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Rational drug discovery: Ellagic acid as a potent dual-target inhibitor against hepatitis C virus genotype 3 (HCV G3) NS3 enzymes

Lim SK, Othman R, Yusof R, Heh CH

Chem Biol Drug Des, 2021 01;97(1):28-40.
PMID: 32657543 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13756

Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) has served as a popular strategy for rational drug discovery. In this study, we aimed to discover novel benzopyran-based inhibitors that targeted the NS3 enzymes (NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase) of HCV G3 using a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches. With the aid of SBVS, six novel compounds were discovered to inhibit HCV G3 NS3/4A protease and two phytochemicals (ellagic acid and myricetin) were identified as dual-target inhibitors that inhibited both NS3/4A protease and NS3 helicase in vitro (IC50 = 40.37 ± 5.47 nm and 6.58 ± 0.99 µm, respectively). Inhibitory activities against the replication of HCV G3 replicons were further assessed in a cell-based system with four compounds showed dose-dependent inhibition. Compound P8 was determined to be the most potent compound from the cell-based assay with an EC50 of 19.05 µm. The dual-target inhibitor, ellagic acid, was determined as the second most potent (EC50 = 32.37 µm) and the most selective in its inhibitory activity against the replication of HCV replicons, without severely affecting the viability of the host cells (selectivity index > 6.18).
Fulltext Transcriptome of Aquilaria malaccensis containing agarwood formed naturally and induced artificially

Abdul Kadir FA, Azizan KA, Othman R

BMC Res Notes, 2021 Mar 25;14(1):117.
PMID: 33766087 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05532-9

OBJECTIVES: Agarwood is the aromatic heartwood formed upon wounding of Aquilaria trees either naturally formed due to physical wound sustained from natural phenomena followed by microbial infection, or artificially induced using different inoculation methods. Different induction methods produce agarwoods with different aromas which have impacts on their commercial values. In lieu of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of agarwood formation under different treatment conditions, the transcriptome profiles of trunk tissues from healthy A. malaccensis tree, and naturally and artificially induced trees were obtained.
DATA DESCRIPTION: The transcriptome of trunk tissues from healthy A. malaccensis, and naturally and artificially induced trees were sequenced using Illumina HiSeq™ 4000 platform which resulted in a total of 38.4 Gb clean reads with Q30 rate of at least 91%. The transcriptome consists of 85,986 unigenes containing 1305 bases on average which were annotated against several databases. From this, 44,654 unigenes were mapped to 290 metabolic pathways in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. These transcriptome data represent considerable contribution towards Aquilaria transcriptome data and enhance current knowledge in comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying agarwood formation in Aquilaria spp.
Fulltext Image Analysis of Surface Porosity Mortar Containing Processed Spent Bleaching Earth

Wei Chong B, Othman R, Jaya RP, Shu Ing D, Li X, Wan Ibrahim MH, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Mar 28;14(7).
PMID: 33800634 DOI: 10.3390/ma14071658

Image analysis techniques are gaining popularity in the studies of civil engineering materials. However, the current established image analysis methods often require advanced machinery and strict image acquisition procedures which may be challenging in actual construction practices. In this study, we develop a simplified image analysis technique that uses images with only a digital camera and does not have a strict image acquisition regime. Mortar with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% pozzolanic material as cement replacement are prepared for the study. The properties of mortar are evaluated with flow table test, compressive strength test, water absorption test, and surface porosity based on the proposed image analysis technique. The experimental results show that mortar specimens with 20% processed spent bleaching earth (PSBE) achieve the highest 28-day compressive strength and lowest water absorption. The quantified image analysis results show accurate representation of mortar quality with 20% PSBE mortar having the lowest porosity. The regression analysis found strong correlations between all experimental data and the compressive strength. Hence, the developed technique is verified to be feasible as supplementary mortar properties for the study of mortar with pozzolanic material.
Fulltext Design of Experiment on Concrete Mechanical Properties Prediction: A Critical Review

Chong BW, Othman R, Putra Jaya R, Mohd Hasan MR, Sandu AV, Nabiałek M, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 Apr 09;14(8).
PMID: 33918757 DOI: 10.3390/ma14081866

Concrete mix design and the determination of concrete performance are not merely engineering studies, but also mathematical and statistical endeavors. The study of concrete mechanical properties involves a myriad of factors, including, but not limited to, the amount of each constituent material and its proportion, the type and dosage of chemical additives, and the inclusion of different waste materials. The number of factors and combinations make it difficult, or outright impossible, to formulate an expression of concrete performance through sheer experimentation. Hence, design of experiment has become a part of studies, involving concrete with material addition or replacement. This paper reviewed common design of experimental methods, implemented by past studies, which looked into the analysis of concrete performance. Several analysis methods were employed to optimize data collection and data analysis, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression, Taguchi method, Response Surface Methodology, and Artificial Neural Network. It can be concluded that the use of statistical analysis is helpful for concrete material research, and all the reviewed designs of experimental methods are helpful in simplifying the work and saving time, while providing accurate prediction of concrete mechanical performance.
Fulltext Relation between Density and Compressive Strength of Foamed Concrete

Othman R, Jaya RP, Muthusamy K, Sulaiman M, Duraisamy Y, Abdullah MMAB, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 May 31;14(11).
PMID: 34072721 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112967

This study aims to obtain the relationship between density and compressive strength of foamed concrete. Foamed concrete is a preferred building material due to the low density of its concrete. In foamed concrete, the compressive strength reduces with decreasing density. Generally, a denser foamed concrete produces higher compressive strength and lower volume of voids. In the present study, the tests were carried out in stages in order to investigate the effect of sand-cement ratio, water to cement ratio, foam dosage, and dilution ratio on workability, density, and compressive strength of the control foamed concrete specimen. Next, the test obtained the optimum content of processed spent bleaching earth (PSBE) as partial cement replacement in the foamed concrete. Based on the experimental results, the use of 1:1.5 cement to sand ratio for the mortar mix specified the best performance for density, workability, and 28-day compressive strength. Increasing the sand to cement ratio increased the density and compressive strength of the mortar specimen. In addition, in the production of control foamed concrete, increasing the foam dosage reduced the density and compressive strength of the control specimen. Similarly with the dilution ratio, the compressive strength of the control foamed concrete decreased with an increasing dilution ratio. The employment of PSBE significantly influenced the density and compressive strength of the foamed concrete. An increase in the percentage of PSBE reduced the density of the foamed concrete. The compressive strength of the foamed concrete that incorporated PSBE increased with increasing PSBE content up to 30% PSBE. In conclusion, the compressive strength of foamed concrete depends on its density. It was revealed that the use of 30% PSBE as a replacement for cement meets the desired density of 1600 kg/m3, with stability and consistency in workability, and it increases the compressive strength dramatically from 10 to 23 MPa as compared to the control specimen. Thus, it demonstrated that the positive effect of incorporation of PSBE in foamed concrete is linked to the pozzolanic effect whereby more calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) produces denser foamed concrete, which leads to higher strength, and it is less pore connected. In addition, the regression analysis shows strong correlation between density and compressive strength of the foamed concrete due to the R2 being closer to one. Thus, production of foamed concrete incorporating 30% PSBE might have potential for sustainable building materials.
Fulltext Participants Attrition in a Longitudinal Study: The Malaysian Cohort Study Experience

Abdullah N, Kamaruddin MA, Goh YX, Othman R, Dauni A, Jalal NA, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 07 06;18(14).
PMID: 34299667 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147216

The attrition rate of longitudinal study participation remains a challenge. To date, the Malaysian Cohort (TMC) study follow-up rate was only 42.7%. This study objective is to identify the cause of attrition among TMC participants and the measures to curb it. A total of 19,343 TMC participants from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor that was due for follow-up were studied. The two most common attrition reasons are undergoing medical treatment at another government or private health center (7.0%) and loss of interest in participating in the TMC project (5.1%). Those who were inclined to drop out were mostly Chinese, aged 50 years and above, unemployed, and had comorbidities during the baseline recruitment. We have also contacted 2183 participants for the home recruitment follow-up, and about 10.9% agreed to join. Home recruitment slightly improved the overall follow-up rate from 42.7% to 43.5% during the three-month study period.
Study name: The Malaysian Cohort (TMC) project
Fulltext Advanced Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Their Cellular Evaluation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Mohtar N, Parumasivam T, Gazzali AM, Tan CS, Tan ML, Othman R, et al.

Cancers (Basel), 2021 Jul 15;13(14).
PMID: 34298753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143539

Lung cancers, the number one cancer killer, can be broadly divided into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with NSCLC being the most commonly diagnosed type. Anticancer agents for NSCLC suffer from various limitations that can be partly overcome by the application of nanomedicines. Nanoparticles is a branch within nanomedicine that can improve the delivery of anticancer drugs, whilst ensuring the stability and sufficient bioavailability following administration. There are many publications available in the literature exploring different types of nanoparticles from different materials. The effectiveness of a treatment option needs to be validated in suitable in vitro and/or in vivo models. This includes the developed nanoparticles, to prove their safety and efficacy. Many researchers have turned towards in vitro models that use normal cells or specific cells from diseased tissues. However, in cellular works, the physiological dynamics that is available in the body could not be mimicked entirely, and hence, there is still possible development of false positive or false negative results from the in vitro models. This article provides an overview of NSCLC, the different nanoparticles available to date, and in vitro evaluation of the nanoparticles. Different types of cells suitable for in vitro study and the important precautions to limit the development of false results are also extensively discussed.
Fulltext Conjugated β-Cyclodextrin Enhances the Affinity of Folic Acid towards FRα: Molecular Dynamics Study

Al-Thiabat MG, Gazzali AM, Mohtar N, Murugaiyah V, Kamarulzaman EE, Yap BK, et al.

Molecules, 2021 Aug 31;26(17).
PMID: 34500740 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26175304

Drug targeting is a progressive area of research with folate receptor alpha (FRα) receiving significant attention as a biological marker in cancer drug delivery. The binding affinity of folic acid (FA) to the FRα active site provides a basis for recognition of FRα. In this study, FA was conjugated to beta-cyclodextrin (βCD) and subjected to in silico analysis (molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns)) to investigate the affinity and stability for the conjugated system compared to unconjugated and apo systems (ligand free). Docking studies revealed that the conjugated FA bound into the active site of FRα with a docking score (free binding energy < -15 kcal/mol), with a similar binding pose to that of unconjugated FA. Subsequent analyses from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of gyration (Rg) demonstrated that FA and FA-βCDs created more dynamically stable systems with FRα than the apo-FRα system. All systems reached equilibrium with stable RMSD values ranging from 1.9-2.4 Å and the average residual fluctuation values of the FRα backbone atoms for all residues (except for terminal residues ARG8, THR9, THR214, and LEU215) were less than 2.1 Å with a consistent Rg value of around 16.8 Å throughout the MD simulation time (0-100 ns). The conjugation with βCD improved the stability and decreased the mobility of all the residues (except residues 149-151) compared to FA-FRα and apo-FRα systems. Further analysis of H-bonds, binding free energy (MM-PBSA), and per residue decomposition energy revealed that besides APS81, residues HIS20, TRP102, HIS135, TRP138, TRP140, and TRP171 were shown to have more favourable energy contributions in the holo systems than in the apo-FRα system, and these residues might have a direct role in increasing the stability of holo systems.
Fulltext Analogues of 2'-hydroxychalcone with modified C4-substituents as the inhibitors against human acetylcholinesterase

Sukumaran SD, Nasir SB, Tee JT, Buckle MJC, Othman R, Rahman NA, et al.

J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem, 2021 Dec;36(1):130-137.
PMID: 33243025 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1847100

A series of C4-substituted tertiary nitrogen-bearing 2'-hydroxychalcones were designed and synthesised based on a previous mixed type acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Majority of the 2'-hydroxychalcone analogues displayed a better inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) than butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Among them, compound 4c was identified as the most potent AChE inhibitor (IC50: 3.3 µM) and showed the highest selectivity for AChE over BuChE (ratio >30:1). Molecular docking studies suggested that compound 4c interacts with both the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic anionic site (CAS) regions of AChE. ADMET analysis confirmed the therapeutic potential of compound 4c based on its blood-brain barrier penetrating. Overall, the results suggest that this 2'-hydroxychalcone deserves further investigation into the therapeutic lead for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Fulltext Biomedical PEVA Nanocomposite with Dual Clay Nanofiller: Cytotoxicity, Mechanical Properties, and Biostability

Mohammed Fitri TF, Osman AF, Alosime EM, Othman R, Hashim F, Abdullah MAA

Polymers (Basel), 2021 Dec 12;13(24).
PMID: 34960896 DOI: 10.3390/polym13244345

Poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA) nanocomposite incorporating dual clay nanofiller (DCN) of surface modified montmorillonite (S-MMT) and bentonite (Bent) was studied for biomedical applications. In order to overcome agglomeration of the DCN, the S-MMT and Bent were subjected to a physical treatment prior to being mixed with the copolymer to form nanocomposite material. The S-MMT and Bent were physically treated to become S-MMT(P) and Bent(pH-s), respectively, that could be more readily dispersed in the copolymer matrix due to increments in their basal spacing and loosening of their tactoid structure. The biocompatibility of both nanofillers was assessed through a fibroblast cell cytotoxicity assay. The mechanical properties of the neat PEVA, PEVA nanocomposites, and PEVA-DCN nanocomposites were evaluated using a tensile test for determining the best S-MMT(P):Bent(pH-s) ratio. The results were supported by morphological studies by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Biostability evaluation of the samples was conducted by comparing the ambient tensile test data with the in vitro tensile test data (after being immersed in simulated body fluid at 37 °C for 3 months). The results were supported by surface degradation analysis. Our results indicate that the cytotoxicity level of both nanofillers reduced upon the physical treatment process, making them safe to be used in low concentration as dual nanofillers in the PEVA-DCN nanocomposite. The results of tensile testing, SEM, and TEM proved that the ratio of 4:1 (S-MMT(P):Bent(pH-s)) provides a greater enhancement in the mechanical properties of the PEVA matrix. The biostability assessment indicated that the PEVA-DCN nanocomposite can achieve much better retention in tensile strength after being subjected to the simulated physiological fluid for 3 months with less surface degradation effect. These findings signify the potential of the S-MMT(P)/Bent(pH-s) as a reinforcing DCN, with simultaneous function as biostabilizing agent to the PEVA copolymer for implant application.
The effect of methyltestosterone (MT) on sex differentiation and growth in juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Othman R, Ron XJ, Yao H, O'Bryant P, Rapp D, Pei JC, et al.

Fish Physiol Biochem, 2022 Feb;48(1):161-171.
PMID: 35039993 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01038-0

A study was conducted to evaluate the gonad differentiation of juvenile yellow perch (YP, Perca flavencens) and determine the latest labile period related to hormone treatment. Juvenile fish were subjected to two dietary concentrations of methyltestosterone (MT; 20 and 50 mg/kg feed) for 60 days in three (3) age groups of 38-, 46-, and 67-days post-hatching (dph), where control group were fed with standard commercial feed. Following a 10-month on-growing period, sex phenotypes were determined by gross and histological gonad morphology. Results showed the juvenile YP responded to the exogenous hormone when it was applied at 38 dph for both 20 and 50 mg/kg feed resulting in 100% males. At 46 dph, only 50 mg/kg feed resulted in 100% males. Both MT-treated at 38 and 46 dph significantly differed (P
Fulltext Factors Associated with the Acceptability of Mass Drug Administration for Filariasis: A Systematic Review

Abdul Halim AFN, Ahmad D, Miaw Yn JL, Masdor NA, Ramly N, Othman R, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Oct 10;19(19).
PMID: 36232271 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912971

Mass drug administration (MDA) has been implemented as a tool to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Acceptability among susceptible populations is crucial to achieving MDA effective coverage. This systematic review aims to present and systematically determine the factors associated with the acceptability of MDA. Articles related to factors associated with acceptability were collected electronically from three different databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed). Four pairs of independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts of the collected data, stored in EndnoteX7, against the inclusion criteria. Afterwards, the included articles have been critically appraised to assess the quality of the studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Of the 68 articles identified, 11 were included in the final review. Knowledge, awareness, attitude and perceptions, communications, delivery and accessibility of MDA, gender, and age are the factors associated with MDA acceptability. Community acceptance remains a challenge in the implementation of MDA. To expand MDA coverage in all endemic countries, there is a strong need to address the factors influencing community acceptance of MDA.
Microplastics biodegradation by biofloc-producing bacteria: An inventive biofloc technology approach

Hossain S, Manan H, Shukri ZNA, Othman R, Kamaruzzan AS, Rahim AIA, et al.

Microbiol Res, 2023 Jan;266:127239.
PMID: 36327659 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127239

Microplastics pollution has become a threat to aquaculture practices, as nearly all farming systems are saturated with microplastics (MPs) particles. Current research on MPs is limited considering their effects on aquatic organisms and human health. However, limited research has been conducted on potential cures and treatments. In today's world, bioremediation of needful parameters in different culture systems is being successfully practiced by introducing floc-forming bacteria. Researchers had found that some bacteria are efficacious in degrading microplastics particles including polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polypropylene (PP). In addition, some bacteria that can form floc, are being used in fish and shellfish culture systems to treat toxic pollutants as the heterotrophic bacteria use organic compounds to grow and are effective in degrading microplastics and minimizing toxic nitrogen loads in aquaculture systems. In this review, the ability of biofloc bacteria to degrade microplastics has been summarized by collating the results of previous studies. The concept of this review may represent the efficacy of biofloc technology as an implicit tool in the fish culture system restricting the MPs contamination in water resources to safeguard ecological as well as human health.
Effectiveness of mixing poultry litter compost with rice husk biochar in mitigating ammonia volatilization and carbon dioxide emission

Alarefee HA, Ishak CF, Othman R, Karam DS

J Environ Manage, 2023 Mar 01;329:117051.
PMID: 36549060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117051

Nitrogen-rich materials such as poultry litter (PL) contributes to substantial N and C loss in the form of ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) during composting. Biochar can act as a sorbent of ammonia (NH3) and CO2 emission released during co-composting. Thus, co-composting poultry litter with rice husk biochar as a bulking agent is a good technique to mitigate NH3 volatilization and CO2 emission. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of composting the mixtures of poultry litter with rice husk biochar at different ratios on NH3 and CO2 emissions. Four mixtures of poultry litter and rice husk biochar at different rate were composted at 0:1, 0.5:1, 1.3:1 and 2.3:1 ratio of rice husk biochar (RHB): poultry litter (PL) on a dry weight basis to achieve a suitable C/N ratio of 15, 20, 25, and 30, respectively. The results show that composting poultry litter with rice husk biochar can accelerate the breakdown of organic matter, thereby shortening the thermophilic phase compared to composting using poultry litter alone. There was a significant reduction in the cumulative NH3 emissions, which accounted for 78.38%, 94.60%, and 97.30%, for each C/N ratio of 20, 25, and 30. The total nitrogen (TN) retained relative was 75.96%, 85.61%, 90.24%, and 87.89% for each C/N ratio of 15, 20, 25, and 30 at the completion of composting. Total carbon dioxide lost was 5.64%, 6.62%, 8.91%, and 14.54%, for each C/N ratio of 15, 20, 21, and 30. In addition, the total carbon (TC) retained were 66.60%, 72.56%, 77.39%, and 85.29% for 15, 20, 25, and 30 C/N ratios and shows significant difference as compared with the initial reading of TC of the compost mixtures. In conclusion, mixing and composting rice husk biochar in poultry litter with C/N ratio of 25 helps in reducing the NH3 volatilization and CO2 emissions, while reducing the overall operational costs of waste disposal by shortening the composting time alongside nitrogen conservation and carbon sequestration. In formulating the compost mixture with rice husk biochar, the contribution of C and N from the biochar can be neglected in the determination of C/N ratio to predict the rate of mineralization in the compost because biochar has characteristic of being quite inert and recalcitrant in nature.
Fulltext Strategies, challenges and opportunities in the implementation of COVID-19 field hospitals: a scoping review

Hamis AA, Md Bukhori AB, Heng PP, Jane Ling MY, Shaharuddin MA, A Fauzi NAF, et al.

BMJ Open, 2023 Mar 14;13(3):e067227.
PMID: 36918252 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067227

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 has strained healthcare systems, requiring the redesign of their structure, human resource management and clinical approach. Countries have adopted implementation strategies and maximise field hospital functionality to address the issue of overflow of patients with COVID-19. This scoping review was based on the main research question, 'What are the implementation strategies, challenges and opportunities in managing the field hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic?', and aimed to consolidate all recent evidence on COVID-19 field hospital implementation approaches, challenges and potentialities.
DESIGN: Scoping review, following the Arksey and O'Malley's framework, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines.
DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from 1 January 2020 through 31 December 2021.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Original articles, reviews, case studies and reports written in English were included. Works without full article and articles that did not answer the research questions were excluded.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction form in Microsoft Excel. The findings of all included articles were synthesised narratively.
RESULTS: Eighty-five records were reviewed and 25 studies were included. For the field hospital implementation strategies, 'surge capacity', namely space, human resource, supply and system, was discussed in addition to the preparation and workflow of other services such as pharmacy, rehabilitation, food and nutrition. The management of COVID-19 field hospitals is challenging with respect to staff and resource shortages, inability to anticipate patient load and poor communication. The opportunities and recommendations for improvement of management were also highlighted.
CONCLUSIONS: The compilation of lessons learnt may help improve the future management of field hospitals, administratively and clinically.
Fulltext Stability of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements from whole blood samples kept at -196°C for seven to eight years in The Malaysian Cohort study

Abdullah N, Goh YX, Othman R, Ismail N, Jalal N, Wan Sallam WAF, et al.

J Clin Lab Anal, 2023 Apr;37(8):e24898.
PMID: 37243371 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24898

OBJECTIVE: Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is a standard indication for screening type 2 diabetes that also has been widely used in large-scale epidemiological studies. However, its long-term quality (in terms of reproducibility) stored in liquid nitrogen is still unknown. This study is aimed to evaluate the stability and reproducibility of HbA1c measurements from frozen whole blood samples kept at -196°C for more than 7 years.
METHODS: A total of 401 whole blood samples with a fresh HbA1c measurement were randomly selected from The Malaysian Cohort's (TMC) biobank. The HbA1c measurements of fresh and frozen (stored for 7-8 years) samples were assayed using different high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems. The HbA1c values of the fresh samples were then calculated and corrected according to the later system. The reproducibility of HbA1c measurements between calculated-fresh and frozen samples was assessed using a Passing-Bablok linear regression model. The Bland-Altman plot was then used to evaluate the concordance of HbA1c values.
RESULTS: The different HPLC systems highly correlated (r = 0.99) and agreed (ICC = 0.96) with each other. Furthermore, the HbA1c measurements for frozen samples strongly correlate with the corrected HbA1c values of the fresh samples (r = 0.875) with a mean difference of -0.02 (SD: -0.38 to 0.38). Although the mean difference is small, discrepancies were observed within the diabetic and non-diabetic samples.
CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that the HbA1c measurements between fresh and frozen samples are highly correlated and reproducible.
Comparative Study on Biological Activities and Chemical Profiling of Mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel.) Cultured on Lignocellulosic Agro Wastes

Hisam Zamakshshari N, Adewale Ahmed I, Nazil Afiq Nasharuddin M, Syahira Zaharudin N, Mohd Hashim N, Othman R

Chem Biodivers, 2023 Jun;20(6):e202300111.
PMID: 37236908 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202300111

The relevance of the lignocellulosic substrate in the cultivation of mushrooms has lent support to the exploration of several lignocellulosic agro wastes. This study was, thus, aimed at the evaluation of durian peel as an alternative substrate for more sustainable mushroom cultivation and climate change mitigation. The secondary metabolites and biological activities of both aqueous and organic mushroom (Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fr.) Quel.) extract cultured on durian peel and rubberwood sawdust substrate were compared using GCMS, LCMS as well as various biological assays (cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities). Mushroom extracts from durian peel substrates possess remarkable biological activities. The results showed that the aqueous extracts had poor antimicrobial activities. The organic extracts were more active against cancer cells than the aqueous extracts, while the aqueous extracts were more potent as antioxidants than the organic extracts. Overall, the mushroom extract from the durian substrate was the most effective except against A549 and SW948, while the aqueous extract from the durian substrate was the most effective against the A549 cancer cell lines with 29.53±2.39 % inhibition. On the other hand, the organic mushroom extract from the sawdust substrate was the most effective against SW948 with 60.24±2.45 % inhibition. Further studies, however, are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of P. pulmonarius extracts against cancer cell proliferation and the effect of the substrates on the nutritional composition, secondary metabolites, and other biological activities of P. pulmonarius extracts.
Fulltext Survival Rate and Prognostic Factors of Localised Prostate Cancer in Southeast Asian Countries: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Mohammed Nawi A, Masdor NA, Othman R, Kandayah T, Ahmad N, Safian N

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2023 Sep 01;24(9):2941-2095.
PMID: 37774044 DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2023.24.9.2941

Prostate cancer (Pca) is one of the most prevalent health conditions affecting men, particularly older men, and cases have increased in recent years.
OBJECTIVE: This review examined the survival rate and prognostic factors of patients with Pca in Southeast Asia (SEA).
METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and a manual search until April 1, 2022. The selected papers were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022326521). Pooled prevalence rates were calculated using the programme R version 4.2.1. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and p-value. A narrative approach was used to describe prognostic factors. Studies were selected and finalised based on the review question. The quality of the included studies was assessed.
RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included in this review. The 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year survival rates of SEA Pca cases were 80.8%, 51.9%, 66.1% (range 32.1-100) and 78% (range 55.9-100), respectively. Prognostic factors for Pca were discussed in terms of sociodemographic, disease-related and treatment-related aspects. The predictors of significantly lower survival were age more than 75 years, cancer detected during transurethral resection of the prostate, Gleason score more or equal to eight, high-risk group, metastases and no adjuvant radiotherapy. A meta-analysis on the pooled HR of prostate cancer could not be performed due to the heterogeneity of prognostic factors. The pooled prevalence of localised and metastatic prostate cancer in SEA countries was 39% 95% CI [20-62] and 40% 95% CI [28-53], respectively.
CONCLUSION: The survival rate in SEA countries can be determined by prognostic factors, which can be divided into sociodemographic, disease-related and treatment-related factors. Therefore, further studies are needed to improve the understanding and treatment of Pca in the region SEA.
New peperomin and polyketides from dichloromethane extract of Peperomia blanda Jack. (Kunth)

Al-Madhagi WM, Sharhan O, Jadan B, Hashim NM, Awadh N, Othman R

Trop Biomed, 2023 Dec 01;40(4):486-496.
PMID: 38308837 DOI: 10.47665/tb.40.4.015

Much of the new research and investigation in pharmacy sciences are concerned with developing therapeutic agents, and identifying and finding new drugs with their chemical structure to treat different human diseases such as infectious diseases from natural products. Therefore, the present findings relate to isolating five new compounds the dichloromethane extract of Peperomia blanda (Jacq.) Kunth grown on Socotra Island, Yemen. two new secolignans; which have been proposed as peperomin I & J. These compounds were isolated together with the other two polyketides presented as surinone D and dindygulerione F. The chemical structures were elucidated and confirmed with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LCMS) analysis. These compounds were first isolated and reported from this plant. These new compounds' antimicrobial activity has been evaluated, and minimum inhibitory concentration has been recorded in the range of 125-250 µg/mL. The pharmacotherapeutic spectrum of compounds was predicated using PASS software which showed potential activity.
Fulltext The moderating effect of perceived organizational support: The impact of psychological capital and bidirectional work-family nexuses on psychological wellbeing in tourism

Bai N, Yan Z, Othman R

Front Psychol, 2023;14:1064632.
PMID: 36910770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1064632

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has inflicted unprecedented damage on the tourism industry. However, the psychological health fallout of COVID-19 on tour guides has not received empirical attention yet. Therefore, the present study aims to examine how psychological capital (PsyCap) improve tour guides' psychological wellbeing (PWB), the mediating effects of work-family conflict (WFC), family-work conflict (FWC), work-family facilitation (WFF) and family-work facilitation (FWF), and the moderating effect of perceived organizational support (POS). For this quantitative research, the data were collected from 276 tour guides in China. The results indicate that PsyCap significantly mitigates two directions of work-family conflict and intensifies two directions of work-family facilitation in order to promote tour guides' PWB. Furthermore, POS moderates the direct effects of two directions of conflict and facilitation on PWB and also moderates the indirect effects of PsyCap on the aforesaid outcome via two directions of conflict and facilitation. Theoretical and practical implications, limitations and future research directions are provided.

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