Coastal waters are home to numerous Chattonella species (Raphidophyceae), marine protists. Blooms of harmful microalgae are a common cause of mass fish deaths in finfish aquaculture, leading to substantial losses. The 1980s mark the beginning of documented Chattonella blooms in Malaysia's Johor Strait. In the present study, two Chattonella strains were obtained from the strait, and a morphological analysis demonstrated characteristics that mirrored those of Chattonella subsalsa. Further confirmation of the species' identity as C. subsalsa emerged from the molecular characterization. A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay focused on whole cells was developed to pinpoint the location of C. subsalsa cells in the environment. From the nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal DNA's large subunit (LSU) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), species-specific oligonucleotide probes were developed using in silico methods. learn more The candidate signature regions in the LSU-rRNA and ITS2-rDNA sequences were determined to be the best through an evaluation of hybridization efficiency and probe parameters. For testing, synthesized biotinylated probes underwent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and tyramide signal amplification (TSA). The results exhibited the probes' ability to selectively bind to the intended target cells. The FISH-TSA method has demonstrated its potential in identifying harmful algae in the environment, and could effectively support ongoing monitoring programs.

Oxidative stress, coupled with inflammation, has been shown to play a role in the development 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. A 21-day sub-acute antidiabetic study assessed the effects of the residual aqueous fraction, delivered at differing doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight). The measurements of blood glucose, serum insulin, and in vivo antioxidant and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), were conducted at the end of the treatment. A significant (p < 0.005) reduction in blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1, and TNF levels, along with a significant (p < 0.005) increase in SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase, and insulin levels, was observed in rats administered different concentrations of the residual aqueous fraction, when compared to the diabetic control group. The 400 mg/kg body weight dosage concentration ultimately exhibited the greatest efficacy. Significant antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are exhibited by the residual aqueous portion of Ethulia conyzoides, as indicated by this result.

To evaluate the safety of the water parameters and nutrient content for fish and freshwater prawn species in their natural habitat, the Nyatuh River, Terengganu, Malaysia, a water quality assessment must be undertaken. Recognizing the Nyatuh River's importance, an investigation was executed to evaluate water quality parameters, nutrient content in the river, and their relation to Macrobrachium rosenbergii populations caught within the Setiu, Terengganu basin. Four expeditions, encompassing five stations at different tidal states, were used to assess water quality parameters during this study. The data analysis indicated temperature fluctuations between 2656°C and 2930°C, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels ranging from 359 mg/L to 650 mg/L, pH values spanning 499 to 701, salinity levels between 0.01 ppt and 422 ppt, and depth readings from 271 meters to 554 meters. Further analysis revealed ammonia levels between 0.01 mg/L and 0.24 mg/L, nitrite between 0.01 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L, and phosphate between 0.01 mg/L and 0.12 mg/L. Expeditions 1, 2, 4, and 3 saw prawn catches of 176, 160, 102, and 68, respectively. The heterogeneous prawn catch is likely a result of the substantial disparity in water depth between high and low tides, along with the fluctuation in ammonia concentrations among different sampling stations and expeditions. Regarding statistical analysis, temperature disparities were insignificant across the expedition, stations, and tidal measurements. P is 0.280, p exceeds 0.005, and F is equivalent to 1206, in order. Dissolved oxygen (DO), in terms of statistical significance, remained consistently unchanged; the p-value (0.714) exceeded the significance level (0.05), and the corresponding F-statistic stood at 0.737. The water depth levels were noticeably different amongst the expedition, station, and tidal measurements; the statistical analysis verified this, with p-values of 0.000, 0.005, and F-value of 1255, respectively. learn more Expedition 1 exhibited a superior water quality parameter and exceedingly low ammonia concentration, resulting in a larger prawn population than other expeditions. Significant differences in the prawn catch are observed at various sampling stations, arising from the differences in water depths and the instability of water quality, marked by varying ammonia concentrations. To reiterate, the water quality of the Nyatuh River displayed fluctuations contingent upon the expedition, station, and tidal phase, marked by the substantial water depth difference between high and low tides. The burgeoning importance of industrial and aquaculture operations in the riverine environment necessitates a heightened focus on preventing the adverse consequences of excessive pollution for the sake of the ecosystem.

Dietary habits play a crucial role in influencing the connection between reproductive health and male fertility. Malaysia has, in recent years, displayed considerable enthusiasm for the medicinal and supplementary applications of herbal plants in treating various ailments. The medicinal properties of Aquilaria malaccensis, commonly known as karas or gaharu, have recently made it a topic of considerable interest due to its potential applications in treating a variety of illnesses, stemming from its remarkable pharmacology. Still, there is a significant lack of research on how this affects male reproductive health and fertility. The study investigated the relationship between A. malaccensis and the weight of male reproductive organs (testis, epididymis, prostate gland, and seminal vesicle), and the impact on sperm quality (count, morphology, and motility) in adult Sprague Dawley rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were assigned to four distinct treatment groups: Control (1 mL distilled water, n = 6), Treatment 1 (1 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6), Treatment 2 (2 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6), and Treatment 3 (3 g A. malaccensis/kg body weight, n = 6). A daily oral gavage of distilled water and A. malaccensis was administered for a period of 28 days. Euthanasia of the rats on Day 29 allowed for the assessment of both reproductive organ weight and sperm quality. The results of the study indicate no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the weight of the testis, epididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicle, and sperm motility between the control and treated animals. A significant augmentation of T1 (p<0.005) was detected, yielding a result of 817%. To put it another way, 1, 2, and 3 grams of A. malaccensis did not alter the weight of the reproductive organs or sperm motility. A. malaccensis, when consumed in higher concentrations by the rats, was found to be detrimental to the sperm count and structural integrity.

To investigate the capacity of a mixed bacterial culture composed of Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. megaterium in addressing acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) or Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, which acts as a model organism, was the primary aim of this study. Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND-infected shrimp were partitioned into designated tanks, each receiving a unique diet composed of either Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, or all the Bacillus strains. A mixed Bacillus culture diet significantly boosted the survival rate of infected shrimps, revealing a lower percentage (5714%) of V. parahaemolyticus AHPND strain detection by PCR, with a restricted live cell count in the hepatopancreas. learn more The infected shrimp fed with Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, or Bacillus megaterium exhibited a wide distribution of Vibrio parahaemolyticus AHPND strain throughout all tissues, detected by PCR (86.67%-100%), coupled with a high viable cell count (353-424 x 10³ CFU/g). The findings of this study suggest that a mixed culture of Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. megaterium may control the dissemination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, especially in the hepatopancreas of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), the key tissue affected by AHPND. Further exploration of the characteristics of vannamei was undertaken. 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.

Malaysia's oil palm industry faces significant economic losses as a result of the detrimental infestation of the bagworm, Metisa plana. The microbial profile of the bagworm has not yet been the subject of any research. To effectively address pest issues, it is essential to understand the insect's biology, specifically the bacterial community, as bacteria often associated with insects often provide advantages to their host insect, thereby improving their chances of survival. The bacterial community of M. plana was assessed via 16S amplicon sequencing analysis. Furthermore, two comparative analyses were conducted, scrutinizing the bacterial communities in larvae from both early and late instar stages within the outbreak region; and comparing the bacterial communities of late instar larvae from areas unaffected by outbreaks to those in outbreak regions.