Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 142 in total

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  1. Respiratory carriage of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae by indigenous populations of Malaysia
    Das S, Pandey AK, Morris DE, Anderson R, Lim V, Wie CC, et al.
    BMC Genomics, 2024 Apr 17;25(1):381.
    PMID: 38632538 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10276-4
    Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae that is classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a Priority One ESKAPE pathogen. South and Southeast Asian countries are regions where both healthcare associated infections (HAI) and community acquired infections (CAI) due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKp) are of concern. As K. pneumoniae can also exist as a harmless commensal, the spread of resistance genotypes requires epidemiological vigilance. However there has been no significant study of carriage isolates from healthy individuals, particularly in Southeast Asia, and specially Malaysia. Here we describe the genomic analysis of respiratory isolates of K. pneumoniae obtained from Orang Ulu and Orang Asli communities in Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia respectively. The majority of isolates were K. pneumoniae species complex (KpSC) 1 K. pneumoniae (n = 53, 89.8%). Four Klebsiella variicola subsp. variicola (KpSC3) and two Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae (KpSC4) were also found. It was discovered that 30.2% (n = 16) of the KpSC1 isolates were ST23, 11.3% (n = 6) were of ST65, 7.5% (n = 4) were ST13, and 13.2% (n = 7) were ST86. Only eight of the KpSC1 isolates encoded ESBL, but importantly not carbapenemase. Thirteen of the KpSC1 isolates carried yersiniabactin, colibactin and aerobactin, all of which harboured the rmpADC locus and are therefore characterised as hypervirulent. Co-carriage of multiple strains was minimal. In conclusion, most isolates were KpSC1, ST23, one of the most common sequence types and previously found in cases of K. pneumoniae infection. A proportion were hypervirulent (hvKp) however antibiotic resistance was low.
  2. Fulltext Scientific mapping of research on English as a foreign language (EFL) reading instruction: A thirty-year perspective
    Chen F, Abdullah R
    Heliyon, 2024 Feb 15;10(3):e25217.
    PMID: 38327399 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25217
    In recent years, English as a foreign language (EFL) reading instruction has emerged as a prominent and recurring research theme in the realm of education. Despite this growing interest, prior studies have not outlined the research status of EFL reading instruction from a bibliometric lens. Addressing this gap, the present study aims to provide valuable insights into the research landscape of EFL reading instruction by using scientific mapping analysis on documents sourced from the Web of Science Database between 1994 and 2023. The study found that: 1) The analysis of publication trends suggests that the field of EFL reading instruction continues to evolve, with a foreseeable ongoing increase in research output. 2) Asian countries, specifically Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia emerge as leading contributors and collaborators in terms of research on EFL reading instruction. 3) Authors mainly from Asian countries demonstrate the highest levels of productivity and citation impact. 4) The most productive and cited journals primarily originate from developed countries, notably the United Kingdom and the United States. 5) The research foci identified cover various aspects such as "technology-based instruction," "critical thinking," and "literacy skills." However, there is an emerging shift in research focus towards themes "English proficiency," "Covid-19," "technology," "blended learning" and "mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)." By shedding light on the significant concepts and trends of the research field, this study adds to the burgeoning body of literature and provides valuable guidance to new scholars seeking to enrich their knowledge and perspectives on this particular topic.
  3. Fulltext Therapeutic strategy of biological macromolecules based natural bioactive compounds of diabetes mellitus and future perspectives: A systematic review
    Shahzad N, Alzahrani AR, Aziz Ibrahim IA, Shahid I, Alanazi IM, Falemban AH, et al.
    Heliyon, 2024 Jan 30;10(2):e24207.
    PMID: 38298622 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24207
    High blood glucose levels are a hallmark of the metabolic syndrome known as diabetes mellitus. More than 600 million people will have diabetes by 2045 as the global prevalence of the disease continues to rise. Contemporary antidiabetic drugs reduce hyperglycemia and its consequences. However, these drugs come with undesirable side effects, so it's encouraging that research into plant extracts and bioactive substances with antidiabetic characteristics is on the rise. Natural remedies are preferable to conventional anti-diabetic drugs since they are safer for the body, more affordable and have fewer potential adverse effects. Biological macromolecules such as liposomes, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions and metallic nanoparticles are explored in this review. Current drug restrictions have been addressed, and the effectiveness of plant-based antidiabetic therapies has enhanced the merits of these methods. Plant extracts' loading capacity and the carriers' stability are the primary obstacles in developing plant-based nanocarriers. Hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic drugs are covered, and a brief overview of the amphipathic features of liposomes, phospholipids, and lipid nanocarriers is provided. Metallic nanoparticles' benefits and attendant risks are highlighted to emphasize their efficiency in treating hyperglycemia. Researchers interested in the potential of nanoparticles loaded with plant extracts as antidiabetic therapeutics may find the current helpful review.
  4. Towards circular economy: Potential of microalgae - bacterial-based biofertilizer on plants
    Ng ZY, Ajeng AA, Cheah WY, Ng EP, Abdullah R, Ling TC
    J Environ Manage, 2024 Jan 01;349:119445.
    PMID: 37890301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119445
    Biofertilizers encompass microorganisms that can be applied to plants, subsequently establishing themselves within the plant's rhizosphere or internal structures. This colonization stimulates plant development by enhancing nutrient absorption from the host. While there is growing literature documenting the applications of microalgae-based and bacterial-based biofertilizers, the research focusing on the effectiveness of consortia formed by these microorganisms as short-term plant biofertilizers is notably insufficient. This study seeks to assess the effectiveness of microalgae-bacterial biofertilizers in promoting plant growth and their potential contribution to the circular economy. The review sheds light on the impact of microalgae-bacterial biofertilizers on plant growth parameters, delving into factors influencing their efficiency, microalgae-bacteria interactions, and effects on soil health. The insights from this review are poised to offer valuable guidance to stakeholders in agriculture, including farmers, environmental technologists, and businesses. These insights will aid in the development and investment in more efficient and sustainable methods for enhancing crop yields, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and principles of the circular economy.
  5. Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats
    Almaimani G, Jabbar AAJ, Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Bamagous GA, Almaimani RA, et al.
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2024 Jan;31(3):4439-4452.
    PMID: 38103135 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31349-z
    Herbal medicine is one of the most common fields explored for combating colon cancers, and Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (PAS) have been utilized widely as medicinal agents because of their increased essential oil (trans-anethole) contents. In this essence, our study investigates the toxic effect and chemoprotective potentials of PAS against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. The toxicity trial for PAS conducted by clustering fifteen rats into three groups (five rats each): A, normal control had 10% Tween 20; B, ingested with 2 g/kg PAS; and C, supplemented with 4 g/kg PAS. The in vivo cancer trial was performed by using 30 rats (Sprague-Dawley) that were randomly adapted in five steel cages (six rats each): group A, normal controls received two subcutaneous injections of normal saline 0.09% and ingested orally 10% Tween 20; groups B-E, rats received two injections of 15 mg/kg of azoxymethane (AOM) subcutaneously in 2 weeks and treated orally with 10% Tween 20 (group B) or intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (35 mg/kg) (group C), or orally given 200 mg/kg PAS (group D) and 400 mg/kg PAS (group E) for 8 weeks. After the scarification of rats, the colon tissues were dissected for gross and histopathological evaluations. The acute toxicity trial showed the absence of any toxic signs in rats even after 14 days of ingesting 4 g/kg of PAS. The chemoprotective experiment revealed significant inhibitory potentials (65.93%) of PAS (400 mg/kg) against aberrant crypto foci incidence that could be correlated with its positive modulation of the immunohistochemically proteins represented by a significant up-regulation of the Bax protein and a decrease of the Bcl-2 protein expressions in colon tissues. Furthermore, PAS-treated rats had notably lower oxidative stress in colon tissues evidenced by decreased MDA levels and increased antiradical defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). The outcomes suggest 400 mg/kg PAS as a viable additive for the development of potential pharmaceuticals against colorectal cancer.
  6. Fulltext Exploration of vulnerability factors of digital hoarding behavior among university students and the moderating role of maladaptive perfectionism
    Zaremohzzabieh Z, Abdullah H, Ahrari S, Abdullah R, Md Nor SM
    Digit Health, 2024;10:20552076241226962.
    PMID: 38298527 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241226962
    In light of the rapidly evolving digital landscape, there is an increasing need to explore digital hoarding behavior. This need is driven by concerns regarding its intricate psychological foundations and its impact on individuals within our technology-centric society. This research investigates the influence of various factors, including the fear of missing out, emotional attachment, information overload, and decision fatigue, on digital hoarding behaviors among university students in Iran. Additionally, the study examines the moderating role of maladaptive perfectionism in these relationships. The study involved 275 university students (mean age = 21.62 years; standard deviation = 2.28 years; 65.6% female) selected from four universities in Iran. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that the fear of missing out, emotional attachment, information overload, and decision fatigue significantly predict university students' digital hoarding behavior. Moreover, the findings highlighted the moderating effect of maladaptive perfectionism on the association between emotional attachment and digital hoarding behavior. This suggests that individuals with higher levels of maladaptive perfectionism exhibit amplified digital hoarding tendencies when emotionally attached to their digital data. This study provides a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychological factors and digital hoarding tendencies. These findings have practical implications for educational institutions and mental health professionals, as they can help in developing targeted strategies and interventions to manage digital hoarding behavior in university freshmen and promote healthier digital habits.
  7. Fulltext Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Oxide/Polyethylene Glycol/Folic Acid/Brucine Nanocomposites and Their Anticancer Activity on HepG2 Cells
    Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.
    Int J Nanomedicine, 2024;19:1109-1124.
    PMID: 38344441 DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S445206
    BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer and the second major cause of cancer-associated mortalities worldwide. Cancer nanotechnology has the ability to fundamentally alter cancer treatment, diagnosis, and detection.

    OBJECTIVE: In this study, we explained the development of graphene oxide/polyethylene glycol/folic acid/brucine nanocomposites (GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs) and evaluated their antimicrobial and anticancer effect on the liver cancer HepG2 cells.

    METHODOLOGY: The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs were prepared using the co-precipitation technique and characterized using various techniques. The cytotoxicity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against both liver cancer HepG2 and non-malignant Vero cells using an MTT assay. The antimicrobial activity of the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs was tested against several pathogens using the well diffusion technique. The effects of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs on endogenous ROS accumulation, apoptosis, and MMP levels were examined using corresponding fluorescent staining assays, respectively. The apoptotic protein expressions, such as Bax, Bcl-2, and caspases, were studied using the corresponding kits.

    RESULTS: The findings of various characterization assays revealed the development of GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs with face-centered spherical morphology and an agglomerated appearance with an average size of 197.40 nm. The GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs treatment remarkably inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens. The findings of the MTT assay evidenced that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs effectively reduced the HepG2 cell growth while not showing toxicity to the Vero cells. The findings of the fluorescent assay proved that the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs increased ROS generation, reduced MMP levels, and promoted apoptosis in the HepG2 cells. The levels of Bax, caspase-9, and -3 were increased, and Bcl-2 was reduced in the GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs-treated HepG2 cells.

    CONCLUSION: The results of this work demonstrate that GO/PEG/Bru-FA NCs suppress viability and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells, indicating their potential as an anticancer candidate.

  8. Carbohydrate polymers-based surface modified nano delivery systems for enhanced target delivery to colon cancer - A review
    Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 2):126581.
    PMID: 37652322 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126581
    Carbohydrate polymers-based surface-modified nano-delivery systems have gained significant attention in recent years for enhancing targeted delivery to colon cancer. These systems leverage carbohydrate polymers' unique properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and controlled release. These properties make them suitable candidates for drug delivery applications. Nano-delivery systems loaded with bioactive compounds are well-studied for targeted colorectal cancer delivery. However, those drugs' target reach is still limited in various nano-delivery systems. To overcome this limitation, surface modification of nanoparticles with carbohydrate polymers like chitosan, pectin, alginate, and guar gum showed enhanced target-reaching capacity along with enhanced anticancer efficacy. Recently, a chitosan-decorated PLGA nanoparticle was constructed with tannic acid and vitamin E and showed long-term release of specific targets along with higher anticancer efficacy. Similarly, Chitosan-conjugated glucuronic acid-coated silica nanoparticles loaded with capecitabine were studied against colon cancer and found to be the pH-responsive controlled release of capecitabine with higher anticancer efficacy. Surface-modified carbohydrate polymers have promising potential for improving colon cancer target delivery. By leveraging the unique properties of these polymers, such as surface modification, pH responsiveness, mucoadhesion, controlled drug release, and combination therapy, researchers are working toward developing more effective and targeted treatment strategies for colon cancer.
  9. Chitosan biopolymer functionalized with graphene oxide and titanium dioxide with Escin metallic nanocomposites for anticancer potential against colon cancer
    Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Alanazi IM, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Falemban AH, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 7):127334.
    PMID: 37820908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127334
    Our study produced GO-TiO2-chitosan-escin nanocomposites (GTCEnc), characterized them using physical and biological methods, and evaluated their potential as cancer treatment candidates. Standard protocols were used to produce GTCEnc. Nanocomposites are created using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and PL spectroscopy analysis. The morphology and ultrastructure of nanocomposites were investigated using SEM and TEM. Nanocomposites containing TiO2, GO, chitosan, and escin nanostructures were characterized using diffraction, microscopy, and spectroscopy; the antimicrobial activity of GTCEnc was investigated. Various methods were used to test the anticancer activity of GTCEnc against COLO 205 cell lines, including MTT, EtBr/AO, DAPI, JC-1, Annexin-V/FITC, cell cycle analysis, and activation of pro-apoptotic markers, such as caspase-3, -8, and -9. The nanocomposites were cytotoxic to COLO 205 cells, with an IC50 of 22.68 μg/mL, but not to 293T cells. In cells treated with nanomaterials, cytotoxicity, nuclear damage, apoptosis induction, and free radical production were significantly increased. Our finding suggests that GTCEnc has potent anticancer and antibacterial activity in vitro because of its unique nanocomposite properties and antibacterial and anticancer activity in vitro. Additional research is required to understand the clinical efficacy of these nanocomposites.
  10. The Malaysian Society of Toxicology: from establishment to evolution, a promising future!
    Kamaludin NF, Kamarulzaman F, Abdullah R, Chan KM, Inayat-Hussain SH
    Genes Environ, 2023 Dec 11;45(1):34.
    PMID: 38072940 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-023-00290-5
    The Malaysian Society of Toxicology (MySOT), founded in 2010, emerged as a response to the growing need for a collective and interdisciplinary effort to study the effects of substances on human health, and the environment. By fostering collaboration between toxicologists, researchers, regulators, industry experts, and various relevant subject matter experts, MySOT has played a vital role in generating knowledge and promoting safety to safeguard both human and environmental well-being. Within the 13 years since its establishment, MySOT has made substantial progress in the advancement of toxicology in Malaysia. Over the years, MySOT has supported many initiatives, including organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops in which experts from various fields present their research, discuss emerging trends, and propose strategies to reduce toxic substance exposure risk. The society has also been actively involved in the broader landscape of toxicology research and policy influence in Malaysia. MySOT shoulders the responsibility of conveying accurate information and educating the public about health risks associated with toxic substances. Therefore, the society aims to collaborate with governmental organizations, professional bodies, and international toxicology organizations to share ideas, resources, and expertise. MySOT seeks to gather toxicological experts in the region and significantly contribute to a safer and healthier community, therefore supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by being actively involved with all of its stakeholders, both local and international.
  11. Risk assessment of aflatoxin B1 in herbal medicines and plant food supplements marketed in Malaysia using margin of exposure and RISK21 approaches
    Ab Dullah SS, Sabran MR, Hasiah AH, Abdullah R
    Genes Environ, 2023 Nov 23;45(1):31.
    PMID: 37993956 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-023-00286-1
    Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin produced by several species of Aspergillus fungi which can cause liver cancer in animals and humans. This study aims to perform the risk assessment of AFB1 in herbal medicines and plant food supplements (PFS) in Malaysian market. A total of 31 herbal medicines and PFS were purchased through online platforms and over the counter using a targeted sampling strategy. Of 31 samples analysed using the ELISA method, 25 (80.6%) were contaminated with AFB1 at levels ranged from 0.275 to 13.941 μg/kg. The Benchmark Dose Lower Confidence level of 10 (BMDL10) of 63.46 ng/kg bw/day and the estimated dietary intake of the adult population ranged from 0.006 to 10.456 ng/kg bw/day were used to calculate the Margin of Exposure (MOE). The MOEs for 24 (96%) out of the 25 positive samples were lower than 10,000. The RISK21 matrix revealed that AFB1 exposure levels from herbal medicines and PFS differed greatly over the world. The calculated population risk of acquiring liver cancer from AFB1 exposure ranged from 0 to 0.261 cancers/100,000 populations/year and accounted for an estimated percentage of liver cancer incidence ranged from 0.002 to 4.149%. This study revealed a moderate risk of liver cancer attributable to AFB1 from herbal medicine and PFS among Malaysian populations and emphasised an urgency for risk management actions.
  12. An application of carbohydrate polymers-based surface-modified gold nanoparticles for improved target delivery to liver cancer therapy - A systemic review
    Alzahrani AR, Ibrahim IAA, Shahzad N, Shahid I, Alanazi IM, Falemban AH, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Sep 13;253(Pt 4):126889.
    PMID: 37714232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126889
    Gold nanoparticles have been broadly investigated as cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Gold nanoparticles are a favorable drug delivery vehicle with their unique subcellular size and good biocompatibility. Chitosan, agarose, fucoidan, porphyran, carrageenan, ulvan and alginate are all examples of biologically active macromolecules. Since they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and irritant-free, they find extensive application in biomedical and macromolecules. The versatility of these compounds is enhanced because they are amenable to modification by functional groups like sulfation, acetylation, and carboxylation. In an eco-friendly preparation process, the biocompatibility and targeting of GNPs can be improved by functionalizing them with polysaccharides. This article provides an update on using carbohydrate-based GNPs in liver cancer treatment, imaging, and drug administration. Selective surface modification of several carbohydrate types and further biological uses of GNPs are focused on.
  13. Appraisal of data-driven techniques for predicting short-term streamflow in tropical catchment
    Yeoh KL, Puay HT, Abdullah R, Abd Manan TS
    Water Sci Technol, 2023 Jul;88(1):75-91.
    PMID: 37452535 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.193
    Short-term streamflow prediction is essential for managing flood early warning and water resources systems. Although numerical models are widely used for this purpose, they require various types of data and experience to operate the model and often tedious calibration processes. Under the digital revolution, the application of data-driven approaches to predict streamflow has increased in recent decades. In this work, multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) models with three different input combinations are developed and assessed for multi-step ahead short-term streamflow predictions, using 14 years of hydrological datasets from the Kulim River catchment, Malaysia. Introducing more precedent streamflow events as predictor improves the performance of these data-driven models, especially in predicting peak streamflow during the high-flow event. The RF model (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE): 0.599-0.962) outperforms the MLR model (NSE: 0.584-0.963) in terms of overall prediction accuracy. However, with the increasing lead-time length, the models' overall prediction accuracy on the arrival time and magnitude of peak streamflow decrease. These findings demonstrate the potential of decision tree-based models, such as RF, for short-term streamflow prediction and offer insights into enhancing the accuracy of these data-driven models.
  14. Dose perturbation effects by metal hip prosthesis in gynaecological 192Ir HDR brachytherapy
    Ab Shukor NS, Abdullah R, Abdul Aziz MZ, Samson DO, Musarudin M
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2023 Jun;196:110751.
    PMID: 36871495 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110751
    The present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of hip prostheses in 192Ir HDR brachytherapy and determine dose uncertainties introduced by the treatment planning. A gynaecological phantom irradiated using Nucletron 192Ir microSelectron HDR source was modeled using MCNP5 code. Three hip materials considered in this study were water, bone, and metal prosthesis. According to the obtained results, a dose perturbation was observed within the medium with a higher atomic number, which reduced the dose to the nearby region.
  15. Fulltext Enhanced Intrusion Detection with Data Stream Classification and Concept Drift Guided by the Incremental Learning Genetic Programming Combiner
    Shyaa MA, Zainol Z, Abdullah R, Anbar M, Alzubaidi L, Santamaría J
    Sensors (Basel), 2023 Apr 04;23(7).
    PMID: 37050795 DOI: 10.3390/s23073736
    Concept drift (CD) in data streaming scenarios such as networking intrusion detection systems (IDS) refers to the change in the statistical distribution of the data over time. There are five principal variants related to CD: incremental, gradual, recurrent, sudden, and blip. Genetic programming combiner (GPC) classification is an effective core candidate for data stream classification for IDS. However, its basic structure relies on the usage of traditional static machine learning models that receive onetime training, limiting its ability to handle CD. To address this issue, we propose an extended variant of the GPC using three main components. First, we replace existing classifiers with alternatives: online sequential extreme learning machine (OSELM), feature adaptive OSELM (FA-OSELM), and knowledge preservation OSELM (KP-OSELM). Second, we add two new components to the GPC, specifically, a data balancing and a classifier update. Third, the coordination between the sub-models produces three novel variants of the GPC: GPC-KOS for KA-OSELM; GPC-FOS for FA-OSELM; and GPC-OS for OSELM. This article presents the first data stream-based classification framework that provides novel strategies for handling CD variants. The experimental results demonstrate that both GPC-KOS and GPC-FOS outperform the traditional GPC and other state-of-the-art methods, and the transfer learning and memory features contribute to the effective handling of most types of CD. Moreover, the application of our incremental variants on real-world datasets (KDD Cup '99, CICIDS-2017, CSE-CIC-IDS-2018, and ISCX '12) demonstrate improved performance (GPC-FOS in connection with CSE-CIC-IDS-2018 and CICIDS-2017; GPC-KOS in connection with ISCX2012 and KDD Cup '99), with maximum accuracy rates of 100% and 98% by GPC-KOS and GPC-FOS, respectively. Additionally, our GPC variants do not show superior performance in handling blip drift.
  16. Biochar and activated carbon derived from oil palm kernel shell as a framework for the preparation of sustainable controlled release urea fertiliser
    Vejan P, Abdullah R, Ahmad N, Khadiran T
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Mar;30(13):38738-38750.
    PMID: 36585594 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24970-x
    The oil palm kernel shell biochar (OPKS-B) and oil palm kernel shell activated carbon (OPKS-AC) were used as a framework to entrap urea using adsorption method. Batch adsorption studies were performed to gauge the influence of contact time on the adsorption of urea onto both OPKS-B and OPKS-AC. To evaluate the physicochemical traits of the studied materials, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), N2-sorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), elemental analysis, differential thermal gravity (TG/DTG) and thermal gravity were applied. Result shows OPKS-AC has a better sorption capacity for urea compared to OPKS-B. The Langmuir isotherm model better justified the sorption isotherms of urea. For the adsorption process for both OPKS-B and OPKS-AC, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was picked as it best fitted the experimental sorption outcome with the superior R2 values of > 65.1% and > 74.5%, respectively. The outcome of the experiments showcased that the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of the OPKS-AC towards urea was 239.68 mg/g. OPKS-AC has showed promising attributes to be picked as an organic framework in the production of controlled release urea fertiliser for a greener and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
  17. Fulltext Coumarin-Based Sulfonamide Derivatives as Potential DPP-IV Inhibitors: Pre-ADME Analysis, Toxicity Profile, Computational Analysis, and In Vitro Enzyme Assay
    Vawhal PK, Jadhav SB, Kaushik S, Panigrahi KC, Nayak C, Urmee H, et al.
    Molecules, 2023 Jan 19;28(3).
    PMID: 36770672 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031004
    Recent research on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors has made it feasible to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with minimal side effects. Therefore, in the present investigation, we aimed to discover and develop some coumarin-based sulphonamides as potential DPP-IV inhibitors in light of the fact that molecular hybridization of many bioactive pharmacophores frequently results in synergistic activity. Each of the proposed derivatives was subjected to an in silico virtual screening, and those that met all of the criteria and had a higher binding affinity with the DPP-IV enzyme were then subjected to wet lab synthesis, followed by an in vitro biological evaluation. The results of the pre-ADME and pre-tox predictions indicated that compounds 6e, 6f, 6h, and 6m to 6q were inferior and violated the most drug-like criteria. It was observed that 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6i, 6j, 6r, 6s, and 6t displayed less binding free energy (PDB ID: 5Y7H) than the reference inhibitor and demonstrated drug-likeness properties, hence being selected for wet lab synthesis and the structures being confirmed by spectral analysis. In the in vitro enzyme assay, the standard drug Sitagliptin had an IC50 of 0.018 µM in the experiment which is the most potent. All the tested compounds also displayed significant inhibition of the DPP-IV enzyme, but 6i and 6j demonstrated 10.98 and 10.14 µM IC50 values, respectively, i.e., the most potent among the synthesized compounds. Based on our findings, we concluded that coumarin-based sulphonamide derivatives have significant DPP-IV binding ability and exhibit optimal enzyme inhibition in an in vitro enzyme assay.
  18. Fulltext The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Flipped Classroom for EFL Courses: A Systematic Literature Review
    Linling Z, Abdullah R
    Sage Open, 2023;13(1):21582440221148149.
    PMID: 36699544 DOI: 10.1177/21582440221148149
    The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education. The closure of schools and the cessation of face-to-face classrooms have affected schools and students worldwide. The current need is to transform the traditional classroom to adapt to the new social and educational background. The flipped classroom is usually defined as a strategy to subvert the conventional academic environment; that is, the information transmission part of the traditional face-to-face lecture is removed from the classroom time for online self-learning. The flipped classroom is a highly flexible classroom mode, which has brought significant changes to education. Therefore, this study aims to examine the studies' research trends, advantages, and challenges concerning the flipped classroom for EFL courses during the COVID-19 epidemic. For this purpose, databases including the web of Science (WOS) and Scopus were reviewed, and 15 articles were analyzed. A systematic review was used as the research methodology. The study's findings revealed the effectiveness of flipped classrooms for EFL courses during the pandemic. Based on the review, this paper puts forward suggestions for future research and points out the future development direction.
  19. Resource recovery from hydroponic wastewaters using microalgae-based biorefineries: A circular bioeconomy perspective
    Ajeng AA, Rosli NSM, Abdullah R, Yaacob JS, Qi NC, Loke SP
    J Biotechnol, 2022 Dec 10;360:11-22.
    PMID: 36272573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2022.10.011
    As the world's population grows, it is necessary to rethink how countries throughout the world produce food in order to replace the conventional and unsustainable agricultural techniques. Microalgae cultivation using a nutrient-rich solution from hydroponic systems not only presents a novel approach to solving problems pertaining to the impact of the discharges on the natural environment but also provides a plethora of other biotechnological applications particularly in the productions of high value-added products and plants growth stimulants, which can be potentially assimilated into the circular bioeconomy (CBE) in the hydroponic sector. In this review, the potential and practicability of microalgae to be merged into hydroponics CBE are reviewed. Overall, the integration of microalgal biorefineries in hydroponics systems can be realized after considering their Technology Readiness Level and System Readiness Level beforehand. Several suggestions on strains and hydroponics system improvement using existing biotechnological tools, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and nanobiotechnology in support of the CBE will be covered.
  20. Fulltext Over-the-Counter Breast Cancer Classification Using Machine Learning and Patient Registration Records
    Hanis TM, Ruhaiyem NIR, Arifin WN, Haron J, Wan Abdul Rahman WF, Abdullah R, et al.
    Diagnostics (Basel), 2022 Nov 16;12(11).
    PMID: 36428886 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112826
    This study aims to determine the feasibility of machine learning (ML) and patient registration record to be utilised to develop an over-the-counter (OTC) screening model for breast cancer risk estimation. Data were retrospectively collected from women who came to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia for breast-related problems. Eight ML models were used: k-nearest neighbour (kNN), elastic-net logistic regression, multivariate adaptive regression splines, artificial neural network, partial least square, random forest, support vector machine (SVM), and extreme gradient boosting. Features utilised for the development of the screening models were limited to information in the patient registration form. The final model was evaluated in terms of performance across a mammographic density. Additionally, the feature importance of the final model was assessed using the model agnostic approach. kNN had the highest Youden J index, precision, and PR-AUC, while SVM had the highest F2 score. The kNN model was selected as the final model. The model had a balanced performance in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and PR-AUC across the mammographic density groups. The most important feature was the age at examination. In conclusion, this study showed that ML and patient registration information are feasible to be used as the OTC screening model for breast cancer.
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