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Nobel Prize in medicine raises profile of probiotics
No full textThe 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine has been awarded to two scientists from the United States - Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun - for their work on the discovery of microRNA (miRNA). Small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, miRNAs play a crucial role in processes like inflammation, immunity and metabolism
The translation and validation of Ruminative Response Scale (RRS-10) among emerging Adults in Malaysia
Get PDFPast studies found that rumination contributes to depression and anxiety. The Ruminative Response Scale (RRS-10) was one of the most used scales to investigate rumination. To date, there is no validated scale to investigate rumination in Malaysia. This study aims to translate and validate the RRS-10 in Malaysia. This paper reports two studies: 1) Study 1 would validate the English RRS-10. 2) Study 2 would translate the RRS-10 from English to Bahasa Malaysia, then validate it. Both studies employed convenient sampling to recruit Malaysians, aged ranging from 18 to 30 as participants via a survey link shared on social media. Participants who agreed to participate were contacted for test-retest reliability. Non-Malaysians who exceeded the age range rated themselves poorly in the required languages were removed as participants. Study 1 had 203 participants (M = 24.04, SD = 2.91) and Study 2 had 136 participants (M = 23.38, SD = 2.69). Results showed both studies supported the two-factor model of RRS- 10 via Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Both studies reported good convergent and discriminant validity. RRS-10 was more strongly correlated with Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) compared to the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). In Study 2, RRS-10 Bahasa Malaysia was more strongly correlated with the DASS-21 Bahasa Malaysia compared to the Short Form Health Survey BM (SF-12v2 BM). Both studies also showed good internal consistencies, but only Study 2 showed a poor test-retest reliability, partly because of the high attrition rate of retest participants (N = 44). In conclusion, RRS-10 is valid and reliable in investigating rumination for emerging adults in Malaysia
Methane plume localization with enhanced self-best reduction and Gaussian improved particle swarm optimization (GiPSO)
Get PDFSwarm intelligence is a branch of artificial intelligence that studies the collective behavior of groups of social animals such as birds, fish, and bees. It has been used to solve various dynamic problems, including gas leak detection in drone-based leak detection platforms. However, gas plume dispersion has dynamical characteristics often influenced by external environmental factors such as wind direction, wind speed, dispersion rate, and gas density. To investigate the adaptation of swarm intelligence with dynamic modification to further enhance its capability to optimize gas plume dispersion. The research focuses on three questions to enhance the drone swarm optimization algorithm. These three questions steer the research in three separate domains, which helps the evaluation of the performance of our research. The research question, problems, and objectives will be the research directed toward modifying Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), namely Gaussian improved Particle Swarm Optimization (GiPSO). Firstly, how can swarm intelligence aid in engaging dynamically challenging optimization problems such as gas plume dispersion? To investigate this, our research will investigate the adaptation of the Gaussian gas plume in the simulation. Adapting the Gaussian gas plume model in the simulation provides the experiment with a realistic optimization problem for GiPSO to optimize in the simulation, where we can test the engagement of dynamically challenging optimization problems such as gas plume dispersions. Secondly, our research questions how the Gaussian gas plume model can address the adaptation of swarm intelligence in drone-based gas leakage detection. To address swarm intelligence adaptation in drone-based gas leakage detection, we investigate the existing swarm intelligence capability in optimizing dynamical problems in gas plume detection. Our research employs Gaussian improved Particle Swarm Optimization (GiPSO), derived from modifications implemented on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) with Z-axis coefficient clamping and Self-Best reduction mechanism. Z-axis coefficient Clamping provides safety and reduction of drone swarm controlled by GiPSO risk, with the physical collision with the petroleum refinery exhaust.
Finally, the third question of our research is how the gas leakage detection algorithm’s performance can be improved when the drone population is low. This guides the research investigating how population growth can impact GiPSO in Optimising Dynamic Problems. To enhance the performance of the population study in GiPSO, the GiPSO self-best reduction mechanism allows GiPSO to re-disperse the swarm when the same particle has been retained as the global best, as it achieves the limitation controlled by the operator. The highlight of our algorithm, GiPSO, exhibits improvement in optimizing the source of leakage in high precision Objective Function Value (OFV). As the experiment setup benchmark specification of DJI Phantom 4 available flight time, GiPSO shows improvement with high success in localizing the source of leakage with population performance peak with 14 particles used in the drone swarm. These further answer our third research question concerning the performance of GiPSO with a low particle population
Investigating the role of SIRT 1/Autophagy/NF-kB regulatory axis in chemoresistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
No full textLiver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which originates from the main liver cells (hepatocytes), accounting for about 90% of total liver cancer cases. HCC remains a major challenge in health as patients are often detected in the late stage with high mortality. HCC therapy becomes even more challenging in patients with drug resistance. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT 1), a member of the sirtuin family is known to regulate various oncogenic events such as cell survival, apoptosis, autophagy, tumourigenesis, metastasis and drug resistance in various cancers, but its role in HCC, particularly in chemoresistance is underexplored. Besides SIRT 1, the event of autophagy and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling are also involved in cancer chemoresistance. However, the regulatory role of the SIRT 1/autophagy/NF-κB signaling in HCC chemoresistance remains unclear. In the present study, a multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, was selected as a chemotherapeutic agent to generate chemoresistance cell lines. Sorafenib stands out as the first-line systemic
treatment for advanced unresectable HCC and has demonstrated a notable improvement in patient survival. Cell viability was measured using MTS assay. Clonogenic assays were performed to determine the colony-forming ability of the parental and its respective chemoresistant cells. The expression of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters and the expression of SIRT 1, autophagy, and NF-κB were examined by western blot. Sorafeni resistant HCC cells demonstrated increased IC50 values of sorafenib, a greater number of clones were formed, and elevated expression of ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters includes ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2, which confirmed the acquired sorafenib. resistance. Next, a high expression of SIRT 1 was seen in chemoresistant HepG2 and Huh-7 cells when compared to its respective parental cells. Activation of autophagy was seen in chemoresistant Huh-7 cells, evidenced by reduction LC3A-I and LC3B-I
expression, and increased LC3A-II and LC3B-II expression were observed, suggesting the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and reflecting the progression of autophagy. However, the upregulation of autophagy was not seen in chemoresistant HepG2 cells, suggesting that this upregulation could be cell-dependent, which requires further investigations. Activation of autophagy was significantly inhibited by silencing SIRT 1 expression, while
NF-κB remains active following SIRT 1 -knockdown in both parental and resistance cell. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that autophagy is highly regulated by SIRT 1, while regulation of NF-κB may involve other signaling pathways. SIRT/ autophagy / NF-κB signaling provides a novel perspective on regulation of chemoresistance in HCC
Anticancer potential of metal and metal oxide nanoparticle in combination with Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil for colorectal cancer treatment
No full textColorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest cancer type globally, necessitating effective treatments to reduce its burden. Chemotherapeutic drugs are common in cancer treatment; however, their side effects cause patients’ discomfort and immense pain. Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained attention for their anti-cancer properties and synergistic effects with chemo drugs, however, there is a knowledge gap when it comes to understanding and evaluating the safety and toxicity of these NPs to human cells, organs and human as a whole thus the need to research ways to make NPs more biocompatible and effective. The NPs used in this study were synthesised by our collaborators including among them new metal complex NPs such as nickel-doped zinc NPs. In this study, we tested 14 newly synthesised metal and metal oxide NPs against colorectal cell lines (HCT116 and HT-29) in 2D and 3D spheroid models, examining their anti-cancer ability and their synergy with cisplatin or 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Nickel oxide and Nickel: Zinc (Ni:Zn) NPs demonstrated promising selectivity and anticancer activities for the first time. In 2D models, IC50 (inhibitory concentration that causes 50% cell death) for Nickel oxide and Ni:Zn NPs against HCT116 were 30.56 and 16.73 μg/ml, respectively, while in HT-29, the IC50 were 4.51 and 1.16 μg/ml, respectively. However, the efficacy of NPs was restricted in 3D tumour models. In combination with cisplatin or 5-FU, sub-inhibitory Nickel oxide and Ni: Zn NPs showed synergism in most models, except HT-29 3D. Cytotoxicity tests on normal cell lines, CCD 112 (colon), HUVEC (vascular endothelia), and NHDF (dermal fibroblasts), showed relatively lower IC50 for NPs compared to cancer cells except for slight cytotoxicity observed in HUVEC treated with Nickel oxide NPs and in CCD112 treated with Ni: Zn NPs. Mechanistic studies revealed significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HT-29 cells treated with Nickel oxide NPs only. Nickel oxide NPs combined with cisplatin and 5-FU and Ni: Zn NPS combined with cisplatin showed significant release of superoxide (SO) against HCT116 cells. HT-29 cells treated with nickel oxide NPs combined with cisplatin and all combinations of Ni: Zn NPs has shown a significant release of SO. From the apoptosis and necrosis assay, HCT116 treated with Nickel oxide NPs and its combination has shown a significant apoptotic effect while only the combinations of Ni: Zn NPs showed a significant apoptotic effect. Nickel oxide NPs, cisplatin and Nickel oxide NPs combined with 5-FU as well as Ni: Zn NPs only, Ni: Zn NPs cisplatin and 5-Fu was able to lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HCT116. Overall, our study highlights the anti-cancer action and potential synergistic effects of newly synthesised Nickel oxide and Ni: Zn NPs with chemotherapeutic drugs, Cisplatin and 5-FU. These NPs warrant further modifications to improve their cancer-targeting specificity and cytotoxicity. Their potentials to be developed into nanocarriers should also be explored
Hope for arthritis patients
No full textFeb 2 is observed annually as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Awareness Day. According to the Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, RA affects five out of every 1000 people in Malaysia regardless of age or gender. RA is characterised by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own joint lining, resulting in stiffness, pain and swelling. If not treated early, it may lead to joint damage and deformities over time. This year's theme. "Living Well With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis, Effective Management, and a Brighter Future", underlines the importance of early diagnosis and proper management in mitigating disease progression and improving the quality of life for individuals with RA
E-learning Acceptance: The Mediating Role of Student Computer Competency in the Relationship Between the Instructor and the Educational Content
No full textDrawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this online cross-sectional study explored the mediating role of computer competencies in the relationship between the instructors’ role and the course's educational content with e-learning acceptance among 403 nursing students in Iran. Based on the results, e-learning acceptance was predicted by students’ computer competency (β=.18, p<.001). Computer competency mediated the association between the instructor's role and course content with e-learning acceptance
2D nanostructures: Potential in diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Get PDFTwo-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have garnered enormous attention seemingly due to their unusual architecture and properties. Graphene and graphene oxide based 2D nanomaterials remained the most sought after for several years but the quest to design superior 2D nanomaterials which can find wider application gave rise to development of non-graphene 2D materials as well. Consequently, in addition to graphene based 2D nanomaterials, 2D nanostructures designed using macromolecules (such as DNAs, proteins, peptides and peptoids), transition metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal carbides and/or nitrides (MXene), black phosphorous, chitosan, hexagonal boron nitrides, and graphitic carbon nitride, and covalent organic frameworks have been developed. Interestingly, these 2D nanomaterials have found applications in diagnosis and treatment of various diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although AD is one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative conditions across the globe; unfortunately, there remains a paucity of effective diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention for it till date. In this scenario, nanomaterial-based biosensors, or therapeutics especially 2D nanostructures are emerging to be promising in this regard. This review summarizes the diagnostic and therapeutic platforms developed for AD using 2D nanostructures. Collectively, it is worth mentioning that these 2D nanomaterials would seemingly provide an alternative and intriguing platform for biomedical interventions
Changes in social norms during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across 43 countries
No full textThe emergence of COVID-19 dramatically changed social behavior across societies and contexts. Here we study whether social norms also changed. Specifically, we study this question for cultural tightness (the degree to which societies generally have strong norms), specific social norms (e.g. stealing, hand washing), and norms about enforcement, using survey data from 30,431 respondents in 43 countries recorded before and in the early stages following the emergence of COVID-19. Using variation in disease intensity, we shed light on the mechanisms predicting changes in social norm measures. We find evidence that, after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, hand washing norms increased while tightness and punishing frequency slightly decreased but observe no evidence for a robust change in most other norms. Thus, at least in the short term, our findings suggest that cultures are largely stable to pandemic threats except in those norms, hand washing in this case, that are perceived to be directly relevant to dealing with the collective threat