This data article informs about Chiropteran diversity, new records, ecosystem services and possible pathogen carriers in fragmented forests (sub-divided by utility corridors, man-made structures, untouched and secondary plantations) within districts Setiu (Setiu Research Station), Hulu Terengganu (Saok and Lasir waterfalls) and Besut (Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve) of state Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. These bats were captured using harp traps and mist nets that were set 10 m apart across flyways, streams and less cluttered trees in the 50 m × 50 m transect zones (identified at each site). All animals were distinguished by morphology and gender before their release at the site of capture. The data comprise of five bat family groups Hipposideridae, Megadermatidae, Pteropodidae, Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae. It is interesting to note that untouched Saok Waterfalls is home to wide variety of bats listed (68.8%), followed by secondary forests of Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve (24.8%), untouched Lasir Waterfalls (4.8%) and lastly, Setiu Research Station as least favored (1.6%). Chiroptera like Cynopterus brachyotis (n = 23, 37.7%), Hipposideros bicolor (n = 6, 9.8%) and Scotophilus kuhli (n = 6, 9.8%) were most dominant in the checklist whereas Hipposideros armiger, Murina suilla and Scotophilus kuhlii are new data records in the fragmented forests of Terengganu. The data were interpret into Shannon, Simpson, Margalef, Menhinik and Evenness indices to individually or collectively distinguish chiropteran variety in Terengganu State whereas weight-forearm length (W/FA) informs about chiropteran Body Condition Index (-0.25 to 0.25). The function of bats were also identified to distinguish service providers (pollination and forests regeneration) and zoonotic pathogen carriers (in particular to Leptospira bacteria, Nipah virus and Sindbis virus).
Tarsier is an endangered nocturnal primate in the family Tarsiidae and is an endemic to Sundaic islands of Philippine (Carlito syrichta), Sulawesi (Tarsius tarsier-complex) and Borneo (Cephalopachus bancanus). Recent records indicated that most molecular studies were done on the Eastern Tarsier and little information for the other group of tarsiers. Here, we present a partial cytochrome b data set of C. bancanus in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Standard mist nets were deployed at strategic locations in various habitat types. A total of 18 individuals were caught, measured and weighed. Approximately, 2 × 2 mm of tissue samples were taken and preserved in molecular grade alcohol. Out of 18, only 11 samples were screened with partial mtDNA (cytochrome b) and the DNA sequences were registered in the GenBank (accession numbers: KY794797-KY794807). Phylogenetic trees were constructed with 20 additional mtDNA sequences downloaded from GenBank. The data are valuable for the management authorities to regulate the type of management units for the metapopulation to sustain population genetics integrity of tarsiers in the range countries across the Sunda Shelf.
A study of the bat diversity was conducted in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forest and Setiu Wetland Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) forest in Terengganu, to study the species diversity, composition and stratification of fruit bats from the understorey to the forest canopy. Mist nets were set up at the understorey, sub-canopy and canopy layer while harp traps were set up at the understorey layer. We recorded 170 individuals from six families' compromised 21 species from Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forests and four species from Setiu Wetland BRIS forests throughout the sampling period. Megaerops ecaudatus and Cynopterus brachyotis were the most dominant species in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forest and Setiu Wetland BRIS forests. Our study also recorded two species with new distributional records for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, namely, Rhinolophus chiewkweeae and Chaerephon johorensis in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forests. Potential factors that might influence the results were in terms of the canopy covers, the structural complexity of canopy, food availability and spatial characteristics. This study was able to increase the knowledge on the species diversity and composition of bats in Hulu Terengganu dipterocarp forest and Setiu Wetland BRIS forest, thus, further aid in the effort of bat conservation in both areas.
Orang Asli is the aboriginal people in Peninsular Malaysia who have been recognized as indigenous to the country and still practicing traditional lifestyle. The molecular interest on the Orang Asli started when the earliest prehistoric migration occurred approximately 200 kya and entering Peninsular Malaysia 50 kya in stages. A total of three groups of Orang Asli present in Peninsular Malaysia, namely, Negrito also known as Semang, Senoi and Proto Malays. Through records, there is no research has been conducted on mtDNA variations in the Semoq Beri population, one of the tribes in Senoi group. In this report, variations of mtDNA were analysed in the population in Hulu Terengganu as an initial effort to establish the genetic characterisation and elucidating the history of Orang Asli expansion in Peninsular Malaysia. An array of mtDNA parameters was estimated and the observed polymorphisms with their respective haplogroups in comparison to rCRS were inferred respectively. The DNA sequences are registered in the NCBI with accession numbers KY853670-KY853753.
The human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene encodes a polymorphic protein that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response. Human MBL deficiency is associated with immunodeficiencies, and its variants have been linked to autoimmune and infectious diseases. Despite this significance, gene studies concerning MBL sequencing are uncommon in Malaysia. Therefore, we aimed to preliminary described the human MBL sequencing dataset based on the Kelantan population. Blood samples were collected from 30 unrelated individuals and underwent DNA extraction, genotyping, and sequencing. The sequencing data generated 886 bp, which were deposited in GenBank (ON619541-ON619546). Allelic variants were identified and translated into six MBL haplotypes: HYPA, HYPB, LYPB, LXPB, HXPA, and LXPA. An evolutionary tree was constructed using the haplotype sequences. These findings contribute to the expansion of MBL information within the country, providing a valuable baseline for future research exploring the association between the gene and targeted diseases.
The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) manifests through venous or arterial thrombosis, with or without pregnancy complication alongside the continuous presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). APS classification relies on three aPL subtypes: anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-β2GPI), and lupus anticoagulants (LA) antibodies. Given that thrombosis and pregnancy issues are not unique to APS, the precise and reliable identification of aPL forms the basis for diagnosis. Semi-quantitative solid-phase assays identify two antibodies, aCL and anti-β2GPI, while LA detection occurs through various phospholipid-dependent coagulation assays that are based on antibody behaviour. LA, specifically, is conclusively associated with thrombosis, prompting discussions around the serological criteria for APS. Despite advancements in LA detection, the standardisation of all aPL detection assays remains imperative. The combined presence of aCL and anti-β2GPI with thrombosis inconsistently triggers concern. Initial presentations by APS patients commonly exhibit a heightened risk of stroke, miscarriages in the later stages of pregnancy, positive results of LA tests, and widespread thrombosis across multiple organs, often leading to adverse outcomes. Correctly diagnosing this condition is pivotal to avoid unnecessary long-term secondary thromboprophylaxis.
A deferral takes place when donors fail to meet the eligibility criteria for donating blood during their visit to a blood collection site. Deferral periods, which can be either permanent or temporary, are implemented to protect the well-being of both the donor and the recipient. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of deferrals and the various factors contributing to them. A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Transfusion Medicine Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), utilizing data obtained from blood donors during the period from January 2022 to June 2023. The research included a cohort of 18,751 donors who visited our transfusion unit for blood donation. Data, including gender, age, and reasons for deferral, were collected by reviewing the records of donors who were deferred. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data of deferral blood donors. Out of 18,751 blood donors, 3,533 (18.84%) were deferred, consisting of 1,267 males (35.86%) and 2,266 females (64.14%). The age group of 18-25 years accounted for the highest number, comprising 1,875 donors (53.07%). Among the deferred cases, 53.33% were first-time donors, followed by 25.28% regular donors and 21.40% lapsed donors. The deferral of blood donors resulted from various reasons. The most common cause of overall deferral among blood donors was low hemoglobin (38.33%), followed by upper respiratory tract infections (8.38%), chronic medical illness (7.08%), and high blood pressure (7.02%). Temporary deferrals were more prevalent than permanent deferrals, accounting for 91.57% of cases compared to 8.43% for permanent deferrals. Voluntary non-remunerative blood donors constitute the backbone for a safe and reliable blood supply in transfusion services. Utilizing a comprehensive database will enable effective counseling of temporarily deferred donors, providing insights into the reasons for their deferral, the expected duration, and the appropriate treatments. This information is crucial for motivating these donors to recruit again in the donor pool. Public education initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the causes of deferral and promoting regular health check-ups can play a pivotal role in minimizing these deferrals.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been comprehensively studied and understood in Western Europe and various Asia-Pacific regions. However, the epidemiological and clinical-laboratory aspects of ITP in Malaysia remain limited and not well documented. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the incidence and clinical parameters of ITP using 20-year retrospective data. Medical records for 205 consecutive adult patients with ITP between January 2000 and December 2022 were analyzed. A p-value of <0.05 is considered statistically significant. The majority were Malays (n=192, 93.7%) and females (n=150, 73.2%), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.73. One hundred thirty-two (64.4%) and 73 (35.6%) patients were diagnosed with primary ITP (pITP) and secondary ITP (sITP), respectively. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n=23, 35.9%), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (n=5, 7.8%), and familial thrombocytopenia (n=5, 7.8%) were the top 3 comorbid conditions for ITP. The overall incidence was 1.80/100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56-2.07), and the incidences were higher in females than in males with pITP (1.78/100,000 person-years versus 0.70/100,000 person-years) and sITP (0.86/100,000 person-years versus 0.26/100,000 person-years). The median age for patients with pITP was significantly higher than for those with sITP (median: 44 versus 37 years, respectively) (p=0.026). However, there was no statistically significant difference in white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (HB) counts, platelet (PLT) counts, absolute neutrophil counts (ANC), or hematocrit (HCT) counts between those with pITP and sITP at the time of diagnosis. The current study provides an overview of ITP epidemiology in northeastern Malaysia. We emphasize the critical need for further additional research, particularly at the state and national levels in the future.
This data article presents on the ectoparasites infestation on small mammals in Peninsular Malaysia. The dataset on ectoparasites infestation is important because it raises a major medical concern regarding the spread of potentially zoonotic disease from wildlife to human. Tick and chigger are the primary ectoparasites as reservoirs of vector-borne diseases found on small mammals in Malaysia. These small mammals that are infested with ectoparasites occupy various types of habitats, including human settlements, could be of community health risks as the carriers of potentially zoonotic diseases. Field samplings were conducted from February 2015 to February 2016 in three different ecological habitats of mixed dipterocarp forest, coastal forest and insular forest, in Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 35 and 22 species of bats and rodents respectively were captured and examined for ectoparasites. Twenty-three species of bats and 16 species of small mammal were recorded as hosts for at least one species of ectoparasites. These findings show that the highest ectoparasite infestation occurred on bat community.
This data article presents the diversity of flora and selected fauna in Tasik Kenyir, Malaysia. This man-made lake once suffered huge loss of biodiversity for allowing an earth-dam construction during 1980s. Series of publications on different types of target taxa have been published separately after the post-dam construction. A biodiversity assessment was conducted in Tasik Kenyir from March 2015 until February 2016. The one year assessment were compiled with the previous published data to document and updated the biodiversity checklist in the lake. The data show that Tasik Kenyir is occupied by 113 tree species, 217 butterfly species, 35 bee species, 26 reptile species, 267 aves species and 153 mammal species. The micro-climate data was downloaded from the Malaysian Meteorological Department and analysed in R Studio to highlight the relationship between climate data and biodiversity data.
In this data article we present the determinations of the diet preference and growth of a pair of the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca (David, 1869) from Zoo Negara Malaysia. Once considered as endangered, the captive giant pandas were given with nine species of local bamboo in separate indoor enclosures. We recorded data between May 25, 2014 and December 31, 2016 and analysed it based on food preference, the pattern toward food consumption and body weights using SPSS v25.0 (IBM, USA). Data on the bamboo preference, daily average bamboo provided and consumed, and factors predicting of body weight per individual are reported in this article. The data highlight correlation between panda growth (kg) to the part of bamboo consumed (kg) and exhibit the pattern of preferred part of food (i.e.: either the leaf, culm or shoots of bamboo variety) for panda consumptions. The food consumption toward the body weight was modelled using logistic regression analysis to help determine the pattern of food consumption and body weight of giant panda in the future and based on regression model 1, only consumed variable is significance to the model.
Multiple myeloma (MM) is an exceptionally complicated and heterogeneous disease that is caused by the abnormal proliferation of malignant monoclonal plasma cells initiated in the bone marrow. In disease progression, a multistep process including differentiation, proliferation, and invasion is involved. Despite great improvement in treatment outcomes in recent years due to the substantial discovery of novel therapeutic drugs, MM is still regarded as an incurable disease. Patients with MM are afflicted by confronting remission periods accompanied by relapse or progression outcomes, which inevitably progress to the refractory stage. In this regard, MM may need new medications or modifications in therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance. A variety of genetic abnormalities (e.g., point mutations, translocations, and deletions) and epigenetic changes (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA) contribute to the pathogenesis and development of MM. Here, we review the significant roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the development and progression of MM. We also highlight epigenetic pathways as potential novel treatment avenues for MM, including their interplay, use of epigenetic inhibitors, and major involvement in immuno-oncology.