Displaying publications 201 - 220 of 255 in total

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  1. Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Saeed RM, Kubas M, Saeed S, Khan AH, et al.
    Front Public Health, 2020;8:419.
    PMID: 32850608 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00419
    Background: In the past decade, Yemen has witnessed several disasters that resulted in a crumbled healthcare system. With the declaration of COVID-19 a global pandemic, and later the appearance of first confirmed cases in Yemen, there is an urgent need to assess the preparedness of healthcare facilities (HCFs) and their capacities to tackle a looming COVID-19 outbreak. Herein, we present an assessment of the current state of preparedness and capabilities of HCFs in Yemen to prevent and manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: An online survey for HCFs was developed, validated, and distributed. The questionnaire is divided into five main sections: (1) Demographic variables for participants. (2) HCFs capabilities for COVID-19 outbreak. (3) Support received to face the emergence and spread of COVID-19. (4). Current practices of infection prevention and control measures in the HCFs. The last section focused on the recommendations to ensure effective and timely response to this outbreak in Yemen. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze data using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 23. Results: Responses were received from healthcare workers (HCWs) from 18 out of 22 governorates in Yemen. Out of the 296 HCWs who participated in the study, the vast majority (93.9%) believed that the healthcare system in Yemen does not have the resources and capabilities to face and manage a COVID-19 outbreak. Approximately 82.4% of participants rated the general preparedness level of their HCFs as very poor or poor. More specifically, the majority of HCWs rated their HCFs as very poor or poor in term of availability of the following: an adequate number of mechanical ventilators (88.8%), diagnostic devices (88.2%), ICU rooms and beds (81.4%), and isolation rooms (79.7%). Conclusions: The healthcare facilities in Yemen are unprepared and lack the most basic resources and capabilities to cope with or tackle a COVID-19 outbreak. With the current state of a fragile healthcare system, a widespread outbreak of COVID-19 in Yemen could result in devastating consequences. There is an urgent need to provide support to the healthcare workers and HCFs that are on the frontline against COVID-19.
  2. Thung WE, Ong SA, Ho LN, Wong YS, Ridwan F, Oon YL, et al.
    J Environ Sci (China), 2018 Apr;66:295-300.
    PMID: 29628097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.05.010
    This study demonstrated the potential of single chamber up-flow membrane-less microbial fuel cell (UFML-MFC) in wastewater treatment and power generation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and enhance the performance under different operational conditions which affect the chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and power generation, including the increase of KCl concentration (MFC1) and COD concentration (MFC2). The results showed that the increase of KCl concentration is an important factor in up-flow membrane-less MFC to enhance the ease of electron transfer from anode to cathode. The increase of COD concentration in MFC2 could led to the drop of voltage output due to the prompt of biofilm growth in MFC2 cathode which could increase the internal resistance. It also showed that the COD concentration is a vital issue in up-flow membrane-less MFC. Despite the COD reduction was up to 96%, the power output remained constrained.
  3. Yusof MFM, Hamid PNKA, Tajuddin AA, Hashim R, Bauk S, Isa NM, et al.
    Radiol Phys Technol, 2017 Sep;10(3):331-339.
    PMID: 28718054 DOI: 10.1007/s12194-017-0408-3
    The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards as phantom materials in the application of low- and high-energy photons. The tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards and density plug phantoms were created with a target density of 1.0 g/cm3. The elemental composition and effective atomic number of the particleboards were measured using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The mass attenuation coefficient of the particleboards for low-energy photons were measured using the attenuation of X-ray fluorescence. The mass attenuation coefficients of high-energy photons were measured using the attenuation of 137Cs and 60Co gamma energies. The results were compared to the calculated value of water using XCOM calculations. The results showed that the effective atomic number and mass attenuation coefficients of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards were similar to those of water, indicating the suitability of tannin-added Rhizophora spp. particleboards as phantom materials for low- and high-energy photons.
  4. Narayanamurthy V, Samsuri F, Firus Khan AY, Hamzah HA, Baharom MB, Kumary TV, et al.
    Bioinspir Biomim, 2019 11 06;15(1):016002.
    PMID: 30897554 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab1243
    Cell imprint lithography (CIL) or cell replication plays a vital role in fields like biomimetic smart culture substrates, bone tissue engineering, cell guiding, cell adhesion, tissue engineering, cell microenvironments, tissue microenvironments, cell research, drug delivery, diagnostics, therapeutics and many other applications. Herein we report a new formulation of superconductive carbon black photopolymer composite and its characterization towards a CIL process technique. In this article, we demonstrated an approach of using a carbon nanoparticle-polymer composite (CPC) for patterning cells. It is observed that a 0.3 wt % load of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) in a carbon polymer mixture (CPM) was optimal for cell-imprint replica fabrication. The electrical resistance of the 3-CPC (0.3 wt %) was reduced by 68% when compared to N-CPC (0 wt %). This method successfully replicated the single cell with sub-organelle scale. The shape of microvesicles, grooves, pores, blebs or microvilli on the cellular surface was patterned clearly. This technique delivers a free-standing cell feature substrate. In vitro evaluation of the polymer demonstrated it as an ideal candidate for biomimetic biomaterial applications. This approach also finds its application in study based on morphology, especially for drug delivery applications and for investigations based on molecular pathways.
  5. Zawiah M, Yousef AM, Khan AH, Al-Ashwal FY, Matar A, ALKhawaldeh B, et al.
    PLoS One, 2020;15(6):e0234779.
    PMID: 32555684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234779
    BACKGROUND: Pharmacists have crucial role in providing drug information and medication counseling to patients. This survey aimed to benchmark the current knowledge of the pharmacists concerning food-drug interactions (FDIs) in Jordan.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Amman, the capital and largest city of Jordan, using a validated questionnaire. It was distributed to pharmacists working in community and hospital pharmacies using a convenience sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed in this study.

    RESULTS: A total of 340 questionnaires distributed, 300 (88%) pharmacists responded. Over 50% of pharmacists claimed that they have sufficient knowledge regarding FDI. Virtually, the overall median (interquartile range) knowledge score was 18 (15-21), approximately 60%. The highest knowledge scores were for alcohol-drug interactions section (66.6%) followed by both common food-drug interactions and the timing of drug intake to food consumption sections with a score of (58.3%) for each, reflecting a suboptimal knowledge of FDIs among the pharmacists.

    CONCLUSION: Pharmacists had unsatisfactory knowledge about common FDIs, with no significant difference between hospital and community pharmacists. Therefore, more attention and efforts should be played to improve awareness about potential food-drug interactions.

  6. Abd Rahman MS, Ab Kadir MZA, Abd Rahman MS, Osman M, Ungku Amirulddin UA, Mohd Nor SF, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2021 Sep 28;14(19).
    PMID: 34640025 DOI: 10.3390/ma14195628
    The demand for composite materials in high-voltage electrical insulation is escalating over the last decades. In the power system, the composite glass-fiber-reinforced polymer has been used as an alternative to wood and steel crossarm structures due to its superior properties. As a composite, the material is susceptible to multi-aging factors, one of which is the electrical stress caused by continuous and temporary overvoltage. In order to achieve a better insulation performance and higher life expectancy, the distribution of the stresses should firstly be studied and understood. This paper focuses on the simulation work to better understand the stress distribution of the polyurethane foam-filled glass-fiber-reinforced polymer crossarm due to the lightning transient injection. A finite-element-based simulation was carried out to investigate the behavior of the electric field and voltage distribution across the sample using an Ansys Maxwell 3D. Electrical stresses at both outer and inner surfaces of the crossarm during the peak of lightning were analyzed. Analyses on the electric field and potential distribution were performed at different parts of the crossarm and correlated to the physical characteristics and common discharge location observed during the experiment. The results of the electric field on the crossarm indicate that both the outer and internal parts of the crossarm were prone to high field stress.
  7. Ismail NA, Adilah-Amrannudin N, Hamsidi M, Ismail R, Dom NC, Ahmad AH, et al.
    J Med Entomol, 2017 11 07;54(6):1573-1581.
    PMID: 28981849 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx126
    The global expansion of Ae. albopictus from its native range in Southeast Asia has been implicated in the recent emergence of dengue endemicity in Malaysia. Genetic variability studies of Ae. albopictus are currently lacking in the Malaysian setting, yet are crucial to enhancing the existing vector control strategies. The study was conducted to establish the genetic variability of maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA encoding for cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene in Ae. albopictus. Twelve localities were selected in the Subang Jaya district based on temporal indices utilizing 120 mosquito samples. Genetic polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis were conducted to unveil the genetic variability and geographic origins of Ae. albopictus. The haplotype network was mapped to determine the genealogical relationship of sequences among groups of population in the Asian region. Comparison of Malaysian CO1 sequences with sequences derived from five Asian countries revealed genetically distinct Ae. albopictus populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences from other Asian countries descended from the same genetic lineage as the Malaysian sequences. Noteworthy, our study highlights the discovery of 20 novel haplotypes within the Malaysian population which to date had not been reported. These findings could help determine the genetic variation of this invasive species, which in turn could possibly improve the current dengue vector surveillance strategies, locally and regionally.
  8. Mohamed Tap F, Abd Majid FA, Ismail HF, Wong TS, Shameli K, Miyake M, et al.
    Molecules, 2018 Jan 19;23(1).
    PMID: 29351216 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010073
    Phospholipase A2 (Pla2) is an enzyme that induces inflammation, making Pla2 activity an effective approach to reduce inflammation. Therefore, investigating natural compounds for this Pla2 inhibitory activity has important therapeutic potential. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential in bromelain-phytochemical complex inhibitors via a combination of in silico and in vitro methods. Bromelain-amenthoflavone displays antagonistic effects on Pla2. Bromelian-asiaticoside and bromelain-diosgenin displayed synergistic effects at high concentrations of the combined compounds, with inhibition percentages of more than 70% and 90%, respectively, and antagonistic effects at low concentrations. The synergistic effect of the bromelain-asiaticoside and bromelain-diosgenin combinations represents a new application in treating inflammation. These findings not only provide significant quantitative data, but also provide an insight on valuable implications for the combined use of bromelain with asiaticoside and diosgenin in treating inflammation, and may help researchers develop more natural bioactive compounds in daily foods as anti-inflammatory agent.
  9. Taharuddin NH, Jumaidin R, Ilyas RA, Kamaruddin ZH, Mansor MR, Md Yusof FA, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2022 Dec 15;15(24).
    PMID: 36556760 DOI: 10.3390/ma15248954
    Thermoplastic starch is a material that has the potential to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable. However, it has certain drawbacks concerning its mechanical performance and is sensitive to the presence of moisture. The current study assessed agar-containing thermoplastic sago starch (TPSS) properties at various loadings. Variable proportions of agar (5%, 10%, and 15% wt%) were used to produce TPSS by the hot-pressing method. Then, the samples were subjected to characterisation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and moisture absorption tests. The results demonstrated that adding agar to starch-based thermoplastic blends significantly improved their tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The samples' morphology showed that the fracture had become more erratic and uneven after adding agar. FT-IR revealed that intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between TPSS and agar. Moreover, with an increase in agar content, TPSS's thermal stability was also increased. However, the moisture absorption values among the samples increased slightly as the amount of agar increased. Overall, the proposed TPSS/agar blend has the potential to be employed as biodegradable material due to its improved mechanical characteristics.
  10. Abdul Hadi MFR, Abdullah AN, Hashikin NAA, Ying CK, Yeong CH, Yoon TL, et al.
    Med Phys, 2022 Dec;49(12):7742-7753.
    PMID: 36098271 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15980
    PURPOSE: Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is an important technique that can help design advanced and challenging experimental setups. GATE (Geant4 application for tomographic emission) is a useful simulation toolkit for applications in nuclear medicine. Transarterial radioembolization is a treatment for liver cancer, where microspheres embedded with yttrium-90 (90 Y) are administered intra-arterially to the tumor. Personalized dosimetry for this treatment may provide higher dosimetry accuracy compared to the conventional partition model (PM) calculation. However, incorporation of three-dimensional tomographic input data into MC simulation is an intricate process. In this article, 3D Slicer, free and open-source software, was utilized for the incorporation of patient tomographic images into GATE to demonstrate the feasibility of personalized dosimetry in hepatic radioembolization with 90 Y.

    METHODS: In this article, the steps involved in importing, segmenting, and registering tomographic images using 3D Slicer were thoroughly described, before importing them into GATE for MC simulation. The absorbed doses estimated using GATE were then compared with that of PM. SlicerRT, a 3D Slicer extension, was then used to visualize the isodose from the MC simulation.

    RESULTS: A workflow diagram consisting of all the steps taken in the utilization of 3D Slicer for personalized dosimetry in 90 Y radioembolization has been presented in this article. In comparison to the MC simulation, the absorbed doses to the tumor and normal liver were overestimated by PM by 105.55% and 20.23%, respectively, whereas for lungs, the absorbed dose estimated by PM was underestimated by 25.32%. These values were supported by the isodose distribution obtained via SlicerRT, suggesting the presence of beta particles outside the volumes of interest. These findings demonstrate the importance of personalized dosimetry for a more accurate absorbed dose estimation compared to PM.

    CONCLUSION: The methodology provided in this study can assist users (especially students or researchers who are new to MC simulation) in navigating intricate steps required in the importation of tomographic data for MC simulation. These steps can also be utilized for other radiation therapy related applications, not necessarily limited to internal dosimetry.

  11. Teoh WK, Mohamed Sadiq NS, Saisahas K, Phonchai A, Kunalan V, Md Muslim NZ, et al.
    J Forensic Sci, 2023 Jan;68(1):75-85.
    PMID: 36273275 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15156
    Drugs-facilitated crimes (DFCs) involve the incapacitation of victims under the influence of drugs. Conventionally, a drug administration act is often determined through the examination of biological samples; however, dry residues from any surface, such as drinking glass if related to a DFC could be a potential source of evidence. This study was aimed to establish an attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for the determination of spiked sedative-hypnotics from dry residues of a drug-spiked beverage. In this study, four sedative-hypnotics, namely diazepam, ketamine, nimetazepam, and xylazine were examined using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Subsequently, the ATR-FTIR profiles were compared and decomposed by principal component analysis (PCA) followed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for their detection and discrimination. Visual comparison of ATR-FTIR profiles revealed distinct spectra among the tested drugs. An initial unsupervised exploratory PCA model indicated the separation of four main sedative-hypnotics clusters, and the proposed PCA score-LDA model had allowed for a 100% accurate classification. Discrimination of sedative-hypnotics from a dry beverage previously spiked with these drugs was also possible upon an additional extraction procedure. In conclusion, ATR-FTIR coupled with PCA score-LDA model was useful in detecting and discriminating sedative-hypnotics, including those that had been previously spiked into a beverage.
  12. Binti Kamaruddin NA, Fong LY, Tan JJ, Abdullah MNH, Singh Cheema M, Bin Yakop F, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 May 29;25(11).
    PMID: 32485974 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112534
    Endothelial cell injury caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Omentin, an adipocytokine that is abundantly expressed in visceral fat tissue, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. However, endothelial protective effects of omentin against oxidative stress remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of omentin against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Cytotoxicity and cytoprotective effects of omentin were evaluated using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptotic activity of HUVECs was detected using Annexin-V/PI and Hoechst 33258 staining methods. Antioxidant activity of omentin was evaluated by measuring both reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. No cytotoxicity effect was observed in HUVECs treated with omentin alone at concentrations of 150 to 450 ng/ml. MTT assay showed that omentin significantly prevented the cell death induced by H2O2 (p < 0.001). Hoechst staining and flow cytometry also revealed that omentin markedly prevented H2O2-induced apoptosis. Moreover, omentin not only significantly inhibited ROS production (p < 0.01) but also significantly (p < 0.01) increased GPx activity in HUVECs. In conclusion, our data suggest that omentin may protect HUVECs from injury induced by H2O2.
  13. Zainol SN, Fadhlina A, Rentala SV, Yalaka M, Vatsavai LK, Pillai R, et al.
    Data Brief, 2021 Jun;36:107075.
    PMID: 34041312 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107075
    The present data described the analysis of mutagenicity in SynacinnTM by assessing the point mutations occurring due to Synacinn™ exposure to five tester strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA1537, TA1535, TA98, TA100 and TA102), in the presence or absence of an exogenous mammalian metabolic activation system (S9). It was conducted in two Phases - Phase I (Dose Range Finding experiment-DRF) and Phase II (Mutagenicity Assay 1 and 2). DRF and Mutagenicity Assay 1 was conducted employing plate incorporation method, while Mutagenicity Assay 2 was performed using pre-incubation method. Formulation analysis pertaining to SynacinnTM was performed for both Mutagenicity Assay 1 and 2. Dose formulations were prepared fresh on each day of the experiment. Adventol 50% v/v in purified water was selected as a suitable vehicle based on the preliminary solubility test. Based on the Phase I analysis, 5 mg/plate was selected as the highest concentration of SynacinnTM followed by lower concentrations of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 and 0.313 mg/plate for the Mutagenicity Assays. Genetic integrity of all the tester strains used was confirmed by performing genotyping before their use. All the data acceptability criteria were fulfilled confirming the validity of the test.
  14. Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Gharaibeh L, Abu Farha R, Alzoubi KH, Abu Hammour K, et al.
    J Multidiscip Healthc, 2023;16:4099-4110.
    PMID: 38116306 DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S439223
    BACKGROUND: The emergence of Chat-Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) by OpenAI has revolutionized AI technology, demonstrating significant potential in healthcare and pharmaceutical education, yet its real-world applicability in clinical training warrants further investigation.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2023 to assess PharmD students' perceptions, concerns, and experiences regarding the integration of ChatGPT into clinical pharmacy education. The study utilized a convenient sampling method through online platforms and involved a questionnaire with sections on demographics, perceived benefits, concerns, and experience with ChatGPT. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, including descriptive and inferential analyses.

    RESULTS: The findings of the study involving 211 PharmD students revealed that the majority of participants were male (77.3%), and had prior experience with artificial intelligence (68.2%). Over two-thirds were aware of ChatGPT. Most students (n= 139, 65.9%) perceived potential benefits in using ChatGPT for various clinical tasks, with concerns including over-reliance, accuracy, and ethical considerations. Adoption of ChatGPT in clinical training varied, with some students not using it at all, while others utilized it for tasks like evaluating drug-drug interactions and developing care plans. Previous users tended to have higher perceived benefits and lower concerns, but the differences were not statistically significant.

    CONCLUSION: Utilizing ChatGPT in clinical training offers opportunities, but students' lack of trust in it for clinical decisions highlights the need for collaborative human-ChatGPT decision-making. It should complement healthcare professionals' expertise and be used strategically to compensate for human limitations. Further research is essential to optimize ChatGPT's effective integration.

  15. Lee JH, Gatera VA, Smith T, Panimbang F, Gonzalez A, Abdulah R, et al.
    New Solut, 2024 Feb;33(4):220-235.
    PMID: 38112404 DOI: 10.1177/10482911231218478
    Concerns about chemical exposure in the electronics manufacturing industry have long been recognized, but data are lacking in Southeast Asia. We conducted a study in Batam, Indonesia, to evaluate chemical exposures in electronics facilities, using participatory research and biological monitoring approaches. A convenience sample of 36 workers (28 exposed, 8 controls) was recruited, and urine samples were collected before and after shifts. Five solvents (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, and xylenes) were found in 46%-97% of samples, and seven metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, tin, antimony, lead, and vanadium) were detected in 60%-100% of samples. Biological monitoring and participatory research appeared to be useful in assessing workers' exposure when workplace air monitoring is not feasible due to a lack of cooperation from the employer. Several logistical challenges need to be addressed in future biomonitoring studies of electronics workers in Asia in factories where employers are reluctant to track workers' exposure and health.
  16. Bitar AN, Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Kubas M, Saeed RM, Abduljabbar R, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0248325.
    PMID: 34714827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248325
    BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, many pharmaceutical companies have been racing to develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Simultaneously, rumors and misinformation about COVID-19 are still widely spreading. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation among the Yemeni population and its association with vaccine acceptance and perceptions.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in four major cities in Yemen. The constructed questionnaire consisted of four main sections (sociodemographic data, misinformation, perceptions (perceived susceptibility, severity, and worry), and vaccination acceptance evaluation). Subject recruitment and data collection were conducted online utilizing social websites and using the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.

    RESULTS: The total number of respondents was 484. Over 60% of them were males and had a university education. More than half had less than 100$ monthly income and were khat chewers, while only 18% were smokers. Misinformation prevalence ranged from 8.9% to 38.9%, depending on the statement being asked. Men, university education, higher income, employment, and living in urban areas were associated with a lower misinformation level (p <0.05). Statistically significant association (p <0.05) between university education, living in urban areas, and being employed with perceived susceptibility were observed. The acceptance rate was 61.2% for free vaccines, but it decreased to 43% if they had to purchase it. Females, respondents with lower monthly income, and those who believed that pharmaceutical companies made the virus for financial gains were more likely to reject the vaccination (p <0.05).

    CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the acceptance rate to take a vaccine was suboptimal and significantly affected by gender, misinformation, cost, and income. Furthermore, being female, non-university educated, low-income, and living in rural areas were associated with higher susceptibility to misinformation about COVID-19. These findings show a clear link between misinformation susceptibility and willingness to vaccinate. Focused awareness campaigns to decrease misinformation and emphasize the vaccination's safety and efficacy might be fundamental before initiating any mass vaccination in Yemen.

  17. Yazit NAA, Juliana N, Hafidz KM, Aziz NASA, Maluin SM, Azmani S, et al.
    Rev Cardiovasc Med, 2024 Aug;25(8):273.
    PMID: 39228501 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2508273
    BACKGROUND: Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) is widely accepted clinically for postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) assessment. This study aims to investigate the post-operative cognitive changes among high-risk cardiothoracic patients and establish a standardised approach to post-surgery cognitive assessment.

    METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study, where cognitive assessments were done 1-day before surgery, at discharge, and during 6 weeks of follow-up. Sample size calculation, accounting for an estimated 20% dropout rate, determined a minimum of 170 subjects were required for the study. Reduction of MMSE score of more than 2.5 was considered as having POCD. Score differences between groups were analysed using T-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), while consistency between tools was analysed using correlation and regression.

    RESULTS: A total of 188 patients completed the study, with a POCD prevalence of 20.2% and 6.9% at discharge and at the 6 week follow up, respectively. All cognitive tools show a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative scores. All tests show a significant moderate correlation with MMSE.

    CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, it is imperative to employ a battery of cognitive assessments to evaluate cognitive changes comprehensively.

  18. Mohamad NA, Hamzah S, Che Harun MH, Ali A, Rasit N, Awang M, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2021 Oct;281:130873.
    PMID: 34022596 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130873
    Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is highly polluted wastewater that is to the environment if discharged directly to water source without proper treatment. Thus, a highly efficient treatment with reasonable cost is needed. This study reports the coagulation treatment of POME using integrated copperas and calcium hydroxide. The properties of copperas were determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Coagulation was conducted using jar test experiments for various coagulant formulations and dosages (1000-5000 mg/L), initial pH (4-10), stirring speed (100-300 rpm), and sedimentation time (30-180 min). The characterisation results show that copperas has a compact gel network structure with strong O-H stretching and monoclinic crystal structure. The effectiveness of integrated copperas and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) with the formulation of 80:20 removed 77.6%, 73.4%, and 57.0% of turbidity, colour, and chemical oxygen demand (COD), respectively. Furthermore, the integration of copperas and Ca(OH)2 produced heavier flocs (ferric hydroxide), which improved gravity settling. The coagulation equilibrium analysis shows that the Langmuir model best described the anaerobic POME sample as the process exhibited monolayer adsorption. The results of this study show that copperas with the aid of Ca(OH)2 demonstrated high potential in the removal of those parameters from POME with acceptable final pH for discharge. The utilisation of this by-product as a coagulant in effluent treatment can unlock the potential of copperas for wider applications, improve its marketability, and reduce gypsum waste generation from the TiO2 industry.
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