Bactrocera caudata is a pest of pumpkin flower. Specimens of B. caudata from the northern hemisphere (mainland Asia) and southern hemisphere (Indonesia) were analysed using the partial DNA sequences of the nuclear 28S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS-2) genes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) and 16S rRNA genes. The COI, COII, 16S rDNA and concatenated COI+COII+16S and COI+COII+16S+28S+ITS-2 nucleotide sequences revealed that B. caudata from the northern hemisphere (Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia, Thailand) was distinctly different from the southern hemisphere (Indonesia: Java, Bali and Lombok), without common haplotype between them. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct clades (northern and southern hemispheres), indicating distinct genetic lineage. The uncorrected 'p' distance for the concatenated COI+COII+16S nucleotide sequences between the taxa from the northern and southern hemispheres ('p' = 4.46-4.94%) was several folds higher than the 'p' distance for the taxa in the northern hemisphere ('p' = 0.00-0.77%) and the southern hemisphere ('p' = 0.00%). This distinct difference was also reflected by concatenated COI+COII+16S+28S+ITS-2 nucleotide sequences with an uncorrected 'p' distance of 2.34-2.69% between the taxa of northern and southern hemispheres. In accordance with the type locality the Indonesian taxa belong to the nominal species. Thus the taxa from the northern hemisphere, if they were to constitute a cryptic species of the B. caudata species complex based on molecular data, need to be formally described as a new species. The Thailand and Malaysian B. caudata populations in the northern hemisphere showed distinct genetic structure and phylogeographic pattern.
To determine the activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in keratoconus in a Malaysian population in comparison with non-keratoconic subjects.Clinical eye examinations were performed on patients with keratoconus and non-keratoconic subjects after questionnaires were completed. Blood samples were collected and subjected to spectrophotometric analysis of paraoxonase and diazoxonase activities for the determination of the status of PON1 of every individual.Of the 11 keratoconic patients and 55 non-keratoconic control samples collected, eight patients of Indian ethnicity were keratoconic (73%), whereas 33 non-Indians were non-keratoconic (60%; p = 0.047). Paraoxonase activity was lower in Indians compared to the non-Indians ie Malays and Chinese (p = 0.008). Keratoconic subjects had a lower paraoxonase activity compared to non-keratoconics (p = 0.038).The reduced paraoxonase activity in keratoconic patients suggests that the keratoconic corneas were more susceptible to oxidative stress. Reduced paraoxonase activity and keratoconus status appears to be associated with ethnicity.
Non-invasive sampling has been highlighted as an alternative sampling for molecular analysis of diseases. Various methods of sampling and DNA isolation have been introduced. This study includes collection of mouthwash, saliva and buccal swab/cytobrush sampling, and extraction using conventional methods. To assess the DNA quantity and quality by evaluating the concentration and purity of DNA isolated from mouthwash, saliva and buccal cytobrush using in-house DNA extraction methods. Mouthwash, saliva and buccal cytobrush samples were collected from paediatric patients attending monthly blood transfusions in University Malaya Medical Centre. The samples were extracted using alkaline lysis method and purified with phenol:chloroform. The DNA purity and concentration was measured by spectrophotometry. Mean and standard error of mean were calculated and analysed for significance in difference. The DNA with highest purity (1.743 ± 0.031) was obtained from mouthwash samples while DNA with highest concentration (0.796 ± 0.095 μg/μL) was obtained from saliva. Buccal cytobrush samples produced DNA with high purity comparable to mouthwash samples, however, at a lower concentration (0.162 ± 0.041 μg/μL). High quality DNA can be obtained from mouthwash, saliva and buccal cytobrush samples. Saliva samples may serve as the best alternative sampling for extraction of genomic DNA for its high concentration and acceptable purity.
This chapter covers three families, Dumontiaceae, Endocladiaceae, and Gloiosiphoniaceae belonging to order Gigartinales. Eight species subordinating to genera Dudresnaya, Dumontia, Gibsmithia, Hyalosiphonia, Gloiopeltis, and Gloiosiphonia were recorded. These species were described in detail based on Chinese specimens and accompanied line drawings clearly illustrating inner tissue and reproductive structures. The species' habitat and distribution were also documented.
A new species of Argiope Audouin 1826, A. hoiseni new species is described from Perak and Selangor, Peninsular Malaysia based on morphology and DNA information of the mitochondrial (16S rRNA, COI and COII) and nuclear-encoded (H3A, 18S rRNA) molecular markers. Epigynal structure suggested Argiope hoiseni to be similar to A. jinghongensis Yin, Peng Wang 1994, A. luzona (Walckenaer 1841), A. pulchella Thorell 1881 and A. taprobanica Thorell 1887. Molecular sequence data including the new species inferred that it is monophyletic with an intraspecific variation of 0.87-3.59 % based on the 16S+COI+COII+H3A dataset. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed insights into the evolutionary lineages of Argiope species in Southeast Asia as well as corroborated recent taxonomic changes and species synonymies associated with Argiope. Two new distribution records were also reported for A. chloreis Thorell,1877 and A. doleschalli Thorell, 1873 in Peninsular Malaysia.
The effect of a DNA polymorphism (Mspl) of the apohpoprotein (apo) A-II gene on serum lipid and apo levels was studied in a group of 125 healthy Chinese of both sexes. The frequency of the 3.7-kb rarer allele (M2) was found to be significantly higher in the Chinese (0.30) than in Caucasians (0.16; p < 0.025). The distribution of apo A-II genotypes was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the Chinese population. The presence of a polymorphic site (Mspl) within an Alu sequence at the 3' end of the gene, the 3.0 kb (M1)allele, was associated with significantly higher levels of serum apo A-I and A-II (p < 0.05 and < 0.01, respectively). Serum high-density Lipo-protein cholesterol levels were also correspondingly higher in individuals with M1, but did not reach a significant level. Male heterozygotes of the apo A-II polymorphism had significantly higher levels of serum triglycerides compared to homozygotes (p < 0.05). Thus the Mspl polymorphism of the apo A-II gene appears to be associated with altered levels of lipids and apos in the Chinese population.
This chapter covers one genus Hydrolithon belonging to subfamily Hydrolithoideae and family Hydrolithaceae. Two encrusting species H. boergesenii and H. farinosum were described. All the species were described in detail based on Chinese specimens and accompanied line drawings clearly illustrating inner tissue and reproductive structures. Each species' habitat and distribution were also documented.
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