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Kesan gabungan aktiviti guna tanah dan perubahan musim terhadap kualiti sumber air: kajian kes di Terusan Utara, Kedah

Mohd. Suhaimi Ahmad, Muhammad Ridwan Fahmi, Mustaqqim Abdul Rahim, Naimah Ibrahim

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1857-1867.

Suatu kajian untuk menilai kesan gabungan aktiviti guna tanah dan perubahan musim terhadap kualiti sumber air telah dijalankan di Terusan Utara, Kedah. Kajian ini dijalankan di lima stesen terpilih selama 12 bulan berdasarkan Indeks Kualiti Air (WQI) dan Piawaian Interim Kualiti Air Kebangsaan (INWQS). Kajian mendapati kualiti air di Terusan Utara berada pada Kelas III dan berlaku peningkatan kualiti air dari hulu ke hilir. Hampir semua stesen berpotensi sebagai punca pencemaran berdasarkan aktiviti guna tanah terutamanya di Pelubang, Jitra serta Tunjang. Kajian menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan ketika perubahan musim pada DO, TSS serta BOD, namun tidak pada ammonia, pH dan COD. Secara amnya, kombinasi aktiviti guna tanah dan perubahan musim boleh mempengaruhi atau memberi kesan terhadap kualiti sumber air. Oleh itu, tindakan segera perlu dilakukan untuk mengawal punca pencemaran bagi memastikan kualiti sumber air di Terusan Utara kekal terpelihara.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Fulltext The effects of virgin coconut oil on postmenopausal osteoporotic bone: analyses on osteoblastogenesis and antioxidant genes. [Tindakan minyak kelapa dara terhadap tulang osteoporosis pascamenopaus: analisis gen osteoblastogenesis dan antioksidan]

Shidqiyyah Abdul-Hamid, Norliza Muhammad, Isa Naina Mohamed

Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45(12):1815-1822.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of the main health problems in aging women. It was due to several factors including oxidative stress, which can be controlled through intake of antioxidants from food sources. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is one of the natural product rich in antioxidants and has been proven to protect osteoporotic bone. This study was conducted to gain in-depth understanding on virgin coconut oil’s activity on osteoporosis at molecular level. Thirty two female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups, namely Sham operated group, ovariectomized control group (Ovx+Ctrl), ovariectomized with VCO treatment (Ovx+VCO), and ovariectomized with estrogen treatment (Ovx+E). All treatments were administered orally for ten weeks. Bone samples were obtained to examine changes on expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), osteocalcin and runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) genes. The results indicated that rats receiving VCO treatment had experienced significant increments in SOD, GPX and osteocalcin gene expressions compared to the ovariectomized control group, besides the gene expressions of Runx2 which also showed an increment pattern. In conclusion, VCO helps to protect bone in osteoporotic rat model by increasing the expressions of antioxidant genes and genes which increase the osteoblast acitivities.
Keywords: Osteoporosis; ovariectomized rat model; postmenopausal; virgin coconut oil

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
First report of echthrogaleus denticulatus (smith 1874) on the pelagic thresher shark (alopias pelagicus nakamura 1935) from indian EEZ of andaman sea

Arun Kumar M, Swapnil S, Pradeep H

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:1675-1678.

The present study reports the occurrence of the pandarid parasite, Echthrogaleus denticulatus as an ectoparasite on the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) from the Indian EEZ of Andaman Sea. A total of 36 parasite specimens were found aggregated near the cloacal aperture of eight pelagic thresher sharks caught as bycatch by multifilament tuna longliner MFV Blue Marlin during July 2015 and February 2016 voyages in Andaman and Nicobar waters. This is the first report of ectoparasite from the Indian EEZ of the Andaman Sea.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Sedimentologi batuan enapan daratan kumpulan gagau (usia kapur awal) di Hulu Sungai Chichir, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia

Khor WC, Mohd Shafeea Leman, Muhammad Ashahadi Dzulkafli, Kamal Roslan Mohamed, Che Aziz Ali, Jasmi Ab Talib

Sains Malaysiana, 2017;46:2315-2323.

Jujukan batuan sedimen Kapur Awal Kumpulan Gagau di kawasan sekitar hulu Sungai Chichir dibentuk oleh batu pasir
berpebel masif, batu lumpur masif dan lapisan tebal batu pasir dengan pelbagai struktur sedimen serta fosil. Jujukan ini
boleh dibahagikan kepada tujuh fasies dengan mekanisme pengenapan berbeza. Berdasarkan asosiasi antara pelbagai
fasies sedimen dapat ditafsirkan bahawa jujukan ini telah terenap dalam pelbagai sekitaran dataran aluvium termasuk
alur sungai utama, sungai berliku, sungai berburai dan dataran banjir. Fosil yang ditemui memberikan usia Kapur
Awal kepada jujukan ini. Bukti kehadiran tanah atas di kawasan ini mencerahkan harapan untuk penemuan pelbagai
fosil hidupan daratan, khususnya fauna vertebrat serta dinosaur yang lebih baik dan lengkap.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Acute toxicity of arsenic, chromium and selenium to malaysian freshwater molluscs; filopaludina sumatrensis and corbicula fluminea

Nurul Akhma Zakaria, Ahmad Abas Kutty

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:2601-2608.

Masalah pencemaran sumber air tawar dan kesan ketoksikan logam telah mendapat perhatian di serata negara. Dua
spesies organisma air tawar daripada filum moluska Filopaludina sumatrensis dan Corbicula fluminea didedahkan
kepada tiga logam terpilih iaitu arsenik (As) kromium (Cr) dan selenium (Se) pada kepekatan berbeza selama 96 jam di
dalam makmal terkawal. Kadar kematian dinilai serta kepekatan kematian median (LC50) dan masa kematian median
(LT50) dihitung. Nilai LC50 dan LT50 didapati menurun dengan pertambahan masa dan kepekatan pendedahan bagi
kedua-dua spesies dan kesemua logam. Keputusan daripada kajian ini memperlihatkan ketoksikan logam As, Cr dan Se
semakin meningkat dengan peningkatan kepekatan dan masa pendedahan logam kepada F. sumatrensis dan C. fluminea.
Nilai LC50 96 jam As, Cr dan Se bagi F. sumatrensis adalah 4.22, 3.78 dan 45.92 mg/L dan 11.84, 2.23 dan 35.63 mg/L
masing-masing bagi C. fluminea. Keputusan menunjukkan Cr adalah logam paling toksik terhadap F. sumatrensis dan
C. fluminea. Trend ketoksikan logam bagi kedua-dua moluska ini adalah sama iaitu Cr > As > Se.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Use of selected freshwater fishes as bioindicator for chromium and selenium pollution in Malaysia

Nurul Akhma Zakaria, Ahmad Abas Kutty, Mohd Akmal Mahazar, Marina Zainal Abidin

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1969-1977.

Tiga spesies ikan air tawar iaitu Rasbora sumatrana (Cyprinidae), Poecilia reticulata (guppy; Poeciliidae) dan Carrasius
auratus telah didedahkan kepada kromium (Cr) dan selenium (Se) yang mempunyai julat kepekatan yang berbeza selama
4 hari (96 jam) di dalam makmal. Kadar kematian dicatatkan dan kepekatan kematian ambang (LC50) dan masa kematian
ambang (LT50) dihitung. Nilai LC50 kepekatan kematian median (LC50) dan masa kematian median (LT50) didapati
berkurang dengan peningkatan kepekatan logam dan masa pendedahan bagi kesemua spesies ikan. Nilai LC50 bagi
pendedahan selama 96 jam bagi R. sumatrana, P. reticulata dan C. auratus kajian ini masing-masing bagi Cr adalah
20.91, 19.85, 28.31 mg/L dan bagi Se pula 0.21, 3.03, 0.24 mg/L. Se mempamerkan ketoksikan paling tinggi terhadap
tiga spesies ikan air tawar ini apabila mempunyai nilai LC50 96 jam paling rendah jika dibandingkan dengan Cr.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Pembandingan kesan faktor pelekangan (fd) ke atas bahan komposit plastik bertetulang ekaarah dan bertenun semasa proses pemesinan kisar

Azmi H, Che Haron C, Ghani J, Suhaily M

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:829-838.

Serabut kenaf merupakan salah satu serabut berasaskan tumbuhan di dalam kumpulan serabut asli yang semakin luas
penggunaannya. Serabut kenaf dicampurkan dengan bahan plastik (epoksi) bagi menghasilkan suatu bahan baharu
dengan sifat mekanikal yang baik dengan kos pembuatan yang rendah. Bahan kerja ini terbahagi kepada dua jenis iaitu
serabut kenaf ekaarah dan serabut kenaf tenunan. Uji kaji ini akan menumpukan kepada pembandingan kesan faktor
pelekangan Fd yang terhasil semasa proses pemesinan kisar ke atas bahan komposit tersebut dengan penentuan set
parameter mesin yang paling optimum bagi mengurangkan kesan Fd. Uji kaji dijalankan berdasarkan analisis kaedah
gerak balas permukaan (RSM) dengan pendekatan reka bentuk Box-Behnken bagi mendapatkan hasil faktor bersandar
terhadap sambutan. Faktor yang terlibat adalah kelajuan pemotongan, kadar suapan dan kedalaman pemotongan. Proses
pengisaran secara lelurus (lurah) dilakukan bagi melihat kesan Fd yang terhasil dengan menggunakan perkakasan mata
alat jenis Keluli Berkelajuan Tinggi (HSS) tidak bersalut hujung rata berdiameter 10 mm. Imej daripada mikroskop
menunjukkan bahan komposit serabut kenaf ekaarah menghasilkan faktor pelekangan yang tinggi berbanding kesan
ke atas bahan komposit serabut kenaf bertenun. Bagi set parameter optimum pula, bahan kerja serabut kenaf ekaarah
ialah kelajuan pemotongan, kadar suapan dan kedalaman pemotongan yang rendah. Manakala bagi bahan kerja serabut
kenaf bertenun, set parameter optimum adalah kelajuan pemotongan yang rendah dengan kadar suapan dan kedalaman
pemotongan yang tinggi.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Territorial and duet calls of three Malaysian owl species

Yee SA, Phooi KC, Chong LP

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1439-1445.

Vocalisations of tropical birds are still largely unexplored particularly the nocturnal species. This study examined and
quantitatively described the territorial calls and duets of the Sunda Scops-Owl (Otus lempiji), Brown Boobook (Ninox
scutulata) and Spotted Wood-Owl (Strix seloputo) based on 105 territorial call and four duetting recordings collected
from one forest reserve and oil palm smallholdings in Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests found
significant differences (p<0.05) for almost all vocal parameters measured from the spectrograms derived from the duets
with one higher-pitched than the other. Being the first study to describe the vocal structure of the duetting calls of the
three Malaysian strigids, this study serves as a baseline for future behavioural study of nocturnal birds particularly
pertaining to conspecific interactions in the Sunda region.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Effects of aging on effective brain connectivity during speech perception processing from dynamic causal modeling perspective: an fMRI study

Hanani Abdul Manan, Ahmad Nazlim Yusoff, Siti Zamratol-Mai Sarah Mukari

Sains Malaysiana, 2018;47:1843-1852.

Proses penuaan seringkali dikaitkan dengan kemerosotan pada sistem kognitif. Kemerosotan kognitif bermula seawal
usia dua puluhan dan berterusan secara linear. Selain itu, kemerosotan kognitif juga menjadi lebih nyata dengan
kehadiran hingar latar. Walau bagaimanapun, kesan penuaan ke atas mekanisme pemprosesan persepsi pertuturan
menggunakan tugasan mengulang secara terus (FRT) dalam senyap dan hingar belum difahami dengan jelas. Dalam
kajian ini, pengimejan resonans magnet kefungsian (fMRI) digunakan untuk membandingkan kesan penuaan ke atas
kehubungan efektif otak yang terhasil daripada tugasan FRT ke atas subjek normal dengan empat kumpulan umur yang
berlainan iaitu 20 - 29 tahun (n = 15), 30 - 39 tahun (n = 15), 40 - 49 tahun (n = 10) dan 50 - 65 tahun (n = 14). Satu siri
lima perkataan yang diselang-seli dalam keadaan hingar dengan senyap diberikan secara auditori. Pemetaan statistik
berparameter (SPM8) dan pemodelan dinamik penyebab (DCM10) digunakan untuk menentukan kehubungan efektif otak.
Kawasan yang terlibat dalam pembinaan model kehubungan efektif otak adalah STG, HG dan PCG. Model optimum yang
dipilih dalam kajian ini adalah model yang menunjukkan keseimbangan antara ketepatan dan kesukaran. Keputusan
fMRI kehubungan efektif menunjukkan bahawa komunikasi antara intrahemisfera tidak berubah dengan menggunakan
tugasan FRT ini apabila seseorang semakin berusia, tetapi komunikasi antara interhemisfera menjadi semakin kompleks.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Biosynthesised Silver and Gold Nanoparticles for Medical Applications: Mechanism of Action, Toxicity and Current Status

Abdalla SSI, Katas H, Azmi F, Busra MFM

Curr Drug Deliv, 2020;17(2):88-100.
PMID: 31880259 DOI: 10.2174/1567201817666191227094334

Fast progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology has contributed to the way in which people diagnose, combat, and overcome various diseases differently from the conventional methods. Metal nanoparticles, mainly silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively), are currently developed for many applications in the medical and pharmaceutical area including as antibacterial, antibiofilm as well as anti-leshmanial agents, drug delivery systems, diagnostics tools, as well as being included in personal care products and cosmetics. In this review, the preparation of AgNPs and AuNPs using different methods is discussed, particularly the green or bio- synthesis method as well as common methods used for their physical and chemical characterization. In addition, the mechanisms of the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of AgNPs and AuNPs are discussed, along with the toxicity of both nanoparticles. The review will provide insight into the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs and AuNPs as antimicrobial nanomaterial agents for future use.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Biofluid Markers of Equine Neurological Disorders Reviewed From Human Perspectives

Mayaki AM, Abdul Razak IS, Noraniza MA, Mazlina M, Rasedee A

J Equine Vet Sci, 2020 03;86:102907.
PMID: 32067661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102907

Neurological disorders (NDs) are often fatal to horses. Thus, symptoms of equine NDs commonly indicate euthanasia. Current diagnostic approaches for equine NDs is based on clinical signs, differential diagnoses, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), assessment of histopathological lesions, and imaging. However, advances in biofluid biomarkers in the diagnosis of human neurological diseases can potentially be applied to equine NDs. In this review, we described the established human blood and CSF neurobiomarkers that could potentially be used to diagnose equine NDs.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Evaluation of hexaflumuron for controlling the subterranean termite Coptotermes curvignathus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Malaysia

Sajap AS, Amit S, Welker J

J Econ Entomol, 2000 Apr;93(2):429-33.
PMID: 10826196

Cellulosic bait matrices containing 0.5% hexaflumuron were tested against field colonies of the subterranean termite Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren in Malaysia. Foraging activities of the termites were first monitored for several months by using survey stakes and wood bundles placed in underground monitoring traps. Infested stakes were replaced with bait devices. Termite workers to act as recruits were collected from infested stakes and placed in the bait devices. Subsequent activities of the termites were monitored by examining and weighing the wood in the monitoring traps. Data show that the four colonies had populations of 166,288-709,052 foragers and mean wood consumption rates of 305.9-508.2 g/mo per trap. These colonies ceased their activities at all monitoring devices 25-44 d after baiting had commenced. Colonies consumed approximately 27-79 g of bait matrix or 137.5-395 mg of hexaflumuron. Thus, C. curvignathus colonies could be monitored, characterized, baited, and foraging eliminated by using a bait matrix containing hexaflumuron.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Genetic Diversity of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Species Complex Across Malaysia

Shadmany M, Boykin LM, Muhamad R, Omar D

J Econ Entomol, 2019 02 12;112(1):75-84.
PMID: 30272175 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy273

The tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cryptic species complex with members capable of inducing huge economic losses. Precise identification of members of this complex proves essential in managing existing populations and preventing new incursions. Despite records of serious outbreaks of this pest in Malaysia little is known about species status of B. tabaci in this region. To address this, a comprehensive sampling of B. tabaci from different host plants was conducted in 10 states of Malaysia from 2010 to 2012. Members of the complex were identified by sequencing partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene and constructing a Bayesian phylogenetic tree. Seven putative species were identified including Asia I, Mediterranean (MED), China 1, China 2, Asia II 6, Asia II 7, and Asia II 10. The most important finding of the study is the identification of the invasive MED species from locations without previous records of this species. All putative species except Asia I and MED are recorded from Malaysia for the first time. This study provided the first introductory map of B. tabaci species composition in Malaysia and emphasizes the urgent need for further studies to assess the status of MED invasion in this country.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Wallace's line, Wallacea, and associated divides and areas: history of a tortuous tangle of ideas and labels

Ali JR, Heaney LR

Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc, 2021 06;96(3):922-942.
PMID: 33502095 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12683

Due to its position between the highly distinct Oriental and Australasian biogeographical realms, much effort has been spent demarcating associated separations and transitions in the faunal assemblages of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Initially, sharp boundary lines were proposed, with the earliest dating from the mid-1800s. Notably, the one published by Alfred R. Wallace in 1863, based upon land-mammal and land-bird distributions, has since achieved iconic status and today its significance is recognized well beyond the confines of the biogeography community. Over the next four decades many such divides were engraved onto plates and inked onto charts of SE Asia using additional information, different organisms or other criteria. However, it became apparent that, as Wallace had noted, all such lines were to some degree permeable, and by the 1880s transition zones were being put forward instead; the label 'Wallacea' was introduced in 1924. Interestingly, the last decade has seen new divides and sub-regions being proposed, some departing markedly from earlier offerings. Although currently there is general agreement regarding much of the terminology associated with both the lines and the areas, the record of publication indicates that this consensus has emerged obliquely, and in some cases is weakly founded. This review does not present new data nor new analyses; rather it summarizes the development of ideas and reflects upon attendant issues that have emerged. After reviewing the key proposals, recommendations are presented that should in future alleviate perceived difficulties or inadequacies. Reference to specific divides must be true to their original definitions; there are many instances where the secondary literature has portrayed them incorrectly and with some this has rippled through into later publications. Moreover, Wallace's 1863 line is not the one that he finally settled upon (in 1910); its path around Sulawesi was transferred from the west to the east of the Island. Ideally, Huxley's divide (1868) should carry his name rather than Wallace's; the latter never accepted the proposition. Lydekker's Line (1896) ought to be labelled the Heilprin-Lydekker Line in recognition of Angelo Heilprin's 1887 contribution. Concerning transition zones, ideally Wallacea should correspond to its original 1924 description, which incorporated the Philippine islands bar the Palawan group. Notably, though, a smaller form (introduced by Darlington in 1957, used frequently from 1998 onwards) in which all of the Philippine islands are excluded is entrenched within the recent literature, but this is often without evident justification. It should also be recognized that the 'reduced' (=southern) Wallacea area was effectively defined by Heilprin in 1887, but was then labelled the 'Austro-Malaysian Transition Zone'. Finally, the application in recent years of modern analytical techniques has not led to a consensus view on where the lines/areas should run/be placed; with such a large, diverse set of organisms, each with differing histories, this is perhaps not surprising.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Fish as a model in social neuroscience: conservation and diversity in the social brain network

Ogawa S, Pfaff DW, Parhar IS

Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc, 2021 06;96(3):999-1020.
PMID: 33559323 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12689

Mechanisms for fish social behaviours involve a social brain network (SBN) which is evolutionarily conserved among vertebrates. However, considerable diversity is observed in the actual behaviour patterns amongst nearly 30000 fish species. The huge variation found in socio-sexual behaviours and strategies is likely generated by a morphologically and genetically well-conserved small forebrain system. Hence, teleost fish provide a useful model to study the fundamental mechanisms underlying social brain functions. Herein we review the foundations underlying fish social behaviours including sensory, hormonal, molecular and neuroanatomical features. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons clearly play important roles, but the participation of vasotocin and isotocin is also highlighted. Genetic investigations of developing fish brain have revealed the molecular complexity of neural development of the SBN. In addition to straightforward social behaviours such as sex and aggression, new experiments have revealed higher order and unique phenomena such as social eavesdropping and social buffering in fish. Finally, observations interpreted as 'collective cognition' in fish can likely be explained by careful observation of sensory determinants and analyses using the dynamics of quantitative scaling. Understanding of the functions of the SBN in fish provide clues for understanding the origin and evolution of higher social functions in vertebrates.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
The Neuroprotective Properties, Functions, and Roles of Cannabis sativa in Selected Diseases Related to the Nervous System

Mahdi O, Baharuldin MTH, Nor NHM, Chiroma SM, Jagadeesan S, Moklas MAM

Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem, 2021;21(1):20-38.
PMID: 33504317 DOI: 10.2174/1871524921666210127110028

BACKGROUND: Cannabis and its extracts are now being explored due to their huge health benefits. Although, the effect they elicit, whether on humans or rodents, may vary based on the age of the animal/subject and or the time in which the extract is administered. However, several debates exist concerning the various medical applications of these compounds. Nonetheless, their applicability as therapeutics should not be clouded based on their perceived negative biological actions.
METHODS: Articles from reliable databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Ovid were searched. Specific search methods were employed using multiple keywords: ''Medicinal Cannabis; endocannabinoid system; cannabinoids receptors; cannabinoids and cognition; brain disorders; neurodegenerative diseases''. For the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only relevant articles related to medicinal Cannabis and its various compounds were considered.
RESULTS: The current review highlights the role, effects, and involvement of Cannabis, cannabinoids, and endocannabinoids in preventing selected neurodegenerative diseases and possible amelioration of cognitive impairments. Furthermore, it also focuses on Cannabis utilization in many disease conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease among others.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the usage of Cannabis should be further explored as accumulating evidence suggests that it could be effective and somewhat safe, especially when adhered to the recommended dosage. Furthermore, in-depth studies should be conducted in order to unravel the specific mechanism underpinning the involvement of cannabinoids at the cellular level and their therapeutic applications.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Fulltext Leptospirosis and Coinfection: Should We Be Concerned?

Md-Lasim A, Mohd-Taib FS, Abdul-Halim M, Mohd-Ngesom AM, Nathan S, Md-Nor S

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 09 06;18(17).
PMID: 34502012 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179411

Pathogenic Leptospira is the causative agent of leptospirosis, an emerging zoonotic disease affecting animals and humans worldwide. The risk of host infection following interaction with environmental sources depends on the ability of Leptospira to persist, survive, and infect the new host to continue the transmission chain. Leptospira may coexist with other pathogens, thus providing a suitable condition for the development of other pathogens, resulting in multi-pathogen infection in humans. Therefore, it is important to better understand the dynamics of transmission by these pathogens. We conducted Boolean searches of several databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect, to identify relevant published data on Leptospira and coinfection with other pathogenic bacteria. We review the role of the host-microbiota in determining the synanthropic interaction of Leptospira sp. with other bacteria, thus creating a suitable condition for the leptospira to survive and persist successfully. We also discuss the biotic and abiotic factors that amplify the viability of Leptospira in the environment. The coinfection of leptospira with pathogenic bacteria has rarely been reported, potentially contributing to a lack of awareness. Therefore, the occurrence of leptospirosis coinfection may complicate diagnosis, long-lasting examination, and mistreatment that could lead to mortality. Identifying the presence of leptospirosis with other bacteria through metagenomic analysis could reveal possible coinfection. In conclusion, the occurrence of leptospirosis with other diseases should be of concern and may depend on the success of the transmission and severity of individual infections. Medical practitioners may misdiagnose the presence of multiple infections and should be made aware of and receive adequate training on appropriate treatment for leptospirosis patients. Physicians could undertake a more targeted approach for leptospirosis diagnosis by considering other symptoms caused by the coinfected bacteria; thus, more specific treatment could be given.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Brain Drug Delivery - A Review

Raman S, Mahmood S, Hilles AR, Javed MN, Azmana M, Al-Japairai KAS

Curr Drug Metab, 2020;21(9):649-660.
PMID: 32384025 DOI: 10.2174/1389200221666200508074348

BACKGROUND: Blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a most hindering role in drug delivery to the brain. Recent research comes out with the nanoparticles approach, is continuously working towards improving the delivery to the brain. Currently, polymeric nanoparticle is extensively involved in many therapies for spatial and temporal targeted areas delivery.
METHODS: We did a non-systematic review, and the literature was searched in Google, Science Direct and PubMed. An overview is provided for the formulation of polymeric nanoparticles using different methods, effect of surface modification on the nanoparticle properties with types of polymeric nanoparticles and preparation methods. An account of different nanomedicine employed with therapeutic agent to cross the BBB alone with biodistribution of the drugs.
RESULTS: We found that various types of polymeric nanoparticle systems are available and they prosper in delivering the therapeutic amount of the drug to the targeted area. The effect of physicochemical properties on nanoformulation includes change in their size, shape, elasticity, surface charge and hydrophobicity. Surface modification of polymers or nanocarriers is also vital in the formulation of nanoparticles to enhance targeting efficiency to the brain.
CONCLUSION: More standardized methods for the preparation of nanoparticles and to assess the relationship of surface modification on drug delivery. While the preparation and its output like drug loading, particle size, and charge, permeation is always conflicted, so it requires more attention for the acceptance of nanoparticles for brain delivery.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) in the island nations of Southeast Asia: A review on their distribution, associated hosts and potential pathogens

Kazim AR, Houssaini J, Ehlers J, Tappe D, Heo CC

Acta Trop, 2021 Nov;223:106085.
PMID: 34389326 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106085

Soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) are the second major family of the blood feeding metastriates and vectors of a number of viral and bacterial pathogens for both humans and animals. Despite the growing effort on tick surveillance and studies worldwide, there is still limited information on the soft tick distribution in the island nations of Southeast Asia, especially species that are medically and veterinarily important. With the aim to provide an overview of the current status of knowledge on soft tick distribution in the island nations of Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines and Timor-Leste), this article reviews the species of soft ticks (Acari: Argasidae) and their associated hosts and pathogens, with the addition of a pictorial summary and list of tick species discovered in this region. The most prevalent soft tick genus is Carios, and the host species most associated with findings of soft ticks in this region are bats, particularly of the Pteropodidae and Vespertilionidae families. Furthermore, the only known pathogen originating from soft ticks in the island nations of Southeast Asia was the Keterah virus, which was isolated from Argas pusillus tick in Malaysia.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals
Cuticle thickening associated with fenitrothion and imidacloprid resistance and influence of voltage-gated sodium channel mutations on pyrethroid resistance in the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus

Soh LS, Veera Singham G

Pest Manag Sci, 2021 Nov;77(11):5202-5212.
PMID: 34272799 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6561

BACKGROUND: The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L., and the tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus (F.), are now widely regarded as important public health pests following their rapid global resurgence, largely due to insecticide resistance and an increased rate of global travel. The insecticide resistance mechanisms are well documented in C. lectularius, however, only one mechanism is validated in C. hemipterus thus far. This demands further understanding on the resistance mechanisms involved in C. hemipterus.
RESULTS: Here, we identified differences in resistance to fenitrothion (organophosphate) and imidacloprid (neonicotinoid) related cuticle thickness in C. hemipterus. There is evidence of a possible association between cuticle thickness and resistance, but the association can be tenuous, likely because resistance is multifactorial in C. hemipterus. We also discovered a novel T1011 residue in domain IIS6 of the voltage-gated sodium channel that likely enhanced susceptibility to deltamethrin (pyrethroid) despite the presence of a L1014F mutation known to confer pyrethroid resistance in C. hemipterus. Our findings also confirmed that the M918I mutation enhanced resistance to pyrethroid when present with the L1014F mutation, which was consistent with a super-kdr phenotype, as reported previously. Multiple resistance mechanisms can be found within a single C. hemipterus population, and the presence of both M918I + L1014F mutations likely masked the influence of cuticle thickness in conferring resistance against deltamethrin. The elevated metabolic enzyme activities in some strains were not necessarily associated with increased insecticide resistance.
CONCLUSION: This study has enhanced our understanding on the penetration resistance mechanism and target site insensitivity of sodium channels in C. hemipterus.

Matched MeSH terms: Animals

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