Browse publications by year: 2025

  1. Environmental bioremediation of pharmaceutical residues: microbial processes and technological innovations: a review
    Jayasekara UG, Hadibarata T, Hindarti D, Kurniawan B, Jusoh MNH, Gani P, et al.
    Bioprocess Biosyst Eng, 2025 Jan 06.
    PMID: 39760783 DOI: 10.1007/s00449-024-03125-x
    The ubiquitous presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment has become a significant concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential in biota, and diverse implications for human health and wildlife. This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art in environmental bioremediation techniques for reducing pharmaceutical residues, with a special emphasis on microbial physiological aspects. Numerous microorganisms, including algae, bacteria or fungi, can biodegrade various pharmaceutical compounds such as antibiotics, analgesics and beta-blockers. Some microorganisms are capable of transferring electrons within the cell, and this feature can be harnessed using Bio Electrochemical Systems (BES) to potentiate the degradation of pharmaceuticals present in wastewater. Moreover, researchers are evaluating the genetic modification of microbial strains to improve their degradation capacity and expand list of target compounds. This includes also discuss how environment changes, such as fluctuations in temperature or pH, may affect bioremediation efficiency. Furthermore, the presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is emphasised as a major public health issue because it increases the chance for antibiotic-resistant bacteria emerging. This review combines existing information and outlines needed research areas for improving bioremediation technologies in the future.
  2. Enhancing percutaneous coronary intervention using TriVOCTNet: a multi-task deep learning model for comprehensive intravascular optical coherence tomography analysis
    Lau YS, Tan LK, Chee KH, Chan CK, Liew YM
    Phys Eng Sci Med, 2025 Jan 06.
    PMID: 39760844 DOI: 10.1007/s13246-024-01509-7
    Neointimal coverage and stent apposition, as assessed from intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images, are crucial for optimizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Existing state-of-the-art computer algorithms designed to automate this analysis often treat lumen and stent segmentations as separate target entities, applicable only to a single stent type and overlook automation of preselecting which pullback segments need segmentation, thus limit their practicality. This study aimed for an algorithm capable of intelligently handling the entire IVOCT pullback across different phases of PCI and clinical scenarios, including the presence and coexistence of metal and bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), stent types. We propose a multi-task deep learning model, named TriVOCTNet, that automates image classification/selection, lumen segmentation and stent struts segmentation within a single network by integrating classification, regression and pixel-level segmentation models. This approach allowed a single-network, single-pass implementation with all tasks parallelized for speed and convenience. A joint loss function was specifically designed to optimize each task in situations where each task may or may not be present. Evaluation on 4,746 images achieved classification accuracies of 0.999, 0.997, and 0.998 for lumen, BVS, and metal stent features, respectively. The lumen segmentation performance showed a Euclidean distance error of 21.72 μm and Dice's coefficient of 0.985. For BVS struts segmentation, the Dice's coefficient was 0.896, and for metal stent struts segmentation, the precision was 0.895 and sensitivity was 0.868. TriVOCTNet highlights its clinical potential due to its fast and accurate results, and simplicity in handling all tasks and scenarios through a single system.
  3. Resilience mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease
    Chew CS, Lee JY, Ng KY, Koh RY, Chye SM
    Metab Brain Dis, 2025 Jan 06;40(1):86.
    PMID: 39760900 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01507-4
    Alzheimer's disease (AD) consists of two main pathologies, which are the deposition of amyloid plaque as well as tau protein aggregation. Evidence suggests that not everyone who carries the AD-causing genes displays AD-related symptoms; they might never acquire AD as well. These individuals are referred to as non-demented individuals with AD neuropathology (NDAN). Despite the presence of extensive AD pathology in their brain, it was found that NDAN had better cognitive function than was expected, suggesting that they were more resilient (better at coping) to AD due to differences in their brains compared to other demented or cognitively impaired patients. Thus, identification of the mechanisms underlying resilience is crucial since it represents a promising therapeutic strategy for AD. In this review, we will explore the molecular mechanisms underpinning the role of genetic and molecular resilience factors in improving resilience to AD. These include protective genes and proteins such as APOE2, BDNF, RAB10, actin network proteins, scaffolding proteins, and the basal forebrain cholinergic system. A thorough understanding of these resilience mechanisms is crucial for not just comprehending the development of AD but may also open new treatment possibilities for AD by enhancing the neuroprotective pathway and targeting the pathogenic process.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Brain/metabolism; Brain/pathology; Humans; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism; Resilience, Psychological*
  4. Comparative analysis of Ball Mapper and conventional Mapper in investigating air pollutants' behavior
    Madukpe VN, Zulkepli NFS, Noorani MSM, Gobithaasan RU
    Environ Monit Assess, 2025 Jan 06;197(2):136.
    PMID: 39760901 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-13477-2
    This study investigates the effectiveness and efficiency of two topological data analysis (TDA) techniques, the conventional Mapper (CM) and its variant version, the Ball Mapper (BM), in analyzing the behavior of six major air pollutants (NO2, PM10, PM2.5, O3, CO, and SO2) across 60 air quality monitoring stations in Malaysia. Topological graphs produced by CM and BM reveal redundant monitoring stations and geographical relationships corresponding to air pollutant behavior, providing better visualization than traditional hierarchical clustering. Additionally, a comparative analysis of topological graph structures was conducted using node degree distribution, topological graph indices, and Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to evaluate the sensitivity and performance of these TDA techniques. Both approaches yielded valuable insights in representing the air quality monitoring stations network; however, the complexity of CM, which requires multiple parameters, poses a challenge in graph construction. In contrast, the simplicity of BM, requiring only a single parameter, is preferable for representing air pollutant behavior. The findings suggest an alternative approach for assessing and identifying redundancies in air quality monitoring stations, which could contribute to improved air quality monitoring management and more effective regulatory policies.
    MeSH terms: Malaysia; Ozone/analysis; Sulfur Dioxide/analysis; Particulate Matter/analysis
  5. Fulltext Efficient and Effective Diabetes Care in the Era of Digitalization and Hypercompetitive Research Culture: A Focused Review in the Western Pacific Region with Malaysia as a Case Study
    Chew BH, Lai PSM, Sivaratnam DA, Basri NI, Appannah G, Mohd Yusof BN, et al.
    Health Syst Reform, 2025 Dec 31;11(1):2417788.
    PMID: 39761168 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2024.2417788
    There are approximately 220 million (about 12% regional prevalence) adults living with diabetes mellitus (DM) with its related complications, and morbidity knowingly or unconsciously in the Western Pacific Region (WP). The estimated healthcare cost in the WP and Malaysia was 240 billion USD and 1.0 billion USD in 2021 and 2017, respectively, with unmeasurable suffering and loss of health quality and economic productivity. This urgently calls for nothing less than concerted and preventive efforts from all stakeholders to invest in transforming healthcare professionals and reforming the healthcare system that prioritizes primary medical care setting, empowering allied health professionals, improvising health organization for the healthcare providers, improving health facilities and non-medical support for the people with DM. This article alludes to challenges in optimal diabetes care and proposes evidence-based initiatives over a 5-year period in a detailed roadmap to bring about dynamic and efficient healthcare services that are effective in managing people with DM using Malaysia as a case study for reference of other countries with similar backgrounds and issues. This includes a scanning on the landscape of clinical research in DM, dimensions and spectrum of research misconducts, possible common biases along the whole research process, key preventive strategies, implementation and limitations toward high-quality research. Lastly, digital medicine and how artificial intelligence could contribute to diabetes care and open science practices in research are also discussed.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Biomedical Research/methods
  6. Fulltext Are the 2009 Institute of Medicine gestational weight gain recommendations applicable in a contemporary South-East Asian pregnancy cohort? Results of a prospective analysis
    Tai YT, Khoo JK, Lim QH, Lim LL, Paramasivam SS, Ratnasingam J, et al.
    PLoS One, 2025;20(1):e0316837.
    PMID: 39761286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316837
    Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) modulates pregnancy outcomes and long-term offspring metabolic health. The 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) GWG recommendations have largely been validated in Caucasian and mono-ethnic East Asian cohorts. Asians are at higher metabolic risk at a lower body mass index (BMI), and this has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify lower BMI cut-offs for risk evaluation amongst Asians. This prospective observational cohort study aimed to determine if 2009 IOM GWG thresholds are applicable in a contemporary multi-ethnic South-East Asian cohort. We recruited 875 mothers from an urban Malaysian tertiary clinic during screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) from 2014-2021. Data collected included measures of insulin-sensitivity, total GWG (maternal weight at delivery-self-reported pre-gravid weight), and neonatal anthropometrics (birthweight and skinfold-thickness measured with Harpenden calipers). BMI was stratified by Caucasian (overweight ≥25kg/m2, obese ≥30kg/m2) as well as Asian (overweight ≥23kg/m2, obese ≥27.5kg/ m2) cut-offs, and patients categorized by 2009 IOM GWG reference ranges. The cohort comprised 67% Malay-, 23% Chinese- and 10% Indian-descent mothers with a high prevalence of overweight/obesity (Asian cut-offs 56.9% vs Caucasian 44%). When Asian BMI cut-offs were deployed, excessive GWG incidence increased (34.1% → 40.6%) whilst inadequate GWG declined (30% → 24.8%) (p<0.05). Upon multivariate-analysis (adjusting for age, parity, race, GDM, insulin-sensitivity, baby-gender) excessive GWG categorized with Caucasian BMI cut-offs was significantly associated with increased risk of macrosomia (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-70.01), Neonatal-Fat-Mass (NFM) >90th centile (aOR 2.14, 95% CI 1.02-4.45) and Sum-of-Skinfold Thickness (SSFT) >90th centile (aOR 3.88, 95% CI 1.77-8.51). Excessive GWG by Asian cut-offs was also associated with increased risk of SSFT >90th centile (aOR 5.75, 95% CI 2.35-14.10). Inadequate GWG by both Caucasian and Asian BMI cut-offs was associated with Small-for-Gestational-Age (SGA) status (aOR 4.30, 95% CI 2.48-7.45 and aOR 3.66, 95% CI 2.13-6.30 respectively). In conclusion, the 2009 IOM GWG recommendations, using either Caucasian or regional Asian BMI cut-offs, are applicable in a contemporary Malay majority South-East Asian cohort in terms of predicting abnormal neonatal adiposity. Importantly, the association with neonatal adiposity is independent of increased maternal insulin resistance characteristic of Asians.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Female; Humans; Obesity/epidemiology; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; United States/epidemiology; Institute of Medicine (U.S.); Body Mass Index*; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Overweight/epidemiology
  7. Target product profile for cell-based and gene-based therapies to achieve a cure for HIV
    Lewin SR, Bansbach C, Kemps D, Mathae L, Das KT, McCune JM, et al.
    Lancet HIV, 2025 Feb;12(2):e154-e162.
    PMID: 39761679 DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3018(24)00277-7
    This target product profile (TPP) highlights the minimal and optimal characteristics for ex-vivo and in-vivo cell and gene therapy-based products aimed at achieving an HIV cure (ie, durable antiretroviral-free viral control). The need for an effective, safe, scalable, affordable, accessible, and acceptable cure for HIV infection remains a major global priority. The possibilities for cell and gene therapy-based products for an HIV cure are rapidly expanding. In a multi-stakeholder consensus process of clinical experts and civil society, including representatives from low-income and middle-income countries, participants generally agreed on the optimal targets, whereas consensus on the minimal targets was not reached on every parameter. There was less agreement on the minimal targets for ex-vivo than in-vivo therapies given the complexity of ex-vivo interventions. The TPP is planned to be updated at regular intervals. Building a TPP, such as this one, is an important process for stakeholder engagement and aligning ambitions for the development of products that are acceptable to both clinicians and civil society.
    MeSH terms: Humans; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy/methods
  8. Enhanced adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline antibiotics through novel I-Bi/Bi2WO6@MWCNTs heterostructure composite photocatalyst
    Ahmed S, Tan YH, Mubarak NM, Khalid M, Channa N, Karri RR, et al.
    Environ Res, 2025 Mar 01;268:120765.
    PMID: 39761786 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.120765
    Bismuth-based photocatalysts proved to have remarkable photoactivity for antibiotic degradation from water. However, the two significant challenges of bismuth-based photocatalysts are the fast charge recombination rate and higher energy band gap. This study successfully synthesised a novel I-Bi/Bi2WO6/MWCNTs (C-WBI) heterostructure composite photocatalysts with shorter energy band-gap and higher charge production capability through interfacial amidation linkage. The photochemical characterization of C-WBI confirms that the interfacial linkage between MWNCTs and I-Bi/Bi2WO6 (WBI) significantly boosted the charge production capacity and broadened visible-light harvesting (508 nm), resulting in improved photocatalytic activity. As anticipated, optimized 7%C-WBI shows remarkable adsorption and photocatalytic activity for TC removal compared to pristine WBI (2.27 times) under visible light. TC removal was enhanced to 96.75% from 71.58% (WBI) at mild operating conditions of pH 8, photocatalyst loading of 20 mg, and an initial TC concentration of 20 mg/l. Adsorption equilibrium was best fitted to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetics with R2 of 0.998 and 0.997, respectively. In contrast, the photodegradation of TC is best described by pseudo-first-order kinetics with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a reaction rate of kobs of 0.0205 min-1. The effect of co-existing ions (Cl-, SO₄2⁻ and HCO₃⁻) reveals that the presence of Cl- notably inhibited the photocatalytic reaction rate, reducing it to 0.0161min⁻1. Quenching experiments identified •O₂⁻ and h⁺ radicals as key contributors to TC degradation, accounting for 63.02% and 60.8%, respectively. Furthermore, 7%C-WBI demonstrated outstanding reusability (82.05%) over 5 consecutive cycles with no obvious changes, thereby confirming the stability of the synthesised composite photocatalysts.
    MeSH terms: Adsorption; Catalysis; Photolysis; Tetracycline/chemistry; Tungsten Compounds/chemistry; Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry; Photochemical Processes
  9. Chitosan-based dental barrier membrane for periodontal guided tissue regeneration and guided bone regeneration: A review
    Bee SL, Hamid ZAA
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2025 Mar;295:139504.
    PMID: 39761899 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139504
    Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and guided bone regeneration (GBR) are two common dental regenerative procedures used to repair periodontal defects caused by periodontitis. In both procedures, a barrier membrane is placed at the interface between the soft tissue and the periodontal defect, serving to impede the infiltration of soft tissue while creating a secluded space for periodontal regeneration. Recently, barrier membranes based on chitosan (CS) have emerged as a promising avenue for these applications. However, despite numerous studies on the development of CS-based membranes, comprehensive review articles specifically addressing their progress in GTR/GBR applications remain scarce. Herein, we review recent research and advancements in the use of CS-based membranes for periodontal GTR and GBR. The review begins by highlighting the advantageous properties of CS that make it a suitable biomaterial for GTR/GBR applications. Next, the development of composite CS-based membranes, reinforced with various compositions like bioactive fillers and therapeutic agents, is discussed in detail based on recent literature, with a focus on their enhanced efficacy in promoting periodontal regeneration. Finally, the review explores the emergence of functionally graded CS-based membranes, emphasizing their potential to address specific challenges encountered in GTR/GBR procedures.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Biocompatible Materials/chemistry; Humans; Membranes, Artificial*; Periodontitis; Periodontium/physiology
  10. Fulltext Developing a Shariah-compliant medical services framework in Malaysia: an expert system approach using fuzzy Delphi method and interpretive structural modelling
    Che Jamaludin FI, Abdullah MRTL, Endut MNAA, Saifuddeen SM, Hamimi KA, Harun S
    BMJ Open, 2025 Jan 06;15(1):e082263.
    PMID: 39762112 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082263
    INTRODUCTION: In an increasingly diverse healthcare landscape, addressing the specific needs of Muslim patients has become paramount. The absence of comprehensive frameworks for Shariah-compliant healthcare services often poses challenges for healthcare professionals striving to provide care that aligns with Islamic values.

    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework for Shariah-compliant healthcare services, ensuring alignment with Islamic practices in healthcare.

    METHODS, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: This consensus study employed a key input approach using the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) and interpretive structural modelling. Conducted in Malaysia, the study involved 10 experts from various regions across the country. These experts were selected based on clear criteria that included professionals with experience in Islamic and/or healthcare, while those lacking relevant expertise were excluded.

    RESULTS: The primary outcome was the identification of pertinent elements for the framework, with final elements measured based on expert consensus achieved through FDM. The panel of experts reached consensus on 10 essential elements that form the backbone of the framework for Shariah-compliant healthcare services. These elements include governance, medical ethics, patient care, human resources and professional development, facilities for Islamic worship (ibadah), spiritual care support, end-of-life care, Islamic environment, medicine and drugs, and affordability and accessibility.

    CONCLUSION: Ultimately, the development of this comprehensive framework is a crucial step in addressing the specific needs and concerns of Muslim patients worldwide. By incorporating the input and consensus of experts from various relevant fields, the resulting framework provides healthcare professionals with a solid foundation to deliver healthcare services that align with Islamic values, ultimately promoting the well-being of Muslim patients in Malaysia and tourists globally.

    MeSH terms: Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration; Delphi Technique*; Expert Systems; Humans; Islam*; Malaysia; Religion and Medicine; Fuzzy Logic; Consensus
  11. Fulltext Fear of progression, coping strategies, and associated factors among a sample of Malaysian women with breast cancer
    Lim HL, Suhail MK, Lim CS, Daher AM
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 06;15(1):922.
    PMID: 39762234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82143-x
    Fear of progression (FoP) is a stressful psychosocial condition that affects health and quality of life. Breast cancer is recognized as the most prevalent cancer among women globally. This study aims to determine the prevalence of FoP, coping strategies, and associated factors among Malaysian female breast cancer survivors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 242 female breast cancer patients recruited from the south of Malaysia using simple random sampling method. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, clinical factors, coping strategies and FoP level. Factors associated with FoP were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. The mean age was 55.1 (± 10.9) years. Majority of them were Malays, attained secondary ducation and above, married, unemployed, and in advanced cancer stages. Most patients had low FoP levels, with a smaller proportion having moderate-to-high FoP levels (10.7%). Higher education (AOR = 5.10, P = 0.050), being employed (AOR = 3.85, P = 0.020), advanced can cer stage (AOR = 4.23, P = 0.030), and adoption of avoidant coping strategy (AOR = 1.19, P = 0.009), were associated with higher FoP level. The level of FoP is low among Malaysian females with breast cancer. Higher levels of FoP were associated with higher educational levels, employment status, advanced cancer stage, and utilization of avoidant coping strategies. The fundamental cognitive process mainly affects FoP, rather than disease-related factors.
    MeSH terms: Adaptation, Psychological*; Adult; Aged; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Disease Progression
  12. Fulltext Optimization of energy management in Malaysian microgrids using fuzzy logic-based EMS scheduling controller
    Nur-E-Alam M, Abedin T, Samsudin NA, Petrů J, Barnawi AB, Soudagar MEM, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 06;15(1):995.
    PMID: 39762244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82360-4
    The microgrid (MG) faces significant security issues due to the two-way power and information flow. Integrating an Energy Management System (EMS) to balance energy supply and demand in Malaysian microgrids, this study designs a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) that considers intermittent renewable sources and fluctuating demand patterns. FLC offers a flexible solution to energy scheduling effectively assessed by MATLAB/Simulink simulations. The microgrid consists of PV, battery, grid, and load. A Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller helps to extract the maximum PV output and manages the power storage by providing or absorbing excess power. System analysis is performed by observing the State of Charge (SoC)of the battery and output power for each source. The grid supplies additional power if the battery and PV fail to meet the load demand. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) analysis compares the performance of the Proportional-Integral Controller (PIC) and FLC. The results show that the PI controller design reduces the THD in the current signal, while FLC does not reduce the THD of the grid current when used in the EMS. However, FLC offers better control over the battery's SOC, effectively preventing overcharging and over-discharging. While PI reduces THD, FLC provides superior SOC control in a system comprising PV, battery, grid, and load. The findings demonstrate that the output current is zero when the SOC is higher than 80% or lower than 20%, signifying that no charging or discharging takes place to avoid overcharging and over-discharging. The third goal was accomplished by comparing and confirming that the grid current's THD for the EMS designed with both the PI Controller and the FLC is maintained below 5%, following the IEEE 519 harmonic standard, using the THD block in MATLAB Simulink. This analysis highlights FLC's potential to address demand-supply mismatches and renewable energy variability, which is crucial for optimizing microgrid performance.
  13. Fulltext Nanotechnology and LSTM machine learning algorithms in advanced fuel spray dynamics in CI engines with different bowl geometries
    Venu H, Soudagar MEM, Kiong TS, Razali NM, Wei HR, Rajabi A, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 06;15(1):983.
    PMID: 39762341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83211-y
    This study explores the integration of nanotechnology and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) machine learning algorithms to enhance the understanding and optimization of fuel spray dynamics in compression ignition (CI) engines with varying bowl geometries. The incorporation of nanotechnology, through the addition of nanoparticles to conventional fuels, improves fuel atomization, combustion efficiency, and emission control. Simultaneously, LSTM models are employed to analyze and predict the complex spray behavior under diverse operational and geometric conditions. Key parameters, including spray penetration, droplet size distribution, and evaporation rates, are modeled and validated against experimental data. The findings reveal that nanoparticle-enhanced fuels, coupled with LSTM-based predictive analytics, lead to superior combustion performance and lower pollutant formation. This interdisciplinary approach provides a robust framework for designing next-generation CI engines with improved efficiency and sustainability. Diesel engine performance and emissions were found to be influenced by variations in combustion chamber geometry, underwent validation through simulation using Diesel-RK. Re-entrant bowl profile in quaternary blend is found to exhibit 31.3% higher BTE and 8.65% lowered BSFC than the conventional HCC bowl at full load condition. Emission wise, re-entrant bowl induced 90.16% lowered CO, 59.95% lowered HC and 15.48% lowered smoke owing to improved spray penetration and faster burning of soot precursors. However, the NOx emissions of DBOPN-TRCC were found to be higher. The simulation outcomes, derived from Diesel-RK, were subsequently compared with empirical data obtained from real-world experiments. These experiments were systematically carried out under identical operating conditions, employing different piston bowl geometries.
  14. Fulltext Green-synthesized silver nanoparticle-enhanced nanofiltration mixed matrix membranes for high-performance water purification
    Bashir N, Afzaal M, Khan AL, Nawaz R, Irfan A, Almaary KS, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 06;15(1):1001.
    PMID: 39762353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83801-w
    This study presents the fabrication and characterization of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) incorporating green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Hibiscus Rosa sinensis extract within a polyethersulfone (PES) matrix for nanofiltration (NF) application. The membranes were evaluated for their pure water permeability, salt rejection, dye removal, and antifouling performance. Results showed that the membrane with 0.75 wt% AgNPs exhibited the highest pure water permeability of 36 L/m2 h-1 bar-1 attributed to increased porosity and enhanced hydrophilicity. Addition of 0.75wt% AgNPs resulted in significant improvements, with NaCl rejection increased from 32 to 57%, MgSO4 from 26 to 67%, and CaCl2 from 27 to 41%. Antifouling tests revealed that the 0.75 wt% AgNPs membrane had the lowest irreversible fouling and highest flux recovery due to the antimicrobial action and improved surface properties of AgNPs. Importantly, the performance of the fabricated membranes align with loose nanofiltation characteristcs, as evidence by high dye rejection rates coupled with moderate rejection of salts. This study highlights the potential of green-synthesized AgNPs as effective nanofillers for developing high-performance and environmentally sustainable membranes into wastewater treatment.
  15. Fulltext Heptamethine cyanine-based polymeric nanoparticles for photothermal therapy in HCT116 human colon cancer model
    Kampaengsri S, Yong GY, Aryamueang S, Ouengwanarat B, Pewklang T, Chansaenpak K, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Jan 06;15(1):884.
    PMID: 39762372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83249-y
    In this work, we synthesize a quinoline-based heptamethine cyanine, QuCy7, with sulfonate groups to enhance water solubility. This dye demonstrates exceptional near-infrared absorption beyond 750 nm, accompanied by photothermal properties but low photostability. Encapsulating QyCy7 with polyethylene glycol to form nanopolymer, QuCy7@mPEG NPs, addresses the issue of its photoinstability. TEM showed that QuCy7@mPEG NPs possess a spherical morphology, featuring a core-shell structure with a size of around 120 nm in diameter. Upon irradiation with an 808 nm laser for 10 min, a significant increase in temperature up to 24 °C can be achieved with a photothermal conversion (PTC) rate of approximately 35%. QuCy7@mPEG NPs exhibit remarkable photothermal stability as compared to QuCy7. The efficiency of QuCy7@mPEG NPs was demonstrated by the in vitro PTT studies. Finally, the nanoparticles' acute toxicity and effectiveness were assessed using the chick embryo model. The results provide compelling evidence that QuCy7@mPEG NPs are safe without inducing hemolysis, inhibit angiogenesis when exposed to light, and exhibit anti-tumor activity with a 76% reduction in tumor size compared to QuCy7 (40%). Thus suggesting the sulfonate groups can enhance water solubility, and its nanopolymer is biocompatible and possesses superior anti-tumor efficacy.
    MeSH terms: Animals; Carbocyanines/chemistry; Chick Embryo; Humans; Polyethylene Glycols/chemistry; Polymers/chemistry; HCT116 Cells
  16. Effectiveness of custom-designed pointed laser light for teaching intraoral radiographic technique to undergraduate students: A comparative study
    Veerabhadrappa SK, Yadav S, Ganesh N, Ghani WMN, Khairah Bt Ismail U, Zamzuri ATB
    J Dent Educ, 2025 Jan 06.
    PMID: 39762459 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13817
    OBJECTIVES: Intraoral periapical radiographic techniques are mandatory exercises taught to undergraduate students during their training. The key challenges encountered while teaching the bisecting angle technique (BAT) include correctly positioning the X-ray cone and adjusting the central X-ray beam to the tooth of interest. To address this, a custom-designed pointed laser light (CDPLL) was fabricated and attached to the X-ray cone. This study evaluated the effectiveness of CDPLL compared to conventional BAT in acquiring quality radiographs, reducing errors, and evaluating students' perceptions through a questionnaire.

    METHODS: Third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students were divided into two groups of 26 each. Group 1 used Conventional BAT, while Group 2 employed Laser-Assisted BAT on a mannequin. Both techniques were taught through theory and clinical demonstrations. Students took radiographs of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars of both jaws. Group 1 students then transitioned to Laser-Assisted BAT and repeated the radiographs. Inter-group and intra-group comparisons of radiographic quality and errors were analyzed using Chi-Square tests.

    RESULTS: Group 2 produced more excellent (41.8%) and acceptable (47.6%) radiographs, with fewer unacceptable ones (10.6%) than Group 1 (p 

  17. Algae- and bacteria-based biodegradation of phthalic acid esters towards the sustainable green solution
    Amirian V, Russel M, Yusof ZNB, Chen JE, Movafeghi A, Kosari-Nasab M, et al.
    World J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2025 Jan 07;41(2):24.
    PMID: 39762597 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-024-04243-0
    Phthalic acid esters are widely used worldwide as plasticizers. The high consumption of phthalates in China makes it the world's largest plasticizer market. The lack of phthalic acid ester's chemical bonding with the polymer matrix facilitates their detachment from plastic products and subsequent release into the environment and causes serious threats to the health of living organisms. Thus, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for their removal are urgently needed. In this context, both natural and engineered bacterial and algal communities have played a crucial role in the degradation of various phthalic acid esters present in water and soil. When algae-bacteria co-culture is compared to a singular algae or bacteria system, this symbiotic system shows superior performance in the removal of dibutyl phthalates and diethyl phthalates from synthetic wastewater. This review provides an optimistic outlook for co-culture systems by in-depth examining single microorganisms, namely bacteria and algae, as well as algae-bacterial consortiums for phthalates degradation, which will draw attention to species co-existence for the removal of various pollutants from the environment. In addition, further development and research, particularly on the mechanisms, genes involved in the degradation of phthalic acid esters, and interactions between bacterial and algal species, will lead to the discovery of more adaptable species as well as the production of targeted species to address the environmental pollution crisis and provide a green, efficient, and sustainable approach to environmental protection. Discrepancies in knowledge and potential avenues for exploration will enhance the existing body of literature, enabling researchers to investigate this field more comprehensively.
    MeSH terms: Biodegradation, Environmental*; Dibutyl Phthalate/metabolism; Esters/metabolism; Esters/chemistry; Plasticizers/metabolism; Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism; Coculture Techniques*; Waste Water/microbiology; Waste Water/chemistry
  18. Fulltext Dengue fever in Yemen: a five-year review, 2020-2024
    Edrees WH, Al-Shehari WA, Al-Haddad AM, Alrahabi LM, Al-Haddad OS, Al-Halani AA
    BMC Infect Dis, 2025 Jan 06;25(1):28.
    PMID: 39762726 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-10429-6
    BACKGROUND: Dengue fever (DF) is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has recently become a burden worldwide, particularly in low-income countries, such as Yemen. There have been no epidemiological studies on DF in recent years in Yemen. Therefore, based on secondary data, this study aimed to shed light on the epidemiology of DF in Yemen between 2020 and 2024.

    METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis using secondary data recorded between January 2020 and August 2024 in the Surveillance Center of the Ministry of Health and Population in Aden. The data was gathered in a Microsoft Excel file and descriptively analyzed.

    RESULTS: A total of 104,562 dengue cases, aged between 1 and 80 years (SD = 24.93±17.02), were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. A higher proportion of DF cases was recorded among males (58.10%), the age group of 15-24 years (26.11%), in 2020 (30.65%), in the Taiz governorate (39.17%), and in the autumn (28.9%). The total incidence of DF was 103.09 per 10,000 individuals. Additionally, the incidence rate of DF per 10,000 individuals was significantly higher among males (118.3 cases), aged 25-34 years (91.73 cases), in 2020 (31.39 cases), and in the Shabwah governorate (176.96 cases). In general, the total fatality rate was 217 (0.21%), with a high rate among females (0.23%), aged ≥ 65 years (0.75%), in 2020 (0.37%), and the Aden governorate (0.82%).

    CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the rates of DF cases have increased in Yemen over the last few years. Therefore, it is critical to introduce an effective program to prevent DF and control dengue vector transmission in Yemen.

    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Seasons; Yemen/epidemiology; Incidence; Young Adult
  19. Fulltext Barriers to cervical cancer screening among immigrant Yemeni women in Malaysia
    Ba-Alawi E, Azzani M, Alsaidi NA, Atroosh WM, Anaam BT, Roslan D, et al.
    BMC Cancer, 2025 Jan 07;25(1):4.
    PMID: 39762830 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-13310-6
    BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is preventable cancer through pap test screening. Despite the benefits of cervical cancer screening, immigrant women have markedly lower use of Pap smear testing. Hence, this study aims to determine the barriers to cervical cancer screening among Yemeni female immigrants in Malaysia and the factors related to these barriers.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among immigrant Yemeni women staying in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Data were collected using a validated modified Arabic version of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Measure (Cervical CAM). Descriptive and inferential analyses were utilized. Adjusted binary logistic regression was performed to find out the factors that increase the probability of facing barriers to the Pap test.

    RESULTS: A total of 370 questionnaires were collected. Cognitive barriers were the highest recognized type of barrier to undertaking the Pap test among study participants (74.9%) followed by emotional barriers (13%). Unemployed women were significantly less likely than employed to report an emotional barrier to the Pap test (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03-0.95). Higher educated women (OR = 3.11, CI: 1.02-9.48) and those still studying (OR = 3.11, CI: 1.02-9.48) were significantly more likely to report practical barriers. Regarding the cognitive barriers, women with tertiary education were significantly less likely than those with primary education to have cognitive barriers (OR = 0.41, CI: 0.19-0.90).

    CONCLUSION: access to health services among immigrant women, including screening for cervical cancer, is a complex issue involving a wide range of barriers. Cognitive barriers associated with sexual activity and the absence of symptoms are the main reason for the decision to not undergo cervical cancer screening. To address this, we recommend adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates education, community engagement, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity to promote the uptake of cervical cancer screening within the Yemeni immigrant community.

    MeSH terms: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data; Humans; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*; Malaysia; Mass Screening/psychology; Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data; Middle Aged; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/psychology; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaginal Smears/psychology; Vaginal Smears/statistics & numerical data; Yemen; Young Adult
  20. Fulltext The relationship between compulsory citizenship behavior and nurses' silence: a cross-sectional study
    Li Z, Yang L, Xi Z, Yi W, Fu Y, Chang C, et al.
    BMC Nurs, 2025 Jan 06;24(1):14.
    PMID: 39762839 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02677-3
    AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between compulsory citizenship behavior and nurses' silence.

    METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in October 2023, targeting 402 nurses working in Yichang Central People's Hospital, Hubei Province, China. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising demographic details, the Compulsory Citizenship Behavior Scale, and the Nurses' Silence Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 25.0, including descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analyses.

    RESULTS: The study revealed that the overall mean score for nurses' compulsory citizenship behavior was 14.63 (3.99), while the overall mean score for nurses' silence was 32.78 (8.28). Significant differences in compulsory citizenship behavior scores were observed among nurses with varying levels of work experience (P 

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