17362 research outputs found
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Effect of miR‑29a‑3p on renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease through FOXP1‑mediated TGF‑β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
No full textRenal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a major manifestation of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This study aimed to elucidate the specific mechanism by which miR-29a-3p affects RIF in DKD through Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1)-mediated TGF-β1/Smad3 and to provide novel ideas and therapeutic targets for RIF. Cell and animal models were constructed, and CCK-8, flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, RT‒qPCR, Mas- son’s trichrome staining, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the related indicators of RIF in DKD. The interaction between miR-29a-3p and FOXP1 was confirmed using a dual-luciferase assay. These findings suggested that miR-29a-3p can act on renal interstitial fibrosis cells in DKD through the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway mediated by FOXP1. The overexpression of miR-29a-3p inhibited the expression of fibrin-associated proteins in renal tissue, contracted the mesangial matrix and decreased the accumulation of renal fibrils to ultimately alleviate RIF in DKD. This study is the first to propose the specific molecular mechanism of miR-29a-3p in renal interstitial cells in DKD, which provides novel targets and strategies for the clinical treatment of RIF-related DKD
Content selection strategies in vlogging: Analysing esl students’ decision- making at Universiti Malaysia Sabah
No full textThis study investigates the content selection process for vlogging projects among ESL students in an
English classroom. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 51 students using
an open-ended questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative responses, while
descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and chi-square tests were conducted to examine relationships
between variables. The findings reveal that students consider multiple factors when selecting vlog
content, with entertainment value (20.0%), creativity (18.2%), viewers’ benefits (16.4%), and personal
experiences (16.4%) identified as the most influential. Other factors include educational value (10.9%),
content quality (9.1%), and personal preferences (9.0%). Students produced vlogs across a range of
themes, including traditional culture, food reviews, personal challenges, health-related activities, and
product reviews. Social media exposure, particularly through platforms such as YouTube and
Instagram, significantly influenced their content decisions. These findings offer valuable insights into
the decision-making process underlying students' vlogging projects, emphasizing the importance of
creativity, audience engagement, and digital media influence. The study contributes to the pedagogical
understanding of vlogging as a tool in English language instruction and offers practical implications
for educators seeking to integrate vlogging into the ESL classroom
Physical characteristics of nipah fruit flour (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
No full textAceh is one of the regions that produce nipa fruit. The people of Aceh primarily use young nipa fruit as an ingredient in refreshing beverages. In contrast, mature nipa fruit is often discarded despite its numerous potential benefits as a food source, such as for producing flour, dodol (a type of confection), and candied fruit. This study aims to determine the physical characteristics of nipa flour by varying the drying temperature and grinding time, and to identify the optimal conditions for producing nipa fruit flour based on moisture content and yield, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The study employs a Central Composite Design (CCD) experimental approach, facilitated through XLSTAT software. The physical analysis of nipa flour focuses on moisture content and yield. The results indicate that drying temperature and grinding time significantly affect nipa flour's moisture content and yield. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, revealing significant values of 0.039 (p < 0.05) for moisture content, and 0.0001 (p < 0.005) for yield, with an R² value for yield. Based on its physical properties, the optimal formulation for nipa flour involves a drying temperature of 41.20°C and a grinding time of 3.32 minutes, predicted to yield a moisture content of 11% and an approximate yield of 41.62%
Synthesis and characterization of amide-based cyclotriphosphazene derivatives with alkoxy terminal groups
No full textA series of new amide-based cyclotriphosphazene molecules consisting of different terminal groups (heptyl, decyl, and tetradecyl) at the periphery was successfully synthesized and characterized. The reaction began with the alkylation of methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate with 1-bromoheptane, 1-bromodecane, and 1-bromotetradecane, which was followed by reduction with potassium hydroxide to form a series of benzoic acid intermediates (1a–c). These intermediates underwent a reaction with thionyl chloride, followed by a reaction with 4-nitroaniline and triethylamine, to form para-substituted amides (2a–c). Further reduction of intermediates 2a–c with sodium sulfide hydrate produced the anilines 3a–c. Another reaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) with methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate yielded intermediate 4, which was then reduced with sodium hydroxide to form intermediate 5. Finally, chlorination of intermediate 5 with thionyl chloride, followed by a reaction with the aniline derivatives (3a–c), formed the hexasubstituted cyclotriphosphazene compounds 6a–c, with two amide linkages. The structures of these compounds were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and CHN elemental analysis
Transcutaneous Retrobulbar Amphotericin B (TRAMB) injection in acute invasive Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM)
No full textROCM is a rare and life-threatening infection in immunocompromised hosts, marked by vascular thrombosis and poor antifungal penetration. Treatment involves antifungals, surgical debridement, and immune restoration. While exenteration is standard for severe cases, several studies proposed TRAMB as a promising adjunct to reduce its necessity
Pedagogical practices in history education: A comparative study of China and Malaysia's higher learning institutions
No full textThis comparative study examines the pedagogical practices in history education within higher learning institutions in China and Malaysia, focusing on how cultural, curricular, and institutional differences shape the teaching and learning of history. In China, traditional methods of rote memorization are gradually being replaced by critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, reflecting broader educational reforms aimed at fostering more active and analytical student engagement. In contrast, Malaysia’s history education is strongly influenced by its multicultural context, with an emphasis on national identity and civic education, often integrating more diverse teaching methods that cater to its pluralistic society. The study effectively contrasts the pedagogical practices in two distinct cultural and educational contexts, offering rich insights into how history education reflects sociopolitical and cultural values
The factors influencing teacher motivation in Sabah
No full textRecently, the increasing turnover rate among rural teachers has become a significant obstacle to improving education quality. Teacher motivation, particularly in rural areas, has been linked to factors such as perceived organizational support and rewards. However, the exact nature of these connections remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the significance of two key motivational factors—perceived organizational support and rewards—and the moderating influence of teachers' backgrounds (gender, age, and marital status). A total of 161 teachers participated, and the results revealed a strong correlation between perceived organizational support and teacher motivation, as well as between both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards and teacher motivation. However, the background of teachers (gender, age, and marital status) was found to have minimal impact on the strength of the relationship between these two factors and teacher motivation. The study concluded that the main factors influencing teacher motivation in rural primary schools are perceived organizational support and rewards. In rural contexts, providing teachers with appropriate support and rewards is crucial for boosting or maintaining their motivation
External influences on the roles of Lundayeh dance music in Tenom, Sabah
No full textDance music has long been a fundamental aspect of Lundayeh's identity; however, external factors—such as tourism-driven commercialisation promoting cultural visibility—are increasingly shaping its role and meaning within the community. This study explores the impacts of these external forces on Lundayeh dance music, focusing on how its role and authenticity within the community are being redefined. Fieldwork was conducted across three villages in Tenom, Sabah—Kampung Sugiang Baru, Kampung Baru Jumpa, and Kampung Kalibatang Baru—where data were collected using qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations with community members and cultural practitioners. The findings reveal a complex interaction between traditional values and contemporary influences, showing the adaptive resilience of Lundayeh dance music and the potential risks of cultural erosion. This research provides insight into the broader implications of external factors on cultural expression, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing heritage preservation with the acceptance of change
Modelling remedies to waqf liquidity constraints: The case of waqf unit trust model (WUTM)
No full textThe history of the waqf institution is rich with impressive achievements that cover each phase of socio-economic life and human development. However, recent initiatives among local waqf institutions indicate that the liquidity limitation contributes as the core concern to cultivating further development undertakings. This research aims to offer a sustainable source of financing through the application of the waqf unit trust model (WUTM) for local waqf institutions in mitigating their liquidity constraint to cultivate waqf undertakings such as land rejuvenation, health sector improvement, educational sector enhancement and other critical necessities. Specifically, this study aims to discover the liquidity constraints needed in waqf institutions in Malaysia, to propose an alternate WUTMin fostering liquidity of waqf assets, and to explore the pertinent stakeholders’ stance on the feasibility of the model proposed. This research employs in-depth interview methods for data collection with the waqf practitioners such as authorities from the State Islamic Religious Council (SIRC), financial consultants linked to capital market development, academicians engaged with waqf-related projects, and regulators of Islamic capital market stationed in Klang Valley (the State of Selangor and Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur), Penang and Johor state of Malaysia. Findings propose the craft of the WUTM framework could potentially assist in liquidity pooling, cash flow solutions and generate continuous income and wealth. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by offering a potential remedy for the liquidity constraint faced by waqf institutions
The impact of macroeconomic variables on crude palm oil price in Malaysia
No full textCrude Palm Oil (CPO) has been a cornerstone of Malaysia's economy for decades, serving as one of the nation's most valuable export commodities. The persistent volatility of CPO prices reflects the inherent uncertainty of commodity markets, necessitating informed decision-making and robust risk management strategies. This dynamic environment requires continued research to unravel the complex relationships between crude palm oil prices and key economic variables, ensuring Malaysia’s palm oil industry remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing global market. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of macroeconomic variables on crude palm oil price in Malaysia. The study employs structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model, spanning the period from 1971 to 2023. The findings suggest that real GDP positively influences CPO prices, though the response was statistically insignificant. Government expenditure showed a delayed positive impact on CPO prices. The CPI's negative and significant relationship with CPO prices underscores the cost-push effects of inflation. Similarly, the delayed negative impact of interest rates on CPO prices emphasizes the need for careful monetary policy adjustments to support agricultural investment and production