Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 66 in total

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  1. Hong CX, Razuan NA, Alias A, Hassan FH, Nasseri Z
    Auris Nasus Larynx, 2021 Aug;48(4):788-792.
    PMID: 32513602 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2020.05.007
    Zygomatic root abscess is a rare extracranial extratemporal complication of otitis media. To the best of our knowledge, there are only a few scattered cases of zygomatic root abscesses reported in the literature. We present an unusual case of a zygomatic root abscess in a 24 years old adult. He presented with one month duration of right zygomatic swelling. Otoscopic examination revealed superior and posterior external auditory canal wall sagging with an intact tympanic membrane. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) temporal bone revealed a rim enhancing lesion lateral to the zygomatic process with fluid filled mastoid air cells. He was managed with antibiotics and staged surgical interventions. He recovered well. Our case serves to shed light on the pathways of infection, clinical manifestations and timely staged surgical intervention in this rare pathology.
  2. Abubakar U, Zulkarnain AI, Samri F, Hisham SR, Alias A, Ishak M, et al.
    BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Sep 18;20(1):285.
    PMID: 32948163 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03082-4
    BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea is a common problem that affects female students' quality of life and academic activities. Complementary and alternative therapies (CATs) are used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the practices and perceptions of female undergraduate students with dysmenorrhea towards CATs.

    METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in a public university in Malaysia using a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted in November and December 2019. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests.

    RESULTS: Of the 318 female undergraduate students invited, 219 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 68.9%) with 52% aged between 21 and 23 years. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 72.1%, and the prevalence of ever-use and current use of CATs was 70.3 and 54.4%, respectively. Bed rest (71.5%), hot compress/heating pad (47.5%) and massage (43.0%) were the most common CATs used by the respondents. The most common reasons for using CAT were to reduce the need for analgesics (61.4%), efficacy (37.3%) and recommendation by others (32.9%). About 23 and 9% of the respondents believed that CATs were equally "effective" and "more effective" than analgesics, respectively. Reducing the need for analgesics (AOR: 4.066, 95% CI: 2.136-7.739) and those who agreed that CATs are effective (AOR: 2.701, 95% CI: 1.337-5.457) were independently associated with the current use CATs for the treatment of menstrual pain.

    CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ever-use and current use of CATs is high among female undergraduate pharmacy students. Bed rest and heat applications are the most common CATs used. Reducing the need for analgesics and efficacy are the factors associated with the current use of CATs. Students should be educated about the safe and effective use of CATs to reduce adverse effects and improve their quality of life.

  3. Abd Wahab F, Abdullah S, Abdullah JM, Jaafar H, Md Noor SS, Wan Mohammad WMZ, et al.
    Malays J Med Sci, 2016 Nov;23(6):25-34.
    PMID: 28090176 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/mjms2016.23.6.3
    Ranking as the most communicable disease killer worldwide, tuberculosis, has accounted with a total of 9.6 million new tuberculosis cases with 1.5 million tuberculosis-related deaths reported globally in 2014. Tuberculosis has remain as an occupational hazard for healthcare workers since 1920s and due to several tuberculosis outbreaks in healthcare settings in the early 1990s, the concern about the transmission to both patients and healthcare workers has been raised. Healthcare workers have two to three folds greater the risk of active tuberculosis than the general population. Several studies on knowledge, attitude and practices on tuberculosis among healthcare workers worldwide have revealed that majority of the participated healthcare workers had good knowledge on tuberculosis. Most of the healthcare workers from South India and South Africa also reported to have positive attitude whereas a study in Thailand reported that most of the healthcare providers have negative attitude towards tuberculosis patients. Nevertheless, majority of the healthcare workers have low level of practice on tuberculosis prevention. An improved communication between healthcare workers and the patients as well as their families is the key to better therapeutic outcomes with good knowledge, attitude and preventive practice towards tuberculosis.
  4. Saffian HA, Yamaguchi M, Ariffin H, Abdan K, Kassim NK, Lee SH, et al.
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Jul 19;13(14).
    PMID: 34301116 DOI: 10.3390/polym13142359
    In this study, Kraft lignin was esterified with phthalic anhydride and was served as reinforcing filler for poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Composites with different ratios of PBS, lignin (L), modified lignin (ML) and kenaf core fibers (KCF) were fabricated using a compounding method. The fabricated PBS composites and its counterparts were tested for thermal, physical and mechanical properties. Weight percent gain of 4.5% after lignin modification and the FTIR spectra has confirmed the occurrence of an esterification reaction. Better thermo-mechanical properties were observed in the PBS composites reinforced with modified lignin and KCF, as higher storage modulus and loss modulus were recorded using dynamic mechanical analysis. The density of the composites fabricated ranged from 1.26 to 1.43 g/cm3. Water absorption of the composites with the addition of modified lignin is higher than that of composites with unmodified lignin. Pure PBS exhibited the highest tensile strength of 18.62 MPa. Incorporation of lignin and KCF into PBS resulted in different extents of reduction in tensile strength (15.78 to 18.60 MPa). However, PBS composite reinforced with modified lignin exhibited better tensile and flexural strength compared to its unmodified lignin counterpart. PBS composite reinforced with 30 wt% ML and 20 wt% KCF had the highest Izod impact, as fibers could diverge the cracking propagation of the matrix. The thermal conductivity value of the composites ranged from 0.0903 to 0.0983 W/mK, showing great potential as a heat insulator.
  5. Kurniawan A, Rizky BN, Chusida A, Prakoeswa BFWR, Athalia SA, Malau STJ, et al.
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2023 Feb;18(1):148-153.
    PMID: 36398010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.07.010
    Objective: DNA analysis has become the gold standard of all identification methods in forensic science. There are several primary and secondary sources of DNA samples in the field of forensics. Primary sources can be obtained directly from individuals, whereas secondary sources of DNA samples include items used by someone such as clothes, toothbrushes, and toothpicks. In Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and Indonesia, toothpicks are often used, as the tip of toothpicks used to clear food particles in the interdental regions can be utilized to capture DNA samples from saliva. The use of saliva samples for DNA analysis in sex identification is based on short tandem repeats with the amelogenin (AMG) locus. The purpose of this study was to examine the concentration and purity of DNA on toothpicks as evidence in criminal case investigations, as well as its potential as sex determination material.

    Methods: Eight subjects were instructed to clean the interproximal side of their posterior teeth using a toothpick. Each toothpick sample was kept for 0 days (as a control), 14 days, and 20 days. The purity and DNA concentration of each sample were determined through DNA examination. After determining the concentration and purity of DNA from each sample, electrophoresis of the AMG loci was performed for sex determination.

    Results: This study showed that the average concentration of DNA on toothpicks ranged from 425.25 to 796.25 μg/ml, and the average purity of DNA ranged from 1.09 to 1.13 μg/ml. The AMG gene produces 112 and 116 base pair amplicons from the X and Y chromosomes.

    Conclusion: Sex determination using DNA can be done using AMG loci, a protein found on the sex chromosomes (X and Y). The value of DNA concentration on toothpicks could be used to support forensic identification after 20 days at room temperature.

  6. Saravanan C, Alias A, Mohamad M
    J Affect Disord, 2017 10 01;220:108-116.
    PMID: 28618312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.05.037
    BACKGROUND: Students who go to other countries for higher education face various psychological problems, particularly homesickness and depression. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify differences between students who did and did not receive brief individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression to reduce homesickness; (b) identify whether brief individual CBT for depression reduces the level of homesickness in students between pre-, post- and follow-up assessment; and (c) compare the scores of students experiencing only homesickness and those experiencing both homesickness and depression.

    METHOD: The sample consisted of 520 first-year undergraduate international students. The experimental group contained students who were diagnosed with depression and homesickness and received seven sessions of brief individual CBT for depression to reduce homesickness. The control group contained students who were diagnosed with depression and homesickness and received one session of advice and suggestions. The comparison group contained students who experienced only homesickness and did not receive any interventions. The study used the comparison group to determine if an interaction effect existed between students experiencing only homesickness and students experiencing both homesickness and depression.

    RESULTS: Students who received brief individual CBT displayed a significant reduction in their homesickness and depression scores compared to the scores of students in the control group. Students who experienced only homesickness exhibited a significant reduction in the scores on homesickness in the post-assessment compared to the control group's post-assessment homesickness scores.

    LIMITATION: The results of this study cannot be generalized as data were collected from three universities in Malaysia. The follow-up assessment was conducted six months after the post-assessment, which also limits generalizability beyond six months.

    CONCLUSION: Overall, homesickness is considered a normal reaction. Brief individual CBT for depression is effective in reducing homesickness and depression among international students.

  7. Mat Bah MN, Sapian MH, Jamil MT, Alias A, Zahari N
    Pediatr Cardiol, 2018 Oct;39(7):1389-1396.
    PMID: 29756159 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-018-1908-6
    Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, data on survival of CCHD and the risk factors associated with its mortality are limited. This study examined CCHD survival and the risk factors for CCHD mortality. Using a retrospective cohort study of infants born with CCHD from 2006 to 2015, survival over 10 years was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis, and the risk factors for mortality were analyzed using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. A total of 491 CCHD cases were included in the study, with an overall mortality rate of 34.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.6-39.2). The intervention/surgical mortality rate was 9.8% ≤ 30 days and 11.5% > 30 days after surgery, and 17% died before surgery or intervention. The median age at death was 2.7 months [first quartile: 1 month, third quartile: 7.3 months]. The CCHD survival rate was 90.4% (95% CI 89-91.8%) at 1 month, 69.3% (95% CI 67.2-71.4%) at 1 year, 63.4% (95% CI 61.1-65.7%) at 5 years, and 61.4% (95% CI 58.9-63.9%) at 10 years. Weight of
  8. Ibrahim A, Alias A, Nor FM, Swarhib M, Abu Bakar SN, Das S
    Anat Cell Biol, 2017 Jun;50(2):86-92.
    PMID: 28713610 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2017.50.2.86
    Sex determination is one of the main steps in the identification of human skeletal remains. It constitutes an initial step in personal identification from the skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to provide the population-specific sex discriminating osteometric standards to aid human identification. The present study was conducted on 87 (174 sides) slices of crania using postmortem computed tomography in 45 males and 42 females, aged between 18 and 75 years. About 22 parameters of crania were measured using Osirix software 3-D Volume Rendering. Results showed that all parameters were significantly higher in males than in females except for orbital height of the left eye by independent t test (P<0.01). By discriminant analysis, the classification accuracy was 85.1%, and by regression, the classification accuracy ranged from 78.2% to 86.2%. In conclusion, cranium can be used to distinguish between males and females in the Malaysian population. The results of the present study can be used as a forensic tool for identification of unknown crania.
  9. Alias AM, Shahruniza AS, Sulaiman H
    Med J Malaysia, 2019 Oct;74(5):456-458.
    PMID: 31649232
    Fosfomycin (FMT) was first isolated in 1969 and has gained popularity in the past few decades, specifically in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). A retrospective study was undertaken to study the pattern of FMT use in our outpatient clinics. Subjects were divided into guideline compliant (GC) and non-guideline compliant (NGC) groups, based on available guidelines. More than half of the subjects (51, 51%) fall in the NGC group. Diabetes was an independent risk factor for inappropriate FMT prescription. This represented an opportunity for antimicrobial stewardship in treating diabetic patients with uncomplicated UTI when this agent is chosen.
  10. Sazgar T, Al-Jaf NM, Norman NH, Alias A
    Eur J Dent, 2023 Feb;17(1):97-106.
    PMID: 35436793 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1743149
    OBJECTIVES:  This study aimed to investigate the size and shape variations of soft-tissue patterns in different sagittal skeletal patterns using the geometric morphometrics method (GMM) obtained from lateral cephalograms.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS:  This is a retrospective study, where the sample comprised of 188 Malaysian Malay subjects aged between 18 and 40 years and with different sagittal skeletal patterns. Overall, 71 males and 117 females were gathered for all size and shape analyses. This study incorporated 11 soft-tissue landmarks, which underwent landmark application using tpsDig2 software version 2.31, while the shape analysis was done using MorphoJ software version 1.07a.

    STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:  Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26. The result of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test showed significant differences in some of the parameters between the landmarks. Length D, Length E, Length F, Length H, and Length I showed significant differences (p  0.05).

    RESULTS:  The shape variation of soft-tissue landmarks in different skeletal patterns existed in 18 different dimensions which showed by 18 principal components (PCs). Procrustes ANOVA and canonical variate analysis showed the size and shape differences of soft-tissue patterns between Class II and III and gender groups (p 

  11. Mat Yudin Z, Ali K, Wan Ahmad WMA, Ahmad A, Khamis MF, Brian Graville Monteiro N', et al.
    Eur J Dent Educ, 2020 Feb;24(1):163-168.
    PMID: 31698535 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12480
    AIMS: To evaluate the self-perceived preparedness of final-year dental undergraduate students in dental public universities in Malaysia.

    METHODS: Final-year dental undergraduate students from six dental public universities in Malaysia were invited to participate in an online study using a validated Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale DU-PAS.

    RESULTS: In total, about 245 students responded to the online questionnaire yielding a response rate of 83.05%. The age range of the respondents was 23-29 years with a mean age of 24.36 (SD 0.797). The total score obtained by the respondents was ranged from 48 to 100 with a mean score of 79.56 (SD 13.495). Weaknesses were reported in several clinical skills, cognitive and behavioural attributes.

    CONCLUSIONS: The preparedness of undergraduate students at six dental institutions in Malaysia was comparable to students from developed countries. The dental undergraduate preparedness assessment scale is a useful tool, and dental institutions may be used for self-assessment as well as to obtain feedback from the supervisors.

  12. Shehabi Y, Chan L, Kadiman S, Alias A, Ismail WN, Tan MA, et al.
    Intensive Care Med, 2013 May;39(5):910-8.
    PMID: 23344834 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-013-2830-2
    PURPOSE: To ascertain the relationship among early (first 48 h) deep sedation, time to extubation, delirium and long-term mortality.

    METHODS: We conducted a multicentre prospective longitudinal cohort study in 11 Malaysian hospitals including medical/surgical patients (n = 259) who were sedated and ventilated ≥24 h. Patients were followed from ICU admission up to 28 days in ICU with 4-hourly sedation and daily delirium assessments and 180-day mortality. Deep sedation was defined as Richmond Agitation Sedation Score (RASS) ≤-3.

    RESULTS: The cohort had a mean (SD) age of 53.1 (15.9) years and APACHE II score of 21.3 (8.2) with hospital and 180-day mortality of 82 (31.7%) and 110/237 (46.4%). Patients were followed for 2,657 ICU days and underwent 13,836 RASS assessments. Midazolam prescription was predominant compared to propofol, given to 241 (93%) versus 72 (28%) patients (P < 0.0001) for 966 (39.6%) versus 183 (7.5%) study days respectively. Deep sedation occurred in (182/257) 71% patients at first assessment and in 159 (61%) patients and 1,658 (59%) of all RASS assessments at 48 h. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis adjusting for a priori assigned covariates including sedative agents, diagnosis, age, APACHE II score, operative, elective, vasopressors and dialysis showed that early deep sedation was independently associated with longer time to extubation [hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-0.97, P = 0.003], hospital death (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.18, P < 0.001) and 180-day mortality (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15, P = 0.002), but not time to delirium (HR 0.98, P = 0.23). Delirium occurred in 114 (44%) of patients.

    CONCLUSION: Irrespective of sedative choice, early deep sedation was independently associated with delayed extubation and higher mortality, and thus was a potentially modifiable risk in interventional trials.

  13. Shehabi Y, Bellomo R, Kadiman S, Ti LK, Howe B, Reade MC, et al.
    Crit Care Med, 2018 06;46(6):850-859.
    PMID: 29498938 DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000003071
    OBJECTIVES: In the absence of a universal definition of light or deep sedation, the level of sedation that conveys favorable outcomes is unknown. We quantified the relationship between escalating intensity of sedation in the first 48 hours of mechanical ventilation and 180-day survival, time to extubation, and delirium.

    DESIGN: Harmonized data from prospective multicenter international longitudinal cohort studies SETTING:: Diverse mix of ICUs.

    PATIENTS: Critically ill patients expected to be ventilated for longer than 24 hours.

    INTERVENTIONS: Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale and pain were assessed every 4 hours. Delirium and mobilization were assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method of ICU and a standardized mobility assessment, respectively.

    MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sedation intensity was assessed using a Sedation Index, calculated as the sum of negative Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale measurements divided by the total number of assessments. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to adjust for relevant covariates. We performed subgroup and sensitivity analysis accounting for immortal time bias using the same variables within 120 and 168 hours. The main outcome was 180-day survival. We assessed 703 patients in 42 ICUs with a mean (SD) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 22.2 (8.5) with 180-day mortality of 32.3% (227). The median (interquartile range) ventilation time was 4.54 days (2.47-8.43 d). Delirium occurred in 273 (38.8%) of patients. Sedation intensity, in an escalating dose-dependent relationship, independently predicted increased risk of death (hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.29 [1.15-1.46]; p < 0.001, delirium hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.25 [1.10-1.43]), p value equals to 0.001 and reduced chance of early extubation hazard ratio (95% CI) 0.80 (0.73-0.87), p value of less than 0.001. Agitation level independently predicted subsequent delirium hazard ratio [95% CI], of 1.25 (1.04-1.49), p value equals to 0.02. Delirium or mobilization episodes within 168 hours, adjusted for sedation intensity, were not associated with survival.

    CONCLUSIONS: Sedation intensity independently, in an ascending relationship, predicted increased risk of death, delirium, and delayed time to extubation. These observations suggest that keeping sedation level equivalent to a Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale 0 is a clinically desirable goal.

  14. Ahmed F, Urooj A, Karim AA
    Pharmacogn Mag, 2013 Apr;9(34):130-4.
    PMID: 23772108 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.111265
    BACKGROUND: Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark is a rich source of phenolic compounds known to possess potential antioxidant activity offering numerous health benefits.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study evaluated the protective effects of sequential acetone extract of Ficus racemosa bark at two doses (FR250; 250 mg kg(-1) and FR500; 500 mg kg(-1) p.o.) against doxorubicin-induced renal and testicular toxicity in rats.

    RESULTS: Doxorubicin administration resulted in significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in total protein and glutathione concentrations, while increased (P ≤ 0.05) serum urea, creatinine and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Extract pretreatment restored biochemical parameters toward normalization. FR250 and FR500 decreased serum creatinine levels by 22.5% and 44%, while serum urea levels were decreased by 30.4% and 58.8%, respectively. Extract pretreatment (500 mg kg(-1)) decreased TBARS and increased glutathione levels in the kidney and testis to control levels. These observations were substantiated by histopathological studies, wherein normal renal and testicular architecture was restored in FR500 group.

    CONCLUSION: Doxorubicin exposure results in pronounced oxidative stress, and administration of F. racemosa stem bark extract offers significant renal and testicular protection by inhibiting lipidperoxidation-mediated through scavenging free radicals.

  15. Jamlos MA, Jamlos MF, Alias A, Karim MSA, Mustafa WA, Akkaraekthalin P
    Polymers (Basel), 2021 Sep 24;13(19).
    PMID: 34641072 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193254
    This paper investigates the use of a Magnetite Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Graphene array sensor in ultra-wide band (UWB) spectrum for microwave imaging applications operated within 4.0-8.0 GHz. The proposed array microwave sensor comprises a Graphene array radiating patch, as well as ground and transmission lines with a substrate of Magnetite PDMS-Ferrite, which is fed by 50 Ω coaxial ports. The Magnetite PDMS substrate associated with low permittivity and low loss tangent realized bandwidth enhancement and the high conductivity of graphene, contributing to a high gain of the UWB array antenna. The combination of 30% (ferrite) and 70% (PDMS) as the sensor's substrate resulted in low permittivity as well as a low loss tangent of 2.6 and 0.01, respectively. The sensor radiated within the UWB band frequency of 2.2-11.2 (GHz) with great energy emitted in the range of 3.5-15.7 dB. Maximum energy of 15.7 dB with 90 × 45 (mm) in small size realized the integration of the sensor for a microwave detection system. The material components of sensor could be implemented for solar panel.
  16. Johnson JR, Idris Z, Abdullah JM, Alias A, Haspani MS
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Mar;24(1):40-46.
    PMID: 28381928 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.1.5
    BACKGROUND: Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) causes blockage of ventricular conduits leading to hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and a reduced level of consciousness. The current standard management of IVH is insertion of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter. However, this procedure addresses only the problems of acute hydrocephalus and raised ICP. Endoscopic washout allows for a more complete removal of the intraventricular clot. This study compared these two types of treatment in terms of shunt dependency and relevant clinical outcomes.

    METHODS: Patients who were 10-80 years old and presented with a Graeb score of more than six were randomised into endoscopic washout and EVD treatment groups. A CT brain was repeated on each patient within 24 hours after surgery, and if a patient's Graeb score was still more than six, a repeat endoscopic washout was performed to clear the remaining clots. All patients were monitored for shunt dependency at two weeks and three months, and clinical outcomes were measured at six months after the procedure.

    RESULTS: A total of 39 patients were recruited; 19 patients were randomised into the endoscopic washout group, and 20 were randomised into the EVD group. However, three patients in the endoscopic group refused that treatment and opted for EVD insertion. Patients treated with endoscopic washout had significantly less drainage dependency at two weeks (P < 0.005) and at three months (P < 0.004) as compared to patients in the external ventricular drainage group. The reduction in Graeb scores was also significantly greater in the endoscopic washout group (P < 0.001). However, the functional outcome at six months measured via a modified Rankin scale score was no different in the two groups of patients. The difference in the functional outcome of the patients was mainly dependent on the initial pathology, with those presenting with a thalamic bleed with IVH showing a poor functional outcome. This parameter was also influenced by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, with those patients with a score of 12 or less having a poor functional outcome (MRS 5-6) at three and six months after the surgery.

    CONCLUSIONS: The use of neuroendoscopy in patients with a massive IVH significantly reduced drainage dependency. However, it did not alter the final functional outcome.

  17. Fazilah A, Azemi MN, Karim AA, Norakma MN
    J Agric Food Chem, 2009 Feb 25;57(4):1527-31.
    PMID: 19166335 DOI: 10.1021/jf8028013
    Hemicelluloses from oil palm frond (OPF) were extracted using 3 M potassium hydroxide (KOH) for 4 h at 40 degrees C with stirring at 400 rpm to obtain hemicelluloses A and B. The total yield of the hemicellulose isolated from OPF was 33% (dry weight). Both hemicelluloses A and B were then subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 121 degrees C and 1.03 x 10(5) Pa for 10, 30, and 50 min. Physicochemical characterizations of hydrothermally treated hemicelluloses, such as Klason lignin content and reducing sugar content, were performed to study the effect of autohydrolysis processing on OPF-derived hemicelluloses. It was shown that Klason lignin content in hemicellulose A was higher than that in hemicellulose B and decreased after hydrothermal treatment. Hydrothermal treatment enhanced the solubility of hemicelluloses, which reflects their higher reducing sugar content. Monosaccharide analysis using HPLC showed that xylose was the predominant monosaccharide for both hemicelluloses A and B.
  18. Khan MF, Maulud KNA, Latif MT, Chung JX, Amil N, Alias A, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2018 Feb 01;613-614:1401-1416.
    PMID: 29898507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.08.025
    Air pollution can be detected through rainwater composition. In this study, long-term measurements (2000-2014) of wet deposition were made to evaluate the physicochemical interaction and the potential sources of pollution due to changes of land use. The rainwater samples were obtained from an urban site in Kuala Lumpur and a highland-rural site in the middle of Peninsular Malaysia. The compositions of rainwater were obtained from the Malaysian Meteorological Department. The results showed that the urban site experienced more acidity in rainwater (avg=277mm, range of 13.8 to 841mm; pH=4.37) than the rural background site (avg=245mm, range of 2.90 to 598mm; pH=4.97) due to higher anthropogenic input of acid precursors. The enrichment factor (EF) analysis showed that at both sites, SO42-, Ca2+ and K+ were less sensitive to seawater but were greatly influenced by soil dust. NH4+ and Ca2+ can neutralise a larger fraction of the available acid ions in the rainwater at the urban and rural background sites. However, acidifying potential was dominant at urban site compared to rural site. Source-receptor relationship via positive matrix factorisation (PMF 5.0) revealed four similar major sources at both sites with a large variation of the contribution proportions. For urban, the major sources influence on the rainwater chemistry were in the order of secondary nitrates and sulfates>ammonium-rich/agricultural farming>soil components>marine sea salt and biomass burning, while at the background site the order was secondary nitrates and sulfates>marine sea salt and biomass burning=soil components>ammonia-rich/agricultural farming. The long-term trend showed that anthropogenic activities and land use changes have greatly altered the rainwater compositions in the urban environment while the seasonality strongly affected the contribution of sources in the background environment.
  19. Chan HT, Bhat R, Karim AA
    J Agric Food Chem, 2009 Jul 8;57(13):5965-70.
    PMID: 19489606 DOI: 10.1021/jf9008789
    The effects of oxidation by ozone gas on some physicochemical and functional properties of starch (corn, sago, and tapioca) were investigated. Starch in dry powder form was exposed to ozone for 10 min at different ozone generation times (OGTs). Carboxyl and carbonyl contents increased markedly in all starches with increasing OGTs. Oxidation significantly decreased the swelling power of oxidized sago and tapioca starches but increased that of oxidized corn starch. The solubility of tapioca starch decreased and sago starch increased after oxidation. However, there was an insignificant changed in the solubility of oxidized corn starch. Intrinsic viscosity [eta] of all oxidized starches decreased significantly, except for tapioca starch oxidized at 5 min OGT. Pasting properties of the oxidized starches followed different trends as OGTs increased. These results show that under similar conditions of ozone treatment, the extent of starch oxidation varies among different types of starch.
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