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Fulltext Bioactive Compounds from the Bornean Endemic Plant Goniothalamus longistipetes

Teo SP, Bhakta S, Stapleton P, Gibbons S

Antibiotics (Basel), 2020 Dec 16;9(12).
PMID: 33339285 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9120913

The present study aimed to screen plants for bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial activities. In our efforts to evaluate plants from Borneo, we isolated and elucidated the structures of four natural products from the bioactive fraction of a chloroform extract of Goniothalamus longistipetes using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. The bioactive compounds were identified as a known styryllactone, (+)-altholactone ((2S,3R,3aS,7aS)-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydrobenzo-5(4H)-5-one) (1), a new styryllactone, (2S,3R,3aS,7aS)-3-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2,3,3a,7a-tetrahydrobenzo-5(4H)-5-one) (2) as well as a new alkaloid, 2,6-dimethoxyisonicotinaldehyde (3) and a new alkenyl-5-hydroxyl-phenyl benzoic acid (4). 1 and 4 showed broad-spectrum anti-bacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as acid-fast model selected for this study. Compound 2 only demonstrated activities against Gram-positive bacteria whilst 3 displayed selective inhibitory activities against Gram-positive bacterial strains. Additionally, their mechanisms of anti-bacterial action were also investigated. Using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a fast-growing model of tubercle bacilli, compounds 1, 2 and 4 demonstrated inhibitory activities against whole-cell drug efflux and biofilm formation; two key intrinsic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Interestingly, the amphiphilic compound 4 exhibited inhibitory activity against the conjugation of plasmid pKM101 in Escherichia coli using a plate conjugation assay. Plasmid conjugation is a mechanism by which Gram-positive and Gram-negative-bacteria acquire drug resistance and virulence. These results indicated that bioactive compounds isolated from Goniothalamus longistipetes can be potential candidates as 'hits' for further optimisation.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Population Genetics Analyses of the Endangered Proboscis Monkey from Malaysian Borneo

Mazlan N, Abd-Rahman MR, Tingga RCT, Abdullah MT, Khan FAA

Folia Primatol., 2019;90(3):139-152.
PMID: 30870855 DOI: 10.1159/000496022

The proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus, is an endemic species to the island of Borneo. It is listed in the IUCN Red List as Endangered with a decreasing population trend. Nevertheless, biological information, especially on the genetic diversity of the species, is still incomplete. Its fragmented distribution poses difficulties in gathering genetic samples along with its widespread distribution across Borneo. This study aims to determine the genetic variation and structure of N. larvatus with an emphasis on Malaysian Borneo populations to elucidate its gene flow. The genetic variation and structure of N. larvatus were examined using 50 sequences of the 1,434-bp cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene region of mitochondrial DNA. The COI sequences revealed low genetic variation among N. larvatus populations in Malaysian Borneo. This low genetic variability could be the result of inbreeding pressure that may have occurred due to the absence of population expansion in this species over the last 30,000 years. This is supported in our analysis of molecular variance, which showed that groups of N. larvatus are significantly differentiated possibly due to natural geographic barriers. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity among proboscis monkey populations in Borneo for the future genetic assessment of the species.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in Tuaran district, Sabah: a cross sectional study. [Abstract]

Dualis H, Swe, Mathew GG

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):99.
MyJurnal

ABSTRACTS FOR THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL BORNEO HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE AND 4TH BORNEO TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONGRESS
Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) imposes a risk for both mother and child. Worldwide, it was estimated that GDM affects 1% to 28% of antenatal mothers. Previous studies revealed that prevalence of GDM ranged from 18.3% and 24.9% in Malaysia. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of GDM among pregnant women and their sociodemographic characteristics in Tuaran District, Sabah State, Malaysia.
Methods: A cross sectional study was done in four Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Clinics at Tuaran, Tamparuli, Tenghilan and Kiulu in Tuaran District which included all pregnant mothers at gestational period of 24 weeks and above who attended these clinics from May 2018 to June 2018. Convenient sampling method was used. Secondary data was obtained from antenatal book records and primary data was collected by interview method using pretest-ed questionnaire. A total of 195 pregnant women participated in the study.
Results: The overall GDM prevalence among pregnant women who attended MCH clinics for antenatal care in Tuaran District was 28.2%, (95% CI: 22.0%-35.1%, n=55). Distribution of GDM cases were 34.5%, 34.5%, 18.2% and 12.7% for MCH Tuaran, Teng-hilan, Tamparuli and Kiulu respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics showed that majority of GDM was less than 35 years old of age (63.6%), multipara (60%), Kadazan/Dusun ethnicity (58.2%), attained secondary schools’ education and above (91%) and earning > RM1000 per month (65.5%). Percentage according to potential risk factors were 25%, 21% and 20% for history of abortion, family history of diabetes mellitus and previous history of GDM respectively.
Conclusion: Prevalence of GDM among pregnant women in Tuaran District was quite alarming. Further studies should be conducted about GDM and its determining factors for effective planning in strengthening GDM prevention and control programs.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Knowledge and utilization of laboratory services among employees of University Malaysia Sabah. [Abstract]

Wynn AA, Myint O, Mya NK, Aung TS, Myint T

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):39.
MyJurnal

Abstracts For The 1st International Borneo Healthcare And Public Health Conference And 4th Borneo Tropical Medicine And Infectious Disease Congress. Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia On 3rd-5th September 2019
Introduction: Laboratory screening tests are common elements of health care. Comprehensive care of patients is dependent on the results of laboratory investigations. Dissemination of knowledge and improving attitude of com-munity for utilization of laboratory services are utmost important in community health care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and utilization of the laboratory services among the employees of University Malaysia Sabah, determine their expectations of employees on the medical laboratory services.
Methods: A total of 200 UMS staff participated. The data were collected using a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaires and descriptive data analysis was done.
Results: 5% of the participants in this study agreed to have the health check and blood screening tests every year. Less than 10% of respondents agreed to do more frequent blood tests check if they are at high risk such as family history of cancer, hypertension and diabetes 181 out of 200 respondents do not agree that doing laboratory tests can help for early diagnosis of some diseases. The most used laboratory tests were plasma sugar (70.8%), blood grouping (60.4%), urine examination (50%) and serum lipid (46%).
Conclusion: Based on the results, recommendations were made to improve the knowledge, attitude and utilization of the laboratory services and set up laboratory services easily accessible by the university community. This will lead to positive health benefits in people and improve associated health outcomes.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Concurrent Influenza A and Pulmonary Melioidosis in pregnancy

Tan WF, Lee HG

Med J Malaysia, 2021 03;76(2):245-247.
PMID: 33742637

Melioidosis is endemic in Sabah. It causes significant morbidity and mortality if diagnosis and treatment is delayed. Important risk factors include diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, chronic lung diseases, thalassaemia, immunosuppressive therapy, and hazardous alcohol consumption. Influenza A is usually a self-limiting disease but is associated with high morbidity and mortality in highrisk populations especially during pregnancy. Both melioidosis and influenza A commonly present in patients with pneumonia. Secondary bacterial pneumonia is a known complication in approximately one third of patients with severe pneumonia due to influenza A, resulting in intensive care unit admissions. However, melioidosis is not commonly recognized as an aetiology in secondary bacterial pneumonia complicating influenza A infection. This is important as empirical antibiotics that are used to treat secondary bacterial pneumonia due to influenza A often do not cover melioidosis. Here we report a rare case of concurrent pulmonary melioidosis and influenza A in a 30- year-old primigravida at 27 weeks of pregnancy in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sabah, Malaysia to highlight the challenge in the recognition and management of both infections in a melioidosis endemic area.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext A 3-year cross-sectional study on breast cancer among sandakan indigenous women: do they present earlier?

Wong K. H.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):35-35.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in Malaysia, predominantly among women under age of 60 and they often presented late. Borneo is home to multi-racial indigenous with heterogeneous background and breast cancer profile can be absolutely unique. This study aims to examine the demographic characteristics and stage at presentation in Sandakan women with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospec-tive study involving those women who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer from January 2016 to December 2018 in Duchess of Kent Hospital, Sandakan identified via hospital cancer registry and patient records. Only breast cancer with epithelial origin was included. Age, ethnicity and stages at presentation of breast cancer were analysed. Logistic regression was used to study their relationships. Results: 110 women were newly diagnosed as breast cancer. Mean age was 53.5 (SD 12.7), the youngest at 30 and the eldest at 97. Majority (64.6%) were local indigenous wom-en, constituted by 25.4% Sungai, 14.1% Kadazan-Dusun, 12.7% Bugis and the minorities. Chinese women are the main local non-indigenous (32.7%) followed by 2.7% Malay. 52.1% presented at late stages (stage III/IV). Subgroup analysis of T-staging revealed 41.7% had advanced symptoms (T3/T4). Indigenous group was more likely to present at younger ages (OR 12.0; 95%CI 1.5-93.8) and with advanced symptoms (OR 3.1; 95%CI 1.2-8.0). Conclusion: Awareness on breast cancer remains inadequate particularly among indigenous women. Difficult healthcare accessi-bility and incline towards traditional medicine could attribute to late presentation. Outreach awareness programmes are warranted in addition to mobile screening services.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Clinical and demographic pattern of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) from a multicenter perspective: Malaysia's experience over 26 years

Noh LM, Latiff AHA, Ismail IH, Noah RM, Wahab AA, Hamid IJA, et al.

Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol, 2021 May 17;17(1):50.
PMID: 34001231 DOI: 10.1186/s13223-021-00551-4

BACKGROUND: A retrospective review of clinical manifestations and demographic pattern of patients diagnosed as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) from 7 hospitals in Malaysia. An analysis of the available database would establish clinical characteristics, diagnoses and outcome including microbiologic pattern. Studying the demography allows us to document the occurrence of CGD amongst multiethnic groups and its geographical distribution for Malaysia.
METHODS: Data from the Malaysia Primary Immunodeficiency Network (MyPIN) with cases of CGD diagnosed from 1991 until 2016 were collated and analysed.
RESULTS: Twenty patients were diagnosed as CGD. Males (N = 13, 65%) outnumber females (N = 7, 35%). CGD is commonest amongst the Malays (65%) followed by the Chinese (15.0%), Indians (10.0%) and natives of Borneo (10.0%), reflecting the ethnic composition of the country. The mean age of diagnosis was 3.7 years. There was a positive family history in 40% of the cases. Abscess was the main presenting feature in 16 patients (80%) with one involving the brain. Pneumonia occurred in 10 (50%) and one with complicated bronchiectasis. Catalase-positive bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogen with Chromobacterium violaceum predominating (N = 5, 25%) with consequent high mortality (N = 4, 80%). All CGD patients with C. violaceum infection displayed CD4 + (T helper cells) lymphopenia.
CONCLUSION: This study has shown CGD occurs in the major ethnic groups of Malaysia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first and the largest series of chronic granulomatous disease in South East Asia which may be reflective of similar clinical pattern in the region. C. violaceum infection is associated with a higher mortality in CGD patients in Malaysia. All the CGD patients with C. violaceum infection in this patient series displayed CD4 + (T helper) lymphopenia. We recorded rare clinical manifestation of CGD viz. brain abscess and bronchiectasis.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Severe diabetic papillopathy mimicking non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in a young patient

Mallika PS, Salowi MA, Thanaraj A, Chong MS, Tan AK, Chua CN

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Apr;67(2):228-30.
PMID: 22822654 MyJurnal

With the pathophysiology not clearly understood and fewer than 130 cases having been reported in the literature, diabetic papillopathy presents a special challenge to the ophthalmologist. We report a case of a young patient with more than 12 years of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) on insulin with poor compliance to treatment who presented with sudden bilateral loss of vision. Ocular examination, fluorescence angiography (FA) and systemic signs were conclusive of diabetic papillopathy. His fasting blood sugar level was high and serum glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) indicated a long term fluctuating blood glucose control. His vision initially improved with treatment, but later deteriorated with tight glycemic control.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Proteinuria in diabetic patients in a primary health care setting in Sarawak

Wong JS

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jun;60(2):146-50.
PMID: 16114154 MyJurnal

Diabetic nephropathy is now the number one cause of end stage renal failure in Malaysia. This places a huge burden on patients and the health care system especially in developing countries with limited health care resources, such as in Sarawak in East Malaysia. This study describes the prevalence of proteinuria/microalbuminuria in diabetic patients treated in Klinik Kesihatan Tanah Puteh. Early detection of proteinuria/microalbuminuria allows remedial measures to be taken to retard the progression of nephropathy. Forty-eight percent of the cases had proteinuria and microalbuminuria was found in 16%. Seventy-eight percent of cases with proteinuria were on treatment with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers. Seventy-five percent of patients had hypertension but only 6% achieved the targeted BP of < 130/80 mmHg.
Study site: Diabetic clinic of Klinik Kesihatan Tanah Puteh, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Protective effect of aqueous extracts from Canarium odontophyllum Miq. leaf on liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Siti Balkis Budin, Kumar, Shashi, Nor Malia Abd Warif, Shafikha Mohd Saari, Dayang Fredalina Basri

Life Sciences, Medicine and Biomedicine, 2018;2(1):1-5.
MyJurnal

The fruit of Canarium odontophyllum Miq. is a traditional delicacy in Borneo for its anti-aging benefit. This study evaluated the protective effect of C. odontophyllum leaf aqueous extract on damaged liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A total of 30 male Spraque-Dawley rats (150-250g) were randomly divided into three groups: control group, diabetic without treatment and diabetic treated with 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of C. odontophyllum for 28 consecutive days. The diabetic condition was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at 65 mg/kg body weight. At the end of study period, blood was collected to assess the biochemical changes and the oxidative stress markers whereas the liver section was examined for morphological changes. Result showed that the level of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in diabetic rats treated with C. odontophyllum were significantly reduced (p

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Rodent Species Distribution and Hantavirus Seroprevalence in Residential and Forested areas of Sarawak, Malaysia

Hamdan NE, Ng YL, Lee WB, Tan CS, Khan FA, Chong YL

Trop Life Sci Res, 2017 Jan;28(1):151-159.
PMID: 28228923 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2017.28.1.11

Rodents belong to the order Rodentia, which consists of three families in Borneo (i.e., Muridae, Sciuridae and Hystricidae). These include rats, mice, squirrels, and porcupines. They are widespread throughout the world and considered pests that harm humans and livestock. Some rodent species are natural reservoirs of hantaviruses (Family: Bunyaviridae) that can cause zoonotic diseases in humans. Although hantavirus seropositive human sera were reported in Peninsular Malaysia in the early 1980s, information on their infection in rodent species in Malaysia is still lacking. The rodent populations in residential and forested areas in Sarawak were sampled. A total of 108 individuals from 15 species of rodents were collected in residential (n = 44) and forested ( n = 64) areas. The species diversity of rodents in forested areas was significantly higher (H = 2.2342) compared to rodents in residential areas (H = 0.64715) (p < 0.001 of Zar-t test based on the Shannon index). Rattus rattus and Sundamys muelleri were present at high frequencies in both localities. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that hantavirus-targeting antibodies were absent from 53 tested serum samples. This is the first report of hantavirus seroprevalence surveillance in rodent populations in Sarawak, East Malaysia. The results suggested that hantavirus was not circulating in the studied rodent populations in Sarawak, or it was otherwise at a low prevalence that is below the detection threshold. It is important to remain vigilant because of the zoonotic potential of this virus and its severe disease outcome. Further studies, such as molecular detection of viral genetic materials, are needed to fully assess the risk of hantavirus infection in rodents and humans in this region of Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Space, repetition and collective interlocution: Psychiatric interviews in a Borneo longhouse

Barrett RJ

Commun Med, 2004;1(1):25-34.
PMID: 16808686

An analysis is presented of psychiatric research interviews conducted among the Iban, a longhouse dwelling people of Sarawak, Malaysia. It draws on transcripts of interviews recorded in the course of carrying out research into schizophrenia in this group. The article examines three different interview spaces within the longhouse--public, family, and private--in order to explore the interplay between ethnographic context and interview conversation. The public setting is notable for the number of relatives who join in and transform the communication from dyadic to collective interlocution; the role of repetition in recruiting them into the conversation is explored. Indirect contrast is the private space, which allows for a level of confidentiality commensurate with Western psychiatric research practice. Intermediate between the two is the family space. The communicative forms that correspond to these settings influence the way symptoms of schizophrenia are experienced and expressed in the Iban. Implications for the practice of psychiatry cross-culturally are examined.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Ethno-medicine survey of medicinal plants used by villagers in Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia. [Abstract]

Shimmi SC, Kabir S, Parash MTH, Hossain ABMT, Khaing MS, Muhd Yunus R

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):65.
MyJurnal

ABSTRACTS FOR THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL BORNEO HEALTHCARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE AND 4TH BORNEO TROPICAL MEDICINE
AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONGRESS. New Frontiers in Health: Expecting the Unexpected; Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; On 3rd-5th September 2019
Introduction: The use of medicinal plants as a remedy and prevention of diseases based on practical skills, knowledge and therapies was passed down from one generation to the next. It was reported by WHO that, approximately a quarter of the modern drugs were derivatives of plants or herbs, used as traditional medicines. It has contributed greatly in the health care management as the main source of medicine for many of the rural population in Sabah. This preliminary study was carried out to observe the use of medicinal plants in different villages of Kudat and to know about the knowledge of the villagers related to possible side effects of these plants.
Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study which was carried out in different villages of Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia between August and September 2018. The data were obtained through interviewing the people in different villages by using semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data.
Results: Among the 87 participants, 37.9% were male and 62.1% were female. Their mean age was 45.87 (±14.03) and they were mostly from Kadazan-Dusun (50.6%) and Rungus (42.5%). The highest level of education among the participants was SPM (20.7%). Roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits of 49 plant species were reported in the treatment of more than 30 types of health conditions. Anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, joint pain, hypercholesterolaemia, fever, asthma, malaria, vomiting and few acute illnesses are mentionable. Majority (71%) of the participants did not have any knowledge about possible side effects of the orally ingested or tropically applied medicinal plants.
Conclusion: There should be thorough research on dosage, mechanism of action and possible side effects of the medicinal plants and the results of these researches should reach the users of these plants.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Prevalence of lipohypertrophy in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes mellitus. [Abstract]

Nain RA, Thomas DC, Hmwe NTT

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(105):5-0.
MyJurnal

1st UMS INTERNATIONAL NURSING CONFERENCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH 11TH INTERNATIONAL NURSING STUDENTS’ FORUM. A view into the future of nursing: Nursing Transformation towards IR-4.0; Held at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia; On 6-8th March 2020
Introduction: Lipohypertrophy is one of the most common complications of insulin injection. Early detection of lipo- hypertrophy is very important to prevent the risk of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, arisen due to inconsistencies in absorption of insulin. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of lipohyperthrophy in insulin-treated type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Methods: This is a quantitative descriptive study which was carried out from June to August 2017 in one of tertiary hospital in Sabah. Participants were recruited via purposive convenience sampling. This study was divided into 2 parts which includes questionnaire survey and examination of lipohyperthrophy based on inspec- tion and palpation techniques. Study participants were patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and on insulin injection more than 3 months. The finding of the injection site examination recorded as “presence” and “not presence” based on the features of lipohyperthrophy. The features of lipohyperthrophy include a palpable lump, swelling of fatty tissue around the subcutaneous insulin injection site, thickened ‘rubbery’ swelling of tissue that is soft and firm, and less pain sensation. Respondent who have one or more of these features considered as presence of lipohyperthrophy. Results: Out of 130 patients, more than half of respondents (51.5%, n=67) had lipohyperthrophy and 48.5% (n=63) without lipohyperthrophy. The occurrence of lipohyhertrophy is shown to be higher in patients who had a longer duration of insulin injection (p=0.002), Failure of changing needle (p=0.026) and failure of rotation injection site (p=0.017) at each time of injection. Conclusion: The high prevalence of lipohypertrophy shown in this study high- lights the need for prevention strategies, which include regular assessment for the presence of lipohypertrophy and health education on insulin injection. Health education should emphasize on self-assessment of lipohypertrophy, and the importance of right injection techniques.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Soup to Tree: The Phylogeny of Beetles Inferred by Mitochondrial Metagenomics of a Bornean Rainforest Sample

Crampton-Platt A, Timmermans MJ, Gimmel ML, Kutty SN, Cockerill TD, Vun Khen C, et al.

Mol Biol Evol, 2015 Sep;32(9):2302-16.
PMID: 25957318 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv111

In spite of the growth of molecular ecology, systematics and next-generation sequencing, the discovery and analysis of diversity is not currently integrated with building the tree-of-life. Tropical arthropod ecologists are well placed to accelerate this process if all specimens obtained through mass-trapping, many of which will be new species, could be incorporated routinely into phylogeny reconstruction. Here we test a shotgun sequencing approach, whereby mitochondrial genomes are assembled from complex ecological mixtures through mitochondrial metagenomics, and demonstrate how the approach overcomes many of the taxonomic impediments to the study of biodiversity. DNA from approximately 500 beetle specimens, originating from a single rainforest canopy fogging sample from Borneo, was pooled and shotgun sequenced, followed by de novo assembly of complete and partial mitogenomes for 175 species. The phylogenetic tree obtained from this local sample was highly similar to that from existing mitogenomes selected for global coverage of major lineages of Coleoptera. When all sequences were combined only minor topological changes were induced against this reference set, indicating an increasingly stable estimate of coleopteran phylogeny, while the ecological sample expanded the tip-level representation of several lineages. Robust trees generated from ecological samples now enable an evolutionary framework for ecology. Meanwhile, the inclusion of uncharacterized samples in the tree-of-life rapidly expands taxon and biogeographic representation of lineages without morphological identification. Mitogenomes from shotgun sequencing of unsorted environmental samples and their associated metadata, placed robustly into the phylogenetic tree, constitute novel DNA "superbarcodes" for testing hypotheses regarding global patterns of diversity.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Development and behavior of wild infant-juvenile East Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) in Danum Valley

Mendonça RS, Kanamori T, Kuze N, Hayashi M, Bernard H, Matsuzawa T

Primates, 2017 01;58(1):211-224.
PMID: 27600514 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-016-0567-6

Orangutans have a long period of immaturity and the longest inter-birth interval (IBI) of all mammals, which can be explained by their solitary life style, preventing the mother from rearing two offspring simultaneously (solitary life hypothesis) [corrected]. We collected data on mother-offspring dyads living in a primary lowland forest in Danum Valley, East Borneo in an effort to examine the developmental and behavioral patterns of the subspecies Pongo pygmaeus morio. We analyzed developmental changes in mother-offspring distance, contact, and activity budgets in orangutans ranging from 1 to 7 years of age. The results indicated decreased resting and playing with increasing age, whereas feeding, traveling and social play all increased significantly. Mothers' feeding and traveling time were good predictors of their offspring's feeding and traveling activities. Mother-offspring contact lasted longer in resting contexts; contact during traveling was almost non-existent after 4 years of age. Comparisons with previously published data on the Sumatran species Pongo abelli revealed no fundamental differences in these behavioral measures. However, a shorter association time with the mother after behavioral independence is documented for this East Bornean population in comparison to Sumatran populations. These results are best explained by the solitary life hypothesis, in agreement with previous studies. We suggest that environmental constraints in Bornean forests, as well as a lower population density, should be considered when interpreting the differences between Sumatran and Bornean orangutans in both the period of association with mother and the IBI.

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Fulltext Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in diabetic screened using fundus photography at a primary health care setting in East Malaysia

Mallika PS, Lee PY, Cheah WL, Wong JS, Syed Alwi SAR, Nor Hayati H, et al.

Malays Fam Physician, 2011;6(2):60-65.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study reports on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and risk factors among diabetic patients, who underwent fundus photography screening in a primary care setting of Borneo Islands, East Malaysia. We aimed to explore the preliminary data to help in the planning of more effective preventive strategies of DR at the primary health care setting.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study on 738 known diabetic patients aged 19-82 years was conducted in 2004. Eye examination consists of visual acuity testing followed by fundus photography for DR assessment. The fundus pictures were reviewed by a family physician and an ophthalmologist. Fundus photographs were graded as having no DR, NPDR, PDR and maculopathy. The data of other parameters was retrieved from patient’s record. Bi-variate and multivariate analysis was used to elucidate the factors associated with DR.
Results: Any DR was detected in 23.7% (95% CI=21 to 27%) of the patients and 3.2% had proliferative DR. The risk factors associated with any DR was duration of DM (OR =2.5, CI=1.6 to 3.9 for duration of five to 10 years when compared to <5 years) and lower BMI (OR=1.8, CI=1.1 to 3.0). Moderate visual loss was associated with DR (OR=2.1, CI=1.2 to 3.7).
Conclusions: This study confirms associations of DR with diabetic duration, body mass index and visual loss. Our data provide preliminary findings to help to improve the screening and preventive strategies of DR at the primary health care setting.
Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, epidemiology, screening, primary health care, Malaysia
Study site: Klinik Kesihatan Jalan Masjid, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Cancer in Sarawak (Borneo). A preliminary survey

Muir CS, Oakley WF

Br. J. Cancer, 1966 Jun;20(2):217-25.
PMID: 5944267
Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
Malaria of the orang-utan (Pongo pygmaeus) in Borneo

Peters W

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1976 Sep 28;275(941):439-82.
PMID: 10589

The primary objective of this project was to study the life cycle and ecology of Plasmodium pitheci, a malaria parasite of the orang-utan. The field work was based on the orang-utan rehabilitation centre in the Sepilok Forest Reserve of eastern Sabah. Two visits were made to Sepilok, the first in February and March, 1972, and the second (by W.P.) in January 1974. On the first visit two species of "surrogate host" were taken to Sabah, i.e. chimpanzees and Aotus monkeys for experimental work. The arboreal habitat of the orang-utan in the dipterocarp forests of eastern Sabah is described. In the Sepilok Forest Reserve dwell gibbons and leaf-monkeys, in addition to a small population of semi-domesticated and wild, free-ranging orang-utans of various ages. Although numerous species of anopheline mosquitoes have been collected in eastern Sabah, longitudinal studies are not available. Anopheles balabacensis was caught both attracted to orang-utans and to man at Sepilok. This species which is the main vector of human malaria in the north of Borneo, is suspected also of transmitting orang-utan malaria in this part of Sabah. Repeated blood examinations have been made on a number of orang-utans in the centre since 1966 and a high prevalence of infection was recorded with Plasmodium pitheci. In 1966 10 out of 19 animals had demonstrable parasitaemia. Detailed case histories are presented to show the course of parasitaemia in several orang-utans. Infections of P. pitheci were found to run a very chronic course. During the 1972 expedition a second, previously undescribed malaria parasite of the orang-utan was discovered, and was named P. silvaticum. The new parasite was successfully transmitted both by blood inoculation and, later, by sporozoite inoculation, into splenectomized chimpanzees. Although both species of malaria parasite may cause transitory signs of illness, orang-utans in general appear to be little discomforted by the infection. The animals do however suffer from other infectious diseases such as amoebic and balantidial dysentery, and melioidosis is a serious natural hazard which may have accounted for several deaths of wild orang-utans. An unidentified, intraerythrocytic structure that appeared in the blood of one chimpanzee, which had been inoculated with blood from an orang-utan, may have contributed to its death. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of P. pitheci and P. silvaticum are given. All stages of the life cycle of P. silvaticum are known (the tissue stages having been described in the liver of a "surrogate host", the chimpanzee) but only the blood and sporogonic stages of P. pitheci have been seen. This species was not infective to a chimpanzee, although there is an earlier report of a transient infection in this host by other workers. In the blood both parasites showed a tertian periodicity. From the appearance of the tissue schizonts on the seventh day it was estimated that the complete pre-erythrocytic cycle of P. silvaticum in the chimpanzee would occupy 8 days. P...

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo
A clinical and survey study of latah in Sarawak, Malaysia

Chiu TL, Tong JE, Schmidt KE

Psychol Med, 1972 May;2(2):155-65.
PMID: 5034110 DOI: 10.1017/S0033291700040629

During a psychiatric survey in Sarawak, subjects demonstrating latah were examined separately, both clinically and with a questionnaire. Latah occurred only in females, mainly Malays, occasionally Ibans, and never Chinese. Fifty latah subjects were examined, seven were firmly diagnosed as being mentally ill, and another 13 demonstrated mild psychiatric disorders. Dream content indicated an overt sexual component

Matched MeSH terms: Borneo

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