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- PublicationAssessment of nursing informatics competency level among bedside nurses in Prince Mohammed bin Abdul-Aziz Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(2025-01)Advanced clinical technology is widely used by nurses in today's healthcare settings, requiring the possession of sufficient informatics knowledge and skills. Nursing competency in this field is now essential, considering the increasing focus on patient safety and care quality through informatics. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the level of Nursing Informatics (NI) competency and determine the factors influencing this competency among bedside nurses in Prince Mohammed bin Abdul-Aziz Hospital (PMAH). The study adopts a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional approach involving 196 nurses at PMAH. Utilizing the Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment Tool (NICAT), developed by Alphonsa Rahman in 2015, the research assesses bedside nurses' informatics competency. Additionally, the questionnaire gathers demographic data. The data was entered into SPSS 25 software, and correlation analysis was carried out. The average level of competency across all categories was significantly tilted toward 'Competent, Very Competent, and Expert' (74%), with a substantially lower percent in 'Novice or Advanced Beginner' (26%). Educational level was identified as significantly correlated with the level of nursing informatics competency (NIC) (P = 0.047). However, age, gender, years of nursing experience, and use of the health information system showed no significant correlation with NIC level. These findings underscore the significance of nursing informatics competency within healthcare organizations, as it determines nurses’ ability to effectively utilize available health information systems, thereby enhancing healthcare quality and improve patient safety.
- Publicationhe effects of scorodocarpus borneensis against drug-induced nephrotoxicity(2025-02)Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin utilisation, leading to persistent hyperglycaemia. If left unmanaged, it can result in severe complications, including diabetic nephropathy, a progressive kidney disorder commonly associated with long-term diabetes. While metformin is a standard treatment for controlling blood glucose levels, its side effects, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and lactic acidosis, have raised concerns, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Therefore, the aim of the study the effects of Kulim fruit aqueous extracts against diabetic nephropathy-induced Sprague-Dawley rats. The effect of Kulim fruit extract was studied on Vero cells and the diabetic nephropathy- induced Sprague -Dawley rats. The proliferation assay result of Kulim fruit extract obtained shown not significant percentage of cell viability when compared to metformin (p>0.05), might be due to lab technical settings. In this study, the induction of the type 2 diabetes was carried out using high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks followed by injection of 55mg/kg of STZ for one week. The animals were divided into 4 groups with sample size of n=3, which were normal control, diabetic control, metformin-treated (150mg/kg) and Kulim fruit extract- treated (1000mg/kg) group. The effects of the Kulim fruit extract on serum creatine level shown significant different between treated and untreated group (p<0.05). The effects of Kulim fruit extract on blood urea nitrogen (BUN) shown significant different between treated and untreated group (p<0.05). The histopathological study shows promising effects in treating diabetic nephropathy when compared to untreated diabetic nephropathy by assessing the morphology of the glomerulus, Bowman’s space and tubules in kidney organ. The findings may provide valuable insights into Kulim fruit extract as a natural therapeutic alternative for diabetic nephropathy, offering a safer complementary approach to conventional treatments. Hence, the long term-impact of Kulim fruit extract in diabetic nephropathy model must be studied over a longer period
- PublicationTargeting monocarboxylate transporter 1 in statin-related anti-cancer effects on mda-mb-231 cell line: in vitro and in silico studies(2025-01)Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging subtype of breast cancer due to its poor prognosis and limited targeted therapeutic options, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of statins on the MDA-MB-231 cell line by targeting the functional inhibition of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). Drug treatments with lipophilic statin (simvastatin, lactone form), hydrophilic statin (pravastatin, lactone form), AZD3965 (specific MCT1 inhibitor) and tamoxifen were tested through various assays; MTT assay was for IC50 determination, wound healing/scratch assay for cell migratory capacity assessment, and LDH activity assay for metabolic activity. In addition, molecular docking analysis was carried out to compare the binding affinities of simvastatin lactone versus simvastatin acid and simvastatin lactone versus pravastatin lactone to human MCT1. The drug treatment (24 hours) in the MDA-MB-231 cells revealed the following IC50 values: simvastatin (66.5 μM, 95% CI: 51.8 - 87.9 μM), AZD3965 (69.1 μM, 95% CI: 59.6 - 79.0 μM) and tamoxifen (28.8 μM, 95% CI: 26.1 - 32.4 μM). Compared to untreated cells, simvastatin significantly inhibited migratory capacity (P < 0.05) within the concentration range of 12.5 μM to 66 μM and increased LDH activity (P < 0.05) at 50 μM. Remarkably, simvastatin demonstrated comparable effects to AZD3965 on cell viability, migratory capacity, and LDH activity (P > 0.05), highlighting its potential as an anticancer agent Molecular docking simulations revealed that simvastatin lactone (-7.1 kcal/mol) had stronger binding affinity to MCT1 than pravastatin lactone (-6.9 kcal/mol), reflecting that lipophilicity influences affinity to MCT1. However, simvastatin acid (-6.9 kcal/mol) showed lower binding affinity than simvastatin lactone, likely due to lower lipophilicity and permeability. Overall, these findings highlight the potential significance of simvastatin-targeting MCT1 in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for TNBC
- PublicationImpact of under-filled k2edta coated blood collection tube on test results of complete blood count, reticulocyte count and white blood cell differential count(2025-01)High blood sample rejection rate is a prominent issue faced by hematology laboratories these days due to insufficient sample collection especially in pediatric, geriatric and oncology patients where venous access is difficult. Under-filled blood collection tubes affect the blood-to-anticoagulant ratio negatively leading to inaccurate results. This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of complete blood count, reticulocyte count and white blood cell differential count parameters from under-filled blood collection tubes compared to standard volumes tubes. In this study, the aim is to compare hematological parameters across different collection volumes; 0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 1.5 ml, and 2.0 ml in 2.0 ml standard lavender top K2EDTA tubes. The results have shown that most parameters remain consistent and were within clinically acceptable ranges in volumes as low as 1.5 ml. Some parameters, such as red blood cell (x1012/l), hematocrit (%) and lymphocyte (x109/l) remain stable even at 1.0 ml. This excludes hemoglobin, which has significant differences to all lower volumes. Therefore, under-filled tubes may be used as an alternative, reducing sample rejections and reducing overall healthcare costs. Future studies should include diverse populations and different analysers to support the findings
- PublicationEffects of individual and combination treatment of azithromycin and doxycycline on U87 malignant glioma cell line(2024-10)Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumour in adults. Conventional treatment, which includes concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy and radiotherapy, provides only marginal survival benefits. Resistance to these therapies is both common and anticipated. Given the compelling evidence that azithromycin (AZI) and doxycycline (DOXY) induce apoptosis-related cytotoxicity in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo, these drugs were chosen for the present study. Their anticancer potential, both alone and in combination, was evaluated using the U87 malignant glioma cell line, specifically GBM. This in vitro study assessed cell viability, colony numbers, cytotoxic interactions, cell cycle distributions, nuclear morphology, cell death fractions, cytochrome C levels, and gene expression related to cytotoxicity and apoptosis. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that AZI (IC50: 92.0 µg/ml) exhibited greater potency compared to TMZ (IC50: 151.0 µg/ml) and DOXY (IC50:147.0 µg/ml) in U87 cells. Compared to single-drug treatments, AZI+DOXY (92.0+147.0 µg/ml) did not show increased cytotoxicity across various concentrations and time points, and evidence indicated an antagonistic interaction. Based on the cell survival assay, AZI exhibited a statistically significant antiproliferative effect compared to the negative control (NC) and DOXY, but only to NC under TMZ. Flow cytometric analysis using propidium iodide (PI) labelling revealed that AZI did not interfere with the cell cycle, whereas TMZ and DOXY or AZI+DOXY arrested cells in the S/G2/M and G0/G1 phases, respectively. Hoechst 33342 staining revealed apoptotic features in cell nuclei across all treatment groups; however, a larger nuclear area was observed than that of NC. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis using Annexin V/PI labelling indicated that apoptosis was the predominant form of cell death induced by TMZ and AZI. In contrast, DOXY and AZI+DOXY induced both apoptosis and necrosis. Spectrophotometric analysis of cytochrome C protein levels exhibited an increase across all treatment groups. At the transcriptional level, all treatments enhanced TP53 and NFκβ1 mRNA expression levels, with AZI+DOXY significantly inducing both genes. PRKDC levels markedly increased with TMZ, DOXY, and AZI+DOXY. In contrast, γH2AX levels were higher in the AZI group than in any of the other treatments. DRP1 and MFN2 mRNA expression levels were elevated across all treatment groups, with AZI+DOXY substantially induced MFN2. Moreover, only AZI enhanced both BAX and BAK levels, whilst BCL2 significantly increased in the AZI and AZI+DOXY groups, and AZI+ DOXY showed the lowest BCLXL levels among the treatment groups. Additionally, AZI increased the ratios of BAX/BCL2, BAK/BCL2, and BAX/BCLXL, whereas AZI+ DOXY exhibited the highest ratio of BAK/BCLXL. In short, AZI shows anticancer activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, in part through the induction of apoptosis. On the other hand, DOXY and AZI+DOXY induce cell cycle arrest and both apoptosis and necrosis as part of their anticancer mechanisms. However, the experimental drugs appear to yield optimal anticancer effects when given alone rather than concurrently.
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- PublicationDesign of a retrofit inferarm cruthes(2008-04-01)The walking stick is a great aid when the person had an accident and his walking is impaired. It provides steadiness and stability, allowing the user to get around pretty well. By the way, for a person that unable to walk, the easiest way to help them to get around is using a wheelchair. It would help them hanging around easily with no burden to walk. But, wheelchair is not able to use in all aspect. For example, the user can't use the wheelchair to go up the staircase. Furthermore, if a person always sits on the wheelchair s without exercise, the bones of legs will get weaker. The main objective of this project is to design a crutch that can assist the disable or leg's injury person to climb up the staircase. It would help to prevent further damage or accidents when the user climbs up the staircase. Besides, the user is able to maintain proper posture, relieves damaging. stress, and reduces the overall chance of injury when climbing staircase. The project has completed with 3D solid modeling of the designed crutches with SolidWork 2007. Furthermore. COSMOS analysis was done on the critical parts of the designed crutches to make sure the factor of safety required was achieved.
- PublicationEvaluation of captopril and nefediplne in Treatment of hypertension secondary to Post streptococcal acute Glomerulonephritis - A randomized control trial.(2012)Post-streptococcal Acute Glomerulonephritis (PSAGN) is still common in Malaysia. Hypertension is one of its main complications which can lead to severe morbidity in children. Conventional method in treating hypertension in these patients was to use nifedipine to reduce the blood pressure. Recent study in the pathophysiology of the disease had shown apart from water and sodium retention, inappropriate production of angiotensin II could also contributes to the development of hypertension. Captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor can help to reduce the production of angiotensin II which can cause blood pressure reduction. To compare the effectiveness of captopril versus nifedipine in controlling blood pressure in children with PSAGN with hypertension. This was a double blinded randomized controlled trial, registered with ANZCTR (Trial No: ACTRN12611000778987) All children admitted to Wad 6 Selatan HUSM diagnosed clinically with PSAGN with hypertension during a one year study period are eligible for the study. Subjects were randomized either to receive nifedipine (control) or captopril (intervention). Outcomes measured are blood pressure changed in the first 4 hours and blood pressure changes until Day 3 of starting the medication, duration of days to achieve blood pressure control, total duration of admission and the need to use additional medication. Blood urea and serum creatinine levels are compared from before starting treatment and at Day 3 after starting treatment. Out of 40 patients who were recruited and randomized, only 19 from the nifedipine treatment group and 13 from the captopril treatment group completed the study. Both treatment groups had no difference in their baseline data. Nifedipine produces a more significant reduction in SBP and DBP compared to captopril in the first 4 hours of starting treatment (SBP p= 0.001, DBP — 0.016). There was no difference in reduction of SBP and DBP after 8 hours of treatment between the groups (SBP p=0.630, DBP p=0.497). There were no significant differences in the duration of blood pressure normalization (nifedipine: 2.7 days, captopril 2.9 days, p= 0.803) and duration of admission (nifedipine: 6.9 days, captopril: 5.4 days; p=0.183) and the need for additional medication to control the blood pressure (p=0.32) between the groups. Changes of blood urea and serum creatinine levels were not significant before and after treatment (Blood urea changes, /?= 0.564; serum creatinine changes, p- 0.236). Nifedipine produces more significant blood pressure reduction in SBP and DBP in the first 4 hours of starting treatment.
- PublicationDiet quality and predictor factors of body weight status among children with learning disabilities in Kelantan(2022-08)Evidence suggests that children with Learning Disabilities (LD) have unhealthy Body Weight Status (BWS) and poor dietary patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the diet quality and the predictors of Body Mass Index (BMI) of LD children. This study recruited LD children who attended the Special Education Integration Program from nine schools located in districts with high, moderate and low socio-economic status in Kelantan. Parents completed a Malay language self-administered questionnaire on demographic and socio-economic background, child’s feeding problems, food frequency questionnaire and comprehensive parental feeding practices. Height and weight of children were measured by researcher to determine BWS. Diet quality was assessed using The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test the research hypothesis. A total of 259 children with LD aged 10.54±1.69 years (68.0% males, 32.0% females) participated in this study. Their average BMI was 18.38±4.79 kg/m2; males (18.79±4.76 kg/m2) had significantly higher BMI than females (17.52±4.77 kg/m2), p= 0.046. The prevalence of underweight, thin and severely thin were 11.9%, while 28.1% were overweight and obese. The diet quality average score was 48.15±9.23%, where 40.5% of the children were at risk of poor diet quality. The total daily energy intake was 1831.96±542.15 kcal with a mean carbohydrate intake (241.80±74.75g), protein intake (76.10±25.54g) and fat intake (63.42±21.33g), respectively. Majority of children had a higher score for the occurrence of rapid eating (2.00±1.32), food refusal (1.47±1.35), and food selectivity (1.26±1.13) during mealtimes in the past six months. Parental feeding practice including pressure to eat (Beta =-0.282), restriction of weight control (Beta =0.351) and modelling (Beta =-0.162), child age (Beta =0.222), and childbirth weight (Beta =0.137) were significantly related to BMI (R=0.561, R2=0.315; F(5,217) =19.972, p<0.001). The current findings suggested that early detection of nutrition issues in children with LD and regular positive feeding practice by parents during mealtime is essential to address the poor nutritional status of LD children.
- PublicationAir flow in an air conditioning car(2002-03-01)It is necessary for cars in Malaysia to have air-conditioning due to its environment and weather. Basically, this final year project covers the analysis of airconditioning in a model of general shape cabin of a car. For this computer assisted analysis, it involves computation of airflow in the cabin from different sources of airflow positions. The title of my project is “ Airflow In An Air-Conditioning Car”. The analysis was carried out in a standard basic shape of car cabin design which is available in Malaysia. Analysis was in three dimensional (3D) case.
- PublicationModelling and simulation of bio-oil production from palm oil biomass via fast pyrolysis using aspen plus(2021-07-01)The increase in energy consumption, limited fuel resources, massive dependency on fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emission has resulted in increased research development on renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is the best option for meeting the current energy demands and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. In this final year project, three palm oil biomass, namely empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fibre (MF), and palm kernel shell (PKS) were optimized to produce bio-oil via fast pyrolysis. Process modelling and simulation were carried out using ASPEN PLUS V10.0. The simulation includes pre-treatment, fast pyrolysis section, gas-solid separation, and bio-oil refining section. The model developed was successfully validated with the experimental data obtained from literature. Then, the effect of pyrolysis temperature and residence time during the fast pyrolysis of oil palm biomass were studied to maximize the yield of bio-oil product. Based on the results, the maximum bio-oil yields for EFB, MF, and PKS were 56.46 wt.%, 47.39 wt.%, and 44.03 wt.%, respectively, obtained at a temperature of 550 °C and residence time of 2 s. PKS achieved the highest biochar and gas yield of 49.77 wt.% and 37.21 wt.% at 450 °C and 600 °C, respectively due to its highlignin content. The obtained yields in this study are consistent with experimental results found in the literatures. Therefore, the model developed can be used to optimize fast pyrolysis process for different biomass sources without the need to perform complex experimental investigations. Such model will make an important contribution on the improvement and intensification of fast pyrolysis of biomass.