Dr. Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah

Scopus Publications

Global, regional, and national burden of breast cancer among females, 1990–2023, with forecasts to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
Kayleigh Bhangdia, Miranda L May, Jonathan M Kocarnik, Natalie Pritchett, Andrew Crist, et al.
Lancet Oncology, 2026
Analysis of the antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles against drug-resistant bacteria and their applications in the disinfection process
Dalia Alqaffaf, Ali M. Atoom, Rana Abu Huwaij, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Bayan Tayseer Alzubi, et al.
Plos One, 2026
Background The rise in antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the exploration of novel antimicrobial agents. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have gained prominence due to their biocompatibility, minimal toxicity, and potent antimicrobial properties. This study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of ZnO-NPs synthesized from Phoenix dactylifera root extract and their potential applications in disinfection. Methodology ZnO-NPs were synthesized using an eco-friendly method involving Phoenix dactylifera root extract and zinc acetate at varied concentrations and ratios, followed by annealing. The nanoparticles were characterized and assessed for antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of bacterial and fungal isolates using microtiter broth dilution, disc diffusion, and pour plate assays. Disinfection efficacy was evaluated on water samples and surfaces. Additionally, the impact of ZnO-NPs on acid-fast bacilli (AFB) isolates was examined using VersaTrek Mycobottles. Results ZnO-NPs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 9.7 to 310 µg/mL. Disc diffusion assays revealed larger inhibition zones in Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative strains, with MRSA showing the widest zone (24 mm). ZnO-NPs significantly reduced colony-forming units (CFU) on water and surfaces, achieving complete bacterial inhibition on laboratory benches within 20 minutes. The nanoparticles demonstrated bactericidal effects against AFB isolates, highlighting their broad-spectrum efficacy. Conclusion The study underscores the potential of ZnO-NPs as a versatile antimicrobial agent effective against MDR (multidrug-resistant) pathogens and environmental contaminants. Their rapid action and broad-spectrum activity make them suitable for disinfection in clinical and environmental settings. Future research could explore synergistic combinations with traditional antimicrobials to enhance efficacy against infections that are resistant to treatment.
Investigating the Association Between Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection and the Presence of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) in Jordanian Patients
Amer Z. Zaareer, Khaled M. Al-Qaoud, Mai A. Abusalah
Studies in Systems Decision and Control, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Oil Degrading Bacteria from Oil Tanker Accident Locations in Jordan
Mohammad M. Aladwan, Basem F. Dababneh, Husni S. Farah, Mai A. H. Abusalah
Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2026
Computational-based integrative methylome-transcriptome analysis reveals widespread enhancer hypomethylation in esophageal carcinoma
Akbar Ali, Tengku Ahmad Damitri Al Astani Tengku Din, Muhammad Irfan Abdul Jalal, Wan Nor Arifin, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, et al.
Epigenomics, 2026
Detection of 30bp deletion LMP1 oncogene as potential diagnostic and prognostic Biomarker among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Aseel Al-Hussien, Mai Abusalah, Yaqeen Rjoub, Khaled Al-Qaoud, Anwar Rjoop, et al.
Electronic Journal of General Medicine, 2025
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is endemic to several regions of North Africa and Southeast Asia and has a striking geographic distribution. It is closely linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is still found at an advanced stage that permits metastasis. However, only a limited number of EBV genes, including latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), have been identified. The 30bp deletion variant of LMP1, which is thought to be the primary EBV oncoprotein, was more prominent in NPC biopsies. The aim of this study was to employ a 30bp deletion in LMP1 as a biomarker to help clinicians diagnose NPC early, improve prognosis, and reduce mortality rate. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the prevalence of EBV in patients with NPC by amplification of the EBNA-1 and LMP1 genes. β-actin was amplified in all samples as a positive PCR control. The incidence and correlation of the 30bp deletion of LMP1 in 71 paraffin-embedded NPC tissue samples from Jordanian patients (51 males and 16 females) were also evaluated. The results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and statistically analyzed using SPSS software. EBV was detected in all 71 NPC tissue samples, with positive results for EBNA-1 gene in 58 cases (81.7%) and in combination with LMP1 with or without 30bp deletion in 69 cases (97.18%) whereas, LMP1 30bp deletion was detected in 39 samples (54.9% of all samples). Heterogeneity of mutation was observed in 14.08% of samples. No significant differences were found between the stages with regard to the LMP1 30bp deletion. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between age and LMP1 30bp deletion with p-value = 0.015, and between the source of sample with LMP1 30bp deletion p-value = 0.032, whereas there was no association between LMP1 30bp deletions and patient sex or histological NPC type. A 30bp deletion of LMP1 was found in 54.9% of NPC tissues. This is within the range reported in other studies. There was no significant association between the 30bp deletion of LMP1 and histological type or disease phase. Further research is required to determine how this mutation in LMP1 affects the course and results of patients with NPC in Jordan.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage against clinical isolates of AmpC beta lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from hospital wastewater
Manal Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Chan Yean Yean, Ismail Aziah, Abdul Rahman Zaidah
Plos One, 2025
Background The increasing incidence of AmpC β-lactamase producing by K. pneumoniae has raised global alarm. Consequently, there is a crucial need for effective methods to inactivate pathogenic bacteria and mitigate the associated risks. Bacteriophage therapy has been demonstrated to be an effective and alternative approach for targeting and inactivating K. pneumoniae that produces AmpC. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the Klebsiella pneumoniae AmpC-specific phages from hospital wastewater. Methods The hospital wastewater samples were collected from the sewage water effluent of a tertiary hospital at Universiti Sains Malaysia, located on the east coast of Malaysia. These samples underwent serial filtration and centrifugation processes for phage recovery. The phage solutions were undergoing a screening test by spot assay using clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae AmpC strain as amplification hosts. The isolated AmpC-phages were further studied and characterised to determine the phage’s host range, temperature, pH, and chloroform stabilities. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) was performed to determine the phage type. Results Thirty HWW samples were analyzed using four K. pneumoniae AmpC strains resulting in a total of 120 screening plates. The AmpC—Klebsiella pneumoniae (AmpC-KP) phages were detected in 31.70% (38/120) of the plates. The AmpC-KP phages had lytic diameters ranging from 1–3 mm, and a phage titer ranged from4×103–3.2×107 PFU/ml. The phages had a narrow–host range stable at a temperature range from -20–50˚C. The phages were also stable at pH ranging from 4 to 9 and at different concentrations of chloroform (5%,10%). Based on HRTEM, Siphoviridea was identified. Conclusions The AmpC-phages were abundant in hospital wastewater, and HWW was a good source for AmpC-KP phages. The isolated AmpC phages had a high effectivity and specificity for AmpC-KP with a narrow host range and could survive under harsh conditions such as (temperature, pH, and chloroform).
Nanomedicine in the Fight Against Multidrug-Resistant Infections: A Review on Emerging Strategies and Translational Prospects
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abusalah, Alqassem Abuarqoub
International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2025
Nanoparticles Based Therapeutic Approaches in Oncogenic Viral Infections: A Review
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abusalah, Alqassem Abuarqoub
International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2025
Investigation of biometabolites and novel antimicrobial peptides derived from promising source Cordyceps militaris and effect of non-small cell lung cancer genes computationally
Muhammad Afzal, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Neelum Shehzadi, Muhammad Absar, Naveed Ahmed, et al.
Plos One, 2025
Mushrooms are considered one of the safe and effective medications because they have great economic importance due to countless biological properties. Cordyceps militaris contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancerous properties. This study was projected to analyze the potentials of biometabolites and to extract antimicrobial peptides and protein from the C. militaris. An in-vitro analysis of biometabolites and antimicrobial peptides was performed to investigate their pharmacological potentials followed by quantification and characterization of extracted protein. Computational analysis on non-small cell lung cancer genes (NSCLC) was performed on quantified compounds to interpret the biometabolites from C. militaris that could be potential drug candidate molecules with high specificity and potency. A total of 34 compounds representing 100% of total detected constituents identified were identified using GCMS analysis and 20 compounds using LC-MS which showed strong biological activities. FT-IR spectroscopy manifest powerful instant peaks to have different bioactive components including carboxylic acid, phenols, amines and alkanes present in methanolic extract of C. militaris. In C. militaris, higher protein concentration was observed in 70% concentration of protein extract (500 μg/ml ± 0.025). The best antioxidant activity (% Radical scavenging activity) of methanolic extracts was 80a ± 0.03, antidiabetic activity was 37 ± 0.057 and anti-inflammatory activity was 40 ± 0.021 at 12 mg/ml. Antibacterial activity for different concentrations of Cordyceps protein and methanolic extracts was significantly (p < 0.05). Indolizine, 2-(4-methylphenyl) has most binding affinity (micromolar) and optimized properties to be selected as the lead inhibitor. It interacts favorably with the active site of RET gene of NSCLC and is neuroprotective and hepatoprotective.
Exploring the absence of LMP1-XhoI deletion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients: A genetic perspective
Yaqeen Rjoub, Mai Abusalah, Aseel Al-Hussein, Khaled Al-Qaoud, Anwar Rjoop, et al.
Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2025
Evolving trends in stem cell therapy: An emerging and promising approach against various diseases
Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Priyanka, Engku Nur Syafirah Engku Abd Rahman, Om Prakash Choudhary
International Journal of Surgery, 2024
Identification of Oil Degrading Bacteria from Oil-Contaminated Soil in the Northeastern Part of Jordan
Mohammad Mahmoud Aladwan, Basem Fou'ad Dababneh, Husni Shukri Farah, Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah
Journal of Ecological Engineering, 2024
Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Zingiber officinale Extracts to Investigate Their Antibacterial Potential
Muhammad Ramzan, Mai Abusalah, Naveed Ahmed, Chan Yean, Basit Zeshan
International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2024
Carbon-based Nanomaterials as Multifunctional Particles for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Muhammad Absar, Muhammad Sajid Noor, Bakhtawar Bukhari, et al.
Nano Life, 2024
The Microbial Sources of Bioactive Compounds: Potential Anticancer Therapeutic Options
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Muhammad Absar, Muhammad Hassan Nasir, Anam Farzand, et al.
Nano Life, 2024
Nanovaccines: A game changing approach in the fight against infectious diseases
Priyanka, Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Hitesh Chopra, Abhilasha Sharma, Suhad Asad Mustafa, et al.
Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, 2023
Comparing the Preventive Measures of Prophet Muhammad's Teachings to Preventive Medicine in Combating COVID-19
Information Sciences Letters, 2023
Hydrogen Therapy and Its Future Prospects for Ameliorating COVID-19: Clinical Applications, Efficacy, and Modality
Ishrat Perveen, Bakhtawar Bukhari, Mahwish Najeeb, Sumbal Nazir, Tallat Anwar Faridi, et al.
Biomedicines, 2023
Understanding the challenges to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment options, herd immunity and probability of reinfection
Mohammad A.I. Al-Hatamleh, Mai A. Abusalah, Ma'mon M. Hatmal, Walhan Alshaer, Suhana Ahmad, et al.
Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, 2023
The Epigenesis of Salivary Glands Carcinoma: From Field Cancerization to Carcinogenesis
Norhafiza Mat Lazim, Anam Yousaf, Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah, Sarina Sulong, Zul Izhar Mohd Ismail, et al.
Cancers, 2023
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the general population of Saudi Arabia, 2000-2020: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Mu'taman Jarrar, Mohammad Al-Bsheish, MaiAbdel Haleem Abusalah, Waleed Albaker, Adi Alsyouf, et al.
Saudi Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2023
Student Perspectives and Academic Achievement in a Traditional Versus an Integrated Curriculum: Evidence From a Medical School
Health Professions Education, 2023
The association between breast cancer and consumption of dairy products: a systematic review
Heba Mohammed Arafat, Julia Omar, Noorazliyana Shafii, Ihab Ali Naser, Nahed Ali Al Laham, et al.
Annals of Medicine, 2023
Updates on Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV)-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Emphasis on the Latent Gene Products of EBV
Naveed Ahmed, Mai Abdel Haleem A. Abusalah, Anam Farzand, Muhammad Absar, Nik Yusnoraini Yusof, et al.
Medicina Lithuania, 2023

Dr. Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah

EDUCATION

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Scopus Publications