Morphology and histology of reproductive organ and first screening of wolbachia in the ovary of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (coleoptera: dryophthoridae)

This study was conducted to assess intracellular bacteria Wolbachia in the ovaries of female Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus from three populations in Malaysia by means of PCR using wsp- specific primer. The morphology and histology of ovary of RPW were also studied and examined by stereo microscope LEICA EZ4 HD that was equipped with LAS EZ software and light microscope Zeiss Axio Scope with iSolutionLite software respectively. We found that the adult female had two pairs of ovaries, lateral oviduct, common oviduct, bursa copulatrix, spermatheca and vagina. Histological study of the ovariole revealed that it is categorised under polytrophic ovariole. The ovariole is divided into four regions, the terminal filament, the germarium, the vitellarium and the stalk or calyx. Besides, the infection status showed that all three populations were not infected with Wolbachia. Our result suggests that no infection of Wolbachia in RPW reproductive system

The feasibility of testing otoliths and semicircular canals function using VEMPs and vHIT in Malaysian children

Early identification of any vestibular dysfunction and balance problem in children is crucial for their general well-being. However the identification process, could be challenging and difficult as compared to adults. We conducted a preliminary study to review our initial experience with ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs and cVEMPs), video head impulse test (vHIT) and Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency II (BOT-2) on healthy children and also to determine the feasibility of these tests in this population. Twenty one normal healthy children (12 boys and 9 girls), aged between 6 and 15 years old (mean age, 11.15 ± 2.54 years) participated in the study. They underwent oVEMPs and cVEMPs elicited with bone conduction stimulus via minishaker and air conduction stimulus respectively. All six semicircular canals were assessed using the vHIT. Bilateral coordination, balance, running, speed and agility which are the three subsets of BOT-2 gross motor assessment were conducted for balance assessment. All subjects completed the vestibular and balance assessment except for 1 subject who did not complete the vHIT vertical component. The response rate was 100% for oVEMPs, cVEMPs, and BOT-2, and 95.24% for vHIT. The mean latency and mean amplitude for n10 oVEMPs were 8.88 ± 0.92 and 2.71 ± 1.29, respectively. The mean latency for cVEMPs p13, and n23 were 13.4 ± 1.35 and 21.76 ± 3.71, respectively with interamplitude mean of 97.57 ± 42.69. The vHIT mean for vestibular ocular reflex (VOR) gain were >0.85 for lateral canals and > 0.65 for vertical canals. The mean scale score for bilateral coordination, balance, running, speed, and agility for BOT-2 were 17.52 ± 3.40, 15.14 ± 3.65 and 13.9 ± 5.46, respectively. This study suggest that VEMPs, vHIT, and BOT-2 are feasible test for vestibular and balance assessment in children. Apart from the tests findings, it is hoped that the described experienced and adjustment made in assessing this young population could also be applied by other relevant professionals

Kajian tentang status kerintangan insektisid terhadap Plutella Xylostella, perosak utama sayur-sayuran Cruciferae di Kundasang, Sabah

Kajian ini dijalankan bertujuan untuk mengetahui status kerintangan insektisid terhadap larva Piute/la xylostella terhadap bahan aktif insektisid Cypermethrin, Spinosad, Avermectin, Chlorantraniliprole, Chlorfenapyr, Tolfenpyrad dan Lufenuron. Kajian ini telah dijalankan selama dua (2) tahun bermula pada tahun April 2013 - April 2015 menggunakan peruntukan Universiti Malaysia Sabah (SBK0136-STWN-2014). Tinjauan terhadap penggunaan insektisid oleh 40 responden yang mengusahakan ladang-ladang sayuran juga dilaksanakan bagi mengetahui hubungkait kerintangan insektisid dengan cara penggunaan insektisid di Kundasang. Kajian ini telah dilaksanakan di makmal dan ladang Fakulti Pertanian Lestari (FPL) UMS (Sandakan) yang merangkumi tiga peringkat iaitu i. penanaman kobis yang bebas dari serangan insektisid, ii. persampelan larva P. xylostella di Kundasang dan iii. ujian bioasai celup daun. Faktor Kerintangan Cypermethrin (FR > 160), Avamectin (FR > 10.1 - 40.0), Chlorantraniliprole (FR > 160) dan Chlofenapyr (FR > 160) adalah pada julat sederhana rintang hingga amat rintang. Cypermethrin dan Avamectin adalah bahan aktif insektisid yang telah direkodkan penggunaannya seawal tahun 1990an. Spinosad, Tolfenpyrad, Lufenuron, Chlorantraniliprol

Spontaneous closure of large base idiopathic full thickness macular hole

Spontaneous closure of idiopathic full thickness macular hole is a rare case as it occurs in only 3.5% while awaiting vitrectomy surgery. There are few pathologies associated with it such as vitreomacular traction (VMT) and posterior vitreous detachment. We report a case in a 74-year-old man who presented with right eye painless, progressive blurring of vision with idiopathic stage 4 full thickness macular hole which was confirmed on optical coherence tomography. It closed spontaneously after sometimes while waiting for surgery. It is important to monitor closely for the possibility of spontaneous closure based on the optical coherence tomography findings

An Annotated Checklist Of Herpetofauna Of Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia.

The herpetofauna ofLangkawi Island was recorded during the Scientific & Heritage Expedition ofthe Langkawi Islands, Kedah from 10 -15 April 2003. The reptiles such as snakes, lizards and turtles and amphibians such as toads and frogs were captured or observed and then identified. The reptiles and amphibians were captured and observed during trekking bouts along used and unused trails, along rivers and streams and during chance encounter

Preparation and characterization of graphene oxide from tea waste and it’s photocatalytic application of TiO2/graphene nanocomposite

In the present study, the conversion of tea waste biomass was carried via carbonization at high temperature and further used as starting material to produce graphene oxide (GO). The oxidation and exfoliation of graphitized carbon was successfully achieved using modified Hummer's method. The as synthesized GO have been loaded with titanium dioxide (TiO2) using hydrothermal method to produce nanocomposite of rGO/TIO2. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by means of XRD, FTIR, Raman and FESEM analysis. The evaluation for rGO/TIO2 nanocomposite photocatalytic activity was carried out based on degradation of methyl orange (MO) under the ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. Results obtained using FTIR results revealed the successful oxidation of graphitized carbon with the presence of carboxyl and hydroxyl group. FESEM images suggested the changes of surface morphology from graphite flakes structure into few layers of graphene sheets. Therefore, it can be indicated that tea waste suitable to be sustainable alternative of graphite for the synthesis of GO. Moreover, GO obtained has immense potential for degradation of various water pollutions. Photocatalytic activity experiment inferred that the importance of optimum ratio between reduce GO to TiO2 materials which can resulted in difference in the degradation efficiency; rGO/TiO2 1:8 > rGO/TiO2 1:4 > TiO2 > rGO/TiO2 1:6 > rGO/TiO2 1:10

Fatigue effect on landing biomechanics among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review

It is well established that knee stability can be altered during fatigue, which may increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This is due to a reduction in neuromuscular control that leads to abnormal movement patterns. This study aims to review the impact of fatigue on landing biomechanics among individuals who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Four databases (Scopus, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles, with a focus on full-text English-language research articles published between 2012 and 2022. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies, and two independent reviewers were involved in the study evaluation, with a third reviewer resolving any discrepancies. Data on study demographics, fatigue simulation methods, landing tasks, outcome measures, and results were extracted from included studies. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The results of these studies showed that fatigue simulation reduced knee flexion only in two studies and increased hip flexion moment only in two studies during landing among individuals with ACLR. These inconclusive results show that fatigue may negatively impact landing biomechanics in people who have had an ACLR, potentially increasing their risk of re-injury. Fatigue did not affect the landing strategies adopted by individuals who have undergone ACLR. Some of these changes, such as reduced knee flexion and reduced hip flexion moment, could potentially increase the risk of re-injury. However, other changes, such as an increased hip flexion angle, may protect the joint from further injury. More research is needed to better understand the impact of fatigue on landing strategies in this population and to identify strategies that can minimize the risk of re-injury

Detection of pinworms in conventionally maintained laboratory mice

The laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are commonly utilised for research purposes. Despite strict biosecurity, they potentially harbour parasites which may compromise the experimental study. Parasite intensity differs among strains of mice. This study aims to identify the presence of parasites between two strains of laboratory mice. A total of 48 mice (n= 48) obtained from the UPM Animal Resource Unit (ARU), consisting of 24 animals for each group of inbred strain Bagg Albino (BALB/c) and outbred Institute Cancer Research (ICR) mice were used for detection of helminths, ectoparasites and blood parasites. Based on parasitological distinct characteristics, Syphacia obvelata (S. obvelata) and Aspiculuris tetraptera (A. tetraptera) were detected. Both helminths were seen in 8.33% of BALB/c and 20.83% of ICR mice, respectively. Single infection by S. obvelata was detected in 33.33% of BALB/c mice while 12.5% of ICR mice were manifested merely by A. tetraptera. The findings revealed an optimal method to identify S. obvelata through perianal tape test while A. tetraptera is best detected by the faecal flotation technique. Statistically, the type of helminth was significantly associated with the strains of mice (P=0.043). Overall, there were low amounts of opportunistic helminths and ova with the absence of ectoparasites and blood parasites for both strains of laboratory mice which is suggestive of appropriate management practised

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

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