Mitogenomic Characterization of Cameroonian Endemic Coptodon camerunensis (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) and Matrilineal Phylogeny of Old-World Cichlids

The mitogenomic evolution of old-world cichlids is still largely incomplete in Western Africa. In this present study, the complete mitogenome of the Cameroon endemic cichlid, Coptodon camerunensis, was determined by next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome was 16,557 bp long and encoded with 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region). The C. camerunensis mitogenome is AT-biased (52.63%), as exhibited in its congener, Coptodon zillii (52.76% and 53.04%). The majority of PCGs start with an ATG initiation codon, except COI, which starts with a GTG codon and five PCGs and ends with the TAA termination codon and except seven PCGs with an incomplete termination codon. In C. camerunensis mitogenome, most tRNAs showed classical cloverleaf secondary structures, except tRNA-serine with a lack of DHU stem. Comparative analyses of the conserved blocks of two Coptodonini species control regions revealed that the CSB-II block was longer than other blocks and contained highly variable sites. Using 13 concatenated PCGs, the mitogenome-based Bayesian phylogeny easily distinguished all the examined old-world cichlids. Except for Oreochromini and Coptodinini tribe members, the majority of the taxa exhibited monophyletic clustering within their respective lineages. C. camerunensis clustered closely with Heterotilapia buttikoferi (tribe Heterotilapiini) and had paraphyletic clustering with its congener, C. zillii. The Oreochromini species also displayed paraphyletic grouping, and the genus Oreochromis showed a close relationship with Coptodinini and Heterotilapiini species. In addition, illustrating the known distribution patterns of old-world cichlids, the present study is congruent with the previous hypothesis and proclaims that prehistoric geological evolution plays a key role in the hydroclimate of the African continent during Mesozoic, which simultaneously disperses and/or colonizes cichlids in different ichthyological provinces and Rift Lake systems in Africa. The present study suggests that further mitogenomes of cichlid species are required, especially from western Africa, to understand their unique evolution and adaptation.

Incidence of twisted disease and cultivation practice of shallot farmers in Bantul coastal area, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum L.) is an important commodity in horticulture and Indonesian foods. In Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, shallot twisted diseases caused by Fusarium spp. significantly reduced yield quality and quantity. Supportive condition for plant-pathogen interaction needed for twisted disease development. This research aimed to measure the twisted disease incidence and observe the cultivation practice applied by shallot farmers in the Bantul coastal area as environmental aspects of the twisted disease to be a pre-study for further research on metagenomic analysis. This research had conducted in three sub-villages with different agroecosystems in the coastal area: Sono, Samiran, and Depok. Data were collected in shallot cultivation period in dry and rainy seasons from three farmers of each area. The higher disease incidence in the rainy season occurred in the Samiran sub-village at 33.97%, while in the dry season, disease incidence occurred in the Depok sub-village at 20.14%. Sono sub-village had the lowest disease incidence in rainy and dry seasons at 12.44% and 0%. Farmer cultivation practice may drive disease incidence due to environmental factors such as shallot variety, spacing between plants, fertilizer, and fungicides. Hence, further study is needed to understand plant-pathogen interaction with metagenomics through samples from 2 and 6 WAP in rainy seasons.

Molecular identification of oomycetes related to horticultural crops in Southern Sumatera and Java, Indonesia

Indonesia is an agricultural country with more than 30 million farmers nationwide most of it with poor disease management. An identification of a pathogen is the first step to establish efficient management strategies for disease control. In this study, we survey the diversity of oomycetes in horticulture. Samples were collected from 19 sites around Lampung, Sumatera and Java Islands. The oomycetes were isolated from rhizosphere soils sample and from symptomatic plants tissues. One hundred and twelve isolates belonging to two Phytophthora spp., three Pythium spp., and one Phytophythium sp. were identified. Phytophthora nicotianae was a predominant species from pineapple but also found in cabbage, chilli, and chrysanthemum. P. colocasiae were isolated from taro in central java, Phytopythium vexans were isolated from potato in Central Java, while Pythium acanthophoron, Py. myriotylum, Py. splendens, and Py. catenulatum were isolated from soil in pineapple farms.

Development of PCR-RFLP Technique for Identify Several Members of Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti Species Complex and Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex

Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC) contain over 40 members. The primer pair Smibo1FM/Semi1RM on the RPB2 partial gene has been reported to be able to identify Fusarium semitectum. The F. fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) contains more than 50 members. The F. verticillioides as a member of this complex can be identified by using VER1/VER2 primer pair on the CaM partial gene. In this research, the Smibo1FM/Semi1RM can amplify F. sulawesiense, F. hainanense, F. bubalinum, and F. tanahbumbuense, members of FIESC at 424 bp. The VER1/VER2 can amplify F. verticillioides, F. andiyazi, and F. pseudocircinatum, members of FFSC at 578 bp. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism by using the combination of three restriction enzymes EcoRV, MspI, and HpyAV can differentiate each species of FIESC used. The two restriction enzymes HpaII and NspI can distinguish each species of FFSC used. The proper identification process is required for pathogen control in the field in order to reduce crop yield loss.

The role of pentoxifylline in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in coronary angiography/intervention - systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the latest evidence on pentoxifylline effect on the contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and whether the quality evidence is sufficient to make a definite conclusion MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search on topics that assesses pentoxifylline and CIN in coronary angiography/intervention up until 01 April 2021 using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and hand-sampling. Primary outcome was CIN defined as ≥0.5 mg/dL or 25% rise in the SCr 48 h after procedure.

RESULTS

There were a total of 1142 subjects from 6 studies. There was no difference between pentoxifylline and control group in terms of serum creatinine at baseline (p=0.46) and after the procedure (p=0.33). The incidence of CIN was 51/571 (8.9%) in the pentoxifylline group and 61/571 (10.7%) in the control group. Pentoxifylline was not significantly associated with increase or decrease in the risk of CIN (RR 0.84 [0.59, 1.19], p=0.32; I2: 0%, p=0.89). Subgroup analysis for elective studies showed a non-significant result (RR 0.77 [0.47, 1.27], p=0.31; I2: 0%). Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between pentoxifylline and mortality was not affected by age (p=0.994), gender (reference: male, p=0.562), hypertension (p=0.336), diabetes (p=0.536), baseline serum creatinine (p=0.344), contrast used (p=0.431), and CIN incidence (p=0.521). GRADE Approach showed a low certainty of evidence for the effect estimate of pentoxifylline on CIN.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed that pentoxifylline was not associated with the risk of CIN with low certainty of evidence. Hence, larger, multicentre, double-blind randomized controlled trials are required.

Variability of Lecanicillium spp. Mycoparasite of Coffee Leaf Rust Pathogen (Hemileia vastatrix) in Indonesia

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Coffee leaf rust disease caused by <i>Hemileia vastatrix</i> resulted in high yield loss and difficult to control. Several chemical fungicides have been used to control this disease. However, the effectiveness of chemical control is low, so it is necessary to find other methods such as biological control. <i>Lecanicillium</i> spp. is well-known as mycoparasite on <i>H. vastatrix</i> uredospores but the study in Indonesia is still limited. This study aimed to collect and investigated the genetic variability of <i>Lecanicillium</i> spp. at various coffee plantations in Indonesia. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Samples of <i>Lecanicillium </i>spp. were collected from 20 districts in 7 provinces throughout Indonesia. Morphology of colony and conidia were identified by visual examination and by viewed under the light microscope. Genetic variability was conducted using Rep-PCR and clustered with UPGMA. <b>Results:</b> Morphological observation in this study revealed all isolates collected from uredospores of <i>H. vastatrix</i> were similar with <i>Lecanicillium </i>spp. Genetic variability analysis clustered the 80 isolates into eight clusters with their specific characters. <b>Conclusion:</b> Morphological identification in this study showed that 80 isolates of mycoparasite on <i>H. vastatrix</i> belong to <i>Lecanicillium</i> spp. Further study using the molecular technique is needed to identity the species of <i>Lecanicillium</i>.

Population genetics analysis of Phytophthora nicotianae associated with heart rot in pineapple revealed geneflow between population

Abstract. Afandi A, Subandiyah S, Wibowo A, Hieno A, Afandi, Loekito S, Suga H, Kageyama K. 2021. Population genetics analysis of Phytophthora nicotianae associated with heart rot in pineapple revealed gene flow between populations. Biodiversitas 22: 3342-3348.  Phytophthora nicotianae has caused heart rot in pineapple. This study identified the population genetic diversity of P. nicotianae, collecting 90 isolates of P. nicotianae from the pineapple plantation sites in three provinces of Indonesia and, as comparisons, seven isolates from non-pineapple sites. Six polymorphic microsatellite markers amplified the non-coding region was used to characterize the population diversity. The phylogenetic tree constructed by MEGA revealed three major clades; the first and second clades were dominated by the isolates from pineapple plantation sites, and the third clade contained isolates from the non-pineapple sites. The allelic pattern analysis using Genalex software revealed the local alleles specific to Lampung and Blitar populations. The AMOVA of microsatellite genotypes data showed that the isolates had a low diversity among the population (6%) but high diversity within individual. Conclusively, P. nicotianae population associated with heart rot in pineapple showed geneflow between populations.

The association between serum prealbumin and poor outcome in COVID-19 - Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the prealbumin and severity and mortality in COVID-19.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases up until 2 February 2021. The primary outcome was the poor outcome, a composite of mortality and severity. Severe COVID-19 was defined as COVID-19 that fulfill the criteria for severe pneumonia or patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome/disease progression/need for intensive care unit or mechanical ventilation. The effect estimates were a mean difference between patients with and without a poor outcome in mg/dL and odds ratio (OR) per 1 mg/dL decrease in prealbumin level. The effect estimates were reported with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

RESULTS

Nine studies comprising of 2104 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients with poor outcome have lower prealbumin level (mean difference -71.48 mg/dL [95% CI -93.74, -49.22], p<0.001; I2: 85.9%). Every 1 mg/dL decrease in prealbumin level was associated with 1% increase in poor outcome (OR 0.992 [0.987, 0.997], p=0.004, I2: 81.7%). Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between the prealbumin level and poor outcome varies with gender (male) (coefficient: 3.50, R2: 100%, p<0.001), but not age, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum prealbumin was associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Multi-genetic Analysis of Colletotrichum spp. Associated with Postharvest Disease of Fruits Anthracnose in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Postharvest disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. caused major losses. The species of Colletotrichum are difficult to distinguish if only seen from their morphology. This study investigated Colletotrichum isolates associated with tropical fruits anthracnose using multi-genetic analysis and the cross-infection potency of each isolate among tropical fruits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fruit samples were collected from markets in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia and its surrounding area. The fruits affected by anthracnose subjected to isolation, resulting in 15 isolates. Morphology of colony and conidia then characterized and clustered with UPGMA. The seven representative isolates were selected for molecular identification. The multi-genetic analysis was used by combining ITS, Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gapdh) and tub2 sequence genes. A cross-infection test was conducted by using selected species from the multi-genetic analysis.

RESULTS

Multi-genetic analysis clustered the selected isolates into four species. Isolates from banana, avocado, papaya and citrus belonged to gloeosporioides species complex, including C. siamense, C. asianum and C. gloeosporioides. Isolates from apple, guava, mango and citrus belonged to acutatum species complex, including C. sloanei. The cross-infection test in this study showed that C. siamense could cause anthracnose on banana, apple, citrus and avocado, C. asianum on avocado, papaya, apple and citrus, C. gloeosporioides on citrus and apple, C. sloanei on apple, guava, citrus and papaya.

CONCLUSION

The C. siamense, C. asianum, C. gloeosporioides and C. sloanei found associated with tropical fruits anthracnose. The potency of the cross-infection test revealed the board range in the pathogenicity of the Colletotrichum isolates.

Abstract 526: Alternative format bispecific antibodies targeting multiple oncogenic FGFR3 mutations in bladder cancer through different mechanisms

FGFR3 is a clinically validated driver for muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). 15-20% of MIBC patients express FGFR3 mutations, including point mutations in the extracellular domain (S249C, R248C, G370C, Y373C) and kinase domain (K650E) as well as in-frame fusions with dimerization domains (e.g., coiled-coil domain of TACC3). Generating an antibody-based therapeutic that potently inhibits multiple FGFR3 oncogenic mutants, with different activation mechanisms, remains as a challenge. Therefore, regular IgG-like and alternative format (AF) bispecific antibodies were explored to examine whether enhanced FGFR3 degradation can serve as a “pan-inhibition” solution for tackling multiple FGFR3 genetic aberrations.

APLP2 has been identified as a cell surface receptor that undergoes rapid internalization and degradation. Cell surface CD63 plays a more complex role in intracellular trafficking by itself or with its associated surface protein, including both endocytosis and surface retention. Bispecific antibodies co-targeting APLP2 and HER2 have been shown to enhance HER2 internalization and lysosomal trafficking (Bay AP et al 2019). IgG-like and AF bispecific antibodies targeting FGFR3xAPLP2 or FGFR3xCD63 with varied valency and geometry were engineered, produced and characterized.

AF bispecific antibodies showed significant enhancement (compared to parental antibody) of in vitro growth inhibition in bladder cancer cell lines expressing FGFR3 S249C mutation while maintaining potent inhibitory activity in cells expressing FGFR3-TACC3 mutant. Both FGFR3 and APLP2/CD63 binding sites contribute to enhanced bispecific antibody potency. Interestingly, different activities were observed in antibody-induced receptor degradation indicating that APLP2 and CD63 regulate FGFR3 trafficking via distinct mechanisms. FGFR3xAPLP2 AF bispecifics enhanced receptor degradation compared to parental FGFR3 antibody, while FGFR3xCD63 AF bispecifics increased growth inhibition without receptor degradation.

Our proof-of-concept case study suggests that AF bispecific antibodies can be used as a single novel modality to offer more potent inhibition against diverse mechanisms of oncogenic receptor activation.

Citation Format: Yan Yang, Arif Wibowo, Suhasini Avvaru, Zaoli Jiang, Antonio Luz, Ashique Rafique, Prasad Sarangapani, Ryan McKay, Michael Amatulli, Meghana Vootlakrishna, Rachel Edwards, Terra Potocky, Aynur Hermann, Christopher Daly, Gavin Thurston, John Chia-Yang Lin, Yang Shen. Alternative format bispecific antibodies targeting multiple oncogenic FGFR3 mutations in bladder cancer through different mechanisms [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 526.

Morphological and molecular identification of Fusarium spp. isolated from maize kernels in Java and Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract. Widiastuti A, Karlina ML, Dhanti KR, Chinta YD, Joko T, Suryanti, Wibowo A. 2020. Morphological and molecular identification of Fusarium spp. isolated from maize kernels in Java and Lombok, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2741-2750. Fungal contamination of maize is a serious problem in Indonesia. Fusarium spp. infect maize in the field will be continuing to contaminate in the post-harvest period even though disease symptoms are not always emerged. Some Fusarium spp. produced mycotoxins which are harmful to human and animal health. Aims of this research were to reveal the presence of Fusarium spp. from both symptomatic and unsymptomatic maize, and to identify them based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. Samples of maize were collected from maize cultivation areas in East Java (EJ), Central Java (CJ), West Java (WJ), Yogyakarta Special Province (DIY), and Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Fusarium spp. were isolated in a single spore method and cultured in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium for morphological identification of macro-and microconidia. Molecular identification was conducted by PCR assay using species-specific primers. Furthermore, unidentified species were analyzed by DNA sequence. This research found four species of mycotoxigenic Fusarium isolated from maize-based on molecular identification, which were Fusarium verticillioides (15 isolates), F. proliferatum (6 isolates), F. graminearum (1 isolate) and F. asiaticum (1 isolate). This research showed a novel report of F. asiaticum infection on maize kernel in Indonesia.

Short Communication: Sarocladium oryzae associated with sheath rot disease of rice in Indonesia

Abstract. Pramunadipta S, Widiastuti A, Wibowo A, Suga H, Priyatmojo A. 2020. Short Communication: Sarocladium oryzae associated with sheath rot disease of rice in Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 1243-1249. One of the obstacles in increasing rice production is the presence of sheath rot pathogen infection, which causes changes in color on the rice sheath to brown or reddish-brown, sometimes does not produce rice grain. The major fungal pathogens that cause sheath rot disease are Sarocladium oryzae and Fusarium spp. The loss of rice yields reaches 85%. The disease found in six provinces, some of which are the largest rice-producing centers in Indonesia. A total of twenty-four Sarocladium sp. were isolated from leaf sheath symptom on potato dextrose agar and water agar medium. Sheath rot pathogen identification based on molecular method was performed using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA gene sequencing. Necrosis occurs after artificial inoculation in Ciherang rice variety was observed and showed that all isolates were pathogenic. Morphological characterization of the isolates identified them as Sarocladium sp. Molecular identification showed that six representatives isolates belonging to S. oryzae. These findings are important information about the fungal pathogen that causes sheath rot disease in Indonesia, and in studies for formulating control measures of the pathogen in the future to prevent the disease epidemic on rice. This is the first report about the existence of sheath rot disease, morphological characterization and molecular identification of S. oryzae in various rice fields in Indonesia.

Disentangling the taxonomy of the subfamily Rasborinae (Cypriniformes, Danionidae) in Sundaland using DNA barcodes

Sundaland constitutes one of the largest and most threatened biodiversity hotspots; however, our understanding of its biodiversity is afflicted by knowledge gaps in taxonomy and distribution patterns. The subfamily Rasborinae is the most diversified group of freshwater fishes in Sundaland. Uncertainties in their taxonomy and systematics have constrained its use as a model in evolutionary studies. Here, we established a DNA barcode reference library of the Rasborinae in Sundaland to examine species boundaries and range distributions through DNA-based species delimitation methods. A checklist of the Rasborinae of Sundaland was compiled based on online catalogs and used to estimate the taxonomic coverage of the present study. We generated a total of 991 DNA barcodes from 189 sampling sites in Sundaland. Together with 106 previously published sequences, we subsequently assembled a reference library of 1097 sequences that covers 65 taxa, including 61 of the 79 known Rasborinae species of Sundaland. Our library indicates that Rasborinae species are defined by distinct molecular lineages that are captured by species delimitation methods. A large overlap between intraspecific and interspecific genetic distance is observed that can be explained by the large amounts of cryptic diversity as evidenced by the 166 Operational Taxonomic Units detected. Implications for the evolutionary dynamics of species diversification are discussed.

Analysis of the Patient Safety Culture in Awal Bros Batam Hospital, Year 2016

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The complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of Pectenocypris sp. (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) from Serkap River, Sumatra, Indonesia

The whole mitochondrial genome of a small cyprinid freshwater fish Pectenocypris sp. collected from Serkap River, Central Sumatra, Indonesia was sequenced. This mitochondrial genome consisted of 16,589 bp and included 37 genes in the same order as in many other vertebrates including the human. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this taxon clusters with Boraras maculatus among several Rasbora species.

Real-Time in Vivo Detection of H2O2 Using Hyperpolarized 13C-Thiourea

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential cellular metabolites widely implicated in many diseases including cancer, inflammation, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, ROS signaling remains poorly understood, and their measurements are a challenge due to high reactivity and instability. Here, we report the development of ¹³C-thiourea as a probe to detect and measure H₂O₂ dynamics with high sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution using hyperpolarized ¹³C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging. In particular, we show ¹³C-thiourea to be highly polarizable and to possess a long spin-lattice relaxation time (T₁), which enables real-time monitoring of ROS-mediated transformation. We also demonstrate that ¹³C-thiourea reacts readily with H₂O₂ to give chemically distinguishable products in vitro and validate their detection in vivo in a mouse liver. This study suggests that ¹³C-thiourea is a promising agent for noninvasive detection of H₂O₂ in vivo. More broadly, our findings outline a viable clinical application for H₂O₂ detection in patients with a range of diseases.

METODE ISOLASI PYRICULARIA ORYZAE PENYEBAB PENYAKIT BLAS PADI

Isolation method of Pyricularia oryzae the causal agent of rice blast disease. Rice blast disease is a disease that reduces rice productivity and threatens global food reserves. The study of diversity and distribution of race fungal causing rice blast disease required a fungal isolates collection from different places and times. One of the challenges in collecting these fungi is the difficulty of isolation process. The purpose of this research was to study the proper isolation method of rice blast pathogen. The most appropriate isolation method of Pyricularia oryzae was to moisten the infected panicle, place on moist filter paper in a petri dish, and incubate plate for 2 days at room temperature under fluorescent lamp. Afterward, conidium was picked using sterile needle and transfered to potato dextrose agar without lactic acid.

EKSPLORASI DAN IDENTIFIKASI TRICHODERMA ENDOFITIK PADA PISANG

Exploration and identification of endophytic Trichoderma in banana. Endophytic fungi Trichoderma is an organism that can used as biocontrol agent. This study aims to isolate and identify endophytic Trichoderma in roots of healthy banana plants from three districts in Yogyakarta, which will be used as biological control agent against the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. Isolation was conducted using TSM (Trichoderma Selective Medium). We obtained six isolates of endophytic Trichoderma spp., i.e., Swn-1, Swn-2, Ksn, Psr-1, Psr-2, and Psr-3. Molecular identification was done by using ITS1 and ITS2 primer pain and sequenced. The sequence of DNA obtained was analysed and compared with NCBI database by using BLAST-N programe. The results showed that all isolates were amplified at 560-bp. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates Swn-1, Swn-2 and Psr-1 are homologous to Trichoderma harzianum, isolate Ksn homologous to Trichoderma asperrellum, isolate Psr-2 homologous to Trichoderma gamsii, and isolate Psr-3 homologous to Trichoderma koningiopsis, with the homologous value of 99%.

DNA Barcoding Indonesian freshwater fishes: challenges and prospects

With 1172 native species, the Indonesian ichthyofauna is among the world’s most speciose. Despite that the inventory of the Indonesian ichthyofauna started during the eighteen century, the numerous species descriptions during the last decades highlight that the taxonomic knowledge is still fragmentary. Meanwhile, the fast increase of anthropogenic perturbations during the last decades is posing serious threats to Indonesian biodiversity. Indonesia, however, is one of the major sources of export for the international ornamental trade and home of several species of high value in aquaculture. The development of new tools for species identification is urgently needed to improve the sustainability of the exploitation of the Indonesian ichthyofauna. With the aim to build comprehensive DNA barcode libraries, the co-authors have started a collective effort to DNA barcode all Indonesian freshwater fishes. The aims of this review are: (1) to produce an overview of the ichthyological researches conducted so far in Indonesia, (2) to present an updated checklist of the freshwater fishes reported to date from Indonesia’s inland waters, (3) to highlight the challenges associated with its conservation and management, (4) to present the benefits of developing comprehensive DNA barcode reference libraries for the conservation of the Indonesian ichthyofauna.

Photoactivatable glycopolymers for the proteome-wide identification of fucose-α(1-2)-galactose binding proteins

Although fucose-α(1-2)-galactose (Fucα(1-2)Gal)-containing glycans have been implicated in cognitive processes such as learning and memory, their precise molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we employed the use of multivalent glycopolymers to enable the first proteome-wide identification of weak affinity, low abundance Fucα(1-2)Gal glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). Biotin-terminated glycopolymers containing photoactivatable cross-linking groups were designed to capture and enrich GBPs from rat brain lysates. Candidate proteins were tested for their ability to bind Fucα(1-2)Gal, and the functional significance of the interaction was investigated for the synaptic vesicle protein SV2a using a knockout mouse system. The results suggest a role for SV2a-Fucα(1-2)Gal interactions in SV2a trafficking and synaptic vesicle recycling. More broadly, our studies outline a general chemical approach for the systems-level discovery of novel GBPs.

Malaysianol A, a new trimer resveratrol oligomer from the stem bark of Dryobalanops aromatica

A new resveratrol trimer, malaysianol A (1), five known resveratrol oligomers: laevifonol (2), ampelopsin E (3), α-viniferin (4), ε-viniferin (5), diptoindonesin A (6), and bergenin (7) have been isolated from the acetone extract of the stem bark of Dryobalanops aromatica by combination of vacuum and radial chromatography techniques. Their structures were established on the basis of their spectroscopic evidence and comparison with the published data. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was tested against several cell lines in which compound 4 was found to inhibit strongly the growth of HL-60 cell line.

Congener specific analysis of polychlorinated terphenyls

In order to identify and to quantify polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT) in environmental matrices, the chromatographic behavior of coplanar and non-coplanar congeners was evaluated. A mixture of 16 single PCT congeners was used for method development. Four of these compounds were synthesized for the first time by SUZUKI-coupling reaction. These were p-PCT (2,2'',6,6''-tetrachloro-, 2',3,3'',4,4'',5',-hexachloro-, 2',3,3'',5,5',5''-hexachloro-) and m-PCT (2,2'',3,3'',5,5''-hexachloro-). They were characterized by NMR ((1)H,(13)C) spectroscopy. By means of the new column chromatographic clean-up reported here, a good matrix removal and the separation of the coplanar PCT congeners from the non-coplanar ones was obtained. The recovery rates for all congeners were good for the PCT in different test matrices like fat, charcoal, and soil. The quality of the clean-up, the separation and the recovery rates were determined by GC/MS analysis. The method was applied for the first time to a real sample from a fire accident, where different PCT, obviously formed during the combustion process, were found. The conclusion is drawn that this method is suitable for the analysis of PCT in different environmental samples.

Physical Characteristics and Chemical Composition of Meat from Sheep Fed with Fermented Straw

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Evaluation of a rapid assay for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in outpatient clinics in South Kalimantan, Indonesia

A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted comparing a commercially available chlamydial optical immunoassay (OIA) to the chlamydial ligase chain reaction (LCR). Endocervical samples from 415 outpatients visiting clinics from three hospitals in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, were evaluated. Relative to the LCR, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the OIA were 31.6 and 98.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of the OIA varied among the three hospital laboratories, ranging from 20 to 50%. The OIA performance was slightly lower on samples from patients attending dermatovenereology clinics than on samples from nondermatovenereology clinic patients. The results indicate that the OIA did not perform well compared to LCR.

Angiodysplasia of colon revisited: pathologic demonstration without the use of intravascular injection technique

The recognition of angiodysplasia either at the time of surgery or at the time of routine gross and microscopic examination has often been difficult. Until now the primary methodology used in defining the lesion has been the intravascular injection of radiopaque dyes and other compounds. This technique, however, is prohibitively time consuming and expensive, and does not encourage routine use in surgical pathology practice. We report two cases of angiodysplasia, both occurring in unlikely areas, in which the pathologic lesion was demonstrated without the use of an intravascular injection technique. One case involved 35 cm of proximal transverse colon and the other involved 23 cm of colon distal to the ileocecal valve. A simple method of demonstrating angiodysplasia by intraluminal formalin fixation (37% concentrated, unbuffered), with tying of both resected ends for 3 hours, followed by dissection of the mucosa from the muscle wall, is described. Areas of ectatic, pericryptal, thin-walled blood vessels with adjacent dilated, engorged submucosal veins are readily seen on gross direct inspection highlighted by transillumination. Histologic sections taken from these areas show early lesions of angiodysplasia characterized by ectatic, engorged submucosal veins and some dilated venules and capillaries in the mucosal lamina propria.

MPTP-induced duodenal ulcers in rat. Prevention by reuptake blockers for serotonin and norepinephrine, but not dopamine

Abnormal activity of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine may contribute to the pathophysiology of duodenal ulcers. We therefore studied the effects of neuropharmacological manipulations on 1-methly-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced duodenal ulcers. Duodenal ulcers were produced in rats by 12 subcutaneous injections of a neurotoxin, MPTP, over 4 days. At an MPTP dose of 20 mg.kg. injection, duodenal ulcers developed in 91% (43 of 47) of animals with low mortality. When neuropharmacological agents were preadministered before MPTP, the following effects on duodenal ulcers incidence were obtained. MAO-B inhibitors (pargyline [55%], deprenyl [43%]) but not MAO-A inhibitors (clorgyline [91%]) significantly decreased the frequency of duodenal ulcers suggesting that, like MPTP-induced parkinsonism, formation of a toxic metabolite, probably 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium is involved. Reuptake blockers for serotonin (fluoxetine [18%], indalpine [25%]) also decreased the frequency of duodenal ulcers. Reuptake blockers for norepinephrine (desmethylimipramine [17%], tomoxepine [31%], but not amfonelic acid [82%]) decreased the frequency of duodenal ulcers. Reuptake blockers for dopamine (benztropine [73%], amfonelic acid [82%], GBR-12909 [80%]) did not protect against duodenal ulcers. However, GBR-12909 significantly decreased the severity of those duodenal ulcers that were produced. These data suggest that abnormally low levels of synaptic transmission in serotonergic and possibly noradrenergic neurons play an important role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer while the role of dopamine may be limited to modulation of ulcer severity.

Zinc protoporphyrin as an indicator of lead exposure: precision of zinc protoporphyrin measurements

In lead-exposed workers many factors affect the relationship between the levels of lead and of zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) in blood. When the zinc protoporphyrin level is used to assess the lead in the blood level, the analytical accuracy of the ZPP and the PbB determinations should be known. Also the variability of lead exposure over time is an important parameter of this assessment. The absolute and relative precision of ZPP measurements with two brands of ZPP meters (AVIV and ESA) were compared. The absolute precision of the ZPP measurements is not constant for the AVIV meter, but is constant for the ESA meter. The relative precision for both brands of meters decreases with increasing ZPP levels. Between the AVIV and the ESA meters, a significant difference in response, irrespective of the kind of anticoagulant used, was observed. The regression equations between PbB and ZPP levels were studied. Different factors can affect the relationship between PbB and ZPP, e.g. variability in lead exposure, the time-lag between the increase of PbB and ZPP, and the precision and accuracy of PbB and ZPP measurements.

Renal function of workers with low-level cadmium exposure

The influence of occupational exposure to cadmium on renal function was examined in 27 male cadmium workers from plants with second-degree usage of cadmium. The levels of cadmium in the blood and urine and various protein concentrations in the urine and serum were determined. The urinary levels of beta 2-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase were statistically significantly increased in workers with urinary cadmium levels above 50 nmol/l. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with silver staining is probably a sensitive indicator of the early effects of cadmium on protein excretion. The currently recommended biological exposure limits may have to be lowered.

Influence of occupational low-level lead exposure on renal parameters

The influence of lead exposure on renal function was examined. In 155 lead workers and 126 control workers, lead in blood (PbB) and zinc protoporphyrin in blood (ZPP) were measured as indicators of exposure to lead; various proteins in urine were measured as parameters of renal functions. Regression and matched-pair analyses suggest that tubular parameters may be more influenced by lead exposure than glomerular parameters. Changes in renal function parameters may already occur at PbB levels below 3 mumol/liter (600 micrograms/liter). The excretion of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase appears to be the most consistent and sensitive parameter of an early effect on the tubular function.