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  1. Fulltext A Critical Review on Parameters Affecting the Feasibility of Underground Hydrogen Storage
    Bagchi C, Patwardhan SD, Iglauer S, Ben Mahmud H, Ali MFJ
    ACS Omega, 2025 Apr 01;10(12):11658-11696.
    PMID: 40191361 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c10442
    The need and demand for energy are ever increasing with the rapid urbanization of the global population. Near-future economic development and consequent expected industrialization are the strongest indicators of the rising energy requirement. Though fossil fuel and coal are catering toward a major chunk of energy demand, their negative or adverse impact in terms of emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) is causing global warming and imbalance in environmental conditions, leading to a search for commercially viable alternate energy types. As renewable energies like solar and wind are weather-dependent, the search for an alternate energy supply needs to be done even more urgently. Hydrogen (H2), being a carrier of alternate energy and not an energy source, can deliver or store a significant amount of energy. The stored energy can be utilized for the generation of power, electricity, and heat. Further, hydrogen is very pure in nature and therefore is widely useful from a flexibility and efficiency standpoint. It represents the predominant constituent within the natural environment, totaling about three-fourths of the universe. Storage of hydrogen has gained significance in recent times, and subsurface storage is being looked upon as a viable alternative. However, the successful storage of hydrogen in the subsurface is a function of critical parameters like wettability, capillary pressure, relative permeability, diffusion, microbial activities, etc., which themselves are dependent upon rock types with their corresponding mineralogical compositions, along with associated pressures and temperatures. This work critically reviews the impact that these parameters would have on the storability of hydrogen in the subsurface, evaluates the best possible solution, and recommends a future course of action through insights derived, which need to be considered while considering underground hydrogen storage.
  2. Fulltext Exploring Implications of Risk Communication Strategies in Diminishing Adversities of Misinformation and Disinformation Against Hepatitis Vaccination in Global South
    Mehdi M, Raza SH, Yousaf M, Li B, Zaman U, Riaz S
    Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2025;18:1133-1145.
    PMID: 40190730 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S501423
    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Concern over the low hepatitis immunization rates is growing. It is generally believed that misinformation and disinformation are the main barriers to the success of mass immunization campaigns. This study intends to investigate the matter of online misinformation and disinformation about hepatitis vaccination and its implications.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: The researchers employed a cross-sectional research design vis-à-vis a web-based survey method to collect data. Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 1931 internet users across Pakistan. Participation in the study was voluntary. Data collection continued for four months, from Mar 1, 2024, to Jun 30, 2024.

    RESULTS: The "results" of structural equation modeling show that misinformation and disinformation substantially structure risk perception regarding hepatitis, which, in turn, impacts problem recognition, involvement recognition, and constraint recognition. Besides, the outcomes uncovered that the chain of problem identification impacts situational motivation, which drives risk communication behaviors. Also, these risk communication behaviors are closely linked to individuals' motivation to receive the hepatitis vaccine.

    CONCLUSION: This research concludes that managing misinformation and disinformation via strategically designed, valid, and reliable digital interventions improves the public's active response regarding willingness to get vaccinated against hepatitis. This study contributes to increasing public acceptance of the hepatitis vaccine by utilizing reliable and valid digital interventions to achieve a more active public health response.

  3. Community-level dietary intake of sodium, potassium, and sodium-to-potassium ratio as a global public health problem: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Farapti F, Maulia PH, Fadilla C, Yogiswara N, Rejeki PS, Miftahussurur M, et al.
    F1000Res, 2022;11:953.
    PMID: 40190487 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.122560.2
    Background: Widespread adoption of a westernized diet represents a major lifestyle change characterized by substantially higher sodium consumption and lower potassium intake, which is related to cardiovascular morbidity. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis over published studies in accordance with quantifying the dietary intake of sodium and potassium of the universal population across the world. The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were used to find research that pronounced 24-hour urinary sodium or potassium excretion (reference period: 2014-2021). The effect size was estimated using the fixed-effect model; sub-group analysis become accomplished to determine urinary sodium and potassium excretion disaggregated by geographical location. Publication bias became evaluated the usage of graphical funnel plot. Data analysis was performed using STATA 16. Results: Forty-three studies (n= 62,940) qualified the selection criteria. The mean urinary excretion of sodium and potassium was 156.73 mmol/24h [95% confidence interval (CI), 148.98-164.47] and 48.89 mmol/24 h (95% CI, 43.61-54.17), respectively; the mean urinary sodium/potassium ratio was 3.68 (95% CI, 2.96-4.40). Conclusions: This updated systematic review highlights excessively high dietary intake of sodium and low intake of potassium at the community level in most parts of the world. The urinary Na/K ratio exceeded the level recommended by the WHO guidelines.
  4. Integrating empirical ecotoxicology and predictive modelling to assess ecological and human health risks from heavy metals in Malaysia's Chini Lake UNESCO biosphere reserve
    Razak MR, Kamaruzaman S, Sabri NAA, Jamil NR, Looi LJ, Isa NM, et al.
    Environ Res, 2026 Nov 15;309(Pt 2):125880.
    PMID: 42858846 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2026.125880
    Chini Lake, Malaysia's first UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, exemplifies the growing challenge of safeguarding freshwater ecosystems exposed to legacy mining activities and ongoing land-use disturbance. Mining and other anthropogenic activities have contributed to persistent heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems, underscoring the need for robust and reliable risk assessment frameworks to inform conservation and policy. This study applies an integrated approach combining empirical (ECOTOX) and predictive (ECOSAR) toxicity data to evaluate ecological and human health risks across 18 surface water sampling stations within Chini Lake tropical freshwater ecosystem. The study determines the abundance and distribution of heavy metals, heavy metal pollution index (HPI), risk quotient (RQ) and hazard quotient (HQ). The RQ derived from the empirical ECOTOX database revealed high ecological risks (RQ ≥ 1) from mean concentrations of aluminium, zinc, copper, nickel, and lead. This level of threat was underestimated by several orders of magnitude when using the ECOSAR model. This finding highlights a significant potential for the underestimation of ecological threats in freshwater bodies if predictive models are used in isolation for metals. For human health, all HQ values for direct water ingestion were below the risk threshold (HQ 
  5. Fulltext Digital Technologies in Postsurgical Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Scoping Review Mapping Interventions to the CAMS Framework (2020-2025)
    Lai NK, Huang H, Chen TK, Nor'a MNA, Sijore J, Chen WY, et al.
    JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol, 2026 Oct 20;13:e100548.
    PMID: 42904398 DOI: 10.2196/100548
    BACKGROUND: Digital technologies have become common in postoperative orthopedic rehabilitation. The tendency toward this adoption appeared in the past decade. However, no standard method exists to classify their functional capabilities. This absence hinders practical implementation. Clinicians currently lack a structured framework to distinguish between the functional capabilities of different digital rehabilitation technologies effectively.

    OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to map digital interventions used in postsurgical orthopedic rehabilitation to a proposed Coordination, Alignment, Motivation, and Strength (CAMS) framework and to identify research trends, functional coverage, and gaps in current evidence.

    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across 5 databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Studies were mapped to the proposed CAMS framework pillars. Multiple validated appraisal tools were applied descriptively according to study design: version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2; n=32), the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies (n=2), and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) for nonrandomized designs (n=1).

    RESULTS: A total of 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. Coordination was the most frequently addressed pillar (29/35, 83%), followed by Motivation (26/35, 74%). Alignment was addressed in 37% (13/35) of studies, while Strength was the least represented pillar (12/35, 34%). Overall, 49% (17/35) of studies were rated "low risk" overall on the primary appraisal tool, 46% (16/35) demonstrated "some concerns," and 6% (2/35) were rated "high risk," with performance bias identified as a consistent methodological characteristic across the corpus. Delivery models were predominantly hybrid (14/35, 40%) or home-based (13/35, 37%), with 8 studies (8/35, 23%) using an exclusively clinical model.

    CONCLUSIONS: Digital health has shown a notable increase in the kinematic monitoring feature, offering effective solutions to movement quality (Coordination and Alignment) and psychological engagement (Motivation). Nevertheless, there is a consistent gap in strength-related studies, as current decentralized tools lack the capability to quantify physiological load. The next phase of innovations should be a shift to integrated 4-pillar solutions that would coordinate resistance-based training with high-precision biomechanical monitoring. The CAMS framework is proposed as an exploratory classification tool to guide future research design and technology evaluation in postsurgical digital rehabilitation.

  6. Fulltext 6-gingerol attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis by downregulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats
    Soetikno V, Ahmad N, Makhrus MG, Haikal FF, Rashidin MA, Shiddiq AA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2026 Jun 16;16(1).
    PMID: 42303815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-58386-1
    Renal interstitial fibrosis is the predominant cause of end-stage renal disease. Oxidative stress and an increased PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway play a key role in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis caused by ureteral obstruction. 6-gingerol (6-G) is known to have a natural antioxidant effect; however, the effect of 6-G on progressive renal fibrosis due to ureteral obstruction has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of 6-G and characterize the underlying mechanism of its action on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent UUO via double ligation of the left ureter for a duration of 14 days. Sham rats underwent identical treatment, with the exception of the absence of double ligation. The levels of phosphorylated PI3K/Akt/mTOR in the kidney were assessed by semiquantitative immunoblotting, while the gene expressions of TGF-β1 and α-SMA were evaluated through qRT-PCR. Oxidative stress parameters were evaluated with an ELISA kit and spectrophotometer, while histopathological assessment was conducted through Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and immunohistochemical analysis of collagen type III. In comparison to UUO rats, renal fibrosis and collagen type III deposition were diminished, and the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR was reduced in rats treated with 6-G. 6-G also reduced the expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA genes in obstructed kidneys. In comparison to UUO rats, rats administered with 6-G exhibited elevated activities of glutathione peroxidase and decreased levels of malondialdehyde. The findings suggest that 6-G is a potential therapeutic agent for renal interstitial fibrosis, with its antifibrotic actions perhaps facilitated by the enhanced activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways and decreased oxidative stress in UUO rats.
  7. Fulltext Visual deep learning approaches for alphabetic sign language interpretation
    Nath JK, Alam SAM, Ullah Y, Dhar M, Dewanjee J, Umair M, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2026 Jun 13;16(1).
    PMID: 42288698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-57945-w
    Sign language plays a vital role in enabling interaction for individuals with hearing and speech impairment, making accurate alphabet-level recognition a fundamental requirement for accessible human-computer interaction systems. This paper investigates visual deep learning approaches for interpreting sign language alphabets from image data. A systematic framework is developed to assess the effectiveness of transfer learning-based convolutional neural networks in capturing discriminative hand gesture features. Using a benchmark American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet dataset, several advanced architectures, including ConvNeXtXLarge, EfficientNet, VGG19, and ResNet-50, are examined under a unified experimental protocol. The comparative analysis reveals that ConvNeXtXLarge achieves the uppermost recognition performance, attaining an accuracy of 99.81%, while EfficientNet, VGG19, and ResNet-50 also demonstrate strong results with accuracy of 99.68%, 99.31%, and 97.29%, respectively. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of modern transfer learning strategies in enhancing visual representation learning for fine-grained motion recognition. The proposed evaluation framework offers practical insights into model selection for scalable and reliable sign language interpretation systems, contributing to the advancement of inclusive assistive technologies and real-world visual language understanding applications.
  8. Effect of Asystasia gangetica inclusion in the diet on the feed intake, growth performance, and meat quality of Muscovy ducks
    Hakem MZA, Qi KS, Rahman MM, Kari ZA, Len CSC
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 2025 Feb 27;57(2):85.
    PMID: 40014164 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-025-04338-2
    The rising cost of imported feedstuffs in poultry production is a significant concern for producers. Utilising local resources like Asystasia gangetica, a common perennial weed with high nutritional value, offers a promising alternative. Ducks can better digest high-fibre diets than chickens, making them ideal for this study, which evaluated the effects of pelleted diets containing various levels of A. gangetica on feed intake, growth performance, and meat quality in Muscovy ducks. Sixty 2-week-old ducks were divided into four dietary groups: 0% (control), 5% (T1S), 10% (T2S), and 20% (T3S) during the starter phase, and 0% (control), 10% (T1G), 20% (T2G), and 30% (T3G) during the grower phase with three replicates per group (five birds per replicate). Ducks on T3S and T3G diets had higher crude fibre and ash intakes, while those on the control diet consumed more crude protein (CP) and ether extract. Overall body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were better (p 
  9. U-Pb zircon geochronology and geochemistry of Luk Ulo River boulders belong to Late Cretaceous-Paleocene metapsammite and metagranite of Luk Ulo Karangsambung, Central Java, Indonesia
    Aminuddin MIKA, Shuaib M, Akhtar N, Setiawan NI, Warmada IW
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2025 May;32(22):13014-13036.
    PMID: 37310597 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27931-0
    The rock formation of late Cretaceous-Paleocene metapsammite and metagranite found across Luk Ulo Complex indicated boulders with diameter of approximately 1 m and rounded shape along Luk Ulo River, Indonesia. However, less research found on geochronology and geochemistry has been conducted in study area, and such rocks require comprehensive understanding of magmatism and tectonic environment of Central Java, Indonesia. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to address the geochemical and geochronological age histories across Central Java, Indonesia, using U-Pb zircon dating technique. Generally, most common types of rocks were observed which composed of hornblende and garnet-bearing metapsammite and metagranite. The geochemical study showed that protolith of rocks with hornblende was identified as Cordilleran granitoid (I-type), which originated from magmatic arc with basaltic differentiation. Furthermore, protolith of rocks containing garnet was categorized as Caledonian granitoid (S-type), which is caused by post-collisional orogeny. The cluster observations of magmatic zircons reveal their magmatic ages, which vary from 67.00 ± 1.2 to 69.10 ± 0.91 Ma (late Cretaceous), whereas ages of inherited zircons ranged from 100 ± 5 to 437 ± 13 Ma (early Cretaceous to Silurian). Estimated periods of partial melting were found between 100 ± 5 Ma and 118 ± 4 Ma (early Cretaceous). Comparing the zircon ages of Luk Ulo with the zircon ages from the Sundaland regions reveals that the age distribution patterns are incredibly similar; the peak ages dispersed between the Cretaceous and Triassic periods, as well as Sundaland region was the source of the materials.
  10. Fulltext Mitochondrial Phylogeography of the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) Reveals Riverine and Coastal Population Structure Across Eastern Borneo
    Atmoko T, Putra WPB, Qiptiyah M, Prihatini I, Mukhlisi, Akbar MA, et al.
    Ecol Evol, 2026 Nov;16(11):e74593.
    PMID: 42964889 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.74593
    The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is an endangered colobine endemic to Borneo, largely confined to mangrove, peat-swamp, and riverine forest and capable of swimming across the rivers and tidal channels that structure its habitat. How this riparian specialization influences the spatial distribution of genetic diversity across the species' range in Indonesia has not been characterized. We sequenced the mitochondrial control region from 32 individuals collected at 11 localities throughout North and East Kalimantan and combined them with published data from Sabah and Pulau Kaget. Twenty-six haplotypes (Hd = 0.986; π = 0.029) are divided into three haplogroups, with their geographic distributions only partially separated. AMOVA revealed significant population differentiation (Φ ST = 0.275, p = 0.018). Differentiation among localities was more accurately explained by least-cost distance calculated over a combined riverine-coastal network than by straight-line distance, supporting the idea that gene flow predominantly occurs along riparian and coastal corridors rather than crossing land. A haplotype found in Sembakung, Nunukan, and Sabah indicates mitochondrial continuity across the Indonesia-Malaysia border. The Pulau Kaget reserve population clusters with East Kalimantan rather than forming a separate southern lineage. Neutrality tests indicate a demographic expansion in the late Pleistocene within the most prevalent haplogroup. Calibrated Simias-Nasalis distances place the split between these sister genera in the Pleistocene (~0.74 Ma). These findings reveal regionally distinct and transboundary mitochondrial lineages, which should guide conservation efforts for this endangered primate.
  11. Crude-oil biodegradation by indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria and their co-culture from port dickson, Malaysia
    Zulkifli MH, Wasoh H, Bakar MFA, Isa MNM, Pannerchelvan S, Rahman NA
    Lett Appl Microbiol, 2026 Nov 02.
    PMID: 42969319 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovag093
    Crude oil contamination threatens environmental quality due to the persistence and toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons. Bioremediation using indigenous microorganisms offers an effective and environmentally friendly solution. This study isolated and characterized indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from crude oil-contaminated soil collected from a refinery in Port Dickson, Malaysia, and assessed their biodegradation capability individually and as a co-culture. Soil samples were enriched in Bushnell-Haas medium supplemented with crude oil as sole carbon source to isolate potential hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. Among ten isolates, two superior growth and biosurfactant activity isolates were selected and identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae (isolate OB) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (isolate SC) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Biodegradation efficiency was determined gravimetrically after 21 days, while changes in the residual crude oil profile were examined by GC-MS. Individual degradation efficiencies reached 39.56% for K. pneumoniae and 43.41% for P. aeruginosa, while their mixed co-culture achieved substantially higher efficiency (54.67%), indicating synergistic interactions. GC-MS analysis further supported the crude-oil degradation results, revealing alterations in the residual hydrocarbon profile, including reductions in selected hydrocarbon-associated compounds and changes in the relative abundance of individual components. These findings demonstrate that indigenous biosurfactant-producing bacteria, particularly in co-culture, reveal enhanced crude oil degradation.
  12. Fulltext Knowledge of Early Stroke Detection Among Patients With Hypertension in Urban Population: A Cross-Sectional Survey
    Arafat R, Islam AM, Sjattar EL, Ningrat S, Ling LW
    Neurol Res Int, 2026;2026:5012364.
    PMID: 42969000 DOI: 10.1155/nri/5012364
    BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the primary risk factors for stroke, and nearly 80% of stroke cases can potentially be prevented through increased awareness and early detection. However, previous studies indicate that patients with hypertension often demonstrate inadequate stroke prevention behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to assess knowledge related to early stroke detection among hypertensive patients.

    METHODS: This descriptive quantitative study utilized a cross-sectional design, with 236 respondents recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using the Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) and analyzed through univariate statistical methods, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

    RESULTS: Among the 236 respondents, 53.4% demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge, 31.4% had low knowledge, and the remaining respondents showed a high level of knowledge. The average knowledge score was 64.61 (SD = 13.57; range = 26-97). Participants aged 20-44 years had the highest proportion of high knowledge levels (11.4%), whereas older adults aged over 60 years were more commonly classified in the low-knowledge category (36.1%).

    CONCLUSION: The greater proportion of low knowledge among older adults highlights a priority population for targeted education. Integrating structured stroke recognition education into routine hypertension care may strengthen preparedness for early symptom recognition and facilitate timely access to emergency stroke services.

  13. Fulltext Applications of newly defined diamond Pythagorean fuzzy CODAS method via multi-criteria decision-making problems
    Khan MB, Cortez MV, Bin-Mohsin B, Ciurdariu L, Zamri N
    PLoS One, 2025;20(12):e0325018.
    PMID: 41385560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325018
    The diverse decision values may fail to capture an accurate perspective when multiple decision-makers are part of the process. To address this challenge, this work introduces the diamond Pythagorean fuzzy set (Dia‑PyFS), an advancement over both the Pythagorean fuzzy (PyFS) set and the interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy set (IVPyFS). Due to the established extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets into Pythagorean fuzzy sets, the Dia‑PyFS model, a broader form of the diamond intuitionistic fuzzy set model, demonstrates enhanced performance. We then introduce the Dia‑PyFS as an extension of PyFS. The Diamond Pythagorean fuzzy values that define the elements within Dia‑PyFS may share a common norm. For Dia‑PyFS, we define fundamental algebraic and arithmetic operations, including union, intersection, addition, multiplication, and scalar multiplication, and analyze their primary properties. Additionally, we propose some new Dia‑PyF weighted average and geometric aggregation operators as well as explore their unique properties. We also then propose several algebraic operations between Dia‑PyFVs using general triangular 𝓉-norms and 𝓉-conorms. To transform input values represented by Dia‑PyFs into a single output value, we also introduce specific weighted aggregation operators based on these algebraic methods. Additionally, the Dia‑PyFS framework builds upon the "combinative distance-based assess" (CODAS) methodology, which relies on both Euclidean and Hamming distances. To illustrate the applicability of this new approach, the feasibility and suitability of the Dia‑PyFS set approach for choosing the best options are demonstrated by the summary and comparative analysis of the produced reports.
  14. Assessment of some trace elements in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Northern Nigeria
    Musa MA, Sani D, Saba AO, Azmai MNA, Nazarudin MF, Amshi MA
    Environ Monit Assess, 2025 Jul 10;197(8):887.
    PMID: 40637960 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-025-14337-3
    This study investigates seasonal and spatial variations in trace element concentrations (Cu, Nb, Pt, Fe, Hg) in Clarias gariepinus from Nigeria's Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, a RAMSAR site critical to regional food security. Muscle and kidney tissues were analyzed using SEM-EDX to assess contamination levels against WHO/FAO maximum residue limits (MRLs). Results revealed seasonal dynamics: Cu in muscle peaked during the dry season (0.10 ppm and BDL in wet season), while Fe in kidneys was higher in the wet season (2.58 ppm vs. 1.86 ppm). Spatially, Nb and Pt concentrations were highest in Nguru (kidney: 0.45 ppm Nb, 0.15 ppm Pt), while Fe dominated in Margadu (2.98 ppm). Mercury was detected only in Margadu kidneys (0.07 ppm). Health risk indices (EDI, THQ, HI) indicated elevated risks for Fe in Margadu, particularly among fishers (HRI = 297.14), though most elements remained below WHO/FAO limits. The inclusion of Nb and Pt, rarely monitored in African aquatic systems, highlights emerging contamination concerns. These findings underscore the need for targeted pollution control and dietary advisories to mitigate health risks in vulnerable populations reliant on wetland resources.
  15. Formononetin-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: insights from mTOR inhibition and caspase-3 activation through in silico and in vitro approaches
    Hidayah N, Sudjarwo SA, Herawati L, Kurnijasanti R, Mustafa MR, Yunani R
    Med Oncol, 2025 Jun 16;42(7):264.
    PMID: 40522515 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-025-02778-2
    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and remains a major contributor to global cancer-related deaths. The progression of HCC is strongly influenced by the dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway and impaired apoptotic mechanisms, particularly due to caspase-3 suppression. These molecular aberrations promote oncogenic proliferation and confer resistance to conventional therapeutic regimens. Existing treatment modalities are frequently constrained by limited efficacy, the emergence of drug resistance, and dose-limiting toxicities, highlighting the critical need for innovative and targeted therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. This study investigates the dual anticancer mechanisms of formononetin, a bioactive isoflavone, focusing on its ability to suppress the mTOR signaling pathway and induce caspase-3 activation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). By targeting these critical molecular pathways, formononetin exhibits therapeutic potential by impeding tumor progression and counteracting apoptosis resistance in HCC. In silico analyses employing molecular docking, PASS Online, and ProTox 3.0 were utilized to predict formononetin's biological activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and toxicity profile. These computational tools provided valuable insights into formononetin's potential therapeutic properties. To validate these predictions, in vitro studies were conducted, including cytotoxicity assays (MTT), apoptosis quantification via Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and protein expression analysis of mTOR and caspase-3 using flow cytometry. The experimental results substantiated formononetin's capacity to suppress mTOR signaling and induce apoptotic cell death in HCC models. In silico analyses demonstrated that formononetin exhibited high binding affinities to mTOR (- 8.7 kcal/mol) and caspase-3 (- 7.2 kcal/mol), supported by favorable pharmacokinetic properties and low toxicity profiles. Cytotoxicity assays revealed selective activity against HepG2 cells, with an IC50 of 10.397 µg/mL, while showing minimal effects on normal Vero cells. Flow cytometry confirmed a dose-dependent induction of apoptosis, evidenced by a significant increase in caspase-3 expression and a corresponding decrease in mTOR levels at a concentration of 10.397 µg/mL (p 
  16. Fulltext Identification of Candida parapsilosis sensu lato and antifungal susceptibility testing of candidemia patients in a tertiary-care hospital in Malaysia
    Yamin D, Noor Nik Zuraina NM, Harun A, Hanis Zainal Abidin NW, Wakil AM
    Microbiol Spectr, 2026 Jan 06;14(1):e0145725.
    PMID: 41247051 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01457-25
    Candidemia is the fourth most common nosocomial bloodstream infection and the most prevalent nosocomial fungal infection. Candida parapsilosis complex is the second most frequently identified species from blood samples in different countries worldwide, exceeding the prevalence of Candida albicans in some hospitals. Proper conventional identification of C. parapsilosis to subspecies level and confirming this identification using molecular methods such as amplifying and sequencing the internal transcribed spacer-polymerase chain reaction (ITS-PCR) help promptly in final diagnosis of candidemia. In addition, antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) is becoming mandatory for each individualized sample; a reliable estimation of antifungal susceptibility of Candida causing bloodstream infections is increasingly important to track changes in the antifungal sensitivity/resistance of Candida species and define the burden of antifungal-resistant strains. Here, molecular research was conducted to identify the subspecies of C. parapsilosis and identify patterns of antifungal sensitivity/resistance in a tertiary-care hospital in Malaysia. This study involved a total of 50 C. parapsilosis complex isolates recovered from catheters and blood cultures of patients. Subspecies identification was conducted by conventional methods and confirmed by ITS-PCR, a molecular-based technique. Antifungal susceptibility to azoles, amphotericin B, and echinocandins was tested by E-test method, and results were interpreted according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute clinical breakpoints. Three different subspecies of C. parapsilosis complex were identified: 40 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 9 Candida orthopsilosis, and 1 Candida metapsilosis. Most of the strains were susceptible to all antifungals studied, with only a few resistant cases observed. However, despite the limited number of resistant isolates, this study highlights the continuous need to conduct species identification and AFST studies to assess and monitor the growing burden of candidemia, control the effect of potential antifungal resistance, and implement regional surveillance programs to prevent further rise in candidemia rates. Therefore, it is of substantial significance to carry out such types of studies in different countries all over the world to understand the great burden of candidemia and emergence of resistant strains. Early diagnosis of fungal infections in general and candidemia specifically is of essential importance for the proper treatment, prevention, and management of nosocomial fungal infection, such as catheter-related bloodstream infections.IMPORTANCECandida parapsilosis is an emerging cause of bloodstream infections in hospitals, particularly in vulnerable patients using catheters or medical devices. These infections are serious and can be difficult to treat, especially if the yeast becomes resistant to common antifungal medications. In this study, we examined Candida samples from a Malaysian hospital to identify the specific types of C. parapsilosis and test their resistance to antifungal drugs. We found that most strains were still sensitive to treatment, but some showed early signs of resistance, especially to itraconazole. This work highlights the urgent need for hospitals to regularly monitor fungal infections and adjust treatment plans based on up-to-date lab testing. Understanding which strains are present and how they respond to drugs helps doctors choose the most effective treatment, improves patient outcomes, and supports infection control efforts to prevent future outbreaks of resistant fungal infections.
  17. Fulltext STR profiling in a cohort of Saudi patients with acute leukemia
    Alhatim HA, Abdullah MN, Jamaludin SA, Nurdin AB, Amer SA
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2025 Feb;20(1):62-72.
    PMID: 40026413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2025.01.003
    OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at characterizing whether the autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) used in forensic identification might differ between leukemic blood samples and saliva samples.

    METHODS: Blood and saliva samples were collected from 27 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia in Riyadh City, KSA. DNA was extracted, and 15 STR loci were amplified.

    RESULTS: Approximately 59.3% of patients with leukemia exhibited mutations at the STR loci. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) occurred in 40.7% of the patients at D19S433, D16S539, vWA, D13S317, TH01, FGA, and D2S1338. Microsatellite instability (MSI) was detected in 22.2% of patients at TPOX, vWA, D19S433, D16S539, and D18S51. D19S433 and D16S539 were the most affected loci, exhibiting an alteration percentage of 18.52%, followed by vWA (11.11%); in contrast, D2S1338, D18S51, and TPOX were the least affected loci, showing a mutation percentage of 3.7%. D13S317, TH01, and FGA showed moderate genetic mutation (7.41%). CSF1PO, D21S11, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, and amelogenin did not show genetic changes in all samples. The overall genetic variability between saliva and blood samples significantly differed (P 

  18. Fulltext Conditional expected approach based monitoring of mean of type-I censored Weibull lifetimes
    Abbasi AR, Ahmadini AAH, Alatrash MI, Noor-Ul-Amin M, Rahimi J
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 26;15(1):6884.
    PMID: 40011695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91327-y
    Incorporating censored data analysis plays a pivotal role in contemporary research and practical applications, offering a profound understanding of the importance of censored observations. The literature commonly utilizes modified exponentially weighted moving average control charts to monitor subtle shifts in process parameters assuming complete data. However, censoring in real-life scenarios poses challenges as these charts are designed for complete data and may lose accuracy and reliability. This article introduces a Modified EWMA control chart (MEMC) for monitoring mean level changes in Weibull lifetimes from type-I censored data using conditional expected values. Monte Carlo simulations are employed to obtain numerical results. The performance of MEMC is evaluated using average run length measures, comparing it with the conditional expected values based EWMA control chart (EWMAC). The study shows that the MEMC is particularly sensitive for monitoring small to moderate shifts and outperforms the EWMAC chart. An application of the proposed chart in assessing the rust-resistant capability of a painting process is also provided.
  19. An Integrative Approach Using Molecular and Metabolomic Studies Reveals the Connection of Glutamic Acid with Telomerase and Oxidative Stress in Berberine-Treated Colorectal Cancer Cell Line HCT 116
    Samad MA, Zamani AI, Abdul Majid N, Karsani SA, Baharum SN, Yaacob JS, et al.
    Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2025 Feb 26.
    PMID: 40009339 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-025-05200-9
    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the common deadliest cancers worldwide. In Malaysia, the numbers of new CRC cases were horrific and worrisome. Telomerase is both prognostic indicator and predictor of carcinogenesis in CRC patients. Berberine, a telomerase inhibitor, was used in clinical trials and metabolomic studies; however, the association of telomerase with metabolites and metabolic pathways was not fully understood. Colorectal cancer cell line HCT 116 was cultured and treated with 10.54 µg/mL berberine. The cells were harvested at different time points to conduct subsequent analyses. The methods used in this research were real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to assess RNA expressions; Western blot to determine protein levels; TELOTAGGG Telomerase PCR ELISA to determine relative telomerase activity (RTA); 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining to determine percentage of nuclei damage; fluorescence microscopy for cell area; spectrophotometric potassium iodide assay for intracellular hydrogen peroxide concentration [H2O2]; as well as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to investigate the intracellular metabolites. Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plot exhibited an improved separation compared to principal component analysis (PCA) when metabolomic data analysis of HCT 116 at various berberine treatment durations was conducted. Time and berberine treatment had an impact on RTA in HCT 116. RTA was discovered to be positively and negatively correlated to 14 and 2 metabolites, respectively. Glutamic acid was consistently found correlated to RTA. Other four metabolites, i.e., MG(14:0), [3-[hydroxy(phosphonooxy)phosphoryl]oxyphenyl] phosphono hydrogen phosphate), (3S,6S)-6-[[(3S,6R)-6-[(2S,3S,5S)-2,5-diiodo-4-methoxy-6-methyloxan-3-yl]oxy-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxane-2-carboxylic acid, and 1-[5-O-(5'-adenylyloxyphosphonyl)-beta-D-ribofuranosyl]-5-amino-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide, were newly discovered to be connected to RTA in HCT 116. Four metabolic pathways that majorly affected shared glutamic acid and glutamine. Nitrogen metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis have been identified to be associated with RTA. Network analyses hinted that glutamic acid was also associated with oxidative stress mechanism. The multiple roles glutamic acid acted in diverse metabolic pathways and interaction networks emphasized the importance of glutamic acid in HCT 116 regarding RTA. This research establishes the association between RTA and several chosen RNAs, proteins, metabolites, and oxidative stress mechanisms, consequential in morphological alteration in HCT 116, to expand the knowledge of the intricate biological relationships and telomerase mechanism in CRC.
  20. Publisher Correction: Enhancing power system stability using a TCSC-PIDF controller with innovative multiobjective function and hybrid optimisation logic
    Khawaja AW, Kamari NAM, Abd Halim S, Zulkifley MA, Ansari S, Khalid K, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2025 Feb 28;15(1):7208.
    PMID: 40021786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91707-4
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