Dung beetles (coleoptera: scarabaeoidea) from Tasik Chini biosphere reserve, Pahang

A total of 15,747 dung beetles belong to 13 genera and 60 species were captured successfully at Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve, Pahang from May 2014 to April 2015. Forty-five baited pitfall trap with light sources were installed using transects method at core, buffer and transition zones of Biosphere Reserve. Onthophagus with 43 species (71.7% of the total species) represents the most diverse dung beetle genus at Tasik Chini, Pahang. The most abundant dung beetle species in the area was Sisyphus thoracicus, represented by 9,544 (60.6%) individuals. Followed by O. crassicollis and O. rorarius, which were represented by 1,041 and 9,49 individuals respectively. The Biosphere Reserve is also categorized by the occurrence of rare dung beetle species such as Onthophagus sp. 1, O. avocetta, O. namnaoensis, O. semiperakensis, Ochicanthon okudai and Copris haroldi. The list presented with 60 species of Tasik Chini dung beetles could serve as baseline data for further studies on dung beetle diversity in Peninsular Malaysia

Insect diversity and abundance during the crepuscular and nocturnal temporal periods in the Kota Gelanggi limestone complex, Pahang, Malaysia

The diversity and abundance patterns of nocturnal insect orders during the crepuscular and nocturnal periods, 6pm-9pm, 10pm-1am and 4am-7am at Kota Gelanggi limestone complexes were investigated. The insects were collected by using light traps over a period of six months from May to October 2014. A total of 35 732 individuals from 19 orders were captured. Coleoptera (n=14 103, 39.5%), Hymenoptera (n=10 030, 28.1%) and Diptera (n=4 821, 13.5%) were the most abundant orders. The results showed a bimodal pattern in the abundance of insects where more were caught during dusk followed by dawn and the lowest during the nocturnal period. However there was no significant difference (F= 0.71, df= 2, P> 0.05) in insect abundance between the three sessions. Studies on nocturnal insect activity patterns give us an understanding of the behaviour of the insects especially agricultural pest insects, and this information is necessary to develop effective pest control management

Man-made maternity roost selection by Scotophilus kuhlii (Lesser Asiatic yellow bat) in two anthropogenically altered habitats

Scotophilus kuhlii is a highly gregarious bat that thrives in anthropogenically altered habitats readily roosting in man-made structures. Although widespread, information on the ecology of S. kuhlii is very scarce in Southeast Asia. We conducted this study to determine if the females used the same day roost as a maternity roost in buildings in an agricultural and suburban habitat from July 2013 to April 2015. The females were found to use the same day roost as a maternity roost as the buildings provided a higher temperature and more stable thermal conditions as compared to the ambient temperature. We found that there was a significant positive relationship between roost microclimate and ambient microclimate. Based on the observation of the external body condition, females were found to be seasonally monoestrous. Our findings are useful for conservation and management of these synantrophic bats where natural roost sites are lacking and in managing human-bat conflicts

Association of proinflammatory cytokines and chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients: a multi-centered, prospective, cohort study.

BackgroundExisting evidence suggests that proinflammatory cytokines play an intermediary role in postchemotherapy cognitive impairment. This is one of the largest multicentered, cohort studies conducted in Singapore to evaluate the prevalence and proinflammatory biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients.Patients and methodsChemotherapy-receiving breast cancer patients (stages I-III) were recruited. Proinflammatory plasma cytokines concentrations [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α] were evaluated at 3 time points (before chemotherapy, 6 and 12 weeks after chemotherapy initiation). The FACT-Cog (version 3) was utilized to evaluate patients' self-perceived cognitive disturbances and a computerized neuropsychological assessment (Headminder) was administered to evaluate patients' memory, attention, response speed and processing speed. Changes of cognition throughout chemotherapy treatment were compared against the baseline. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to test the relationships of clinical variables and cytokine concentrations on self-perceived cognitive disturbances and each objective cognitive domain.ResultsNinety-nine patients were included (age 50.5 ± 8.4 years; 81.8% Chinese; mean duration of education = 10.8 ± 3.3 years). Higher plasma IL-1β was associated with poorer response speed performance (estimate: -0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.34 to -0.03; P = 0.023), and a higher concentration of IL-4 was associated with better response speed performance (P = 0.022). Higher concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 were associated with more severe self-perceived cognitive disturbances (P = 0.018 and 0.001, respectively). Patients with higher concentrations of IL-4 also reported less severe cognitive disturbances (P = 0.022).ConclusionsWhile elevated concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1β were observed in patients with poorer response speed performance and perceived cognitive disturbances, IL-4 may be protective against chemotherapy-associated cognitive impairment. This study is important because cytokines would potentially be mechanistic mediators of chemotherapy-associated cognitive changes

Previously unpublished Odonata records from Sarawak, Borneo, part VI: Miri Division including checklists for Niah, Lambir Hills, Loagan Bunut and Pulong Tau National Parks

Recods of Odonata made from 2005 to 2020 in Miri Division in Sarawak are presented, including records from Lambir Hills, Loagan Bunut, Niah and Pulong Tau National Parks. Primary types of Odonata originating from Miri Division are listed. Surveys of more than one day duration in Miri Division and covered here are tabulated with the funding source where appropriate; four of the surveys covered here were funded by the International Dragonfly Fund. One hundred and eighty-eight species are listed based on surveys made by the authors, of which Macromia jucunda Lieftinck, 1955, had not been recorded from Borneo before, Burmagomphus arthuri Lieftinck, 1953 is a new record for Miri Division and Camacinia gigantea (Brauer, 1867) has only been recorded from the Division re-cently with the only published record in a difficult to access publication (Choong (2020)). At least 48 more of the species listed were recorded from Miri Division for the first time in surveys covered in this report, although the records have been published (in most cases with no details beyond division and district in Dow (2021)) before. Two forms of Xiphi-agrion cyanomelas Selys, 1876 are recorded and the likelihood that they represent different species is discussed. A possibly new, large sized, species of Macromia allied to M. westwoodii Selys, 1874 is recorded and discussed. Other notable records not published with details before include Rhinocypha stygia Förster, 1897, Rhinoneura caerulea Kimmins, 1936, Dysphaea lugens (Selys, 1873), Euphaea ameeka van Tol & Norma-Rashid, 1995, Euphaea basalis (Laidlaw, 1915), Amphicnemis new sp. cf mariae Lieftinck, 1940 (previously recorded from Usun Apau National Park), Anaciaeschna jaspidea (Burmeister, 1839), Heliaeschna uninervulata Martin, 1909, Borneogomphus sp., Heliogomphus borneensis Lieftinck, 1964, Ictinogomphus acutus (Laidlaw, 1914), Chlorogomphus sp., Macromia corycia Laidlaw, 1922, Idionyx montana Karsch, 1891, Hylaeothemis clementia Ris, 1909, Orchithemis xanthosoma Laidlaw, 1911, Rhyothemis fulgens Kirby, 1889, Rhyothemis regia (Brauer, 1867), Tetrathemis sp. cf platyptera Selys, 1878, Tramea phaeoneura Lieftinck, 1953 and Tramea sp. cf virginia (Rambur, 1842). The habitat preferences of Dysphaea lugens are discussed. A male-male tandem of Coeliccia nigrohamata Laidlaw, 1918 is reported. The somewhat peculiar distribution of Argiocnemis rubescens rubeola Selys, 1877 and Pseudothemis jorina Förster, 1904 in Sarawak is discussed. Activity of the apparently normally crepuscular Heliaeschna uninervulata in the middle of the day is reported. An interesting morphological detail of some female Chlorogomphus from Sarawak is discussed. The likelihood that Macromia corycia is a junior synonym of M. gerstaeckeri Krüger, 1899 is discussed. The possibility that the range of Rhyothemis regia is expanding in Sarawak is remarked upon. The identity of Tramea sp. cf virginia is discussed. With the records presented here at least 222 species of Odonata are known from Miri Division and with the addition of Macromia jucunda to the known fauna, 309 species have now been recorded from Sarawak. More detailed specimen records are given in Appendix 1 and a revised checklist of Odonata from Lambir Hills National Park and the first checklis from Loagan Bunut, Niah and Pulong Tau National Parks are given in Appendix 2

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

A common variant near TGFBR3 is associated with primary open angle glaucoma

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), a major cause of blindness worldwide, is a complex disease with a significant genetic contribution. We performed Exome Array (Illumina) analysis on 3504 POAG cases and 9746 controls with replication of the most significant findings in 9173 POAG cases and 26 780 controls across 18 collections of Asian, African and European descent. Apart from confirming strong evidence of association at CDKN2B-AS1 (rs2157719 [G], odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, P = 2.81 × 10−33), we observed one SNP showing significant association to POAG (CDC7–TGFBR3 rs1192415, ORG-allele = 1.13, Pmeta = 1.60 × 10−8). This particular SNP has previously been shown to be strongly associated with optic disc area and vertical cup-to-disc ratio, which are regarded as glaucoma-related quantitative traits. Our study now extends this by directly implicating it in POAG disease pathogenesis

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication