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- PublicationGlobal Differential Gene Expression In Hypoxic Hepg2 Upon Sirtuin-1 Upregulation And Downregulation(2025-04)Hepatocellular carcinoma (hcc) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, largely due to its poor prognosis and the emergence of chemoresistance, particularly exacerbated by the hypoxic tumor microenvironment (tme). Sorafenib, one of the targeted cancer drugs, is commonly used to treat advanced hcc. However, this treatment frequently induces drug resistance. Sirtuin-1 (sirt1) is found to be associated with chemoresistance and linked to tumor angiogenesis under hypoxia, which may serve as a potential molecular target for hcc treatment. Sirt1 is significantly dysregulated in various cancers, including hcc. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate sirt1 as a potential molecular target for hcc progression in hypoxic conditions. To achieve this objective, crispr/dcas9 was utilized to modulate sirt1 gene expression in hepg2 cells. 20 bp grnas targeting sirt1 were cloned into the plasmid vector pspgrna and verified by sequencing. Sirt1 upregulation and downregulation were accomplished by transducing hepg2 cells with vp64-activator and krab-repressor plasmids, followed by antibiotic selection to establish hepg2_crispra_vp64 and hepg2_crispri_krab stable cells. The transfection with grna was done in normoxic condition followed by incubation in hypoxia. Result on optimization shows upregulation and downregulation to 1.7- and 0.4-fold change in transfected hepg2_crispra_vp64 and hepg2_crispri_krab stable cells, respectively.
- PublicationOptimization Seaweed Drying Efficiency Using Hybrid Solar Dryers And Sparse Robust Regression Models(2025-04)Data analytics in statistics is vital for extracting insights, identifying patterns, and guiding decisions. In precision farming, particularly post-harvest management, challenges arise from iot sensor dependency, system complexity, and variable interactions, leading to issues like variability, multicollinearity, and sensitivity to outliers. Addressing these challenges requires improved data inclusivity, robust data management, and cross-sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of analytics. Variability in agricultural systems impacts crop yield and post-harvest processes. Heterogeneity in sensors, data collection methods, and transmission protocols complicates agricultural drying. Multicollinearity, where independent variables are highly correlated, creates difficulties in post-harvest monitoring as overlapping environmental data from multiple sensors obscures the impact of individual variables. Fluctuations due to environmental changes, sensor errors, and human interventions further complicate modeling, requiring robust statistical methods capable of handling noise and outliers.
- PublicationHigh-Speed Octree Data Structure For Three-Dimensional (3d) Geographical Information System (Gis) Spatial Analysis In Slope Stability Application(2025-05)Geographic information systems (gis) can more realistically model real-world complexity through three-dimensional (3d) spatial analysis than traditional two-dimensional (2d) approaches, but this approach requires significant algorithmic and computational resources, particularly for critical tasks such as slope stability assessment. Most current gis platforms effectively manage 2d/2.5d data but they experience difficulties when dealing with true 3d data structures and often need data conversion processes to the raster. The octree stands as a basic structure for three-dimensional representation, but standard octree implementations demonstrate poor performance in neighbour searches through their slow tree traversal method. This research introduces the high-speed octree (hso) data structure, designed to overcome these limitations by integrating octree principles with modern computational techniques. The fundamental approach of hso stores three-dimensional spatial information directly within the data structure. The system uses an efficient 3-bit binary encoding system at every hierarchical level to determine node paths.
- PublicationRepresentations Of Individuals With Mental Illness In Selected News Reports Of The Star Online And Malaysiakini: A Critical Discourse Analysis(2025-05)Despite the crucial role of news media in shaping dominant narratives about mental health, existing literature shows that news representations of individuals with mental illness have generally been stigmatising. Notably, research on media portrayals of this group has mainly focused on mainstream newspapers, with little attention given to independent newspapers. Therefore, this study aims to compare how individuals with mental illness are represented in two widely read online newspapers in malaysia: the mainstream newspaper the star online and the independent newspaper malaysiakini. Using critical discourse analysis (cda), the study examines 12 selected news reports from each newspaper at both textual and ideological levels. The analysis is informed by van dijk's (1980) theory of semantic macrostructures, halliday and matthiessen’s (2014) systemic functional linguistics, and van dijk’s (1998) theory of ideology. The study’s findings reveal that representations of individuals with mental illness in both newspapers were broadly comparable across all three aspects of textual analysis, highlighting their perceived dangerousness and vulnerability. Furthermore, they were typically positioned as a ‘voiceless’ group in both newspapers. In contrast, individuals without mental illness, notably those in positions of power, were accorded the space to ‘give’ voices on behalf of those with mental illness.
- PublicationApplication Of In Silico And In Vitro Approaches On Repurposed Drugs Targeting Putative Rho Gtpase And Rhogap Of Giardia Lamblia.(2025-05)Giardia lamblia is a globally distributed protozoan parasite that causes an intestinal disease named giardiasis. The primary treatment relies on nitroimidazole drugs such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and albendazole. However, the incidence of refractory cases had increased, leading to therapeutic non-compliance. Although numerous research studies have been conducted to address these concerns, they remain unresolved. The small gtpase, rho subfamily protein, and its positive regulator, putative rho gtpase activating protein (rhogap), were found to be involved in various biological and cellular processes. They were found to work in tandem in regulating encystation and membrane trafficking and were involved in the metabolic processes of this protozoan parasite. Thus, it was hypothesized that inhibiting these proteins would lead to the killing of the parasite. The target sequence analysis showed that two repurposed drugs, dextromethorphan and azathioprine, were matched to the small gtpase, rho subfamily proteins. On the other hand, three re-purposed drugs were matched to the putative rhogap, which were imatinib, dasatinib, and ponatinib. Molecular docking analysis showed the binding energies of the five drugs to their respective proteins were -8.5 kcal/mol, -8.0 kcal/mol, -7.0 kcal/mol, -5.3 kcal/mol, and -6.8 kcal/mol, represented by imatinib, ponatinib, dasatinib, azathioprine, and dextromethorphan, respectively. Molecular
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- PublicationKnowledge and attitude towards Vaginal delivery and cesarean section Among primigravida in hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia.(2016)As first time mother, primigravida might have different knowledge and attitude towards vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean section (CS). A cross sectional study was carried out to assess knowledge and attitude towards VD and CS among primigravida in Hospital USM. A total of 105 primigravida attending antenatal visit in teaching hospital completed selfadministered questionnaires. Sampling was done using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data was analyzed using the software package SSPS version 22. Statistical significance was considered at p value <0.005. This study found that majority of the participants have good knowledge towards VD and CS (51.4%, n=54). Chi Square test showed a significant association between monthly household income with level of knowledge towards VD and CS among primigravida (p=0.022). This study found no association between other socio-demographic characteristics (age, highest education level and occupational status) with knowledge on VD and CS. For attitude towards VD and CS, the current study found no association with socio-demographic characteristics (age, monthly household income, highest education level and occupational status). Chi Square test showed a significant association between the level of knowledge and attitude towards VD (p=0.025). In conclusion, the study findings show a need for educating pregnant women, especially among primigravida about the pros and cons of different modes of delivery to maternal and perinatal health.
- PublicationIntracranial volume post cranial expansion surgery using 3D CT scan imaging in children with craniosynostosis(2018)Background: Craniosynostosis is a congenital defect that cause one or more suture to fuse prematurely. Cranial expansion surgery which consist of cranial vault reshaping with or without fronto-orbital advancement (FOA) is done to correct the skull to a more normal shape of the head as well as to increase the intracranial volume. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the changes of intracranial volume (ICV) after the surgery and the effect of surgery both clinically and radiologically. Objective: This study is to (1) evaluate the ICV in primary craniosynostosis patients after the cranial vault reshaping with or without fronto-orbital advancement and to compare between syndromic and non-syndromic synostosis group, (2) to determine factors that associated with significant changes in the ICV postoperative, and (3) to evaluate the resolution of copper beaten sign and improvement in neurodevelopment after the surgery. Method: A prospective observational study of all primary craniosynostosis patients who underwent operation cranial vault reshaping with or without FOA in Hospital Kuala Lumpur from January 2017 until Jun 2018. The ICV preoperative and postoperative was measured using the 3D CT imaging and analysed. The demographic data, clinical and radiological findings was identified and analysed. Result: 14 cases (6 males and 8 females) with 28 3D CT scan were identified. The mean age of patients was 23 months. The patients were 7 syndromic synostosis (4 Crouzon syndrome and 3 Apert syndrome) and 7 were non-syndromic synostosis. The mean preoperative ICV was 880 mL (range, 641-1234 mL) while the mean postoperative ICV was 1081 mL (range,811-1385 mL) The difference was 201 mL which was statistically significant (P<0.001). In comparison, the mean volume increment for syndromic synostosis and non-syndromic synostosis were 282 mL and 120 mL respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.004). Me Nemar’s test was used to analyse pre and post-operative changes within the same patients. At 3 months post-surgery, all 13 patients with copper beaten sign pre-operatively did not show complete resolution on 3D CT imaging. Therefore the p-value was insignificant (P>1.0). While 2 patients with neurodevelopmental delay pre-operatively showed no improvement during assessment at 3 months post-surgery. Again the p-value was insignificant (P>1.0). Hence, there were no significant resolution in copper beaten sign and improvement in neurodevelopmental delay in this study. Conclusion: Surgery in craniosynostosis patients increases the intracranial volume besides it improves the shape of the head. From this study, the syndromic synostosis had better increment of intracranial volume compared to non-syndromic synostosis.
- PublicationAssociation between food management behaviours and household food waste among working adults in health campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia(2025-01)Recent research has begun to demonstrate the vital role of daily food provision practices in influencing household food waste. Food waste occurs throughout the food chain, yet homes are the primary contributor. The purpose of this research, is to investigate the association between food management behaviours and household food waste among working adults at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian, Malaysia. In this study, a sample size of 215 working adults from the School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, and School of Dentistry was recruited using stratified random sampling based on inclusion criteria. However, only 180 responses were gathered and analyzed with SPSS version 29.0. Among the five investigated factors, Food Storage Behaviour (FSB) (p=0.876) and Leftover Consumption Behavior (LCB) (p=0.764) were not significantly associated with household food waste (p > 0.05). However, Food Purchase Planning Behaviour (FPB) (p < .001), Food Purchase Behaviour in Store (FPBI-S) (p < .001), and Food Planning Preparation Behaviour (FPPB) (p=.039), demonstrated significant associations. The findings of this study, as well as previous studies by other researchers, can be utilized to drive effective interventions that focus on specific food waste situations and interactions in greater depth. The intervention could particularly help to shift the focus from analysis to solutions.
- PublicationUnraveling The Proteome Changes Underlying Insecticides Resistance In The Dengue Vector Aedes Aegypti Using Quantitative Proteomics Analyses(2023-01)Aedes aegypti is a significant vector for many tropical and subtropical flavivirus diseases. Synthetic insecticides are the primary vector control method. However, the widespread use of pyrethroid is causing resistance in Ae. aegypti. Hence, this study was aimed to elucidate permethrin and temephos resistant protein expression profiles in Ae. aegypti using quantitative proteomics. The study evaluated the susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti from dengue hotspot and non-hotspot areas of Penang Island against 0.75% permethrin and 31.25 mg/l temephos using the world health organisation (WHO) standard bioassay protocols. Protein extracts from the mosquitoes were analysed using LC–ESI–MS/MS for protein identification and quantification via label-free quantitative proteomics (LFQ). The study used Perseus 1.6.14.0 statistical software to perform differential protein expression (DEP) analysis via ANOVA and student’s T-test. The t-test selected proteins that showed ≥2.0-fold change (FC) and ≥2 unique peptides were used for gene expression via qPCR. The study also used STRING software for functional ontology enrichment and proteinprotein interaction (PPI) analyses. Bioassay results showed 28% and 53% mortalities in mosquitoes exposed to permethrin from the hotspot and non-hotspot areas. The susceptibility of Ae. aegypti larvae revealed high resistance to temephos in hotspot and non-hotspot areas with 80% and 91% mortalities. The LFQ analysis revealed 501 and 557 (q-value <0.05) DEPs in adults and larvae Ae. aegypti.
- PublicationEvaluation of prime boosting vaccination strategy using newly constructed tuberculosis vaccine candidates in mice.(2013-01)Tuberculosis (TB) an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex continues to be major health problem, worldwide. Current the only available preventive TB vaccine used is Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) but unfortunately, the efficacy of BCG nowdays is controversial. Different vaccine delivery approaches have been developed based on the available technologies. In this study, we are using two previously constructed vaccine candidates namely VacIV DNA vaccine and StVacIII surface display vaccine, together with standard BCG vaccine employing prime boosting vaccination strategy. VacIV DNA vaccine was given intramuscularly to mice while StVacIII surface display vaccine and BCG was given orally. Mice whole blood and splenocytes from the vaccinated mice were tested for various immunological tests. The results showed that mice whole blood (peripheral blood) and splenocytes from the immunized mice were found to increase the production of IL-2 and IFN-y when stimulated with the antigen (Mtb 8.4) which is one of the epitopes in both VacIV and VacIII DNA vaccine. Flow cytometric intracellular cytokine analysis of splenocytes from vaccinated mice showed that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells produce IL-2 and IFN-y upon stimulation with the antigens. The same responses also were seen in peripheral blood. In the prime-boost approach, the study showed that mice primed using StVacIII surface display vaccine and boosted with VacIV DNA vaccine is a better strategy in increasing the immune response in mice. In conclusion, the data obtained from this study suggested that surface display vaccine in combination with DNA vaccine using prime-boost vaccination strategy gives new ideas in vaccine development against tuberculosis. Further study is required to confirm the efficacy of the prime-boosting vaccination strategy in term of protection in animal model.