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Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms and Genetic Diversity of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from a Teaching Hospital in Malaysia

Biglari S, Hanafiah A, Mohd Puzi S, Ramli R, Rahman M, Lopes BS

Microb Drug Resist, 2017 Jul;23(5):545-555.
PMID: 27854165 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2016.0130

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii has increasingly emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance profiles and genetic diversity in A. baumannii clinical isolates in a tertiary medical center in Malaysia. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem), cephalosporins (ceftazidime and cefepime), and ciprofloxacin were determined by E-test. PCR and sequencing were carried out for the detection of antibiotic resistance genes and mutations. Clonal relatedness among A. baumannii isolates was determined by REP-PCR. Sequence-based typing of OXA-51 and multilocus sequence typing were performed. One hundred twenty-five of 162 (77.2%) A. baumannii isolates had MDR phenotype. From the 162 A. baumannii isolates, 20 strain types were identified and majority of A. baumannii isolates (66%, n = 107) were classified as strain type 1 and were positive for ISAba1-blaOXA-23and ISAba1-blaADCand had mutations in both gyrA and parC genes at positions, 83 and 80, resulting in serine-to-leucine conversion. REP-PCR analysis showed 129 REP types that generated 31 clones with a 90% similarity cutoff value. OXA-66 variant of the blaOXA-51-likegenes was predominantly detected among our A. baumannii clinical isolates belonging to ST195 (found in six clones: 1, 8, 9, 19, 27, and 30) and ST208 (found in clone 21). The study helps us in understanding the genetic diversity of A. baumannii isolates in our setting and confirms that international clone II is the most widely distributed clone in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia.
Quantitative Tetraplex Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay with TaqMan Probes Discriminates Cattle, Buffalo, and Porcine Materials in Food Chain

Hossain MAM, Ali ME, Sultana S, Asing, Bonny SQ, Kader MA, et al.

J Agric Food Chem, 2017 May 17;65(19):3975-3985.
PMID: 28481513 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b00730

Cattle, buffalo, and porcine materials are widely adulterated, and their quantification might safeguard health, religious, economic, and social sanctity. Recently, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assays have been documented but they are just suitable for identification, cannot quantify adulterations. We described here a quantitative tetraplex real-time PCR assay with TaqMan Probes to quantify contributions from cattle, buffalo, and porcine materials simultaneously. Amplicon-sizes were very short (106-, 90-, and 146-bp for cattle, buffalo, and porcine) because longer targets could be broken down, bringing serious ambiguity in molecular diagnostics. False negative detection was eliminated through an endogenous control (141-bp site of eukaryotic 18S rRNA). Analysis of 27 frankfurters and 27 meatballs reflected 84-115% target recovery at 0.1-10% adulterations. Finally, a test of 36 commercial products revealed 71% beef frankfurters, 100% meatballs, and 85% burgers contained buffalo adulteration, but no porcine was found in beef products.
Fulltext The Study of Drag Reduction on Ships Inspired by Simplified Shark Skin Imitation

Ibrahim MD, Amran SNA, Yunos YS, Rahman MRA, Mohtar MZ, Wong LK, et al.

Appl Bionics Biomech, 2018;2018:7854321.
PMID: 29853998 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7854321

The skin of a fast swimming shark reveals riblet structures that help reduce the shark's skin friction drag, enhancing its efficiency and speed while moving in the water. Inspired by the structure of the shark skin denticles, our team has carried out a study as an effort in improving the hydrodynamic design of marine vessels through hull design modification which was inspired by this riblet structure of shark skin denticle. Our study covers on macroscaled design modification. This is an attempt to propose an alternative for a better economical and practical modification to obtain a more optimum cruising characteristics for marine vessels. The models used for this study are constructed using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations are then carried out to predict the effectiveness of the hydrodynamic effects of the biomimetic shark skins on those models. Interestingly, the numerical calculated results obtained show that the presence of biomimetic shark skin implemented on the vessels give about 3.75% reduction of drag coefficient as well as reducing up to 3.89% in drag force experienced by the vessels. Theoretically, as force drag can be reduced, it can lead to a more efficient vessel with a better cruising speed. This will give better impact to shipping or marine industries around the world. However, it can be suggested that an experimental procedure is best to be conducted to verify the numerical result that has been obtained for further improvement on this research.
Baseline Widal titre among healthy adult males from the greater Mymensingh division of Bangladesh

Khan A, Ashher F, Khanam F, Rahman M, Khan M, Paul SK, et al.

Infect Disord Drug Targets, 2018 Apr 05.
PMID: 29621969 DOI: 10.2174/1871526518666180405154337

Widal agglutination test is arguably the most widely used laboratory investigation for diagnosis of Typhoid, especially in developing countries where blood culture is often inaccessible. However, the interpretation of the test still remains a controversial topic particularly in the context of endemic regions such as Bangladesh, as agglutination test is often found positive in varied and higher titrations among a large percentage of healthy population. Paired Widal tests are often not feasible, hence single unpaired test has to be used for screening and diagnosis. Even specific chemotherapy is administered frequently based on single Widal test. Therefore it is very important to establish baseline value of Widal test and re-evaluate in regular intervals to ensure standard cutoff points are as accurate and updated as possible in particular demographics Objective: The study aimed at investigating the normal range of baseline titre for Anti TO, TH, AO, AH, BO agglutinins among healthy participants, with a view to inform policy makers and clinicians on the updated cut off values for screening and diagnosis of typhoid fever in the context of Bangladesh.
METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology of Mymensing Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh in two time points, one was from February 2013 to September2013 and another was from March to April, 2015 . A total of 3161 adult (18-45 years) male job seekers to Malaysia attending for health check up were invited to the study and out of them 2925 could be finally enrolled. A single blood sample was collected and Widal test was carried out according to kit manufacturer's instructions and interpreted using standard guidelines.
RESULTS: The significant baseline titers for Anti TO, TH, AO, AH, BO agglutinins among the participants were found to be 1:80 for each respectively. A titer of 1: 40 was observed for BH antigen Conclusion: In case of singular Widal test, base line values for normal range should be revised and set 1:80 for all the antigens (TO, TH, AO, AH, BO, BH), except BH, for which it should be 1:40. Further studies in different geological and demographic groups are required to ascertain the use of right context and cut off values for screening and diagnostic purposes.
Fulltext A genome-wide assessment of stages of elevational parapatry in Bornean passerine birds reveals no introgression: implications for processes and patterns of speciation

Moyle RG, Manthey JD, Hosner PA, Rahman M, Lakim M, Sheldon FH

PeerJ, 2017;5:e3335.
PMID: 28533979 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3335

Topographically complex regions often contain the close juxtaposition of closely related species along elevational gradients. The evolutionary causes of these elevational replacements, and thus the origin and maintenance of a large portion of species diversity along elevational gradients, are usually unclear because ecological differentiation along a gradient or secondary contact following allopatric diversification can produce the same pattern. We used reduced representation genomic sequencing to assess genetic relationships and gene flow between three parapatric pairs of closely related songbird taxa (Arachnothera spiderhunters, Chloropsis leafbirds, and Enicurus forktails) along an elevational gradient in Borneo. Each taxon pair presents a different elevational range distribution across the island, yet results were uniform: little or no gene flow was detected in any pairwise comparisons. These results are congruent with an allopatric "species-pump" model for generation of species diversity and elevational parapatry of congeners on Borneo, rather than in situ generation of species by "ecological speciation" along an elevational gradient.
Fulltext Conversational Task Increases Heart Rate Variability of Individuals Susceptible to Perceived Social Isolation

Feng YX, Roslan NS, Izhar LI, Abdul Rahman M, Faye I, Ho ETW

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 09 18;18(18).
PMID: 34574777 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189858

Studies showed that introversion is the strongest personality trait related to perceived social isolation (loneliness), which can predict various complications beyond objective isolation such as living alone. Lonely individuals are more likely to resort to social media for instantaneous comfort, but it is not a perpetual solution. Largely negative implications including poorer interpersonal relationship and depression were reported due to excessive social media usage. Conversational task is an established intervention to improve verbal communication, cognitive and behavioral adaptation among lonely individuals. Despite that behavioral benefits have been reported, it is unclear if they are accompanied by objective benefits underlying physiological changes. Here, we investigate the physiological signals from 28 healthy individuals during a conversational task. Participants were ranked by trait extraversion, where greater introversion is associated with increased susceptibility to perceived social isolation as compared to participants with greater extraversion as controls. We found that introverts had a greater tendency to be neurotic, and these participants also exhibited significant differences in task-related electrodermal activity (EDA), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) as compared to controls. Notably, resting state HRV among individuals susceptible to perceived loneliness was below the healthy thresholds established in literature. Conversational task with a stranger significantly increased HRV among individuals susceptible to isolation up to levels as seen in controls. Since HRV is also elevated by physical exercise and administration of oxytocin hormone (one form of therapy for behavioral isolation), conversational therapy among introverts could potentially confer physiological benefits to ameliorate social isolation and loneliness. Our findings also suggest that although the recent pandemic has changed how people are interacting typically, we should maintain a healthy dose of social interaction innovatively.
Fulltext Nitrites in Cured Meats, Health Risk Issues, Alternatives to Nitrites: A Review

Shakil MH, Trisha AT, Rahman M, Talukdar S, Kobun R, Huda N, et al.

Foods, 2022 Oct 25;11(21).
PMID: 36359973 DOI: 10.3390/foods11213355

Nitrite is one of the most widely used curing ingredients in meat industries. Nitrites have numerous useful applications in cured meats and a vital component in giving cured meats their unique characteristics, such as their pink color and savory flavor. Nitrites are used to suppress the oxidation of lipid and protein in meat products and to limit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Clostridium botulinum. Synthetic nitrite is frequently utilized for curing due to its low expenses and easier applications to meat. However, it is linked to the production of nitrosamines, which has raised several health concerns among consumers regarding its usage in meat products. Consumer desire for healthier meat products prepared with natural nitrite sources has increased due to a rising awareness regarding the application of synthetic nitrites. However, it is important to understand the various activities of nitrite in meat curing for developing novel substitutes of nitrites. This review emphasizes on the effects of nitrite usage in meat and highlights the role of nitrite in the production of carcinogenic nitrosamines as well as possible nitrite substitutes from natural resources explored also.
Fulltext Gelatin-based instant gel-forming volatile spray for wound-dressing application

Islam MS, Islam JMM, Rahman MF, Rahman MM, Khan MA

Prog Biomater, 2021 Sep;10(3):235-243.
PMID: 34542831 DOI: 10.1007/s40204-021-00166-3

This study was a successful endeavor to develop and investigate the suitability of a bioadhesive wound-healing gel based on gelatin for first-aid purposes. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to prepare a denser phase of gelatin chains, and diethyl ether (DEE) was used to introduce high volatility to the solution. The prepared solution was stable in the storage container but rapidly formed (within 3 s) a protective and bioadhesive gel around the wound surface by being sprayed over the wound. Besides, it also suppressed pain and showed moderate antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. It was also found highly biocompatible and non-toxic. All the results revealed that the prepared solution could be an effective candidate for treating minor injuries or burn, especially for a first-aid purpose.
Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS2) and Defensin beta 1 (DEFB1) gene polymorphisms are not associated with periodontitis in Malays

Jagender Singh JK, Vaithilingam RD, Ng CC, Baharuddin NA, Hasnur Safii S, Rahman MT

Malays J Pathol, 2021 Dec;43(3):425-434.
PMID: 34958064

INTRODUCTION: In line with the association of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and defensin beta 1 (DEFB1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with periodontitis among the Chinese and European populations, the current study was aimed to assess the same association among the Malays in Malaysia.
METHODS: Blood samples of individuals with periodontitis (PD) (n=72) and periodontally healthy (PH) (n=62) donors were obtained from Malaysian Periodontal Database and Biobanking system (MPDBS). Genomic DNA samples were analyzed for three PTGS2 SNPs (rs5275, rs20417, rs689466,) and one DEFB1 SNP (rs1047031) using Taqman SNP genotyping assays. Notably, rs20417 and rs689466 were located in the promoter region while rs5275 and rs1047031 were located in the 3' untranslated region of the transcript. Association between the SNPs and PD were then analyzed using genotypic association analysis (additive, dominant and recessive models).
RESULTS: The allelic frequency for the rs689466-G was higher in PD group (35.2%) compared that in PH group (29.0%). However, the association of rs689466-G and other SNPs with PD was not statistically significant (at 95% CI). No associations were observed for genotypic associations between the PTGS2 and DEFB1 SNPs with PD susceptibility.
CONCLUSIONS: PTGS2 (rs5275, rs20417, and rs689466) and DEFB1 (rs1047031) polymorphism was not associated with PD in Malays, unlike the Chinese, Taiwanese & European population. This suggests that other causal variants might be involved in the development and progression of PD among Malays.
Fulltext A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical DNA Biosensor from Acrylic-Gold Nano-composite for the Determination of Arowana Fish Gender

Rahman M, Heng LY, Futra D, Chiang CP, Rashid ZA, Ling TL

Nanoscale Res Lett, 2017 Aug 10;12(1):484.
PMID: 28798991 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-017-2254-y

The present research describes a simple method for the identification of the gender of arowana fish (Scleropages formosus). The DNA biosensor was able to detect specific DNA sequence at extremely low level down to atto M regimes. An electrochemical DNA biosensor based on acrylic microsphere-gold nanoparticle (AcMP-AuNP) hybrid composite was fabricated. Hydrophobic poly(n-butylacrylate-N-acryloxysuccinimide) microspheres were synthesised with a facile and well-established one-step photopolymerization procedure and physically adsorbed on the AuNPs at the surface of a carbon screen printed electrode (SPE). The DNA biosensor was constructed simply by grafting an aminated DNA probe on the succinimide functionalised AcMPs via a strong covalent attachment. DNA hybridisation response was determined by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique using anthraquinone monosulphonic acid redox probe as an electroactive oligonucleotide label (Table 1). A low detection limit at 1.0 × 10(-18) M with a wide linear calibration range of 1.0 × 10(-18) to 1.0 × 10(-8) M (R (2) = 0.99) can be achieved by the proposed DNA biosensor under optimal conditions. Electrochemical detection of arowana DNA can be completed within 1 hour. Due to its small size and light weight, the developed DNA biosensor holds high promise for the development of functional kit for fish culture usage.
Moving from long case to scenario-based clinical examination: Proposals for making it feasible

Puthiaparampil T, Rahman MM, Shazrina AR, Nariman S, Lukas S, Chai CS, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2022 Nov;77(6):724-729.
PMID: 36448391

INTRODUCTION: Our faculty used one long case (LC) and three short cases for the clinical component of the final professional examinations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the LC had to be replaced with scenario-based clinical examination (SBCE) due to the impracticability of using recently hospitalised patients. While keeping the short case component as usual, the LC had to be replaced with SBCE in 2020 for the first time at a short notice. To evaluate the positive and negative aspects of SBCE and LC to determine the feasibility of replacing LC with SBCE in future examinations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the LC scores of three previous years with those of the SBCE and studied the feedback of the three stakeholders: students, examiners, and simulated patients (SPs), regarding their experience with SBCE and the suitability of SBCE as an alternative for LC in future examinations.
RESULTS: The SBCE scores were higher than those of the LC. Most of the examiners and students were not in favour of SBCE replacing LC, as such. The SPs were more positive about the proposition. The comments of the three stakeholders brought out the plus and minus points of LC and SBCE, which prompted our proposals to make SBCE more practical for future examinations.
CONCLUSION: Having analysed the feedback of the stakeholders, and the positive and negative aspects of LC and SBCE, it was evident that SBCE needed improvements. We have proposed eight modifications to SBCE to make it a viable alternative for LC.
Exploring factors influencing farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a planned adaptation programme to address climatic issues in agricultural sectors

Ahmed A, Masud MM, Al-Amin AQ, Yahaya SR, Rahman M, Akhtar R

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2015 Jun;22(12):9494-504.
PMID: 25613801 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4110-x

This study empirically estimates farmers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a planned adaptation programme for addressing climate issues in Pakistan's agricultural sectors. The contingent valuation method (CVM) was employed to determine a monetary valuation of farmers' preferences for a planned adaptation programme by ascertaining the value attached to address climatic issues. The survey was conducted by distributing structured questionnaires among Pakistani farmers. The study found that 67 % of respondents were willing to pay for a planned adaptation programme. However, several socioeconomic and motivational factors exert greater influence on their willingness to pay (WTP). This paper specifies the steps needed for all institutional bodies to better address issues in climate change. The outcomes of this paper will support attempts by policy makers to design an efficient adaptation framework for mitigating and adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change.
Fulltext Microbial Resistance Movements: An Overview of Global Public Health Threats Posed by Antimicrobial Resistance, and How Best to Counter

Dhingra S, Rahman NAA, Peile E, Rahman M, Sartelli M, Hassali MA, et al.

Front Public Health, 2020;8:535668.
PMID: 33251170 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.535668

Antibiotics changed medical practice by significantly decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial infection. However, infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death in the world. There is global concern about the rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which affects both developed and developing countries. AMR is a public health challenge with extensive health, economic, and societal implications. This paper sets AMR in context, starting with the history of antibiotics, including the discovery of penicillin and the golden era of antibiotics, before exploring the problems and challenges we now face due to AMR. Among the factors discussed is the low level of development of new antimicrobials and the irrational prescribing of antibiotics in developed and developing countries. A fundamental problem is the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding antibiotics among medical practitioners, and we explore this aspect in some depth, including a discussion on the KAP among medical students. We conclude with suggestions on how to address this public health threat, including recommendations on training medical students about antibiotics, and strategies to overcome the problems of irrational antibiotic prescribing and AMR.
Fulltext Enhanced Goat Milk MUFA Quality via Date Pit Supplementation: A Time-Based Pattern Recognition Analysis Utilizing Agricultural Waste Byproduct

Abd Rahman MR, Hassan Z, Hassan MS, Hashim R, Wong LS, Leong WY, et al.

Int J Food Sci, 2023;2023:1797017.
PMID: 37350796 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1797017

Date pits are agricultural waste byproducts and are available in tons yearly. Milk MUFAs are lipids beneficial for health and sorted out for food product development. This work is aimed at researching the effect of supplementing dairy goats with date pit powder (DPP) as a source of fatty acids (FA), an alternative to enhancing the unsaturated FA in milk and analysed via chemometrics in a 3-month supplementation-based study. Saanen-Boer crossed dairy goats were divided into six groups comprising of control, 10 g and 20 g both for Ajwa DPP (high-quality dates) and Mariami DPP (agricultural waste byproduct), and another 30 g for Mariami DPP only. The supplementation exercise was done daily on each dairy goat. The DPP and milk samples were analysed for its FA profile applying GC-FID and followed by chemometric techniques, namely, PCA and PLS. Results indicated that the n-6/n-3 ratio was the highest for the unsupplemented group compared to the DPP-treated goats with lower n-6/n-3 ratios. The M30 group showcased the most promising health-related class of FAs viewed by 3D PCA and PLS model clustering patterns, in particular monounsaturated FA (MUFA) (C18:1n9c or oleic acid). These results suggest that Mariami DPP supplementation at higher doses and time to lactating Saanen-Boer cross goats can be a means to milk FA quantity and quality enhancement and that chemometrics via pattern recognition can be useful statistical tools when dealing with overwhelming data.
Fulltext Synchronous Primary Parosteal Osteosarcoma and Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumour with Atypical Mycobacterial Infection - A Rare Phenomenon: A Case Report

Lim CH, Mohamed-Haflah NH, Abdullah-Sani MH, Loh CK, Abdul-Rahman MR

Malays Orthop J, 2023 Mar;17(1):188-192.
PMID: 37064628 DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.2303.023

Mediastinal germ cell tumours are a rare group of extragonadal germ cell tumours with less than 5% prevalence of all germ cell tumours. Primary mediastinal germ cell tumours themselves account for 16-36% of the extragonadal germ cell tumours. Along the spectrum of osteosarcoma, parosteal osteosarcoma is a well-differentiated surface osteosarcoma with a prevalence of 4% of all osteosarcoma. As such synchronous primary parosteal osteosarcoma and primary mediastinal germ cell tumour are exceedingly rare. This leads to complexity in determining the most appropriate chemotherapy for two different types of tumours and its potential side effects of reduced immunity leading to potential secondary infection. Here we report a case of a 16-year-old boy who presented with synchronous primary osteosarcoma and primary mediastinal germ cell tumour, complicated with atypical mycobacterial infection post-operatively. Additionally, we discuss our choice of chemotherapy and the management of the atypical mycobacterial infection.
Fulltext Effect of Online Reviews and Crowd Cues on Restaurant Choice of Customer: Moderating Role of Gender and Perceived Crowding

Ali MA, Ting DH, Ahmad-Ur-Rahman M, Ali S, Shear F, Mazhar M

Front Psychol, 2021;12:780863.
PMID: 34925185 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.780863

This study is aimed to identify the relative (direct) effect of online review ratings and perceived crowding on purchase intentions of a consumer. Our study also investigated the contingent effect of gender and perceived crowding between the relationship of exogenous and endogenous variables. This study was conducted in the Malaysian restaurant industry. We applied the purposive sampling technique to identify respondents, the mall intercept survey method was used for data collection. Smart PLS software was applied for data analysis (200 respondents). This study demonstrates through its results that online review ratings and perceived crowding have a positive effect on purchase intentions of a consumer. Moreover, if a consumer perceives crowding at a restaurant, this has a positive contingent effect on the relationship between review ratings and purchase intentions. This demonstrates that the consumer is more inclined to choose a restaurant with a high online review rating and has high perceived crowding at some unfamiliar place. Lastly, no evidence is found for the gender difference between review rating and purchase intentions; however, gender shows contingent effect and results confirmed that males preferred more crowded restaurants as compared to females. There are theoretical and practical implications for managers in the findings of this study.
Fulltext MicroRNA in medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a review

Mohd Yunus SS, Soh HY, Abdul Rahman M, Peng X, Guo C, Ramli R

Front Physiol, 2023;14:1021429.
PMID: 37179831 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1021429

Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a condition caused by inhibition of the osteoclast activity by the anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic drugs. Clinically, there is an exposure of the necrotic bone or a fistula which fails to heal for more than 8 weeks. The adjacent soft tissue is inflamed and pus may be present as a result of the secondary infection. To date, there is no consistent biomarker that could aid in the diagnosis of the disease. The aim of this review was to explore the literature on the microRNAs (miRNAs) related to medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw, and to describe the role of each miRNA as a biomarker for diagnostic purpose and others. Its role in therapeutics was also searched. It was shown that miR-21, miR-23a, and miR-145 were significantly different in a study involving multiple myeloma patients as well as in a human-animal study while miR-23a-3p and miR-23b-3p were 12- to 14-fold upregulated compared to the control group in an animal study. The role of the microRNAs in these studies were for diagnostics, predictor of progress of MRONJ and pathogenesis. Apart from its potential diagnostics role, microRNAs have been shown to be bone resorption regulator through miR-21, miR-23a and miR-145 and this could be utilized therapeutically.
Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Liza subviridis (Valenciennes, 1836) of Parangipettai waters, southeast coast of India

Ashiq Ur Rahman M, Khan SA, Lyla PS, Kadharsha K, Chander PM, John BA

Pak J Biol Sci, 2013 Apr 01;16(7):345-50.
PMID: 24498802

Determination of Length-weight Relationship (LWR) of any commercially important fish is crucial to validate the wild stock level, to predict their wellbeing in the natural habitat and for various sustainable fishery management practices. Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) is noted to be highly abundant along the coast of Parangipettai, South east coast of India. Hence, the present study was aimed to establish Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Greenback mullet, Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) occurring in Vellar estuary, Parangipettai (lat. 11 degrees 30' N, long. 79 degrees 46' E) using least square method. To determine the actual relationship between length and weight of L. subviridis exponent coefficient or equilibrium constant (b) and relative condition factor (Kn) analysis were adopted. The females were found to be heavier than males at similar length. The equilibrium constant 'b' was found to be 2.7106 in males and 2.8927 in females. The corresponding parabolic representation for male was W = 0.0462L(2.7106) and for female W = 0.0382L(2.8927). The equilibrium constant did not obey the cube law as it deviated significantly from 3 in the case of males. The relative condition factor around 1 and little over it revealed the well-being of L. subviridis in Parangipettai waters.
Distribution and conservation of endangered Temoleh, Probarbus jullieni (Sauvage, 1880)

Zakaria MH, Amin SM, Rahman MA, Arshad A, Christianus A, Siraj SS

Pak J Biol Sci, 2012 Jul 01;15(13):604-9.
PMID: 24218929

The freshwater fish, Probarbus jullieni (Sauvage), locally referred to as "Temoleh", is a high-valued freshwater fish in Malaysia and has both cultural and conservational significance. It is widely distributed in the North-east Asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia. During the recent past, the natural stocks of P. jullieni have been decreased severely due to habitat degradation and man-induced hazards in aquatic ecosystem. Despite the vast research that has been conducted on various carp species, little attention has been given to P. jullieni. This study reviewed the published information on the status, distribution, reproduction and biodiversity of this commercially important fish species. The findings would greatly be helpful towards the species conservation and aquaculture development of the highly endangered P. jullieni.
Fulltext First report of basal rot of dragon fruit caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Bangladesh

Mahmud NU, Chakraborty M, Paul SK, Gupta DR, Surovy MZ, Rahman M, et al.

Plant Dis, 2020 Aug 04.
PMID: 32748716 DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-20-0005-PDN

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a high value newly introduced fruit crop in Bangladesh. It has drawn considerable public attention due to its appealing flesh color, sweet taste and fruit qualities. Recently, basal rot of dragon fruit plants was observed in several farmer's fields, nurseries and in the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU) where about 10-15% of plants were infected in each location. Initially, the symptoms appeared in the basal part near the soil as brown lesions which gradually extended to the upper stem and finally becoming soft and watery (Figure 1a). Infected plants were collected from Kapasia of Gazipur district (Latitude 24.266 and Longitude 90.633) to isolate the causal organism. Isolations were carried out following the procedure reported by Briste et al. (2019). Briefly, infected plant parts were surface sterilized in 2% NaOCl for 1 min followed by 70% ethanol for 5 min and rinsed 3 times with sterile double distilled water. A large piece of a surface sterilized plant was cut into small pieces (2 mm × 2 mm) from the margin of the necrotic lesion and placed on half strength potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated for 7 days at 25 °C. The BTFD1 and BTFD4 isolates were purified from single spores resulting in white colonies with a growth rate of 1cm/day on PDA (Figure 1b). Colonies produced single celled microconidia from unbranched, short monophialidic conidiophores and septate macroconidia as well as chlamydospores in PDA which is consistent with Fusarium oxysporum (Figure 1c). To confirm the identity of the isolates, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1, 5.8S rRNA and ITS2) and translation elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1α) were amplified using primers ITS-1/ ITS-4 and EF1-728F/ EF1-986R, respectively (Surovy et al. 2018). The ITS sequences of the isolates BTFD1 and BTFD4 (GenBank accession # MN727096 and MN727095, respectively) showed 100% similarity with the sequence from F. oxysporum strain JJF2 (MN626452). Sequence identity for EF-1α (GenBank accession # MN752123 and MN752124, respectively) was 100% with the sequence from F. oxysporum strain CAV041_EO (MK783088). The isolates (BTFD1 and BTFD4) were identified as F. oxysporum based on the aligned sequences of ITS and EF-1α, molecular phylogenetic analyses by maximum likelihood tree (Figure 2a) and maximum parsimony tree methods (Figure 2b). The isolates were stored at 4°C on dried filter paper as well as in an ultra-low temperature freezer (-80°C) at IBGE, BSMRAU, Bangladesh and are available on request. To ensure pathogenicity, isolate BTFD1 was grown on PDA, incubated at 25°C for 7 days and 250 ml conidial suspension (with 1 × 105 conidia/ml) was prepared. Twelve,three-month-old healthy dragon fruit plants were inoculated. Pathogenicity tests were carried out in two sets using three replications in each set. In one set, only the basal part of the plants was dipped into the conidial suspension and in another set the whole plant was dipped into the conidial suspension for two hours. Sterile distilled water was also used in another set of plants as a control. The inoculated plants were placed on wet tissue in a plastic box (31cm × 24cm × 8cm) covered and incubated at 25°C. After 10 days, all inoculated plants in both sets developed rot symptoms similar to those observed in the field, while the control plants remained healthy (Figure 1d). The pathogen was successfully re-isolated from the inoculated symptomatic parts on half strength PDA medium and had morphology as characterized before, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. This disease has been reported in Argentina and Malaysia (Wright et al. 2007; Hafifi et al. 2019). To the bet of our knowledge, this is the first report of Fusarium basal rot of dragon fruit in Bangladesh caused by F. oxysporum.

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