allocation.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Brachyura; Environment; Fisheries; Indonesia; Seasons; Swimming; Life
  10. Fulltext Effect of Functionalised and Non-Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes-Urea Fertilizer on the Growth of Paddy
    Yatim NM, Shaaban A, Dimin MF, Yusof F, Razak JA
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):17-35.
    PMID: 29644013 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.2
    The roles of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and functionalised multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWNTs) in enhancing the efficacy of urea fertilizer (UF) as plant nutrition for local MR219 paddy variety was investigated. The MWNTs and fMWNTs were grafted onto UF to produce UF-MWNTs fertilizer with three different conditions, coded as FMU1 (0.6 wt. % fMWNTs), FMU2 (0.1 wt. % fMWNTs) and MU (0.6 wt. % MWNTs. The batches of MR219 paddy were systematically grown in accordance to the general practice performed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). The procedure was conducted using a pot under exposure to natural light at three different fertilization times; after a certain number of days of sowing (DAS) at 14, 35 and 55 days. Interestingly, it was found that the crop growth of plants treated with FMU1 and FMU2 significantly increased by 22.6% and 38.5% compared to plants with MU addition. Also, paddy treated with FMU1 produced 21.4% higher number of panicles and 35% more grain yield than MU while paddy treated with FMU2 gave 28.6% more number of panicles and 36% higher grain yield than MU, which implies the advantage of fMWNTs over MWNTs to be combined with UF as plant nutrition. The chemical composition and morphology of UF-MWNTs fertilizers which is further characterised by FTiR and FESEM confirmed the successful and homogeneous grafting of UF onto the fMWNTs.
    MeSH terms: Academies and Institutes; Family Practice; Fertilizers; Urea; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Nanotubes, Carbon; General Practice
  11. Genome Organization of Escherichia Phage YD-2008.s: A New Entry to Siphoviridae Family
    Sellvam D, Lau NS, Arip YM
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):37-50.
    PMID: 29644014 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.3
    Malaysia is one of the countries that are loaded with mega biodiversity which includes microbial communities. Phages constitute the major component in the microbial communities and yet the numbers of discovered phages are just a minute fraction of its population in the biosphere. Taking into account of a huge numbers of waiting to be discovered phages, a new bacteriophage designated as Escherichia phage YD-2008.s was successfully isolated using Escherichia coli ATCC 11303 as the host. Phage YD-2008.s poses icosahedral head measured at 57nm in diameter with a long non-contractile flexible tail measured at 107nm; proving the phage as one of the members of Siphoviridae family under the order of Caudovirales. Genomic sequence analyses revealed phage YD-2008.s genome as linear dsDNA of 44,613 base pairs with 54.6% G+C content. Sixty-two open reading frames (ORFs) were identified on phage YD-2008.s full genome, using bioinformatics annotation software; Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (RAST). Among the ORFs, twenty-eight of them code for functional proteins. Thirty two are classified as hypothetical proteins and there are two unidentified proteins. Even though majority of the coded putative proteins have high amino acids similarities to phages from the genus Hk578likevirus of the Siphoviridae family, yet phage YD-2008.s stands with its' own distinctiveness. Therefore, this is another new finding to Siphoviridae family as well as to the growing list of viruses in International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) database.
    MeSH terms: Amino Acids; Bacteriophages; Base Composition; DNA; Escherichia coli; Malaysia; Software; Open Reading Frames; Sequence Analysis; Caudovirales; Siphoviridae; Computational Biology; Base Pairing; Genomics; Biodiversity
  12. Fulltext Diversity of Bats in Contrasting Habitats of Hulu Terengganu Dipterocarp Forest and Setiu Wetland BRIS Forest with a Note on Preliminary Study of Vertical Stratification of Pteropodid Bats
    Pounsin G, Wahab NS, Roslan A, Zahidin MA, Pesiu E, Tamrin NAM, et al.
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):51-69.
    PMID: 29644015 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.4
    A study of the bat diversity was conducted in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forest and Setiu Wetland Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) forest in Terengganu, to study the species diversity, composition and stratification of fruit bats from the understorey to the forest canopy. Mist nets were set up at the understorey, sub-canopy and canopy layer while harp traps were set up at the understorey layer. We recorded 170 individuals from six families' compromised 21 species from Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forests and four species from Setiu Wetland BRIS forests throughout the sampling period. Megaerops ecaudatus and Cynopterus brachyotis were the most dominant species in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forest and Setiu Wetland BRIS forests. Our study also recorded two species with new distributional records for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, namely, Rhinolophus chiewkweeae and Chaerephon johorensis in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forests. Potential factors that might influence the results were in terms of the canopy covers, the structural complexity of canopy, food availability and spatial characteristics. This study was able to increase the knowledge on the species diversity and composition of bats in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forest and Setiu Wetland BRIS forest, thus, further aid in the effort of bat conservation in both areas.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chiroptera; Malaysia; Trees; Wetlands; Forests
  13. Fulltext The Effect of Oxidative Stress Towards The Expression of Thiamine Biosynthesis Genes (THIC and THI1/THI4) in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis)
    Idris ZHC, Abidin AAZ, Subki A, Yusof ZNB
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):71-85.
    PMID: 29644016 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.5
    Thiamine is known to be an important compound in human diet and it is a cofactor required for vital metabolic processes such as acetyl-CoA biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, Krebs and Calvin cycle. Besides that, thiamine has been shown to be involved in plant protection against stress. In this study, the level of expression of THIC and THI1/THI4, the genes for the first two enzymes in the thiamine biosynthesis pathway were observed when oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) was subjected to oxidative stress. Primers were designed based on the consensus sequence of thiamine biosynthesis genes obtained from Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays, Oryza sativa, and Alnus glutinosa. Oxidative stress were induced with various concentrations of paraquat and samplings were done at various time points post-stress induction. The expression of THIC and THI1/THI4 genes were observed via RT-PCR and qPCR analysis. The expression of THIC was increased 2-fold, while THI1/THI4 gene transcript was increased 4-fold upon induction of oxidative stress. These findings showed that oil palm responded to oxidative stress by over-expressing the genes involved in thiamine biosynthesis. These findings support the suggestion that thiamine may play an important role in plant protection against stress.
    MeSH terms: Acetyl Coenzyme A; Amino Acids; Zea mays; Diet; Paraquat; Photosynthesis; Oryza; Thiamine; Consensus Sequence; Arabidopsis; DNA Primers; Oxidative Stress; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Alnus; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  14. Fulltext Morphological Characteristics and Habitats of Red Seaweed Gracilaria spp. (Gracilariaceae, Rhodophyta) in Santubong and Asajaya, Sarawak, Malaysia
    Othman MNA, Hassan R, Harith MN, Sah ASRM
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):87-101.
    PMID: 29644017 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.6
    Red seaweed Gracilaria, one of the largest genus in Division Rhodophyta inhabits Sarawak coastal water. This study was designed to identify the species of Gracilaria using morphological approach and to assess selected water quality parameters in Gracilaria habitats. Three field samplings were carried out in Santubong and Asajaya, Sarawak from November 2013 to December 2014. Overall, three species were identified namely Gracilaria changii, G. blodgettii and G. coronopifolia, attached to net of cage culture in Santubong and root of mangrove trees in Asajaya. In addition, three different taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrates (polychaete, small crab, bivalve) and single species of red seaweed (Acanthophora sp.) were observed in Gracilaria assemblages. An estimate of 37% to 40% of the upper part of the cage net in Santubong was covered by seaweeds and only 16% to 20% in Asajaya's mangrove. The study had provided better information on identification of Gracilaria and their habitat in Sarawak. Future work involving DNA barcoding of each species is in progress.
    MeSH terms: Rhodophyta; Animals; Brachyura; Malaysia; Seaweed; Trees; Ecosystem; Plant Roots; Gracilaria; Bivalvia; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; Water Quality
  15. Fulltext Low pH Water Impairs the Tactile Sense of the Postlarvae of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii
    Kawamura G, Bagarinao T, Yong ASK, Noor SN, Lim LS
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):103-112.
    PMID: 29644018 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.7
    The effect of low pH on the tactile sense of Macrobrachium rosenbergii postlarvae was determined in the laboratory by means of two behavioural assays: shelter (netting) occupancy and jumping response to touch stimuli (taps) by a glass micropipette. The postlarvae were acclimated to pH 4, pH 5, pH 6 and pH 7.5 (control) in 45 L aquaria 5-7 d before the experiments. Shelter occupancy decreased with pH and was significantly lower at pH 4 and pH 5 than at pH 6 and in the control. The jumping response instantly followed a tap 93-98% of the time in the control, pH 6 and pH 5 treatments. However, the postlarvae showed significantly lower jumping response (65%) at pH 4, indicating an impaired tactile sense. Low pH 4-5 probably degrades the chitin of the sensory setae and inhibits the surface mechanoreceptors of the prawn postlarvae.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Chitin; Laboratories; Mechanoreceptors; Touch; Therapeutic Touch; Palaemonidae; Sensilla
  16. Fulltext Effects of Incorporation of Jackfruit Rind Powder on Chemical and Functional Properties of Bread
    Felli R, Yang TA, Abdullah WNW, Zzaman W
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):113-126.
    PMID: 29644019 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.8
    Nowadays, there is a rising interest towards consuming health beneficial food products. Bread-as one of the most popular food products-could be improved to 'healthy bread' by addition of ingredients high in protein, dietary fiber and low in calorie. Incorporating Jackfruit rind powder (JRP) as a by-product rich in dietary fiber in bread, could not only provide health beneficial bread products, but also lead to develop an environmental friendly technology by solving the problem of waste disposal of residues. In this study, addition of jackfruit rind powder (JRP) as a high dietary fiber and functional ingredient in bread was examined. The results showed that incorporation of JRP in bread improved functional properties of flour such as Oil Holding Capacity (OHC), Water Holding Capacity (WHC) and pasting properties. Addition of 5%, 10% and 15% of JRP in wheat flour caused significantly (p < 0.05) higher insoluble, soluble and total dietary fiber in flour and bread products. Results from proximate composition indicated that all breads substituted with JRP, contained significantly (p < 0.05) higher fiber, moisture and fat. Obtained results confirmed that the JRP has great potential in development of functional foods especially functional bread products.
    MeSH terms: Bread; Dietary Fiber; Flour; Powders; Refuse Disposal; Water; Triticum; Foods, Specialized; Artocarpus; Functional Food
  17. Fulltext The Effects of Microalgae as Live Food for Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifer) in Intensive Culture System
    Rahman ARA, Cob ZC, Jamari Z, Mohamed AM, Toda T, Ross OH
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):127-138.
    PMID: 29644020 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.9
    Brachionus plicatilis is used to feed fish and crustacean larvae in the aquaculture industry. It is well established that the type of microalgae may influence rotifer production. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of five different locally available microalgae species at Fisheries Research Institute (FRI), Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kedah, Malaysia on the instantaneous growth rate (μ) of rotifer. Nannochloris sp., Tetraselmis sp., Isochrysis sp., Chlorella sp., and Nannochloropsis sp. were used as feed at different algae densities (0.1, 0.3, 0.7 and 1.5 × 106 cells/ml) and culture volumes (20, 70 and 210 ml). At algae densities ranging from 0.3 to 1.5 × 106 cells/ml, an average μ value of more than 0.90 per day were recorded for all algae species. However, at density of 0.1 × 106 cells/ml, only Tetraselmis sp. resulted in the significantly highest μ value compared with others (p < 0.05). In terms of volume, smaller culture volume of Tetraselmis sp. (20 ml) showed significantly higher μ compared with higher volume (70 and 210 ml cultures).
    MeSH terms: Academies and Institutes; Animals; Chlorella; Crustacea; Fisheries; Larva; Malaysia; Rotifera; Aquaculture; Microalgae; Haptophyta
  18. The Distribution and Population Density of Bornean Tarsier, "Tarsius Bancanus Borneanus (Elliot)" in Secondary and Rehabilitated Forests of Universiti Putra Malaysia, Bintulu Sarawak Campus, Sarawak, Malaysia
    Sahimi HNM, Chubo JK, Top Mohd Tah MM, Saripuddin NB, Ab Rahim SS
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):139-154.
    PMID: 29644021 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.10
    Tarsius bancanus borneanus was first reported by Elliot in 1990 which an endemic species that can be found on the Island of Borneo consisting of Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan, Indonesia. This sub-species has been listed as a totally protected animal under the Sarawak Wild Life Protection Ordinance (1998) and vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The present study was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB), Sarawak from October 2014 till March 2015. Through mark and recapture sampling covering an area of 37 ha of secondary forest patches and 7.13 ha of rehabilitated forest, a total of 16 tarsiers were captured using mist nets while one tarsier was recapture. The population density was 38 individuals/km2 was captured using mist nets in the secondary forest while 28 individuals/km2 was recorded for the rehabilitated forest. Using the catch per unit effort (net hour) method, the average time for capturing tarsiers in the secondary forest patches was 26.6 net hour per animal and 30.0 net hour per animal in the rehabilitated forest. The presented results provides information on the presence of tarsiers in both the secondary and rehabilitated forests of UPMKB, Sarawak, Malaysia which underlines the conservation value of these forested areas.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Animals, Wild; Borneo; Brunei; Indonesia; Malaysia; Population Density; Tarsiidae; Islands; Forests
  19. Fulltext Assessing Nesting Status of Green Turtles, Chelonia Mydas in Perak, Malaysia
    Salleh SM, Sah SAM, Chowdhury AJK
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):155-171.
    PMID: 29644022 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.11
    The nesting of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) was monitored from 1998 untill 2013 along the beaches of Pasir Panjang, Segari, Perak. The objective of the study is to assess the nesting status of green turtles in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia in terms of total nests, eggs, survival hatchings, and density of visitors. A total number of green turtle nests found for 16 years were 1,019 nests and varied from 10 to 220 nests per year. Meanwhile, the sum of eggs collected for 16 years were 107,820 eggs, and varied from 553 to 20,881 eggs per year. The temporal pattern of nesting indicates year-round nesting in Perak in most years within the 16 years period. The peak season of nesting was estimated to occur between May and June. Survival hatchlings varied from 23.33% (2,071 hatchlings) to 55.03% (5,018 hatchlings) from 1998 to 2013. The density of visitors was not uniformly distributed among the years, and shows a sign of decline especially from 2006 onwards. This publication provides basic knowledge of green turtle nesting population in Perak, and would be helpful in upgrading the conservation program in Malaysia. In future, we hope 1) for an increase in manpower to obtain accurate nesting records along the nesting beaches during nocturnal survey and, 2) to include the breeding biology data such as nest placement, emergence hour, and morphological characteristics of green turtle.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Breeding; Eggs; Malaysia; Publications; Publishing; Surveys and Questionnaires; Seasons; Turtles
  20. Use of Pleurotus eous Strain P-31 Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) as Soil Conditioner on the Growth and Yield Performance of Capsicum annuum L. and Solanum lycopersicon L. Seedlings under Greenhouse Conditions in Ghana
    Wiafe-Kwagyan M, Odamtten GT
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2018 Mar;29(1):173-194.
    PMID: 29644023 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2018.29.1.12
    The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of spent mushroom compost of Pleurotus eous strain P-31 on the growth and yield performance of pepper and tomato seedlings under greenhouse conditions. Sandy loam soil was combined with different percentages of SMC to obtain the following combinations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30) %. Lower concentrations SMC5, SMC10 and SMC15 promoted vegetative growth (plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, number of leaves and axillary branches) of the two test plants. Tomato seedlings grown in SMC10 recorded the highest plant height (50.3 ± 7.2cm); leaf area (378.8 ± 1.2cm2); number of floral buds (51) and flowers (28) whereas SMC5 recorded the highest chlorophyll content 34.1 ± 0.9CCI though SMC15 recorded the highest number of leaves (8). Tomato seedlings grown in SMC30 produced both the maximum number of fruits (8) with corresponding high weight (34.2 ± 7.7g). Pepper seedlings grown in lower concentrations (SMC5-15) recorded the highest plant heights (29.8-30.8cm), chlorophyll content (20.3CCI) and leaf area (53.5-66.2 cm2). Although the different combinations of sandy loam soil and SMC did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) affect the number of axillary branches developed; different combinations significantly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the number of floral bud, flower and fruit, weight of fruits formed and value of each of these increased with increasing percentage of SMC. Pepper seedlings grown on SMC30 recorded the maximum number of floral buds (32.0 ± 3.6), number of flowers (19.4 ± 1.3), number of fruits (10.8 ± 1.2) and weight of fruits (31.9 ± 3.4g). Tomato seedlings raised on SMC100 (spent mushroom compost only) and soil only did not significantly (p ≥ 0.05) differ from each other however, was statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) from amended sandy loam soil by all criteria investigated. The study shows that SMC provide favourable soil conditioners for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and foliage crops as it improved growth and yield of tomato and pepper seedlings.
    MeSH terms: Agaricales; Chlorophyll; Fruit; Soil; Vegetables; Plant Leaves; Lycopersicon esculentum; Crops, Agricultural; Pleurotus; Piper nigrum; Flowers; Seedlings
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