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An Enterococcus faecalis strain SHH039 was isolated from a 68 year old man who was hospitalised with cholecystitis. The genomic sequence of this isolate which had a size of 2,990,081 bp and 2,663 proteins with functional assignments is presented here. Analysis of the genome revealed Enterococ- cus faecalis with multiple antibiotic resistance genes which may be associated with acute cholecystitis. It may be not clear if the infection symptoms are the consequence of ente- rococci manifestation. However, this opportunistic organism may play a minor role in the disease.

An Enterococcus faecalis strain SHH039 was isolated from a 68 year old man who was hospitalised with cholecystitis. The genomic sequence of this isolate which had a size of 2,990,081 bp and 2,663 proteins with functional assignments is presented here. Analysis of the genome revealed Enterococ- cus faecalis with multiple antibiotic resistance genes which may be associated with acute cholecystitis. It may be not clear if the infection symptoms are the consequence of ente- rococci manifestation. However, this opportunistic organism may play a minor role in the disease.

An Enterococcus faecalis strain SHH039 was isolated from a 68 year old man who was hospitalised with cholecystitis. The genomic sequence of this isolate which had a size of 2,990,081 bp and 2,663 proteins with functional assignments is presented here. Analysis of the genome revealed Enterococ- cus faecalis with multiple antibiotic resistance genes which may be associated with acute cholecystitis. It may be not clear if the infection symptoms are the consequence of ente- rococci manifestation. However, this opportunistic organism may play a minor role in the disease.

Along with the entire world, environmental degradation is a topical issue for Bangladesh. This paper investigates the process of environmental degradation as an outcome of the destruction of forests by state and non-state actors in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Sylhet is home of the thirty-seven indigenous communities as well as mainstream Bengalis. Indigenous people (and Bengalis) rely on forests and the environment for their survival and livelihood to some extent. This study focuses on the Khasi people, as their lifestyles and livelihoods are more closely linked to environmental resources than other indigenous populations. This study takes an exploratory approach to social research and the conceptual framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) to investigate the role of different mechanisms behind environmental degradation. It reviews the existing literature and published and unpublished reports, alongside fieldwork data collected through observation of the circumstances and interviews with stakeholders, help to explain the process of environmental degradation, its causes, mechanisms, and outcomes. The current state of environmental degradation in Sylhet, according to this study, is neither shaped by pollution nor naturally produced environmental changes. Rather, the Sylhet region's inherent dimension of environmental degradation might be conceptualized as the result of tree removal by various entities. This study shows that the government's (and the world's) reforestation and afforestation initiatives will not help the Sylhet region's environmental predicament unless the region's environmentally harmful actions by various state and non-state entities are immediately stopped.

Along with the entire world, environmental degradation is a topical issue for Bangladesh. This paper investigates the process of environmental degradation as an outcome of the destruction of forests by state and non-state actors in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Sylhet is home of the thirty-seven indigenous communities as well as mainstream Bengalis. Indigenous people (and Bengalis) rely on forests and the environment for their survival and livelihood to some extent. This study focuses on the Khasi people, as their lifestyles and livelihoods are more closely linked to environmental resources than other indigenous populations. This study takes an exploratory approach to social research and the conceptual framework of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) to investigate the role of different mechanisms behind environmental degradation. It reviews the existing literature and published and unpublished reports, alongside fieldwork data collected through observation of the circumstances and interviews with stakeholders, help to explain the process of environmental degradation, its causes, mechanisms, and outcomes. The current state of environmental degradation in Sylhet, according to this study, is neither shaped by pollution nor naturally produced environmental changes. Rather, the Sylhet region's inherent dimension of environmental degradation might be conceptualized as the result of tree removal by various entities. This study shows that the government's (and the world's) reforestation and afforestation initiatives will not help the Sylhet region's environmental predicament unless the region's environmentally harmful actions by various state and non-state entities are immediately stopped.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly promising as biomarkers and are an attractive tool for novel therapeutic approaches. The expression of miRNAs in patient’s serum has been broadly used as biomarker candidates against viral infection. Circulatory miRNAs can directly regulate viral genes either by promoting or repressing viral replications. Objectives: Thus, we attempted to identify serotype specific miRNA in patients with dengue infection. For the purpose of this paper, we present the expression profile of microRNAs in Dengue Serotype 1 (DENV-1) patients. Methodology: A total of 40 patients with a single DENV-1 serotype infection were identified along with 40 healthy controls. Serum RNAs was isolated from these subjects and subjected to high-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-18-2782-42195). Result: After, trimming and quality control of the reads, we shortlisted 35 miRNAs candidates that were promising for downstream analysis. From this, 24 miRNAs was upregulated in DENV-1 while, 11 was downregulated in the sera of patients. Conclusion: Differential expression of microRNA may serve as reliable biomarkers of disease severity during early stages of dengue infection.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly promising as biomarkers and are an attractive tool for novel therapeutic approaches. The expression of miRNAs in patient’s serum has been broadly used as biomarker candidates against viral infection. Circulatory miRNAs can directly regulate viral genes either by promoting or repressing viral replications. Objectives: Thus, we attempted to identify serotype specific miRNA in patients with dengue infection. For the purpose of this paper, we present the expression profile of microRNAs in Dengue Serotype 1 (DENV-1) patients. Methodology: A total of 40 patients with a single DENV-1 serotype infection were identified along with 40 healthy controls. Serum RNAs was isolated from these subjects and subjected to high-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-18-2782-42195). Result: After, trimming and quality control of the reads, we shortlisted 35 miRNAs candidates that were promising for downstream analysis. From this, 24 miRNAs was upregulated in DENV-1 while, 11 was downregulated in the sera of patients. Conclusion: Differential expression of microRNA may serve as reliable biomarkers of disease severity during early stages of dengue infection.

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacterium that causes various human nosocomial infections including urinary tract infection, endocarditis, wound infection, and bacteremia. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the molecular characterization of local Enterococcus bacteria (isolate no. SHH039) isolated from a patient in a tertiary hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, using whole- genome sequencing. Methodology: A Tissue sample collected from a patient with cholecystitis was cultured for bacteria onto blood agar and identified and characterize by molecular methods. Bacterial DNA was extracted by using the Qiagen DNeasy Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The quantification of DNA was done using Qubit fluorometer (Qubit 3.0, Thermo Fisher Scientific). The sample was then sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. In addition, the 16S rRNA sequence was aligned with reference sequences using CLUSTAL W and subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was obtained using the maximum-likelihood method in MEGA 8.0. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-19-1770-48622) and University Malaysia Sabah ethical committee (JKEtika 1/19(26). Result: Our phylogenetic tree analysis showed the isolate belongs to Enterococcus faecalis. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 2,990,081 bp with a G + C content of 37.30%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 77 contigs with an N50 of 270,652 bp. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAEFCX000000000. The raw data were deposited as sequence read archieve (SRA) number SRR13153714. Conclusion: The molecular characterization data from our study might be helpful to understand the insights of the E. faecalis infection mechanism and molecular characteristics of the pathogen.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly promising as biomarkers and are an attractive tool for novel therapeutic approaches. The expression of miRNAs in patient’s serum has been broadly used as biomarker candidates against viral infection. Circulatory miRNAs can directly regulate viral genes either by promoting or repressing viral replications. Objectives: Thus, we attempted to identify serotype specific miRNA in patients with dengue infection. For the purpose of this paper, we present the expression profile of microRNAs in Dengue Serotype 1 (DENV-1) patients. Methodology: A total of 40 patients with a single DENV-1 serotype infection were identified along with 40 healthy controls. Serum RNAs was isolated from these subjects and subjected to high-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-18-2782-42195). Result: After, trimming and quality control of the reads, we shortlisted 35 miRNAs candidates that were promising for downstream analysis. From this, 24 miRNAs was upregulated in DENV-1 while, 11 was downregulated in the sera of patients. Conclusion: Differential expression of microRNA may serve as reliable biomarkers of disease severity during early stages of dengue infection.

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacterium that causes various human nosocomial infections including urinary tract infection, endocarditis, wound infection, and bacteremia. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the molecular characterization of local Enterococcus bacteria (isolate no. SHH039) isolated from a patient in a tertiary hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, using whole- genome sequencing. Methodology: A Tissue sample collected from a patient with cholecystitis was cultured for bacteria onto blood agar and identified and characterize by molecular methods. Bacterial DNA was extracted by using the Qiagen DNeasy Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The quantification of DNA was done using Qubit fluorometer (Qubit 3.0, Thermo Fisher Scientific). The sample was then sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. In addition, the 16S rRNA sequence was aligned with reference sequences using CLUSTAL W and subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was obtained using the maximum-likelihood method in MEGA 8.0. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-19-1770-48622) and University Malaysia Sabah ethical committee (JKEtika 1/19(26). Result: Our phylogenetic tree analysis showed the isolate belongs to Enterococcus faecalis. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 2,990,081 bp with a G + C content of 37.30%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 77 contigs with an N50 of 270,652 bp. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAEFCX000000000. The raw data were deposited as sequence read archieve (SRA) number SRR13153714. Conclusion: The molecular characterization data from our study might be helpful to understand the insights of the E. faecalis infection mechanism and molecular characteristics of the pathogen.

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacterium that causes various human nosocomial infections including urinary tract infection, endocarditis, wound infection, and bacteremia. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the molecular characterization of local Enterococcus bacteria (isolate no. SHH039) isolated from a patient in a tertiary hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, using whole- genome sequencing. Methodology: A Tissue sample collected from a patient with cholecystitis was cultured for bacteria onto blood agar and identified and characterize by molecular methods. Bacterial DNA was extracted by using the Qiagen DNeasy Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The quantification of DNA was done using Qubit fluorometer (Qubit 3.0, Thermo Fisher Scientific). The sample was then sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. In addition, the 16S rRNA sequence was aligned with reference sequences using CLUSTAL W and subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was obtained using the maximum-likelihood method in MEGA 8.0. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-19-1770-48622) and University Malaysia Sabah ethical committee (JKEtika 1/19(26). Result: Our phylogenetic tree analysis showed the isolate belongs to Enterococcus faecalis. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 2,990,081 bp with a G + C content of 37.30%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 77 contigs with an N50 of 270,652 bp. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAEFCX000000000. The raw data were deposited as sequence read archieve (SRA) number SRR13153714. Conclusion: The molecular characterization data from our study might be helpful to understand the insights of the E. faecalis infection mechanism and molecular characteristics of the pathogen.

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are highly promising as biomarkers and are an attractive tool for novel therapeutic approaches. The expression of miRNAs in patient’s serum has been broadly used as biomarker candidates against viral infection. Circulatory miRNAs can directly regulate viral genes either by promoting or repressing viral replications. Objectives: Thus, we attempted to identify serotype specific miRNA in patients with dengue infection. For the purpose of this paper, we present the expression profile of microRNAs in Dengue Serotype 1 (DENV-1) patients. Methodology: A total of 40 patients with a single DENV-1 serotype infection were identified along with 40 healthy controls. Serum RNAs was isolated from these subjects and subjected to high-throughput small RNA (sRNA) sequencing. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-18-2782-42195). Result: After, trimming and quality control of the reads, we shortlisted 35 miRNAs candidates that were promising for downstream analysis. From this, 24 miRNAs was upregulated in DENV-1 while, 11 was downregulated in the sera of patients. Conclusion: Differential expression of microRNA may serve as reliable biomarkers of disease severity during early stages of dengue infection.

Introduction: Enterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive bacterium that causes various human nosocomial infections including urinary tract infection, endocarditis, wound infection, and bacteremia. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the molecular characterization of local Enterococcus bacteria (isolate no. SHH039) isolated from a patient in a tertiary hospital in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, using whole- genome sequencing. Methodology: A Tissue sample collected from a patient with cholecystitis was cultured for bacteria onto blood agar and identified and characterize by molecular methods. Bacterial DNA was extracted by using the Qiagen DNeasy Tissue Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The quantification of DNA was done using Qubit fluorometer (Qubit 3.0, Thermo Fisher Scientific). The sample was then sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. In addition, the 16S rRNA sequence was aligned with reference sequences using CLUSTAL W and subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was obtained using the maximum-likelihood method in MEGA 8.0. This research was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia (No. NMRR-19-1770-48622) and University Malaysia Sabah ethical committee (JKEtika 1/19(26). Result: Our phylogenetic tree analysis showed the isolate belongs to Enterococcus faecalis. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 2,990,081 bp with a G + C content of 37.30%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 77 contigs with an N50 of 270,652 bp. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAEFCX000000000. The raw data were deposited as sequence read archieve (SRA) number SRR13153714. Conclusion: The molecular characterization data from our study might be helpful to understand the insights of the E. faecalis infection mechanism and molecular characteristics of the pathogen.

Chromobacterium violaceum is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacillus which is commonly found in soil. It can cause mild diarrhoea upon infection but can progress, although rarely, to fatal multi-organ failure and death. Here we report the whole genome sequence data of Chromobacterium violaceum WCH4 strain, a pathogenic strain that was obtained from a 78 year old male patient suffering from an eye infection. This is a rare case of human infection of the bacteria. Blood culture report as well as 16S rRNA confirmed the presence of C. violaceum WCH4. DNA sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system revealed a genome size of 4,637,406 bp with a GC-content of 64.89%. We identified 4,572 protein coding sequences (CDS), 78 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The CDS included 1,261 hypothetical proteins and 3,311 proteins with functional assignments. We also identified seven putative genes involved in efflux pump and conferring multidrug antibiotic resistance. The genome data has been deposited at NCBI under the accession number JAFBBB000000000 and consist of full annotated genome and raw sequence data. Our data resource will assist in further downstream analysis and understanding of the mechanism of rare human infection caused by Chromobacterium violaceum WCH4 strain.

Chromobacterium violaceum is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacillus which is commonly found in soil. It can cause mild diarrhoea upon infection but can progress, although rarely, to fatal multi-organ failure and death. Here we report the whole genome sequence data of Chromobacterium violaceum WCH4 strain, a pathogenic strain that was obtained from a 78 year old male patient suffering from an eye infection. This is a rare case of human infection of the bacteria. Blood culture report as well as 16S rRNA confirmed the presence of C. violaceum WCH4. DNA sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system revealed a genome size of 4,637,406 bp with a GC-content of 64.89%. We identified 4,572 protein coding sequences (CDS), 78 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The CDS included 1,261 hypothetical proteins and 3,311 proteins with functional assignments. We also identified seven putative genes involved in efflux pump and conferring multidrug antibiotic resistance. The genome data has been deposited at NCBI under the accession number JAFBBB000000000 and consist of full annotated genome and raw sequence data. Our data resource will assist in further downstream analysis and understanding of the mechanism of rare human infection caused by Chromobacterium violaceum WCH4 strain.

Chromobacterium violaceum is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacillus which is commonly found in soil. It can cause mild diarrhoea upon infection but can progress, although rarely, to fatal multi-organ failure and death. Here we report the whole genome sequence data of Chromobacterium violaceum WCH4 strain, a pathogenic strain that was obtained from a 78 year old male patient suffering from an eye infection. This is a rare case of human infection of the bacteria. Blood culture report as well as 16S rRNA confirmed the presence of C. violaceum WCH4. DNA sequencing using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system revealed a genome size of 4,637,406 bp with a GC-content of 64.89%. We identified 4,572 protein coding sequences (CDS), 78 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 3 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. The CDS included 1,261 hypothetical proteins and 3,311 proteins with functional assignments. We also identified seven putative genes involved in efflux pump and conferring multidrug antibiotic resistance. The genome data has been deposited at NCBI under the accession number JAFBBB000000000 and consist of full annotated genome and raw sequence data. Our data resource will assist in further downstream analysis and understanding of the mechanism of rare human infection caused by Chromobacterium violaceum WCH4 strain.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

Enterococcus gallinarum is a gram positive facultatively anaerobic bacteria that is typically found in mammalian intestinal tracts. It is generally not considered pathogenic to humans and is rarely reported. Here, we present the draft genome sequence data of Enterococcus gallinarum strain EGR748 isolated from a human clinical sample, and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 3,730,000 bp with a G + C content of 40.43%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 55 contigs with an N50 of 208,509 bp. In addition, the Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence data accurately clustered EGR748 with other E. gallinarum strains. The data may be useful to demonstrate the capacity of this enterococcal species becoming the causal agents of nosocomial blood-stream infections. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAABOR000000000.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB population sandis estimated to have arisen5.5thousand years(220generations) ago, which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB population sandis estimated to have arisen5.5thousand years(220generations) ago, which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

Enterococcus gallinarum is a gram positive facultatively anaerobic bacteria that is typically found in mammalian intestinal tracts. It is generally not considered pathogenic to humans and is rarely reported. Here, we present the draft genome sequence data of Enterococcus gallinarum strain EGR748 isolated from a human clinical sample, and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 3,730,000 bp with a G + C content of 40.43%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 55 contigs with an N50 of 208,509 bp. In addition, the Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence data accurately clustered EGR748 with other E. gallinarum strains. The data may be useful to demonstrate the capacity of this enterococcal species becoming the causal agents of nosocomial blood-stream infections. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAABOR000000000.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB population sandis estimated to have arisen5.5thousand years(220generations) ago, which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

Enterococcus gallinarum is a gram positive facultatively anaerobic bacteria that is typically found in mammalian intestinal tracts. It is generally not considered pathogenic to humans and is rarely reported. Here, we present the draft genome sequence data of Enterococcus gallinarum strain EGR748 isolated from a human clinical sample, and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 3,730,000 bp with a G + C content of 40.43%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 55 contigs with an N50 of 208,509 bp. In addition, the Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence data accurately clustered EGR748 with other E. gallinarum strains. The data may be useful to demonstrate the capacity of this enterococcal species becoming the causal agents of nosocomial blood-stream infections. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAABOR000000000.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB population sandis estimated to have arisen5.5thousand years(220generations) ago, which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

Enterococcus gallinarum is a gram positive facultatively anaerobic bacteria that is typically found in mammalian intestinal tracts. It is generally not considered pathogenic to humans and is rarely reported. Here, we present the draft genome sequence data of Enterococcus gallinarum strain EGR748 isolated from a human clinical sample, and sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 system. The estimated whole genome size of the strain was 3,730,000 bp with a G + C content of 40.43%. The de novo assembly of the genome generated 55 contigs with an N50 of 208,509 bp. In addition, the Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence data accurately clustered EGR748 with other E. gallinarum strains. The data may be useful to demonstrate the capacity of this enterococcal species becoming the causal agents of nosocomial blood-stream infections. The genome dataset has been deposited at DDBJ/ENA/GenBank under the accession number JAABOR000000000.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB populations and isestimated to have arisen 5.5 thousand years (220generations) ago,which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB populations and isestimated to have arisen 5.5 thousand years (220generations) ago,which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB populations and isestimated to have arisen 5.5 thousand years (220generations) ago,which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

North Borneo (NB) is home to more than 40 native populations. These natives are believed to have undergone local adaptation in response to environmental challenges such as the mosquito-abundant tropical rainforest. We attempted to trace the footprints of natural selection from the genomic data of NB native populations using a panel of 2.2 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a result, an 13-kb haplotype in the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II region encompassing candidate genes TSBP1–BTNL2–HLA-DRA was identified to be undergoing natural selection. This putative signature of positive selection is shared among the five NB populations and isestimated to have arisen 5.5 thousand years (220generations) ago,which coincides with the period of Austronesian expansion. Owing to the long history of endemic malaria in NB, the putative signature of positive selection is postulated to be driven by Plasmodium parasite infection. The findings of this study imply that despite high levels of genetic differentiation, the NB populations might have experienced similar local genetic adaptation resulting from stresses of the shared environment.

Purpose – Social media continues to be the major influencer in the lives of the millennial and generation-z in many regions of the world; especially in influencing their travel decisions. In order to validate such relationship, a systematic literature review with an end goal of closing the current gaps in knowledge with regard to the impact of social media on tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has been conducted. Design/Methodology – We performed a systematic search of relevant literature through various databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect and ProQuest. In total, 25 articles were taken into consideration in which the review protocol made use of specific techniques such as PRISMA. Approach – We conceptualized the differences and similarities in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry influenced by social media. Findings – As a contribution to knowledge and practice, we found that the usage of social media for tourism marketing purposes is strongly correlated to the tourism industry in many countries of the APAC region. However, it has not yet been generalized as a popular tool in other nations in the region. Originality of the research – This study provides practical and future recommendations concerning the influence of social media in the Asia-Pacific context that has become increasingly popular. Asia-Pacific governments need to introduce social media inclusive tourism marketing to capture the full potential of their tourism industry.

This paper considers the hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) fishery of southern Bangladesh as a case study regarding governance and power dynamics at play in a small-scale fishery, and the relevance of these for the sustainable management of coastal fisheries. Qualitative methods, involving in-depth individual interviews (n = 128) and focus group discussions (n = 8) with key stakeholders in the hilsa fishery, were used to capture multiple perspectives on governance from those in different positions in the relative power structures studied, while facilitating insightful discussions and reflections. The analysis here is based on a power cube framework along three power dimensions (levels, spaces, and forms) in Bangladesh’s hilsa fishery. The study displays an imbalance in the present hilsa governance structure, with some stakeholders exercising more power than others, sidelining small-scale fishers, and encouraging increasing illegal fishing levels that ultimately harm both the fisheries and those dependent on them. To overcome this, we propose a co-management system that can play a vital role in equalizing power asymmetry among hilsa fishery stakeholders and ensure effective hilsa fishery governance. Our results suggest that recognizing analyzed power dynamics has substantial implications for the planning and implementation of such co-management and the long-term sustainability of the hilsa fishery.

Purpose – Social media continues to be the major influencer in the lives of the millennial and generation-z in many regions of the world; especially in influencing their travel decisions. In order to validate such relationship, a systematic literature review with an end goal of closing the current gaps in knowledge with regard to the impact of social media on tourism in the Asia-Pacific region has been conducted. Design/Methodology – We performed a systematic search of relevant literature through various databases including Scopus, ScienceDirect and ProQuest. In total, 25 articles were taken into consideration in which the review protocol made use of specific techniques such as PRISMA. Approach – We conceptualized the differences and similarities in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry influenced by social media. Findings – As a contribution to knowledge and practice, we found that the usage of social media for tourism marketing purposes is strongly correlated to the tourism industry in many countries of the APAC region. However, it has not yet been generalized as a popular tool in other nations in the region. Originality of the research – This study provides practical and future recommendations concerning the influence of social media in the Asia-Pacific context that has become increasingly popular. Asia-Pacific governments need to introduce social media inclusive tourism marketing to capture the full potential of their tourism industry.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

The Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations recognize the importance of making progress in the eradication and treatment of sexually transmitted deceases (STD). STD are among the most widespread diseases in the world and have the highest prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. The current study explored the associations between the allocation of the development assistance for health (DAH) in 54 African countries and key development indicators – STD incidence, Gross Domestic Product per capita, health expenditure, and life expectancy at birth. It employed descriptive statistical methods, the matrix scatter plot analysis and the Pearson correlation test for this purpose. The findings indicated that there was a considerable increase in the volume of the DAH given to control and prevent STD in Africa over the period of 2002–2011. A statistically significant positive association was detected between the STD incidence and the health aid allocations. At the same time, the imbalance in the distribution of the health aid between the major and minor aid recipients in the continent increased. The study concludes by discussing policy implications that can be drawn from these findings.

This article examines the impacts of the geopolitical risk, global economic policy uncertainty, and oil price shocks on stock prices in Malaysia using factor augmented SVAR approach. The findings show that while geopolitical risk has no significant direct impacts on the overall stock market, its indirect impacts are significant and transmitted through the global economic policy uncertainty and oil shocks channels. Global economic policy uncertainty exerts negative effects on the overall stock market and its impacts are magnified by geopolitical risk. Oil related shocks exhibit asymmetric effects on both the aggregated and sectoral stock price. The impacts of oil demand shock on stock price are amplified by global economic uncertainty factor whereas oil supply shocks impacts are amplified by the geopolitical risk factor. At sectoral level, the impacts of all the global shocks vary across different sectors and time. The overall findings imply that global economic policy uncertainty and oil demand shock factors are systematic risk factors that can be employed to forecast stock market returns. The findings also provide implications for policymakers to regulate markets in maintaining financial stability and investors to react to future shocks in these global economic factors with regard to the risks and opportunities.

Small-scale fisheries (SSFs) have been playing a crucial role in meeting the basic needs of millions of people around the world. Despite this, the sustainability of global fisheries is a growing concern, and the factors enabling or constraining the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries remain poorly understood. Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) is the single most valuable species harvested in Bangladesh waters, serves nutrition, income, and employment to the large population. This study analyzed the state and challenges of hilsa fishery in the Gangetic River systems (Padma and Meghna Rivers) by using two frameworks, namely the social-ecological systems (SES) and drivers-pressure-state-impact-responses (DPSIR) frameworks. Primary data for this analysis were collected by in-depth interviews (n = 130) and focus group discussions (n = 8) with various stakeholders in the hilsa fisheries. The perspectives explored here have been both critical and constructive, including the identification of problems and suggestions for improving the management of this particular social-ecological system. Hilsa fisheries, however, have come under severe threat since 2003 because of population growth, overfishing, pollution, climate change, the disruption of migration routes due to siltation, etc. All these have caused reduced catches and less stable incomes for fishers. This, in turn, has led to poverty, malnutrition, social tensions, stakeholder conflicts, and debt cycles amongst more impoverished fishing communities. These problems have been compounded by improved fishing technology amongst larger-scale ventures, the use of illegal fishing gears, and the non-compliance of government fishery management programs. Recommendations include the promotion of community-supported fisheries, the enhancement of stakeholder’s social resilience, the introduction of co-management approach, an increase in incentives and formal financial supports, and possible community-managed sustainab

This article examines the impacts of the geopolitical risk, global economic policy uncertainty, and oil price shocks on stock prices in Malaysia using factor augmented SVAR approach. The findings show that while geopolitical risk has no significant direct impacts on the overall stock market, its indirect impacts are significant and transmitted through the global economic policy uncertainty and oil shocks channels. Global economic policy uncertainty exerts negative effects on the overall stock market and its impacts are magnified by geopolitical risk. Oil related shocks exhibit asymmetric effects on both the aggregated and sectoral stock price. The impacts of oil demand shock on stock price are amplified by global economic uncertainty factor whereas oil supply shocks impacts are amplified by the geopolitical risk factor. At sectoral level, the impacts of all the global shocks vary across different sectors and time. The overall findings imply that global economic policy uncertainty and oil demand shock factors are systematic risk factors that can be employed to forecast stock market returns. The findings also provide implications for policymakers to regulate markets in maintaining financial stability and investors to react to future shocks in these global economic factors with regard to the risks and opportunities.

Southeast Asia (SEA) is enriched with a complex history of peopling. Malaysia, which is located at the crossroads of SEA, has been recognized as one of the hubs for early human migration. To unravel the genomic complexity of the native inhabitants of Malaysia, we sequenced 12 samples from 3 indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia and 4 native populations from North Borneo to a high coverage of 28–37×. We showed that the Negritos from Peninsular Malaysia shared a common ancestor with the East Asians, but exhibited some level of gene flow from South Asia, while the North Borneo populations exhibited closer genetic affinity towards East Asians than the Malays. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50–33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40–15 kya), while the divergence time frame between North Borneo and East Asia populations predates the Austronesian expansion period implies a possible pre-Neolithic colonization. Substantial Neanderthal ancestry was confirmed in our genomes, as was observed in other East Asians. However, no significant difference was observed, in terms of the proportion of Denisovan gene flow into these native inhabitants from Malaysia. Judging from the similar amount of introgression in the Southeast Asians and East Asians, our findings suggest that the Denisovan gene flow may have occurred before the divergence of these populations and that the shared similarities are likely an ancestral component.

Southeast Asia (SEA) is enriched with a complex history of peopling. Malaysia, which is located at the crossroads of SEA, has been recognized as one of the hubs for early human migration. To unravel the genomic complexity of the native inhabitants of Malaysia, we sequenced 12 samples from 3 indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia and 4 native populations from North Borneo to a high coverage of 28–37×. We showed that the Negritos from Peninsular Malaysia shared a common ancestor with the East Asians, but exhibited some level of gene flow from South Asia, while the North Borneo populations exhibited closer genetic affinity towards East Asians than the Malays. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50–33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40–15 kya), while the divergence time frame between North Borneo and East Asia populations predates the Austronesian expansion period implies a possible pre-Neolithic colonization. Substantial Neanderthal ancestry was confirmed in our genomes, as was observed in other East Asians. However, no significant difference was observed, in terms of the proportion of Denisovan gene flow into these native inhabitants from Malaysia. Judging from the similar amount of introgression in the Southeast Asians and East Asians, our findings suggest that the Denisovan gene flow may have occurred before the divergence of these populations and that the shared similarities are likely an ancestral component.

Southeast Asia (SEA) is enriched with a complex history of peopling. Malaysia, which is located at the crossroads of SEA, has been recognized as one of the hubs for early human migration. To unravel the genomic complexity of the native inhabitants of Malaysia, we sequenced 12 samples from 3 indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia and 4 native populations from North Borneo to a high coverage of 28–37×. We showed that the Negritos from Peninsular Malaysia shared a common ancestor with the East Asians, but exhibited some level of gene flow from South Asia, while the North Borneo populations exhibited closer genetic affinity towards East Asians than the Malays. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50–33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40–15 kya), while the divergence time frame between North Borneo and East Asia populations predates the Austronesian expansion period implies a possible pre-Neolithic colonization. Substantial Neanderthal ancestry was confirmed in our genomes, as was observed in other East Asians. However, no significant difference was observed, in terms of the proportion of Denisovan gene flow into these native inhabitants from Malaysia. Judging from the similar amount of introgression in the Southeast Asians and East Asians, our findings suggest that the Denisovan gene flow may have occurred before the divergence of these populations and that the shared similarities are likely an ancestral component.

Southeast Asia (SEA) is enriched with a complex history of peopling. Malaysia, which is located at the crossroads of SEA, has been recognized as one of the hubs for early human migration. To unravel the genomic complexity of the native inhabitants of Malaysia, we sequenced 12 samples from 3 indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia and 4 native populations from North Borneo to a high coverage of 28–37×. We showed that the Negritos from Peninsular Malaysia shared a common ancestor with the East Asians, but exhibited some level of gene flow from South Asia, while the North Borneo populations exhibited closer genetic affinity towards East Asians than the Malays. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50–33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40–15 kya), while the divergence time frame between North Borneo and East Asia populations predates the Austronesian expansion period implies a possible pre-Neolithic colonization. Substantial Neanderthal ancestry was confirmed in our genomes, as was observed in other East Asians. However, no significant difference was observed, in terms of the proportion of Denisovan gene flow into these native inhabitants from Malaysia. Judging from the similar amount of introgression in the Southeast Asians and East Asians, our findings suggest that the Denisovan gene flow may have occurred before the divergence of these populations and that the shared similarities are likely an ancestral component.

Southeast Asia (SEA) is enriched with a complex history of peopling. Malaysia, which is located at the crossroads of SEA, has been recognized as one of the hubs for early human migration. To unravel the genomic complexity of the native inhabitants of Malaysia, we sequenced 12 samples from 3 indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia and 4 native populations from North Borneo to a high coverage of 28–37×. We showed that the Negritos from Peninsular Malaysia shared a common ancestor with the East Asians, but exhibited some level of gene flow from South Asia, while the North Borneo populations exhibited closer genetic affinity towards East Asians than the Malays. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50–33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40–15 kya), while the divergence time frame between North Borneo and East Asia populations predates the Austronesian expansion period implies a possible pre-Neolithic colonization. Substantial Neanderthal ancestry was confirmed in our genomes, as was observed in other East Asians. However, no significant difference was observed, in terms of the proportion of Denisovan gene flow into these native inhabitants from Malaysia. Judging from the similar amount of introgression in the Southeast Asians and East Asians, our findings suggest that the Denisovan gene flow may have occurred before the divergence of these populations and that the shared similarities are likely an ancestral component.

Southeast Asia (SEA) is enriched with a complex history of peopling. Malaysia, which is located at the crossroads of SEA, has been recognized as one of the hubs for early human migration. To unravel the genomic complexity of the native inhabitants of Malaysia, we sequenced 12 samples from 3 indigenous populations from Peninsular Malaysia and 4 native populations from North Borneo to a high coverage of 28–37×. We showed that the Negritos from Peninsular Malaysia shared a common ancestor with the East Asians, but exhibited some level of gene flow from South Asia, while the North Borneo populations exhibited closer genetic affinity towards East Asians than the Malays. The analysis of time of divergence suggested that ancestors of Negrito were the earliest settlers in the Malay Peninsula, whom first separated from the Papuans ~ 50–33 thousand years ago (kya), followed by East Asian (~ 40–15 kya), while the divergence time frame between North Borneo and East Asia populations predates the Austronesian expansion period implies a possible pre-Neolithic colonization. Substantial Neanderthal ancestry was confirmed in our genomes, as was observed in other East Asians. However, no significant difference was observed, in terms of the proportion of Denisovan gene flow into these native inhabitants from Malaysia. Judging from the similar amount of introgression in the Southeast Asians and East Asians, our findings suggest that the Denisovan gene flow may have occurred before the divergence of these populations and that the shared similarities are likely an ancestral component.