Retrospective prevalence and associated risk factors of Mycoplasma haemofelis infection in owned cats.

Data on the prevalence and associated risk factors of naturally occurring haemoplasmosis in owned cats in Malaysia is limited. Being the most pathogenic of the three known feline haemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemofelis (Mhf) infection was analysed from 2016 to 2019 to determine the periodical prevalence and associated risk factors in Northeastern Malaysia - Kelantan. Archived patient data of 77 clinically ill cats suspected of having M. haemofelis infection were reviewed in this study. Out of the 77 suspected cases, 53 (68.8%) were clinically diagnosed with haemoplasmosis amongst which 46 (59.7%) of the subpopulation were further confirmed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Risk factors for M. haemofelis infection (age, breed, ectoparasitism, household condition, roaming status, and sex) were analysed. There was no significant association of breed, ectoparasitism, household condition (number of cats) and occurrence of clinical signs with feline mycoplasmosis. Young, male and roamer cats were more likely to be diagnosed of mycoplasmosis than other categories of cats in this study. There was also a significant association between cats infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' with M. haemofelis. Thus, the coinfection of these two haemoplasma species is not uncommon. This study indicates that infection by M. haemofelis in anaemic cats is a common find in client-owned cats from Northeastern Malaysia. As the natural mode of transmission of haemoplasma infection remain unestablished, information in this study may highlight the importance of this disease and contribute to effective prevention and control strategies to minimize feline infectious anaemia (FIA) caused by M. haemofelis.

Detection of pathogenic Vibrio species and antibiogram activity in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Tumpat, Kelantan.

Some of Vibrio species is well known as pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture and the marine industry. Its infection is able to generate a massive outbreak and affect the fish population, especially for net caged fish such as seabass. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Vibrio spp. isolated from seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Sri Tujuh Lagoon, Tumpat, Kelantan. Then, to determine the antibiotic resistance in Vibrio isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Vibrio species using specific primer VR169 and VR744 with estimation base pair size band, 597 bp and further identified by sequencing. On the other hand, antibiotic susceptibility tests were continued by using 13 types of antibiotics; kanamycin (K30), chloramphenicol (C30), neomycin (N10), ampicillin (AMP10), nitrofurantoin (F300), tetracycline (TE30), streptomycin (S10), norfloxacin (NOR10), ciprofloxacin (CIP5), nalidixic acid (NA30), gentamicin (CN10), doxycycline (DO30) and sulfamethoxazole (SXT100). As a result, 14 Vibrio isolates were identified, including Vibrio fluvialis (n=6), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n=3), Vibrio harveyi (n=2) and each isolate for Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio spp. The results showed that all isolates were sensitive to most antibiotics except ampicillin, neomycin and streptomycin. The MAR index value was ranging from 0 to 0.31. This study demonstrates the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in seabass and the report on multidrug resistance strains that could be of concern to the fish farmers. In addition, data from this study can be further used in fish disease management plans.

Detection of pathogenic Vibrio species and antibiogram activity in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Tumpat, Kelantan

@#Some of Vibrio species is well known as pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture and the marine industry. Its infection is able to generate a massive outbreak and affect the fish population, especially for net caged fish such as seabass. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Vibrio spp. isolated from seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Sri Tujuh Lagoon, Tumpat, Kelantan. Then, to determine the antibiotic resistance in Vibrio isolates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Vibrio species using specific primer VR169 and VR744 with estimation base pair size band, 597 bp and further identified by sequencing. On the other hand, antibiotic susceptibility tests were continued by using 13 types of antibiotics; kanamycin (K30), chloramphenicol (C30), neomycin (N10), ampicillin (AMP10), nitrofurantoin (F300), tetracycline (TE30), streptomycin (S10), norfloxacin (NOR10), ciprofloxacin (CIP5), nalidixic acid (NA30), gentamicin (CN10), doxycycline (DO30) and sulfamethoxazole (SXT100). As a result, 14 Vibrio isolates were identified, including Vibrio fluvialis (n=6), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n=3), Vibrio harveyi (n=2) and each isolate for Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio spp. The results showed that all isolates were sensitive to most antibiotics except ampicillin, neomycin and streptomycin. The MAR index value was ranging from 0 to 0.31. This study demonstrates the prevalence of Vibrio spp. in seabass and the report on multidrug resistance strains that could be of concern to the fish farmers. In addition, data from this study can be further used in fish disease management plans.

[Trend analysis and prediction of colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality of residents in urban areas of Guangzhou from 1972 to 2015].

Objective: To analyze the trend of mortality and incidence of colorectal cancer among urban residents in Guangzhou from 1972 to 2015 and to predict the mortality of colorectal cancer from 2016 to 2025. Methods: The mortality data of colorectal cancer among urban residents in Guangzhou were collected from the death registration of malignant tumors of Guangzhou Health Statistics Bureau (1972-1979), Guangzhou Health Statistics (1980-2001), Guangzhou Cancer Registration Annual Report (2002-2009) and China Cancer Registration Annual Report (2010-2015). The incidence of colorectal cancer was collected from Guangzhou Cancer Registration Annual Report (2002-2009) and China Cancer Registration Annual Report (2010-2015). The incidence and mortality data of colorectal cancer coded as C18-C21 in 10th Edition of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) were obtained from the above data, and the demographic data were from the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Statistics. Joinpoint model was used to calculate the annual change percentage (APC) and average annual change percentage (AAPC) of colorectal cancer mortality and incidence among urban residents in Guangzhou from 1972 to 2015 and from 2002 to 2015. ARIMA model was used to predict colorectal cancer mortality from 2016 to 2025. Results: There were 19 309 colorectal cancer deaths among urban residents in Guangzhou from 1972 to 2015. The crude mortality rate of colorectal cancer increased from 4.33/100 000 to 24.89/100 000 (AAPC=4.2%, P<0.001). A total of 24 033 new cases of colorectal cancer were reported in Guangzhou from 2002 to 2015. The crude incidence rate of colorectal cancer increased from 22.95/100 000 to 52.81/100 000 (AAPC=6.6%, P<0.001). The mortality rate of colorectal cancer among urban residents of Guangzhou would continuously increase from 2016 to 2025 and reach 29.53/100 000 in 2025. Conclusion: The mortality rate of colorectal cancer among urban residents of Guangzhou from 1972 to 2015 and the incidence rate of colorectal cancer from 2002 to 2015 both show an upward trend. The mortality rate will increase from 2016 to 2025.

Ovicidal Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) towards Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) Eggs.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as brown dog tick is a widespread species with considerable public health and economic importance. Tremendous efforts were performed to control the tick populations with the concern of resistance build-up and environmental issues. Alternative towards microbial control thus emerged as one option to reduce tick populations. In this study, the ovicidal efficacy of a native isolate entomopathogenic hyphomycetes fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae strain HSAH5 was evaluated against eggs of R. sanguineus. Spray applications with three different conidial concentrations of 105, 106 and 107 conidia mL-1; 40 ppm of Flumethrin and a negative control. The M. anisopliae strain was found highly virulent to R. sanguineus eggs by reducing the hatching percentages to ≈30% compared with 8.9% in Flumethrin eggs. The result showed a significantly higher mortality in M. anisopliae group than those of the control groups (F = 42.08, df = 32, P < 0.001) at 30 days post-infection. However, there are no significant differences within the M. anisopliae group, in which the mortality between different conidial concentrations is almost the same. The estimated LC50 of M. anisopliae against eggs of R. sanguineus is 1.36 × 103 conidia ml-1. Thus, these results suggest M. anisopliae strain HSAH5 could be a potential biocontrol agent of R. sanguineus in the integrated approach to managing ticks in the residential landscape by targeting on the eggs.

Ovicidal Efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) towards Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) Eggs

@#Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as brown dog tick is a widespread species with considerable public health and economic importance. Tremendous efforts were performed to control the tick populations with the concern of resistance build-up and environmental issues. Alternative towards microbial control thus emerged as one option to reduce tick populations. In this study, the ovicidal efficacy of a native isolate entomopathogenic hyphomycetes fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae strain HSAH5 was evaluated against eggs of R. sanguineus. Spray applications with three different conidial concentrations of 105, 106 and 107 conidia mL-1; 40 ppm of Flumethrin and a negative control. The M. anisopliae strain was found highly virulent to R. sanguineus eggs by reducing the hatching percentages to ≈30% compared with 8.9% in Flumethrin eggs. The result showed a significantly higher mortality in M. anisopliae group than those of the control groups (F = 42.08, df = 32, P < 0.001) at 30 days post-infection. However, there are no significant differences within the M. anisopliae group, in which the mortality between different conidial concentrations is almost the same. The estimated LC50 of M. anisopliae against eggs of R. sanguineus is 1.36 × 103 conidia ml-1. Thus, these results suggest M. anisopliae strain HSAH5 could be a potential biocontrol agent of R. sanguineus in the integrated approach to managing ticks in the residential landscape by targeting on the eggs.

First report of equine Setaria digitata (von Linstow 1906) infestation in Malaysia.

The occurrence of Setaria digitata in a horse is reported for the first time in Malaysia. An 8-year-old Thoroughbred cross mare was referred to the University Veterinary Clinic with the primary complaint of corneal opacity and excessive eye discharge. After initial treatment with Terramycin eye ointment, corneal opacity cleared partially to reveal a moving thread-like cylindrical worm in the anterior chamber of the eye. The parasite was successfully removed surgically, and examination under the light microscope revealed that the isolated worm (length = 45 mm) was a 5th stage larva of S. digitata based on morphological criteria. Confirmation of the species of the worm was through molecular methods. The 12S rRNA gene was PCR-amplified, and the purified amplicon was directly sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the isolated roundworm showed 100% sequence similarity with that of S. digitata in NCBI GenBank database (Accession no.: KY284626.1). This report is the first confirmed case of equine ocular setariasis by S. digitata in Malaysia. The current study provides evidence that S. digitata is an etiological agent of ocular infection and its presence in Malaysia.

Response of Coptotermes curvignathus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to formaldehyde catcher-treated particleboard.

The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of formaldehyde catcher as termites repellent. Single-layered UF-bonded particleboard was post-treated with formaldehyde catcher and heat respectively. Besides that, some boards were also produced with the formaldehyde catcher was added into the resin during the blending process, called add-in method. Particleboard post-treated with formaldehyde catcher reported the most severe attack. Heat-treated particleboard showed slightly better durability than the control blocks while the add-in catcher showed the best durability among three methods. A valid test was obtained as the termites survived the first week of the test. However, all the termites were found dead at the end of the test.

Morphological re-description of Cochlochila bullita (Stål) (Heteroptera: Tingidae), a potential pest of Orthosiphon aristatus Blume Miq. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) in Malaysia.

One species of lace bug Cochlochila bullita Stål (Heteroptera: Tingidae) was found heavily infested Orthosiphon aristatus Blume Miq., an important medicinal plant in Malaysia. A morphological re-description of C. bullita was done in order to facilitate the identification of this oligophagous insect pest. Five variables, body length and width, antenna length, tibia length and head width were measured from 15 samples from each stage. Among these variables, body length and width were used to construct the ratio for species identification; while body lengths with the other three variables were used to distinguish the nymphs from each developmental stage. The measurements of four traits except the antenna length showed significant differences between the development stages. And thus suggest the body width, tibia length and head width were suitable parameters used to distinguish the nymphal stages. However, the result on the growth factor showed only the sizes of the head followed a more constant growth rate with growth ratios (1.21-1.39) lie between the Dyar's ratio. Body length and width ratio for the adult female and male was 1.51 +/- 0.00 and 1.59 +/- 0.01, respectively. These data are pertinent for identifying developmental stages and to distinguish the species of the lace bug.

The internal energy of CO2 produced by the catalytic oxidation of CH3OH by O2 on polycrystalline platinum.

The dynamics of steady state catalytic methanol oxidation on a polycrystalline Pt surface over a range of surface temperatures and reactant flow conditions were investigated by monitoring the kinetics with mass spectrometry and the internal state distribution of nascent CO(2) with tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. The results indicate that CO(2) formation proceeds via three distinct reaction pathways. The first produced CO(2), which is vibrationally excited relative to CO(2) in thermal equilibrium with the surface and shows preferential excitation in the asymmetric stretch. This pathway proceeds via the decomposition of CH(3)OH and the subsequent oxidation of nascent CO adsorbed to Pt in a weakly held precursor state. CO(2) production via this pathway is favored at high surface temperatures and high oxygen coverage. The second forms CO(2), which is vibrationally deactivated relative to CO(2) in thermal equilibrium with the surface and exhibits no preferential excitation among its three nondegenerate vibrational modes or the rotational energy. This pathway involves the decomposition of CH(3)OH and subsequent oxidation of nascent CO adsorbed to Pt in a more strongly held chemisorbed state. CO(2) production via this pathway is favored at low surface temperatures and low oxygen coverage. The third forms CO(2) with preferential excitation in the asymmetric stretch but with less overall vibrational excitation than CO(2) from the first pathway and more vibrational excitation than CO(2) from the second. This third pathway occurs via the complete dehydrogenation of CH(3)OH and subsequent oxidation of nascent CO adsorbed to Pt in a bridged state bound through both ends of the molecule. CO(2) production via this pathway is favored at intermediate surface temperatures and oxygen coverage, conditions which favor overall oxidation to form CO(2).