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  1. Fulltext Turnovers of Sex-Determining Mutation in the Golden Pompano and Related Species Provide Insights into Microevolution of Undifferentiated Sex Chromosome
    Guo L, Malara D, Battaglia P, Waiho K, Davis DA, Deng Y, et al.
    Genome Biol Evol, 2024 Mar 02;16(3).
    PMID: 38408866 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae037
    The suppression of recombination is considered a hallmark of sex chromosome evolution. However, previous research has identified undifferentiated sex chromosomes and sex determination by single SNP in the greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili). We observed the same phenomena in the golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) of the same family Carangidae and discovered a different sex-determining SNP within the same gene Hsd17b1. We propose an evolutionary model elucidating the turnover of sex-determining mutations by highlighting the contrasting dynamics between purifying selection, responsible for maintaining W-linked Hsd17b1, and neutral evolution, which drives Z-linked Hsd17b1. Additionally, sporadic loss-of-function mutations in W-linked Hsd17b1 contribute to the conversion of W chromosomes into Z chromosomes. This model was directly supported by simulations, closely related species, and indirectly by zebrafish mutants. These findings shed new light on the early stages of sex chromosome evolution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  2. Medicinal plants of Southeast Asia with anti-α-glucosidase activity as potential source for type-2 diabetes mellitus treatment
    Benjamin MAZ, Mohd Mokhtar RA, Iqbal M, Abdullah A, Azizah R, Sulistyorini L, et al.
    J Ethnopharmacol, 2024 Aug 10;330:118239.
    PMID: 38657877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118239
    ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Diabetes mellitus, a widespread chronic illness, affects millions worldwide, and its incidence is increasing alarmingly, especially in developing nations. Current pharmacological treatments can be costly and have undesirable side effects. To address this, medicinal plants with antidiabetic effects, particularly targeting α-glucosidase for controlling hyperglycaemia in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hold promise for drug development with reduced toxicity and adverse reactions.

    AIM OF THIS REVIEW: This review aims to succinctly collect information about medicinal plant extracts that exhibit antidiabetic potential through α-glucosidase inhibition using acarbose as a standard reference in Southeast Asia. The characteristics of this inhibition are based on in vitro studies.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relevant information on medicinal plants in Southeast Asia, along with α-glucosidase inhibition studies using acarbose as a positive control, was gathered from various scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.

    RESULTS: About 49 papers were found from specific counties in Southeast Asia demonstrated notable α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of their medicinal plants, with several plant extracts showcasing activity comparable to or surpassing that of acarbose. Notably, 19 active constituents were identified for their α-glucosidase inhibitory effects.

    CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the antidiabetic potential of the tested medicinal plant extracts, indicating their promise as alternative treatments for T2DM. This review can aid in the development of potent therapeutic medicines with increased effectiveness and safety for the treatment of T2DM.

    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  3. Neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal Bisphenol A exposure on the role of microRNA regulating NMDA receptor subunits in the male rat hippocampus
    Nayan NM, Kadir SHSA, Husin A, Siran R
    Physiol Behav, 2024 Jun 01;280:114546.
    PMID: 38583549 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114546
    Maternal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure has been reported to cause learning and memory deficits in born offspring. However, little is known that this impairment is potentially caused by epigenetic modulation on the development of NMDA receptor subunits. This study investigates the effect of prenatal BPA exposure on the hippocampal miR-19a and miR-539, which are responsible for regulating NMDA receptor subunits as well as learning and memory functions. Pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were orally administered with 5 mg/kg/day of BPA from pregnancy day 1 (PD1) until gestation day 21 (GD21), while control mothers received no BPA. The mothers were observed daily until GD21 for either a cesarean section or spontaneous delivery. The male offspring were sacrificed when reaching GD21 (fetus), postnatal days 7, 14, 21 (PND7, 14, 21) and adolescent age 35 (AD35) where their hippocampi were dissected from the brain. The expression of targeted miR-19a, miR-539, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B were determined by qRT-PCR while the level of GluN2A and GluN2B were estimated by western blot. At AD35, the rats were assessed with neurobehavioral tests to evaluate their learning and memory function. The findings showed that prenatal BPA exposure at 5 mg/kg/day significantly reduces the expression of miR-19a, miR-539, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B genes in the male rat hippocampus at all ages. The level of GluN2A and GluN2B proteins is also significantly reduced when reaching adolescent age. Consequently, the rats showed spatial and fear memory impairments when reaching AD35. In conclusion, prenatal BPA exposure disrupts the role of miR-19a and miR-539 in regulating the NMDA receptor subunit in the hippocampus which may be one of the causes of memory and learning impairment in adolescent rats.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  4. An insight into emergence of lumpy skin disease virus: a threat to Indian cattle
    Smaraki N, Jogi HR, Kamothi DJ, Savsani HH
    Arch Microbiol, 2024 Apr 09;206(5):210.
    PMID: 38592503 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03932-6
    Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a highly infectious and economically devastating viral disease of cattle. It is caused by Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) belonging to the genus Capripoxvirus and family Poxviridae. The origin of lumpy skin disease has been traced to Zambia, (an African nation) in Southern part during the year 1929. The first reported case of LSD besides Africa was from Israel, a Middle Eastern nation, thus proving inter-continental spread. Subsequently, the disease entered Middle East, Eastern Europe and Asia with numerous outbreaks in the recent years. LSD has emerged as a significant concern in the Indian sub-continent, due to outbreaks reported in countries such as Bangladesh, India, China in 2019. In the following years, other South and East Asian countries like Taipei, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Singapore also faced severe outbreaks. At present, LSD is considered to be an emerging disease in the Indian sub-continent due to the recent status of disease. Considering the global scenario, LSDV is changing its transmission dynamics as evidenced by a shift in its epidemiology. As a result of high morbidity and mortality rate among cattle, the current outbreaks have been a major cause of socio-economic catastrophe. This contagious viral disease has eminent repercussions as the estimated monetary damage incurred is quite high. Despite having networked surveillance and comprehensive databases, the recurring outbreaks have raised major concern among researchers. Therefore, this review offers brief insights into the emergence of LSDV by amalgamating the newest literature related to its biology, transmission, clinico-pathology, epidemiology, prevention strategies, and economic consequences. Additionally, we have also provided the epidemiological insights of the recent outbreaks with detailed state wise studies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  5. Fulltext Screening of a potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 and its synergistic effects with yogurt starter
    Cai Z, Guo Y, Zheng Q, Liu Z, Zhong G, Zeng L, et al.
    J Dairy Sci, 2024 May;107(5):2760-2773.
    PMID: 38135047 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24113
    This study aims to identify lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates possessing physiological characteristics suitable for use as probiotics in yogurt fermentation. Following acid and bile salt tolerance tests, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (NUC08 and NUC101), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (NUC55 and NUC201), and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (NUC159, NUC216, and NUC351) were shortlisted based on intraspecies distribution for further evaluation. Their physiological probiotic properties, including transit tolerance, adhesion, autoaggregation, surface hydrophobicity, biofilm formation, and antibacterial activity, were assessed. Principal component analysis indicated that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 was the preferred choice among the evaluated strains. Subsequent investigations revealed that co-culturing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 with 2 yogurt starter strains resulted in a cooperative and synergistic effect, enhancing the growth of mixed strains and increasing their tolerance to simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. Additionally, when Vibrio harveyi bioluminescent reporter strain was used, the 3 cocultured strains cooperated to induce the activity of a quorum sensing (QS) molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2), hinting a potential connection between phenotypic traits and QS in the cocultured strains. Importantly, LAB viable counts were significantly higher in yogurt co-fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08, consistently throughout the storage period. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NUC08 can be employed in synergy with yogurt starter strains, affirming its potential for use in the development of functional fermented dairy products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  6. Risk assessment of heavy metals in marine fish and seafood from Kedah and Selangor coastal regions of Malaysia: a high-risk health concern for consumers
    Salam MA, Dayal SR, Siddiqua SA, Muhib MI, Bhowmik S, Kabir MM, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2021 Oct;28(39):55166-55175.
    PMID: 34129166 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14701-z
    The heavy metals namely Fe, As, Cu, Cd, and Pb were investigated in two marine fishes silver pomfret (Pampus argentus) and torpedo scad (Megalaspis cordyla), and three seafoods sibogae squid (Loligo sibogae), Indian white prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus), and mud crab (Scylla serrata) by using inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) from two renowned fish harvesting coastal area of Malaysia named as Kedah and Selangor. Among the target heavy metals, highest mean concentration of As and Fe were found in Scylla serrata (72.14±7.77 μg/g) in Kedah and Megalaspis cordyla (149.40±2.15 μg/g) in Selangor. Pearson's correlation results showed As-Fe-Cd-Cu originated from the same source. Maximum estimated daily intake (EDI) values of Scylla serrata were found 175.25 μg/g/day and 100.81 μg/g/day for child in both Kedah and Selangor areas respectively. Hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) results revealed that local consumers of Kedah and Selangor will face high chronic risk if they consume Scylla serrata, Fenneropenaeus indicus, and Megalaspis cordyla on regular basis in their diet. Carcinogenic risk results suggested that all the studied species pose very high risk of cancer occurrences to the consumers in both areas. Therefore, it could be recommended that consumers should be aware when they are consuming these marine species since they can pose serious health risk associated with prolonged consumption.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  7. Fulltext The Profound Influence of Gut Microbiome and Extracellular Vesicles on Animal Health and Disease
    Barathan M, Ng SL, Lokanathan Y, Ng MH, Law JX
    Int J Mol Sci, 2024 Apr 04;25(7).
    PMID: 38612834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074024
    The animal gut microbiota, comprising a diverse array of microorganisms, plays a pivotal role in shaping host health and physiology. This review explores the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiome in animals, focusing on its composition, function, and impact on host-microbe interactions. The composition of the intestinal microbiota in animals is influenced by the host ecology, including factors such as temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability, as well as genetic makeup, diet, habitat, stressors, and husbandry practices. Dysbiosis can lead to various gastrointestinal and immune-related issues in animals, impacting overall health and productivity. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes derived from gut microbiota, play a crucial role in intercellular communication, influencing host health by transporting bioactive molecules across barriers like the intestinal and brain barriers. Dysregulation of the gut-brain axis has implications for various disorders in animals, highlighting the potential role of microbiota-derived EVs in disease progression. Therapeutic approaches to modulate gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, microbial transplants, and phage therapy, offer promising strategies for enhancing animal health and performance. Studies investigating the effects of phage therapy on gut microbiota composition have shown promising results, with potential implications for improving animal health and food safety in poultry production systems. Understanding the complex interactions between host ecology, gut microbiota, and EVs provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions and their impact on animal health and productivity. Further research in this field is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and management strategies to promote gut health and overall well-being in animals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  8. Upcycling crab shell waste into biochar for treatment of palm oil mill effluent via microwave pyrolysis and activation
    Yang Y, Foong SY, He Y, Liew RK, Ma NL, Yek PNY, et al.
    Environ Res, 2024 May 01;248:118282.
    PMID: 38295974 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118282
    The escalating consumer demand for crabs results in a growing amount of waste, including shells, claws, and other non-edible parts. The resulting crab shell waste (CSW) is disposed of via incineration or landfills which causes environmental pollution. CSW represents a potential biological resource that can be transformed into valuable resources via pyrolysis technique. In this study, microwave pyrolysis of CSW using self-purging, vacuum, and steam activation techniques was examined to determine the biochar production yield and its performance in treating palm oil mill effluent (POME). The biochar produced through microwave pyrolysis exhibits yields ranging from 50 to 61 wt%, showing a hard texture, low volatile matter content (≤34.1 wt%), and high fixed carbon content (≥58.3 wt%). The KOH-activated biochar demonstrated a surface area of up to 177 m2/g that is predominantly composed of mesopores, providing a good amount of adsorption sites for use as adsorbent. The biochar activated with steam removed 8.3 mg/g of BOD and 42 mg/g of COD from POME. The results demonstrate that microwave pyrolysis of CSW is a promising technology to produce high-quality biochar as an adsorbent for POME treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  9. Protective effects of feed additives on broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxins-contaminated feed: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Putra RP, Astuti D, Respati AN, Ningsih N, Triswanto, Yano AA, et al.
    Vet Res Commun, 2024 Feb;48(1):225-244.
    PMID: 37644237 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10199-7
    Aflatoxin contamination in feed is a common problem in broiler chickens. The present systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of aflatoxin-contaminated feed and the efficacy of various feed additives on the production performance of broiler chickens fed aflatoxin-contaminated feed (AF-feed). A total of 35 studies comprising 53 AF-feed experiments were selected following PRISMA guidelines. Feed additives included in the analyses were toxins binder (TB), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acid (OA), probiotics (PRO), protein supplementation (PROT), phytobiotics (PHY), and additive mixture (MIX). Random effects model and a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to rank the efficacy of feed additives, reported as standardized means difference (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Overall, broiler chickens fed AF-feed had significantly lower final body weight (BW) (SMD = 198; 95% CI = 198 to 238) and higher feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.21) than control. Treatments with TB, MOS, and PHY improved the BW of birds fed AF-feed (P 
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  10. Probiotic and Safety Evaluation of Twelve Lactic Acid Bacteria as Future Probiotics
    Hu Y, Xie Y, Su Q, Fu J, Chen J, Liu Y
    Foodborne Pathog Dis, 2023 Nov;20(11):521-530.
    PMID: 37722019 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2023.0039
    The human gut flora is highly diverse. Most lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are widely used as probiotics in human and animal husbandry and have a variety of physiological benefits. This article mainly studied the bacteriostatic ability of LAB against four pathogenic bacteria, gastrointestinal environment tolerance, and adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells. The genome of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L461 was sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that strains F512, L461, and D469 had the most significant inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica B, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. In addition, strains L461, C502, and P231 showed good tolerance after exposure to simulated gastric fluid for 0-4 h. Strains C502, H781, and L461 showed good tolerance in simulated intestinal fluid. Strains L461 and H781 showed good adhesion to Caco-2 cells. The number of viable bacteria was more than 60. Therefore, we screened L. plantarum L461 from 12 LAB strains through three aspects of evaluation, and conducted whole genome sequencing and analysis. Sequencing results showed that L. plantarum L461 had more defense mechanisms and phage annotation genes than L. plantarum WCFS1. Virulence factor studies showed that L. plantarum L461 has iron absorption system and adhesion-related gene annotation, indicating that L. plantarum L461 has survival advantage in intestinal tract. The predicted results showed that there were eight phages with phage resistance in L. plantarum L461. L. plantarum L461 is sensitive to several antibiotics, notably penicillin and oxacillin. In summary, the results of this study prove that L. plantarum L461 has good prebiotic function and is safe. Therefore, L. plantarum L461 can be safely used as a potential functional probiotic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  11. Metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, properties, wound dressing, challenges and scopes in advanced wound dressing
    Khan MUA, Aslam MA, Yasin T, Abdullah MFB, Stojanović GM, Siddiqui HM, et al.
    Biomed Mater, 2024 Jul 16;19(5).
    PMID: 38976990 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605X/ad6070
    Wound healing is a critical but complex biological process of skin tissue repair and regeneration resulting from various systems working together at the cellular and molecular levels. Quick wound healing and the problems associated with traditional wound repair techniques are being overcome with multifunctional materials. Over time, this research area has drawn significant attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), owning to their peculiar physicochemical characteristics, are now considered a promising class of well-suited porous materials for wound healing in addition to their other biological applications. This detailed literature review provides an overview of the latest developments in MOFs for wound healing applications. We have discussed the synthesis, essential biomedical properties, wound-healing mechanism, MOF-based dressing materials, and their wound-healing applications. The possible major challenges and limitations of MOFs have been discussed, along with conclusions and future perspectives. This overview of the literature review addresses MOFs-based wound healing from several angles and covers the most current developments in the subject. The readers may discover how the MOFs advanced this discipline by producing more inventive, useful, and successful dressings. It influences the development of future generations of biomaterials for the healing and regeneration of skin wounds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  12. Fulltext De novo transcriptional analysis of the response to starvation stress in the white ridgetail prawn, Exopalaemon carinicauda
    Liu X, Gao J, Zhang P, Shi T, Yan B, Azra MN, et al.
    Genomics, 2023 Nov;115(6):110746.
    PMID: 37977333 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110746
    To study the mechanism of the biomolecular response in Exopalaemon carinicauda to starvation stress, we subjected muscle tissue RNA samples from four stress points, including 0 d(control group), 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d, to starvation stress on white ridgetail prawn with a body weight of 1.41 + 0.42 g, aquaculture water temperature of 23-25 °C, salinity of 26, dissolved oxygen ≥5 mg/L, and pH 8-8.5, Then performed de novo transcriptome assembly and gene expression analysis using BGISEQ-500 with a tag-based digital gene expression (DGE) system. By de novo assembling at the four times, we obtained 28,167, 21,115, 24,497, and 27,080 reads, respectively. The results showed that the stress at 10 d led to no significant difference in the expressed genes, while the stress at 20 d and 30 d showed a significant increase (or decrease) in the expression of 97 (276) and 143 (410) genes, respectively, which were involved in 8 different metabolic pathways. In addition, we detected 2647 unigene transcription factors. Eleven upregulated and sixteen downregulated genes from the different starvation stress groups were choose to verify the reliability of the transcriptome data, and the results showed that the expression trends of these genes were consistent with the results shown by the transcriptome. The analysis of the experimental data and our discussion of the response mechanism of white ridgetail prawn under starvation stress provides a foundation for further screening of the key genes of starvation stress and may help to elucidate their functions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  13. Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Stem Cell Treatment - an Attempt to Clarify a Common Public Misconception
    Fareez IM, Liew FF, Widera D, Mayeen NF, Mawya J, Abu Kasim NH, et al.
    Curr Mol Med, 2024;24(6):689-701.
    PMID: 37171013 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230511152646
    In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the practice of regenerative medicine by health practitioners and direct-to-consumer businesses globally. Among different tools of regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell-based therapies have received considerable attention. The use of PRP, in particular, has gained popularity due to its easy access, simple processing techniques, and regenerative potential. However, it is important to address a common misconception amongst the general public equating to PRP and stem cells due to the demonstrated efficacy of PRP in treating musculoskeletal and dermatological disorders. Notably, PRP promotes regeneration by providing growth factors or other paracrine factors only. Therefore, it cannot replenish or replace the lost cells in conditions where a large number of cells are required to regenerate tissues and/or organs. In such cases, cellbased therapies are the preferred option. Additionally, other tools of regenerative medicine, such as bioprinting, organoids, and mechanobiology also rely on stem cells for their success. Hence, healthcare and commercial entities offering direct-to-customer regenerative therapies should not mislead the public by claiming that the application of PRP is a stem cell-based therapy. Furthermore, it is important for regulatory bodies to strictly monitor these profit-driven entities to prevent them from providing unregulated regenerative treatments and services that claim a broad variety of benefits with little proof of efficacy, safety concerns, and obscure scientific justification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  14. Ecotoxicological impact of heavy metals on wild mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) in Malaysia: An integrative approach of omics, molecular docking and human risk assessment
    Razali NSM, Ikhwanuddin M, Maulidiani M, Gooderham NJ, Alam M, Kadir NHA
    Sci Total Environ, 2024 Oct 10;946:174210.
    PMID: 38914323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174210
    Mud crab, one of the aquatic organisms found in estuary areas, has become a significant economic source of seafood for communities due to its delectable taste. However, they face the threat of heavy metal contamination, which may adversely affect their biological traits. This study explored the comparison of the mud crabs collected from Setiu Wetland as a reference site, while Kuala Sepetang is an area that contains a higher concentration of heavy metals than Setiu Wetlands. Heavy metal levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while proteomes were assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, respectively. Heavy metal contamination affects the proteome, metabolome, and putative molecular targets in mud crabs (Scylla olivacea), leading to oxidative stress. Mud crabs collected from the metal-polluted area of Kuala Sepetang in Perak had considerably elevated concentrations of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in comparison to the reference site of Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu. The proteome analysis revealed an upregulation of the stress-response protein Hsp70, which triggered superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased arginine kinase expression (5.47 fold) in the muscle tissue, results in the alteration of metabolite regulation in the mud crab from Kuala Sepetang. Additionally, in the muscle tissues of mud crabs obtained from Kuala Sepetang, uncharacterized myosin-tail 1 domain proteins and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding proteins were downregulated. The metabolomic investigation identified changes in metabolites associated with energy metabolism and osmoregulation. Exploration of docking analysis suggests potential connections between methylarsonic acid and essential proteins in mud crabs. These findings suggest that the presence of heavy metals disrupts physiological processes and highlights potential molecular targets that warrant further investigation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  15. Fulltext Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Singapore: Updated Checklist and New Records
    Lam-Phua SG, Yeo H, Lee RM, Chong CS, Png AB, Foo SY, et al.
    J Med Entomol, 2019 Jan 08;56(1):103-119.
    PMID: 30169704 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy154
    Prior to 1965, Singapore was part of the Malaya (now Malaysia) and was usually not mentioned when mosquito records were reported for Malaya. Consequently, many species that occurred in Singapore were not listed in the world mosquito catalog, and the available checklist for Singapore since 1986 is incomplete, with some imprecise species information. In updating this checklist, we examined and verified mosquito specimens collected from Singapore in various depositories, including a thorough review of past taxonomic literature. Here, we report a checklist of 182 mosquito species, 33 new distribution records, and a consolidated status list of vectors for Singapore. As Singapore is a travel hub and hosts one of the busiest container ports in the world, there is a risk of introducing mosquito species and their associated pathogens of human disease to the country. Hence, the distribution records are important to increase our knowledge on mosquito ecology as well as to understand the risk of newly introduced vectors and their associated pathogens.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  16. Decadal stability in coral cover could mask hidden changes on reefs in the East Asian Seas
    Chan YKS, Affendi YA, Ang PO, Baria-Rodriguez MV, Chen CA, Chui APY, et al.
    Commun Biol, 2023 Jun 10;6(1):630.
    PMID: 37301948 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05000-z
    Coral reefs in the Central Indo-Pacific region comprise some of the most diverse and yet threatened marine habitats. While reef monitoring has grown throughout the region in recent years, studies of coral reef benthic cover remain limited in spatial and temporal scales. Here, we analysed 24,365 reef surveys performed over 37 years at 1972 sites throughout East Asia by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network using Bayesian approaches. Our results show that overall coral cover at surveyed reefs has not declined as suggested in previous studies and compared to reef regions like the Caribbean. Concurrently, macroalgal cover has not increased, with no indications of phase shifts from coral to macroalgal dominance on reefs. Yet, models incorporating socio-economic and environmental variables reveal negative associations of coral cover with coastal urbanisation and sea surface temperature. The diversity of reef assemblages may have mitigated cover declines thus far, but climate change could threaten reef resilience. We recommend prioritisation of regionally coordinated, locally collaborative long-term studies for better contextualisation of monitoring data and analyses, which are essential for achieving reef conservation goals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  17. Anthropogenic Influence on the Distribution of the Longlegged Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
    Lum JY, Chiu MC, Tseng SP, Scotty Yang CC, Lee CY
    J Econ Entomol, 2023 Apr 24;116(2):520-528.
    PMID: 36715608 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad010
    The longlegged ant Anoplolepis gracilipes (Smith) is a highly invasive tramp ant species known for its deleterious effects on native ecosystems. While tramp ants are associated with human activity, information on how different intensities of human activity affect their distribution is limited. This study investigated how anthropogenic activities affected the distribution of A. gracilipes in Penang, a tropical island in northern peninsular Malaysia. Three study sites (Youth Park, Sungai Ara, and Bukit Jambul/Relau) were selected, containing four sub-locations corresponding to different levels of human activity (low, moderate, high, and very high), determined by the average number of passersby observed over 30 min. Baited index cards were placed at each sub-location to evaluate ant abundance and distribution. The results demonstrated that A. gracilipes worker abundance was highest in areas of moderate human activity, as opposed to areas with low and higher human activity. The low abundance of A. gracilipes in comparatively undisturbed localities may be attributed to unsuitable microclimate, lack of propagule pressure, and diminished honeydew availability. In contrast, its exclusion from more urbanized localities could be explained by high interspecific competition with other tramp species and the absence of preferred nesting sites.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  18. Are plant-based alternatives healthier? A two-dimensional evaluation from nutritional and processing standpoints
    de Las Heras-Delgado S, Shyam S, Cunillera È, Dragusan N, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N
    Food Res Int, 2023 Jul;169:112857.
    PMID: 37254431 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.112857
    BACKGROUND: Plant-Based Alternative Products (PBAPs) to meat and dairy are increasingly available. Their relative nutritional quality in comparison to animal-based homologs is poorly documented.

    OBJECTIVE: To characterize and evaluate the plant-based alternatives available on the market in Spain in comparison to animal products in terms of their nutritional composition and profile, and degree of processing.

    METHODS: Nutritional information for PBAPs and homologs were obtained from the Spanish 'Veggie base', branded food composition database. Five PBAPs categories (cheese, dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish, n = 922) were compared to animal-based processed (n = 922) and unprocessed (n = 381) homologs, using the modified version of the Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS score) and NOVA classification criteria.

    RESULTS: Compared to processed or unprocessed animal food, PBAPs contain significantly higher sugar, salt, and fiber. PBAPs for fish, seafood, and meat were lower in protein and saturated fatty acids. Overall, 68% of PBAPs, 43% of processed and 75% of unprocessed animal-homologs had Nutri-Score ratings of A or B (most healthy). About 17% of PBAPs, 35% of processed and 13% of unprocessed animal-based food were in Nutri-Score categories D or E (least healthy). Dairy, fish, and meat alternatives had lower FSAm-NPS scores (most healthy), while cheese alternatives scored higher (least healthy) than animal-based homologs. Unprocessed fish and meat were healthier than similar PBAPs based on FSAm-NPS criteria. Approximately 37% of PBAPs and 72% of processed animal-based products were ultra-processed food (NOVA group 4). Within the ultra-processed food group, Nutri-Score varied widely.

    CONCLUSIONS: Most PBAPs had better nutrient profile than animal-based homologs. However, cheese, fish and meats PBAPs had poorer nutrient profile and were more processed. Given the high degree of processing and variable nutritional profile, PBAPs require a multi-dimensional evaluation of their health impact.

    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  19. Simulium (Gomphostilbia) wijiti, a new species of black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) from northern Thailand and its genetic position with related species in the Simulium ceylonicum species-group
    Srisuka W, Takaoka H, Aupalee K, Saeung A
    Acta Trop, 2023 Aug;244:106947.
    PMID: 37196907 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106947
    A new black fly species, Simulium (Gomphostilbia) wijiti, is described based on adult females, males, pupal exuviae and mature larvae from Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. This new species is placed in the Simulium ceylonicum species-group. It is distinguished from four Thai members of the S. ceylonicum species-group [S. (G.) curtatum Jitklang et al., S. (G.) pangsidaense Takaoka, Srisuka & Saeung, S. (G.) sheilae Takaoka & Davies, and S. (G.) trangense Jitklang et al.], in the female by the short to medium long sensory vesicle; in the male by the large number of upper-eye (large) facets in 15 vertical columns and 15 or 16 horizontal rows; in the pupa by the dorsum of abdominal segments darkened; and in the larva by the antenna as long as or slightly shorter than the stem of the labral fan (longer than the stem of the labral fan in four other species). Phylogenetic analysis based on the COI gene sequences revealed that this new species is genetically closely related to S. leparense of the S. ceylonicum species-group, but is clearly separated from the latter species, and also from the three Thai related species (S. curtatum, S. sheilae and S. trangense) of the same species-group with interspecific genetic distances ranging from 9.65% to 12.67%. This is the fifth member of the S. ceylonicum species-group recorded from Thailand.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  20. Replication and innate immune responses of two chikungunya virus genotypes in human monocyte-derived macrophages
    Lau JZH, Chua CL, Chan YF, Nadarajan VS, Lee CLL, Sam IC
    J Gen Virol, 2023 Apr;104(4).
    PMID: 37043371 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001842
    Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne virus, which causes epidemics of fever, joint pain and rash. There are three genotypes: West African, East/Central/South/Africa (ECSA) and Asian, with the latter two predominant globally. Genotype-specific differences in clinical presentations, virulence and immunopathology have been described. Macrophages are key cells in immune responses against CHIKV. Circulating blood monocytes enter tissue to differentiate into monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) in response to CHIKV infection at key replication sites such as lymphoid organs and joints. This study analyses differences in replication and induced immune mediators following infection of MDMs with Asian and ECSA CHIKV genotypes. Primary human MDMs were derived from residual blood donations. Replication of Asian (MY/06/37348) or ECSA (MY/08/065) genotype strains of CHIKV in MDMs was measured by plaque assay. Nineteen immune mediators were measured in infected cell supernatants using multiplexed immunoassay or ELISA. MY/08/065 showed significantly higher viral replication at 24 h post-infection (h p.i.) but induced significantly lower expression of proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4, RANTES and CXCL-10) and the anti-inflammatory IL-1Ra compared to MY/06/37348. No differences were seen at later time points up to 72 h p.i. During early infection, MY/08/065 induced lower proinflammatory immune responses in MDMs. In vivo, this may lead to poorer initial control of viral infection, facilitating CHIKV replication and dissemination to other sites such as joints. This may explain the consistent past findings that the ECSA genotype is associated with greater viremia and severity of symptoms than the Asian genotype. Knowledge of CHIKV genotype-specific immunopathogenic mechanisms in human MDMs is important in understanding of clinical epidemiology, biomarkers and therapeutics in areas with co-circulation of different genotypes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
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