Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 200 in total

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  1. Fulltext The inference of breast cancer metastasis through gene regulatory networks
    Ahmad FK, Deris S, Othman NH
    J Biomed Inform, 2012 Apr;45(2):350-62.
    PMID: 22179053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2011.11.015
    Understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation during breast cancer is one of the most difficult problems among oncologists because this regulation is likely comprised of complex genetic interactions. Given this complexity, a computational study using the Bayesian network technique has been employed to construct a gene regulatory network from microarray data. Although the Bayesian network has been notified as a prominent method to infer gene regulatory processes, learning the Bayesian network structure is NP hard and computationally intricate. Therefore, we propose a novel inference method based on low-order conditional independence that extends to the case of the Bayesian network to deal with a large number of genes and an insufficient sample size. This method has been evaluated and compared with full-order conditional independence and different prognostic indices on a publicly available breast cancer data set. Our results suggest that the low-order conditional independence method will be able to handle a large number of genes in a small sample size with the least mean square error. In addition, this proposed method performs significantly better than other methods, including the full-order conditional independence and the St. Gallen consensus criteria. The proposed method achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.79203, whereas the full-order conditional independence and the St. Gallen consensus criteria obtained 0.76438 and 0.73810, respectively. Furthermore, our empirical evaluation using the low-order conditional independence method has demonstrated a promising relationship between six gene regulators and two regulated genes and will be further investigated as potential breast cancer metastasis prognostic markers.
  2. The effect of leg length inequality on joint contact forces of lower limbs during walking
    Fazreena Othman N, Salleh Basaruddin K, Hanafi Mat Som M, Shukry Abdul Majid M, Razak Sulaiman A
    Acta Bioeng Biomech, 2019;21(1):55-62.
    PMID: 31197285
    PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the joint contact forces (JCF) between each limb as the LLD magnitude increases during walking activity.

    METHODS: Eighteen male healthy subjects volunteered to participate in the experiment. Walking gait analysis was conducted with eight different levels of insole to simulate the LLD, starting from 0 cm until 4.0 cm with 0.5 cm increment. Qualisys Track Manager System and C-motion Visual 3D biomechanical tools were used to analyse the results. Four joints (ankle, knee, hip, and pelvis) of lower limb of two legs were investigated. The increment of insoles was placed on the right leg to represent the long leg.

    RESULTS: The results suggest that the mean contact forces for all joints in the short leg were increased as the increment level increased. On the contrary, the mean contact forces in the long leg decreased when the LLD level increased. Among these four joints, JCF in hip shows a positive increment based on the ASI value. Means that hip shows the most affected joint as the LLD level increase.

    CONCLUSIONS: The result obtained in this study might help clinicians treat patients with a structural LLD for treatment plan including surgical intervention.

  3. The cadmium tolerance and bioaccumulation mechanism of Tetratostichococcus sp. P1: insight from transcriptomics analysis
    Sahabudin E, Kubo S, Yuzir MAM, Othman N, Nadia Md Akhir F, Suzuki K, et al.
    Bioengineered, 2024 Dec;15(1):2314888.
    PMID: 38375815 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2024.2314888
    Cadmium (Cd) has become a severe issue in relatively low concentration and attracts expert attention due to its toxicity, accumulation, and biomagnification in living organisms. Cd does not have a biological role and causes serious health issues. Therefore, Cd pollutants should be reduced and removed from the environment. Microalgae have great potential for Cd absorption for waste treatment since they are more environmentally friendly than existing treatment methods and have strong metal sorption selectivity. This study evaluated the tolerance and ability of the microalga Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 to remove Cd ions under acidic conditions and reveal mechanisms based on transcriptomics analysis. The results showed that Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 had a high Cd tolerance that survived under the presence of Cd up to 100 µM, and IC50, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration value, was 57.0 μM, calculated from the change in growth rate based on the chlorophyll content. Long-term Cd exposure affected the algal morphology and photosynthetic pigments of the alga. Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 removed Cd with a maximum uptake of 1.55 mg g-1 dry weight. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of the expression of genes related to metal binding, such as metallothionein. Group A, Group B transporters and glutathione, were also found upregulated. While the downregulation of the genes were related to photosynthesis, mitochondria electron transport, ABC-2 transporter, polysaccharide metabolic process, and cell division. This research is the first study on heavy metal bioremediation using Tetratostichococcus sp. P1 and provides a new potential microalga strain for heavy metal removal in wastewater.[Figure: see text]Abbreviations:BP: Biological process; bZIP: Basic Leucine Zipper; CC: Cellular component; ccc1: Ca (II)-sensitive cross complementary 1; Cd: Cadmium; CDF: Cation diffusion facilitator; Chl: Chlorophyll; CTR: Cu TRansporter families; DAGs: Directed acyclic graphs; DEGs: Differentially expressed genes; DVR: Divinyl chlorophyllide, an 8-vinyl-reductase; FPN: FerroportinN; FTIR: Fourier transform infrared; FTR: Fe TRansporter; GO: Gene Ontology; IC50: Growth half maximal inhibitory concentration; ICP: Inductively coupled plasma; MF: molecular function; NRAMPs: Natural resistance-associated aacrophage proteins; OD: Optical density; RPKM: Reads Per Kilobase of Exon Per Million Reads Mapped; VIT1: Vacuolar iron transporter 1 families; ZIPs: Zrt-, Irt-like proteins.
  4. Fulltext The Promise of the Zebrafish Model for Parkinson's Disease: Today's Science and Tomorrow's Treatment
    Razali K, Othman N, Mohd Nasir MH, Doolaanea AA, Kumar J, Ibrahim WN, et al.
    Front Genet, 2021;12:655550.
    PMID: 33936174 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.655550
    The second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly is Parkinson's disease (PD). Its etiology is unclear and there are no available disease-modifying medicines. Therefore, more evidence is required concerning its pathogenesis. The use of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is the basis of most animal models of PD. MPTP is metabolized by monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) to MPP + and induces the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in mammals. Zebrafish have been commonly used in developmental biology as a model organism, but owing to its perfect mix of properties, it is now emerging as a model for human diseases. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are cheap and easy to sustain, evolve rapidly, breed transparent embryos in large amounts, and are readily manipulated by different methods, particularly genetic ones. Furthermore, zebrafish are vertebrate species and mammalian findings obtained from zebrafish may be more applicable than those derived from genetic models of invertebrates such as Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. The resemblance cannot be taken for granted, however. The goal of the present review article is to highlight the promise of zebrafish as a PD animal model. As its aminergic structures, MPTP mode of action, and PINK1 roles mimic those of mammalians, zebrafish seems to be a viable model for studying PD. The roles of zebrafish MAO, however, vary from those of the two types of MAO present in mammals. The benefits unique to zebrafish, such as the ability to perform large-scale genetic or drug screens, should be exploited in future experiments utilizing zebrafish PD models.
  5. The Effect of H2S Pressure on the Formation of Multiple Corrosion Products on 316L Stainless Steel Surface
    Shah M, Ayob MTM, Rosdan R, Yaakob N, Embong Z, Othman NK
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2020;2020:3989563.
    PMID: 32774180 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3989563
    H2S gas when exposed to metal can be responsible for both general and localized corrosion, which depend on several parameters such as H2S concentration and the corrosion product layer formed. Therefore, the formation of passive film on 316L steel when exposed to H2S environment was investigated using several analysis methods such as FESEM and STEM/EDS analyses, which identified a sulfur species underneath the porous structure of the passive film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the first layer of CrO3 and Cr2O3 was dissolved, accelerated by the presence of H2S-Cl-. An FeS2 layer was formed by incorporation of Fe and sulfide; then, passivation by Mo took place by forming a MoO2 layer. NiO, Ni(OH)2, and NiS barriers are formed as final protection for 316L steel. Therefore, Ni and Mo play an important role as a dual barrier to maintain the stability of 316L steel in high pH2S environments. For safety concern, this paper is aimed to point out a few challenges dealing with high partial pressure of H2S and limitation of 316L steel under highly sour condition for the oil and gas production system.
  6. Testing comparison models of DASS-12 and its reliability among adolescents in Malaysia
    Osman ZJ, Mukhtar F, Hashim HA, Abdul Latiff L, Mohd Sidik S, Awang H, et al.
    Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Oct;55(7):1720-5.
    PMID: 24952938 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.04.011
    OBJECTIVE: The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) is frequently used in non-clinical research to measure mental health factors among adults. However, previous studies have concluded that the 21 items are not stable for utilization among the adolescent population. Thus, the aims of this study are to examine the structure of the factors and to report on the reliability of the refined version of the DASS that consists of 12 items.
    METHOD: A total of 2850 students (aged 13 to 17 years old) from three major ethnic in Malaysia completed the DASS-21. The study was conducted at 10 randomly selected secondary schools in the northern state of Peninsular Malaysia. The study population comprised secondary school students (Forms 1, 2 and 4) from the selected schools.
    RESULTS: Based on the results of the EFA stage, 12 items were included in a final CFA to test the fit of the model. Using maximum likelihood procedures to estimate the model, the selected fit indices indicated a close model fit (χ(2)=132.94, df=57, p=.000; CFI=.96; RMR=.02; RMSEA=.04). Moreover, significant loadings of all the unstandardized regression weights implied an acceptable convergent validity. Besides the convergent validity of the item, a discriminant validity of the subscales was also evident from the moderate latent factor inter-correlations, which ranged from .62 to .75. The subscale reliability was further estimated using Cronbach's alpha and the adequate reliability of the subscales was obtained (Total=76; Depression=.68; Anxiety=.53; Stress=.52).
    CONCLUSION: The new version of the 12-item DASS for adolescents in Malaysia (DASS-12) is reliable and has a stable factor structure, and thus it is a useful instrument for distinguishing between depression, anxiety and stress.
  7. Teratocarcinosarcoma of the nasal cavity and ethmoid
    Sharma HS, Abdullah JM, Othman NH, Muhamad M
    J Laryngol Otol, 1998 Jul;112(7):682-6.
    PMID: 9775307
    Sinonasal teratocarcinosarcoma is very unusual malignant neoplasm histologically consisting of an epithelial element and one or more mesenchymal components. This is a report of teratocarcinosarcoma, in a 74-year-old male, involving the right nasal cavity and ethmoids with intracranial extension. The tumour was totally resected via the craniofacial approach and the patient was given post-operative chemotherapy. Extensive tumour necrosis, rapid growth and local destruction are the prominent features of this tumour. The clinical presentation, pathological features and clinical course of this rare malignancy are discussed with a review of the literature.
  8. Fulltext Synthesis and Optimization of Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded with L-Ascorbic Acid and Thymoquinone
    Othman N, Masarudin MJ, Kuen CY, Dasuan NA, Abdullah LC, Md Jamil SNA
    Nanomaterials (Basel), 2018 Nov 07;8(11).
    PMID: 30405074 DOI: 10.3390/nano8110920
    The combination of compounds with different classes (hydrophobic and hydrophilic characters) in single chitosan carrier is a challenge due to the hydrophilicity of chitosan. Utilization of l-ascorbic acid (LAA) and thymoquinone (TQ) compounds as effective antioxidants is marred by poor bioavailability and uptake. Nanoparticles (NPs) solved the problem by functioning as a carrier for them because they have high surface areas for more efficient delivery and uptake by cells. This research, therefore, synthesized chitosan NPs (CNPs) containing LAA and TQ, CNP-LAA-TQ via ionic gelation routes as the preparation is non-toxic. They were characterized using electron microscopy, zetasizer, UV⁻VIS spectrophotometry, and infrared spectroscopy. The optimum CNP-LAA-TQ size produced was 141.5 ± 7.8 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.207 ± 0.013. The encapsulation efficiency of CNP-LAA-TQ was 22.8 ± 3.2% for LAA and 35.6 ± 3.6% for TQ. Combined hydrophilic LAA and hydrophobic TQ proved that a myriad of highly efficacious compounds with poor systemic uptake could be encapsulated together in NP systems to increase their pharmaceutical efficiency, indirectly contributing to the advancement of medical and pharmaceutical sectors.
  9. Synergistic green extraction of nickel ions from electroplating waste via mixtures of chelating and organophosphorus carrier
    Sulaiman RNR, Othman N
    J Hazard Mater, 2017 Oct 15;340:77-84.
    PMID: 28711835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.06.060
    The discharge of electroplating waste containing nickel ions has led to environmental issues owing to the toxicity problem mainly to the aquatic organisms and humans. Liquid-liquid extraction offers a great potential treatment for nickel removal with several advantages of simple, high efficiency and high separation factor. In this study, a green synergistic liquid-liquid extraction of nickel ions from electroplating waste solution using chelating oxime (LIX63) and organophosphorus (D2EHPA) carriers individually as well as their synergistic mixture has been studied. The result demonstrated that about 83% of nickel ions have been successfully extracted via the mixture system of 0.08M LIX63 +0.02M D2EHPA with the maximum synergistic enhancement factor, Rmax of 29.56. Meanwhile, the back extraction study also revealed that HNO3 was the most suitable stripping agent while the diluent screening also showed that palm oil has high potential to be incorporated as a diluent in the green synergistic liquid-liquid extraction of nickel.
  10. Supported liquid membrane extraction of nickel using stable composite SPEEK/PVDF support impregnated with a sustainable liquid membrane
    Sulaiman RNR, Jusoh N, Othman N, Noah NFM, Rosly MB, Rahman HA
    J Hazard Mater, 2019 12 15;380:120895.
    PMID: 31351388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.120895
    A sustainable and stable supported liquid membrane (SLM) extraction of nickel was developed via impregnation of sustainable liquid membrane in the composite membrane support consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). Bis-2-ethylhexyl phosphate (D2EHPA), 1-octanol, refined palm oil and sulfuric acid were employed as extractant, synergist extractant, diluent and strippant, respectively. Variables studied including effect of refined palm oil compositions as well as the configurations and thicknesses of SPEEK. Lifespan of SLM was evaluated by recycling the composite membrane support. Results revealed that upon using 100% refined palm oil, about 100% of nickel was extracted and recovered in 10 and 14 h, respectively. Composite SPEEK/PVDF stabilized SLM by reducing liquid membrane loss from 47 to 23% upon applying SPEEK at the feed side of PVDF support. High permeability and flux values were obtained at 9.26 x 10-4 cms-1 and 6.48 x 10-7 molcm-2s-1 when increasing SPEEK thickness from 0.025 to 0.055 mm, respectively. The lifespan of SLM was extended up to ninth cycles with low weight loss percentage of the impregnated composite membrane (8%). In conclusion, the SPEEK/PVDF impregnated with refined palm oil has improved the stability of SLM extraction of nickel ions from industrial wastewater.
  11. Fulltext Somatic copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity and copy number abnormalities in Malaysian sporadic colorectal carcinoma patients
    Yam YY, Hoh BP, Othman NH, Hassan S, Yahya MM, Zakaria Z, et al.
    Genet. Mol. Res., 2013;12(1):319-27.
    PMID: 23420356 DOI: 10.4238/2013.February.7.1
    Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in many countries, including Malaysia. The accumulation of genomic alterations is an important feature of colorectal carcinogenesis. A better understanding of the molecular events underlying the stages of colorectal carcinogenesis might be helpful in the detection and management of the disease. We used a commercially available single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping array to detect both copy number abnormalities (CNAs) and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in sporadic colorectal carcinomas. Matched tumor and normal tissues of 13 colorectal carcinomas (Dukes' stages A-D) were analyzed using a 250K single nucleotide polymorphism array. An additional assay was performed to determine the microsatellite instability status by using the National Cancer Institute-recommended BAT-26 panel. In general, copy number gain (92.3%) was most common, followed by copy number loss (53.8%) and copy-neutral LOH (46.2%). Frequent CNAs of gains and losses were observed on chromosomes 7p, 8, 13q, 17p, 18q, and 20q, and copy-neutral LOH was observed on chromosomes 2, 6, 12, 13q, 14q, 17, 20p, 19q, and 22q. Even though genomic alterations are associated with colorectal cancer progression, our results showed that DNA CNAs and copy-neutral LOH do not reflect disease progression in at least 50% tumors. Copy-neutral LOH was observed in both early and advanced tumors, which favors the involvement of these genomic alterations in the early stages of tumor development.
  12. Socioeconomic Predictors of Adherence Behavior Among HIV-Positive Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Selangor, Malaysia
    Abdulrahman SA, Rampal L, Othman N, Ibrahim F, Kadir Shahar H, Radhakrishnan AP
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2017 May;29(4):304-314.
    PMID: 28397533 DOI: 10.1177/1010539517700471
    Medication adherence remains a critical link between the prescribed ART regimen and treatment outcome. Several factors may influence adherence behavior. This cross-sectional study aimed to highlight socioeconomic predictors of adherence behavior among a cohort of 242 adult Malaysian patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hospital Sungai Buloh, Malaysia, where they were enrolled in a parent study (single-blinded randomized controlled trial) between January and December 2014. Statistical analysis of secondary data on adherence behavior and sociodemographic characteristics of the patients revealed mean age of 33.4 years and ranged from 18 to 64 years; 88.8% were males. A total of 224 (93%) patients who completed 6 months' adherence assessment were included in the model. Of these, 135 (60.3%) achieved optimal adherence. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that patient's income and ethnicity were significant predictors of adherence behavior. This may be valuable for targeted programmatic interventions to further enhance successful treatment outcomes among the target population.
  13. Fulltext Sociodemographic profile and predictors of outpatient clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients initiating antiretroviral therapy in Selangor, Malaysia
    Abdulrahman SA, Rampal L, Othman N, Ibrahim F, Hayati KS, Radhakrishnan AP
    Patient Prefer Adherence, 2017;11:1273-1284.
    PMID: 28794617 DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S141609
    BACKGROUND: Inconsistent literature evidence suggests that sociodemographic, economic, and system- and patient-related factors are associated with clinic attendance among the HIV-positive population receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) around the world. We examined the factors that predict outpatient clinic attendance among a cohort of HIV-positive patients initiating ART in Selangor, Malaysia.

    PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data on outpatient clinic attendance and sociodemographic, economic, psychosocial, and patient-related factors among 242 adult Malaysian patients initiating ART in Selangor, Malaysia. Study cohort was enrolled in a parent randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Hospital Sungai Buloh Malaysia between January and December 2014, during which peer counseling, medication, and clinic appointment reminders were provided to the intervention group through short message service (SMS) and telephone calls for 24 consecutive weeks. Data on outpatient clinic attendance were extracted from the hospital electronic medical records system, while other patient-level data were extracted from pre-validated Adult AIDS Clinical Trial Group (AACTG) adherence questionnaires in which primary data were collected. Outpatient clinic attendance was categorized into binary outcome - regular attendee and defaulter categories - based on the number of missed scheduled outpatient clinic appointments within a 6-month period. Multivariate regression models were fitted to examine predictors of outpatient clinic attendance using SPSS version 22 and R software.

    RESULTS: A total of 224 (93%) patients who completed 6-month assessment were included in the model. Out of those, 42 (18.7%) defaulted scheduled clinic attendance at least once. Missed appointments were significantly more prevalent among females (n=10, 37.0%), rural residents (n=10, 38.5%), and bisexual respondents (n=8, 47.1%). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that Indian ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.235; 95% CI [0.063-0.869]; P=0.030) and heterosexual orientation (AOR =4.199; 95% CI [1.040-16.957]; P=0.044) were significant predictors of outpatient clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients receiving ART in Malaysia.

    CONCLUSION: Ethnicity and sexual orientation of Malaysian patients may play a significant role in their level of adherence to scheduled clinic appointments. These factors should be considered during collaborative adherence strategy planning at ART initiation.

    Study site: Outpatient clinic, Hospital Sungai Buloh Malaysia
  14. Social support and work engagement: a study of Malaysian nurses
    Othman N, Nasurdin AM
    J Nurs Manag, 2013 Nov;21(8):1083-90.
    PMID: 23409702 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01448.x
    This study addressed the question of whether social support (supervisor support and co-worker support) could contribute to the variance in work engagement.
  15. Simultaneous extraction and enrichment of reactive dye using green emulsion liquid membrane system
    Othman N, Raja Sulaiman RN, Rahman HA, Noah NFM, Jusoh N, Idroas M
    Environ Technol, 2019 Apr;40(11):1476-1484.
    PMID: 29300678 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2018.1424258
    Currently, an extractive green palm oil-based emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) has been used for simultaneous extraction and enrichment of Reactive Red 3BS from simulated synthetic dye wastewater. The ELM consists of two main phases, which are organic liquid membrane (LM) and stripping solution. During the extraction process, the ELM was dispersed into the simulated synthetic dye wastewater containing the Reactive Red 3BS complexes. The organic LM contains tridodecylamine (TDA), Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80) and palm oil as a carrier, surfactant and diluent, respectively. The sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was used as stripping solution for the enrichment process. Several important parameters that affected the simultaneous extraction and enrichment of Reactive Red 3BS, such as carrier and stripping agent concentrations, extraction time and treat ratio, were investigated. The results showed that almost 90% of Reactive Red 3BS ions were successfully extracted with 10 times enrichment in the stripping phase at the optimum conditions of 0.2 M TDA, 0.1 M NaHCO3, 5 min of extraction time and 1:5 of treat ratio. Hence, it can be concluded that palm oil possesses a high potential as green diluent in future technology, especially in ELM process for the removal and recovery of Reactive Red 3BS from synthetic dye wastewater.
  16. Severe leptospirosis with unusual manifestation
    Othman N, Intan HI, Yip CW, Alias M, Amran F
    J Trop Pediatr, 2007 Feb;53(1):55-8.
    PMID: 17237115
    We report a case of an 8-year-old aborigine boy referred to our hospital for respiratory insufficiency with skin eruptions over the trunk and limbs. The skin condition was diagnosed as acquired ichthyosis. He also had a non-bleeding form of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Radiograph of the lungs showed bilateral perihilar opacities with bilateral pleural effusion. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed by a 4-fold rise in microagglutinating titre and polymerase chain reaction assay.
  17. Fulltext Self-Learning about Herbal and Dietary Supplements: Perspectives Using the Theoretical Domains Framework
    Abd Wahab MS, Wan Ismail WNS, Ali AA, Ibrahim N, Othman N, Mohd Nor Hazalin NA, et al.
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Sep 01;19(17).
    PMID: 36078618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710901
    Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students' practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students' participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students' readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS.
  18. Selective removal and recovery of Black B reactive dye from simulated textile wastewater using the supported liquid membrane process
    Harruddin N, Othman N, Ee Sin AL, Raja Sulaiman RN
    Environ Technol, 2015 Jan-Feb;36(1-4):271-80.
    PMID: 25514128 DOI: 10.1080/09593330.2014.943301
    Effluent containing colour/dyes, especially reactive dyes, becomes a great concern of wastewater treatment because it is toxic to human life and aquatic life. In this study, reactive dye of Black B was separated using the supported liquid membrane process. Commercial polypropylene membrane was used as a support of the kerosene-tridodecylamine liquid membrane. Several parameters were tested and the result showed that almost 100% of 70 ppm Black B was removed and 99% of 70 ppm Black B was recovered at pH 2 of the feed phase containing 0.00001 M Na2SiO3, flow rate of 150 ml/min and 0.2 M NaOH. The membrane support also remained stable for up to 36 hours under an optimum condition.
  19. Selective extraction and recovery of polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate using emulsion liquid membrane process
    Jusoh N, Rosly MB, Othman N, Rahman HA, Noah NFM, Sulaiman RNR
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Jun;27(18):23246-23257.
    PMID: 32335833 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07972-5
    Polluted sterilization condensate discharged from palm oil mill may contain polyphenols that are rich in the antioxidant property. Emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) process is a promising method for polyphenol recovery due to its several attractive features such as high selectivity, simple operation, and low energy consumption. In this study, the condensate was characterized to determine its total phenolic content (TPC), ionic elements, and pH. ELM formulation containing tributylphosphate (TBP) as a carrier, kerosene as a diluent, sorbitan monooleate (Span 80) as a surfactant, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a stripping agent was developed. The results show that sterilization condensate contains 700-1500 mg GAE/L of TPC. During the ELM process, more than 91% of extraction with 83% recovery and 8.3 enrichment were achieved at the favorable condition of 0.1 M TBP, external phase pH 5, 1 M NaOH, 1:5 treat ratio, 5% v/v of octanol as a modifier, and 100 mg GAE/L external phase concentrations. Thus, ELM offers a potential alternative technology to extract and recover polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate while contributing to sustainable production. Graphical abstract Extraction of polyphenols from palm oil mill sterilization condensate using ELM process.
  20. Fulltext Screening of optimization parameters for mixing process via CFD
    Othman, N., Kamarudin, S.K., Mamat, M.R., Azman, A., Rosli, M.I., Takrif, M.S.
    Journal of Nuclear and Related Technologies, 2013;2013(2):21-29.
    MyJurnal
    In this study, the numerical simulation in a mixing vessel agitated by a six bladed Rushton turbine has
    been carried out to investigate the effects of effective parameters to the mixing process. The study is intended to screen the potential parameters which affect the optimization process and to provide the detail insights into the process. Three-dimensional and steady-state flow has been performed using the fully predictive Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) technique for the impeller and tank geometry. Process optimization is always used to ensure the optimum conditions are fulfilled to attain industries’ satisfaction or needs (ie; increase profit, low cost, yields, etc). In this study, the range of recommended speed to accelerate optimization is 100, 150 and 200rpm respectively and the range of recommended clearance is 50, 75 and 100mm respectively for dual Rushton impeller. Thus, the computer fluid dynamics (CFD) was introduced in order to screen the suitable parameters efficiently and to accelerate optimization. In this study,
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