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  1. L L
    Zootaxa, 2024 Feb 23;5415(4):593-597.
    PMID: 38480178 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5415.4.9
    A new species, Oxytelus acriculiclypeatus sp. nov., is described from Malaysia (Borneo: Sabah). The species is similar to O. megaceros Fauvel, 1895, but can be separated based on four male features: a more pointed tip on the anterior margin of the clypeus, a wider central plate on the posterior margin of sternite VIII with a carina that spans the entire width of the posterior margin of medial plate, two sharper and thinner projections on the apical orifice, and the apico-medial hook with a smaller apical tip but without the connecting scape. As a result, a total of 31 confirmed species have been recorded in Southeast Asia hitherto.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  2. Hussin A, Nathan S, Shahidan MA, Nor Rahim MY, Zainun MY, Khairuddin NAN, et al.
    Mol Genet Genomics, 2024 Feb 21;299(1):12.
    PMID: 38381232 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-024-02105-w
    The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is typically resistant to gentamicin but rare susceptible strains have been isolated in certain regions, such as Thailand and Sarawak, Malaysia. Recently, several amino acid substitutions have been reported in the amrB gene (a subunit of the amrAB-oprA efflux pump gene) that confer gentamicin susceptibility. However, information regarding the mechanism of the substitutions conferring the susceptibility is lacking. To understand the mechanism of amino acid substitution that confers susceptibility, this study identifies the corresponding mutations in clinical gentamicin-susceptible B. pseudomallei isolates from the Malaysian Borneo (n = 46; Sarawak: 5; Sabah: 41). Three phenotypically confirmed gentamicin-susceptible (GENs) strains from Sarawak, Malaysia, were screened for mutations in the amrB gene using gene sequences of gentamicin-resistant (GENr) strains (QEH 56, QEH 57, QEH20, and QEH26) and publicly available sequences (AF072887.1 and BX571965.1) as the comparator. The effect of missense mutations on the stability of the AmrB protein was determined by calculating the average energy change value (ΔΔG). Mutagenesis analysis identified a polymorphism-associated mutation, g.1056 T > G, a possible susceptible-associated in-frame deletion, Delta V412, and a previously confirmed susceptible-associated amino acid substitution, T368R, in each of the three GENs isolates. The contribution of Delta V412 needs further confirmation by experimental mutagenesis analysis. The mechanism by which T368R confers susceptibility, as elucidated by in silico mutagenesis analysis using AmrB-modeled protein structures, is proposed to be due to the location of T368R in a highly conserved region, rather than destabilization of the AmrB protein structure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  3. Meijaard E, Erman A, Ancrenaz M, Goossens B
    Science, 2024 Jan 19;383(6680):267.
    PMID: 38236988 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn3857
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo/epidemiology
  4. Tan MK, Japir R, Chung AYC
    Zootaxa, 2024 Jan 04;5397(2):264-272.
    PMID: 38221205 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.7
    Only one species of Pendleburyella Chopard, 1969 (Gryllidae, Pentacentrinae) was previously known to occur in Borneo: Pendleburyella eirmosa Tan, Muhammad & Wahab, 2023 from Brunei Darussalam. Here, two additional new species of crickets from the genus Pendleburyella are described from the highlands of Sabah, Borneo: Pendleburyella eremita sp. nov. from Bukit Hampuan and Pendleburyella nimba sp. nov. from Mount Trus Madi. In total, six species of Pendleburyella are currently known, three from Borneo and three from Malay Peninsula. It is likely that many more species are awaiting discovery owing to its cryptic morphology and elusive nature.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  5. Jiee SF, Joo LK, Eng PN, Simon Sumeh A, Jantim A, Shanmuganathan S, et al.
    J Prim Care Community Health, 2024;15:21501319241233178.
    PMID: 38420774 DOI: 10.1177/21501319241233178
    BACKGROUND: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a potentially life-threatening condition that causes long-standing public health concerns. Echocardiography is a reliable diagnostic and screening technique for many cardiovascular conditions, including RHD. It is commonly used in tertiary care facilities worldwide but less so in the community setting. The primary aim of this study was to introduce and elaborate on the echocardiographic screening for RHD that was implemented by a Malaysian primary care clinic in Penampang district, Sabah. We also set out to present the uptake of the service in its initial years of establishment, as well as the challenges faced.

    METHODS: In the first part of this study, document reviews were conducted to compile relevant information about the conceptualization and implementation of this service. Following that, we also obtained secondary data on the echocardiographic screening service from its first implementation in April 2020 until May 2021 to examine the uptake and the patient profile.

    RESULTS: From April 2020 to May 2021, a total of 189 echocardiographic screening was conducted by primary care doctors using handheld ultrasound. Of the 189 children screened, 19 (10.1%) were found to have cardiac anomalies and were referred for a formal echocardiogram. Upon follow-up, 8 were detected with mild mitral regurgitation and referred to the nearest tertiary hospital for further management.

    CONCLUSION: Based on our review, the echocardiographic screening for RHD among children conducted by the Penampang Health Clinic was deemed successful. Echocardiogram service provided by primary care centers located in suburban and rural areas is highly beneficial for patients with poor access to specialized health care services because they stay far away from tertiary care facilities. Tapping into family medicine physicians located closer to communities to conduct echocardiographic screening and review the results can improve the detection of cardiac anomalies requiring further investigation. With the success of this project, echocardiographic services in the primary healthcare setting can be expanded by garnering the necessary collaborative efforts and consistent support from various stakeholders.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  6. Hamsah E, Robinson F, Hayati F, Arsat N, Kaur N, Sriram RK, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Dec;78(7):876-882.
    PMID: 38159921
    INTRODUCTION: The fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide is colorectal cancer (CRC). Numerous reasons have contributed to the massive rise in CRC cases, for which Asian nations differ significantly in terms of risk incidence rates. The objectives of this study were to, first, identify the socio-demographic characteristics of those of North Borneo ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) and, second, determine the association of these factors with CRC. This research will contribute to preventing this form of cancer.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is an analysis of a matched case-control study with a ratio of 1:2. The case group contained 206 respondents, and the control group contained 412. All CRC cases were confirmed with the histological results. The control group was matched for links between age, sex and ethnicity with CRC. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics (SPSS) IBM version 28.0 was used to conduct descriptive analysis using chi-squared testing and simple logistic regression. The statistical significance was P < 0.05.

    RESULT: Overall, 618 respondents took part in this survey, of which 256 (41.4%) were female and 362 (58.6%) were male. The maximum age was 76, with a mean age ± SD of 53.17 ± 11.4. Those of Bajau ethnicity comprised 24.6% (152) of the population, followed by Dusun with 22.8% (141), Kadazan with 17.6% (109%), other North Borneo ethnic groups with 15.5% (96), Bugis with 9.7% (60), Brunei with 4.4% (27) and other predominant races with 5.3% (33). Regression analyses revealed that the incidence of CRC in North Borneo, Malaysia, was substantially correlated with income, occupation, other linked diseases and BMI.

    CONCLUSION: Various risk factors are linked to CRC, based on the findings related to socio-demographic characteristics and BMI. Therefore, to lower the nationwide prevalence of CRC, national public health campaigns should include collaboration with the regional authorities to highlight the incidence and risk factors of CRC based on ethnicity.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  7. Naserrudin NA, Lin PYP, Monroe A, Baumann SE, Adhikari B, Miller AC, et al.
    Malar J, 2023 Nov 09;22(1):343.
    PMID: 37946259 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04750-9
    BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria poses a significant challenge to efforts to eliminate malaria from Malaysia. Macaque reservoirs, outdoors-biting mosquitoes, human activities, and agricultural work are key factors associated with the transmission of this zoonotic pathogen. However, gaps in knowledge regarding reasons that drive malaria persistence in rural Kudat, Sabah, Northern Borneo remain. This study was conducted to address this knowledge gap, to better understand the complexities of these entangled problems, and to initiate discussion regarding new countermeasures to address them. This study aims to highlight rural community members' perspectives regarding inequities to health relating to P. knowlesi malaria exposure.

    METHODS: From January to October 2022, a study using qualitative methods was conducted in four rural villages in Kudat district of Sabah, Malaysia. A total of nine in-depth interviews were conducted with community and faith leaders, after the completion of twelve focus group discussions with 26 photovoice participants. The interviews were conducted using the Sabah Malay dialect, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. The research team led the discussion and analysis, which was approved by participants through member checking at the community level.

    RESULTS: Participants identified disparity in health as a key issue affecting their health and livelihoods. Injustice in the social environment was also identified as a significant challenge, including the importance of listening to the voices of affected communities in disentangling the social and economic phenomena that can impact malaria control. Specific concerns included inadequate access to health-related resources and degradation of the environment. Participants recommended improving access to water and other necessities, increasing the availability of malaria control commodities in healthcare facilities, and developing sustainable programs to reduce socioeconomic disparities.

    CONCLUSION: Inequities to health emerged as a key concern for malaria control in rural Kudat, Sabah. A locally targeted malaria programme cantered on improving the social and economic disparities associated with health outcomes, could be a potential strategy for malaria prevention in such areas. Community-level perspectives gathered from this study can be used as a foundation for future discussions and dialogues among policymakers and community members for achieving greater transparency, improving social equity, and interoperability in addressing P. knowlesi malaria control.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  8. Habeebur-Rahman SP, Noni V, Khan FAA, Tan CS
    Vet Med Sci, 2023 Nov;9(6):2634-2641.
    PMID: 37658663 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1251
    BACKGROUND: Sarawak has one of the highest diversity of fruit bats species (family Pteropodidae) in Malaysia, with 19 species described. Most coronavirus (CoV) studies have mainly focused on insectivorous bats, resulting in a lack of information on CoVs present in frugivorous bats. In addition, bat CoV surveillance activities are lacking in Malaysia.

    OBJECTIVES: Our study focuses on determining the presence of bat CoVs in dusky fruit bat (Penthetor lucasi).

    METHODS: Guano samples belonging to P. lucasi were collected from Wind Cave Nature Reserve. The samples were screened for the presence of CoVs using validated hemi-nested consensus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase consensus primers.

    RESULTS: The bat CoV positivity rate was 38.5% (n = 15/39), with the viruses belonging to two subgenera: Alphacoronavirus (α-CoV) and Betacoronavirus (β-CoV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CoVs from 14 samples of P. lucasi belong to the genus α-CoV and may represent previously described genetic lineages in insectivorous bats in Wind Cave. However, only one sample of P. lucasi was detected with β-CoV which is closely related to subgenus Nobecovirus, which is commonly seen in frugivorous bats.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first available data on CoVs circulating in P. lucasi.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  9. Byrne I, William T, Chua TH, Patterson C, Hall T, Tan M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2023 Aug 10;13(1):12998.
    PMID: 37563178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39670-w
    Malaysia has reported no indigenous cases of P. falciparum and P. vivax for over 3 years. When transmission reaches such low levels, it is important to understand the individuals and locations where exposure risks are high, as they may be at greater risk in the case of a resurgence of transmission. Serology is a useful tool in low transmission settings, providing insight into exposure over longer durations than PCR or RDT. We ran blood samples from a 2015 population-based survey in northern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo on a multiplex bead assay. Using supervised machine learning methods, we characterised recent and historic exposure to Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax and found recent exposure to P. falciparum to be very low, with exposure to both species increasing with age. We performed a risk-factor assessment on environmental, behavioural, demographic and household factors, and identified forest activity and longer travel times to healthcare as common risk-factors for exposure to P. falciparum and P. vivax. In addition, we used remote-sensing derived data and geostatistical models to assess environmental and spatial associations with exposure. We created predictive maps of exposure to recent P. falciparum in the study area and showed 3 clear foci of exposure. This study provides useful insight into the environmental, spatial and demographic risk factors for P. falciparum and P. vivax at a period of low transmission in Malaysian Borneo. The findings would be valuable in the case of resurgence of human malarias in the region.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  10. Gantayat RR, Mohan Viswanathan P, Ramasamy N, Sabarathinam C
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Aug;30(40):92692-92719.
    PMID: 37495801 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28596-5
    A comprehensive geochemical study was conducted in the Sibuti River estuary by considering water, suspended solids (SS), and sediment samples from 36 stations during southwest monsoon (SWM) and northeast monsoon (NEM). In this study, the distribution of in situ parameters, major ions, nutrients, trace metals, and isotopes (δD, δ18O) were analyzed in water samples, whereas sediments and SS were studied for trace metals. The distribution revealed that suspended solids were the major carrier of Cd, Zn, and Mn, whereas sediments worked as a major source of Co, Cr, Ba, Se, Cu, and Pb. Na-Cl water type and ion exchange dominated the lower part of the estuary during both seasons. However, the mixed mechanism of Ca-Cl, Ca-Mg-Cl, and higher weathering indicated reverse ion exchange in the intermediate and upper parts of the estuary. Isotopic signatures of δD and δ18O in estuarine water indicate that the precipitation over the Limbang area dominates during SWM, whereas higher evaporation was confirmed during NEM. The factor analysis revealed that seawater influence in the estuary majority controlled the water chemistry irrespective of seasons. Major ions were mainly regulated by the tidal influence during the low flow time of the river (SWM), whereas the mixing mechanism of weathering and seawater controlled the concentrations during NEM. Nutrients such as NO3, SO42-, NH3, and NH4+ mainly originated from the agricultural fields and nitrification along with ammonification were responsible for the recycling of such nutrients. Trace metals except Cd were found to be geogenic in nature and originating mainly from the oxidation of pyrites present in the sandstone and mudstones of the Sibuti Formation. Redox condition was catalyzed by microorganisms near the river mouth, whereas Al-oxyhydroxides and Fe-oxyhydroxides complexes in the intermediate and upper part under oxygenated conditions controlled the absorption of metals. Overall, the estuary was found to be absorptive in nature due to ideal pH conditions and was confirmed by the saturation index (SI) of minerals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  11. Wiart C, Shorna AA, Rahmatullah M, Nissapatorn V, Seelan JSS, Rahman H, et al.
    Molecules, 2023 Jul 28;28(15).
    PMID: 37570687 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155717
    Scorodocarpus borneensis (Baill.) Becc. is attracting increased attention as a potential commercial medicinal plant product in Southeast Asia. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the taxonomy, habitat, distribution, medicinal uses, natural products, pharmacology, toxicology, and potential utilization of S. borneesis in the pharmaceutical/nutraceutical/functional cosmetic industries. All data in this review were compiled from Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, ChemSpider, PubChem, and a library search from 1866 to 2022. A total of 33 natural products have been identified, of which 11 were organosulfur compounds. The main organosulfur compound in the seeds is bis-(methylthiomethyl)disulfide, which inhibited the growth of a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, T-lymphoblastic leukemia cells, as well as platelet aggregation. Organic extracts evoked anti-microbial, cytotoxic, anti-free radical, and termiticidal effects. S. borneensis and its natural products have important and potentially patentable pharmacological properties. In particular, the seeds have the potential to be used as a source of food preservatives, antiseptics, or termiticides. However, there is a need to establish acute and chronic toxicity, to examine in vivo pharmacological effects and to perform clinical studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  12. Storozhenko SY
    Zootaxa, 2023 Jul 06;5315(1):59-70.
    PMID: 37518620 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5315.1.3
    A new monotypic genus Trusmaditetrix gen. nov. (type species: Trusmaditetrix complanata sp. nov.) is described from Malaysia. New tribe Trusmaditetrigini trib. nov. is established for six genera of Cladonotinae (Trusmaditetrix gen. nov., Devriesetettix Tumbrinck, Eurymorphopus Hancock, Ichikawatettix Tumbrinck, Planotettix Tumbrinck, and Tepperotettix Rehn). A key to genera and an annotated list of the genera and species of the new tribe are also provided. The species Eurymorphopus dubius Günther, 1974 from Mauritius is placed in the genus Morphopoides Rehn, 1930 and a new combination is proposed: M. dubius (Günther, 1974), comb. nov.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  13. Nagarajan R, Eswaramoorthi SG, Anandkumar A, Ramkumar M
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2023 Jul;192:115090.
    PMID: 37263028 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115090
    Miri River is a tropical river in Borneo that drains on flat terrain and urbanised area and debauches into the South China Sea. This paper documents the environmental status of this river, and provides an insight into the provenance using bulk chemistry of the sediments, and brings out the geochemical mobility, bioavailability, and potential toxicity of some critical elements based on BCR sequential extraction. The sediments are intense to moderately weathered and recycled products of Neogene sedimentary rocks. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the river favoured an upstream section dominated by fine sand, while the downstream sediments are medium silt. Based on the bulk geochemistry, the Miri River sediments are moderate to considerably contaminated by Cu, Mo, and As in the upstream and by Sb, As and Cu in the downstream. The potential ecological risk values are low except Cu and a significant biological impact is expected in downstream due to Cu, As, Zn and Cr. The mobility, bioavailability and Risk Assessment Code values for Zn and Mn are higher and thus may pose moderate to very high risk to aquatic organisms. Though a high bulk concentration of Cu is observed, the association of Cu with the bioavailable fraction is low.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  14. Naserrudin NA, Yong PPL, Monroe A, Culleton R, Baumann SE, Sato S, et al.
    Malar J, 2023 May 26;22(1):166.
    PMID: 37237418 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04603-5
    BACKGROUND: Many rural communities in Malaysian Borneo and Southeast Asia are at risk of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria. Multiple factors contribute to infection, however, a deep understanding of illness causation and prevention practices among at-risk communities remains limited. This study aims to document local knowledge on malaria causation and preventive practices of rural communities in Sabah, Malaysia, using photovoice-a participatory research method.

    METHODS: From January to June 2022, a photovoice study was conducted with rural communities in Matunggong subdistrict, Malaysia, to explore their experiences with and local knowledge of non-human primate malaria and prevention practices. The study included (1) an introductory phase in which participants were introduced to the photovoice method; (2) a documentation phase in which participants captured and narrated photos from their communities; (3) a discussion phase in which participants discussed photos and relevant topics through a series of three focus group discussions (FGDs) per village; and (4) a dissemination phase where selected photos were shared with key stakeholders through a photo exhibition. A purposively selected sample of 26 participants (adults > 18 years old, male, and female) from four villages participated in all phases of the study. The study activities were conducted in Sabah Malay dialect. Participants and the research team contributed to data review and analyses.

    RESULTS: Rural communities in Sabah, Malaysia possess local knowledge that attributes non-human primate malaria to natural factors related to the presence of mosquitoes that bite humans and which carry "kuman-malaria" or malaria parasite. Participants revealed various preventive practises ranging from traditional practises, including burning dried leaves and using plants that produce foul odours, to non-traditional approaches such as aerosols and mosquito repellents. By engaging with researchers and policymakers, the participants or termed as co-researchers in this study, showcased their ability to learn and appreciate new knowledge and perspectives and valued the opportunity to share their voices with policymakers. The study successfully fostered a balance of power dynamics between the co-researchers, research team members and policymakers.

    CONCLUSION: There were no misconceptions about malaria causation among study participants. The insights from study participants are relevant because of their living experience with the non-human malaria. It is critical to incorporate rural community perspectives in designing locally effective and feasible malaria interventions in rural Sabah, Malaysia. Future research can consider adapting the photovoice methodology for further research with the community toward building locally tailored-malaria strategies.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  15. Kolibáč J
    Zootaxa, 2023 Apr 27;5271(3):569-578.
    PMID: 37518109 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5271.3.9
    Cyrtinoclerus sabahensis sp. nov. of the less diverse cleroid family Thanerocleridae is described from Borneo. The unique specimen was found in the Malaysian state of Sabah and represents the first collecting record of the genus in one hundred years. The new species is assigned to the hitherto monotypic genus Cyrtinoclerus Chapin, 1924, whose single species is known from a single specimen from Basilan, Philippines, with no subsequently collected specimens known to date. Cyrtinoclerus is distinct in its unique synapomorphies, namely the tarsi with formula 5-5-5 but tarsomeres 4 reduced in size, elytron depressed in basal third with distinct bulge, and seriate punctation of elytra. The genus is re-examined and again classified within Thanerocleridae. A systematic status of Cyrtinoclerus and its relative Meprinogenus Kolibáč, 1992, also known only from two just one-hundred-year-old specimens, is discussed and possible synonymy of the latter genus suggested. The family Thanerocleridae now comprises 38 extant species in eleven genera and four extinct Cretaceous genera and species found in Burmese and Charentese ambers. A phylogenetic analysis of all fifteen extinct and extant genera of Thanerocleridae based on 36 morphological characters is presented and updated key to the tribe Thaneroclerini provided.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  16. Noni V, Tan CS
    BMC Vet Res, 2023 Apr 20;19(1):66.
    PMID: 37081458 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03619-y
    BACKGROUND: Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon are three mainly studied blood parasites known to cause malarial and pseudomalarial infections in avian worldwide. Although Sarawak is a biodiversity hotspot, molecular data on blood parasite diversity in birds are absent. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of blood parasite in Asian Glossy Starlings (AGS), an urban bird with high population density in Sarawak and to elucidate the phylogenetic relationship with other blood parasite.

    METHODS: Twenty-nine carcasses of juvenile AGS that were succumbed to death due to window collision were collected around the vicinity of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. Nested-multiplex and nested PCR targeting the Cytochrome B gene were used to detect Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon respectively. Two primer sets were used for Haemoproteus detection to increase detection sensitivity, with one being a genus-specific primer.

    RESULTS: Fourteen samples (prevalence rate: 48.28%) were found positive for avian Plasmodium. Phylogenetic analysis divided our sequences into five lineages, pFANTAIL01, pCOLL4, pACCBAD01, pALPSIS01 and pALPSIS02, with two lineages being novel. No Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon was found in this study. However, Haemoproteus-specific primer used amplified our Plasmodium samples, making the primer non-specific to Haemoproteus only.

    CONCLUSION: This is the first blood parasite detection study on AGS using carcasses and blood clot as sample source in Sarawak. Due to the scarcity of longer sequences from regions with high genetic plasticity, usage of genus-specific primers should be validated with sequencing to ensure correct prevalence interpretation.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  17. Suresh Raj PR, Mohan Viswanathan P
    Chemosphere, 2023 Mar;316:137838.
    PMID: 36642142 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137838
    In this study, estuarine water samples were collected at diverse hot spots in Miri River Estuary, East Malaysia to appraise the geochemical processes, which controls the river water quality. The collected water samples were analysed for various physicochemical parameters (insitu parameters, nutrients, major ions and trace metals), including stable isotopes (oxygen and hydrogen). Suspended solids are also extracted from the water samples and analysed for trace metals. Standard graphs, Piper plot, Gibbs diagram, water quality indices, geochemical modelling and statistical analysis were used for the data analysis. The acquired water quality data was compared with national and international guidelines for the suitability of water for various purposes. Interpretation of data reveals that the estuarine water quality is deemed unsuitable to be used for both drinking and irrigation purposes. Overall, the elemental concentrations are increasing from downstream to river mouth. Based on pollution indices (HEI and Cd), downstream region shows high vulnerability to metal pollution due to anthropogenic disturbance. Isotope values of river water indicate direct atmospheric precipitation with minimal evaporation. Factor analysis reveals that seawater influx, urban pollution, domestic and agricultural discharges at the downstream region are the main controlling factors to the river water quality. It is also deduced that suspended solids play a vital role in the adsorption and desorption of trace metals in the estuarine water. The outcome of this study provides a comprehensive information on pollution status of Miri estuary, which helps the policy makers to practice sustainable management of this water resource for Miri community.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  18. Lau ACC, Mohamed WMA, Nakao R, Onuma M, Qiu Y, Nakajima N, et al.
    Microb Genom, 2023 Feb;9(2).
    PMID: 36757789 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000954
    Tick-borne diseases have recently been considered a potential emerging public health threat in Malaysia; however, fundamental studies into tick-borne pathogens and microbiome appear limited. In this study, six tick species (Ixodes granulatus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Haemaphysalis shimoga, Dermacentor compactus, Dermacentor steini and Dermacentor atrosignatus) collected from two primary forests and an oil palm plantation in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, were used for microbiome analysis targeting bacterial 16S rDNA using next-generation sequencing (NGS). In addition, bacterial species were further characterized in conventional PCRs to identify potential pathogens. Sequences generated from NGS were first filtered with the Decontam package in R before subsequent microbial diversity analyses. Alpha and beta analyses revealed that the genus Dermacentor had the highest microbial diversity, and H. shimoga significantly differed in microbial composition from other tick species. Alpha and beta diversities were also significantly different between developmental stages of H. shimoga. Furthermore, we observed that some bacterial groups were significantly more abundant in certain tick species and developmental stages of H. shimoga. We tested the relative abundances using pairwise linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe), which also revealed significant microbial composition differences between Borrelia-positive and Borrelia-negative I. granulatus ticks. Finally, pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria circulating in different tick species, such as Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, Ehrlichia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Bartonella spp. were characterized by PCR and sequencing. Moreover, Coxiella and Francisella-like potential symbionts were identified from H. shimoga and D. steini, respectively. More studies are required to unravel the factors associated with the variations observed in this study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  19. Sundara Rajoo K, Lepun P, Alan R, Singh Karam D, Abdu A, Rosli Z, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2023 Jan 30;301:115780.
    PMID: 36202163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115780
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sarawak is located in one of the world's most biodiverse regions and is home to more than 40 sub-ethnic groups that each have their own distinct culture, language and lifestyle. This has given rise to numerous, unique ethnobotanical systems. However, due to rapid urbanization, this traditional knowledge is at a risk of extinction. Yet, ethnobotanical studies in Sarawak are almost non-existent, especially among Orang Ulu communities like the Kenyah.

    AIM OF STUDY: Therefore, this study was conducted to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Kenyah community. The main objectives of this study are: 1) To determine and document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Kenyah community, 2) To determine whether the availability of modern medicine has affected Kenyah traditional medicine, and 3) To identify plants which have not been previously cited or used for previously unreported medical uses.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted repeated interviews and field surveys at the Asap-Koyan Resettlement Area, Belaga Sarawak. A total of 24 respondents from four Kenyah longhouses were interviewed in this study. Individuals possessing extensive traditional medicinal knowledge were identified via preliminary interviews or by viva voce. Translators were employed to ensure that there was no miscommunication. The results were evaluated based on the plant's total use-reports and number of respondents citing the plant. The data was also evaluated based on use-reports by ailment category.

    RESULTS: Over 95% of the respondents were 40 years and older (58.21 years old ± 11.21). This was due to the younger members of the community (40 years old and below) admitting that they had almost no knowledge regarding traditional medicine, as they preferred relying on modern medicine. A total of 61 plant species were mentioned by the 24 respondents Seven plants had five or more respondents citing it, which was more than 20% of the respondents. These plants were Piper betle, Homalomena cordata, Senna alata, Annona muricata, Derris elliptica, Blumea balsamifera and Coscinium fenestratum.

    CONCLUSION: Almost all of the cited plants had been previously recorded to be used in either Ayurvedic, Chinese herbal medicine, Malay traditional medicine or other Asian ethnomedicinal systems. However, there were four highly cited species that were used for treatments that were scarcely reported in past literature. These were piper betle (used by Kenyah to treat fever), Sauropus andrognus (used by Kenyah to treat fever), Derris elliptica (used by Kenyah to treat fever and influenza) and Coscinuim fenestratum (used by Kenyah to treat toxic effects from non-medical substances).

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
  20. Chang CY
    J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad, 2023;35(2):348-350.
    PMID: 37422837 DOI: 10.55519/JAMC-02-11390
    BACKGROUND: Splenic abscess is an uncommon condition, with autopsy studies estimating an incidence rate of 0.14-0.70%. Causative organisms can be extremely diverse. Burkholderia pseudomallei is the most common cause of splenic abscess in melioidosis-endemic areas.

    METHODS: We reviewed 39 cases of splenic abscesses in a district hospital in Kapit, Sarawak, from January 2017 to December 2018. The demographics, clinical characteristics, underlying diseases, causative organisms, therapeutic methods, and mortality rates were investigated.

    RESULTS: There were 21 males and 18 females (mean age, 33.7±2.7 years). Almost all patients (97.4%) had a history of pyrexia. Diabetes mellitus was present in 8 patients (20.5%). Splenic abscesses were diagnosed using ultrasonography and were multiple in all 39 cases. Positive blood cultures were obtained in 20 patients (51.3%), and all yielded B. pseudomallei. Melioidosis serology was positive in 9 of 19 patients (47.4%) with negative blood cultures. All patients were treated for melioidosis with antibiotics without the need for surgical intervention. All splenic abscesses resolved after anti-melioidosis treatment was completed. One patient died (2.6%) as a result of B. pseudomallei septicaemia with multiorgan failure.

    CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography is a valuable tool for diagnosing splenic abscesses in resource-limited settings. B. pseudomallei was the most common etiological agent of splenic abscesses in our study.

    Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
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