Contrasting environmental drivers of tree community variation within heath forests in Brunei Darussalam, Borneo.

Understanding how abiotic factors influence Bornean tropical tree communities and diversity is a key aspect in elucidating the mechanisms of species co-existence and habitat preferences in these biodiverse forests. We focused on investigating forest structure, tree diversity and community composition of lowland Bornean heath forests in Brunei Darussalam, within two 0.96 ha permanent forest plots at Bukit Sawat Forest Reserve and Badas Forest Reserve.

A new, unusually large, Scherer, 1974 flea beetle from Borneo, described and sequenced in the field by citizen scientists (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae).

Background: The genus Scherer 1974 consists of very small, soil-dwelling flea beetles in South, Southeast and East Asia. Due to their diminutive size and morphological similarities, very little is known about their ecology and taxonomical diversity. It is likely that further studies will reveal this genus to be much more speciose than the 30 species currently recognised.

A new semi-slug of the genus from Brunei, discovered, described and DNA-barcoded on citizen-science 'taxon expeditions' (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora, Ariophantidae).

Background: During citizen-science expeditions to the Ulu Temburong National Park, Brunei, several individuals were collected of a semi-slug species of the genus that, based on morphology and in-the-field DNA-barcoding, was found to be an undescribed species.

New Information: In this paper, we describe Wu, Ezzwan & Hamdani, n. sp.

 (Fagaceae), a new species from Royal Belum (Perak) in Peninsular Malaysia.

A new species from the Fagaceae family, Tan & Strijk, is described from Royal Belum State Park in Peninsular Malaysia. Here, we provide technical illustrations, colour images and a description of its conservation status and the collecting locality, in addition to a comparative analysis with other species in the region. The solitary nut of has a morphologically unique cupule, lined with rows of thick coral-like spines not seen in other species.

Design of Mid-Q Response: A prospective, randomized trial of adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy in Asian patients.

Aims: The aim of the Mid-Q Response study is to test the hypothesis that adaptive preferential left ventricular-only pacing with the AdaptivCRT algorithm has superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with moderately wide QRS duration (≥120 ms and <150 ms), left bundle branch block (LBBB), and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction (PR interval ≤200 ms).

Methods: This prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled, clinical study is being conducted at approximately 60 centers in Asia. Following enrollment and baseline assessment, eligible patients are implanted with a CRT system equipped with the AdaptivCRT algorithm and are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to have AdaptivCRT ON (Adaptive Bi-V and LV pacing) or AdaptivCRT OFF (Nonadaptive CRT).

The need for oral assessment and referral practices tool for palliative patients in Brunei Darussalam: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate knowledge, experiences, perceptions and barriers of healthcare professionals regarding palliative oral care.

Methods: The study involved 169 palliative care professionals in Brunei. Data collection tool was pretested, validated and self-administered with sections on demographics; knowledge, attitude and practices; referral of patients; perspectives; and barriers to oral palliative care.

A new species of (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), discovered and described on a field course to Kuala Belalong, Brunei.

Background: is a genus of very small flea beetles living in the leaf litter layer of Asian forests, easily sampled with Winkler extraction. The genus is presumably very rich in species, but their taxonomy is hampered by their small size and morphological uniformity.

New Information: On a 'taxon expedition'-style field course at Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre in Brunei Darussalam (Borneo), a new species, n.