Displaying publications 1881 - 1900 of 17216 in total

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  1. Sinev AY, Yusoff FM
    Zootaxa, 2018 Jun 21;4438(2):362-372.
    PMID: 30313150 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4438.2.10
    Unlike those in the mainland of Southeast Asia, the Cladocera of the Malay Archipelago has not been intensively studied, except for the state of Sabah in the north-eastern part of the Borneo island. This study aimed to complete the inventory of the Cladocera in Sabah by looking at different types of water bodies including oxbow lakes, small lakes, reservoirs, ponds, ditches and paddy fields. From 32 sites examined, 35 species of cladocerans, nine of which were new records to Sabah, were found from 25 localities. With this new finding, the total number of cladoceran species in Sabah increased to 39 species, including five species of Sididae, four species of Daphniidae, one species of Moinidae, five species of Macrothricidae, two species of Ilyocryptidae, and 22 species of Chydoridae. Only 8 % ( three species) of Sabah cladocerans are true planktonic. This study illustrated that most cladocerans were associated with substrates in the littoral zone and thus appropriate sampling methods should be employed in different microhabitats for comprehensive biodiversity assessment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  2. Ahmad Razi Othman, Intan Safinar Ismail, Norhani Abdullah, Syahida Ahmad
    MyJurnal
    Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose plant that has been suggested as a possible cure to
    inflammation. It can be used as a source of animal feed, live fence, biodiesel and in traditional
    medicine. Practitioners have used various extraction techniques to extract the active components
    of the plant. This article compares the efficiency of three methods of drying technique for the
    extraction of the total phenolic content from the plant. The freeze-drying method was the best
    method compared to oven dry and air dry. The freeze-drying method dries J. curcas root sample
    faster and preserve the total phenolic content better than the other methods.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  3. Benalywa ZA, Ismail MM, Shamsudin MN, Yusop Z
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2019 Feb;51(2):321-327.
    PMID: 30112733 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-018-1690-8
    Broiler meat is the largest and cheapest protein source in Malaysia. Using the policy analysis matrix (PAM), this study examines the comparative advantage of broiler production in Peninsular Malaysia. Three hundred and ten farms in Peninsular Malaysia were involved in a field survey. The results of the domestic resource cost (DRC) show that Malaysia has a comparative advantage in all scales of broiler production. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the changes in input prices have a significant effect on comparative advantage. Nonetheless, the industry should reduce its dependence on corn-based feed, which is expensive and has an unstable price, to increase competitiveness in further securing its comparative advantage.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  4. Wearn OR, Carbone C, Rowcliffe JM, Pfeifer M, Bernard H, Ewers RM
    J Anim Ecol, 2019 01;88(1):125-137.
    PMID: 30178485 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12903
    The assembly of species communities at local scales is thought to be driven by environmental filtering, species interactions and spatial processes such as dispersal limitation. Little is known about how the relative balance of these drivers of community assembly changes along environmental gradients, especially man-made environmental gradients associated with land-use change. Using concurrent camera- and live-trapping, we investigated the local-scale assembly of mammal communities along a gradient of land-use intensity (old-growth forest, logged forest and oil palm plantations) in Borneo. We hypothesised that increasing land-use intensity would lead to an increasing dominance of environmental control over spatial processes in community assembly. Additionally, we hypothesised that competitive interactions among species might reduce in concert with declines in α-diversity (previously documented) along the land-use gradient. To test our first hypothesis, we partitioned community variance into the fractions explained by environmental and spatial variables. To test our second hypothesis, we used probabilistic models of expected species co-occurrence patterns, in particular focussing on the prevalence of spatial avoidance between species. Spatial avoidance might indicate competition, but might also be due to divergent habitat preferences. We found patterns that are consistent with a shift in the fundamental mechanics governing local community assembly. In support of our first hypothesis, the importance of spatial processes (dispersal limitation and fine-scale patterns of home-ranging) appeared to decrease from low to high intensity land-uses, whilst environmental control increased in importance (in particular due to fine-scale habitat structure). Support for our second hypothesis was weak: whilst we found that the prevalence of spatial avoidance decreased along the land-use gradient, in particular between congeneric species pairs most likely to be in competition, few instances of spatial avoidance were detected in any land-use, and most were likely due to divergent habitat preferences. The widespread changes in land-use occurring in the tropics might be altering not just the biodiversity found in landscapes, but also the fundamental mechanics governing the local assembly of communities. A better understanding of these mechanics, for a range of taxa, could underpin more effective conservation and management of threatened tropical landscapes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  5. Yap, K.L., Lee, C.M., Tang, T.K., Lee, Y.Y., Gan, Y.L., Lai, O.M., et al.
    MyJurnal
    Fibre-rich manure derived from grass-fed cattle showed significantly higher intrinsic sorption efficiency on Cr(VI) solution as compared to corncob, sawdust and cogon grass. This observation could be attributed to the ligneous nature and rough surface morphology of the cattle manure. Four-factor, three-level, face-centred composite design (FCCD) suggested the process was greatly affected by initial pH of the solution, contact time and sorbent dosage (p50% adsorption efficiency. It is predicted that both physisorption and chemisorption are involved in the sorption process.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  6. Mansor MS, Nor SM, Ramli R, Sah SAM
    Behav Processes, 2018 Dec;157:73-79.
    PMID: 30193765 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2018.09.001
    With the rapid growth of agricultural areas globally, forest birds increasingly encounter fragmented landscapes in which forest patches are surrounded by an agricultural plantation matrix, yet how birds respond behaviourally to this fragmentation is poorly understood. Information on microhabitat requirements of birds is scarce, but nevertheless essential to predicting adaptation of bird species to the patchy landscapes. We investigated foraging patterns of three tropical insectivorous birds, Green Iora Aegithina viridissima, Pin-striped Tit-Babbler Macronus gularis and Chestnut-winged Babbler Cyanoderma erythropterum, to determine whether they vary in foraging methods in different forest patches. Our study area encompassed old-logged lowland forest; one continuous forest and three forest patches. Observations were performed for 15 days every month for a period of 13 months. Information on foraging height, substrate, attack manoeuvres, and foliage density was collected independently for each foraging bird individual. All three species used different foraging substrates and attack manoeuvres in different habitat types. The Green Iora frequently used lower strata when foraging in forest patches as opposed to continuous forest, while the Pin-striped Tit-Babbler tended to forage in more dense vegetation in patches. Only Chestnut-winged Babbler displayed complete foraging plasticity across all study parameters. Different habitat features (e.g., edges, microclimates) between continuous forest and forest patches significantly influenced the foraging strategies of the study species. These changes in foraging strategies suggest that some Malaysian forest birds (e.g. generalist species) can respond behaviourally to fragmentation and habitat loss. Although continuous forest has critically important characteristics that need to be conserved, remnant forest patches are also important as ecological movement corridors and foraging grounds for birds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  7. Gunasagaran J, Rasid RJ, Mappiare S, Devarajooh C, Ahmad TS
    Malays Orthop J, 2018 Jul;12(2):37-41.
    PMID: 30112127 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1807.007
    Introduction: Microsurgery is a subspecialised field which requires high technical skill. Laboratory training offers good opportunity for novice surgeons to learn and repetitively practise their skills prior to hands-on clinical practice. Commonly, the training programme consists of models in a stepwise increase in fidelity: from latex sheet to anaesthetised rat. We introduce microgrids model as a daily warm up procedure in a 5-day basic microsurgery course. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between microgrids colouring under magnification with microsuturing proficiency among novice surgeons. Materials and Methods: Participants were required to fill in microgrids under magnification everyday during their 5-day training as a starter test. The number of completely filled in microgrids in 20 seconds was recorded. A simulated cut on latex sheet was sutured and the time taken to apply five sutures was recorded. The sutures were evaluated with modified Global Rating Scale (GRS). Data was analysed with SPSS. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of microgrids coloured and the time taken to apply five sutures (p<0.01). An increase in number of microgrids coloured was significantly associated with the increase in quality of the suturing technique (p< 0.01). During the 5-day basic microsurgery skills training for novice surgeons, microsuturing skill improvement correlated with microgrid colouring. Conclusion: Microgrids colouring reflected microsuturing proficiency. It is an inexpensive, readily available, and simple model of 'warm up' for hand dexterity. The microgrids model can function as a starter test for initial training and a quick screening measure to assess microsurgical skill.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  8. Wijesekara P, Ng WH, Feng M, Ren X
    Curr Opin Organ Transplant, 2018 12;23(6):657-663.
    PMID: 30234735 DOI: 10.1097/MOT.0000000000000577
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Engineering vasculature that meets an organ's specific physiology and function is a fundamental step in organ bioengineering. In this article, we review approaches for engineering functional vasculature for organ bioengineering, with an emphasis on the engineering of organ-specific endothelium and vasculature.

    RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in hydrogel-based engineering of vascularized organ bud enable vascular regeneration in self-assembled cellular niche containing parenchymal and stromal cells. The emerging technology of whole-organ decellularization provides scaffold materials that serve as extracellular niche guiding vascular regeneration to recapitulate native organ's vascular anatomy. Increasing morphological and molecular evidences suggest endothelial heterogeneity across different organs and across different vascular compartments within an organ. Deriving organ-specific endothelium from pluripotent stem cells has been shown to be possible by combining endothelial induction with parenchymal differentiation.

    SUMMARY: Engineering organ-specific vasculature requires the combination of organ-specific endothelium with its unique cellular and extracellular niches. Future investigations are required to further delineate the mechanisms for induction and maintenance of organ-specific vascular phenotypes, and how to incorporate these mechanisms to engineering organ-specific vasculature.

    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  9. Wasser SK, Torkelson A, Winters M, Horeaux Y, Tucker S, Otiende MY, et al.
    Sci Adv, 2018 09;4(9):eaat0625.
    PMID: 30255141 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aat0625
    Rapid growth in world trade has enabled transnational criminal networks to conceal their contraband among the 1 billion containers shipped worldwide annually. Forensic methods are needed to identify the major cartels moving the contraband into transit. We combine DNA-based sample matching and geographic assignment of tusks to show that the two tusks from the same elephant are often shipped by the same trafficker in separate large consignments of ivory. The paired shipments occur close in time from the same initial place of export and have high overlap in the geographic origins of their tusks. Collectively, these paired shipments form a linked chain that reflects the sizes, interconnectedness, and places of operation of Africa's largest ivory smuggling cartels.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  10. Takaoka H, Saito K, Adler PH, Baba M
    Zootaxa, 2018 Nov 23;4524(4):489-495.
    PMID: 30486108 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4524.4.6
    A new species of black fly, Prosimulium kazukii, is described based on female, male and pupal specimens collected from central Honshu, Japan. It is placed in the Prosimulium magnum species-group, and is characterized in the female and male by yellow thoraces, and in the pupa by the frons and dorsal surface of the thorax without distinct tubercles. By these characters, it is distinguished from all four related species (P. apoina Ono, P. kalibaense Ono, P. sarurense Ono, and P. yezoense Shiraki) of the same species-group in Japan. The female of this new species was previously known as an aberrant form of P. yezoense.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  11. Takaoka H, Ya'cob Z, Sofian-Azirun M
    Zootaxa, 2018 Oct 12;4498(1):1-65.
    PMID: 30486086 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4498.1.1
    The classification, annotated list and keys for the black fly species from Peninsular Malaysia are updated. The number of black fly species increased from 38 in 1995 to 62 (including a new species herein described) in 2018. The 62 species are classified in four subgenera of the genus Simulium: one species in Daviesellum, 35 species in Gomphostilbia, five species in Nevermannia and 21 species in Simulium. Species in the latter three subgenera are further placed in species-groups or subgroups. Keys are provided for females, males, pupae and mature larvae. Simulium (S.) perakense sp. nov. is described and placed in the S. striatum species-group. The males of S. (G.) decuplum, S. (G.) tahanense, S. (S.) malayense, the female of S. (G.) adleri, and the female and larva of S. (G.) varicorne are described for the first time. The female, male, pupa and larva of S. (G.) trangense, the male and pupa of S. (G.) varicorne and the pupa of S. (G.) adleri are redescribed. Simulium (G.) sp. A is identified as S. (G.) pegalanense. Brief notes for each species are given on morphological characteristics, aquatic habitats and geographical distributions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  12. Musa SM, Czachur MV, Shiels HA
    PLoS One, 2018;13(11):e0206984.
    PMID: 30399186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206984
    Embryological stages of oviparous elasmobranch during development can be difficult to identify, requiring magnification and/or fixation of an anaesthetized embryo. These restrictions are poorly suited for monitoring the development of living elasmobranchs inside their egg cases. There are two major aims of this study. The first was to observe elasmobranch embryonic development non-invasively and produce a non-invasive developmental key for identifying the life stages for an elasmobranch inside the egg case. To this end, 7 key developmental stages were identified for the greater spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus stellaris, and are provided here with diagrams from multiple perspectives to demonstrate the key features of each stage. The physiological and ecological relevance of each stage are discussed in terms of structure and function for embryonic survival in the harsh intertidal zone. Also discussed is the importance of the egg case membrane and the protective embryonic jelly. The second aim of the study was to understand the applicability of the 7 developmental stages from S. stellaris to other oviparous elasmobranchs. Thus, changes in embryonic body size and egg yolk volume at each stage were measured and compared with those of the closely related, lesser spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula. We find nearly identical growth patterns and yolk consumption patterns in both species across the 7 developmental stages. Thus, although the 7 developmental stages have been constructed in reference to the greater spotted catshark, we suggest that it can be applied to other oviparous elasmobranch species with only minor modification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  13. Tan JP, Tam SM, Kiew R
    PhytoKeys, 2018.
    PMID: 30416344 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.110.25846
    Begoniayenyeniae is a new species of horticultural value known only from the Endau Rompin National Park, Peninsular Malaysia. It is similar to Begoniarajah with which it had previously been confused in the number of tepals and leaf characters. The new species is compared with three similar species, B.foxworthyi, B.rajah and B.reginula and photographs of all four species and descriptions of B.yenyeniae and B.rajah are provided. Molecular analysis using the ndhF-rpl132 chloroplast marker confirms the four species as distinct. Amongst native species, the three variegated species, B.yenyeniae, B.rajah and B.reginula, are some of the most popular Malaysian begonias in cultivation. Based on its restricted distribution, Begoniayenyeniae, under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, is assessed as Critically Endangered.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  14. Okomoda VT, Koh ICC, Hassan A, Amornsakun T, Moh JHZ, Shahreza SM
    PeerJ, 2018;6:e5712.
    PMID: 30416879 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5712
    To obtain well spread chromosomes, the cytogenetic protocol for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Clarias gariepinus were optimized. This includes, the colchicine concentration (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%)/exposure duration (1, 3, and 5 h), hypotonic solution (distilled water or 0.075M KCl solution)/exposure duration (30 min, 1, and 2 h), the time of cell suspension preparation (at hypotonic treatment or before slide preparation) and chromosome aging period (0, 3, and 7 days in Carnoy's fixative). In addition, the type (i.e., fin, gill or kidney) and the amount of tissue (10, 50, 100 or 150 mg) were also investigated. Regardless of the species, the result obtained showed that well-spread chromosomes could be obtained using the following optimized protocol: Juveniles are injected with 0.05% colchicine (at one ml kg-1) and allowed to swim for 3 h. Then, 50 mg of gill tissue is made into cell suspension in 0.075M KCl for 1 h. The cell suspension is treated in Carnoy's fixative (changed three times at 20 min interval) and then aged for 3 days. Finally, chromosome slides are made and stained with 10% Giemsa for 1 h.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  15. Daood U, Yiu CKY
    Dent Mater, 2019 02;35(2):206-216.
    PMID: 30509480 DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2018.11.018
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the transdentinal cytotoxicity and macrophage phenotype response to a novel quaternary ammonium silane (QAS) cavity disinfectant.

    METHODS: NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblasts were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium and incubated for 3 days. The cells (3×104) were seeded on the pulpal side of dentine discs and the occlusal side of the discs were treated with different cavity disinfectants: Group 1: de-ionized water (control); Group 2: 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); Group 3: 2% QAS; Group 4: 5% QAS, and Group 5: 10% QAS. Cell morphology of NIH 3T3 cells was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cell viability was assessed using Trypan blue assay. The eluates were collected and applied on cells seeded in 24-well plates. The total protein production, alkaline phosphatase activity and deposition of mineralized nodules were evaluated after 7 and 14 days. Immunofluorescence staining was performed on the samples with primary antibodies of CD68+, CD80+, and CD163+ assessing the macrophage M1/M2 phenotypes. The macrophages were imaged using a confocal scanning light microscope with an excitation wavelength of 488nm.

    RESULTS: No significant difference in cell viability (p<0.0001), total protein production (p<0.01) and mineralized nodule production (p<0.05) was found between 2% QAS and the control, which was significantly higher than 2% CHX, 5% and 10% QAS after 14 days. Alkaline phosphatase production of 2% QAS was significantly lower than the control (p<0.001), but higher than 2% CHX at 14 days. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was also significantly lower in the 2% and 10% QAS groups (p<0.05) compared to the control and 2% CHX groups.

    SIGNIFICANCE: The 2% QAS cavity disinfectant does not have cytotoxic effects on 3T3 NIH mouse fibroblast cells and the predominance of the anti-inflammatory phenotype after its application may stimulate healing and tissue repair.

    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  16. Shen QI, Yin ZW
    Zootaxa, 2019 Jul 05;4629(2):zootaxa.4629.2.2.
    PMID: 31712519 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4629.2.2
    The pselaphine genus Sathytes Westwood is represented in Borneo by a single species. In this paper we describe four new species: S. borneoensis sp. nov., S. liuyei sp. nov., S. larifuga sp. nov., and S. shihongliangi sp. nov. All new species were collected by light traps in Sabah, and show unique combinations of male sexual characters that lead to ready species discriminations. A key to Sathytes species from Borneo is appended.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  17. Fukuyama I, Hikida T, Hossman MY, Nishikawa K
    Zootaxa, 2019 Aug 29;4661(3):zootaxa.4661.3.6.
    PMID: 31716700 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4661.3.6
    We collected a specimen of a scincid lizard of Larutia Böhme, 1981 from the edge of a primary forest on Gunung Penrissen, Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The single specimen of the new species differs from all other known congeners by the molecular divergence in the mitochondrial ND1 gene and morphological characters including small adult body size (SVL 84 mm); 22 longitudinal scale rows around midbody; first pair of chinshields contacting second infralabial; second pair of chinshields separated from infralabials by an elongated scale; two subdigital lamellae on second toe; and body without yellow or pale bands or spots. It is the ninth species described in the genus and the second species of Larutia in Borneo.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  18. Jiao KL, Wang F, Wang H, Wang J, Su SS, Liang JY, et al.
    Zootaxa, 2019 Aug 27;4661(1):zootaxa.4661.1.8.
    PMID: 31716722 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4661.1.8
    Larvae of a gall midge were found feeding on the fungal rust Maravalia pterocarpi (Pucciniomycetes: Pucciniales: Chaconiaceae) infesting the economically important sua tree Dalbergia tonkinensis (Fabaceae) on Hainan Island, China. The adults, pupae and larvae were collected, their morphology was studied and a segment of the Cytochrome Oxidase unit I (COI) mitochondrial gene was sequenced. The gall midge proved to be a species new to science that belongs to the genus Mycodiplosis (Diptera: Cecdiomyiidae). Comparison of the sequence to published Cecdiomyiidae sequences revealed that, despite being undescribed and unnamed, it was previously found in east and south-east Asia to feed on several rust species: Puccinia coronata (Pucciniomycetes: Pucciniales: Pucciniaceae) that develops on Lolium multiflorum (Poaceae), Puccinia sp. on Zea mays (Poaceae), Puccinia arachidis on Arachis hypogaea (Fabaceae) and Puccinia allii on Allium fistulosum (Amaryllidaceae). The new species is described and named here Mycodiplosis puccinivora Jiao, Bu Kolesik. It occurs in China, Japan, Thailand, Bangladesh and possibly Malaysia and Australia. In Hainan it has four to five generations per year.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  19. Volynkin AV, Černý K
    Zootaxa, 2019 Sep 12;4668(4):zootaxa.4668.4.7.
    PMID: 31716610 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4668.4.7
    The Barsine inflexa and the B. flavodiscalis species-groups are reviewed. Six new species are described: B. victoria Volynkin Černý, sp. nov. (North West Myanmar and North East India), B. kanchenjunga Volynkin Černý, sp. nov. (North East India), B. dejeani Volynkin Černý, sp. nov. (South West China: Sichuan), B. thagyamin Volynkin Černý, sp. nov. (North Myanmar), B. hreblayi Volynkin Černý, sp. nov. (North Thailand) and B. siberuta Volynkin Černý, sp. nov. (Indonesia: Siberut Island). Adults, male and female genitalia of all species are illustrated.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
  20. Yeo H, Tan CH, Chong CS, Lam-Phua SG
    Zootaxa, 2019 Jul 01;4624(3):zootaxa.4624.3.9.
    PMID: 31716216 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4624.3.9
    Accurate identification of mosquitoes is crucial for the management and control of vector species. Although Singapore is a tropical country with high mosquito diversity, there are no identification keys specific to its mosquito fauna. An illustrated identification key to the genera of the adult female mosquitoes of Singapore is presented. Twenty genera are characterized and two genera found in Malaysia, Culiseta and Topomyia, are also included. The key will aid non-taxonomically trained operational officers in adult mosquito identification. The key to the genera provides the first crucial step in the process to species identification.
    Matched MeSH terms: Animals
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