Bioactive compounds from nature: Antioxidants targeting cellular transformation in response to epigenetic perturbations induced by oxidative stress

Oxidative stress results from a persistent imbalance in oxidation levels that promotes oxidants, playing a crucial role in the early and sustained phases of DNA damage and genomic and epigenetic instability, both of which are intricately linked to the development of tumors. The molecular pathways contributing to carcinogenesis in this context, particularly those related to double-strand and single-strand breaks in DNA, serve as indicators of DNA damage due to oxidation in cancer cases, as well as factors contributing to epigenetic instability through ectopic expressions. Oxidative stress has been considered a therapeutic target for many years, and an increasing number of studies have highlighted the promising effectiveness of natural products in cancer treatment. In this regard, we present significant research on the therapeutic targeting of oxidative stress using natural molecules and underscore the essential role of oxidative stress in cancer. The consequences of stress, especially epigenetic instability, also offer significant therapeutic prospects. In this context, the use of natural epi-drugs capable of modulating and reorganizing the epigenetic network is beginning to emerge remarkably. In this review, we emphasize the close connections between oxidative stress, epigenetic instability, and tumor transformation, while highlighting the role of natural substances as antioxidants and epi-drugs in the anti-tumoral context

Improving the substrate binding of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (AccB) from Streptomyces antibioticus

Malonyl-CoA serves as the main building block for the biosynthesis of many important polyketides, as well as fatty acid–derived compounds, such as biofuel. Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium gultamicum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have recently been engineered for the biosynthesis of such compounds. However, the developed processes and strains often have insufficient productivity. In the current study, we used enzyme-engineering approach to improve the binding of acetyl-CoA with ACC. We generated different mutations, and the impact was calculated, which reported that three mutations, that is, S343A, T347W, and S350W, significantly improve the substrate binding. Molecular docking investigation revealed an altered binding network compared to the wild type. In mutants, additional interactions stabilize the binding of the inner tail of acetyl-CoA. Using molecular simulation, the stability, compactness, hydrogen bonding, and protein motions were estimated, revealing different dynamic properties owned by the mutants only but not by the wild type. The findings were further validated by using the binding-free energy (BFE) method, which revealed these mutations as favorable substitutions. The total BFE was reported to be −52.66 ± 0.11 kcal/mol for the wild type, −55.87 ± 0.16 kcal/mol for the S343A mutant, −60.52 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for T347W mutant, and −59.64 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for the S350W mutant. This shows that the binding of the substrate is increased due to the induced mutations and strongly corroborates with the docking results. In sum, this study provides information regarding the essential hotspot residues for the substrate binding and can be used for application in industrial processes

Stormwater characterisation and modelling for Sungai Air Hitam in Selangor, Malaysia using model for urban stormwater improvement conceptualisation (music)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the current water quality status of one of the urban rivers in Malaysia, called Sungai Air Hitam. The river's water supply is not only unsuitable for the inhabitants but also hazardous to the aquatic species that depend on it. In order to simulate the water quality formulation of the river, the Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualization (MUSIC) was used. The effects of various best management practices (BMPs) components have been examined to improve the river's water quality. This study also investigated different scenarios of the expected future changes in the land cover and the quality of the river. As the proportion of impervious surfaces increases, the urban hydrology cycle can be significantly altered, resulting in an increase in volumes and peak flows, and a decrease in storage, infiltration, and interception. The MUSIC results have shown significant reductions in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) after introducing BMPs. It was also noticed that the prediction of pollutants falls within the acceptable range set by the Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA) 2nd edition. For the land cover, it was found that the total reduction of BOD, TSS, TP, and TN for existing land use is 92.5 %, 94.5 %, 90.7 % and 91.9 %. Meanwhile, the total reduction in future land use is 81.6 % for BOD, 86.2 % for TSS, 80.9 % for TP and 80.8 % for TN. From the simulation results, it was observed that the application of BMPs has successfully reduced the observed mean BOD concentration from 92.38 mg/L (Class V) to 6.93 mg/L (Class IV) of the national water quality standards, NWQS, water quality index. As a result, the water quality index of the overall catchment has improved from Class IV to Class III (WQ1, WQ3, and WQ4) and from Class V to IV (WQ2) with the application of the BMPs. This assessment aims to raise awareness within the Sungai Air Hitam community regarding the importance of preserving river cleanliness and understanding the long-term environmental impact of water quality. These findings underscore the importance of an integrated system in managing urban water systems, which can offer valuable insight to the decision-makers

Biological Degradation of Natural Rubber Glove by Gram-negative Bacteria Klebsiella aerogenes

The increasing urgency and scope of global threat posed by rubber waste have led to efforts to find sustainable and efficient solutions. The biological degradation of rubber waste has gained interest in recent years as an alternative to conventional waste management practices and widely used chemical methods. This study uses the gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella aerogenes for natural rubber glove (NRG) degradation. The study investigates the effect of temperature and pH on the growth of the bacteria and enzyme production. The biodegraded rubber was characterized by dry weight analysis, growth curve, cell viability, Schiff’s staining, and FTIR analysis. The conversion of rubber waste to enzymes was also investigated in this work. Dry weight analysis showed a maximum weight loss of 17% at pH 7 under 35 °C after 21 days. The growth curve analysis reported a maximum cell biomass of 4.12 g/L during the second week of the biodegradation process. Schiff’s staining analysis showed deep pink colouration, indicating aldehydes and ketone formation. Further confirmation of the presence of new aldehydes and ketones peaks was shown in FTIR analysis. Results also showed that the highest protein concentration of 657.02 µg/mL and enzyme laccase and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities of 0.43 ± 0.05 IU and 0.26 ± 0.05 IU, respectively, were observed at week 2 of the biodegradation. While Klebsiella aerogenes degrades rubber waste effectively within a shorter duration than other similar studies, laccase and MnP enzymes were also significantly produced during biodegradation. Other aspects of this resource recovery pathway, such as its mechanism and technoeconomic analysis for rubber waste treatment, are worth of further exploring

Last screens of Malaya: preserving the traditional wayang pacak through documentaries

In recent decades, cultural heritage and archiving have become vital for preserving and making heritage more accessible. Improving techniques for preservation is essential for safeguarding a country’s intellectual and economic wealth, enabling better conservation, cost savings, and wider distribution. Cinema, as both physical and intangible cultural property, plays a key role in this process through research-creation, which combines art, theory, and research. This approach also allows documenting intangible cultural heritage, challenging traditional methods by focusing on audience experiences, screening schedules, exhibition formats, and film reception. This paper is the first to discuss Malaysia's traditional 35mm Wayang Pacak using SDG Target 11.4—protecting the world’s cultural and natural heritage—as its framework. It offers insights into the socio-cultural influences, technical evolution, historical development, and characteristics of Wayang Pacak using archival research and case studies. Additionally, it examines the collaborative research-creation process involving academics, filmmakers, and sound specialists in documentary production. Ultimately, this project aims to celebrate and preserve the Wayang Pacak, sharing it with both local and global audiences

Safeguarding Malaysia's seafarers health and wellbeing

By Dr. Ganesh Sritheran Paneerselvam- It is well known that marine waters cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. More than 97% of Earth’s water supply and 90% of its habitable space rely on marine environments. Marine fisheries directly or indirectly employ over 200 million people. Moreover, over three billion people worldwide depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Fish continues to be one of the most-traded food commodities globally

University Student Engagement Inventory: Validation in the Indian Online Learning Context

Objective This study aims to evaluate sources of validity and reliability of the University Student Engagement Inventory among Indian Students. Method The data of this study was collected from 518 Indian university students in the design of a cross-sectional study from May to June 2022. Then the validity and reliability of the inventory were assessed. Results The results showed that all three factor models indicated good evidence of construct validity (TLI = 0.960, CFI = 0.967), NFI = 0.960, and SRMR = 0.043), and reliability. The internal consistency of all three factors was >0.7. Conclusions According to the findings of the present study, it was found that the concept of university student engagement in Indian students is a concept with three sub-concepts and 15 items. For more learning, academic progress, and development, as well as obtaining better educational results, student participation is important. Significance Statement Considering the importance of students’ engagement in improving their performance and learning, it is necessary to evaluate it. Since, in other countries, the psychoanalysis of the USEI tool has also been discussed; in this study, the researchers investigated the validity and reliability of student engagement tools in India

State-level differentials in COVID-19 fatality: exploring age and sex disparities in Malaysia’s pandemic experience

Issue COVID-19 has resulted in mortality worldwide and exposed vulnerabilities in public health systems. Although countries have since transitioned to the endemic phase, it is nonetheless important to identify inequities within populations to improve public health strategies in light of another health crisis. Purpose This study aims to offer deeper insights into the sex and age differentials in COVID-19 fatality across different states in Malaysia, from the pandemic’s start to the country’s transition to the endemic phase. Methodology Analyses utilized data on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Malaysia from January 2020 until April 2022. Case fatality rate (CFR) was computed for each state based on sex and age groups, for four periods (January–December 2020, January–June 2021, July–December 2021, and January–April 2022). Principal component analysis (PCA) uncovered patterns in the data and produced a multivariate visualization of the COVID-19 fatality within Malaysia. Findings Findings revealed heterogeneity in fatality and identified several vulnerable states, notably in the northern region (Kelantan, Perlis) and on the East Coast (Sabah, Sarawak). A sex disparity was apparent in Kelantan as the CFR among older females was higher than their male counterparts. Sabah exhibited relatively higher CFR among the child population from 2020 to 2021. Implication The findings deepened our understanding of COVID-19 fatality complexity, providing recommendations for Malaysia’s government in preparing for future health crises. Malaysia’s case study offers lessons on the need to address regional disparities and implement targeted strategies to protect vulnerable subgroups

The translation and validation of Ruminative Response Scale (RRS-10) among emerging Adults in Malaysia

Past 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

Examining mediator effects within multilevel perspectives: a comprehensive analysis of job uncertainty and job stress

Job stress is a growing problem in the work literature as employees continue to keep up with the demands of a growing and competitive environment due to globalization and the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Coupled with job uncertainty due to unpredictable environments that interrupt regular workflow, the issue of job stress in the workforce is further escalated as employees face ambiguity in predicting the direction of the future of their work. The present study aims to understand the relationships between environmental factors (i.e., technological uncertainty), organisational factors (i.e., clan culture and learning opportunities), individual factors (i.e., emotional intelligence and proactive personality), and individual resources (i.e., problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship skills, and technological readiness) that contributes to job uncertainty, and consequently job stress as initially proposed by Robbins and colleagues (2009). In addressing the lack of studies on how technological uncertainty and clan culture relate to learning opportunities as well as how emotional intelligence and proactive personality relate to problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship skills, and technological readiness, and how these constructs further relate to job uncertainty and job stress, this study employs a successive independent samples research design to address the limitations of the cross-sectional design and longitudinal design. In Study 1, the relationships between job uncertainty and job stress, technological uncertainty, clan culture, and learning opportunities, as well as emotional intelligence, proactive personality, problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship skills, and technological readiness is tested at an individual level for 252 employees aged 18-years old and above (M = 30.75 years; SD = 8.7 years). In Study 2, the relationships between these constructs by collecting another set of data, recruiting 240 employees from 36 teams aged 18-years old and above (M = 38.0 years; SD = 8.6 years), targeting teams from organisations with technological uncertainty and clan culture as multilevel constructs to further examine if they have cross-level relationships on job uncertainty. To analyse the results, hierarchical linear regression analysis was used for Study 1 while hierarchical linear modelling analysis was used for Study 2. The general results showed that job uncertainty significantly predicts job stress in a positive direction, learning opportunities significantly negatively predicts job uncertainty, and technological uncertainty and clan culture positively affect learning opportunities. Specifically, in Study 1, emotional intelligence was found to significantly predict entrepreneurship skills, and proactive personality was found to predict entrepreneurship skills and technological readiness. In Study 2, emotional intelligence was found to significantly predict problem solving skills and entrepreneurship skills, while proactive personality was found to predict problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship skills, and technological readiness. Mediation analyses were also conducted to further understand the relationships between the variables in the study. Implications and recommendations for future studies are discussed with regard to leadership and organisational management whereby a more supportive leadership like clan culture is beneficial in dealing with job uncertainty and job stress, emphasizing the multilevel nature of the issue of job uncertainty and job stress. The study also highlights the importance of learning opportunities in organisational training and development in the context of technological uncertainty and job uncertainty