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Cryptosporidium sp. adalah parasit obligat intraseluler yang menyerang sel epitel usus. Infeksinya mengakibatkan diare, malnutrisi, dehidrasi dan cedera usus terutama pada orang dengan gangguan imunitas. Tingginya infeksi Cryptosporidium pada pasien HIV-AIDS pada penelitian sebelumnya menandakan sumber infeksi yang tinggi di lingkungan. Cryptosporidium dilaporkan memiliki hubungan dengan kanker kolorektal baru-baru ini. Tujuan: tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui prevalensi infeksi Cryptosporidium pada pasien dengan kanker kolorektal. Metode: metode yang digunakan observasional dengan desain cross-sectional study pada 43 pasien kanker kolorektal yang sesuai dengan kriteria yaitu pasien yang baru didiagnosis dan belum mendapatkan terapi onkologis. Pengumpulan sampel feses dilakukan dari bulan April hingga Agustus 2023. Pemeriksaan ookista dilakukan secara mikroskopik dengan pewarnaan tahan asam modifikasi ziehl neelsen. Hasil: hasil penelitian didapatkan 46,5% (20/43) pasien positif terinfeksi Cryptosporidium. Kesimpulan: kesimpulan hasil penelitian, infeksi Cryptosporidium tinggi pada pasien kanker kolorektal, terutama pada lokasi kanker rektum. Penelitian lebih lanjut untuk mengetahui spesies Cryptosporidium diperlukan untuk mengetahui rute penularan dan sumber infeksi.

Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) is an essential phytohormone that controls a variety of plant growth mechanisms. Bacteria can produce IAA to stimulate plant growth, with its production influenced by the culture conditions. Serratia plymuthica UBCF_13 is recognized as an IAA‐producing bacterium, exhibiting maximum IAA production in a yeast medium comprising yeast extract, sucrose, K2HPO4, MgSO4, NaCl, and CaCO3. However, prior studies optimizing individual inorganic salt components indicated minimal impact on IAA synthesis within this medium. This study aimed to eliminate the unnecessary inorganic salt components and the medium was then applied to investigate the IAA biosynthesis pathway and the plant growth‐promoting assay. The elimination assay consisted of yeast sucrose medium devoid of K2HPO4, MgSO4, NaCl, or CaCO3, and yeast sucrose medium containing only MgSO4 and CaCO3. Various indole compounds were then added to the revised medium composition to investigate the IAA biosynthesis pathway of UBCF_13 using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the effect of UBCF_13 culture supernatant, cultivated in the new medium, on chili plant growth was evaluated. The highest IAA production (138.8 µg/mL) was observed in the yeast sucrose with CaCO3 and MgSO4 (elimination of K2HPO4 and NaCl). The presence of indole‐3‐acetamide (IAM) compound from the medium extracts, supplemented with multiple indole compounds, revealed that UBCF_13 may use the IAM pathway. The application of UBCF_13 supernatant enhanced the shoot, root length, fresh weight, and germination time of chili seeds by 37.7%, 49.3%, 204.3%, and 38.6%, respectively. This study demonstrated that eliminating K2HPO4 and NaCl provided a new culture medium composition conducive to IAA production by UBCF_13. Moreover, the UBCF_13 extract has the potential to promote plant growth.

The local community distinguishes between Barbonymus belinka (Balingka) and Barbonymus schwanefeldii (Kapiek) in Lake Singkarak based on size due to the morphological similarities between the two species. From previous reports, B. belinka (Balingka) is a fish endemic to Lake Singkarak, West Sumatra, while B. schwanefeldii has a wider distribution, including Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Java. Consequently, molecular identification is necessary to discern between the species and to understand the DNA barcode characteristics of fish belonging to the genus Barbonymus in Lake Singkarak. One molecular technique utilized for species identification is DNA barcoding, which focuses on the COI (Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I) gene. Liver tissue samples from Balingka and Kapiek fish from Lake Singkarak were used in the study. Based on 585 bp of COI gene sequences and 30 comparison sequences from BOLD system and GenBank NCBI, seven samples from Lake Singkarak show a genetic distance of 0–1.2% from B. schwanefeldii populations elsewhere, with 15 differing nucleotide bases. Moreover, samples from Lake Singkarak show a genetic distance of 7.7–8.2% from B. belinka in the BOLD system from Aceh, with 42 differing nucleotide bases. Furthermore, two specific bases are present in B. schwanefeldii from Lake Singkarak. Based on the results of this research, it is known that all samples from Lake Singkarak, including Balingka and Kapiek, belong to the same species, namely B. schwanefeldii.

Among the six species of Cyrtodactylus occurring in Sumatra, two species were described based on non-Sumatran type series, C. consobrinus and C. quadrivirgatus. The latter species was described originally from Thailand thus the wider distribution in Sumatra should be clarified taxonomically. Cyrtodactylus quadrivirgatus from Sumatra Barat was examined using both morphology and the Natrium Dehydrogenase Subunit 2 (ND2) gene to clarify its taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement. It was found that these specimens form a sister clade to all other species of the sworderi group from Peninsular Malaysia and the genetic distance ranges from 20–24.3%. This subset is herein described as a new species. The new species is readily distinguished from C. quadrivirgatus and other Sumatran species by a combination of characters: small size SVL 37.5–53.78 mm; longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles 16–19; paravertebral tubercles 31–41; ventral scales 32–43; 24–49 enlarged precloacal and femoral scales; precloacal pores rarely present; no precloacal depression; two postcloacal tubercles on each side; 14–19 subdigital lamellae on forth toe; 9–15 supralabial scales; 9–12 infralabial scales; three or four internasal scales; and 3–6 gular scales that border the first pair of postmental scales. This work underscores the importance of clarifying widely distributed species for taxonomic validation.

The lowland region of Sumatra Barat has received little attention in previous biodiversity studies. Past studies have mainly focused on highland habitat and conservation areas. However, many populations of Cyrtodactylus in the lowland habitats of Sumatra Barat were not correctly identified. A phylogenetic tree based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene showed that the lowland Sumatran population is the sister group of the Malaysian lowland species, C. semenanjungensis, together nesting within the agamensis group. The genetic divergence within the Sumatra Barat population is 0–4.2% and 18.3–20% to C. semenanjungensis. Further examination of morphological characters revealed that they differed from the sister clade and other Sumatran Cyrtodactylus members by a unique combination of characters such as absence of tubercle on brachium, presence of tubercle on ventrolateral fold, 32–41 paravertebral tubercles, 38–46 ventral scales, enlarged femoral scales, presence of precloacofemoral pores and 22–23 subdigital lamellae under fourth toe. Based on the morphological and molecular evidence, the lowland Sumatran population is herein described as a new species, increasing the number of species in Sumatra to seven. More comprehensive and intensive sampling efforts would most likely yield further discoveries in the group of Sumatran Cyrtodactylus in the near future.

Introduction Our study aims to observe the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in lowering amyloid accumulation and ryanodine receptor 3 (RYR3) gene expression, further improving cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Material and methods Twenty male adult Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups of animals (n = 5). The AlCl3 group was given 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of AlCl3 intraperitoneally for 5 days, further the MSC injection, and their effect after 30 days was observed. Results MSCs improved amyloid accumulation and Y-maze scores, and expression of the RYR3 gene decreased compared to the control group. Conclusions MSCs improved amyloid accumulation, Y-maze scores, and RYR3 expression in the AD animal model.

The primary toxin class discovered in freshwater pufferfish is a category of neurotoxins called PSTs (Paralytic shellfish toxins) and pufferfish toxin has been observed to have biological, biochemical, and cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. Therefore, it is crucial to determine the cytotoxic activity, toxins present in the ovary of T. leiurus, and interaction between ligand (toxin compound) and receptors test. This study used the MTT method in the T47D cell lines, liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and analysis of the molecular interaction using molecular docking. The ovary of T. leiurus had cytotoxicity on the T47D cell, having an IC50 value of 229.535 μg/ml, and generated a chromatogram with a retention duration of 1.25 min that was similar to the Decarbamoylneosaxitoxin (dcNEO) standard solution. In molecular interactions between the dcNEO ligand to receptors, the lowest ΔG value was -9.29 kcal/mol at the Nav 1.7 receptor, and the lowest KI value was 1.23 µM at the Mcl-1 receptor. These findings indicate that the ovary of T. leiurus is cytotoxic to the T47D cell line and contains dcNEO toxin. It is more stable for the dcNEO ligand to engage with the Nav 1.7 receptor than with other receptors, and it inhibits the Mcl-1 receptor more potently than with other receptors. These findings indicate that the ovary of T. leiurus may be chemotherapy for the prevention of cancer strategy.

Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance cause harm to the liver. In this study, ameliorative effect of Enhydra fluctuans on liver damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats were examined. Thirty acclimatized male albino rats divided into six groups (n = 5). Normal rats were fed a standard diet (Group 1); diabetic rats were provided standard feed (Group 2); diabetic rats were fed standard feed and glibenclamide (Group 3); and diabetic rats were fed standard food and fractions of n-hexane E. fluctuans 57.03, 114.06, and 171.09 mg/kg, respectively (Group 4, 5 and 6). For 21 days, rats were fed the n-hexane fraction orally. On day 1 and day 21 of treatments, blood sugar levels were measured. The histophatology of the liver, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) level were estimated. At a dosage of 57.03 mg/kg was substantially (p < 0.05) beneficial in decreasing blood sugar and SGOT. The n-hexane fraction of E. fluctuans ameliorated liver damage in diabetic rats and avoided diabetes complications, according to our findings. As a result, E. fluctuans has a considerable amount of potential as a novel diabetic therapy. Keywords: Diabetes, Enhydra fluctuans, Insulin resistance, Liver cells regeneration.

Research on the genetic variation of Anguilla spp. in the waters of the West Coast of West Sumatra was carried out from February to June 2022. This study used the RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) method. In this study, two Anguilla species were found, namely A. marmorata and A. bicolor bicolor. The highest heterozygosity value of A. marmorata in the Tarusan River was 0,2018, and A. bicolor bicolor in Mentawai was 0,2340. The values of gene flow (Nm) in A. marmorata and A. bicolor bicolor were 0.7592 and 1.6318. The values of genetic differentiation (GST) in A. marmorata and A. bicolor bicolor were 0.3971 and 0.2345, respectively. This shows that the value of genetic variation of A. marmorata and A. bicolor bicolor in several rivers on the west coast of West Sumatra is low.

Cyclocheilichthys apogon (Beardless Barb fish) and Cyclocheilichthys armatus (Hihgfin Barb fish) in West Sumatra is known by the local name Turiak and Catua fish, respectively, are economically important species. Reducing populations and limited biological information about these fishes make their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships crucial. The genetic variation was investigated by analyzing the sequencing of a part of mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b (Cyt b) and Cytochrome oxidase-I (COI) genes of 23 individuals collected from West Sumatra populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the monophyletic lineage of the Cyclocheilichthys group and supported Anematichthys as the synonym of Cyclocheilichthys. C. armatus was closely related to C. janthochir and separated from C. apogon with sequences divergence were 12.7-14.0% (Cyt b) and 9.4%-10.0% (COI). C. apogon and C. armatus have low haplotype diversity and genetic diversity, respectively. Genetic diversity within and among populations with sequences divergence was 0.0-0.8% (Cyt b) and 0.0%-0.7% (COI), respectively. The low-level diversity may signify a possibility of gene flow within and among populations. The current data suggests all populations as a single stock unit. Present genetic information is important to establishing effective population management, conservation, and breeding strategies for Turiak and Catua fish.

Clarias batrachus is a species of fish that can be found in Sundaland. The separation of Sundaland resulted in the separation of the islands, one of which was the island of Sumatra. The island of Sumatra is divided into west and east sides by the Bukit Barisan mountains. So, it is necessary to study the phylogenetic of C. batrachus. The CO1 gene is one of the mtDNA genes that can be used for phylogenetic studies. This study was conducted to determine the geographical relationship to the phylogenetic relationship of C. batrachus populations in Sumatra and other populations in Southeast Asia using the CO1 gene and the relationship between geographic isolation in the eastern and western watersheds of Sumatra. Based on 504 bp of C. batrachus CO1 gene sequence and 19 comparison sequences, three sub-clusters with two subspecies were formed.

Bufonidaeis a widelydistributedamphibian family around the world, includingIndonesia (Sumatra) and Asia. Sumatra is an island thathas separated because of sea level increaseand createsa gene flow barrier for amphibiansin Sumatra and Asia. This research aims to analyze Bufonidae phylogenetic, which existsin sev-erallocations in West Sumatra and Asia based on gene cytochromeb analysis. Samples were collected from six localities in West Sumatra. DNA extraction and amplification havebeen done in Genetics and Cell BiologyLaboratory, Andalas University, whereas DNA sequencing wasanalyzed at MacroGen USA DNA Se-quencing Laboratory, South Korea. About 14 tissue samples of Bufonidae from West Sumatra havebeen analyzed. The relationship of Bufonidae phylogeneticsin Sumatra and Asia wasdivided into three main clusters.The first cluster consistsof Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Duttaphrynus himalayanus, Bufo japonicus and Ingerophrynus quadriporcatus. The second cluster consists ofLeptophryne bar-bonica, Phrynoidis juxtasperand Phrynoidis aspera. The third cluster only con-sists of Ansoniasp. D.melanostictus in Sumatra is closer to D.melanostictus from India with 0.3-0.5% sequence divergence and it is a group of paraphyletic with D.melanostictus from Vietnam, Taiwan, and China. L.barbonicafrom Padang Pan-jang with Bengkulu possibility different species (sequence divergent 26.1%). P.aspera(Solok&Sijunjung) with (Malampah 1-2, Rimbopanti, Palupuh Agam) indicated genetic differences between populations(sequence divergence1.9%-2.2%). For Ansonia sp. and I.quadriporcatusneed further analysis to determine the relationship phylogenetically

Objective: This study aims to examine the y-maze test in alzheimer's rat after giving mesenchymal stem cell wharton jelly. Methods: This study used the y-maze test method to test the cognitive test of rat with the Y arm model. The treatment group consisted of a control, AlCl3, MSC-WJ and a combination of AlCl3 and MSC-WJ. The results obtained were analyzed in the form of a percentage. Results: The results of this study showed that the y-maze test showed that MSC-WJ had a significant effect compared to the AlCl3 control group in the alzheimer’s rat, namely 51.33% and 12.31%. Conclusion: In this study it was concluded that that MSC-WJ has a significant effect on alzheimer’s rat with y maze test. Keywords: AlCl3; Alzheimer’s; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Wharton Jelly

We present new records of Ichthyophis elongatus Taylor, 1965 in West Sumatra. These records extend the known distribution of the species which was previously only known from the type locality in Padang, West Sumatra. We assess the morphology and habitats of this species and estimate its distribution. Predicted distribution based on maximum entropy modeling suggests a highly suitable habitat for the species throughout the Barisan Mountains at 500–1000 m above sea level. Our models suggest swamps, paddy fields, and secondary forests that are 100–150 m from rivers as the highest possible habitats for the species. Further surveys in two predicted areas based on the models discovered new populations of the species.

The research on antimicrobial activity of skin secretion derived from Rana hosii (Anura: Ranidae) against several pathogenic microbes had been conducted at Microbiology Laboratory and at Genetics and Biomolecular Laboratory, both in the Biology Department, Universitas Andalas. The research used to survey and experimental methods. The study aimed to determine the effectivity of Rana hosii skin secretion to inhibit microbial activity, hence it tested onto some pathogenic microbes such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The results showed that the biggest inhibition zone formed against E. coli was 10.96 + 0.63 mm, on S. aureus was 11.74 + 1.00 mm, while on C. albicans was 7.42 + 0.80 mm. The results indicated that the skin secretions from Rana hosii frog could be a potential broad-spectrum antibacterial, and antifungal activity against C. albicans.

Population of Bilih Fish (Mystacoleucus padangensis) in Singkarak Lake has decreased as the effect of intensive exploitation and changes in water use function. Many appropriate works have been conducted for the fish conservation. One of them is introducing Bilih fish population to a new habitat, Toba Lake. After nine years of releasing the fish, there was a hypothesis that these fish had undergone some changes on their morphology compared to their original population in Singkarak Lake. The changes could occure in some morphological characters and also the increase or decrease of their growth. This study was aimed at comparing morphology characters between Bilih fish introduced to Toba Lake with the original population in Singkarak Lake. Survey method was used and 400 samples of fish were taken from each Singkarak and Toba Lakes. Parameters measured were 29 morphological characters. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney U Test with SPSS 22. The results showed that 27 morphological characters of introduced fish had changed. Characters that had not changed were dorsal fin (anterior end)-anal fin distance (DFAF) and preanal distance (PD). Population of Bilih fish in Toba Lake might keep changing in the process of morphological character differentiation as long as environment factors still support the life of Bilih fish.

Psoriasis vulgaris is chronic skin disease that is linked to genetics and immune system. The most important predisposing genetic factor is human leukocyte antigen (HLA). This study was performed to determine the relationship between HLA-Cw6 allele and psoriasis vulgaris and the changes of nucleotide base squences, using observation method with a cross sectional comparative study. Samples were selected using consecutive sampling of 30 patients with psoriasis vulgaris attending the Dermatology and STD polyclinic at DR. M. Djamil Hospital. 30 healthy volunteers were selected as controls. The subjects’ medical history was recorded followed by a dermatological examination, collection of samples, DNA isolation, then primers were designed for HLA-Cw6 allele, genes were sequencing and finally analyzed using PCR-SSP. The results were 20% of patients with psoriasis vulgaris carried HLA-Cw6 allele, while it was absent in the control group. This difference is statistically significant at the 5% level (p = 0.024). We found the changes of nucleotide base formations of HLA-Cw6. In conclusion, based on these observations, presence of the HLA-Cw6 allele is an important genetic risk factor for developing psoriasis vulgaris.

The objective of this research to study the phylogenetic relationship among Limnonectes species found in West Sumatra and with other species from South East Asia based on the partial DNA sequences16S rRNA sequences. DNA sequences were aligned using ClustalX version 1.64b, and the phylogenetic relationship within samples were analyzed using PHYLIP version 3.5c program. The alignment showed that, from 805 sites, there are 250 parsimony informative polymorphism sites. The phylogenetic tree showed that all of the Limnonectes spesies were divided in two clusters, the L. blythii complex and L. kuhlii complex. L. kuhlii and L. sp1 clustered into L. kuhlii complex and L. shomponerum and L. macrodon were clustered to L. blythii complex.. This result showed that L. kuhlii and L. blythii are species complexes that are actually constituted of several species.

Serratia plymuthica UBCF_13 produces the maximum level of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in yeast mannitol medium. However, the impact of medium ingredients on gene expression and metabolites related to IAA synthesis remains unclear. Therefore, Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to assess the effects of culture medium optimization components on the genes involved in IAA production. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) has been employed to investigate the impact of medium constituents on the metabolites associated with the biosynthesis of IAA. The highest IAA production was found in sucrose and yeast extract as the carbon and nitrogen sources (134.6 µg/mL). It was also discovered that calcium carbonate and magnesium sulfate are significant inorganic salts for UBCF_13 in the production of IAA. Most genes showed higher levels of expression when sucrose was used as the carbon source, including ipdC, nthA, puuC, amiE, oxdA, tyrB and nthB. Furthermore, the expression of tyrB, puuC, DDC and oxdA was upregulated in response to calcium carbonate, while puuC, nthA, nthB and amiE expression levels were elevated in the presence of magnesium sulfate. Indole-3-acetamide (IAM) was identified with HPLC as an intermediate product in several optimized culture media, with the highest IAA concentration (429.79 µg/mL) which was observed in yeast sucrose medium. Thus, sucrose played a pivotal role in IAA biosynthesis, and yeast sucrose medium supplemented with complete inorganic salts emerged as the optimal medium for IAA production by UBCF_13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whole genome sequencing is become an essential tool to explore potential of microorganism and evolutionary study. The Serratia plymuthica UBCF_13 is one of phylloplane associated plant bacteria showing antifungal activity. For that reason, its complete genome information is necessary to enhance its potential as biocontrol against plant pathogenic fungal. Here, we report the genome sequence of Serratia plymuthica UBCF_13 to understand the molecular mechanism regarding its biocontrol ability. Methods: Continuous short reads were attained from Illumina sequencing runs and reads 150 bp were merged into a single dataset. Pan-genome based method was used to identify core-genome of S. plymuthica species and unique gene in UBCF_13. Results: Assambled Illumina reads of S. plymuthica strain UBCF_13 genome was produced a 5.46 Mb circular genome sequence. It was found 3321 genes belong to the core-genome sheared by the 18 strains evaluated. The UBCF_13 genome harbor 485 unique genes, where 300 of them only can be found in this strain Conclusions: The sequence of UBCF_13 genome sequence data will contribute for further exploration of the potential of S. plymuthica UBCF_13 as bacteria producing antibiotic.

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Cyclocheilichthys apogon (Beardless Barb fish) and Cyclocheilichthys armatus (Hihgfin Barb fish) in West Sumatra is known by the local name Turiak and Catua fish, respectively, are economically important species. Reducing populations and limited biological information about these fishes make their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships crucial. The genetic variation was investigated by analyzing the sequencing of a part of mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome b (Cyt b) and Cytochrome oxidase-I (COI) genes of 23 individuals collected from West Sumatra populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the monophyletic lineage of the Cyclocheilichthys group and supported Anematichthys as the synonym of Cyclocheilichthys. C. armatus was closely related to C. janthochir and separated from C. apogon with sequences divergence were 12.7-14.0% (Cyt b) and 9.4%-10.0% (COI). C. apogon and C. armatus have low haplotype diversity and genetic diversity, respectively. Genetic diversity within and among populations with sequences divergence was 0.0-0.8% (Cyt b) and 0.0%-0.7% (COI), respectively. The low-level diversity may signify a possibility of gene flow within and among populations. The current data suggests all populations as a single stock unit. Present genetic information is important to establishing effective population management, conservation, and breeding strategies for Turiak and Catua fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lowland region of Sumatra Barat has received little attention in previous biodiversity studies. Past studies have mainly focused on highland habitat and conservation areas. However, many populations of Cyrtodactylus in the lowland habitats of Sumatra Barat were not correctly identified. A phylogenetic tree based on the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene showed that the lowland Sumatran population is the sister group of the Malaysian lowland species, C. semenanjungensis, together nesting within the agamensis group. The genetic divergence within the Sumatra Barat population is 0-4.2% and 18.3-20% to C. semenanjungensis. Further examination of morphological characters revealed that they differed from the sister clade and other Sumatran Cyrtodactylus members by a unique combination of characters such as absence of tubercle on brachium, presence of tubercle on ventrolateral fold, 32-41 paravertebral tubercles, 38-46 ventral scales, enlarged femoral scales, presence of precloacofemoral pores and 22-23 subdigital lamellae under fourth toe. Based on the morphological and molecular evidence, the lowland Sumatran population is herein described as a new species, increasing the number of species in Sumatra to seven. More comprehensive and intensive sampling efforts would most likely yield further discoveries in the group of Sumatran Cyrtodactylus in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the six species of Cyrtodactylus occurring in Sumatra, two species were described based on non-Sumatran type series, C. consobrinus and C. quadrivirgatus. The latter species was described originally from Thailand thus the wider distribution in Sumatra should be clarified taxonomically. Cyrtodactylus quadrivirgatus from Sumatra Barat was examined using both morphology and the Natrium Dehydrogenase Subunit 2 (ND2) gene to clarify its taxonomic status and phylogenetic placement. It was found that these specimens form a sister clade to all other species of the sworderi group from Peninsular Malaysia and the genetic distance ranges from 20-24.3%. This subset is herein described as a new species. The new species is readily distinguished from C. quadrivirgatus and other Sumatran species by a combination of characters: small size SVL 37.5-53.78 mm; longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles 16-19; paravertebral tubercles 31-41; ventral scales 32-43; 24-49 enlarged precloacal and femoral scales; precloacal pores rarely present; no precloacal depression; two postcloacal tubercles on each side; 14-19 subdigital lamellae on forth toe; 9-15 supralabial scales; 9-12 infralabial scales; three or four internasal scales; and 3-6 gular scales that border the first pair of postmental scales. This work underscores the importance of clarifying widely distributed species for taxonomic validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our study aims to observe the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in lowering amyloid accumulation and ryanodine receptor 3 (RYR3) gene expression, further improving cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: Twenty male adult Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups of animals (n = 5). The AlCl3 group was given 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) of AlCl3 intraperitoneally for 5 days, further the MSC injection, and their effect after 30 days was observed. Results: MSCs improved amyloid accumulation and Y-maze scores, and expression of the RYR3 gene decreased compared to the control group. Conclusions: MSCs improved amyloid accumulation, Y-maze scores, and RYR3 expression in the AD animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]