MyMedR

Salmonella isolation experience in the Pacific Basin region: a survey

Haddock RL

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 1983 Sep;14(3):399-402.

To determine if the unusually high incidence of salmonellosis reported on Guam for several years might be the result of more frequent bacteriologic examination of gastroenteritis/diarrhoea patient stool specimens, a survey of medical clinic and laboratory activities was undertaken among countries in the Pacific Basin Area. Survey results suggest that while Guam laboratories may be particularly proficient in isolating Salmonella organisms, the quantity of stool specimens examined could not account for the higher incidence of salmonellosis observed on the island.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

A preliminary study on humic-like substances in particulate matter in Malaysia influenced by Indonesian peatland fires

Fujii Y, Tohno S, Ikeda K, Mahmud M, Takenaka N

Sci Total Environ, 2021 Jan 20;753:142009.

PMID: 32890879 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142009

In this paper, ambient total suspended particulates (TSP) with a focus on humic-like substances (HULIS) are characterized based on intensive ground-based field samplings collected in Malaysia during non-haze and haze periods caused by peatland fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Furthermore, concentrations of water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) and carbon content of HULIS (HULIS-C) were determined, and fluorescence spectra of the HULIS samples were recorded by excitation emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. The concentrations of WSOC and HULIS-C over the entire period ranged from 4.1 to 24 and 1.3 to 18 μgC m-3, respectively. The concentrations of WSOC and HULIS-C during the peatland fire-induced strong haze periods were over 4.3 and 6.1 times higher, respectively, than the average values recorded during the non-haze periods. Even during the light haze periods, the concentrations of WSOC and HULIS-C were significantly higher than their averages during the non-haze periods. These results indicate that peatland fires induce high concentrations of WSOC, particularly HULIS-C, in ambient TSP at receptor sites. EEM fluorescence spectra identified fulvic-like fluorophores at the highest intensity level in the EEM fluorescence spectra of the haze samples. A peak at excitation/emission (Ex/Em) ≈ (290-330)/(375-425) nm is also observed at high intensity, though this peak is normally associated with marine humic-like fluorophores. It is shown that a peak at Ex/Em ≈ (290-330)/(375-425) nm is not derived from marine sources only; furthermore, peatland fires are shown to be important contributors to HULIS around this peak.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands

Plastic debris on Pacific Islands: Ecological and health implications

Filho WL, Havea PH, Balogun AL, Boenecke J, Maharaj AA, Ha'apio M, et al.

Sci Total Environ, 2019 Jun 20;670:181-187.

PMID: 31018438 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.181

Plastic debris is a worldwide problem. This is particularly acute in the Pacific region, where its scale is a reason for serious concerns. There is an obvious need for studies to assess the extent to which plastic debris affects the Pacific. Therefore, this research aims to address this need by undertaking a systematic assessment of the ecological and health impacts of plastic debris on Pacific islands. Using pertinent historical qualitative and quantitative data of the distribution of plastic debris in the region, this study identified pollution and contamination trends and risks to ecosystems, and suggests some measures which may be deployed to address the identified problems. The study illustrates the fact that Pacific Island States are being disproportionately affected by plastic, and reiterates that further studies and integrated strategies are needed, involving public education and empowerment, governmental action, as well as ecologically sustainable industry leadership. It is also clear that more research is needed in respect of developing alternatives to conventional plastic, by the production of bio-plastic, i.e. plastic which is produced from natural (e.g. non-fossil fuel-based sources) materials, and which can be fully biodegradable.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

The Travelling Particles: Investigating microplastics as possible transport vectors for multidrug resistant E. coli in the Weser estuary (Germany)

Song J, Jongmans-Hochschulz E, Mauder N, Imirzalioglu C, Wichels A, Gerdts G

Sci Total Environ, 2020 Jun 10;720:137603.

PMID: 32143053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137603

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in aquatic environments has been a long withstanding health concern, namely extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli. Given increasing reports on microplastic (MP) pollution in these environments, it has become crucial to better understand the role of MP particles as transport vectors for such multidrug-resistant bacteria. In this study, an incubation experiment was designed where particles of both synthetic and natural material (HDPE, tyre wear, and wood) were sequentially incubated at multiple sites along a salinity gradient from the Lower Weser estuary (Germany) to the offshore island Helgoland (German Bight, North Sea). Following each incubation period, particle biofilms and water samples were assessed for ESBL-producing E. coli, first by the enrichment and detection of E. coli using Fluorocult® LMX Broth followed by cultivation on CHROMAgar™ ESBL media to select for ESBL-producers. Results showed that general E. coli populations were present on the surfaces of wood particles across all sites but none were found to produce ESBLs. Additionally, neither HDPE nor tyre wear particles were found to harbour any E. coli. Conversely, ESBL-producing E. coli were present in surrounding waters from all sites, 64% of which conferred resistances against up to 3 other antibiotic groups, additional to the beta-lactam resistances intrinsic to ESBL-producers. This study provides a first look into the potential of MP to harbour and transport multidrug-resistant E. coli across different environments and the approach serves as an important precursor to further studies on other potentially harmful MP-colonizing species.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands

Long term flow change threatens invertebrate diversity in temporary streams: Evidence from an island

Garcia C, Gibbins CN, Pardo I, Batalla RJ

Sci Total Environ, 2017 Feb 15;580:1453-1459.

PMID: 28027801 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.119

Here we provide the first evidence of long term reductions in flow in temporary streams on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca and use a simple metric of the degree of water permanence (the number of days with water) to highlight the implications of flow change for aquatic invertebrate diversity. Analysis of a 33year data set for 13 streams on the island yielded evidence of consistent downward trends in water permanence, particularly in spring and summer. Data from 27 relatively undisturbed mountain streams indicate that the diversity of benthic invertebrates in temporary streams across the island is directly related to water permanence. Streams with lower values of water permanence support few species overall and have less abundant invertebrate assemblages; the abundance and species richness of sensitive mayfly, stonefly and caddisfly taxonomic groups is also reduced in streams with lower water permanence. Although developed using spatial data, these flow-invertebrate relationships suggest that future reductions in water permanence may lead to reduced diversity. We argue that the 'number of days with water' is a simple but ecologically-relevant metric of water permanence that can be used effectively to monitor change in threatened temporary streams worldwide.

Matched MeSH terms: Islands

Fulltext Nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Mikania micrantha Kunth

Amirah Haziyah Ishak, Nurul Husna Shafie, Norhaizan Mohd Esa, Hasnah Bahari

The Pertanika Journal of Scholarly Research Reviews, 2016;2(3):123-132.

MyJurnal

Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae) is a perennial creeping vine that can be found in South and North America, Africa, Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, including Southern China and Malaysia. Previous studies have reported that this plant possesses several pharmacological properties which can be used to prevent and cure several diseases. Phytochemicals found from various parts of M. micrantha have been linked to beneficial medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and also anti-diabetic activities. The primary aim of this paper is to review available scientific information on the nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of M. micrantha to provide baseline information for future studies.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Effective international aid: the encouragement of self reliance

Fuller JF

N Z Dent J, 1977 Apr;73(332):71-6.

PMID: 267854

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Fulltext Characterisation of rh and other blood group systems amongst the maldivian blood donors

Mohamed S, Muna I

Med J Malaysia, 2013 Oct;68(5):393-6.

PMID: 24632868

OBJECTIVE: We here report the first study on the distribution of red cell antigens and phenotype frequencies of various blood group systems in Maldives.

METHOD: Randomly selected 123 regular blood donors of O group were phenotyped for seven blood group systems by direct tube agglutination and or indirect antiglobulin tests. Blood group systems studied were Rh, Kidd, Duffy, Lewis, Kell, P and MNS system.

RESULTS: Rh blood grouping showed, 7.3% donors were Rh(D) negative, 92.7% were Rh(D) positive with the predominance of genotype complex of DCe/DCe (39.0%). The incidence of Jk(a+b+) phenotype was the most common in Kidd system. In Duffy system, the incidence of Fy(a+b+) phenotype was 50.4%. Lewis system was predominated by Le(a-b+) phenotype accounting to 80.5% of the donors. In the Kell system only two phenotypes were present, K+k- (5.7%) and k+k+ (94.3%), in the Maldivian blood donors. P system was represented by P1, P2 and P2k phenotypes with an incidence of 28.5%, 70.7% and 0.8% respectively. In the MNS system, MNss and MNSs phenotypes summed up to 48.8% of blood donors.

CONCLUSION: The detail knowledge of red cell antigen composition and their frequencies in the Maldivian population will be helpful in terms of population genetic perspectives, in establishing a donor data-bank for in-house production of indigenous screening and identification cell panels, and facilitate availability of antigen negative compatible blood for patients with previously identified multiple alloantibodies.

Matched MeSH terms: Indian Ocean Islands

Liver transplantation in the Asia Pacific region--trials and tribulations

Fan ST

Med J Malaysia, 2005 Jul;60 Suppl B:1-4.

PMID: 16108164

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Coelomomyces infections in mosquito larvae in the South Pacific

Ramalingam S

Med J Malaya, 1966 Jun;20(4):334.

PMID: 4380827

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Records of two pacific island species of mosquito from Singapore harbour

COLLESS DH

Med J Malaya, 1957 Dec;12(2):464-7.

PMID: 13515879

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Epidemiology of HIV and AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region

Dore GJ, Kaldor JM, Ungchusak K, Mertens TE

Med J Aust, 1996 Nov 4;165(9):494-8.

PMID: 8937371

The incidence of new HIV infections in Asia and the Pacific will soon pass that in Africa and is projected to increase into the next century. The AIDS epidemic arising from these infections will have enormous consequences for the health and socioeconomic development of a region encompassing more than half the world's population.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Occurrence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Madagascar, Mauritius, Ceylon, and Sarawak

Alicata JE

J Parasitol, 1965 Dec;51(6):937.

PMID: 5848821

Matched MeSH terms: Indian Ocean Islands

Asthma control in the Asia-Pacific region: the Asthma Insights and Reality in Asia-Pacific Study

Lai CK, De Guia TS, Kim YY, Kuo SH, Mukhopadhyay A, Soriano JB, et al.

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2003 Feb;111(2):263-8.

PMID: 12589343

Few data on asthma management are available for the Asia-Pacific region.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

From 'White Australia' to 'part of Asia': recent shifts in Australian immigration policy towards the region

Jupp J

Int Migr Rev, 1995;29(1):207-28.

PMID: 12319613

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific 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 distribution and prevalence of group A arbovirus neutralizing antibodies among human populations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands

Tesh RB, Gajdusek DC, Garruto RM, Cross JH, Rosen L

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1975 Jul;24(4):664-75.

PMID: 1155702

Plaque reduction neutralization tests, using five group A arboviruses (chikungunya, Ross River, Getah, Bebaru and Sindbis), were done on sera from human populations in 44 Southeast Asia and Pacific island localities. Specificity of the plaque neutralization test was determined by examining convalescent sera from patients with known alphavirus infections. Chikungunya-specific neutralizing antibodies were demonstrated in sera of persons living in South Vietnam, Northern Malaysia, Indonesia (Kalimantan and Sulawesi), as well as Luzon, Marinduque, Cebu and Mindanao islands in the Philippines. Evidence of Ross River virus infection was found among populations living in West New Guinea and Papua New Guinea mainland, the Bismark Archipelago, Rossel Island and the Solomon Islands. There appeared to be no geographic overlap in the distribution of chikungunya and Ross River viruses, with the separation in their distribution corresponding with Weber's line in the Pacific. Sindbis neutralizing antibodies were found in 7 of 21 populations sampled, but in general the prevalence of infection was low. Four sera, from Vietnam, Malaysia and Mindanao gave monospecific reactions with Getah virus. No evidence of specific Bebaru virus infection was detected. The epidemiology of these five alphaviruses in Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Genetic diversity of taro, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Kreike CM, Van Eck HJ, Lebot V

Theor Appl Genet, 2004 Aug;109(4):761-8.

PMID: 15156282

The genetic diversity of 255 taro (Colocasia esculenta) accessions from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia,Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu was studied using AFLPs. Three AFLP primer combinations generated a total of 465 scorable amplification products. The 255 accessions were grouped according to their country of origin, to their ploidy level (diploid or triploid) and to their habitat--cultivated or wild. Gene diversity within these groups and the genetic distance between these groups were computed. Dendrograms were constructed using UPGMA cluster analysis. In each country, the gene diversity within the groups of wild genotypes was the highest compared to the diploid and triploid cultivars groups. The highest gene diversity was observed for the wild group from Thailand (0.19), the lowest for the diploid cultivars group from Thailand(0.007). In Malaysia there was hardly any difference between the gene diversity of the cultivars and wild groups, 0.07 and 0.08, respectively. The genetic distances between the diploid cultivars groups ranges from 0.02 to 0.10, with the distance between the diploid accessions from Thailand and Malaysia being the highest. The genetic distances between the wild groups range from 0.05 to 0.07. First, a dendrogram was constructed with only the diploids cultivars from all countries. The accessions formed clusters largely according to the country from which they originated. Two major groups of clusters were revealed, one group assembling accessions from Asian countries and the other assembling accessions from the Pacific. Surprisingly, the group of diploid cultivars from Thailand clustered among the Pacific countries. Secondly,a dendrogram was constructed with diploid cultivated,triploid cultivated and wild accessions. Again the division of the accessions into an Asian and a Pacific gene pool is obvious. The presence of two gene pools for cultivated diploid taro has major implications for the breeding and conservation of germplasm.

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Asia Pacific Stroke Organization

Tan KS, Lin RT, Yoon BW, Suwanwela N, Mehndiratta MM, Venketasubramanian N

Stroke, 2021 12;52(12):e844-e845.

PMID: 34807747 DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.121.035397

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands

Fulltext Organizational Update From the Asia Pacific Stroke Organization

Yoon BW, Toyoda K, Tan KS, Fong WC, Suwanwela NC, Venketasubramanian N

Stroke, 2024 Jan;55(1):e8-e9.

PMID: 37982241 DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.044175

Matched MeSH terms: Pacific Islands/epidemiology

Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 403 in total