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Fulltext The impact of climate change on coastal erosion in Southeast Asia and the compelling need to establish robust adaptation strategies

Dong WS, Ismailluddin A, Yun LS, Ariffin EH, Saengsupavanich C, Abdul Maulud KN, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Feb 29;10(4):e25609.
PMID: 38375273 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25609

Climate change alters the climate condition and ocean environment, leading to accelerated coastal erosion and a shift in the coastline shape. From previous studies, Southeast Asia's coastal region is suffering from severe coastal erosion. It is most sensitive and vulnerable to climate change, has broad and densely populated coastlines, and is under ecological pressure. Efforts to systematically review these studies are still insufficient despite many studies on the climate change linked to coastal erosion, the correlation between coastal erosion and coastal communities, and the adaptative measures to address these issues and their effectiveness in Southeast Asia. Therefore, by analyzing the existing literature, the purpose of this review was to bridge the knowledge gap and identify the link between climate change and coastal erosion in Southeast Asia in terms of sea-level rise, storm surge, and monsoon patterns. The RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES) guided the study protocol, including articles from the Scopus and Dimension databases. There were five main themes considered: 1) climate change impact, 2) contributing factors to coastal erosion, 3) coastal erosion impact on coastal communities, 4) adaptation measure and 5) effectiveness of adaptation measure using thematical analysis. Subsequently, nine sub-themes were produced from the themes. Generally, in Southeast Asia, coastal erosion was reflected by the rising sea level. Throughout reviewing past literature, an interesting result was explored. Storm surges also had the potential to affect coastal erosion due to alterations of the atmospheric system and seasonal monsoon as the result of climate change. Meanwhile, an assessment of current erosion control strategies in relation to the relative hydrodynamic trend was required to avoid the failure of defence structures and the resulting danger to coastal communities. Systematically reviewing the existing literature was critical, hence it could significantly contribute to the body of knowledge. It provides valuable information for interested parties, such as authorities, the public, researchers, and environmentalists, while comprehending existing adaptation practices. This kind of review could strategize adaptation and natural resource management in line with coastal communities' needs, abilities, and capabilities in response to environmental and other change forms.
Fulltext Unravelling the link between SARS-CoV-2 mutation frequencies, patient comorbidities, and structural dynamics

Azzeri A, Mohamed NA, Wan Rosli SH, Abdul Samat MN, Rashid ZZ, Mohamad Jamali MA, et al.

PLoS One, 2024;19(3):e0291892.
PMID: 38483913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291892

Genomic surveillance is crucial for tracking emergence and spread of novel variants of pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, to inform public health interventions and to enforce control measures. However, in some settings especially in low- and middle- income counties, where sequencing platforms are limited, only certain patients get to be selected for sequencing surveillance. Here, we show that patients with multiple comorbidities potentially harbour SARS-CoV-2 with higher mutation rates and thus deserve more attention for genomic surveillance. The relationship between the patient comorbidities, and type of amino acid mutations was assessed. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant tendency for mutations to occur within the ORF1a region for patients with higher number of comorbidities. Frequency analysis of the amino acid substitution within ORF1a showed that nsp3 P822L of the PLpro protease was one of the highest occurring mutations. Using molecular dynamics, we simulated that the P822L mutation in PLpro represents a system with lower Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) fluctuations, and consistent Radius of gyration (Rg), Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA) values-indicate a much stabler protein than the wildtype. The outcome of this study will help determine the relationship between the clinical status of a patient and the mutations of the infecting SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Anti-metastasis Effects and Mechanism of Action of Curcumin Analog (2E,6E)-2,6-bis(2,3-dimethoxybenzylidene) Cyclohexanone (DMCH) on the SW620 Colorectal Cancer Cell Line

Che Rahim NF, Hussin Y, Aziz MNM, Masarudin MJ, Abd Gani S, Akhtar MN, et al.

Anticancer Agents Med Chem, 2025 Jan 06.
PMID: 39779570 DOI: 10.2174/0118715206336788241029050155

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Curcumin has been reported to have suppressive effects in CRC and to address the physiological limitations of curcumin, a chemically synthesized curcuminoid analog, known as (2E,6E)-2,6-Bis (2,3-Dimethoxy benzylidine) cyclohexanone (DMCH), was developed and the anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic properties of DMCH in colorectal cell line, SW620 were examined.
METHODS: The anti-metastatic effects of DMCH were examined in the SW620 cell line by scratch assay, migration, and invasion assay, while for anti-angiogenesis properties of the cells, the mouse aortic ring assay and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) assay were conducted. The mechanism of action was determined by microarray-based gene expression and protein analyses.
RESULTS: The wound healing assay demonstrated that wound closure was decreased from 63.63 ± 1.44% at IC25 treatment to 4.54 ± 0.62% at IC50 treatment. Significant (p<0.05) reductions in the percentage of migrated and invaded cells were also observed in SW620, with values of 36.39 ± 3.86% and 44.81 ± 3.54%, respectively. Mouse aortic ring assays demonstrated a significant reduction in the formation of tubes and microvessels. Microarray and protein profiler results revealed that DMCH treatment has modulated several metastases, angiogenesisrelated transcripts, and proteins like Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), TIMP-1 (TIMP Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).
CONCLUSION: DMCH could be a potential anti-cancer agent due to its capability to impede metastasis and angiogenesis activities of the SW620 colorectal cancer cell line in vitro via regulating genes and protein in metastases and angiogenesis-related signalling pathways.
Fulltext The effect of the MyBFF@school program on cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese primary schoolchildren: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Mokhtar AH, Kamarudin MA, Choong A, Singh L, Genisan V, Yahya A, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2025 Jan 09;24(Suppl 1):3623.
PMID: 39789464 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20723-2

BACKGROUND: MyBFF@school program consisting physical activity in the formed small-sided games (SSG), nutrition and psychology education was designed to combat obesity among schoolchildren in Malaysia. It was expected to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, hence, contributing to obesity treatment and prevention. Thus, we aimed to study the effects of the MyBFF@school program on the cardiorespiratory fitness of overweight and obese primary schoolchildren.
METHODS: Twenty-three out of 1196 government primary schools in central Peninsular Malaysia participated in this cluster-randomized control study. Schoolchildren aged 9-11 years with a body mass index (BMI) z-score greater than + 1 SD (WHO) were eligible for the study. The intervention group participated in the MyBFF@school program while the control followed the existing standard curriculum. The primary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness using physical fitness score (PFS) measured by the modified Harvard step test. Data were collected at baseline, month-3 and month-6 and were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle using mixed linear models.
RESULTS: A total of 954 schoolchildren completed six months follow up, with 439 (n = 439) in the intervention group (n = seven schools), while 515 (n = 515) in the control group (n = 16 schools). In the first three months, there was significant within-group PFS improvement in overall (both), girls (both) and obese (control). Comparing between-groups, the mean differences favored the control in most parameters, but were not significant: overall (-0.15(-0.75, 0.45), p = 0.83), boys (-0.07(-0.98, 0.83), p = 0.83), girls (-0.27(-1.27, 0.73), p = 0.81), overweight (-0.16(-1.28, 0.94), p = 0.97), obese (-0.05(-1.03, 0.92), p = 0.93), morbidly obese (-0.68(-2.43, 1.05), p = 0.26), urban (0.07(-0.79, 0.94), p = 0.45), and rural (-0.35(-1.34, 0.62), p = 0.30). At month-six, the within-group improvements maintained. However, the mean differences now favored the intervention group although they remained not significant: overall (0.05(-0.98, 1.07), p = 0.69), boys (0.06(-1.35, 1.46), p = 0.86), girls (0.10(-1.31, 1.51), p = 0.74), overweight (0.15(-1.07, 1.36), p = 0.93), obese (0.28(-0.98, 1.55), p = 0.75), morbidly obese (-0.79(-2.74, 1.15), p = 0.47), urban (0.61(-0.56, 1.77), p = 0.47), and rural (-0.69(-2.52, 1.14), p = 0.17).
CONCLUSIONS: MyBFF@school program showed positive trend in cardiorespiratory fitness changes especially after six months. MyBFF@school intervention program has the potential to combat obesity in primary schoolchildren and should be at least six months.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number: NCT04155255, November 7, 2019 (Retrospective registered). National Medical Research Register: NMRR-13-439-16563. Registered July 23, 2013. The intervention program was approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC), Ministry of Health, Malaysia and, the Educational Planning and Research Division (EPRD), Ministry of Education, Malaysia. It was funded by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia.
Fulltext Parental experience with childhood COVID-19 vaccines and factors associated with parental hesitancy despite being vaccinated: findings of a cross-sectional analysis from Pakistan and implications for the future

Salman M, Mallhi TH, Khan YH, Ul Mustafa Z, Tanweer A, Ikram M, et al.

BMJ Open, 2024 Dec 10;14(12):e086877.
PMID: 39658278 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086877

OBJECTIVES: This study examined parental experiences with COVID-19 vaccination and factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (CVH) among them to help guide future policy initiatives.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
SETTING: Lahore, the second largest metropolis in Pakistan.
PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted among parents residing in Lahore from March to April 2023. Participants were recruited via convenience sampling.
OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected using a prevalidated questionnaire that consisted of four sections: (1) informed consent, (2) demographic details, (3) COVID-19 vaccine uptake in children aged 5-17 years, parents' experience with childhood COVID-19 vaccination and their intention to vaccinate their unvaccinated children and (4) a modified 5C scale tailored to determine parents' confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation and collective responsibility with regard to COVID-19 vaccination.
RESULTS: This study included 414 parents (median age=37 years; mothers=62%). COVID-19 vaccination rates for children in the age groups 12-17 years and 5-11 years were 72.5% and 30.1%, respectively. Transient adverse events following immunisation were reported by 32.7% of parents. Of parents with unvaccinated children aged 12-17 years, only 35% intended to vaccinate them. The majority of parents were not willing to vaccinate their children below 11 years of age. Parents with a self-reported positive history of COVID-19 disease (OR=2.531, p=0.016), and confident in the vaccine's safety and efficacy (OR=1.968, p=0.010), were more inclined to vaccinate their 5-11 years. In terms of vaccination of children below 5 years, confidence in the vaccine (OR=2.942, p=0.003) and a sense of collective responsibility were positive predictors (OR=2.260, p=0.035), while calculation was identified as a negative predictor of parents' intention to vaccinate their under 5 years (OR=0.421, p=0.018).
CONCLUSION: CVH was significantly higher among parents of children aged 5-11 years and children younger than 5 years old. Priority should be given by health authorities to address parental concerns about vaccines and ensure that parents understand the significance of vaccination in protecting their children, to increase vaccination rates. This is because hesitancy towards one specific vaccine can negatively impact hesitancy rates in general.
Fulltext Topical Administration Effect of Sargassum duplicatum and Garcinia mangostana Extracts Combination on Open Wound Healing Process in Diabetic Mice

Winarni D, Husna FN, Syadzha MF, Susilo RJK, Hayaza S, Ansori ANM, et al.

Scientifica (Cairo), 2022;2022:9700794.
PMID: 35186344 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9700794

This research aimed to determine the topical administration effect of the combination of Sargassum duplicatum and Garcinia mangostana extracts to ameliorate diabetic open wound healing. The study used 24 adult males of Mus musculus (BALB/c strain, 3-4 months, 30-40 g). They were divided into normal control groups (KN) and diabetic groups. The diabetic group was streptozotocin-induced and divided further into three treatment groups: the diabetic control group (KD), the S. duplicatum treatment group (PA), and the combination of S. duplicatum and G. mangostana treatment group (PAM). The dose of treatment was 50 mg/kg of body weight. Each group was divided into three treatment durations, which were 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days. The wound healing process was determined by wound width, the number of neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and collagen density. Histological observation showed that the topical administration of combination extracts increased the re-epithelialization of the wounded area, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and collagen synthesis. The topical administration of combination extracts also decreased the number of neutrophils and macrophages. This study concluded that the topical administration of the combination of S. duplicatum and G. mangostana extracts improved the open wound healing process in diabetic mice.
LC-MS/MS profiling of the poisonous wild mushroom, Entoloma mastoideum, (Entolomataceae, Basidiomycota) in Sabah (Northern Borneo), Malaysia

M H Subari IAA, Mutthumanickam G, Hj Jikal M, Shah MD, Tan JK, Tan YS, et al.

Toxicon, 2024 Nov 28;251:108133.
PMID: 39426425 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.108133

In Malaysia, mushroom poisoning poses a significant public health concern, particularly as local communities frequently consume wild mushrooms without fully recognizing the potential dangers they present. Ingestion of wild mushrooms, which resemble edible species but contain deadly chemicals, is the main cause of poisoning risk. The genus Entoloma (Fr.) P. Kumm is dispersed worldwide, with over 1500 species recorded. Entoloma mastoideum, a poisonous mushroom, was recorded for the first time at Kota Marudu district, Sabah, Malaysia, where ten cases of mushroom poisoning outbreaks were recorded during the rainy season of October 2019. The morphological characters of the specimens were documented and their microscopic features were analyzed using compound microscope and scanning electron microscope. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analysis. Chemical profiling of the poisonous mushroom specimen was done via liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify toxic metabolites. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Bornean E. mastoideum is closely related to the Chinese isolates (100% BS/1.0 PP). LC-MS/MS profiling detected a total of 162 metabolites that were classified into ten general groups, where several toxic compounds were detected amongst the aromatics, essential amino acids, and fatty acid derivatives. The toxic compounds identified in the mushroom extract, including amino acid derivatives such as 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyynorleucine, valpromide, and betaine, have been reported to cause neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, liver damage, and gastrointestinal harm. The presence of these toxic compounds underscores the need for caution when consuming wild mushrooms. Further research on poisonous Entoloma species is vital for developing accurate identification methods and understanding their toxic potential. This knowledge is essential for enhancing public awareness, preventing mushroom poisoning incidents and safeguarding public health.
Development and validation of an automated Trunk Impairment Scale 2.0 scoring system using rule-based classification

Jia Yi T, Ripin ZM, Ridzwan MIZ, Razali MF, Ying Heng Y, Jaafar NAB, et al.

Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2025 Feb;239(2):212-226.
PMID: 39960035 DOI: 10.1177/09544119251317614

The Trunk Impairment Scale Version 2.0 (TIS 2.0) measures the motor impairment of the trunk after a stroke through the evaluation of dynamic sitting balance and co-ordination of trunk movement. Evaluations by physiotherapists depend on their ability in detecting minor changes in motion and observing limb movements and these can be time consuming and reduce their availability for rehabilitation work. An automated scoring system for TIS 2.0 was proposed to provide a more reproducible and standardized alternative to manual physiotherapist assessments. In the development phase, motion data from lay actors simulating stroke condition were collected using video motion capture system OpenCap. This data was utilized to create metrics and establish cut-off values for a rule-based classification. The discriminant abilities of the metrics were evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). In the testing phase, the performance of the developed system was assessed on 19 stroke survivors (Berg Balance Scale score of 20-55) using both automated system and manual scoring by nine physiotherapists. The discriminant abilities of the features used in the dynamic sitting balance subscale are considered excellent to outstanding (AUC ≥ 0.717), and coordination subscale ranged from poor to outstanding (AUC ≥ 0.667). The automated scores aligned with physiotherapists' scores, achieving an average percentage of agreement 71.1%. The total TIS 2.0 scores generated by the automated method showed moderate correlation with the sum of mode-determined task scores (R = 0.526, p
Hemisynthesis of lupeol and betulin derivatives and their in vitro antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum FCR3

Bafarawa ID, Abd Ghani MS, Ramadani AP, Fuadah S, Othman MBH, Ibrahim MN, et al.

Nat Prod Res, 2026 Nov;40(21):6564-6573.
PMID: 41186321 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2025.2582060

In view of the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, there is an urgent need for the development of new effective antimalarial agents to mitigate the issue of drug resistance. In this study, a series of lupeol (2) and betulin (3) derivatives were synthesised, characterised and evaluated for their antimalarial activity against the P. falciparum FCR3 strain. Eight compounds, including lupenone (1), displayed good anti-plasmodial potency with IC50 values ranging from 0.03-9.9 µM. Moreover, in vitro results showed that compound 1 and derivatives 4a and 4b were the most active compounds with potent inhibitory activity of (0.3 ± 0.3, 0.03 ± 0.05 and 0.7 ± 0.8 μM), respectively, compared to the reference drugs artemisinin and chloroquine (0.7 ± 0.3 and 10.3 ± 2.9 μM), respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis of these compounds revealed good affinity to the binding site of the P. falciparum protein of the PfATP6 with a binding affinity between -9.8 and -8.4 kcal mol-1 via multiple hydrophobic interactions with the amino acid of the PfATP6 protein. The results showed hydrogen bonds and various hydrophobic interactions between the studied compounds and the amino acid of the PfATP6 protein, such as ASN1039, VAL984, ILE981 and ILE1041. Therefore, these compounds could be promising lead structures for further validation as potential candidates in developing new antimalarial drugs.
Fulltext Enhancing tribological performance of electric vehicle lubricants: Nanoparticle-enriched palm oil biolubricants for wear resistance

Nugroho A, Kozin M, Mamat R, Bo Z, Ghazali MF, Kamil MP, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Nov 30;10(22):e39742.
PMID: 39641056 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39742

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) calls for sustainable advancements in automotive lubricants, as traditional fossil-fuel-based products pose environmental challenges. Palm oil-based biolubricants enriched with nanoparticles present a promising eco-friendly alternative that meets the thermal and tribological demands of EVs. This paper aims to analyze the development of nanoparticle-enriched palm oil-based biolubricants, aimed at improving the sustainability and performance of electric vehicle (EV) lubrication systems. The critical findings highlight that integrating nanoparticles such as graphene, titanium dioxide, and aluminum oxide into palm oil-based lubricants significantly enhances their tribological properties. These enhancements include a 26.21%-34% reduction in coefficient of friction (COF), a 12.99%-30% reduction in wear, and improved thermal stability. The study found that nanoparticle-enriched biolubricants outperformed traditional options in terms of friction and wear under high-temperature and pressure conditions, as supported by regression analysis. The study demonstrates that nanoparticle-enriched biolubricants offer a viable eco-friendly alternative to conventional lubricants, lowering the environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. This innovation has significant implications for both the environment and industry, offering a sustainable solution that reduces dependency on fossil fuels, enhances EV efficiency, and aligns with global sustainability goals. Besides, this paper discusses biolubricants drawbacks and future studies direction.
Fulltext Tuning heterojunction pathways via transition metal oxides on fibrous silica iron for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting

Sofi MHM, Jalil AA, Shahul Hamid MY, Jusoh R, Rajendran S, Ameera Fauzi A, et al.

Chem Sci, 2026 Sep 29.
PMID: 42935935 DOI: 10.1039/d6sc04573a

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a promising route to sustainable green hydrogen production by directly converting solar energy into hydrogen without consuming fossil fuels. However, inefficient charge separation and sluggish interfacial charge transfer remain major limitations in photoanode development. Herein, fibrous silica iron oxide (FSFe) was synthesized as a photoanode and modified with CuO, ZnO, and NiO to regulate heterojunction pathways for enhanced PEC water splitting. Characterization results confirmed the formation of high-surface-area spherical fibrous structures with well-dispersed metal oxide species, while the primary FSFe framework was preserved after metal loading. The electrochemical characterization revealed that transition-metal oxide modification increased the charge carrier density and reduced charge transfer resistance, indicating efficient charge separation and interfacial charge transport. Among the prepared photoanodes, Cu/FSFe exhibited the highest photocurrent density of 4.14 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE and an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 0.78%, compared with 2.70 mA cm-2 and 0.54% for pristine FSFe. The superior performance of Cu/FSFe was attributed to the combined effects of Z-scheme heterojunction formation and the strong visible-light response of CuO. Compared with the Type-II pathways proposed for Ni/FSFe and Zn/FSFe, the Z-scheme pathway in Cu/FSFe promoted efficient charge separation while preserving strong redox potentials, leading to a higher charge carrier density of 1.92 × 1021 cm-3, improved interfacial charge transfer, and enhanced PEC water splitting performance. This work provides insight into how the selection of transition-metal oxide modifiers governs heterojunction formation and charge transfer pathways in FSFe-based photoanodes for PEC water splitting.
Localisation of Bladder Incontinence Based on History and Examination for First-Year Neurosurgical Residents

Shareef IJ, Abdullah JM, Zakaria Z, Yop WH, Zainol MH, Suliman F, et al.

Malays J Med Sci, 2026 Apr;33(2):196-208.
PMID: 42953541 DOI: 10.21315/mjms-03-2026-185

When a patient presents with urinary incontinence, the goal is to quickly localise the cause of it, so that further imaging workup and targeted management can be initiated at the earliest. In this review, we look at established functional magnetic resonance imaging data and activation likelihood estimation analysis to pinpoint specific areas of the nervous system causing urinary incontinence. These can range from the cortex and the pontine micturition centre to the spinal pathway and peripheral nerves. By using basic history-taking and examination techniques, the five main types of urinary incontinence can be localised to specific anatomical locations.
Potential application of 2D nano-layered MXene in analysing and remediating endocrine disruptor compounds and heavy metals in water

Rozaini MNH, Khoo KS, Abdah MAAM, Ethiraj B, Alam MM, Anwar AF, et al.

Environ Geochem Health, 2024 Mar 11;46(3):111.
PMID: 38466501 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01917-4

With the advancement of technologies and growth of the economy, it is inevitable that more complex processes are deployed, producing more heterogeneous wastewater that comes from biomedical, biochemical and various biotechnological industries. While the conventional way of wastewater treatment could effectively reduce the chemical oxygen demand, pH and turbidity of wastewater, trace pollutants, specifically the endocrine disruptor compounds (EDCs) that exist in µg L-1 or ng L-1 have further hardened the detection and removal of these biochemical pollutants. Even in small amounts, EDC could interfere human's hormone, causing severe implications on human body. Hence, this review elucidates the recent insights regarding the effectiveness of an advanced 2D material based on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), also known as MXene, in detecting and removing EDCs. MXene's highly tunable feature also allows its surface chemistry to be adjusted by adding chemicals with different functional groups to adsorb different kinds of EDCs for biochemical pollution mitigation. At the same time, the incorporation of MXene into sample matrices also further eases the analysis of trace pollutants down to ng L-1 levels, thereby making way for a more cleaner and comprehensive wastewater treatment. In that sense, this review also highlights the progress in synthesizing MXene from the conventional method to the more modern approaches, together with their respective key parameters. To further understand and attest to the efficacy of MXene, the limitations and current gaps of this potential agent are also accentuated, targeting to seek resolutions for a more sustainable application.
Application of advanced oxidation processes for remediation of rubber industry wastewater: a comprehensive review

Ullah Z, Tian ZY, Joseph CG, Guilhen SN, Teo SH, Gansau JA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2026 Apr;33(16):7452-7478.
PMID: 42096127 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-026-37796-8

Rubber is an industrial material valued worldwide for its remarkable elasticity and versatility. It has become an essential material among the several various sectors, contributing to technological progress and improving the quality of everyday life. In the twenty-first century, increasing global awareness over rubber pollution has highlighted the significant attention towards the ecological footprint and sustainability challenges associated with rubber materials. The manufacturing of rubber is known to produce effluents that are difficult to treat with existing technologies. These effluents are known to have a high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) alongside organic toxic pollutants. However, the new advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for treating such wastewater have shown promise alongside AOPs that produce high amounts of hydroxyl radicals. This paper analyzes other prominent techniques such as Fenton and photo-Fenton, photocatalysis, ozonation, and electrochemical oxidation, aimed at treating rubber industry effluents. These techniques are found to be highly effective against resistant pollutants and aid in increasing biodegradation efficiency. The Fenton processes, alongside AOP technologies, pose some operational challenges and are not advanced enough to have cost-effective and efficient solutions. The combination of AOPs with biological processes and other recent studies have been shown to be effective, but more research needs to be done on their economic viability. We have also emphasized the important role of hybrid synergistic systems and AI in improving the effectiveness of AOPs for achieving better waste management practices in the rubber industry.
Fulltext Commentary: Surveillance of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Pakistan

Mallhi TH, Khan YH, Tanveer N, Khan AH, Qadir MI

Front Public Health, 2017;5:132.
PMID: 28634581 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00132
The Potential of Gelam Honey in Promoting the Proliferative Phase of Corneal Reepithelialization

Azmi MF, Ghafar NA, Hamzah JC, Luan NS, Hui CK

Wounds, 2017 Nov;29(11):327-332.
PMID: 28678731

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential bene ts of Gelam honey (GH) in promoting proliferation of ex vivo cor- neal epithelial cells (CECs) and its effects on the phenotypical features.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Corneal epithelial cells were isolated from the corneas of rabbits (n = 6). The optimal dose of GH for CEC proliferation in both basal medium (BM) and cornea medium (CM) was determined via MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bro- mide) assay. Morphology, gene and protein expressions, and cell cycle analysis of CECs were evaluated via phase contrast microscopy, real- time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and ow cytom- etry, respectively.
RESULTS: Corneal epithelial cells cultured in 0.0015% GH-supplemented media (BM + 0.0015% GH; CM + 0.0015% GH) demonstrated optimal proliferative capacity with normal polygonal- shaped morphology. Gelam honey potentiates cytokeratin 3 (CK3) gene expression in accordance with the cytoplasmic CK3 protein expression while retaining normal cell cycle of CECs.
CONCLUSION: Culture media treated with 0.0015% GH increased CEC proliferation while preserving its phenotypical features. This study demonstrated the potential devel- opment of GH-based topical treatment for super cial corneal injury.
Fulltext Awareness and Knowledge of Oral Cancer among Siamese Ethnic Group in Tumpat, Kelantan

Kassim NK, Adnan MM, Wern CW, Ru LZ, Hanafi MH, Yusoff A

Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Aug;24(4):47-54.
PMID: 28951689 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.4.6

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease. Lack of public awareness is a potent barrier for the early detection of oral cancer, especially for high-risk populations.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer among a Siamese ethnic group in Tumpat, Kelantan.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, using a guided questionnaire on sociodemography, habits, awareness and knowledge of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer. Individuals under 18 years old and who had been diagnosed with oral cancer were excluded from this study.
RESULTS: A total of 195 respondents participated, 61.5% were female and the mean age was 46 (1.64). About 41% of the respondents had received secondary education and 35.4% were illiterate. Most respondents were self-employed (21.5%), followed by farmers (19.5%) and housewives (20%). The majority of them had a monthly income that fell below the poverty level of RM 830 (76.9%). Among the respondents, 22.6% had the habit of smoking, 25.6% consumed alcohol, 8.2% were betel quid chewers and 2.6% chewed tobacco. Out of 195 respondents, only 6.7% were aware of oral cancer. About 16.9% of the respondents correctly answered all of the questions regarding the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and only 4.1% knew the risk factors of oral cancer.
CONCLUSION: The awareness and knowledge of oral cancer in this targeted population were unsatisfactory. Future effective health promotion programs and education should be emphasised.
Fulltext On the Utilization of Pozzolanic Wastes as an Alternative Resource of Cement

Karim MR, Hossain MM, Khan MNN, Zain MFM, Jamil M, Lai FC

Materials (Basel), 2014 Dec 05;7(12):7809-7827.
PMID: 28788277 DOI: 10.3390/ma7127809

Recently, as a supplement of cement, the utilization of pozzolanic materials in cement and concrete manufacturing has increased significantly. This study investigates the scope to use pozzolanic wastes (slag, palm oil fuel ash and rice husk ash) as an alkali activated binder (AAB) that can be used as an alternative to cement. To activate these materials, sodium hydroxide solution was used at 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 molar concentration added into the mortar, separately. The required solution was used to maintain the flow of mortar at 110% ± 5%. The consistency and setting time of the AAB-paste were determined. Mortar was tested for its flow, compressive strength, porosity, water absorption and thermal resistance (heating at 700 °C) and investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results reveal that AAB-mortar exhibits less flow than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Surprisingly, AAB-mortars (with 2.5 molar solution) achieved a compressive strength of 34.3 MPa at 28 days, while OPC shows that of 43.9 MPa under the same conditions. Although water absorption and porosity of the AAB-mortar are slightly high, it shows excellent thermal resistance compared to OPC. Therefore, based on the test results, it can be concluded that in the presence of a chemical activator, the aforementioned pozzolans can be used as an alternative material for cement.
Fulltext Surface Characteristics and Catalytic Activity of Copper Deposited Porous Silicon Powder

Halim MYA, Tan WL, Bakar NHHA, Bakar MA

Materials (Basel), 2014 Dec 04;7(12):7737-7751.
PMID: 28788272 DOI: 10.3390/ma7127737

Porous structured silicon or porous silicon (PS) powder was prepared by chemical etching of silicon powder in an etchant solution of HF: HNO₃: H₂O (1:3:5 v/v). An immersion time of 4 min was sufficient for depositing Cu metal from an aqueous solution of CuSO₄ in the presence of HF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the Cu particles aggregated upon an increase in metal content from 3.3 wt% to 9.8 wt%. H₂-temperature programmed reduction (H₂-TPR) profiles reveal that re-oxidation of the Cu particles occurs after deposition. Furthermore, the profiles denote the existence of various sizes of Cu metal on the PS. The Cu-PS powders show excellent catalytic reduction on the p-nitrophenol regardless of the Cu loadings.
Fulltext Temperature-Driven Structural and Morphological Evolution of Zinc Oxide Nano-Coalesced Microstructures and Its Defect-Related Photoluminescence Properties

Lim K, Abdul Hamid MA, Shamsudin R, Al-Hardan NH, Mansor I, Chiu W

Materials (Basel), 2016 Apr 20;9(4).
PMID: 28773425 DOI: 10.3390/ma9040300

In this paper, we address the synthesis of nano-coalesced microstructured zinc oxide thin films via a simple thermal evaporation process. The role of synthesis temperature on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared zinc oxide samples was deeply investigated. The obtained photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy outcomes will be used to discuss the surface structure defects of the prepared samples. The results indicated that the prepared samples are polycrystalline in nature, and the sample prepared at 700 °C revealed a tremendously c-axis oriented zinc oxide. The temperature-driven morphological evolution of the zinc oxide nano-coalesced microstructures was perceived, resulting in transformation of quasi-mountain chain-like to pyramidal textured zinc oxide with increasing the synthesis temperature. The results also impart that the sample prepared at 500 °C shows a higher percentage of the zinc interstitial and oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the intensity of the photoluminescence emission in the ultraviolet region was enhanced as the heating temperature increased from 500 °C to 700 °C. Lastly, the growth mechanism of the zinc oxide nano-coalesced microstructures is discussed according to the reaction conditions.

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