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Fulltext Tiger on the prowl: Invasion history and spatio-temporal genetic structure of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse 1894) in the Indo-Pacific

Maynard AJ, Ambrose L, Cooper RD, Chow WK, Davis JB, Muzari MO, et al.

PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2017 04;11(4):e0005546.
PMID: 28410388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005546

BACKGROUND: Within the last century, increases in human movement and globalization of trade have facilitated the establishment of several highly invasive mosquito species in new geographic locations with concurrent major environmental, economic and health consequences. The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an extremely invasive and aggressive daytime-biting mosquito that is a major public health threat throughout its expanding range.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used 13 nuclear microsatellite loci (on 911 individuals) and mitochondrial COI sequences to gain a better understanding of the historical and contemporary movements of Ae. albopictus in the Indo-Pacific region and to characterize its population structure. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) was employed to test competing historical routes of invasion of Ae. albopictus within the Southeast (SE) Asian/Australasian region. Our ABC results show that Ae. albopictus was most likely introduced to New Guinea via mainland Southeast Asia, before colonizing the Solomon Islands via either Papua New Guinea or SE Asia. The analysis also supported that the recent incursion into northern Australia's Torres Strait Islands was seeded chiefly from Indonesia. For the first time documented in this invasive species, we provide evidence of a recently colonized population (the Torres Strait Islands) that has undergone rapid temporal changes in its genetic makeup, which could be the result of genetic drift or represent a secondary invasion from an unknown source.
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: There appears to be high spatial genetic structure and high gene flow between some geographically distant populations. The species' genetic structure in the region tends to favour a dispersal pattern driven mostly by human movements. Importantly, this study provides a more widespread sampling distribution of the species' native range, revealing more spatial population structure than previously shown. Additionally, we present the most probable invasion history of this species in the Australasian region using ABC analysis.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
Ticks and tick-borne pathogens in animals and humans in the island nations of Southeast Asia: A review

Sharifah N, Heo CC, Ehlers J, Houssaini J, Tappe D

Acta Trop, 2020 Sep;209:105527.
PMID: 32447029 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105527

Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites and major vectors of pathogens that cause infectious diseases in humans and animals worldwide including mammals, birds and reptiles. Despite the growing scientific effort in the 20th century, there is still limited information on ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Southeast Asia, especially concerning medical, veterinary, socioeconomic and agricultural aspects in the island nations. This review provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of ticks and their pathogens in the island nations of Southeast Asia and peninsular Malaysia. We aim to stimulate further research studies on ticks and tick-borne pathogens of human and veterinary importance in this geographical region.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
Fulltext Three new species of Grouvellinus Champion, 1923 from Maliau Basin, Sabah, Borneo, discovered by citizen scientists during the first Taxon Expedition (Insecta, Coleoptera, Elmidae)

Freitag H, Pangantihon CV, Njunjić I

Zookeys, 2018.
PMID: 29740222 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.754.24276

Further results are presented of the first field course at Maliau Basin, Malaysian Borneo organized by Taxon Expeditions, an organization which enables citizen scientists to be directly involved in taxonomic discoveries. Three new species of the aquatic beetle genus Grouvellinus Champion, 1923, namely G. leonardodicaprioisp. n., G. andrekuipersisp. n., and G. questsp. n. were collected jointly by the citizen scientists and taxonomists during the fieldwork in Maliau Basin. Material was mainly sampled from sandstone bottom rocks of blackwater streams at altitudes between 900 m and 1,000 m using fine-meshed hand-nets. The genus is widely distributed in the Oriental and Palearctic regions, but these are the first records from the island of Borneo.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
Fulltext Thismia kelabitiana (Thismiaceae), a new unique Fairy Lantern from Borneo potentially threatened by commercial logging

Dančák M, Hroneš M, Sochor M, Sochorová Z

PLoS One, 2018;13(10):e0203443.
PMID: 30281609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203443

Thismia kelabitiana, a new unique species from the Sarawak state of Malaysia in the island of Borneo is described and illustrated. This new species is not similar to any species of Thismia described so far especially by having a unique form of mitre and outer perianth lobes deeply divided into 8-10 acute lobes and forming striking fringe around perianth tube opening. The species appears to be critically endangered due to ongoing logging activities in the region. It may potentially become a surrogate species for lower montane forests of the region and thus help protect them against further destruction.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
The value of small mangrove patches

Curnick DJ, Pettorelli N, Amir AA, Balke T, Barbier EB, Crooks S, et al.

Science, 2019 01 18;363(6424):239.
PMID: 30655434 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw0809
Matched MeSH terms: Indian Ocean Islands
The use of contraception in the Asian and Pacific region

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP. Population Division. Fertility and Family Planning Section

Popul Res Leads, 1985;?(21):1-31.
PMID: 12340713

PIP:
This paper presents data on contraceptive prevalence from 26 national sample surveys conducted in the Asian and Pacific region during the 1966-84 period. The basic data presented are: contraceptive prevalence rates, cross-classified by age where possible; the percentage of couples using each contraceptive method, also cross-classified by age where possible. To facilitate comparison between countries and across time, the data are presented in a standardized form, both numerically and graphically. Contraceptive prevalence rates range from 1-85% (the highest and lowest ever reported). In the Asian and Pacific region as a whole, the prevalence rate was around 40%, which was about the same level as in the Latin American region. In Africa the prevalence rate was around 12%, and in developed countries around 70%. In the late 1960s, prevalence rates in the Asian and Pacific region were less than 20%. By the early 1980s, contraception had spread throughout all parts of society so that the rates in many countries were over 50%, and in some over 60%. Most of the countries with high prevalence rates were in East and Southeast Asia, and most of those with low prevalence in South Asia. Displayed graphically with the age of wife (from 15-49 years) on the x axis, contraceptive prevalence rates appear as an inverted U, low at both ends of the age range and high in the middle. Curves skewed to the left generally have stronger effects on fertility than those skewed to the right. This is due to the fact that most births occur among younger couples and contraception used by younger couples prevents more births than contraception used by older couples. The curves of countries relying primarily on sterilization are generally skewed to the right. The data show a wide variation in the mix of contraceptives used in each country. The use of various contraceptives by age is similar throughout the region. Young couples generally use oral contraceptives (OCs), those in the middle of the reproductive ages the IUD, and those near the end of the childbearing ages sterilization. Rhythm and withdrawal methods appear to be preferred both by couples in the youngest and oldest age groups. Contraceptive needs change as couples progress through the life cycle. Consequently, family planning programs must work to provide a broad mix of contraceptives. The tables show that Thailand and the Republic of Korea, 2 countries which are thought to have excellent family planning programs, have provided well-balanced mixes of contraceptives. Other countries in the region have depended on only 1 or 2 methods.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
Fulltext The tremendous diversity of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in Indonesia (Ephemeroptera, Baetidae)

Kaltenbach T, Gattolliat JL

Zookeys, 2019;895:1-117.
PMID: 31844411 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.895.38576

Material collected between 2010 and 2014 on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra, Bali, Sumba, Sumbawa, Sulawesi, and Seram unveiled the enormous diversity of Labiobaetis Novikova & Kluge in this country. Five species were reported from Indonesia previously (L. fulmeki (Ulmer), L. obscurum (Ulmer), L. necopinatum (Müller-Liebenau), L. ulmeri (Müller-Liebenau), and L. boettgeri (Ulmer)); all were described from adults only and no species were previously known at larval stage. We identified 18 new species by integrative taxonomy using genetic distance (COI, Kimura-2-parameter) and morphology, and they are described and illustrated based on their larvae. Another species, L. multus (Müller-Liebenau) from Malaysia, was also found in Indonesia, increasing the total number of species in Indonesia to 24. Seven morpho-groups of species are proposed based on morphological characters and a key to the larvae of all species from Indonesia and adjacent countries is provided. The total number of Labiobaetis species worldwide is augmented to 123. The examination of the new species allowed us to slightly modify the generic attributes of the larvae. The interspecific K2P distances are usually between 11% and 24%, the intraspecific distances are usually between 0% and 3%. The remarkable richness of the genus in Indonesia is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
Fulltext The role of human resource department in corporate social responsibility: a case study of five prominent hotels in Penang Island, Malaysia

Fazreena Mansor, Ismail Baba, Najib Ahmad Marzuki

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2016;1(2):45-53.
MyJurnal

This The fields of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and human resource (HR) function have gained
increasingly importance to corporate strategies. As many hotels are concerned with sustainability
issues and CSR, the HR function is positioned to assist implementing and enhancing CSR strategy as
well as administering its core functions. In most cases, CSR in the hotels are housed in HR Department
where the managers have responsibility for the strategic application of CSR in the hotels. This paper
presents a case study of five hotels in Penang Island, Malaysia as an attempt to demonstrate how
Human Resource managers of these hotels perform their CSR practices. Specific focus is placed on the
role of Human Resource managers who are not well-equipped with social work experience or
background and specifically to investigate how these managers perceive CSR concept, the impact of
their CSR programs on beneficiaries and the challenges that they encountered in the process. To
answer these questions, we have conducted interviews with five managers from four and five star
hotels in Penang. Our findings have reflected the importance of conceptualization of CSR particularly
in hotel sector as well as gaining insight into current HR profession in administering CSR activities to
consider someone with social work background in a bid to improve the quality of life of targeted
communities.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
The role of genomic islands in Escherichia coli K1 interactions with intestinal and kidney epithelial cells

Yousuf FA, Rafiq S, Siddiqui R, Khan NA

Microb Pathog, 2016 Apr;93:145-51.
PMID: 26867478 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2016.02.002

The completion of Escherichia coli K1 genome has identified several genomic islands that are present in meningitis-causing E. coli RS218 but absent in the non-pathogenic E. coli MG1655. In this study, the role of various genomic islands in E. coli K1 interactions with intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) and kidney epithelial cells (MA104) was determined. Using association assays, invasion assays, and intracellular survival assays, the findings revealed that the genomic island deletion mutants of RS218 related to P fimbriae, S fimbriae, F17-like fimbriae, non-fimbrial adhesins, Hek and hemagglutinin, protein secretion system (T1SS for hemolysin; T2SS; T5SS for antigen 43), Iro system and hmu system), invasins (CNF1, IbeA), toxins (α-hemolysin), K1 capsule biosynthesis, metabolism (d-serine catabolism, dihydroxyacetone, glycerol, and glyoxylate metabolism), prophage genes, showed reduced interactions with both cell types. Next, we determined the role of various genomic islands in E. coli K1 resistance to serum. When exposed to the normal human serum, the viability of the genomic island deletion mutants related to adhesins such as S fimbriae, P fimbriae, F17-like fimbriae, non-fimbrial adhesins, Hek and hemagglutinin, antigen 43 and T5SS for antigen 43, T2SS, and T1SS for hemolysin, Iro system and hmu system, prophage genes, metabolism (sugar metabolism and d-serine catabolism), K1 capsule biosynthesis, and invasins such as CNF1 was affected, suggesting their role in bacteremia. The characterization of these genomic islands should reveal mechanisms of E. coli K1 pathogenicity that could be of value as therapeutic targets.

Matched MeSH terms: Genomic Islands
The relationship between migration and development in the ESCAP region

Skeldon R

Popul Res Leads, 1991.
PMID: 12317488
Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
The pill in figures and facts

Von Keep PA

Adv Fertil Control, 1967;2:1-5.
PMID: 12275322
Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
The periodicity of the microfilariae of Brugia malayi in Cheju Island, Korea

Seo BS

Kisaengchunghak Chapchi, 1974 Dec;12(2):95-100.
PMID: 12913470

The periodicity of the microfilariae of Brugia malayi was studied in 9 human carriers from Shin-san Ri, Seong-san Myon, Cheju Island. The periodicity pattern was markedly nocturnal and the peaks were observed between 21:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. The average peak count was 1:30 a.m. and the percentage of peak count at this time was 95.3. The ratio of minimum of the average peak count percentage to the maximum was 8.3. The periodicity pattern of B.malayi in Cheju Island was compared with that in Inland and no differences were found between two forms. From the above observations, it was concluded that the periodicity of B. malayi in Korea is markedly nocturnal and closely resembles that in the strain of Penang, Malaya.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
The oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds and its emulsions

Zarnowski R, Jaromin A, Certik M, Czabany T, Fontaine J, Jakubik T, et al.

Z Naturforsch C J Biosci, 2008 11 13;59(5-6):321-6.
PMID: 18998394

The oil of Adenanthera pavonina L. seeds was analysed by chromatographic and instrumental means. The oil was found to be rich in neutral lipids (86.2%), and low in polar lipids (13.8%). The neutral lipids consisted mainly of triacylglycerols (64.2%). Unsaturated fatty acids were found as high as 71%, while the percentage of saturated fatty acids was only 29%. GC and GC/MS analyses revealed linoleic, oleic and lignocerotic acid to be predominant among all fatty acids in the A. pavonina oil, whereas stigmasterol was the major steroid identified within this study. Subsequently, the oil was used for preparation of submicron oil-in-water (o/w) lipid emulsions. Lipid emulsions were formulated by using soybean lecithin (SL) to investigate their particle size, Zeta potential and stability at the different oil and SL ratios. The results obtained indicate possible applications of the tested oil in pharmaceutical and medical fields as drug and cosmetic active ingredient carriers.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
The influence of infant and child mortality on fertility in selected countries of the Asian and Pacific region

United Nations. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP. Population Division. Fertility and Family Planning Section

Popul Res Leads, 1985.
PMID: 12314064
Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
Fulltext The identification of octocorals from the northern region of Straits of Malacca

Mahadi Mohammad, Zaharatul Naa'imah Apandi, Hana Abdul Wahab Marican, Kamphol, Nadthikphorn, Nur Ain Amani Abdul Mubin, Sazlina Salleh, et al.

Trop Life Sci Res, 2016;27(11):87-93.
MyJurnal

Coral reefs in the northern region of the Straits of Malacca have a diverse group
of octocorals growing on its bed. The octocorals identified in this study are from islands
along the Straits. In this study, 23 specimens were identified, belonging to 4 sub-orders,
which have been subdivided into 8 families. From these 8 families, 15 different genera
have been identified. The identification process for this research was conducted based on
five important keys; the external form and colouration, polyps or colonial and fundamental
structure of colonies, monomorphic or dimorphic, the arrangement of polyps, and the
arrangement of sclerites.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
Fulltext The heterogeneic distribution of Helicobacter pylori cag pathogenicity island reflects different pathologies in multiracial Malaysian population

Hanafiah A, Razak SA, Neoh HM, Zin NM, Lopes BS

Braz J Infect Dis, 2020 11 04;24(6):545-551.
PMID: 33157035 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2020.10.005

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori harbouring cag-pathogenicity island (cagPAI) which encodes type IV secretion system (T4SS) and cagA virulence gene are involved in inflammation of the gastric mucosa. We examined all the 27 cagPAI genes in 88 H. pylori isolates from patients of different ethnicities and examined the association of the intactness of cagPAI region with histopathological scores of the gastric mucosa.
RESULTS: 96.6% (n=85) of H. pylori isolates were cagPAI-positive with 22.4% (19/85) having an intact cagPAI, whereas 77.6% (66/85) had a partial/rearranged cagPAI. The frequency of cag2 and cag14 were found to be significantly higher in H. pylori isolated from Malays, whereas cag4 was predominantly found in Chinese isolates. The cag24 was significantly found in higher proportions in Malay and Indian isolates than in Chinese isolates. The intactness of cagPAI region showed an association with histopathological scores of the gastric mucosa. Significant association was observed between H. pylori harbouring partial cagPAI with higher density of bacteria and neutrophil activity, whereas strains lacking cagPAI were associated with higher inflammatory score.
CONCLUSIONS: The genotypes of H. pylori strains with various cagPAI rearrangement associated with patients' ethnicities and histopathological scores might contribute to the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection in a multi-ethnic population.

Matched MeSH terms: Genomic Islands/genetics
The first Philippine species of Marcepania (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)

Jałoszyński P

Zootaxa, 2019 Sep 09;4668(1):zootaxa.4668.1.10.
PMID: 31716645 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4668.1.10

The genus Marcepania is a sole member of the tribe Marcepaniini, known to occur in SE Asia. The five hitherto described species inhabit the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. The first species discovered in the Philippines, Marcepania princesa sp. n. is described here, based on a male specimen found on the island of Palawan. It is most similar to its geographically closest relative, M. elongata of northern Borneo.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands
The epidemiological situation of HIV / AIDS in Asian and Pacific countries

Petersen G

Natl AIDS Bull, 1991 Jul;5(6):28-30.
PMID: 12179697
Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands
The emerging epidemic of HIV infection and AIDS in Asia and the Pacific

Kaldor JM, Sittitrai W, John TJ, Kitamura T

AIDS, 1994;8 Suppl 2:S1-2.
PMID: 7857551
Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology
The earwig fauna (Insecta: Dermaptera) of Penang Island, Malaysia, with descriptions of two new species

Kamimura Y, Nishikawa M, Lee CY

Zootaxa, 2016;4084(2):233-57.
PMID: 27394261 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4084.2.4

The earwig (Dermaptera) fauna of Penang Island, Malaysia, was evaluated by means of an extensive field survey together with revision of the few published data. Based on the results of the field survey, 31 species are recognized (2 Diplatyidae, 3 Pygidicranidae, 5 Anisolabididae, 2 Labiduridae, 14 Spongiphoridae, 4 Chelisochidae, 1 Forficulidae). Fifteen of these taxa are new to Peninsular Malaysia (=West Malaysia): Diplatys annandalei Burr, 1911, Diplatys mutiara n. sp., Euborellia philippinensis Srivastava, 1979, Metisolabis punctata (Dubrony, 1879), Pseudovostox brindlei Srivastava, 2003, Chaetospania anderssoni Brindle, 1971, Chaetospania javana Borelli, 1926, Chaetospania huisiangi n. sp., Paralabellula boettcheri (Borelli, 1923), Paralabellula rotundifrons (Hincks, 1954), Nesogaster amoenus (Stål, 1855), Hamaxas crassus Borelli, 1926, Proreus coalescens (Borelli, 1927), Hypurgus humeralis (Kirby, 1891), and an unidentified Echinosoma sp. Species composition of the island are compared with the dermapteran fauna of Thailand. Descriptions of females (or female genitalia) are given for some species for the first time.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands

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