USM Journal Management System (Univ. Sains Malaysia)
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Genetic Regulation of ERK1/2–c-Fos Signalling Pathway in Newcastle Disease Virus–Induced Apoptosis of Human Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells
No full textBackground: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer with a five-year survival of approximately 6% that is largely driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs), which promote resistance, metastasis, and recurrence. Mutations in the Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (K-RAS) are common in human PDAC and activate the rat sarcoma (RAS) pathway, thus supporting tumour growth, maintenance, and metastasis. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a tumour-selective oncolytic virus with a strong safety profile that targets cancer cells and therapy-resistant CSCs, thereby highlighting its potential as an anticancer virotherapy. This study examines NDV AF2240’s ability to target CSCs through RAS pathway modulation and apoptosis induction.
Methods: NDV AF2240 was titrated by hemagglutination (HA) and plaque assays using Vero cells. CSCs were isolated from Panc-1 cells and confirmed by sphere-formation, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR for CD24, CD44, and EpCAM/ESA. Cells were infected at multiplicities of infection (MOIs) of 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 10 for 24–72 h. Cytopathic effects were assessed with an MTS assay, and apoptosis was assessed by the expression of Caspase-3, -8, and -9, Bax, and Bcl-2. NDV reduced CSC viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with significant declines at 24–48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). Apoptosis markers Caspase-3, -8, and -9, and Bcl-2 were significantly upregulated (M = 3.4613, 5.9173, 2.4610, and 2.2083, respectively; P < 0.05). An MOI of 0.1 was used for pathway analysis in 1 × 10⁶ CSCs.
Results: NDV AF2240 induced effective cytopathic effects in PDAC stem cells, downregulating the K-RAS effectors ERK1/2 and C-FOS, triggering apoptosis, and reducing the viability of PDAC CSCs in vitro.
Conclusion: These findings highlight NDV’s potential as an oncolytic agent against PDAC stem cells via the modulation of ERK1/2 and C-FOS, thus supporting its therapeutic development
Status Kesahtarafan Anak Kelahiran Pramatang Sebagai Wali Nikah Menurut Perspektif Perundangan Semasa
No full textWali merupakan individu yang berkuasa dalam mengurus dan mengatur pernikahan seseorang perempuan yang berada di bawah jagaannya. Wali yang dilantik perlu memenuhi syarat-syarat sah sebagai wali agar tidak memberikan kesan kepada pembubaran perkahwinan. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis status kesahtarafan anak kelahiran pramatang sebagai wali nikah menurut perundangan semasa. Metodologi kajian ini ialah interpretif dengan pendekatan kajian kes sebagai strategi kajian. Reka bentuk kualitatif telah diadaptasikan dengan gabungan kaedah analisis dokumen dan temu bual separa berstruktur melibatkan tiga orang hakim mahkamah syariah. Setelah data tersebut diperolehi, kaedah analisis kandungan dokumen digunakan sekali lagi dalam proses menganalisis data yang hasilnya dikategorikan mengikut kaedah tematik. Dapatan menunjukkan anak kelahiran pramatang ialah anak yang sah menurut syarak. Namun, anak tersebut tetap digelar sebagai ATST sekiranya tidak mendapat pengesahtarafan nasab di mahkamah. Walaupun begitu, anak kelahiran pramatang boleh menjadi wali nikah sekiranya menepati tiga syarat utama iaitu, melakukan pengesahan kelahiran pramatang, melakukan pengesahtarafan nasab di mahkamah dan mematuhi syarat sebagai wali nikah seperti kelahiran normal. Kajian lanjutan diperlukan untuk meneliti kesan pembubaran perkahwinan sekiranya terdapat pasangan yang tidak mematuhi ketiga-tiga syarat tersebut
The Symbolism of Faith and Identity: A Phenomenological Study of Malay Traditional Houses in Bengkalis, Indonesia
No full textThis study examines the symbolic link among faith, identity, and architecture through a phenomenological and semiotic analysis of traditional Malay houses in Bengkalis, Indonesia. Moving beyond typological and structural study, the research examines how architectural elements-such as spatial orientation, elevation, ornamentation, and material choices-reflect the Islamic worldview and Malay moral philosophy. Using qualitative document analysis and visual interpretation, the study examines the traditional house as a lived space that demonstrates how belief and culture converge in its built form. Results indicate that the Malay house functions as a living cosmology, in which architecture expresses tawhid (divine unity), adab (ethical propriety), and ukhuwah (community harmony). The Qiblah direction symbolizes submission to divine order, while the raised platform (rumah panggung) stands for transcendence and purity. Carvings and ornaments (ukiran) function as visual dhikr, reminding of God through beauty and symmetry. Natural materials reflect an ecological awareness grounded in Islamic ethics of balance (tawazun). By combining phenomenological experience with semiotic interpretation, the study discusses Islamic aesthetics and sustainable cultural heritage. It concludes that the traditional Malay house is both a theological and architectural symbol-a dwelling that teaches and reminds us that to build is to believe, and to dwell is to remember
Between Gratitude and Responsibility: Reimagining Malaysia’s Healthcare System at a Crossroads
No full textGlobally, healthcare reform is often discussed in terms of financing models, service delivery structures, or workforce planning (1). Yet at its core, it concerns everyday people at moments of illness, uncertainty, and dependence. Thus, policy choices made by the Malaysian government today will determine whether care remains accessible, timely, and affordable not only for the population at large, but for our own families and communities in the years ahead
Pengaruh Kebebasan Informasi Media Terhadap Perubahan Politik, Ekonomi Dan Sosial Di Malaysia Pada Abad Ke-21
No full textKajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh media dan kebebasan informasi terhadap perubahan politik, ekonomi dan sosial di Malaysia pada abad ke-21 dalam konteks perkembangan media digital dan teknologi kecerdasan buatan. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan gabungan yang melibatkan analisis kualitatif terhadap sumber sekunder seperti laporan rasmi, artikel jurnal dan bahan dalam talian, serta kaedah kuantitatif melalui soal selidik dalam talian yang melibatkan 100 responden daripada pelbagai latar belakang. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa majoriti responden berpandangan bahawa tahap kebebasan informasi melalui media di Malaysia semakin meningkat dan tidak lagi dilihat sebagai terlalu terikat kepada kawalan kerajaan. Selain itu, kebebasan informasi didapati memberi kesan positif terhadap pengukuhan proses demokrasi, pertumbuhan ekonomi khususnya dalam sektor ekonomi digital, serta pembangunan sosial masyarakat yang lebih berilmu dan celik maklumat. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian ini turut mengenal pasti cabaran berkaitan penyebaran maklumat palsu dan keperluan literasi media yang lebih mantap dalam menghadapi ekosistem media yang dipacu oleh algoritma dan kecerdasan buatan. Kesimpulannya, media dan kebebasan informasi memainkan peranan penting dalam pembentukan peradaban Malaysia kontemporari, namun memerlukan keseimbangan antara keterbukaan maklumat, kawal selia beretika dan pemerkasaan literasi media bagi memastikan pembangunan negara yang mampan dan inklusif
Solvent-Dependent Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Assessments on Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties (Early view)
Get PDFThe global surge in antibiotic resistance, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), presents a significant public health challenge and emphasizes the necessity for alternative therapeutic strategies. Moringa oleifera is rich in bioactive phytochemicals with established antimicrobial properties, however, the impact of various extraction solvents on its efficacy against MRSA has not been thoroughly investigated. This study offers a direct comparison of ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous M. oleifera leaf extracts (MOLE) to identify the optimal solvent for enhancing antibacterial and antioxidant activities. MOLE was extracted through maceration, and antibacterial activity against MRSA was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) assays at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL, with vancomycin serving as the positive control. Antioxidant capacity was quantified using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, while phytochemical profiles characterized via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The ethanolic extract exhibited the highest bioactivity, achieving complete MRSA inhibition at 100 mg/mL and demonstrating efficacy statistically comparable to vancomycin at 50 mg/mL. It also showed significantly greater antioxidant capacity across all tested concentrations. LC–MS analysis linked this enhanced activity to a richer composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the ethanolic extract. In summary, ethanol emerged as the most effective solvent for extracting antibacterial and antioxidant compounds from M. oleifera leaves. The findings underscore the potential of ethanolic MOLE as a natural therapeutic candidate against MRSA, warranting further investigation in preclinical models
Evaluation of Novel Primers for Rapid Single-Step Detection of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. Using Duplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assay (Early view)
Get PDFPathogenic Leptospira spp. infections are the cause of the endemic disease leptospirosis. The flu-like and febrile symptoms can deteriorate severely and become fatal if not treated with antibiotic therapy on time. However, the current gold standard diagnostic method being used, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), can only detect antibodies approximately one week after the onset of symptoms, besides, it requires skilled personnel and live cultures. In this study, two primer sets targeting rrs and lipL32 genes were designed for simple, multiplex, and rapid molecular detection of Leptospira spp. The duplex PCR assay was evaluated using 15 Leptospira strains, comprising both pathogenic and non-pathogenic species, and demonstrated simultaneous detection and clear differentiation of pathogenic Leptospira spp. within a single PCR run. In a duplex PCR setting, the assay showed 100% sensitivity for both urine-spiked Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhagenii and its gDNA, with a detection limit of 100 bacteria/mL for urine and 30 fg/uL for gDNA samples. The results were comparable to the adopted primers targeting lfb1 or secYIV genes in a singleplex PCR setting. The duplex PCR assay showed 100% specificity in detecting Leptospira spp. by amplifying the highly conserved rrs gene in Leptospira spp. and pathogenicity differentiation through the highly conserved lipoprotein encoding lipL32 gene in pathogenic strains. In contrast, the specificity of the singleplex PCR assay targeting lfb1 or secYIV genes for pathogenic strain differentiation was 89% and 78%, respectively
Humanising Online Learning through Social Presence in Higher Education
Get PDFThis study explores the role of social presence in creating a humanised online learning environment in higher education. Using a qualitative case study, data were collected through semi-structured interview, observation of online interaction, and document analysis involving students and lecturer in a Technology Enhanced Language Learning online course. The lecturer of the course utilised canvas as learning management system and the researchers documented how the lecturer implemented humanising principles in online learning. Findings revealed that promoting social presence enhanced students’ emotional engagement, collaborative learning and sense of belonging. Key strategies identified include personalised communication, active lecturer involvement, and group-based learning activities. These insights offer practical guidelines for educators seeking to humanise online learning environments and foster deeper student engagement
Development and Validation of a Construct 2-Based Gamified Assessment for Arabic Language Learning
Get PDFStudents’ perceptions of gamified assessment significantly influence their motivation and engagement in learning Arabic. Measuring these perceptions offers insight into how students evaluate the effectiveness of assessment strategies in Arabic language education. However, the development of suitable gamified assessment instruments remains underexplored. This study aims to develop and validate a gamified assessment tool using Construct 2 for Arabic language instruction at SMP Darul Faqih, Indonesia. The assessment dimensions and items were derived from a conceptual analysis and open-ended survey responses. Content validity was established through expert judgement involving five experts and three Arabic language teachers. The questionnaire was piloted with 60 students, divided evenly for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), comprising both control and experimental groups. The analysis identified four dimensions—interactivity, user interface, feedback, and learning motivation—which collectively explained 66.8% of the variance. The finalised instrument consists of 12 items and demonstrated satisfactory reliability, validity, and internal consistency. Among the dimensions, learning motivation exhibited the strongest path coefficient, while the user interface dimension had the weakest. The experimental group showed significant improvements in interactivity, feedback, and learning motivation, whereas no significant difference was found in the user interface dimension. These findings suggest that the developed questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing students’ perceptions of gamified assessment in Arabic language learning. Future research should explore the application of this instrument in examining the relationship between students’ perceptions and their learning outcomes
Effect of Chiropractic Care on Auditory Attention in Healthy Individuals: An Analysis of the P300 Event-related Potentials Component
No full textBackground: The effect of chiropractic care on auditory attention, as measured by event-related potentials (ERP), has not been examined in healthy young adults. This study aimed to assess the impact of a single chiropractic session on auditory attention by analysing the amplitude and latency of the P300 ERP component within the auditory oddball paradigm in healthy adults.
Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults participated in this chiropractic intervention study. ERP experiments were performed both before (pre-group) and one week after (post-group) a single chiropractic care session. During the experiments, a 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG)/ERP cap was used, and participants silently counted the target tone while disregarding standard tones. The amplitude and latency of the P300 ERP component were analysed using a standardised 10–20 EEG system across 19 electrode channels. A non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test (pairwise) was used to compare data groups.
Results: The topographic map distribution revealed a widespread pattern during standard stimuli and a more localised pattern during target stimuli in the post-group than in the pre-group. Significantly higher P300 amplitudes were observed at Cz (P = 0.013) and O1 (P = 0.012), along with a significantly shorter P300 latency at P7 (P = 0.042) in the post-group than in the pre-group.
Conclusion: Higher P300 amplitudes and shorter P300 latencies indicated improved attention. This evidence suggests that chiropractic care may enhance auditory attention in healthy individuals. However, its clinical importance remains uncertain. Therefore, it is premature to recommend chiropractic care as a treatment for boosting auditory attention