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Fulltext Optimisation of Botryococcus sp. growth using synthetic media (N: P) for biodiesel production

Wellson, R., Othman, N., Matias-Peralta, H.M.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(105):129-136.
MyJurnal

Algae biodiesel is undeniably very promising as an energy substitute for fossil fuel. It mass cultivation though requires huge capital investment. The aim of this study was to find a simple, inexpensive and tolerable media for algae growth. The optimal growth conditions for algae growth were studied. Botryococcus sp. was isolated from Sembrong Dam in Johor, Malaysia. In this study, two media were used, namely bold’s basal medium (BBM) and synthetic media from nitrogen and phosphorus compound. The synthetic media consisted of ammonium chloride and monopotassium phosphate that were blended together and modified into desired ratios. The N: P ratio of 1.5:1 yielded the highest chlorophyll-a concentration and the optimal growth conditions of algae for both media were at 6000 Lux, pH 7 and 30 rpm. The BMM had the highest algae growth, 3.25 x 107cell/ml while the synthetic media yielded a maximum cell concentration of up to 1.025 x 107 cell/ml which is 68.5% lower compared with BBM. The findings of this study point to the importance of large scale production of algae useful for industrial production of biodiesel.
Fulltext The influence of Sulphate Reduction Bacteria on the durability of concrete in seawater condition

Teddy, T., Irwan, J.M., Othman, N.

Pertanika Journal of Science & Technology, 2017;25(105):117-122.
MyJurnal

Strength and durability are important characteristics of concrete and desired engineering properties. Exposure to aggressive environment threatens durability of concrete. Previous studies on bio-concrete using several types of bacteria, including sulphate reduction bacteria (SRB), had to increase durability of concrete have shown promising results. This study used mixtures designed according to concrete requirement for sea water condition with SRB composition of 3%, 5% and 7% respectively. The curing time were 28, 56 and 90 days respectively. The mechanical properties, namely compressive strength and water permeability, were tested using cube samples. The results showed compressive strength had higher increase than the control at 53.9 Mpa. The SRB with 3%composition had maximum water permeability. Thus, adding SRB in concrete specimens improves compressive strength and water permeability. This is particularly suitable for applications using chloride ion penetration (sea water condition) where corrosion tends to affect durability of concrete constructions.
Fulltext Low back pain problem amongst port crane operator

Kadir, Z. A., Mohammad, R., Othman, N.

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2015;1(1):13-26.
MyJurnal

Purpose of this study to be conducted is to identify the risk factor of low back pain amongst port crane operator and to improve the health management program in the company. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the major group of port crane operator that having low back pain problem, to analyse the risk factors that associated to low back pain problem (WBV, Awkward prolonged sitting and shift work-psychological) , individual characteristics (sport activity or hobby), to analyse the associated rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) and low back pain problem and to propose the basic ergonomic assessment checklist for management to investigate health incident cases and fit-to-work (ergonomics) screening checklist for new recruitment. A survey research design through the distribution of the questionnaire and interview & field observation will
be used for research methodology. The population of this study consists of port crane operatorsRubber Tyred Gantry Operator (RTG). Questionnaire method used to collect all relevant information from correspondence. Interview also will be conducted to gain further details information. Data were analyzed with the usage of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to make the process of analysis easier. As result, firstly, the study shown that there are association of risk factor for working posture and years of exposure with Low back Pain. The null hypothesis was rejected and there is probability that these risk factors have influence the low back pain. It was also concluded that the null hypothesis was accepted which means there are no correlation of risk factors for heavy physical works, previous job experience, previous accident with low back pain problem. Thirdly, the study
shown there are no correlation of rate operator’s absence from work (medical leave) with low back pain problem as the null hypothesis was accepted with p value <0.05
Keywords: Port, Low Back Pain, Ergonomics, Occupational Safety & Health, Rubber tyre gantry, Back Pain
Fulltext Workers’ safety awareness level on hand related injury accident in metal fabrication industry

Mohammad, R., Amin, Z., Abdul Aziz, S., Othman, N.

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2015;1(1):1-12.
MyJurnal

The aim of this paper is to measure the safety awareness level of workers by means of
hand related injury accident recorded in Production Department of Metal Fabrication Process
Company located in southern peninsular Malaysia. Base on the accident data obtained from year
2008 until 2012, it showed an increasing numbers of accidents involving hand. In year 2008 the rate
is 36.3%, year 2009 is 30%, year 2010 is 37.5%, year 2011 is 33.3% and year 2012 is 37.5%. Site
observation has been conducted to assess the hazards involve (safety and ergonomic) to the metal
fabrication activities being carried out. Survey Questionnaires have been distributed to 80
respondents from different job trade. The Respondent data was analysed to obtain the safety
awareness level for each worker’s trade. Copyright © 2015 Penerbit Akademia Baru - All rights
reserved.
Fulltext Radiotracer technology in mixing processes for industrial applications

Othman N, Kamarudin SK

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:768604.
PMID: 24616642 DOI: 10.1155/2014/768604

Many problems associated with the mixing process remain unsolved and result in poor mixing performance. The residence time distribution (RTD) and the mixing time are the most important parameters that determine the homogenisation that is achieved in the mixing vessel and are discussed in detail in this paper. In addition, this paper reviews the current problems associated with conventional tracers, mathematical models, and computational fluid dynamics simulations involved in radiotracer experiments and hybrid of radiotracer.
Detection of human papillomavirus DNA in routine cervical scraping samples: use for a national cervical cancer screening program in a developing nation

Othman N, Othman NH

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2014;15(5):2245-9.
PMID: 24716964

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus is a well-established cause of the development of a variety of epithelial lesions in the cervix. However, as yet, incorporation of HPV testing into cervical cancer screening either as an adjunct or stand alone test is limited due to its cost. We therefore here ascertained the presence and type specificity of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA in routine cervical scrapings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cervical scrapings were collected from women attending clinics for routine Pap smear screening. HPV-DNA was detected by PCR using MY09/11 and GP5+/GP6+ primer sets and genotyping was accomplished by cycle-sequencing.
RESULTS: A total of 635 women were recruited into the study with mean ± SD age of 43 ± 10.5 years. Of these 92.6% (588/635) were reported as within normal limits (WNL) on cytology. The presence of HPV infection detected by nested MY/GP+-PCR was 4.4% (28/635). The overall prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) in abnormal Pap smears was 53.8% (7/13). HPVs were also seen in 3.1% (18/588) of smears reported as WNL by cytology and 5.9% (2/34) in smears unsatisfactory for evaluation.
CONCLUSIONS: The overall percentage of HPV positivity in routine cervical screening samples is comparable with abnormal findings in cytology. Conventional Pap smear 'missed' a few samples. Since HPV testing is expensive, our results may provide valuable information for strategising implementation of effective cervical cancer screening in a country with limited resources like Malaysia. If Pap smear coverage could be improved, HPV testing could be used as an adjunct method on cases with ambiguous diagnoses.
Recovery of synthetic dye from simulated wastewater using emulsion liquid membrane process containing tri-dodecyl amine as a mobile carrier

Othman N, Zailani SN, Mili N

J Hazard Mater, 2011 Dec 30;198:103-12.
PMID: 22023906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.10.014

The extraction of Red 3BS reactive dye from aqueous solution was studied using emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). ELM is one of the processes that have very high potential in treating industrial wastewater consisting of dyes. In this research, Red 3BS reactive dye was extracted from simulated wastewater using tridodecylamine (TDA) as the carrier agent, salicyclic acid (SA) to protonate TDA, sodium chloride as the stripping agent, kerosene as the diluent and SPAN 80 as emulsifier. Experimental parameters investigated were salicyclic acid concentration, extraction time, SPAN 80 concentration, sodium chloride concentration, TDA concentration, agitation speed, homogenizer speed, emulsifying time and treat ratio. The results show almost 100% of Red 3BS was removed and stripped in the receiving phase at the optimum condition in this ELM system. High voltage coalesce was applied to break the emulsion hence, enables recovery of Red 3BS in the receiving phase.
Satisfaction with school dental service provided by mobile dental squads

Othman N, Razak IA

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2010 Oct;22(4):415-25.
PMID: 20462854 DOI: 10.1177/1010539510370794

Feedback on satisfaction with dental care is vital for continuous improvement of the service delivery process and outcome. The objective of this study was to assess the satisfaction with school dental service (SDS) provided via mobile dental squads in Selangor, Malaysia, under 4 domains of satisfaction: patient-personnel interaction, technical competency, administrative efficiency, and clinic setup using self-administered questionnaires. Among the 607 participants who had received treatment, 62% were satisfied with the services provided. In terms of domains, technical competency achieved the highest satisfaction score, whereas clinic setup was ranked the lowest. As for items within the domains, the most acceptable was "dental operator did not ask personal things which were not dentally related," whereas privacy of treatment was the least acceptable. In conclusion, whereas children were generally satisfied with the SDS, this study indicates that there are still areas for further improvement.
Fulltext Adequacy of cellular material in split-sampling of cervical scrapings for routine cancer screening: an analysis of 702 smears

Othman N, Othman NH

Malays J Pathol, 2012 Dec;34(2):115-21.
PMID: 23424773 MyJurnal

The aim of this study was to examine cells (split-sample) that were retained on sampling devices used to collect conventional Pap smears (primary smears) in order to evaluate specimen adequacy and cytological diagnosis of scrapings that are routinely discarded.
Social support and work engagement: a study of Malaysian nurses

Othman N, Nasurdin AM

J Nurs Manag, 2013 Nov;21(8):1083-90.
PMID: 23409702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01448.x

This study addressed the question of whether social support (supervisor support and co-worker support) could contribute to the variance in work engagement.
Fulltext Immunohistochemical localization of RET rearrangements in a Malaysian papillary thyroid carcinoma population

Omar E, Othman NH

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Aug;58(3):461-2.
PMID: 14750392
miR-608 regulates apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma via regulation of AKT2

Othman N, Nagoor NH

Int J Oncol, 2017 Dec;51(6):1757-1764.
PMID: 29075783 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4174

Lung cancer remains a major health problem with a low 5-year survival rate of patients. Recent studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) are prevalent in lung cancer and these aberrations play a significant role in the progression of tumour progression. In the present study, bioinformatics analyses was employed to predict potential miR-608 targets, which are associated with signaling pathways involved in cancer. Luciferase reporter assay identified AKT2 as a novel target of miR-608, and suppression of its protein levels was validated through western blot analysis. Zebrafish embryos were microinjected with cells transfected with miR-608 to elucidate the role of miR-608 in vivo, and immunostained with antibodies to detect activated caspase-3. We present the first evidence that miR-608 behaves as a tumour suppressor in A549 and SK-LU-1 cells through the regulation of AKT2, suggesting that selective targeting of AKT2 via miR-608 may be developed as a potential therapeutic strategy for miRNA-based non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy.
Fulltext Entamoeba histolytica: Proteomics Bioinformatics Reveal Predictive Functions and Protein-Protein Interactions of Differentially Abundant Membrane and Cytosolic Proteins

Azmi N, Othman N

Membranes (Basel), 2021 May 21;11(6).
PMID: 34063994 DOI: 10.3390/membranes11060376

Amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica and ranked second for parasitic diseases causing death after malaria. E. histolytica membrane and cytosolic proteins play important roles in the pathogenesis. Our previous study had shown several cytosolic proteins were found in the membrane fraction. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the differential abundance of membrane and cytosolic proteins in membrane versus cytosolic fractions and analyze their predicted functions and interaction. Previous LC-ESI-MS/MS data were analyzed by PERSEUS software for the differentially abundant proteins, then they were classified into their functional annotations and the protein networks were summarized using PantherDB and STRiNG, respectively. The results showed 24 (44.4%) out of the 54 proteins that increased in abundance were membrane proteins and 30 were cytosolic proteins. Meanwhile, 45 cytosolic proteins were found to decrease in abundance. Functional analysis showed differential abundance proteins involved in the molecular function, biological process, and cellular component with 18.88%, 33.04% and, 48.07%, respectively. The STRiNG server predicted that the decreased abundance proteins had more protein-protein network interactions compared to increased abundance proteins. Overall, this study has confirmed the presence of the differentially abundant membrane and cytosolic proteins and provided the predictive functions and interactions between them.
Fulltext Validation of target proteins of down-regulated miR-221-5p in HeLa cells treated with Polyalthia longifolia leaf extract using label-free quantitative proteomics approaches

Shanmugapriya, Othman N, Sasidharan S

3 Biotech, 2020 Sep;10(9):399.
PMID: 32850286 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02396-x

The current study was conducted to validate the target proteins of down-regulated miR-221-5p in HeLa cells treated with P. longifolia leaf extract. The validation was done by label-free quantitative proteomics approaches, Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction analyses after the cells transfected with miRNA mimics or miRNA inhibitor. The LC-ESI-MS/MS identified a total of 1061, 668, 564 and 940 proteins from untransfected and untreated HeLa cells, untransfected P. longifolia leaf extract-treated HeLa cells, miR-221-5p mimic-transfected P. longifolia leaf extract-treated HeLa cells and anti-miR-221-5p-transfected P. longifolia leaf extract-treated HeLa cells, respectively. The proteomic, GO and protein-protein interaction analyses showed that P. longifolia treatment regulated various protein expressions in HeLa cells, namely tropomyosin, PRKC apoptosis WT1 regulator protein (PAWR), alpha-enolase and beta-enolase, which induced apoptotic cell death after the down-regulation of miR-221-5p. Conclusively, this study showed P. longifolia leaf extract's vital contribution in regulating various protein expressions in HeLa cervical cancer cells to induce apoptotic cell death after downregulation miR-221-5p.
Fulltext Integration of solar dryer technologies in high value herbal crops production for Malaysia: pathway for a sustainable future

Othman, N. F.,, Ya’acob, M. E., Abdul-Rahim, A.S., Mohd. Shahwahid, O., Hizam, H., Ramlan, M.F.

International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(101):51-55.
MyJurnal

This paper embarks on the evolution of green economy approach to support the increasing
food commodity expenses by adapting Solar Photovoltaic (PV) as the suitable renewable
energy technology for Natural Resource Management (NRM). The crops for cash trend and
continuously decreasing market price in solar technologies are highlighted with strong effort
by Malaysian Government through Renewable Energy (RE) policy and National Key Economy
Area (NKEA). Reviews on the benefits of solar dryer technologies in crop production and agrobusiness
are presented with highlights on high value herbal crops (HVHc) and some potentials
of high-performance solar dryer technology.
Fulltext Screening of optimization parameters for mixing process via CFD

Othman, N., Kamarudin, S.K., Mamat, M.R., Azman, A., Rosli, M.I., Takrif, M.S.

Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2013;2013(2):21-29.
MyJurnal

In this study, the numerical simulation in a mixing vessel agitated by a six bladed Rushton turbine has
been carried out to investigate the effects of effective parameters to the mixing process. The study is intended to screen the potential parameters which affect the optimization process and to provide the detail insights into the process. Three-dimensional and steady-state flow has been performed using the fully predictive Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) technique for the impeller and tank geometry. Process optimization is always used to ensure the optimum conditions are fulfilled to attain industries’ satisfaction or needs (ie; increase profit, low cost, yields, etc). In this study, the range of recommended speed to accelerate optimization is 100, 150 and 200rpm respectively and the range of recommended clearance is 50, 75 and 100mm respectively for dual Rushton impeller. Thus, the computer fluid dynamics (CFD) was introduced in order to screen the suitable parameters efficiently and to accelerate optimization. In this study,
Overexpression of miR‑361‑5p plays an oncogenic role in human lung adenocarcinoma through the regulation of SMAD2

Othman N, Nagoor NH

Int J Oncol, 2019 01;54(1):306-314.
PMID: 30365047 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4602

The silencing of Bcl‑xL in the non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line, A549, downregulates miR‑361‑5p expression. This study aimed to determine the biological effects of miR‑361‑5p on NSCLC, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which apoptosis is regulated. MicroRNA (miRNA or miR) functional analyses were performed via transfection of miR‑361‑5p mimics and inhibitors, demonstrating that the inhibition of miR‑361‑5p induced the apoptosis of NSCLC cells. To elucidate the function of miR‑361‑5p in vivo, cells transfected with miR‑361‑5p inhibitors were microinjected into zebrafish embryos, and immunostained using antibodies to detect the active form of caspase‑3. Co-transfection with siBcl‑xL and miR‑361‑5p mimics illustrated the association between Bcl‑xL, miR‑361‑5p and apoptosis; miR‑361‑5p mimics blocked the apoptosis initiated by siBcl‑xL. Luciferase reporter assays identified mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2) as a novel target of miR‑361‑5p and the reduction of its protein level was validated by western blot analysis. To confirm the molecular mechanisms through which apoptosis is regulated, gene rescue experiments revealed that the ectopic expression of SMAD2 attenuated the inhibitory effects on apoptosis induced by miR‑361‑5p. In this study, to the best of our knowledge, we provide the first evidence that miR‑361‑5p functions as an oncomiR in A549 and SK‑LU‑1 cells through the regulation of SMAD2, suggesting that miR‑361‑5p may be employed as a potential therapeutic target for the miRNA-based therapy of NSCLC.
Fulltext Advantages and Limitations of Microscopy and Molecular Detections for Diagnosis of Soil-transmitted Helminths: An Overview

Miswan N, Singham GV, Othman N

Helminthologia, 2022 Dec;59(4):321-340.
PMID: 36875683 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2022-0034

World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over 1.5 billion people are infected by soil-transmitted helminths (STH) worldwide in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States of America, China, and East Asia. Heavy infections and polyparasitism are associated with higher morbidity rates, and the patients are exposed to increased vulnerability to other diseases. Therefore, accurate diagnosis followed by mass treatment for morbidity control is necessary.STH diagnosis commonly involves the microscopic observation of the presence of the STH eggs and larvae in the faecal samples. Furthermore, molecular approaches are increasingly utilised in monitoring and surveillance as they show higher sensitivity. Their capability to differentiate hookworm species is an advantage over the Kato-Katz technique. This review discusses the advantages and limitations of microscopy and various molecular tools used for STH detection.
Fulltext The role of microRNAs in the regulation of apoptosis in lung cancer and its application in cancer treatment

Othman N, Nagoor NH

Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:318030.
PMID: 24999473 DOI: 10.1155/2014/318030

Lung cancer remains to be one of the most common and serious types of cancer worldwide. While treatment is available, the survival rate of this cancer is still critically low due to late stage diagnosis and high frequency of drug resistance, thus highlighting the pressing need for a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in lung carcinogenesis. Studies in the past years have evidenced that microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical players in the regulation of various biological functions, including apoptosis, which is a process frequently evaded in cancer progression. Recently, miRNAs were demonstrated to possess proapoptotic or antiapoptotic abilities through the targeting of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. This review examines the involvement of miRNAs in the apoptotic process of lung cancer and will also touch on the promising evidence supporting the role of miRNAs in regulating sensitivity to anticancer treatment.
Fulltext Job characteristics and staying engaged in work of nurses: Empirical evidence from Malaysia

Othman N, Nasurdin AM

Int J Nurs Sci, 2019 Oct 10;6(4):432-438.
PMID: 31728397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2019.09.010

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between job characteristics (job autonomy, job feedback, skill variety, task identity, task significance) and work engagement of nurses in Malaysia.
METHODS: A survey using self-administered questionnaires was used to collect data from a sample of 856 staff nurses working in eight public hospitals in Malaysia. A shortened nine-item version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale(UWES-9) was used to measure work engagement. The UWES-9 comprises three dimensions, which was measured with three items each: vigor, dedication, and absorption. Job characteristics (job autonomy, job feedback, skill variety, task identity, task significance) were measured with the corresponding subscales of the Job Diagnostic Survey. Each subscale consisted of three items. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.
RESULTS: Findings indicated that all the five demographic variables (age, marital status, education, organizational tenure, job tenure) were unrelated to work engagement. The results further revealed that job autonomy (β = 0.19, P  0.05), however, did not affect work engagement.
CONCLUSION: Job autonomy, job feedback, task identity, and task significance are important factors in predicting work engagement. The findings of this study highlighted the need to incorporate these core dimensions in nursing management to foster work engagement.

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