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- PublicationThe screening of alpinia purpurata ethanol extract for selective anticancer activity in vitro(2025-01)Cancer, including breast, cervical, and brain cancers, remains a major health challenge globally, requiring effective treatments. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Alpinia purpurata ethanol extract and tamoxifen on HeLa, MCF-7, DTBRG, and Vero cells using the MTT assay and qualitative phytochemical tests to evaluate their potential as anticancer agents. The results revealed that the A. purpurata ethanol extract exhibited significant cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 18.19±1.5 μg/mL for HeLa, 158.70±1.1 μg/mL for MCF-7, 68.47±1.7 μg/mL for DTBRG, and 3.31±2.5 μg/mL for Vero cells. Tamoxifen, a well-established anticancer drug, demonstrated stronger cytotoxic effects, with IC50 values of 0.13±0.5 μg/mL for HeLa and 1.61±0.7 μg/mL for MCF-7 cells. However, tamoxifen exhibited higher toxicity to normal cells. In conclusion, Alpinia purpurata ethanol extract shows promising anticancer activity with selective toxicity towards cancerous cells, suggesting its potential for development as a safer alternative to tamoxifen
- PublicationCytotoxicity study on the combination of cisplatin and gallic acid on cervical cancer cells (hela)(2025-01)Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide and remains a major health concern. Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, is often limited by severe side effects and the development of resistance. Combining cisplatin with natural compounds, such as gallic acid, may enhance therapeutic efficacy while reducing toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic and anti-migratory effects of cisplatin combined with gallic acid on cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Serial dilution of cisplatin, starting from its IC50 was combined with a fixed concentration of gallic acid at its IC50. The combination effects were analyzed using CompuSyn software to assess potential synergy, additivity, or antagonism. The combination with the greatest synergistic effect was then chosen for wound healing assay, to examine the anti-migratory effects of the combination. The IC50 of cisplatin and gallic acid for HeLa cells were 25.12 μg/mL and 85.70 μg/mL, after 24 hours, which decreased to 1.786 μg/mL and 13.27 μg/mL at 48 hours. For WRL-68 cells, the IC50 values of cisplatin and gallic acid were 28.02 μg/mL and >100 μg/mL at 24 hours, decreasing to 8.842 μg/mL and 21.06 μg/mL at 48 hours. All combinations of cisplatin and gallic acid significantly inhibited HeLa cell proliferation with combination index values below 1, indicating a synergistic effect. Furthermore, the combination exhibited anti-migratory effects, showing the lowest percentage of wound closure compared to control and single treatment groups. These findings suggest that combining cisplatin with gallic acid holds potential as a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance cervical cancer treatment outcomes
- PublicationInvestigation of exon 12 mutations in the janus kinase 2 (jak 2) gene among polycythemia vera patients from Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia(2025-01)Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by excessive red blood cell production. While JAK2 V617F mutations have been extensively studied, mutations in JAK2 exon 12 remain under-explored. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of JAK2 exon 12 mutations among PV patients at Hospital Pakar Universiti Sains Malaysia (HPUSM) and explore their associations with clinical and hematological parameters. A total of 86 PV patients were screened for JAK2 exon 12 mutations using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing. Patients were categorized into groups based on the presence of JAK2 exon 12 mutations, JAK2 V617F mutations, both mutations, or neither. Clinical data, including age, gender, splenomegaly, and thrombosis, were obtained from medical records. Hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were analyzed. Fifteen patients tested positive for JAK2 exon 12 mutations, revealing two mutation types such as insertion mutations and point mutations. Interestingly, co-occurrence of JAK2 V617F and exon 12 mutations was found in eight patients (9.32%), indicating the potential for complex genetic mechanisms. Patients with both JAK2 V617F and exon 12 mutations had the highest mean age and elevated platelet and WBC counts, indicating a more aggressive disease course. JAK2 V617F mutations were associated with higher rates of thrombosis and splenomegaly compared to exon 12-only mutations. Morphological analysis revealed hypercellularity in the bone marrow of JAK2 exon 12-positive patients, with significant erythroid and megakaryocytic proliferation. This study underscores the clinical significance of JAK2 exon 12 mutations, highlighting their distinct impact on disease progression and clinical features compared to JAK2 V617F mutations
- PublicationInsights into the interaction between statins and monocarboxylate transporter 1: a molecular docking approachl(2025-01)Statins are commonly prescribed in the management of cardiovascular diseases; however, they can lead to statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), which are often related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1) is a proton-linked monocarboxylate transporter that facilitates the cellular uptake of statins, influencing their pharmacokinetics and potential effects on cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Although direct interactions between statins and MCT1 are not well-documented, emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction associated with statins may involve MCT1-mediated mechanisms, potentially through alterations in lactate transport and metabolic regulation.. This study explores the molecular interactions between statins and MCT1, focusing on their binding affinities and the subsequent effects on mitochondrial function and gene regulation. The 3D structure of MCT1 from Rattus norvegicus was modeled using the Swiss-Model database, based on similar sequences from Mus musculus. Molecular docking analyses, employing both blind and specific docking methods, indicated that atorvastatin lactone had the highest binding affinity to MCT1 (-8.7 kcal/mol and -9.2 kcal/mol, respectively), followed by rosuvastatin lactone (-7.5 kcal/mol and -7.9 kcal/mol), simvastatin lactone (-7.7 kcal/mol for both), pravastatin lactone (-7.4 kcal/mol for both), and simvastatin acid (-5.7 kcal/mol and -6.0 kcal/mol). Of all statins analyzed, simvastatin acid does not have any hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues of MCT1 thus could explained its lowest binding affinity. It unlike other statins. Important binding residues, including LEU132, TYR70, and THR388, were identified as essential for ligand interactions. By identifying the key molecular interactions that contribute to SAMS, this study establishes a solid framework for early prediction of MCT1 involvement during the pathology process
- PublicationElucidating the role of dendritic cells and b cells in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model(2025-08)Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterised by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and immune dysregulation. Although psoriasis is a T cell-mediated disease, increasing evidence suggests the important roles of dendritic cells (DCs) and B cells in initiating, sustaining and regulating psoriatic inflammation. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the roles of DCs and B cells in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model through a time-based analysis of immune responses in the skin, spleen and blood. BALB/c mice were divided into control (n=6) and IMQ-induced (n=6) groups, with samples collected on day 3, day 5 and day 7. Psoriasis-like inflammation was induced via topical IMQ application, leading to increased skinfold thickness, modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and splenomegaly compared to controls. Histological analysis (hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining) revealed hallmark psoriasis features, including epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, immune cell infiltration and visible blood vessel observation, as well as increased immune cell density in the spleen. Notably, the white pulp of the spleen exhibited significant germinal centre (GC) enlargement, indicating heightened lymphoid activity. Flow cytometry was used to analyse DC and B cell dynamics across samples. The results demonstrated an increasing trend in CD11chi/+MHCII+ DC populations across all samples, accentuating their involvement in antigen presentation and immune activation. Concurrently, B220+CD38+ B cells increased in the spleen, while CD19+CD38+ B cells were significantly higher in the skin but decreased in the blood, suggesting distinct migration and activation dynamics. Subsequent gene expression analysis (RT-PCR) of CD11c, H2-Aa, BAFF, IL-10, IL-6 and CXCR5 revealed consistent upregulation in the IMQ-induced group, supporting a sustained inflammatory state driven by DC and B cell activation. ELISA-based cytokine analysis showed elevated serum levels of BAFF, IL-10 and IL-6 at each time point, further reinforcing their role in chronic inflammation and B cell activation. Overall, the increment of DC and B cell markers at both cellular and molecular levels, accompanied by elevated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, reflects a robust and evolving immune response. These findings affirm the successful establishment of the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse model and support the study objectives in elucidating the dynamic involvement of DCs and B cells during disease progression as well as offering a foundation for future therapeutic research
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- PublicationRational Design And Synthesis Of Peptide Inhibitors Of Ns2b/Ns3 Protease As Therapeutic Agents For Dengue Virus Type 2(2021-10)The main objectives of this study are to design potent and selective peptide inhibitors by studying the interactions between the designed peptides and the NS2B/NS3 dengue protease using two independent docking programs (MOE and AutoDock4.2), thus, to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative docking results from both programs. The other objectives are to synthesize and characterize the potential peptides by using Fmoc Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS) technique, to perform NS2B/NS3 dengue protease expression and purification, and finally to investigate the biological evaluation of the selected peptides using in vitro NS2B/NS3 dengue protease inhibition assay.
- PublicationPost burn care: a psychological sequelae(2018)Introduction: Burn injury is among the most common trauma cases admitted to hospital around the world. Burn treatment has underwent multiple level of paradigm shift from merely to get the burn victim survive to survive with reasonable quality of life in term of physical restoration for function and aesthetic value. Recent advancement in the management of post burn scar give more hope for burn victim to return to pre-burn physical function and aesthetic but burn injury does not only change a person physically, but invariably causes mental distress or psychological impairment especially in major burn cases. Study Objective: The objectives of this study is determine the effect of total body surface area (TBSA) of burns towards Posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), depression and quality of life (QOL) in major burn cases Methods: Majors burn patients who were treated in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia were selected based on pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total number of 55 patients with 2 years post burn were invited. These patients volunteered and consented to participate in answering the psychometric battery containing Malay translated and validated questionnaires. The instruments that were used are, Malay PTSD Checklist for Civilians (MPCL-C), Beck Depression Inventory-Malay (BDI-Malay) and Burn Specific Health Scale- B . Results: Generally there are significant correlation of TBSA (burn severity) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), depression and quality of life (Qol). Development of PSTD and depression are found to be significant in patient with TBSA 15% and 14.7% respectively and quality of life is found to be significant in patient with TBSA 9% burn. Conclusion: Psychological evaluation should be a routine is postburn management. PTSD and depression are ~trong predictors in quality of life in post major burn. Therefore, treating burn patients holistically and beyond the visible scars, will lead to a better quality of life.
- PublicationDevelopment and evaluation of room temperature cured silicomanganese fume-based alkali activated binder(2021-12-01)Silicomanganese (SiMn) fume is an industrial waste whose potency in the synthesis of alkaline activated mortar/concrete is yet to be explored. The major constituents of SiMn fume are oxides of silica, manganese and potassium (SiO2, MnO2 and K2O). Percentage of calcium oxide (CaO) is very low. Precursors with low CaO needs elevated curing to develop the strength. Concentration of this study was to develop room temperature cured binder despite low CaO to make it adaptive for in-situ construction by proper synthesis of available ionic elements in SiMn fume. SiMn fume based mortar cured at room temperature (23+2° C) was synthesized with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of varying molarities (4, 8 and 12) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as alkaline activators with different ratios of Na2SiO3/NaOH (2, 2.5 and 3). The effect of SiMn fume content (370, 470 and 570 kg/m3 ) and alkaline solution content (33, 43 and 53%) was also investigated. Initially, the alkali activated SiMn fume (AASiMnF) mortars were evaluated by means of flow, compressive strength and flexural strength. Based on the evaluation, the optimum mixes were selected and silica fume (SF) was incorporated at different dosages (1, 3, 5 and 7%) to further improve the properties of the binder. Further, the mortars with optimum SF content were again selected to study the mechanical and durability properties of AASiMnF concrete. The engineering mechanical and durability properties such as setting time, compressive/flexural/split tensile strength, water absorption, volume of permeable voids, apparent density, and resistance to acid and sulfate attack were ascertained. Microstructural features and mineral compositions were studied by X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy xxi and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The findings show that the combination of Na2SiO3 and NaOH have shown better results compared to NaOH alone as activator. With optimum Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio of 2.5 and 12M NaOH, the maximum 28-day compressive strength of room temperature cured mortar was 36 MPa. The AASiMnF binder showed longer setting time than the OPC. The optimum content of precursor and activator (at NaOH concentration of 8 and 12M) were 470 kg/m3 and 43% respectively. The incorporation of SF has improved the properties of binder and the optimum amount of SF was 5%. The maximum compressive strength of mix 12SF5 AASiMnF concrete was 57.6 MPa. The fine particle size and larger surface area of SF has reduced volume of permeable voids and water absorption. There was an increase in the apparent density of the AASiMnF concrete. AASiMnF concrete had better strength retention during acid and sulphate attack compared to OPC mix. Except the mix 12SF5 in acid exposure there was no deterioration and change in the cross-section of the AASiMnF concrete cubes. Its ability to develop good strength at room temperature (23±2° C) curing makes it adaptive to real life applications and helps to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) foot print.
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- PublicationSeismic evaluation and cost assessment of reinforced concrete buildings according to building design codes commonly practiced in Yemen(2022-05-01)The hazard caused by the earthquake is causing a devastating adverse effect on human life, and the most feared amongst all-natural disasters. Earthquakes hazardsare very rare and very divergent type of natural hazards. Whose significances withsmall probability events, when they do happen, are very great in terms of suffering and destruction. The seismic history in Yemen indicates the occurrence of largeand hundreds of small and aftershocks earthquakes based on several research. In that past century, three major earthquakes had been recorded known as the Sadah Earthquake on January 11, 1941, the Dhamar Earthquake on December 13, 1982,and the Al-Udain (Ibb) Earthquake on November 22, 1991. Several researchers study the seismic hazard, tectonic interactions, historical sources, and intensities and showed that Yemen has magnitude (Mw) between 4 to 8. UBC97 code categorized Yemen in seismic category Zone 3 with 0.3 g intensity. Therefore, intensity within a low, moderate, and high earthquake needs to be taken into account within (0.05-0.3) g. Three seismic Zones 1, 2A, and 3 representing low, moderate, and high seismicity regions as defined by UBC97 seismicity, in addition of gravity loads are taken under consideration. A typical regular reinforced concrete moment resisting frames building has been studied with three different heights representing low, medium, and high-rise buildings of four, nine, and fifteen storeys with 14.1 m, 30.1 m, and 49.3 m in height, respectively. Two different rebars grades (ASTM) A615Gr40 and (ASTM) A615Gr60 with concrete grade 21MPa has also been used. To note that no building design code neither seismic code has been developed so far in Yemen, engineer has the liberty to use anyinternational design code in term of the design of buildings. Therefore, threebuilding design codes are considered in the design, namely, American Concrete Institute ACI318M, Indian Standard IS456, and Eurocode EC2. A total of 96 reinforced concrete buildings were modeled. Finally, evaluation of the design base shear and assessment of total quantity materials cost assessment based on the Yemen price market had been achieved through comparison. The performance of the buildings has also been evaluated using Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) by nonlinear static pushover procedure following ACSE41-13 and FEMA440. Comparison between ACI318M-08 to IS (456:2000), IS2 (456:2000), and EC2 in terms of the design base shear regarding all zones, heights, and rebars grade shows an increase of less than 7.2 %, 8.2 %, and a decrease of less than 29 %, respectively. The total material costing in IS-IS2 (456:2000) of which the maximum was selected, increase by less than 40 %, 35 %, 27 % and decrease by less than 7.4 %, 1.1 %, 0 %, for low, mid, and high-rise buildings, respectively when compared to ACI318M-08 . The total material costing in EC2 decreases by less than 33 %, 32 %, 29 %, for low, mid, and high-rise buildings, respectivelywhen compared to ACI318M-08. The total material costing in EC2 decreases by less than 45 %, 63 %, 71 %, when it is compared to the maximum of Indian standards, for low, mid, and high-rise buildings, respectively. In addition, when rebars grade 420 MPa is used the total costing of materials decrease by less than 14 %, 23 %, 21 %, for low, mid, and high-rise buildings, respectively. All building design codes are considered safe and within the Immediate occupancy (IO) with different safety and ductility ratio were highlighted. Except two models of high-rise building in Zone1 EC2 mostly due to the lower minimum longitudinal reinforcement ratio which gets as low as 0.002. American and Indian codes have 5 and 4 times higher than this value respectively.