Coastal waters are home to numerous Chattonella species (Raphidophyceae), marine protists. Harmful blooms from microalgae can cause significant mortalities in finfish raised in aquaculture operations, with certain species being especially problematic. The Johor Strait, situated within Malaysia, has experienced Chattonella bloom events since the 1980s. During this study, two Chattonella strains were isolated from the strait, and the examination of their morphology displayed traits matching those of Chattonella subsalsa. Molecular characterization definitively confirmed the species to be C. subsalsa. A whole-cell fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was devised to specifically locate C. subsalsa cells in the environmental context. The nucleotide sequences of the large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were employed for the in silico design of species-specific oligonucleotide probes. GSK650394 SGK inhibitor Signature regions in the LSU-rRNA and ITS2-rDNA were shortlisted as the best candidates based on high hybridization efficiency and suitable probe parameters. Employing tyramide signal amplification (TSA) with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the synthesized biotinylated probes were tested. The probes' selectivity for the target cells was demonstrated by the results. Harmful algal presence in the environment can be identified via FISH-TSA, a method that could prove valuable in improving monitoring protocols.

Inflammation and oxidative stress have been scientifically proven to be instrumental in the etiology of type 2 diabetes. In vitro antioxidant activity has been observed in Ethulia conyzoides, as demonstrated in recent scientific studies. In male Wistar rats with induced type 2 diabetes, the residual aqueous fraction of Ethulia conyzoides was examined for its in-vivo antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential. Over 21 days, sub-acute antidiabetic studies were carried out using varying doses of the residual aqueous fraction (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight). At the conclusion of treatment, the levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, and in vivo antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), were evaluated. When rats received different doses of the residual aqueous fraction, there was a significant (p < 0.005) reduction in blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1, and TNF levels, accompanied by a significant (p < 0.005) increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase, and insulin levels in contrast to the diabetic control group. The 400 mg/kg body weight dosage concentration ultimately exhibited the greatest efficacy. The residual aqueous extract from Ethulia conyzoides exhibits substantial antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as this outcome indicates.

An examination of water quality parameters is vital for assessing the safety of water and nutrient levels for fish and freshwater prawn populations within the Nyatuh River, Terengganu, Malaysia. In recognition of the Nyatuh River's importance, a study was conducted to assess water quality parameters and nutrient concentrations in the Setiu, Terengganu river, in relation to the populations of Macrobrachium rosenbergii caught within the Nyatuh River basin. During the study, the assessment of water quality parameters was performed at four expeditions, each consisting of five stations situated at various tidal conditions. Analysis of the findings showed temperature fluctuations ranging from 2656°C to 2930°C, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels varying between 359 mg/L and 650 mg/L, pH levels spanning 499 to 701, salinity varying from 0.01 ppt to 422 ppt, and depths ranging from 271 meters to 554 meters. Ammonia (0.01 mg/L to 0.24 mg/L), nitrite (0.01 mg/L to 0.05 mg/L), and phosphate (0.01 mg/L to 0.12 mg/L) were also observed. Expeditions 1, 2, 4, and 3 yielded 176, 160, 102, and 68 prawns, respectively. The discrepancy in prawn catches could be due to significant differences in water level depth during high and low tides, coupled with fluctuating ammonia concentrations at each station and throughout different expeditions. A statistical assessment of temperature indicated no noteworthy divergence between the expedition, stations, and tidal data. In terms of p, we have 0.280, p greater than 0.005, and F equals 1206. The analysis of dissolved oxygen (DO) showed no substantial differences; the associated p-value of 0.714 was greater than the significance level of 0.05, and the F-statistic was 0.737. However, there were considerable variations in water depth among the expeditions, stations, and tidal measurements, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, F = 1255, respectively). GSK650394 SGK inhibitor A larger prawn population flourished in Expedition 1, attributable to the favorable water quality parameter and extremely low ammonia concentration when compared to other expeditions. Prawn catch mixtures demonstrate significant heterogeneity between sampling stations, attributable to the variations in water depth and the fluctuations in water quality characteristics, with ammonia levels playing a key role. In closing, the Nyatuh River's water quality exhibited substantial variability across expeditions, sampling locations, and tides, highlighting a notable change in water level depth between high and low tides. The exponential rise in industrial and aquaculture operations along the river necessitates enhanced precautions to prevent the adverse consequences of excessive pollution, ensuring the protection of the ecosystem.

The close link between dietary practices and male fertility, along with overall reproductive health, cannot be ignored. Malaysia's recent years have witnessed a notable rise in the utilization of herbal plants for both dietary supplementation and treatment of a variety of diseases. Recognized as karas or gaharu, the botanical name of Aquilaria malaccensis, has gained recent prominence due to its potential pharmacological properties, which may be instrumental in the treatment of many ailments. Still, there is a significant lack of research on how this affects male reproductive health and fertility. This study examined the effects of A. malaccensis on the weight of male reproductive organs (testis, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicle), and the correlation with sperm count, morphology, and motility in adult Sprague Dawley rats. The 24 male Sprague Dawley rats were categorized into four treatment groups: a Control group (6 rats receiving 1 mL distilled water), Treatment 1 (6 rats receiving 1 g A. malaccensis per kg body weight), Treatment 2 (6 rats receiving 2 g A. malaccensis per kg body weight), and Treatment 3 (6 rats receiving 3 g A. malaccensis per kg body weight). For 28 days, distilled water and A. malaccensis were administered orally once daily by gavage. On Day 29, the rats were euthanized to evaluate the weight of their reproductive organs and the quality of their sperm. The observed weights of the testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle, and sperm motility demonstrated no statistical difference (p > 0.05) when comparing control and treatment groups. A marked rise in T1 values was noted (p<0.005), reaching 817%. In essence, the ingestion of 1, 2, or 3 grams of A. malaccensis had no impact whatsoever on the weight of the reproductive organs or sperm motility. Nevertheless, the elevated intake of A. malaccensis by the rats appeared to negatively impact the count and form of sperm.

This study's objective was to assess the impact of a mixed culture of Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. megaterium on controlling acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) or Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei as a model. Infected shrimps harboring Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND were divided into separate tanks, each receiving a different diet—either Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, or all Bacillus strains combined. Bacillus-fed infected shrimps demonstrated a significantly elevated survival rate and a lower percentage of V. parahaemolyticus AHPND strain detection (5714%) by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), with a correspondingly minimal viability count observed in their hepatopancreas. GSK650394 SGK inhibitor Shrimp fed Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, or Bacillus megaterium, following infection, displayed uniform distribution of the Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND strain in all tissues, with PCR detection (86.67%-100%), and a substantially large viable count (353-424 x 10³ CFU/g). Cultivating Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. megaterium together was shown to potentially reduce the spread of V. parahaemolyticus in shrimps, especially in the hepatopancreas, a primary target of AHPND, affecting white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The vannamei shrimp is a vital component in aquaculture studies. The results of this research unveiled the effectiveness and operational mechanisms of a mixed culture of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus megaterium in managing the virulence of Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND), supporting its use as a biological control in shrimp aquaculture, avoiding reliance on chemical or antibiotic treatments.

The bagworm Metisa plana, a major pest plaguing Malaysia's oil palm plantations, is a significant contributor to considerable economic losses. Currently, the intricate microbial makeup of the bagworm is yet to undergo a systematic investigation. An understanding of the biological processes of the pest, particularly the bacterial communities, is necessary, as bacteria frequently found within the insect community often provide benefits to the host insect, thus enhancing its ability to survive. Employing 16S amplicon sequencing, the bacterial community composition of M. plana was determined. Two comparisons were made to analyze bacterial communities, one comparing bacterial communities in early and late instar larvae from the outbreak location; the second comparing late instar larval communities in areas unaffected by outbreaks and those situated within outbreak regions.