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Fulltext Optimized Intelligent Classifier for Early Breast Cancer Detection Using Ultra-Wide Band Transceiver

Halim AAA, Andrew AM, Mustafa WA, Mohd Yasin MN, Jusoh M, Veeraperumal V, et al.

Diagnostics (Basel), 2022 Nov 19;12(11).
PMID: 36428930 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112870

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The death rate is high because of the lack of early signs. Due to the absence of a cure, immediate treatment is necessary to remove the cancerous cells and prolong life. For early breast cancer detection, it is crucial to propose a robust intelligent classifier with statistical feature analysis that considers parameter existence, size, and location. This paper proposes a novel Multi-Stage Feature Selection with Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (MSFS-BPSO) using Ultra-Wideband (UWB). A collection of 39,000 data samples from non-tumor and with tumor sizes ranging from 2 to 7 mm was created using realistic tissue-like dielectric materials. Subsequently, the tumor models were inserted into the heterogeneous breast phantom. The breast phantom with tumors was imaged and represented in both time and frequency domains using the UWB signal. Consequently, the dataset was fed into the MSFS-BPSO framework and started with feature normalization before it was reduced using feature dimension reduction. Then, the feature selection (based on time/frequency domain) using seven different classifiers selected the frequency domain compared to the time domain and continued to perform feature extraction. Feature selection using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is able to distinguish between class-correlated data. Finally, the optimum feature subset was selected using a Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) classifier with the Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) method. The research findings found that the MSFS-BPSO method has increased classification accuracy up to 96.3% and given good dependability even when employing an enormous data sample.
Fulltext Stability and Reproducibility of Radiomic Features Based on Various Segmentation Techniques on Cervical Cancer DWI-MRI

Ramli Z, Karim MKA, Effendy N, Abd Rahman MA, Kechik MMA, Ibahim MJ, et al.

Diagnostics (Basel), 2022 Dec 12;12(12).
PMID: 36553132 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123125

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer and ranked as 4th in morbidity and mortality among Malaysian women. Currently, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered as the gold standard imaging modality for tumours with a stage higher than IB2, due to its superiority in diagnostic assessment of tumour infiltration with excellent soft-tissue contrast. In this research, the robustness of semi-automatic segmentation has been evaluated using a flood-fill algorithm for quantitative feature extraction, using 30 diffusion weighted MRI images (DWI-MRI) of cervical cancer patients. The relevant features were extracted from DWI-MRI segmented images of cervical cancer. First order statistics, shape features, and textural features were extracted and analysed. The intra-class relation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare 662 radiomic features extracted from manual and semi-automatic segmentations. Notably, the features extracted from the semi-automatic segmentation and flood filling algorithm (average ICC = 0.952 0.009, p > 0.05) were significantly higher than the manual extracted features (average ICC = 0.897 0.011, p > 0.05). Henceforth, we demonstrate that the semi-automatic segmentation is slightly expanded to manual segmentation as it produces more robust and reproducible radiomic features.
Fulltext Liriodenine, an aporphine alkaloid from Enicosanthellum pulchrum, inhibits proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells through induction of apoptosis via the mitochondrial signaling pathway and blocking cell cycle progression

Nordin N, Majid NA, Hashim NM, Rahman MA, Hassan Z, Ali HM

Drug Des Devel Ther, 2015;9:1437-48.
PMID: 25792804 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S77727

Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant from Malaysia and belongs to the Annonaceae family. This plant is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. In the present study, liriodenine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, was examined as a potential anticancer agent, particularly in ovarian cancer. Liriodenine was isolated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Cell viability was performed to determine the cytotoxicity, whilst the detection of morphological changes was carried out by acridine orange/propidium iodide assay. Initial and late apoptosis was examined by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and DNA laddering assays, respectively. The involvement of pathways was detected via caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 analyses. Confirmation of pathways was further performed in mitochondria using a cytotoxicity 3 assay. Apoptosis was confirmed at the protein level, including Bax, Bcl-2, and survivin, while interruption of the cell cycle was used for final validation of apoptosis. The result showed that liriodenine inhibits proliferation of CAOV-3 cells at 37.3 μM after 24 hours of exposure. Changes in cell morphology were detected by the presence of cell membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Early apoptosis was observed by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate bound to the cell membrane as early as 24 hours. Liriodenine activated the intrinsic pathway by induction of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Involvement of the intrinsic pathway in the mitochondria could be seen, with a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability and cytochrome c release, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased. DNA fragmentation occurred at 72 hours upon exposure to liriodenine. The presence of DNA fragmentation indicates the CAOV-3 cells undergo late apoptosis or final stage of apoptosis. Confirmation of apoptosis at the protein level showed overexpression of Bax and suppression of Bcl-2 and survivin. Liriodenine inhibits progression of the CAOV-3 cell cycle in S phase. These findings indicate that liriodenine could be considered as a promising anticancer agent.
Oral cancer secretome: identification of cancer-associated proteins

Chang HY, Hor SY, Lim KP, Zain RB, Cheong SC, Rahman MA, et al.

Electrophoresis, 2013 Aug;34(15):2199-208.
PMID: 23712713 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201300126

This study aims to identify cancer-associated proteins in the secretome of oral cancer cell lines. We have successfully established four primary cell cultures of normal cells with a limited lifespan without human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) immortalization. The secretome of these primary cell cultures were compared with that of oral cancer cell lines using 2DE. Thirty five protein spots were found to have changed in abundance. Unambiguous identification of these proteins was achieved by MALDI TOF/TOF. In silico analysis predicted that 24 of these proteins were secreted via classical or nonclassical mechanisms. The mRNA expression of six genes was found to correlate with the corresponding protein abundance. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) core analysis revealed that the identified proteins were relevant in, and related to, cancer development with likely involvements in tumor growth, metastasis, hyperproliferation, tumorigenesis, neoplasia, hyperplasia, and cell transformation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that a comparative study of the secretome of cancer versus normal cell lines can be used to identify cancer-associated proteins.
Differences in protein changes between stress-induced premature senescence and replicative senescence states

Aan GJ, Hairi HA, Makpol S, Rahman MA, Karsani SA

Electrophoresis, 2013 Aug;34(15):2209-17.
PMID: 23712505 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201300086

Replicative senescence and stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) cells are known to share certain traits. However, whether these cells are different at the protein level is unclear. Thus, this study has utilized proteomics to identify differences in the proteomes of replicative senescence and SIPS cells compared to normal cells. Replicative senescence was induced by serial passage of normal cells in culture. SIPS was established by exposure to H2 O2 at a subcytotoxic concentration of 20 μM for two weeks. Following 2DE, protein profiles were compared and protein spots that changed in abundance were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was then performed to evaluate the transcript expression of selected altered proteins. A total of 24 and 10 proteins were found to have changed in abundance in replicative senescence and SIPS cells, respectively, when compared to young cells. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that nine genes showed the same direction of change as observed in the proteomics analysis. Very little overlap was observed between proteins that changed in replicative senescence and SIPS cells, suggesting that although both SIPS and replicative senescence cells share hallmarks of cellular senescence, they were different in terms of proteins that changed in abundance.
Feasibility study of cadmium adsorption by palm oil fuel ash (POFA)-based low-cost hollow fibre zeolitic membrane

Yusof MSM, Othman MHD, Mustafa A, Rahman MA, Jaafar J, Ismail AF

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Aug;25(22):21644-21655.
PMID: 29785602 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2286-6

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is an agricultural waste which was employed in this study to produce novel adsorptive ceramic hollow fibre membranes. The membranes were fabricated using phase inversion-based extrusion technique and sintered at 1150 °C. The membranes were then evaluated on their ability to adsorb cadmium (Cd(II)). These membranes were characterised using (nitrogen) N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX) mapping, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses while adsorptivity activity was examined by batch adsorption studies. The adsorption test results show that the quantity of hollow fibre used and water pH level significantly affected the adsorption performance with the 3-fibre membrane yielding 96.4% Cd(II) removal in 30 min equilibrium time at pH 7. These results are comparable to those reported by other studies, and hence demonstrate a promising alternative of low-cost hollow fibre adsorbent membrane. Graphical abstract Figure of FESEM image of the hollow fibre, proposed mechanism and the graph of percentage removal of Cd(II) using POFA.
Removal of nickel from aqueous solution using supported zeolite-Y hollow fiber membranes

Muhamad N, Abdullah N, Rahman MA, Abas KH, Aziz AA, Othman MHD, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2018 Jul;25(19):19054-19064.
PMID: 29721796 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2074-3

This work describes the development of supported zeolite-Y membranes, prepared using the hydrothermal method, for the removal of nickel from an aqueous solution. Alumina hollow fibers prepared using the phase inversion and sintering technique were used as an inert support. The supported zeolite-Y membranes were characterized using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the water permeation and rejection test. The performance of the supported zeolite-Y membranes for heavy metal removal using batch adsorption and filtration test was studied using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The adsorption study shows that the removal of nickel was pH-dependent but affected by the presence of α-alumina. The seeded zeolite-Y membrane gave the highest adsorption capacity which was 126.2 mg g-1. This enabled the membrane to remove 63% of nickel ions from the aqueous solution within 180 min of contact time. The adsorption mechanism of nickel onto the zeolite-Y membrane was best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm. The kinetic study concluded that the adsorption was best fitted to pseudo-second-order model with higher correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9996). The filtration study proved that the zeolite-Y membrane enabled to reduce the concentration of heavy metal at parts per billion level.
Preparation and characterization of glass hollow fiber membrane for water purification applications

Makhtar SNNM, Rahman MA, Ismail AF, Othman MHD, Jaafar J

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Jul;24(19):15918-15928.
PMID: 28589281 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9405-7

This work discusses the preparation and characterizations of glass hollow fiber membranes prepared using zeolite-5A as a starting material. Zeolite was formed into a hollow fiber configuration using the phase inversion technique. It was later sintered at high temperatures to burn off organic materials and change the zeolite into glass membrane. A preliminary study, that used thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), confirmed that zeolite used in this study changed to glass at temperatures above 1000 °C. The glass hollow fiber membranes prepared using the phase inversion technique has three different microstructures, namely (i) sandwich-like structure that originates from inner layer, (ii) sandwich-like that originates from outer layer, and (iii) symmetric sponge like. These variations were influenced by zeolite weight loading and the flow rate of water used to form the lumen. The separation performances of the glass hollow fiber membrane were studied using the pure water permeability and the rejection test of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The glass hollow fiber membrane prepared from using 48 wt% zeolite loading and bore fluid with 9 mL min(-1) flow rate has the highest BSA rejection of 85% with the water permeability of 0.7 L m(-2) h(-1) bar(-1). The results showed that the separation performance of glass hollow fiber membranes was in the ultrafiltration range, enabled the retention of solutes with molecular sizes larger than 67 kDa such as milk proteins, endotoxin pyrogen, virus, and colloidal silica.
Investigation on the effect of sintering temperature on kaolin hollow fibre membrane for dye filtration

Mohtor NH, Othman MHD, Ismail AF, Rahman MA, Jaafar J, Hashim NA

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Jul;24(19):15905-15917.
PMID: 28620856 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9341-6

Despite its extraordinary price, ceramic membrane can still be able to surpass polymeric membrane in the applications that require high temperature and pressure conditions, as well as harsh chemical environment. In order to alleviate the high cost of ceramic material that still becomes one of the major factors that contributes to the high production cost of ceramic membrane, various attempts have been made to use low cost ceramic materials as alternatives to well-known expensive ceramic materials such as alumina, silica, and zirconia in the fabrication of ceramic membrane. Thus, local Malaysian kaolin has been chosen as the ceramic material in this study for the preparation of kaolin hollow fibre membrane since it is inexpensive and naturally abundant in Malaysia. Due to the fact that the sintering process plays a prominent role in obtaining the desired morphology, properties, and performances of prepared ceramic membrane, the aim of this work was to study the effect of different sintering temperatures applied (ranging from 1200 to 1500 °C) in the preparation of kaolin hollow fibre membrane via dry/wet phase inversion-based spinning technique and sintering process. The morphology and properties of membrane were then characterised by SEM, AFM, FTIR, XRD, and three-point bending test, while the performances of membrane were investigated by conducting water permeation and Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye rejection tests. From the experimental results obtained, the sintering temperature of 1400 °C could be selected as the optimum sintering temperature in preparing the kaolin hollow fibre membrane with the dense sponge-like structure of separation layer that resulted in the good mechanical strength of 70 MPa with the appreciable water permeation of 75 L/h m(2) bar and RB5 rejection of 68%.
Integrated ecological risk assessment of dioxin compounds

Sany SB, Hashim R, Rezayi M, Rahman MA, Razavizadeh BB, Abouzari-lotf E, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2015 Aug;22(15):11193-208.
PMID: 25953606 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4511-x

Current ecological risk assessment (ERA) schemes focus mainly on bioaccumulation and toxicity of pollutants in individual organisms. Ecological models are tools mainly used to assess ecological risks of pollutants to ecosystems, communities, and populations. Their main advantage is the relatively direct integration of the species sensitivity to organic pollutants, the fate and mechanism of action in the environment of toxicants, and life-history features of the individual organism of concern. To promote scientific consensus on ERA schemes, this review is intended to provide a guideline on short-term ERA involving dioxin chemicals and to identify key findings for exposure assessment based on policies of different agencies. It also presents possible adverse effects of dioxins on ecosystems, toxicity equivalence methodology, environmental fate and transport modeling, and development of stressor-response profiles for dioxin-like chemicals.
Visible-light-driven photocatalytic dual-layer hollow fibre membrane ameliorates the changes of bisphenol A exposure in gastrointestinal tract

Kamaludin R, Othman MHD, Kadir SHSA, Khan J, Ismail AF, Rahman MA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Jan;30(1):259-273.
PMID: 35902521 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22121-w

Various treatments of choice are available to overcome contamination of bisphenol A (BPA) in the environment including membrane technologies; however, the treatment still releases contaminants that threaten the human being. Therefore, the present study is conducted to investigate the degradation of BPA by recently developed visible-light-driven photocatalytic nitrogen-doping titanium dioxide (N-doped TiO2) dual-layer hollow fibre (DLHF) membrane and its efficiency in reducing the level of BPA in contaminated water. Fabricated with suitable polymer/photocatalyst (15/7.5 wt.%) via co-extrusion spinning method, the DLHF was characterized morphologically, evaluated for BPA degradation by using submerged photocatalytic membrane reactor under visible light irradiations followed by the investigation of intermediates formed. BPA exposure effects were accessed by immunohistochemistry staining of gastrointestinal sample obtained from animal model. BPA has been successfully degraded up to 72.5% with 2 intermediate products, B1 and B2, being identified followed by total degradation of BPA. BPA exposure leads to the high-intensity IHC staining of Claudin family which indicated the disruption of small intestinal barrier (SIB) integrity. Low IHC staining intensity of Claudin family in treated BPA group demonstrated that reducing the level of BPA by N-doped TiO2 DLHF is capable of protecting the important component of SIB. Altogether, the fabricated photocatalytic DLHF membrane is expected to have an outstanding potential in removing BPA and its health effect for household water treatment to fulfil the public focus on the safety of their household water and their need to consume clean water.
Fulltext Does the US regional greenhouse gas initiative affect green innovation?

Rahman MA, Ahmad R, Ismail I

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2023 Feb;30(6):15689-15707.
PMID: 36173521 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23189-0

This study measures the impact of the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) on firms' green innovation initiatives. We used 20 years of panel data from the Fortune 500 list of the US largest companies. Based on DID, a benchmark regression, the RGGI has a significant adverse effect on the green innovation of Fortune 500 companies, and we verified these findings with multiple robustness tests. As we investigate how energy-intensive industries were affected by RGGI, we found that it slowed down green innovation, but it was not statistically significant. This study provides a novel perspective on how the RGGI influences green innovation in firms and how different types of sectors respond to the policy. The findings indicate that the "weak" Porter Hypothesis has not been confirmed in the present carbon trading market (particularly the RGGI) for Fortune 500 firms in the USA. In terms of policy, we believe that a well-covered and differentiated legislation that fosters green innovation while being realistic about the policy's goal and the firm's environmental attitude, like emissions reduction through green innovation, is essential.
Fulltext Ganoderma lucidum and Auricularia polytricha Mushrooms Protect against Carbofuran-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Hossen MS, Billah Prince MM, Tanvir EM, Chowdhury MAZ, Rahman MA, Alam F, et al.

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2018;2018:6254929.
PMID: 29861774 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6254929

The current study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of two types of mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum (GL) and Auricularia polytricha (AP), against carbofuran- (CF) induced toxicity in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 42) were divided into six equal groups. The rats in the negative control group received oral administration of CF at 1 mg/kg with the normal diet for 28 days. The treatment groups received oral administration of ethanolic extract of GL or AP at 100 mg/kg followed by coadministration of CF at 1 mg/kg with the normal diet for the same experimental period, respectively. In the CF alone treated group, there were significant decreases in the erythrocytic and thrombocytic indices but increases in the concentrations of the total leukocytes, including the agranulocytes. A significant increase in all of the liver function biomarkers except albumin, in lipid profiles except high-density lipoprotein, and in the kidney function markers occurred in the negative control group compared to the rats of the normal control and positive control groups. The coadministration of mushroom extracts significantly ameliorated the toxic effects of the CF. The GL mushroom extract was more efficacious than that of the AP mushroom, possibly due to the presence of high levels of phenolic compounds and other antioxidants in the GL mushroom.
Revisiting Wallace's haunt: coalescent simulations and comparative niche modeling reveal historical mechanisms that promoted avian population divergence in the Malay Archipelago

Lim HC, Rahman MA, Lim SL, Moyle RG, Sheldon FH

Evolution, 2011 Feb;65(2):321-34.
PMID: 20796023 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.01105.x

Sundaland, a biogeographic region of Southeast Asia, is a major biodiversity hotspot. However, little is known about the relative importance of Pleistocene habitat barriers and rivers in structuring populations and promoting diversification here. We sampled 16 lowland rainforest bird species primarily from peninsular Malaysia and Borneo to test the long-standing hypothesis that animals on different Sundaic landmasses intermixed extensively when lower sea-levels during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) exposed land-bridges. This hypothesis was rejected in all but five species through coalescent simulations. Furthermore, we detected a range of phylogeographic patterns; Bornean populations are often genetically distinct from each other, despite their current habitat connectivity. Environmental niche modeling showed that the presence of unsuitable habitats between western and eastern Sundaland during the LGM coincided with deeper interpopulation genetic divergences. The location of this habitat barrier had been hypothesized previously based on other evidence. Paleo-riverine barriers are unlikely to have produced such a pattern, but we cannot rule out that they acted with habitat changes to impede population exchanges across the Sunda shelf. The distinctiveness of northeastern Borneo populations may be underlied by a combination of factors such as rivers, LGM expansion of montane forests and other aspects of regional physiography.
Fulltext Bioactive metabolites of Blumea lacera attenuate anxiety and depression in rodents and computer-aided model

Hossen MA, Ali Reza ASM, Amin MB, Nasrin MS, Khan TA, Rajib MHR, et al.

Food Sci Nutr, 2021 Jul;9(7):3836-3851.
PMID: 34262741 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.2362

Blumea lacera is an edible plant with imperative medicinal values. However, the anxiolytic and antidepressant roles of B. lacera have not been well-explained. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the impending bioactive metabolites and roles of B. lacera methanol leaf extract (Me-BLL) in attenuating anxiety and depression through several experimental and computer-aided approaches. The chemical characterization of Me-BLL was performed through standard phytochemical and GC-MS analyses. To explore the neuropharmacological insights, Swiss albino mice were treated with Me-BLL at doses of 200-400 mg/kg, p.o. The anxiolytic effects were observed employing elevated plus maze (EPM), light-dark box (LDB), and hole-board (HBT) tests, while antidepressant effects were evaluated using forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension tests (TST). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine HCl (20 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as the reference standard. The phytochemical analyses revealed several bioactive metabolites, including higher contents of total phenolics and flavonoids. The EPM and LDB tests demonstrated an increased time spent in open arms and light box, and the HBT showed an increased number of head dipping, indicating the anxiolytic effects of Me-BLL. The TST and FST revealed a decrease in immobility time, meaning the persuasive antidepressant effects. The antioxidative effects of Me-BLL have also been observed prominently. Correspondingly, the computer-aided investigation confirmed several bioactive lead molecules. Specifically, thymol and cuminol revealed potential anxiolytic and antioxidant effects, while stigmast-5-en-3.beta.-ol and gamma-sitosterol possessed promising antidepressant effects. Taken these results as a base, the plant has imperative potentials in managing anxiety and depression-like disorders.
Fulltext Clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 patients in Malaysia during the first wave: A multi-center observational study (COVIDICU-MY)

Ab Rahman NI, Yunos NM, Atan R, Mariapun J, Ab Rahman MA, Ismail AJ, et al.

Front Med (Lausanne), 2022;9:1086288.
PMID: 36698832 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1086288

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged with a wide range of clinical presentations; Malaysia was not spared from its impact. This study describes the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit, their clinical course, management, and hospital outcomes.
METHODS: COVIDICU-MY is a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 patients from 19 intensive care units (ICU) across Malaysia from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2020. We collected epidemiological history, demographics, clinical comorbidities, laboratory investigations, respiratory and hemodynamic values, management, length of stay and survival status. We compared these variables between survival and non-survival groups.
RESULTS: A total of 170 critically ill patients were included, with 77% above 50 years of age [median age 60, IQR (51-66)] and 75.3% male. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic cardiac disease, and chronic kidney disease were most common among patients. A high Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II score [median 45, IQR (34-49)] and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score [median 8, IQR (6-11)] were associated with mortality. Patients were profoundly hypoxic with a median lowest PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 150 (IQR 99-220) at admission. 91 patients (53.5%) required intubation on their first day of admission, out of which 38 died (73.1% of the hospital non-survivors). Our sample had more patients with moderate Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), 58 patients (43.9%), compared to severe ARDS, 33 patients (25%); with both ARDS classification groups contributing to 25 patients (54.4%) and 11 patients (23.9%) of the non-survival group, respectively. Cumulative fluid balance over 24 h was higher in the non-survival group with significant differences on Day 3 (1,953 vs. 622 ml, p < 0.05) and Day 7 of ICU (3,485 vs. 830 ml, p < 0.05). Patients with high serum creatinine, urea, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and d-dimer, and low lymphocyte count throughout the stay also had a higher risk of mortality. The hospital mortality rate was 30.6% in our sample.
CONCLUSION: We report high mortality amongst critically ill patients in intensive care units in Malaysia, at 30.6%, during the March to May 2020 period. High admission SAPS II and SOFA, and severe hypoxemia and high cumulative fluid balance were associated with mortality. Higher creatinine, urea, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and d-dimer, and lymphopenia were observed in the non-survival group.
Fulltext COVID-19 Related Psychological Distress, Fear and Coping: Identification of High-Risk Groups in Bangladesh

Rahman MA, Rahman S, Wazib A, Arafat SMY, Chowdhury ZZ, Uddin BMM, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2021;12:718654.
PMID: 34484005 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.718654

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed psychological distress and fear across the globe; however, factors associated with those issues or the ways people cope may vary by country or context. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies for people living in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in August-September 2020 using online platforms in Bangladesh. People residing in Bangladesh, aged ≥18 years, who were proficient in English and able to respond to online questionnaire. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to assess the psychological stress. Level of fear was assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and strategies to cope were assessed using the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Results: Of the 962 participants, half of them were aged between 30 and 59 years. Being born in Bangladesh, having graduate education, perceived distress due to employment change, effect of COVID-19 on financial situation, having multiple comorbidities, and visiting a healthcare provider in the last 4 weeks were associated with higher levels of both psychological distress and fear of COVID-19. Furthermore, higher psychological distress was associated with being a female (AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.33-2.47, p < 0.001), being a frontline worker (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.04-2.15, p < 0.05), having pre-existing psychiatric problems (AOR 4.03, 95% CI 1.19-13.7, p < 0.05), being a smoker (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.32-3.09, p < 0.01), providing care to a known/suspected COVID-19 patient (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.40-2.72, p < 0.001), having a recent overseas travel history and being in self-quarantine (AOR 4.59, 95% CI 1.23-17.2, p < 0.05), self-isolation without COVID-19 (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.68-4.13, p < 0.001) or being COVID-19 positive (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.19-5.34, p < 0.05), and having high levels of fear of COVID-19 (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 2.29-4.66, p < 0.001). A higher level of fear was associated with moderate to high levels of psychological distress (AOR 3.29, 95% CI 2.31-4.69, p < 0.001). People with pre-existing mental health problems were less likely to be resilient (AOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.11-0.54, p < 0.01), whereas those with having an income were more likely to be resilient (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.02-2.11, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Effective interventions to support the vulnerable groups including improved access to mental health services are of utmost importance during the pandemic.
Fulltext COVID-19: Factors associated with psychological distress, fear, and coping strategies among community members across 17 countries

Rahman MA, Islam SMS, Tungpunkom P, Sultana F, Alif SM, Banik B, et al.

Global Health, 2021 10 01;17(1):117.
PMID: 34598720 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00768-3

BACKGROUND: The current pandemic of COVID-19 impacted the psychological wellbeing of populations globally.
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the extent and identify factors associated with psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study across 17 countries during Jun-2020 to Jan-2021. Levels of psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale), and coping (Brief Resilient Coping Scale) were assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 8,559 people participated; mean age (±SD) was 33(±13) years, 64% were females and 40% self-identified as frontline workers. More than two-thirds (69%) experienced moderate-to-very high levels of psychological distress, which was 46% in Thailand and 91% in Egypt. A quarter (24%) had high levels of fear of COVID-19, which was as low as 9% in Libya and as high as 38% in Bangladesh. More than half (57%) exhibited medium to high resilient coping; the lowest prevalence (3%) was reported in Australia and the highest (72%) in Syria. Being female (AOR 1.31 [95% CIs 1.09-1.57]), perceived distress due to change of employment status (1.56 [1.29-1.90]), comorbidity with mental health conditions (3.02 [1.20-7.60]) were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and fear. Doctors had higher psychological distress (1.43 [1.04-1.97]), but low levels of fear of COVID-19 (0.55 [0.41-0.76]); nurses had medium to high resilient coping (1.30 [1.03-1.65]).
CONCLUSIONS: The extent of psychological distress, fear of COVID-19 and coping varied by country; however, we identified few higher risk groups who were more vulnerable than others. There is an urgent need to prioritise health and well-being of those people through well-designed intervention that may need to be tailored to meet country specific requirements.
Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh: Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey

Abir T, Osuagwu UL, Kalimullah NA, Yazdani DMN, Husain T, Basak P, et al.

Health Secur, 2021 08 03;19(5):468-478.
PMID: 34348050 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0205

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated fear, panic, distress, anxiety, and depression among many people in Bangladesh. In this cross-sectional study, we examined factors associated with different levels of psychological impact as a result of COVID-19 in Bangladesh. From April 1 to 30, 2020, we used a self-administered online questionnaire to collect data from 10,609 respondents. Using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on respondents, we categorized the levels of impact as normal, mild, moderate, or severe. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine the associated factors. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe psychological impact was 10.2%, 4.8%, and 45.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the odds of reporting normal vs mild, moderate, or severe psychological impact were 5.9 times higher for people living in the Chittagong Division, 1.7 times higher for women with lower education levels, 3.0 times higher among those who were divorced or separated, 1.8 times higher for those working full time, and 2.4 times higher for those living in shared apartments. The odds of reporting a psychological impact were also higher among people who did not enforce protective measures inside the home, those in self-quarantine, those who did not wear face masks, and those who did not comply with World Health Organization precautionary measures. Increased psychological health risks due to COVID-19 were significantly higher among people who experienced chills, headache, cough, breathing difficulties, dizziness, and sore throat before data collection. Our results showed that 1 in 2 respondents experienced a significant psychological impact as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health researchers should consider these factors when targeting interventions that would have a protective effect on the individual's psychological health during a pandemic or future disease outbreak.
Fulltext Machine learning-based technique for resonance and directivity prediction of UMTS LTE band quasi Yagi antenna

Haque MA, Saha D, Al-Bawri SS, Paul LC, Rahman MA, Alshanketi F, et al.

Heliyon, 2023 Sep;9(9):e19548.
PMID: 37809766 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19548

In this study, we have presented our findings on the deployment of a machine learning (ML) technique to enhance the performance of LTE applications employing quasi-Yagi-Uda antennas at 2100 MHz UMTS band. A number of techniques, including simulation, measurement, and a model of an RLC-equivalent circuit, are discussed in this article as ways to assess an antenna's suitability for the intended applications. The CST simulation gives the suggested antenna a reflection coefficient of -38.40 dB at 2.1 GHz and a bandwidth of 357 MHz (1.95 GHz-2.31 GHz) at a -10 dB level. With a dimension of 0.535λ0×0.714λ0, it is not only compact but also features a maximum gain of 6.9 dB, a maximum directivity of 7.67, VSWR of 1.001 at center frequency and a maximum efficiency of 89.9%. The antenna is made of a low-cost substrate, FR4. The RLC circuit, sometimes referred to as the lumped element model, exhibits characteristics that are sufficiently similar to those of the proposed Yagi antenna. We use yet another supervised regression machine learning (ML) technique to create an exact forecast of the antenna's frequency and directivity. The performance of machine learning (ML) models can be evaluated using a variety of metrics, including the variance score, R square, mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean squared logarithmic error (MSLE). Out of the seven ML models, the linear regression (LR) model has the lowest error and maximum accuracy when predicting directivity, whereas the ridge regression (RR) model performs the best when predicting frequency. The proposed antenna is a strong candidate for the intended UMTS LTE applications, as shown by the modeling results from CST and ADS, as well as the measured and forecasted outcomes from machine learning techniques.

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