Quest International University Perak

Excessive oxidative stress can cause irreversible cytotoxic damage to both healthy and cancer cells through the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis has recently been shown to promote lipid peroxidation due to the over-accumulation of iron. Although cancer cells possess elevated antioxidant capacity to neutralize chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress, the co-delivery of polyphenol compounds such as curcumin (CUR) can overwhelm these defenses by elevating intracellular ROS levels to a toxic threshold, thereby increasing anticancer efficacy. In this study, we evaluated the potential of CUR to chemosensitize doxorubicin (DOX) towards the DOX-resistant lung cell line (H69AR). Our results demonstrated that the combination of DOX and CUR resulted in a concentration-dependent behavior, where low-dose concentrations exhibited antagonistic effects, while high-dose IC50-equivalent concentrations shifted towards synergism. The combination induced significantly greater mitochondrial dysfunction, ATP depletion, cytochrome C release, and caspase-3 activation. This also resulted in excessive ROS generation, intracellular iron overload, and lipid peroxidation, accompanied by a reduction in antioxidant enzymatic activities. Pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (ROS inhibitor) and ferrostatin-1 (ferroptosis inhibitor) further supported the involvement of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in modulating apoptosis and DNA fragmentation. Molecular docking analyses supported the binding of CUR and DOX to key ferroptosis regulators. This study shows the potential of CUR to sensitize DOX-resistant cancer cells through ferroptosis-linked-oxidative stress targeting.

Objective: Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) presents a complex challenge in oncology, exacerbated by data imbalances in related datasets that often lead to suboptimal outcomes in machine learning (ML) classification. Many ML algorithms were originally designed for balanced datasets, prompting this study to evaluate the interaction between logistic regression (LR) and eXtreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) and data resampling techniques for improving prediction on imbalances in Malaysian data on CAT (MDCAT). Methods: Random oversampling (ROS), random undersampling (RUS), and a combined oversampling and undersampling approach (BOTH) were applied to MDCAT dataset. Classification tasks were performed using LR and XGBoost in R version 4.3.1. Classifier performance was assessed using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) to evaluate the impact of different resampling techniques. Results: Applying LR and XGBoost to the imbalanced data revealed high specificity but low sensitivity in testing samples. A substantial decline in XGBoost performance was observed, with the AUC decreasing from 0.794 in training to 0.381. Metastasis, surgery, and Indian ethnicity showed statistically significant associated with the CAT event across all resampling techniques. Among XGBoost models, oversampling (XO) exhibited excellent training performance (Accuracy 0.99; AUC 0.98) but showed a large performance drop on the test set (Accuracy 0.82; AUC 0.72). Among LR models, logistic undersampling yielded the highest training accuracy (0.83) and AUC of 0.82. Tuning amplified the differences between resampling strategies and highlighted clear classifier–resampling interactions. XGBoost benefited most, particularly when trained on mixed and oversampled datasets, while LR remained comparatively stable. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the effectiveness of prediction models in imbalanced MDCAT dataset is strongly influenced by the interaction between classifier characteristics and resampling strategies. A tuned XGBoost model with mixed resampling outweighed the benefits of LR’s simplicity and stability, making it our recommended approach given the primary importance of AUC.

This study investigates the insecticidal efficacy of Areca catechu nut extract against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in response to increasing insecticide resistance, declining effectiveness of conventional agents, and environmental safety concerns. The primary objectives were to evaluate the adulticidal, ovicidal, and oviposition deterrent activities of methanolic A. catechu nut extract across a concentration range of 300–2000 ppm, and to identify its major bioactive constituents. Laboratory bioassays were conducted following World Health Organization protocols. The extract induced dose-dependent adult mortality, with LC50 values of 767.501 ppm for Ae. aegypti and 758.278 ppm for Ae. albopictus. Ovicidal assays showed progressive increases in egg mortality, reaching 100% at 1600 ppm for Ae. aegypti and 1400 ppm for Ae. albopictus. In oviposition deterrent tests, complete inhibition of egg-laying occurred at concentrations of 900 ppm and above under both dual-choice and non-choice conditions. Observational data confirmed strong repellence, as gravid females avoided treated substrates even in the absence of alternatives. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified arecoline, arecaidine, and N-lauryldiethanolamine as key constituents with known inhibitory effects on neural and detoxification enzymes in insects. This research provides a comprehensive assessment of A. catechu nut extract across multiple mosquito life stages and behavioural endpoints, demonstrating its broad-spectrum efficacy. The results support its potential as a sustainable, plant-derived bioinsecticide for integrated vector control programs targeting Aedes mosquitoes and associated disease transmission.

Background: Stress among medical students is a global concern with implications for academic performance, psychological well-being, and future professional competence. Research indicates a consistently high prevalence of stress across diverse educational settings, while coping strategies adopted by students vary considerably, thereby influencing outcomes. This short communication integrates current evidence regarding prevalence, determinants, and—most importantly—coping strategies adopted by medical students. Enhancing adaptive coping strategies and bolstering the institutional support framework could mitigate negative outcomes and cultivate resilience in medical training.

Autistic adolescents experience sexual development much like their neurotypical peers but they often lack adequate sexual knowledge due to social communication deficits and limited access to sexuality education. Parents, being those who are aware of their children’s development, or lack thereof, become the primary source of sexuality education, yet they face significant challenges in such communication. However, parent-child sexuality communication remains under-researched in Malaysia. This study explored Malaysian parents’ awareness of their autistic adolescents’ sexual behaviours and their perceptions of the need for sexuality communication. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of adolescents with autism and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that mothers were aware of their children’s emerging romantic interests and self-stimulating behaviours. However, conversations regarding complex sexuality topics were largely avoided due to adolescents’ perceived lack of readiness and autism-related deficits. Despite this, mothers believed sexuality communication was necessary, primarily to protect their children from sexual exploitation, discourage socially inappropriate behaviours, and to promote personal hygiene. Findings underscore parents’ responsibility in being mindful of adolescents’ sexual development and to foster a safe and informed sexual environment for adolescents with ASD. This study contributes to literature on parent-child sexuality communication in Malaysian families with autistic adolescents.

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing Malaysian University students’ investment decisions in capital market. This study analyses different variables including financial literacy, risk appetite, accounting information, investment experience, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This study is a study using quantitative approach and uses primary data to gather first-hand responses. Data were collected from distributing questionnaires to the target population for this study who are Malaysian university students and 160 responses were collected. This research use SPSS Statistics v27 to reveal the correlation among the predictor variables. Results indicate that financial literacy and risk appetite significantly influence investment decision in capital market, while accounting information, investment experience do not. The study acknowledges limitation related to limitations in gathering and analysis of primary data, limitation of sample size, representation and variables and reliance on self-reported. In conclusion, this research offers valuable overview for the regulatory bodies better comprehend university students’ investment decision and formulate initiatives and strategies that are appropriate and encourage new policies or programs for university students to actively and engage in the capital market investments.

The mangrove ecosystems are of great ecological importance found in tropical and subtropical coasts, including Malaysia. The microbial communities in the mangrove sediments play an indispensable role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting biodiversity. However, mangroves are facing various threats due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Thus, it is important to monitor the microbial community to improve our understanding of anthropogenic pressure on reshaping these ecosystems. This study examines the microbial community diversity in mangrove sediments of southern peninsular Malaysia. High-throughput MinION sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to compare the soil microbiome diversity in 35 samples from 8 different mangroves representing Sungai Sedili Kecil and Sungai Sedili Besar that flow into the South China Sea; Sungai Pulai, Sungai Melayu, Sungai Danga, Sungai Skudai and Sungai Johor that join the Straits of Johor; and Pulau Kukup from the Straits of Malacca. The metagenomic classification performed with 16S rRNA showed 2,573 taxa comprising 32 phyla. Total abundance analysis showed Pseudomonadota (67-69%), Bacteroidota (6-8%), Bacillota (5-8%), Campylobacterota (4-5%), Acidobacteriota (3-4%), Planctomycetota (2-4%) and Actinomycetota (1-2%) as the relatively common phyla. Alpha diversity indices revealed significantly higher richness in samples from mangroves of the South China Sea. Further, the 'Shannon' index showed a significant difference in diversity between Sungai Melayu and Sungai Pulai. Higher abundance of Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae and Enterobacteriaceae suggests a difference in the microbial community structure. This study stands as the first comprehensive analysis of microbial communities for future monitoring and conservation in these mangroves.

The mangrove ecosystems are highly productive and of great ecological importance found in tropical and subtropical coasts, including Malaysia. The microbial communities in the mangrove sediments play an indispensable role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting biodiversity. However, mangroves are facing various threats due to increasing anthropogenic activities that trigger deterioration culminating in irreversible damage to the coastal ecosystem. Thus, it is important to monitor the microbial community to improve our understanding of the impact of anthropogenic pressure on reshaping these ecosystems. This study examines the microbial community diversity in mangrove sediments of southern peninsular Malaysia. High throughput MinION sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was performed to compare the soil microbiome diversity in 34 samples from eight different mangroves representing Sungai Sedili Kecil and Sungai Sedili Besar that flows into the South China Sea on the east; Sungai Pulai, Sungai Melayu, Sungai Danga, Sungai Skudai and Sungai Johor that joins Straits of Johor in the south; as well as Pulau Kukup from Straits of Malacca on the west. The metagenomic classification performed with 16S rRNA showed 101 taxa comprising 18 phyla. Sequence mean prevalence and total abundance analysis showed Proteobacteria (27-66%), Firmicutes (11-25%), Planctomycetes (3-50%), and Bacteroidetes (5-9%) as the relatively common phyla in all regions. Alpha diversity indices revealed significantly higher richness in samples from mangroves in the estuaries of the South China Sea. Richness indices varied significantly across the straits of Johor, specifically Sungai Johor and Sungai Melayu. Further, Shannon index showed a significant difference in diversity between Sungai Melayu and Sungai Pulai. Higher abundance of Betaproteobacteria, Epsilonproteobacteria and Planctomycete suggest a shift in the microbial community structure. This study stands as the first comprehensive analysis of microbial communities in these mangroves, serving as a valuable reference for future monitoring and conservation endeavours to safeguard these vital ecosystems.

Introduction Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is linked to an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), with malignant ventricular arrhythmias, sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF), complicating STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) cases and accounting for a significant proportion of in-hospital SCDs. While advanced risk stratification techniques such as the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) score depend on laboratory biomarkers and complex algorithms, their need for specialized equipment limits widespread use. Corrected QT (QTc) dispersion (QTd), the difference between the longest and shortest QT intervals on a 12-lead ECG, provides a simple alternative for assessing ventricular repolarization heterogeneity and predicting arrhythmic risk in AMI patients. Previous studies have assessed QTd in AMI populations, reporting associations with ventricular arrhythmias and mortality. However, the definition and measurement of QTdare subject to variability, with controversies surrounding manual versus automated measurement, correction formulas, and ECG lead selection, resulting in reported inter- and intra-observer variability. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted in an emergency and cardiac care setting, enrolling patients diagnosed with STEMIwho underwent reperfusion therapy. Demographic data, clinical presentation, and medical history were recorded. Serial 12-lead ECGs were obtained at three time points: admission, post-reperfusion, and 24 hours later. QT intervals were measured manually using calipers, and the QTcinterval was calculated using Bazett's formula. QTdwas calculated as the difference between maximum and minimum QTc values across the ECG leads. To assess inter-observer variability, a randomly selected subset of ECGs was re-measured by a second cardiologist, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to quantify agreement. Data analysis was performed using statistical software. Results The study population had a mean age of approximately 61 years, with a majority being male. QTdwas significantly elevated in anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI) patients, with mean QTd values of 98.96 ± 2.95 ms at admission compared to 85.08 ± 17.02 ms in non-AWMI patients (p < 0.0001), particularly at admission and post-reperfusion. Inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) patients exhibited an initial increase in QTd, which significantly reduced after reperfusion. Posterior wall myocardial infarction (PWMI) patients showed consistently lower QTd across all time points. While this was interpreted as correlating with fewer arrhythmic events, the study did not present actual data on arrhythmia frequency by infarct location. This lack of direct event correlation limits the strength of QTd as a prognostic marker. No significant variations were observed based on comorbidities. Conclusion QTd serves as a useful prognostic marker in AMI. Elevated QTd at admission is linked to a higher arrhythmic risk, particularly in AWMI. A reduction in QTd post-reperfusion supports its potential role in assessing therapeutic effectiveness. Routine QTd measurement may enhance risk stratification and inform clinical decision-making in AMI patients.