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  1. Danmaigoro A, Muhammad MA, Abubakar K, Magiri RB, Bakare AG, Iji PA
    Int J Biometeorol, 2024 Aug;68(8):1497-1505.
    PMID: 38700715 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-024-02694-6
    Climate change due to natural human activity is a significant global phenomenon affecting the sustainability of most countries' livestock industries. Climate change factors such as ambient temperature, relative humidity, direct and indirect sun radiation, and wind have significant consequences on feed, water, pasture availability, and the re-emergence of diseases in livestock. All these variables have a considerable impact on livestock production and welfare. However, animals' ability to respond and adapt to changes in climate differs within species and breeds. Comparatively, small ruminants are more adaptive to the adverse effects of climate change than large ruminants in terms of reproduction performance, survival, production yield, and resistance to re-emerging diseases. This is mainly due to their morphological features against harsh climate effects. Tropical breeds are more adaptive to the adverse effects of climate change than small temperate ruminants. However, the difference in morphological characteristics towards adaptation to the impact of climate change will guide the development of suitable policies on the selection of breeding stock suitable for different regions in the world. The choice of breeds based on morphological features and traits is an essential strategy in mitigating and minimizing the effects of climate change on small ruminants' production and welfare. This review highlights the adaptive morphological features within and among breeds of small ruminants toward adaptation to climate change.
  2. Muhamad Jamil NK, Naina Mohamed I, Mokhtar SA, Leong JF, Kamudin NAF, Muhammad N
    Arch Osteoporos, 2024 Jun 12;19(1):49.
    PMID: 38864939 DOI: 10.1007/s11657-024-01407-1
    This study compares osteoporosis management between tertiary East Coast hospitals and a FLS-accredited hospital in Malaysia. It identifies significant barriers and highlights the superior performance of FLS in areas like timely treatment initiation and treatment monitoring. The insights are crucial for improving osteoporosis management strategies.

    INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis management poses a substantial healthcare challenge, necessitating effective strategies and Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) adherence.

    METHODS: The study employed a self-administered online questionnaire via Google Forms. Orthopedic clinicians from all study sites were invited to participate via messaging platforms. A total of 135 participants completed the questionnaire and the data was proceeded to statistical analyses.

    RESULTS: The study identified significant barriers, including inadequate knowledge of current osteoporosis guidelines and medications (p = 0.014), limited choice of anti-osteoporosis medication (p 

  3. Rasul CH, Muhammad F, Hossain MJ, Ahmed KU, Rahman M
    Malays J Med Sci, 2012 Apr;19(2):67-73.
    PMID: 22973139
    BACKGROUND: Acute meningoencephalitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. The objective of this study was to examine the distribution of acute meningoencephalitis and its aetiological agents among children admitted to a tertiary hospital in southern Bangladesh.

    METHODS: This prospective study was carried out in Khulna Medical College Hospital from 2007 to 2009. All of the admitted children between 1 month and 12 years of age were enrolled over a 2-year period if they met the inclusion criteria of having an acute onset of fever (≤ 14 days) and any of the following 3 signs: neck stiffness, convulsion, or altered mental status. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected within hours and sent to the laboratory for cytological and biochemical analyses. CSF was examined by Gram staining and a latex agglutination test to detect common bacteria. Serum and CSF were also tested for Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies.

    RESULTS: A total of 140 children were included in the study, which accounted for 2.5% of admissions between 2007 and 2009. The number of acute meningoencephalitis cases was relatively higher (37.9%) during the monsoon season. The CSF report revealed a pyogenic form in 24 (18.5%) and a viral form in 13 (10.0%) cases. Altered mental status was significantly less frequent (P < 0.001) in cases of pyogenic meningoencephalitis (62.5%) than in cases of non-pyogenic meningoencephalitis (93.4%). Bacterial causes were identified in 11 (8.5%) children; the causative agents included Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 8), Neisseria meningitides (n = 2), and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 1). Three (2.3%) patients were positive for Japanese encephalitis virus.

    CONCLUSION: S. pneumoniae was the most common bacteria causing acute meningoencephalitis among the study subjects, and Japanese encephalitis virus was present in few patients.

  4. Raffali MAA, Azmi MI, Muhammad SF, Che Hassan HH
    BMJ Case Rep, 2024 Apr 29;17(4).
    PMID: 38684352 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260649
    A man in his 20s with no medical illness sustained a blunt chest injury with pneumothorax and lung contusion after involving in a motorbike accident. Five days postadmission, he subsequently had myocardial infarction with cardiac arrest, in which coronary angiogram and intravascular ultrasound showed diffused multivessel coronary artery dissection.
  5. Jaffar A, Muhammad NA, Mohd Sidik S, Admodisastro N, Abdul Manaf R, Foo CN, et al.
    PMID: 35329262 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063574
    Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is crucial to improving urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed to assess the Kegel Exercise Pregnancy Training (KEPT) app’s feasibility and usability. This is a subgroup analysis from a researcher-blinded, randomised controlled pilot feasibility study among pregnant women with UI. The Malay version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (Interactive) evaluated the app’s usability. Ten pregnant women completed the study, with mean age (SD) of 28.9 years (3.1). The app’s feasibility was rated above average. The app was reported with usable in all domains, (1) system information arrangement (4.98/7.0), (2) usefulness (4.89/7.0) and (3) ease-of-use and satisfaction (5.03/7.0). Education level was negatively correlated with the app’s feasibility (r = −0.81, p < 0.001) and all domains of usability such as ease-of-use (r = −0.66, p = 0.01), system information (r = −0.81, p = 0.001) and usefulness (r = −0.81, p = 0.001). PFMT video was among the app features chosen to be helpful. This study demonstrates that the newly developed user-centred design KEPT app is feasible and usable. However, the future app should provide direct feedback about their exercise techniques to motivate PFMT adherence.
  6. Kafle A, Suttiprapa S, Muhammad M, Tenorio JCB, Mahato RK, Sahimin N, et al.
    PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2024 Sep;18(9):e0012477.
    PMID: 39236081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012477
    BACKGROUND: Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, are pivotal in regulating gene expression pathways related to inflammation and cancer. While there is substantial research on epigenetic markers in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), Opisthorchis viverrini-induced cholangiocarcinoma (Ov-CCA) is overlooked as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) with limited representation in the literature. Considering the distinct etiological agent, pathogenic mechanisms, and pathological manifestations, epigenetic research plays a pivotal role in uncovering markers and potential targets related to the cancer-promoting and morbidity-inducing liver fluke parasite prevalent in the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS). Emerging studies highlight a predominant hypermethylation phenotype in Opisthorchis viverrini (O. viverrini) tumor tissues, underscoring the significance of abnormal DNA methylation and histone modifications in genes and their promoters as reliable targets for Ov-CCA.

    PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Relevant published literature was identified by searching major electronic databases using targeted search queries. This process retrieved a total of 81 peer-reviewed research articles deemed eligible for inclusion, as they partially or fully met the pre-defined selection criteria. These eligible articles underwent a qualitative synthesis and were included in the scoping review. Within these, 11 studies specifically explored Ov-CCA tissues to investigate potential epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This subset of 11 articles provided a foundation for exploring the applications of epigenetics-based therapies and biomarkers for Ov-CCA. These articles delved into various epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, and examined genes with aberrant epigenetic changes linked to deregulated signalling pathways in Ov-CCA progression.

    CONCLUSIONS: This review identified epigenetic changes and Wnt/β-catenin pathway deregulation as key drivers in Ov-CCA pathogenesis. Promoter hypermethylation of specific genes suggests potential diagnostic biomarkers and dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin-modulating genes contributes to pathway activation in Ov-CCA progression. Reversible epigenetic changes offer opportunities for dynamic disease monitoring and targeted interventions. Therefore, this study underscores the importance of these epigenetic modifications in Ov-CCA development, suggesting novel therapeutic targets within disrupted signalling networks. However, additional validation is crucial for translating these novel insights into clinically applicable strategies, enhancing personalised Ov-CCA management approaches.

  7. Sari DK, Ibrahim N, Herlina N, Arrasyid NK, Dharmajaya R, Rachmawati M, et al.
    J Exp Pharmacol, 2024;16:271-284.
    PMID: 39262571 DOI: 10.2147/JEP.S466494
    BACKGROUND: Local wisdom food ingredients in North Sumatra, Indonesia, are a source of phenolics which have antioxidant, antihyperlipidemia, neuronal survival, and growth. Administering products with antioxidant properties can provide a supporting effect in preventing inflammation and neurodegenerative process.

    OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to analyze the formulation of red palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq), koja bay leaves (Murraya koenigii L Spreng), and passion fruit seeds (Passiflora edulis Sims) to improve lipid profile, antioxidant activity, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and lipase enzyme activity of Sprague-Dawley rats.

    METHODS: This study was an in vivo and pre-post experimental study, starting with analyzing flavonoid of the three extract ingredients, then tested by giving it to rats for 14 days and ending with induction administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for two days. This pre-post study on animals involved 36 rats divided into 6 groups. At the end of the study, termination and examination of malondialdehyde, lipid profile, glucose, BDNF, lipase enzyme activity and histopathological examination were carried out.

    RESULTS: The study results showed that there were significant values in several parameters, which were body weight, LDL, LDL/HDL ratio, BDNF, and lipase enzyme activity especially in the group of rats given LPS and the group with high calories-fat-protein. This study showed that there were significant differences in body weight, LDL levels, and LDL/HDL ratio in each group of rats, especially in the group given the formulation of the three extract ingredients, the significant dose showed in 300mg/kg body weight (p < 0.001).

    CONCLUSION: The formulation of red palm oil, koja bay leaves, and passion fruit seeds showed significant reduction in LDL levels, LDL/HDL ratio, BDNF, and lipase enzyme activity.

  8. Rajagopal AR, Toyat S, Mohd Aslam MF, Arsad SR, Muhammad Nawawi RF
    Cureus, 2025 Feb;17(2):e79795.
    PMID: 40161160 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79795
    OBJECTIVE: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most common upper limb fractures in clinical practice. Due to the absence of a formal national registry describing the characteristics of DRFs in Southeast Asia, this study aims to provide hospital-based epidemiological data to bridge this gap in the literature.

    METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in the Hand and Microsurgery Unit of Hospital Selayang, Batu Caves, Malaysia, which included all patients who sustained non-pathological DRFs over 24 months, from 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. Medical records were analyzed in terms of detailed demographic data, fracture characteristics, and mode of treatment.

    RESULTS: Over the two-year study period, we identified 446 patients with DRF, totaling 450 DRFs (four patients had bilateral injuries). Male patients outnumbered female patients 114 (64%) to 63 (36%) in 2022 and 145 (54%) to 124 (46%) in 2023. The mean age of patients was significantly higher in 2023 compared to 2022 (54.51 ± 22.20 vs. 45.25 ± 23.64 years, respectively; p < 0.0001). The most common fracture type was type A, based on the Orthopaedic Trauma Association(OTA) classification, accounting for 83.6% of cases in 2022 and 87.4% of cases in 2023. In terms of treatment, most DRFs were treated conservatively as opposed to operatively (77.4% vs. 71.3%), with plate fixation being the most common operative intervention, accounting for 57.5% of cases in 2022 and 73.3% of cases in 2023.

    CONCLUSION: The incidence of DRF was higher among male patients than among female patients in our study population, with an increasing annual trend. Most cases were the result of low-impact trauma and were closed fractures that were conservatively managed.

  9. Batool A, Aslam A, Muhammad Boota N, Ghulam Mustafa A, Akhtar SS
    Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2026 Oct 26.
    PMID: 42933023 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2026.2737567
    Objectives. Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet remains underdiagnosed in low and middle-income countries. This study assessed the clinical features, triggers, management patterns and occupational impact of neurologist-diagnosed migraine among corporate employees in Skardu, Pakistan. Methods. A cross-sectional study of adult corporate employees with neurologist-confirmed migraine was conducted at neurology outpatient clinics in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire on demographics, clinical features, triggers, occupational impact and management. Non-parametric tests and multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of high occupational impact, reported as adjusted odds ratios and p values. Results. Most participants were female (72.4%) and aged 26-35 years (43.0%), with migraine without aura being the most common (40.6%). The mean migraine burden was high (58.9 ± 13.6) and varied significantly by gender, age and management. Poor management (34.7%) and reliance on Over-the-Counter (OTC) analgesics (65.3%) were common. Work impact was substantial, with 44% reporting moderate-to-severe absenteeism and 55% presenteeism. High occupational impact was independently predicted by higher migraine burden, frequent attacks (>6/month), stress, sleep deprivation, environmental stressors, poor management and information technology-sector employment. Conclusion. Among corporate employees in Skardu, migraine causes significant absenteeism and workplace impairment; addressing triggers and improving specialist care can reduce disability.
  10. Abd Rasid NA, Muhammad NA, Mohamed Kamel FM, Adenan AZ, Mohd Arifin SR, Zainuddin AA
    Int J Adolesc Med Health, 2026 Oct 01;38(5):405-412.
    PMID: 42530135 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2026-0074
    OBJECTIVES: Adolescents continue to demonstrate uneven sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, particularly in applied domains such as contraception, gender identity, and digital safety. While school-based education emphasizes biological aspects of reproduction, structured family-based SRH education remains limited. This study examined whether empowering parents with structured, culturally sensitive SRH content and professional guidance may improve adolescents' SRH knowledge through parent-adolescent communication on sexual issues (PACS).

    METHODS: A quasi-experimental single-arm pre-post pilot study was conducted among Malaysian parent-adolescent dyads. Parents received a six-week structured SRH module delivered via a website, supported by healthcare professionals through digital platforms, and engaged in PACS. Adolescents completed a validated 30-item SRH knowledge questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention.

    RESULTS: Fifty adolescents with a mean age of 14.45 (SD=1.50) years completed the study (completion rate: 89.3 %). Median knowledge scores increased significantly from 19.0 (IQR=11.5-26.5) to 23.0 (IQR=17-29) (p<0.001, r=0.62). Significant improvements were observed across several knowledge domains, including contraception misconceptions, oral sex and pregnancy risk, gender identity, digital safety, grooming awareness, and abortion (r=0.28-0.40, p<0.05).

    CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that empowering parents with digitally delivered, structured SRH education and professional support can enhance parent-adolescent communication and improve adolescents' knowledge, particularly in sensitive and under-addressed domains. This family-based approach offers a feasible and scalable complement to school-based SRH education, especially in culturally sensitive and resource-limited settings.

  11. Baharum NH, Wan Muhammad Hatta SF, Zainordin NA, Abdul Ghani R
    BMC Endocr Disord, 2024 Dec 02;24(1):260.
    PMID: 39617888 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01778-z
    BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease populations are categorized as high risk for fasting in Ramadan due to various potential fasting-related complications. Insulin analogues are recommended to be used in place of human insulin during fasting, as they carry a lower risk of hypoglycaemia and stable glycaemic variability. A paucity of data exits on the safety and efficacy of different basal insulin types during fasting for this population. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three basal insulin among patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and concomitant mild to moderate chronic kidney disease who are keen to fast during Ramadan.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-centered, prospective observational study was conducted among 46 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and concomitant chronic kidney disease stage 2 and 3 who were on three different types of basal insulin (Glargine U-100, Levemir, and Insulatard), fasted in Ramadan 2022. All variables were listed as median (IQR). Hypoglycaemia events and glycemic variability obtained from Freestyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring were compared between insulin groups. Changes in glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, renal profile, body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference pre and post-Ramadan were evaluated.

    RESULTS: The glycaemic variability was found highest in Insulatard with a median (IQR) of 37.2(33)% versus Levemir 34.4(32.4)% versus Glargine U-100 36.8(30.6)%, p = NS. Levemir had reported the lowest median time of below range of 2.5(13)% followed by Glargine 4(25)% and Insulatard 5(8)%; p = NS. The findings of this study indicated that glycated haemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, renal profile, body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference did not alter statistically between the three groups post-Ramadan. Individually, Insulatard showed a significant reduction in weight and waist circumference (0.9kg, p = 0.026; 0.44 cm, p = 0.008) while Levemir showed a reduction in waist circumference (0.75cm, p = 0.019).

    CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Insulatard, Levemir, and Glargine demonstrated similar levels of safety and efficacy among those with diabetic kidney disease who observed fasting during Ramadan.

  12. Bilal M, Alrasheedi MA, Aamir M, Abdullah S, Norrulashikin SM, Rezaiy R
    Sci Rep, 2024 Dec 02;14(1):29903.
    PMID: 39622831 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-77907-4
    A significant portion of the world's population relies on rice as a primary source of nutrition. In Malaysia, rice production began in the early 1960s, which led to the cultivation of the country's most significant food crop up till the present day. Research on various aspects of the price and production of rice has been done by various methods in the past. In this study, we have adopted novel multivariate fuzzy time series models (MFTS) i.e. fuzzy vector autoregressive models (FVAR) alongside conventional vector autoregressive model (VAR) for assessing rice price and production using a dataset from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MERDI). The proposed method(s) especially with the usage of Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers (TrFNs) have commendable accuracy with great future forecasts over the VAR model. The model selection was made by the least MAPE with the corresponding highest Relative Efficiency as criteria. The study fills the gap in applying advanced fuzzy models for rice forecasting, aiming to improve accuracy using fuzzy vector autoregressive (FVAR) models with Triangular Fuzzy Numbers (TFNs) and Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers (TrFNs) over traditional VAR models. The study's findings imply that the enhanced forecasting accuracy of FVAR models with Trapezoidal Fuzzy Numbers (TrFNs) can significantly assist local farmers and stakeholders in making informed decisions about production and pricing. This improved forecasting capability is expected to promote business growth within the Malaysian market and facilitate increased rice exports, ultimately contributing to the country's economic prosperity.
  13. Seman-Kamarulzaman AF, Muhammad NAN, Othman NW, Jalinas J, Hassan NI, Rahmat NL, et al.
    Arch Insect Biochem Physiol, 2025 Feb;118(2):e70039.
    PMID: 39930668 DOI: 10.1002/arch.70039
    Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), commonly known as the red palm weevil (RPW), is a globally significant pest that threatens economically important palm trees. Its cryptic infestation behavior leads to irreversible damage and eventual host plant death. Current control methods using broad-spectrum insecticides are largely ineffective due to resistance development and their adverse effects on nontarget organisms, necessitating novel strategies. This study integrates proteomics and transcriptomics data to explore the molecular landscape of RPW and identify pathways for targeted pest management. A total of 16,954 transcripts and 983 proteins were identified across three developmental stages (larvae, male adults, and female adults), with a notable decline in protein numbers from larvae to adult. Differential expression analysis revealed 7540 proteins varying significantly between developmental stages. Through subtractive analysis, 218 proteins meeting stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. These proteins underwent pathway enrichment analysis, mapping to 39 enriched pathways (p-value and an FDR of
  14. Elias MH, Abdul Hamid N, Maluin SM, Aris S, Kadiman S, Muhammad Hafidz K, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2024 Nov 14;25(22).
    PMID: 39596303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252212238
    The inability to accurately predict the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) among open-heart surgery patients leads to concerning increases in POCD cases. Preoperative circulating biomarkers are important to identify as they are non-invasive and could provide an early prediction of POCD development, allowing for earlier and more strategized interventions. However, to date, no robust circulating biomarkers have proven effective for preoperative POCD prediction. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on preoperative protein profiling among POCD patients following open-heart surgery. Thus, a thorough literature search employing PubMed, EBSCOhost, Scopus, and Science Direct was carried out. This combination of keywords was used as part of the search strategy: ("Postoperative cognitive decline" OR "Postoperative cognitive disorders" OR "Postoperative cognitive dysfunction" OR "Postoperative cognitive complications") AND ("Thoracic Surgery" OR "Cardiac Surgery" OR "Heart Surgery") AND ("Protein expression" OR proteomic OR "Protein profiling"). Eight hundred and twenty-nine studies were retrieved and only clinical studies reporting the circulating preoperative differentially expressed Proteins (DEPs) in the POCD patients were selected. Six studies were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only one preoperative DEP and four immediate postoperative DEPs were extracted from the studies. All four proteins were selected for analysis using DAVID, STRING, and Cytoscape software. Due to the very low number of proteins, no clusters have been identified. This systematic review demonstrates the lack of POCD preoperative biomarkers for open-heart-surgery patients. Thus, it is suggested that more studies can be conducted to fill this gap.
  15. Muhammad SNH, Ramli RR, Nik Mohamed Kamal NNS, Fauzi AN
    Phytother Res, 2024 Dec;38(12):5626-5640.
    PMID: 39300823 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8346
    Cancer incidence has increased globally and has become the leading cause of death in the majority of countries. Many cancers have altered energy metabolism pathways, such as increased glucose uptake and glycolysis, as well as decreased oxidative phosphorylation. This is known as the Warburg effect, where cancer cells become more reliant on glucose to generate energy and produce lactate as an end product, even when oxygen is present. These are attributed to the overexpression of key glycolytic enzymes, glucose transporters, and related signaling pathways that occur in cancer cells. Therefore, overcoming metabolic alterations in cancer cells has recently become a target for therapeutic approaches. Natural products have played a key role in drug discovery, especially for cancer and infectious diseases. In this review, we are going to focus on terpenoids, which are gradually gaining popularity among drug researchers due to their reported anti-cancer effects via cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, reduction of proliferation, and metastasis. This review summarizes the potential of 13 terpenoid compounds as anti-glycolytic inhibitors in different cancer models, primarily by inhibiting the glucose uptake and the generation of lactate, as well as by downregulating enzymes associated to glycolysis. As a conclusion, disruption of cancer cell glycolysis may be responsible for the anti-cancer activity of terpenoids.
  16. Azlin SUNK, Muhammad Husairy NF, Fraser C, Zahli NIU, Akmal MN, Salleh A
    J Comp Pathol, 2025 Mar 12;218:19-25.
    PMID: 40081130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2025.02.003
    The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a common crocodilian species used for exhibition in zoos and for luxury leather and meat production. We investigated unusual mortality among juvenile spectacled caimans in a zoo in Malaysia over a 2-year period. Clinical signs included inappetence, poor body condition, dehydration and ocular lesions. Necropsy findings included integumentary, respiratory and renal abnormalities. Histopathological analyses revealed necrotic plugs and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in epidermal keratinocytes, granulomatous lesions in the lungs and liver and gout crystals in the kidneys. Acid-fast, beaded, rod-shaped bacteria were identified in the granulomatous lesions using Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Microbiological investigations identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the predominant pathogen, while mycobacteriosis was also detected and poxvirus infection was suspected. However, due to the lack of suitable samples, molecular diagnosis was challenging. These findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of disease in captive spectacled caimans and the need for enhanced management strategies to mitigate health risks and preserve population viability.
  17. Tan MK, Muhammad AA, Abdullah NA, Japir R, Chung AYC, Robillard T
    Zootaxa, 2024 Aug 12;5493(3):246-258.
    PMID: 39646575 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5493.3.2
    Specimens representing three genera of Phaloriinae-Borneloria Gorochov, 2018, Phaloria (Papuloria) Gorochov, 1996 and Trellius (Zatrellius) Gorochov, 1999-were collected from Peninsular and East Malaysia and examined here. We report a new locality record for Borneloria moorei (Chopard, 1940) in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia, the first record of this genus in Malay Peninsula. From Sandakan, East Malaysia, we discovered a new species of Trellius (Zatrellius) and describe here: Trellius (Zatrellius) puntung sp. nov. We also recorded the previously unknown calling songs of Phaloria (Papuloria) tristis Gorochov, 2014 and Trellius (Zatrellius) puntung sp. nov. and describe them here.
  18. Sabri I, Mohd Yusoff MZ, Nor Muhammad NA, Ho LS, Ramli N
    Curr Res Microb Sci, 2025;8:100352.
    PMID: 39958774 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100352
    A sustainable approach to microbial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production involves utilizing waste as a substrate, which can include toxic pollutants like phenol as a carbon feedstock. Phenol-contaminated effluents offer cost-effective and readily available resources for PHA production, while simultaneously addressing phenol contamination issues. Understanding the metabolic conversion of phenol to PHA is crucial to enhance its efficiency, especially considering phenol's toxicity to microbial cells and the substrate-dependent nature of microbial PHA production. In this review, the mechanisms of phenol biodegradation and PHA biosynthesis are first independently elucidated to comprehend the role of bacteria in these processes. Phenol can be metabolized aerobically via various pathways, including catechol meta-cleavage I and II, catechol ortho-cleavage, protocatechuate ortho-cleavage, and protocatechuate meta-cleavage, as well as anaerobically via 4-hydrozybenzoate and/or n-caproate formation. Meanwhile, PHA can be synthesized through the acetoacetyl-CoA (pathway I), de novo fatty acids synthesis (pathway II), β-oxidation (pathway III), and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, with the induction of these pathways are highly dependent on the substrate. Given that the link between these two mechanisms was not comprehensively reported before, the second part of the review delve into understanding phenol conversion into PHA, specifically polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). While phenol toxicity can inhibit bacterial performance, it can be alleviated through the utilization of microbial mixed culture (MMC), which offers a wider range of metabolic capabilities. Utilizing phenol as a carbon feedstock for PHB accumulation could offer a viable approach to boost PHA's commercialization while addressing the issue of phenol pollution.
  19. Razali RA, Muhammad Firdaus FI, Fauzi MB, Mobarak NN, Aminuddin S, Lokanathan Y
    Polymers (Basel), 2024 Nov 30;16(23).
    PMID: 39684132 DOI: 10.3390/polym16233387
    Nasal packing is a critical procedure in postoperative care and trauma management aimed at controlling bleeding, providing structural support, and promoting tissue healing. However, conventional nasal packs often lead to discomfort, infection risks, and secondary tissue damage. To address these challenges, this study explores the potential use of biodegradable and biocompatible gelatin-carrageenan composite scaffolds as an alternative nasal packing material. Five compositions of gelatin-carrageenan scaffolds (ratios 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10) were fabricated and evaluated for physicochemical properties, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility. Results suggest that balanced ratios, such as 7:3 and 5:5, may provide a combination of structural integrity, improved biocompatibility, and controlled degradation, making them a potential candidate for nasal packing applications. The scaffolds exhibited low cytotoxicity and reasonable blood compatibility, which could reduce the risks associated with conventional materials. While these findings are promising, further in vivo studies are necessary to validate the efficacy and safety of these scaffolds in clinical settings. If proven effective, gelatin-carrageenan scaffolds may help address some of the limitations of conventional nasal packing materials and improve postoperative care outcomes.
  20. Chaudhry G, Zeenia, Safdar N, Begum S, Akim AM, Sung YY, et al.
    Braz J Biol, 2024;84:e284409.
    PMID: 39699393 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.284409
    The importance of cytotoxicity assays in in vitro drug discovery investigations has led to their rising profile. Drugs and other substances can disrupt cell membranes, limit protein synthesis, and bind irreversibly to receptors, all of which lead to cell death in cancer cells. To precisely measure the cell death resulting from these damages, one must choose a cytotoxicity test that meets specific criteria. A systematic search strategy was used to gather grey literature from 2001 to 2024, utilizing databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Specific keywords related to colorimetric, fluorometric, and dye exclusion assays, as well as "cytotoxicity," were employed. Here, we only focus on screening drug cytotoxicity for cancer cells. This review discusses various cytotoxicity assays, such as "dye exclusion assays," "colorimetric assays," and "fluorometric assays." It is crucial to prioritize safety, speed, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, while also ensuring minimal interference with the test compound. Commonly used in toxicology and pharmacology, cytotoxicity assays are based on several biological processes. Selecting the correct assay method requires considerations such as assay specificity and sensitivity, detection mechanism, test drug properties, and laboratory availability. This review aims to assist researchers in performing reliable cytotoxicity assessments by providing insights into assay choices.
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