Emerging zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia in the period 2011-2022: a systematic literature review

As COVID-19 has shown, pandemics and outbreaks of emerging infections such as Zika, Nipah, monkeypox and antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, especially emerging zoonotic diseases, continue to occur and may even be increasing in Southeast Asia. In addition, these infections often result from environmental changes and human behaviour. Overall, public health surveillance to identify gaps in the literature and early warning signs are essential in this region. A systematic review investigated the prevalence of emerging zoonotic diseases over 11 years from 2011 to 2022 in Southeast Asia to understand the status of emerging zoonotic diseases, as well as to provide necessary actions for disease control and prevention in the region. During the 2011-2022 period, studies on pigs, poultry, ruminants, companion animals and wildlife in Southeast Asia were reviewed thoroughly to assess the quality of reporting items for inclusion in the systematic review. The review was performed on 26 studies of pigs, 6 studies of poultry, 21 studies of ruminants, 28 studies of companion animals and 25 studies of wildlife in Southeast Asia, which provide a snapshot of the prevalence of the emerging zoonotic disease across the country. The findings from the review showed that emerging zoonotic diseases were prevalent across the region and identified a few zoonotic diseases associated with poultry, mainly stemming from Cambodia and Vietnam, as high priority in Southeast Asia.Clinical relevance: Appropriate prevention and control measures should be taken to mitigate the emerging zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia.

Case Report: A case of disseminated cutaneous listeriosis following appendicitis from Lao PDR

Background

Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen that is a rare cause of bacteraemia and meningitis in immunosuppressed patients, and carries a high mortality rate. Cutaneous manifestations of listeriosis are rare, and are usually associated with direct inoculation of the skin.

Case

A 41-year-old woman who initially presented to a hospital in Laos with appendicitis was diagnosed with disseminated cutaneous listeriosis without recognised risk factors. Intra-abdominal pathology probably contributed to bacterial bloodstream invasion. Initial treatment with meropenem was switched to ampicillin based on best practice, however our patient died 5 days after diagnosis.

Conclusions

This case highlights listeriosis as an important cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries, exacerbated by poor availability of laboratory diagnostics and ineffective empiric antibiotic regimens. Improvements in food hygiene, surveillance, and increased laboratory capacity are important strategies to reduce rates of infection and clinical outcomes.

Acquisition of Enterobacterales carrying the colistin resistance gene mcr following travel to the tropics

BACKGROUND

Colistin is an antibiotic of last resort in the management of highly drug-resistant Enterobacterales infections. Travel to some destinations presents a high risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, but little data are available on the risk of acquiring colistin-resistant strains. Here, we use the VOYAG-R sample collection (2012-2013) in order to evaluate the rate of acquisition of colistin-resistant Enterobacterales, excluding species with intrinsic resistance (CRE), following travel to tropical regions.

METHODS

A total of 574 frozen stool samples of travellers returning from tropical regions were screened for colistin-resistant strains using ChromID Colistin R agar (bioMerieux®) after pre-enrichment culture with 1 mg/L of colistin. Genomes were obtained by Illumina sequencing and genetic determinants of colistin resistance (mutational events and mcr genes) were searched.

RESULTS

A total of 22 travellers (3.8%) acquired colistin-resistant Enterobacterales carrying an mcr gene. Acquisition rates varied between visited regions: 9.2% (18/195) for Asia (southeast Asia: 17/18), 2.2% (4/184) for Latin America (Peru: 4/4) and 0% from Africa (0/195). Acquired strains were predominantly Escherichia coli (92%) and carried mostly the mcr-1 variant (83%). Escherichia coli strains belonged mainly to commensal phylogroups A and B1, and were genetically highly diverse (5 non-clonal sequence type (ST)10 and 17 ST singletons). Only four non mcr colistin-resistant strains (two E. coli and two Enterobacter cloacae complex) were identified. Among all the strains, two also carried extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Travel to tropical regions, and particularly to Southeast Asia, is a risk factor for the acquisition of mcr-carrying Enterobacterales. This study highlights the community dissemination of mcr in humans as early as 2012, 4 years prior to its first published description.

Psychiatric symptoms among migrants to Malaysia from the southernmost provinces of Thailand

AIM

The objective of this paper is to examine the level of psychiatric symptoms and associated factors among Thai migrants from the southernmost Thai provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narithiwat who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons will be made with the sending population in the southernmost provinces of Thailand.

METHODS

Data are drawn from survey and in-depth interviews with Thai migrants who are working in Malaysia. Comparisons are made with a probability sample of working age adults in Thailand. The twenty item Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was the measure of mental health.

RESULTS

The study found that the migrants, on average, have normal levels of psychiatric symptoms. However, although about 24% of migrants reported more eight or more symptoms that may indicate a need for evaluation. There are many stressors in their lives including distance from families, reduced social support, legal matters surrounding immigration, and discrimination/exploitation of migrant groups.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the need for policy makers and non-governmental organizations to give attention to migrants' mental health, well-being and sustainable livelihoods.

How do Positive Deviants Overcome Health-Related Stigma? An Exploration of Development of Positive Deviance Among People With Stigmatized Health Conditions in Indonesia

A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to understand how some people living with stigmatized health conditions develop positive deviance to overcome stigma. We examined interviews from 13 identified positive deviants living with four different stigmatized health conditions (HIV, leprosy, schizophrenia, and diabetes) in Indonesia. Positive deviance develops in the form of psychological empowerment through improvement of self-belief and perception (intrapersonal component), development of understanding and skill to exert control in life (interactional component), and self-discovery of successful behaviors and strategies to avert stigma (behavioral component). Positive deviants, after being empowered, start empowering others affected by sharing their knowledge and fostering social awareness and acceptance. The findings revealed the presence of problem-solving ability and agency within the community of stigmatized individuals in Indonesia and warrant researchers to partner with the community to expedite the diffusion of transferable positive deviant strategies within and outside the communities.

Colistin Resistance and ESBL Production in Salmonella and Escherichia coli from Pigs and Pork in the Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar Border Area

The study aimed to examine the prevalence and genetic characteristics of ESBL-production and colistin resistance in Salmonella and Escherichia coli from pigs and pork in the border area among Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar. Salmonella (n = 463) and E. coli (n = 767) isolates were collected from pig rectal swab from slaughterhouses (n = 441) and pork from retail markets (n = 368) during October 2017 and March 2018. All were determined for susceptibility to colistin and cephalosporins, ESBL production and mcr and ESBL genes. Salmonella was predominantly found in Cambodia (65.8%). Serovars Rissen (35.6%) and Anatum (15.3%) were the most common. The E. coli prevalence in pork was above 91% in all countries. Colistin-resistance rate in E. coli (10.4%) was significantly higher than Salmonella (2.6%). ESBL-producing Salmonella (1.9%) and E. coli (6.3%) were detected. The blaCTX-M-55 and blaCTX-M-14 were identified. The mcr-1 gene was detected in Salmonella (n = 12) and E. coli (n = 68). The mcr-1/blaCTX-M-55 and mcr-3/blaCTX-M-55 co-concurrence was observed in one Salmonella and three E. coli isolates, respectively. In conclusion, pigs and pork serve as carriers of colistin and new generation cephalosporins resistance. Testing for resistance to last line antibiotics should be included in national AMR surveillance program using One Health approach.

Early Nutrition eAcademy Southeast Asia e-Learning for Enhancing Knowledge on Nutrition during the First 1000 Days of Life

BACKGROUND

The double burden of both under- and overnutrition during the first 1000 days is highly prevalent in Southeast Asia (SEA), with major implications for lifelong health. Tackling this burden requires healthcare professionals (HCPs) to acquire evidence-based current knowledge and counselling skills. We assessed the needs of HCPs in SEA and developed a continuing medical education/professional development (CME/CPD) program using an e-learning platform to reduce existing gaps.

METHODS

European, Thai and Malaysian universities collaborated with SEA national nutrition associations in the Early Nutrition eAcademy Southeast Asia (ENeA SEA) project. We assessed HCPs' needs using questionnaires and mapped CME/CPD programmes and regulations through stakeholder questionnaires. Using a co-creation approach, we established an e-learning platform. Evaluation in users was undertaken using questionnaires.

RESULTS

HCPs in SEA reported major training gaps relating to the first 1000 days of nutrition and limited impact of existing face-to-face training. Existing pre/postgraduate, residency and CME/CPD programmes did not adequately address the topic. To address these gaps, we produced a targeted e-learning platform with six modules and CME-tests. National ministries, Thai and Malaysian universities, and professional associations endorsed the training platform. To date, over 2600 HCPs have registered. Evaluation shows high acceptance and a very positive assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Dedicated e-learning can reduce major gaps in HCP training in SEA regarding nutrition during the first 1000 days of life at scale and is highly valued by both users and key stakeholders.

A revised taxonomy of Asian snail-eating snakes Pareas (Squamata, Pareidae): evidence from morphological comparison and molecular phylogeny

The Asian snail-eating snakes Pareas is the largest genus of the family Pareidae (formerly Pareatidae), and widely distributed in Southeast Asia. However, potential diversity remains poorly explored due to their highly conserved morphology and incomplete samples. Here, on basis of more extensive sampling, interspecific phylogenetic relationships of the genus Pareas were reconstructed using two mitochondrial fragments (cyt b and ND4) and two nuclear genes (c-mos and Rag1), and multivariate morphometrics conducted for external morphological data. Both Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses consistently showed that the genus Pareas was comprised of two distinct, monophyletic lineages with moderate to low support values. Based on evidences from molecular phylogeny and morphological data, cryptic diversity of this genus was uncovered and two new species were described. In additional, the validity of P.macularius is confirmed.

Systematic Review of Displacement and Health Impact From Natural Disasters in Southeast Asia

Disaster-induced displacement is associated with an increased risk of physical and mental health disorders. We aim to understand (1) the magnitude and pattern of natural disasters, affected-population, and deaths by analyzing the surveillance data by the Emergency Events Database and (2) health outcomes by a systematic review of previous studies (1975-2017), which reported physical or mental health outcomes and epidemiological measure of association among population displaced by natural disasters in Southeast Asia. A total of 674 disasters, mainly floods, storms, and earthquakes, occurred between 2004 and 2017. From the systematic review, among 6 studies met inclusion criteria, which focused on mental health (n = 5) and physical health (n = 1). All studies describing mental health resulted from the 2004 tsunami in Ache, Indonesia. We found over 7 times more publications for the disasters in Far East Asia. Selected studies revealed significantly worse mental health outcomes and poor physical health among displaced population compared with nondisplaced population. Despite the alarmingly large population displaced by natural disasters in Southeast Asia, very few studies investigate physical and mental health outcomes of such crisis. Following the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, researcher and policy-makers have to present more resources toward preventing and mitigating health outcomes.

Blau Syndrome Associated with Nucleotide-binding Oligomerization Domain Containing 2 Mutation in a Baby from Malaysia

Blau syndrome (BS) is a very rare autosomal dominant juvenile inflammatory disorder caused by mutation in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2). Usually, dermatitis is the first symptom that appears in the 1^st year of life. About 220 BS cases with confirmed NOD2 mutation have been reported. However, the rarity and lack of awareness of the disease, especially in the regions where genetic tests are very limited, often result in late diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Here, we report a de novo BS case from Malaysia, which may be the first report from southeast Asia. PCR and DNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were performed to screen the entire coding region of NOD2 gene. A heterozygous c.1000C>T transition in exon 4, p. R334W, of the NOD2 gene was identified in the patient. This report further reaffirms the ubiquitousness of the disease and recurrency of p. R334W mutation.

Greater stem growth, woody allocation, and aboveground biomass in Paleotropical forests than in Neotropical forests

Forest dynamics and tree species composition vary substantially between Paleotropical and Neotropical forests, but these broad biogeographic regions are treated uniformly in many land models. To assess whether these regional differences translate into variation in productivity and carbon (C) storage, we compiled a database of climate, tree stem growth, litterfall, aboveground net primary production (ANPP), and aboveground biomass across tropical rainforest sites spanning 33 countries throughout Central and South America, Asia, and Australasia, but excluding Africa due to a paucity of available data. Though the sum of litterfall and stem growth (ANPP) did not differ between regions, both stem growth and the ratio of stem growth to litterfall were higher in Paleotropical forests compared to Neotropical forests across the full observed range of ANPP. Greater C allocation to woody growth likely explains the much larger aboveground biomass estimates in Paleotropical forests (~29%, or ~80 Mg DW/ha, greater than in the Neotropics). Climate was similar in Paleo- and Neotropical forests, thus the observed differences in C likely reflect differences in the evolutionary history of species and forest structure and function between regions. Our analysis suggests that Paleotropical forests, which can be dominated by tall-statured Dipterocarpaceae species, may be disproportionate hotspots for aboveground C storage. Land models typically treat these distinct tropical forests with differential structures as a single functional unit, but our findings suggest that this may overlook critical biogeographic variation in C storage potential among regions.

Co-circulation of Influenza A H5, H7, and H9 Viruses and Co-infected Poultry in Live Bird Markets, Cambodia

Longitudinal surveillance of 2 live bird markets in Cambodia revealed year-round, high co-circulation of H5, H7, and H9 influenza viruses. We detected influenza A viruses in 51.3% of ducks and 39.6% of chickens, and co-infections, mainly by H5 and H9 viruses, in 0.8% of ducks and 4.5% of chickens.

A new remarkable species of Alloscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Myanmar (Burma) (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae)

Among the genera of the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905 Alloscorpiops remains yet rather discrete. New species were added to this genus only recently, increasing its number from two to six. Therefore, species of Alloscorpiops can be considered rare and uncommonly collected. One particular new species, Alloscorpiops viktoriaesp. n., is described based on two females and one pre-adult male collected from the northern part of central Myanmar (Burma). The new species presents most features exhibited by scorpions of the genus Alloscorpiops, but it is characterised by a moderate to small size, very strongly marked granulation, and a particular trichobothrial pattern. Aspects of the ecology and distribution of the new species are discussed and compared with those of other species of genus Alloscorpiops.

Odontochilus putaoensis (Cranichideae, Orchidaceae), a new species from Myanmar

Odontochilus putaoensis, a new species of Orchidaceae, is described and illustrated from Putao Township, Kachin State, Myanmar. Odontochilus putaoensis is close to O. duplex, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by having a light yellow lip, a bisaccate hypochile with a small, erect, blade-like and emarginate callus within each sac, a mesochile with a pair of dentate-pectinate flanges and a bilobed epichile with a pair of widely diverging lobes that are erect and concave. An identification key to the Southeast Asian species of Odontochilus and colour photographs of O. putaoensis are provided. A preliminary conservation assessment according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria is given for the new species.

Positive Virological Outcomes of HIV-Infected Patients on Protease Inhibitor-Based Second-Line Regimen in Cambodia: The ANRS 12276 2PICAM Study

Background

Assessment of virological outcomes among HIV-infected patients receiving protease (PR) inhibitor-based second-line regimen are uncommon in Cambodia. The objective of this study is to assess the virological effectiveness of this regimen as well as impact of adherence boosting for patients experiencing virological failure.

Methods

The 2PICAM study (Clinicaltrial: NCT01801618) is a cross-sectional study of HIV-infected adults on PR inhibitor-based second-line regimen since at least 6 months, conducted in 13 representative sites, comprising more than 90% of the target population. Adults with HIV RNA above 250 copies/mL (threshold of the assay) at inclusion received boosted adherence counseling during 3 months followed by HIV RNA control. For confirmed virological failure, genotype resistance test was performed and expert committee used results for therapeutic decision.

Results

Among the 1,317 adults enrolled, the median duration of second-line regimen was 5 years. At inclusion, 1,182 (89.7%) patients achieved virological success (<250 copies/mL) and 135 (10.3%) experienced a virological failure (>250 copies/mL). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with virological success were: CD4 cell count between 201 and 350/mm³ (OR: 4.66, 95% CI: 2.57–8.47, p < 0.0001) and >350/mm³ (OR: 6.67, 95% CI: 4.02–11.06, p < 0.0001), duration of PI-based regimen >2 years (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.03–2.62, p = 0.037), ATV-containing regimen (0R: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.04–2.63, p = 0.034) and high level of adherence (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.07–5.41, p = 0.033). After adherence counseling, 63 (46.7%) patients were rescued while 72 (53.3%) were not. For the 54 patients with genotype resistance tests available, high or intermediate levels of resistance to lopinavir, atazanavir, and darunavir were reported for 13 (24%), 12 (22.2%), and 2 (3.7%) patients, respectively. Change to an alternative PR inhibitor-based regimen was recommended for 17 patients and to third-line regimen, including integrase inhibitors for 12.

Conclusion

This study reports high rate of virological suppression of second-line regimen and importance of adherence boosting prior to deciding any change of ART regimen. Genotype resistance tests appear necessary to guide decisions. Such information was of great importance for National HIV Program to adapt guidelines and program needs for third-line regimen.

Prioritizing and Funding Nepal's Multisector Nutrition Plan

BACKGROUND

Nepal has a long tradition of designing good multisectoral nutrition policy. However, success of policy implementation has varied. More evidence on how to successfully carry out multisector nutrition policy is needed.

OBJECTIVE

We tracked the influence of Nepal's multisectoral nutrition plan (MSNP) on the process of priority setting and budgeting from 2014 to 2016.

METHODS

This study used a mixed-method longitudinal design to track qualitative and budgetary changes related to MSNP processes nationally as well as in 3 districts. Qualitative changes in each study area were assessed through interviews, observation, news content, and meeting notes. Changes in allocations and expenditures were calculated based on budget documents, work plans, and validation interviews.

RESULTS

Improved understanding of the MSNP was documented nationally and in study districts but not in VDCs. Human resources, ownership, bottom-up planning, coordination, advocacy, and sustainable structures all emerged as important factors within the enabling environment. Evidence suggests the MSNP influenced improvements in the last 3 factors. We also found notable increases in activities and financing for nutrition-allocations increased steadily between FY 2013-2014 and FY 2015-2016, and 28% of total nutrition allocations in the final year came from new or expanded MSNP-affiliated activities. Data from 3 districts highlight challenges linking local planning and budgeting to central-level structures.

CONCLUSIONS

The MSNP appears to have strengthened the nutrition system in Nepal and increased priority and funding for nutrition. Next steps include strengthening linkages to the districts and below. Other countries can learn from the MSNP's success in increasing investment for nutrition.

A new species of Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1938 from northeast Thailand and a key to the species (Crustacea, Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae)

This study describes the new species Mongolodiaptomusloeiensissp. n. collected from a temporary pond nearby a cave located in Loei Province, in northeastern Thailand. Mongolodiaptomusloeiensissp. n. is similar to M.calcarus (Shen & Tai, 1965) in the male but can be distinguished from its congeners by the following unique characteristics in the males: (1) the right caudal ramus has 3 ventral chitinous prominences; (2) intercoxal plate of P5 is produced into 2 spine-like lobes on distal margin; (3) the basis of right P5 has a subglobular chitinous prominence on mid-distal caudal surface; and (4) the principal lateral spine on the right Exp-2 P5 is extremely bent at its tip. The occurrence of diaptomid copepods in the study area is discussed and an identification key to worldwide species of the genus Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1938 is presented herein.

New species of semi-aquatic freshwater earthworm genus Glyphidrilus Horst, 1889 from Thailand and Laos (Oligochaeta, Almidae)

Seven new species of semi-aquatic freshwater earthworms belonging to the genus Glyphidrilus Horst, 1889 are described from Thailand and Laos, Glyphidrilusnanensis Chanabun & Panha sp. n., G.satunensis Chanabun & Panha sp. n., G.chiangraiensis Chanabun & Panha sp. n., G.namphao Chanabun & Panha sp. n., G.sekongensis Chanabun & Panha sp. n., G.namdonensis Chanabun & Panha sp. n., and G.champasakensis Chanabun & Panha sp. n. The species are characterized by their external and internal morphological characteristics, as well as body sizes. Other morphological character differences between these seven species were also compared, and an identification key is provided. The relationships of the new species to congeners are discussed.

Satellites may underestimate rice residue and associated burning emissions in Vietnam

In this study, we estimate rice residue, associated burning emissions, and compare results with existing emissions inventories employing a bottom-up approach. We first estimated field-level post-harvest rice residues, including separate fuel-loading factors for rice straw and rice stubble. Results suggested fuel-loading factors of 0.27 kg m^-2 (±0.033), 0.61 kg m^-2 (±0.076), and 0.88 kg m^-2 (±0.083) for rice straw, stubble, and total post-harvest biomass, respectively. Using these factors, we quantified potential emissions from rice residue burning and compared our estimates with other studies. Our results suggest total rice residue burning emissions as 2.24 Gg PM_2.5, 36.54 Gg CO and 567.79 Gg CO₂ for Hanoi Province, which are significantly higher than earlier studies. We attribute our higher emission estimates to improved fuel-loading factors; moreover, we infer that some earlier studies relying on residue-to-product ratios could be underestimating rice residue emissions by more than a factor of 2.3 for Hanoi, Vietnam. Using the rice planted area data from the Vietnamese government, and combining our fuel-loading factors, we also estimated rice residue PM_2.5 emissions for the entirety of Vietnam and compared these estimates with an existing all-sources emissions inventory, and the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED). Results suggest 75.98 Gg of PM_2.5 released from rice residue burning accounting for 12.8% of total emissions for Vietnam. The GFED database suggests 42.56 Gg PM_2.5 from biomass burning with 5.62 Gg attributed to agricultural waste burning indicating satellite-based methods may be significantly underestimating emissions. Our results not only provide improved residue and emission estimates, but also highlight the need for emissions mitigation from rice residue burning.

Molecular, morphological and acoustic assessment of the genus Ophryophryne (Anura, Megophryidae) from Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam, with description of a new species

Asian Mountain Toads (Ophryophryne) are a poorly known genus of mostly small-sized anurans from southeastern China and Indochina. To shed light on the systematics within this group, the most comprehensive mitochondrial DNA phylogeny for the genus to date is presented, and the taxonomy and biogeography of this group is discussed. Complimented with extensive morphological data (including associated statistical analyses), molecular data indicates that the Langbian Plateau, in the southern Annamite Mountains, Vietnam, is one of the diversity centres of this genus where three often sympatric species of Ophryophryne are found, O.gerti, O.synoria and an undescribed species. To help resolve outstanding taxonomic confusion evident in literature (reviewed herein), an expanded redescription of O.gerti is provided based on the examination of type material, and the distributions of both O.gerti and O.synoria are considerably revised based on new locality records. We provide the first descriptions of male mating calls for all three species, permitting a detailed bioacoustics comparison of the species. We describe the new species from highlands of the northern and eastern Langbian Plateau, and distinguish it from its congeners by a combination of morphological, molecular and acoustic characters. The new species represents one of the smallest known members of the genus Ophryophryne. At present, the new species is known from montane evergreen forest between 700–2200 m a.s.l. We suggest the species should be considered Data Deficient following IUCN’s Red List categories.

Sago supplementation for recovery from cycling in a warm-humid environment and its influence on subsequent cycling physiology and performance

This study determined whether sago porridge ingested immediately after exercise (Exercise 1) in warm-humid conditions (30 ± 1°C, 71 ± 4 % RH; 20 km·h⁻¹ frontal airflow) conferred more rapid recovery, as measured by repeat performance (Exercise 2), compared to a control condition. Eight well-trained, male cyclists/triathletes (34 ± 9 y, VO₂peak 70 ± 10 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, peak aerobic power 413 ± 75 W) completed two 15-min time-trials pre-loaded with 15-min warm-up cycling following >24h standardization of training and diet. Mean power output was not different between trials during Exercise 1 (286 ± 67 vs. 281 ± 59 W), however, was reduced during Exercise 2 for control (274 ± 61 W) but not sago (283 ± 60 W) that led to a significant performance decrement (vs. Exercise 1) of 3.9% for control and an improvement (vs. control) of 3.7% for sago during Exercise 2 (P < 0.05). Sago ingestion was also associated with higher blood glucose concentrations during recovery compared to control. These results indicate that feeding sago during recovery from exercise in a warm-humid environment improves recovery of performance during a subsequent exercise bout when compared to a water-only control. As these effects were larger than the test-retest coefficient of variation for work completed during the 15-min time-trial (2.3%) it can be confidently concluded that the observed effects are real.

Taxonomic notes on the armored spiders of the families Pacullidae and Tetrablemmidae (Arachnida, Araneae) from Singapore

Eight species of armored spiders belonging to two families, Pacullidae Simon, 1894 and Tetrablemmidae O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1873, are reported from Singapore. Five species are documented as new to science: Paculla bukittimahensis Lin & Li, sp. n. (male and female), Paculla globosa Lin & Li, sp. n. (male and female), Ablemma malacca Lin & Li, sp. n. (male and female), Singaporemma lenachanae Lin & Li, sp. n. (male and female), and Sulaimania brevis Lin & Li, sp. n. (male). The three known species are Brignoliella besutensis Lin, Li & Jäger, 2012, Brignoliella michaeli Lehtinen, 1981, and Singaporemma singulare Shear, 1978, of which the female of Brignoliella besutensis is described for the first time. For comparison, types of Singaporemma adjacens Lehtinen, 1981 from Vietnam, Singaporemma halongense Lehtinen, 1981 from Vietnam, Singaporemma singulare from Singapore and Sulaimania vigelandi Lehtinen, 1981 from Malaysia are studied and photographed.

Complete mitochondrial genomes of the Laotian Rock Rat (Laonastes aenigmamus) confirm deep divergence within the species

Mitochondrial genomes of five Laotian Rock Rat (Laonastes aenigmamus) samples from Vietnam and Laos were sequenced using an Illumina platform. After de novo assembly, 13 protein-coding genes and two rRNA (12S and 16S) of the five genomes were aligned and analyzed with those from other related species under maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. Both methods revealed congruent tree topologies, which support two independently evolving clades of L. aenigmamus from Laos and Vietnam. The relaxed time calibration analysis showed that the two major lineages of the Laotian Rock Rat split about 8 million years ago, which was consistent with the results from previous studies using only cytochrome b sequences. Such a deep divergence time suggests the recognition of two rock rat species, but further nuclear DNA and morphological data are needed to solve the taxonomy of this taxon.

The clinical impact of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and the potential for future spread

Artemisinins are the most rapidly acting of currently available antimalarial drugs. Artesunate has become the treatment of choice for severe malaria, and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the foundation of modern falciparum malaria treatment globally. Their safety and tolerability profile is excellent. Unfortunately, Plasmodium falciparum infections with mutations in the ‘K13’ gene, with reduced ring-stage susceptibility to artemisinins, and slow parasite clearance in patients treated with ACTs, are now widespread in Southeast Asia. We review clinical efficacy data from the region (2000–2015) that provides strong evidence that the loss of first-line ACTs in western Cambodia, first artesunate-mefloquine and then DHA-piperaquine, can be attributed primarily to K13 mutated parasites. The ring-stage activity of artemisinins is therefore critical for the sustained efficacy of ACTs; once it is lost, rapid selection of partner drug resistance and ACT failure are inevitable consequences. Consensus methods for monitoring artemisinin resistance are now available. Despite increased investment in regional control activities, ACTs are failing across an expanding area of the Greater Mekong subregion. Although multiple K13 mutations have arisen independently, successful multidrug-resistant parasite genotypes are taking over and threaten to spread to India and Africa. Stronger containment efforts and new approaches to sustaining long-term efficacy of antimalarial regimens are needed to prevent a global malaria emergency.

Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria is causing failure of artemisinin-based combination therapies across an expanding area of Southeast Asia, undermining control and elimination efforts. The potential global consequences can only be avoided by new approaches that ensure sustained efficacy for antimalarial regimens in malaria affected populations.

A Third New Species of Aporcelinus (Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae) from Vietnam, with the First SEM Study of a Representative of the Genus

A new species, the third one from Vietnam, of the genus Aporcelinus is described from natural areas. Aporcelinus falcicaudatus sp. n. is characterized by its 1.28 to 1.63 mm long body, lip region offset by weak constriction and 16 to 18 µm broad, odontostyle 18 to 21 µm at its ventral side, neck 354 to 406 µm long, uterus tripartite and 61 to 95 µm long, V = 50 to 55, tail strongly recurved dorsad and conical (23-31 µm, c = 43-58, c' = 0.7-0.9) with finely rounded tip, and male absent. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) study, the first of a representative of the genus, shows a lip region pattern significantly different from that observed in the typical aporcelaimid taxa.

Revision of the genus Trypogeus Lacordaire, 1869 (Cerambycidae, Dorcasominae)

The ten species of the genus Trypogeus Lacordaire are revised. Trypogeusapicalis Fisher, 1936, is proposed as a new synonym of Trypogeusjavanicus Aurivillius, 1925. A neotype for Trypogeussericeus (Gressitt, 1951) and lectotypes for Toxotusfuscus Nonfried, 1894 and Trypogeusjavanicus are designated. Trypogeusfuscus auct. nec Nonfried is a misidentification of Philusophthalmicus Pascoe. All the species are described and keys are given for distinguishing the species. Photographs of the types of all the Trypogeus species are published for the first time.

One new species of the genus Savarna Huber, 2005 (Araneae, Pholcidae) from southern Thailand

One new species Savarnakraburiensissp. n. (♂♀) is reported from southern Thailand.

Revisions and key to the Vernonieae (Compositae) of Thailand

Seventeen genera and 48 species, in five subtribes, are recognized in Thailand. These include 15 endemic taxa, half of which are in the largest genus, Acilepis, with others in the genera Camchaya, Koyamasia, and Okia. A new monotypic genus, Pulicarioidea, is established with P. annamica, the new name for the species formerly known as Vernonia pulicarioides. New combinations are also made for Acilepis kerrii, Cyanthillium montanum, Koyamasia curtisii and Okia pseudobirmanica. Forty-six characters including habit, leaf, flower, achene and pollen morphology were analyzed using UPGMA. Five clusters of taxa were identified. Keys to genera, species and varieties, descriptions, vernacular names, ecological data and illustrations are provided.

A review of the millipede genus Sinocallipus Zhang, 1993 (Diplopoda, Callipodida, Sinocallipodidae), with notes on gonopods monotony vs. peripheral diversity in millipedes

The millipede genus Sinocallipus is reviewed, with four new cave-dwelling species, Sinocallipus catba, Sinocallipus deharvengi, Sinocallipus jaegeri and Sinocallipus steineri, being described from caves in Laos and Vietnam. With the new records the number of species in the genus reaches six and the genus range is extended to Central Vietnam and North and Central Laos. Both, Sinocallipus jaegeri from Khammouan Province in Laos and Sinocallipus simplipodicus Zhang, 1993 from Yunnan, China, show high level of reduction of eyes, which has not been recorded in other Callipodida. Peripheral characters such as the relative lengths of antennomeres, the number of ocelli, the number of pleurotergites or even the shape of paraprocts and the coloration seem to provide more information for the distinction of the species than do the relatively uniform gonopods. The differences in gonopods mainly concern the shape and length of cannula, the length and shape of coxal processes g and k, and the number of the acicular projections of the femoroid. An explanation is offered for the function of the trochanteral lobe of 9th leg-pair. It provides mechanical support for the cannula and seems to assist sperm charge and insemination during copulation. An identification key to the species in the genus is produced to accommodate the new species. The new species descriptions were automatically exported at the time of publication to a wiki (www.species-id.net) through a specially designed software tool, the Pensoft Wiki Convertor (PWC), implemented here for the first time together with a newly proposed citation mechanism for simultaneous journal/wiki publications.