Displaying publications 5101 - 5120 of 7301 in total

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  1. Rosli R, Tennakoon KU, Yaakub MYSM, Zainal Ariffin NAH, Metali F
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2024 Jul;35(2):1-29.
    PMID: 39234477 DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2024.35.2.1
    We investigated the host range of Cassytha filiformis L. in the heath forests using six 50-metre transects. Sixteen shrubs and tree species were infected by C. filiformis vines, including two exotic Acacia species. This paper also examined the density and vigour of C. filiformis when infecting the two most preferred and common hosts, the heath native Dillenia suffruticosa (Griff. ex Hook. f. and Thomson) Martelli, and the invasive Acacia mangium Willd. The results suggested that C. filiformis has higher vigour when infecting native hosts than in exotic A. mangium albeit being not statistically significant. The long thread-like stems of parasite were present at relatively high density when infecting A. mangium, regardless of the host conditions. We also assessed the functionality of the haustoria on both D. suffruticosa and A. mangium using histological methods. It was found that C. filiformis can establish a true haustorial endophytic connection with studied hosts. Under controlled conditions, C. filiformis pose as a possible candidate for a biological control agent of A. mangium to curtail the fast spreading of this introduced species in tropical Borneo.
  2. Khalil L, Abbas S, Hussain K, Zaman K, Iswan, Salamun H, et al.
    PLoS One, 2022;17(8):e0271017.
    PMID: 36026488 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271017
    Carbon emissions are primarily the result of human activity in urban areas. Inadequate sanitary facilities, contaminated drinking water, nonrenewable energy, and high traffic congestion have all impacted the natural ecosystem. Using data from 1975 to 2019, the study assessed the impact of the aforementioned variables on Pakistan's carbon emissions in light of this crucial fact. The ARDL cointegration method was used to estimate the short- and long-run parameter estimates. Urban sanitation challenges and energy consumption increase carbon emissions, which affects the natural environment by raising a country's carbon intensity. Economic expansion confirmed the inverted U-shaped relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth to verify the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in the long run. In contrast, the monotonically rising function of carbon emissions provides evidence of the nation's economic development in the short run. Access to clean drinking water improves population health and encourages the purchase of eco-friendly products. The government must improve sanitation services and use renewable energy sources to enhance air quality.
  3. Mohamad Alwi MA, Ahmad MN, Misnon II, Pauzi H, Normaya E
    RSC Adv, 2022 Sep 28;12(43):27793-27808.
    PMID: 36320253 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra05192c
    Thiosemicarbazone-linked 3-acetylpyridine (T3AP), was synthesized and tested on copper strips in hydrochloric acid. Gravimetric measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to investigate the optimized inhibitory behavior of T3AP using the response surface methodology (RSM), with the optimized result obtained using a temperature of 42.90 °C, acid concentration of 2.38 M, inhibitor concentration of 3.80 mM, and time of 18.97 h, with inhibition efficiency up to approximately 93%. Validation of the experimental and predicted RSM showed that no significant difference in the inhibition efficiency with the confidence level value up to 97% was obtained. The isotherm study shows that T3AP obeys the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model, with physisorption and chemisorption adsorption mechanisms. The effectiveness of inhibitor performance of T3AP can be visually observed using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The characterization revealed that the reactive S and N atoms in the T3AP inhibitor form strong chemical adsorption through N-Cu and Cu-S bonds on the copper surface. Computational analysis was also carried out, and we found that the stable energy gap between the occupied and unoccupied molecular orbitals (4.6891 eV) and high binding energy (540.962 kJ mol-1) adsorption from molecular dynamics were in agreement with the experimental findings.
  4. Niu H, Li Y, Zhang C, Chen T, Sun L, Abdullah MI
    Sensors (Basel), 2024 Oct 23;24(21).
    PMID: 39517691 DOI: 10.3390/s24216794
    Coverage control is a fundamental and critical issue in plentiful wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. Aiming at the high-dimensional optimization problem of sensor node deployment and the complexity of the monitoring area, an orthogonal learning multi-strategy bald eagle search (OLMBES) algorithm is proposed to optimize the location deployment of sensor nodes. This paper incorporates three kinds of strategies into the bald eagle search (BES) algorithm, including Lévy flight, quasi-reflection-based learning, and quadratic interpolation, which enhances the global exploration ability of the algorithm and accelerates the convergence speed. Furthermore, orthogonal learning is integrated into BES to improve the algorithm's robustness and premature convergence problem. By this way, population search information is fully utilized to generate a more superior position guidance vector, which helps the algorithm jump out of the local optimal solution. Simulation results on CEC2014 benchmark functions reveal that the optimization performance of the proposed approach is better than that of the existing method. On the WSN coverage optimization problem, the proposed method has greater network coverage ratio, node uniformity, and stronger optimization stability when compared to other state-of-the-art algorithms.
  5. Azman MM, Haris MS, Lestari W, Husain J, Abdul Qader OAJ, Wan Abd Manan WNH
    Data Brief, 2024 Dec;57:111028.
    PMID: 39534064 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.111028
    This study aims to characterise and assess the stability of an optimised lignocaine-adrenaline nanogel using central composite design (CCD). Compatibility studies were conducted using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. Eighteen lignocaine-adrenaline Nanoemulsion (LANE) formulations derived using CCD were characterised for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and pH. All LANE formulations were transformed into lignocaine-adrenaline Nanoemulsion-based Gel (NBG) by adding 0.1 % Carbopol 940. Stability studies for LANE and NBG were conducted for 12 months storage at 25 °C. The results of long-term stability assessment of LANEs and NBGs were integrated with CCD predictions to produce the optimised NBG, lignocaine-adrenaline Nanogel. The optimised NBG model was validated in triplicates. The optimised NBG was subjected to 5000 rpm centrifugation for 30 min, repeated heating-cooling cycles (40 °C and 4 °C), and a freeze-thaw cycle (-5 °C and 25 °C). ATR-FTIR and UV-vis results indicated compatibility between lignocaine, adrenaline and the excipients. The viscosity of the nanogel corresponded to that of ferric sulphate solution (24 ± 1 mPa·s at 20 °C). The LANE and NBG formulations showed no drug precipitation or phase separation after the stability study. The optimised NBG had particle size (61.76 ± 0.25 nm), PDI (0.36 ± 0.01), zeta potential (-26.47 ± 0.02 mV) and pH (6.28 ± 0.02). The optimised NBG remained stable in stress-induced environments. CCD enabled optimisation of a stable NBG formulation.
  6. Matheen FIA, Leong JF, Abdul Rani R, Hayyun MF, Mohamad Yahaya NH
    Cureus, 2024 Sep;16(9):e68482.
    PMID: 39364451 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.68482
    Extra-articular deformities (EAD) can pose a challenge to surgeons during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. Obtaining an acceptable post-operative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle may be difficult, especially in a limb with multiplanar deformities of both the femur and the tibia.  Our case is about a 66-year-old gentleman with a long-term deformity of his right lower limb secondary to malunion of the right femoral shaft and tibial shaft fractures. He initially presented with a right floating knee injury, 45 years ago, which was managed with conservative measures. He subsequently presented to us with ipsilateral knee osteoarthritis and underwent a robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty surgery. Robotic- or computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty is an actively developing area and is gaining popularity among arthroplasty surgeons. In cases with severe extra-articular deformities such as in this case, robotic-assisted surgery can be superior to conventional surgery.
  7. Al-Quraishi MS, Azhar Ali SS, Al-Qurishi M, Tang TB, Elferik S
    Heliyon, 2024 Oct 30;10(20):e39592.
    PMID: 39512317 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39592
    Driver fatigue or drowsiness detection techniques can significantly enhance road safety measures and reduce traffic accidents. These approaches used different sensor technologies to acquire the human physiological and behavioral characteristics to investigate the driver's vigilance state. Although the driver's vigilance detection technique has attracted significant interest recently, few studies have been conducted to review it systematically. These studies provide a thorough overview of the most advanced driver vigilance detection method available today in terms of sensor technology for scholars and specialists. This research is geared towards achieving three main objectives. Firstly, it aims to systematically gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from previous research published between 2014 and May 2024 on driver's state and driving sensors and their implementation on detection algorithms. It aims to provide a thorough review of the present state of research on wearable and unwearable sensor technology for driver fatigue detection, focusing on reporting experimental results in this field. This information will be necessary for experts and scientists seeking to advance their knowledge in this field. Lastly, the research aims to identify gaps in knowledge that require further investigation and recommend future research directions to help address these gaps. This way, it will contribute to the advancement of the field and provide beneficial insights for future researchers.
  8. Pratama DAO, Fernanda A, Raissa R, Permata FS, Nordin ML
    Open Vet J, 2024 Oct;14(10):2678-2686.
    PMID: 39545186 DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2024.v14.i10.17
    BACKGROUND: Mammary gland carcinoma is a malignant type of cancer that occurs in mammae tissue. Dimethylbenzene (α) anthracene (DMBA) is a carcinogenic agent that causes mammary cancer by damaging cellular DNA. Flavonoids found in the black soybean (Glycine max L. Merr) exhibit anti-carcinogenic effects.

    AIM: This study evaluated the anticarcinogenic effects of black soybean extract.

    METHODS: The activity of flavonoid compounds in black soybean was determined in silico. Five groups of rats, four in each group, were established, consisting of a negative control, a positive control, and three treatment groups. Treatment included black soybean extract administration (i.e., T1 = 200, T2 = 400, and T3 = 800 mg of black soybean extract/kg body weight for 10 days). The observed parameters included the immunohistochemical analysis of Breast Cancer 1(BRCA1) and TNF-α.

    RESULTS: Based on an in silico study, compounds from black soybeans are non-toxic. Functional annotation analysis revealed that most of the target proteins have a role in biological processes associated with cancer development. An in vivo analysis using an animal mammae cancer model indicated that black soybean extracts inhibited mammae cancer progression by attenuating TNF-α and BRCA1 expression.

    CONCLUSION: The most effective dosage of black soybean extract was 200 mg/kg body weight. An increase in BRCA1 and TNF-α expression may be related to the effects of catechin, daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, which are present in black soybeans.

  9. Hamid Z, Akbar A, Kamran K, Achakzai JK, Wong LS, Sadiq MB
    Int J Food Sci, 2024;2024:5589506.
    PMID: 39544277 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5589506
    The Prunus armeniaca L. (bitter apricot) is an apricot fruit tree categorized on the basis of the bitter taste of its seed kernel. In this study, the functional, medicinal, and therapeutic potential of bitter apricot seed kernel oil (BASKO) was evaluated. The qualitative screening of BASKO was performed using standard methodologies. The chemical profile of the oil was analyzed with the help of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed the presence of different phytochemical constituents comprising steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and cardiac glycosides. The antioxidant activity of the oil was determined by a 2,2,diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition essay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 10.6 ± 1.32 mg GAE/g and 4.75 ± 0.11 mg QE/g, respectively. DPPH inhibition of 89.5% was achieved at 1000 μg/mL of BASKO, with IC50 = 90.44 μg/mL (83.47-96.67 μg/mL with 95% CI). The antimicrobial potential of the BASKO revealed the inhibition of Escherichia coli (20.3 ± 2.08 mm), Salmonella typhi (19.3 ± 2.51 mm), Klebsiella pneumoniae (16.6 ± 1.52 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 ± 2 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (25 ± 1.01 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value was 250 μL/mL for K. pneumoniae, S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, whereas 62.5 μL/mL for E. coli. Moreover, BASKO showed antifungal potential against Trichophyton tonsurans (77.3 ± 2.08%), Epidermophyton floccosum (69.6 ± 3.51%), Aspergillus niger (74.3 ± 2.56%), Aspergillus flavus (90 ± 3%), and Mucor mucedo (78.3 ± 2.51%). Antileishmanial activity of oil was evaluated against Leishmania major by MTT assay, and an IC50 value of 89.75 μg/mL was observed. The study revealed that BASKO is a good source of biologically active compounds to be used as functional, therapeutical, and antimicrobial agents in food and pharmaceutical products.
  10. Abduraman MA, Amanah A, Hamid SBS, Abdullah MFIL, Sulaiman SF, Tan ML
    J Pharm Pharmacol, 2025 Feb 03;77(2):321-334.
    PMID: 39541262 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgae131
    OBJECTIVES: Kratom preparation containing Mitragyna speciosa Korth plant is frequently used as a recreational drug. Mitragynine, a major alkaloid isolated from M. speciosa, is often detected concurrently with other drugs during forensic analysis, indicating a safety concern. P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a multidrug transporter. Modulation of P-gp transport activity by drugs or herbal compounds in the brain may lead to drug-herb interactions, resulting in neurotoxicity. We aim to determine the effects of mitragynine on the P-gp regulation and possible neurotoxicity.

    METHODS: The effects of mitragynine on the P-gp regulation were investigated in human brain capillary endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) using molecular docking and dynamic simulation and an optimized bidirectional transport assay, respectively. Repeated-dose treatment and neurotoxicity assessment were carried out using a blood-brain barrier model and polimerase chain reaction (PCR) array.

    KEY FINDINGS: Mitragynine inhibits the P-gp transport activity via binding onto the nucleotide-binding domain site and forms a stable interaction with the P-gp protein complex. Nontoxic concentrations of mitragynine (<4 μM) and substrate drugs (0.001 μM) in the cells significantly enhanced endothelial cell permeability and elicited signs of neurotoxicity in PC-12 cells.

    CONCLUSIONS: Mitragynine is likely a P-gp inhibitor, hence concurrent administration of kratom products with P-gp substrates may lead to clinically significant interactions and neurotoxicity.

  11. Tan JYC, Ng SY, Chan HK, Wong PM, Mohamed Zabidi H, Abu Hassan MR
    J Cardiol, 2024 Dec;84(6):362-365.
    PMID: 38852775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2024.06.001
    BACKGROUND: Children with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistant Kawasaki disease (KD) are at higher risk of developing coronary artery (CA) aneurysm. Early identification of high-risk patients using a predictive tool would allow for earlier interventions to prevent cardiac complications.

    METHODS: Children with KD who were admitted to five selected hospitals in Malaysia between 2008 and 2018 and received 2 g/kg of IVIG within 10 days from the onset of illness were included. Predictors of IVIG resistance in KD were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis. An optimal cut-off point was set using receiver operative characteristic curve and a final multiple logistic regression analysis was performed entering these cut-off points. A new scoring system was constructed.

    RESULTS: A total of 276 patients were included. IVIG resistance occurred in 9.1 % of them. Total bilirubin [OR 7.37; 95 % CI (2.18, 24.83)], male sex [OR 0.34; 95 % CI (0.10, 1.19)], C-reactive protein (CRP) [OR 0.17; 95 % CI (0.02, 1.38)] and neutrophils [OR 0.25; 95 % CI (0.05, 1.21)] were found to be significant predictors for IVIG resistance. The findings led to the development of a new predictive tool called the Hibiscus score, which scored 1 point each for neutrophils ≥60 %, CRP ≥80 mg/L, and male sex, while total bilirubin ≥9.4 μmol/L scored 2 points. A cut-off point of ≥4 with this prediction score yielded a sensitivity of 78.9 % and specificity of 80.5 %, with area under the curve of 0.835 [95 % CI (0.752, 0.919)]. CA aneurysms occurred in 6.7 % of IVIG responders and 32 % of IVIG-resistant children (p 

  12. Zulkharnain EM, Muhamad Ariffin MH, Tan JA, Zakaria MAA
    Cureus, 2024 Oct;16(10):e71166.
    PMID: 39525210 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.71166
    Giant cell tumour (GCT) is a benign bone tumour characterised by osteoclastic-like multinucleated cells. This tumour predominantly occurs in adults during the third decade of life, commonly in the distal femur, proximal tibia, distal radius, and sacrum. Treatment options include wide local excision with possible adjuvant therapy depending on tumour size and site. We present a case of an 18-year-old lady with no prior medical history complaining of worsening insidious onset localised back pain and preceding numbness of the bilateral lower limbs, diagnosed with a giant cell tumour of the spine (T11).
  13. Phyo HM, Al-Maqtari QA, Mi S, Du Y, Khalid MU, Yao W
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2024 Nov;281(Pt 1):136278.
    PMID: 39368575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136278
    This study investigated the influence of chitosan (CH) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H), along with ultrasound power, on the physicochemical properties, antifungal activity, and stability of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions containing thymol and cinnamaldehyde in a 7:3 (v/v) ratio. Eight O/W formulations were prepared using CH, H, and a 1:1 (v/v) blend of CH and H, both with and without ultrasonication (U). Compared to untreated samples, U-treated nanoemulsions had lower droplet sizes (433-301 nm), polydispersity index (0.42-0.47), and zeta potential (-0.42-0.77 mV). The U treatment decreased L* and b* values, increased a* color attribute values, and increased apparent viscosity (0.26-2.17) at the same shear rate. After 28 days, microbiological testing of nanoemulsions treated with U showed counts below the detection limits (< 2 log CFU mL-1). The U-treated nanoemulsions exhibited stronger antifungal effects against R. stolonifer, with the NE/CH-U and NE/CH-H-U formulations demonstrating the lowest minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations, measured at 0.12 and 0.24 μL/mL, respectively. On day 28, U-treated nanoemulsions demonstrated higher ionic, thermal, and physical stability than untreated samples. These findings suggest that the stability and antifungal efficacy of polysaccharide-based nanoemulsions may be improved by ultrasonic treatment. This study paves the way for innovative, highly stable nanoemulsions.
  14. Munusamy S, Syasyila K, Shaari AAH, Pitchan MA, Kamaluddin MR, Jatnika R
    BMC Psychol, 2024 Nov 18;12(1):673.
    PMID: 39558439 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-02129-2
    The proliferation of fake news on social media platforms has become a significant concern, influencing public opinion, political decisions, and societal trust. While much research has focused on the technological and algorithmic factors behind the spread of misinformation, less attention has been given to the psychological drivers that contribute to the creation and dissemination of fake news. Cognitive biases, emotional appeals, and social identity motivations are believed to play a crucial role in shaping user behaviour on social media, yet there is limited systematic understanding of how these psychological factors intersect with online information sharing. Existing studies tend to focus on individual aspects of fake news consumption, such as susceptibility to misinformation or partisan biases, leaving a gap in understanding the broader psychological mechanisms behind both the creation and dissemination of fake news. This systematic review aims to fill this gap by synthesizing current research on the psychological factors that influence social media users' involvement in dissemination and creation of fake news. Twenty-three studies were identified from 2014 to 2024 following the PRISMA guidelines. We have identified five themes through critical review and synthesis of the literature which are personal factors, ignorance, social factors, biological process, and cognitive process. These themes help to explain the psychological factors contributing to the creation and dissemination of fake news among social media users. Based on the findings, it is evident that diverse psychological factors influence the dissemination and creation of fake news, which must be studied to design better strategies to minimize this issue.
  15. Muhammad Hafiz S, Attah AO, Mohd Salleh S, Rusli MU, Farah Haziqah MT
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):363-369.
    PMID: 39548791 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.017
    Blastocystis a single-celled eukaryotic protist, is known to inhabit the intestines of various hosts, including humans, and has been implicated in a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to skin disorders, thereby establishing its status as an emerging infectious agent. In this study, the prevalence of Blastocystis infection was investigated in insects, including cockroaches, houseflies, and crickets, as well as sea turtles. Additionally, the genotypic characteristics of the isolated Blastocystis strains were examined, and the evolutionary relationships between Blastocystis species found in sea turtles, and animals/humans were determined. Microscopic techniques and molecular methods were utilized in this study. The results showed that four out of 90 insects (4.44%) and one out of 13 sea turtles (7.7%) were infected by Blastocystis. Furthermore, detailed observations revealed the presence of characteristic morphological features, such as vacuolar forms in the cockroach, cricket and sea turtle samples and binary fission from cockroach samples, indicative of Blastocystis' mode of reproduction. While the ST8 of Blastocystis in sea turtles were successfully identified, no subtyping was achieved for the infected insects. This study not only establishes the occurrence of Blastocystis infection in sea turtles but also uncovers its ability to infect insects, suggesting a potential reservoir role for these organisms. Overall, this research emphasizes the significance of comprehending the prevalence, genotypic diversity, and evolutionary relationships of Blastocystis across various hosts. Such insights are instrumental in developing effective control measures and public health interventions to mitigate the associated symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
  16. Jalil H, Chong MC, Jalaludin MY, Wong LP, Hmwe NTT
    Heliyon, 2024 Nov 15;10(21):e39746.
    PMID: 39553637 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39746
    BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding for the first six months and complementary feeding until twelve months are crucial for child growth. A mother's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on infant feeding significantly impact infant development.

    OBJECTIVE: To assess mothers' KAP toward breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

    METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study of 200 mothers with 18- to 24-month-old children at six suburban health clinics in Malaysia. Data were collected via a self-explanatory questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Spearman's Rho.

    RESULTS: Most mothers had good KAP: 72.5 % had good knowledge, 75.5 % had a positive attitude, and 87 % had good practice. Factors such as maternal age (30-39), multiparity, and vaginal delivery were associated with KAP. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.591) and attitude and practice (r = 0.525).

    CONCLUSIONS: Continued education on breastfeeding and complementary feeding is essential for improving infant feeding practice, and enhancing child development, potentially reducing healthcare costs.

  17. Mustafa NF, Cheng KK, Nadri MH, Razali SA, Zakaria II, Salin NH, et al.
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2024 Jun 17.
    PMID: 38881303 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2335296
    The rise in dengue cases in tropical and sub-tropical areas has become a significant health concern. At present, there is no definitive cure for dengue fever, which underscores the importance of identifying potent inhibitors. Dengue NS2B-NS3 protease is the prime drug target due to its vital function for replication. Quercetin, a flavone, has anti-dengue virus properties but is limited by low bioavailability. Previous studies have shown that methoxy substitution in flavones improves bioavailability and metabolic stability. Azaleatin is a derivative of quercetin with a methoxy substitution at the C5 position, however its ability to inhibit dengue is unknown. In this study, azaleatin was investigated for its inhibition against dengue NS2B-NS3 protease using in vitro and in silico techniques. The fluorescence assay was used to determine the IC50 value and inhibition kinetics. The molecular interaction between azaleatin and NS2B-NS3 was studied using CB-Dock2 and AutoDock Vina. The complex's stability was then analysed using GROMACS. Besides, the ADMETlab 2.0 was utilized to predict pharmacokinetic of the azaleatin. Results showed that azaleatin inhibits dengue NS2B-NS3 protease non-competitively with a Ki of 26.82 µg/ml and an IC50 of 38 µg/ml. Molecular docking indicated binding of the azaleatin to the allosteric pocket of NS2B-NS3 with a docking score of -8.2 kcal/mol. Azaleatin was found stable in the pocket along 100 ns, supporting its inhibitory mode. The compound has favourable pharmacokinetic profiles and conformed to Lipinski's Rule of Five. Taken together, azaleatin inhibits NS2B-NS3 protease in a non-competitive mode, suggesting its potential as safer anti-dengue compound.
  18. Haji Mukhti MI, Ibrahim MI, Tengku Ismail TA, Yaacob NM
    PLoS One, 2025;20(4):e0320765.
    PMID: 40168370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0320765
    Masculinity norms significantly influence men's health behaviors and outcomes, yet existing instruments to measure these norms often lack cultural adaptability. This study addresses this gap by validating the Malay version of the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-30) to assess masculinity norms among Malay men. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 male healthcare professionals in Malaysia. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) revealed that the final model, consisting of 26 items across multiple factors, demonstrated strong fit indices (χ²/df =  1.72, CFI =  0.931, TLI =  0.911, RMSEA =  0.042, SRMR =  0.052). However, certain factors, such as 'self-reliance' (Raykov's rho =  0.270) and 'violence' (Raykov's rho =  0.431), exhibited lower reliability, reflecting cultural nuances in their interpretation. The study concludes that the Malay CMNI-30 is a valid and culturally relevant tool for assessing masculinity norms in this context. Practical applications include using this tool to identify gender-related barriers to health-seeking behaviors and inform gender-sensitive public health interventions. Future research should validate this instrument across diverse populations to enhance its generalizability and utility.
  19. Noor KA, Norsuddin NM, Che Isa IN, Murat H, Abdul Karim MK
    Appl Radiat Isot, 2025 Mar 24;221:111801.
    PMID: 40157172 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111801
    This study aimed to estimate radiation dose and to assess the probability of cancer induction risk among patients who underwent mammography procedure in tertiary hospital in Dubai. After obtained approval from the research ethic committee,155 female patients with an average age of 55.5 ± 12.7 years-old were selected as subjects. Acquisition parameter, tube potential, tube current, compression force, and entrance dose were recorded and analyzed. The Mean Glandular Dose (MGD) were determined by applying the Dance formula, considering the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK) and other conversion coefficients. Patient age-data was used to assess the cancer induction risk from the acquisition, based on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report, and standardizing the breast thickness. The MGD ranged between 0.7 and 3.5 mGy for medio-lateral oblique (MLO) and for cranio-caudal (CC) projections, respectively. The median MGD for CC lies between 1.4 mGy and 2.1 mGy, with an average of 1.7 mGy. Additionally, the MGD for the 3rd quartile spans a two-fold range. In a population of 100,000 exposed to MLO projection, the cancer incidence risk for a 37-year-old female was 6 times higher than that of a 60-year-old female, at 3.2 out of 100,000 and 0.5 out of 100,000, respectively. The LAR for the 35-45 years age group is 1.91 ± 0.66, decreasing to 0.27 ± 0.07 for those over 65 years. The CC view also shows a decrease from 1.73 ± 0.57 to 0.23 ± 0.04. The mammographic screening radiation dose and the risks that have been found in Dubai all fall within the recommended range, thereby calling for more works of research to determine the progress made in radiation protection. The study has provided additional evidence that the radiation dose used in current practice can be improved.
  20. Alsaady M, Waqas S, Zeeshan MH, Almarshoud MA, Maqsood K, Abdulrahman A, et al.
    ACS Omega, 2025 Apr 01;10(12):11972-11979.
    PMID: 40191367 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c09251
    This study investigates the fabrication and optimization of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of NH2-MIL-125(Ti), a metal-organic framework (MOF), dispersed within a polysulfone (PSf) polymer matrix, for efficient CO2/CH4 separation. The MMMs were prepared by using a solution casting method, and their morphology and gas separation performance were systematically characterized. The effect of MOF addition into the polymer matrix, gas permeability, and selectivity were evaluated using a gas permeation setup. Results indicate that incorporating NH2-MIL-125(Ti) nanoparticles enhances the selectivity of the membranes for CO2 over CH4 compared to pure polymer membranes while maintaining acceptable permeability. The membrane morphology demonstrates the uniform distribution of the filler in the polymer matrix. The PSf/NH2-MIL-125(Ti)-15% membrane showed exceptional CO2 permeability and selectivity performance. Specifically, it achieved a CO2 permeability of 19.17 Barrer. Additionally, it exhibited a CO2/CH4 selectivity of 31.95, indicating its ability to effectively differentiate between the CO2 and CH4 gases, which is critical for applications such as natural gas purification and carbon capture. Furthermore, the MMMs produced in this study showed outstanding resistance to CO2 plasticization. The PSf/NH2-MIL-125(Ti)-15% membrane demonstrated superior pressure resistance, withstanding up to 14 bar without significant performance degradation compared to the pristine PSf membrane, which succumbed to plasticization at 4 bar. The enhanced plasticization resistance is attributed to incorporation of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) into the PSf matrix. The combination of high CO2 permeability, excellent selectivity, and robust plasticization resistance positions the PSf/NH2-MIL-125(Ti)-15% membrane as a highly effective solution for CO2 separation applications. The results underscore the potential of these MMMs to achieve significantly better performance metrics than traditional PSf membranes, making them a promising option for industrial gas separation processes.
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