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Fulltext Outcomes of tocilizumab therapy in severe or critical COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort, single-centre study

Abdelnaby H, Aboelhassan W, Al-Jarallah M, Rajan R, Dashti R, Zhanna KD, et al.

Trop Med Int Health, 2021 Dec;26(12):1689-1699.
PMID: 34601803 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13685

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab, a humanised anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, in the treatment of critical or severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.
METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of severe or critical COVID-19 patients (≥18 years) admitted to one hospital in Kuwait. Fifty-one patients received intravenous tocilizumab, while 78 patients received the standard of care at the same hospital. Both groups were compared for clinical improvement and in-hospital mortality.
RESULTS: The tocilizumab (TCZ) group had a significantly lower 28-day in-hospital mortality rate than the standard-of care-group (21.6% vs. 42.3% respectively; p = 0.015). Fifty-five per cent of patients in the TCZ group clinically improved vs. 11.5% in the standard-of-care group (p
Fulltext Evaluation on the Mechanical Properties of Ground Granulated Blast Slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash Stabilized Soil via Geopolymer Process

Abdila SR, Abdullah MMAB, Ahmad R, Rahim SZA, Rychta M, Wnuk I, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2021 May 26;14(11).
PMID: 34073169 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112833

This study intended to address the problem of damaged (collapsed, cracked and decreased soil strength) road pavement structure built on clay soil due to clay soil properties such as low shear strength, high soil compressibility, low soil permeability, low soil strength, and high soil plasticity. Previous research reported that ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) and fly ash can be used for clay soil stabilizations, but the results of past research indicate that the road pavement construction standards remained unfulfilled, especially in terms of clay's subgrade soil. Due to this reason, this study is carried out to further investigate soil stabilization using GGBS and fly ash-based geopolymer processes. This study investigates the effects of GGBS and ratios of fly ash (solid) to alkaline activator (liquid) of 1:1, 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, and 3:1, cured for 1 and 7 days. The molarity of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and the ratio of sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was fixed at 10 molar and 2.0 weight ratio. The mechanical properties of the soil stabilization based geopolymer process were tested using an unconfined compression test, while the characterization of soil stabilization was investigated using the plastic limit test, liquid limit test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the highest strength obtained was 3.15 MPA with a GGBS to alkaline activator ratio of 1.5 and Na2SiO3 to NaOH ratio of 2.0 at 7 days curing time. These findings are useful in enhancing knowledge in the field of soil stabilization-based geopolymer, especially for applications in pavement construction. In addition, it can be used as a reference for academicians, civil engineers, and geotechnical engineers.
Fulltext Potential of Soil Stabilization Using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) and Fly Ash via Geopolymerization Method: A Review

Abdila SR, Abdullah MMAB, Ahmad R, Burduhos Nergis DD, Rahim SZA, Omar MF, et al.

Materials (Basel), 2022 Jan 05;15(1).
PMID: 35009521 DOI: 10.3390/ma15010375

Geopolymers, or also known as alkali-activated binders, have recently emerged as a viable alternative to conventional binders (cement) for soil stabilization. Geopolymers employ alkaline activation of industrial waste to create cementitious products inside treated soils, increasing the clayey soils' mechanical and physical qualities. This paper aims to review the utilization of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS)-based geopolymers for soil stabilization by enhancing strength. Previous research only used one type of precursor: fly ash or GGBFS, but the strength value obtained did not meet the ASTM D 4609 (<0.8 Mpa) standard required for soil-stabilizing criteria of road construction applications. This current research focused on the combination of two types of precursors, which are fly ash and GGBFS. The findings of an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test on stabilized soil samples were discussed. Finally, the paper concludes that GGBFS and fly-ash-based geo-polymers for soil stabilization techniques can be successfully used as a binder for soil stabilization. However, additional research is required to meet the requirement of ASTM D 4609 standard in road construction applications, particularly in subgrade layers.
Fulltext Wear of rotary instruments: a pilot study

Abdul Aziz, A., Abu Kasim, N.H., Ramasindarum, C., Mohamad Yusof, M.Y.P., Paiizi, M., Ahmad, R.

Ann Dent, 2011;18(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

The aim of this study was to assess the wear of tungsten carbide burs and round rotary diamond instruments through measurements of rake angle and visual observations respectively under a field emission scanning electron microscope. Sixty short and long head pear-shaped tungsten carbide burs and 18 round rotary diamond instruments that had been used to complete < 5, > 5 and > 10 cavity preparations (n=10/group) were selected from the 3rd and 4th year dental students, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. There were two control groups consisting of long and short tungsten carbide burs of ten each. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyse the rake angle data. The data from the two control groups were collectively analysed following multiple paired t-test (p>.05) which showed no significant difference between the two types of tungsten carbide bur (short and long head). The mean rake angle of the control group was significantly higher (p < .05) compared to the < 5, > 5 and > 10 cavity preparation groups. The rake angle of the > 10 cavity preparation group was significantly lower than the other two test groups (p < .05). Round rotary diamond instruments in the < 5 cavity preparation group showed intact diamond particles with distinct cutting facets comparable to the control group. However, diamonds instruments in the > 5 and > 10 cavity preparation groups showed blunt diamond particles. In conclusion, wear of tungsten carbide burs and round rotary diamond instruments were evident after repeated use. Wear was more pronounced when instruments were used to prepare more than ten cavities.
Fulltext Chemical Constituents of Malaysian U. cordata var. ferruginea and Their in Vitro α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

Abdullah NH, Salim F, Ahmad R

Molecules, 2016 Apr 27;21(5).
PMID: 27128898 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050525

Continuing our interest in the Uncaria genus, the phytochemistry and the in-vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Malaysian Uncaria cordata var. ferruginea were investigated. The phytochemical study of this plant, which employed various chromatographic techniques including recycling preparative HPLC, led to the isolation of ten compounds with diverse structures comprising three phenolic acids, two coumarins, three flavonoids, a terpene and an iridoid glycoside. These constituents were identified as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid or salicylic acid (1), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3), scopoletin or 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin (4), 3,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin (5), quercetin (6), kaempferol (7), taxifolin (8), loganin (9) and β-sitosterol (10). Structure elucidation of the compounds was accomplished with the aid of 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral data and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). In the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, the crude methanolic extract of the stems of the plant and its acetone fraction exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibition activity of 87.7% and 89.2%, respectively, while its DCM fraction exhibited only moderate inhibition (75.3%) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The IC50 values of both fractions were found to be significantly lower than the standard acarbose suggesting the presence of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. Selected compounds isolated from the active fractions were then subjected to α-glucosidase assay in which 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin showed strong inhibitory effects against the enzyme with IC50 values of 549 and 556 μg/mL compared to acarbose (IC50 580 μg/mL) while loganin and scopoletin only showed weak α-glucosidase inhibition of 44.9% and 34.5%, respectively. This is the first report of the isolation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and loganin from the genus and the first report of the α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.
Fulltext Pellet diameter of Ganoderma lucidum in a repeated-batch fermentation for the trio total production of biomass-exopolysaccharide-endopolysaccharide and its anti-oral cancer beta-glucan response

Abdullah NR, Sharif F, Azizan NH, Hafidz IFM, Supramani S, Usuldin SRA, et al.

AIMS Microbiol, 2020;6(4):379-400.
PMID: 33364534 DOI: 10.3934/microbiol.2020023

The pellet morphology and diameter range (DR) of Ganoderma lucidum were observed in a repeated-batch fermentation (RBF) for the trio total production of biomass, exopolysaccharide (EPS) and endopolysaccharide (ENS). Two factors were involved in RBF; broth replacement ratio (BRR: 60%, 75% and 90%) and broth replacement time point (BRTP: log, transition and stationary phase) in days. In RBF, 34.31 g/L of biomass favoured small-compact pellets with DR of 20.67 µm< d < 24.00 µm (75% BRR, day 11 of BRTP). EPS production of 4.34 g/L was prone to ovoid-starburst pellets with DR of 34.33 µm< d <35.67 µm (75% BRR, day 13 of BRTP). Meanwhile, the highest 2.43 g/L of ENS production favoured large-hollow pellets with DR of 34.00 µm< d < 38.67 µm (90% BRR, day 13 of BRTP). In addition, RBF successfully shortened the biomass-EPS-ENS fermentation period (31, 33 and 35 days) from batch to 5 days, in seven consecutive cycles of RBF. In a FTIR detection, β-glucan (BG) from EPS and ENS extracts were associated with β-glycosidic linkages (2925 cm-1, 1635 cm-1, 1077 cm-1, 920 cm-1 and 800 cm-1 wavelengths) with similar 1H NMR spectral behaviour (4.58, 3.87 and 3.81 ppm). Meanwhile, 4 mg/L of BG gave negative cytotoxic effects on normal gingival cell line (hGF) but induced antiproliferation (IC50 = 0.23 mg/mL) against cancerous oral Asian cellosaurus cell line (ORL-48). Together, this study proved that G. lucidum mycelial pellets could withstand seven cycles of long fermentation condition and possessed anti-oral cancer beta-glucan, which suits large-scale natural drug fermentation.
Fulltext Investigation of potential anti-urolithiatic activity from different types of Musa pseudo-stem extracts in inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization

Abu Zarin M, Tan JS, Murugan P, Ahmad R

BMC Complement Med Ther, 2020 Oct 19;20(1):317.
PMID: 33076892 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-020-03113-0

BACKGROUND: The banana or scientifically referred to as Musa sp., is one of the most popular fruits all over the world. Almost all parts of a banana tree, including the fruits, stem juice, and flowers are commonly used as traditional medicine for treating diarrhoea (unripe), menorrhagia, diabetes, dysentery, and antiulcerogenic, hypoglycemic, antilithic, hypolipidemic conditions, plus antioxidant actions, inflammation, pains and even snakebites. The study carried out was to evaluate in vitro anti-urolithiatic activity from different types of Musa pseudo-stems.
METHODS: Observing anti-urolithiathic activity via in vitro nucleation and aggregation assay using a spectrophotometer followed by microscopic observation. A total of 12 methanolic extracts were tested to determine the potential extracts in anti-urolithiasis activities. Cystone was used as a positive control.
RESULTS: The results manifested an inhibition of nucleation activity (0.11 ± 2.32% to 55.39 ± 1.01%) and an aggregation activity (4.34 ± 0.68% to 58.78 ± 1.81%) at 360 min of incubation time. The highest inhibition percentage in nucleation assay was obtained by the Musa acuminate x balbiciana Colla cv "Awak Legor" methanolic pseudo-stem extract (2D) which was 55.39 ± 1.01%at 60 min of incubation time compared to the cystone at 30.87 ± 0.74%. On the other hand,the Musa acuminate x balbiciana Colla cv "Awak Legor" methanolic bagasse extract (3D) had the highest inhibition percentage in the aggregation assay incubated at 360 min which was obtained at 58.78 ± 1.8%; 5.53% higher than the cystone (53.25%).The microscopic image showed a great reduction in the calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals formation and the size of crystals in 2D and 3D extracts, respectively, as compared to negative control.
CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study suggest that the extracts are potential sources of alternative medicine for kidney stones disease.
Fulltext Triazoloquinazolines as a new class of potent α-glucosidase inhibitors: in vitro evaluation and docking study

Abuelizz HA, Anouar EH, Ahmad R, Azman NIIN, Marzouk M, Al-Salahi R

PLoS One, 2019;14(8):e0220379.
PMID: 31412050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220379

Previously, we synthesized triazoloquinazolines 1-14 and characterized their structure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of the targets 1-14 as α-glucosidase inhibitors using α-glucosidase enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae type 1. Among the tested compounds, triazoloquinazolines 14, 8, 4, 5, and 3 showed the highest inhibitory activity (IC50 = 12.70 ± 1.87, 28.54 ± 1.22, 45.65 ± 4.28, 72.28 ± 4.67, and 83.87 ± 5.12 μM, respectively) in relation to that of acarbose (IC50 = 143.54 ± 2.08 μM) as a reference drug. Triazoloquinazolines were identified herein as a new class of potent α-glucosidase inhibitors. Molecular docking results envisaged the plausible binding interaction between the target triazoloquinazolines and α-glucosidase enzyme and indicated considerable interaction with the active site residues.
Fulltext Synthesis, biological activity and molecular docking of new tricyclic series as α-glucosidase inhibitors

Abuelizz HA, Iwana NANI, Ahmad R, Anouar EH, Marzouk M, Al-Salahi R

BMC Chem, 2019 Dec;13(1):52.
PMID: 31384800 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0560-4

Diabetes is an emerging metabolic disorder. α-Glucosidase inhibitors, such as acarbose, delay the hydrolysis of carbohydrates by interfering with the digestive enzymes. This action decreases the glucose absorption and the postprandial glucose level. We have synthesized 25 tricyclic 2-phenoxypyrido[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-ones hybrids and evaluated their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 6h and 6d have shown stronger activity than that of acarbose. Compound 6h exhibited the highest inhibition with an IC50 of 104.07 µM. Molecular modelling studies revealed that compound 6h inhibits α-glucosidase due to the formation of a stable ligand-α-glucosidase complex and extra hydrogen bond interactions, and directed in the binding site by Trp329.25 tricyclic 2-phenoxypyrido[3,2-e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-5(4H)-ones hybrids have been synthesized and evaluated their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 6h have shown stronger activity than that of acarbose.
Fulltext Genotyping of Salmonella strains isolated from ducks, their rearing and processing environments in Penang, Malaysia, using RAPD

Adzitey F, Ali GR, Huda N, Ahmad R

3 Biotech, 2013 Dec;3(6):521-527.
PMID: 28324423 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-013-0115-7

Salmonella species are important foodborne pathogens that can cause illness and death in humans. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic relatedness of 115 Salmonella strains isolated from ducks and their environment using random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD). The analysis of Salmonella strains by RAPD produced DNA fingerprints of different sizes for differentiation purposes, and cluster analysis at a coefficient of 0.85 grouped the Salmonella strains into various clusters and singletons. S. Typhimurium were grouped into nine clusters and ten singletons, S. Hadar were grouped into seven clusters and nine singletons, S. Enteritidis were grouped into four clusters and five singletons, S. Braenderup were grouped into five clusters and four singletons, S. Albany were grouped into two clusters and seven singletons, and S. Derby were grouped into two clusters and four singletons at a coefficient of 0.85 with discriminatory index (D) ranging from 0.879 to 0.957. With the exception of S. Typhimurium strains which were grouped into three major groups (genotypes) by RAPD analysis, the rest were grouped into two major genotypes. RAPD was a useful genotyping tool for determining the genetic relatedness of the duck Salmonella strains. Comparison of the genetic relatedness among foodborne pathogens and their sources of isolation are important to trace their source and possibly the source of human infection.
Fulltext Investigation of the EMG-time relationship of the biceps Brachii muscle during contractions

Ahamed NU, Ahmed N, Alqahtani M, Altwijri O, Ahmad RB, Sundaraj K

J Phys Ther Sci, 2015 Jan;27(1):39-40.
PMID: 25642033 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.39

[Purpose] This study investigated the changes in the slope of EMG-time curves (relationship) at the maximal and different levels of dynamic (eccentric and concentric) and static (isometric) contractions. [Subjects and Methods] The subject was a 17 year-old male adolescent. The surface EMG signal of the dominant arm's biceps brachii (BB) was recorded through electrodes placed on the muscle belly. [Results] The results obtained during the contractions show that the regression slope was very close to 1.00 during concentric contraction, whereas those of eccentric and isometric contractions were lower. Significant differences were found for the EMG amplitude and time lags among the contractions. [Conclusion] The results show that the EMG signal of the BB varies among the three modes of contraction and the relationship of the EMG amplitude with a time lag gives the best fit during concentric contraction.
Daunorubicin oral bioavailability enhancement by surface coated natural biodegradable macromolecule chitosan based polymeric nanoparticles

Ahmad N, Ahmad R, Alam MA, Ahmad FJ, Amir M, Pottoo FH, et al.

Int J Biol Macromol, 2019 May 01;128:825-838.
PMID: 30690115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.142

BACKGROUND: Daunorubicin hydrochloride (DAUN·HCl), due to low oral bioavailability poses the hindrance to be marketed as an oral formulation.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To develop a natural biodegradable macromolecule i.e. Chitosan (CS)-coated-DAUN-PLGA-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Nanoparticles (NPs) with an aim to improve oral-DAUN bioavailability and to develop as well as validate UHPLC-MS/MS (ESI/Q-TOF) method for plasma quantification and pharmacokinetic analysis (PK) of DAUN.
RESULTS: A particle size (198.3 ± 9.21 nm), drug content (47.06 ± 1.16 mg/mg) and zeta potential (11.3 ± 0.98 mV), consisting of smooth and spherical shape was observed for developed formulation. Cytotoxicity studies for CS-DAUN-PLGA-NPs revealed; a comparative superiority over free DAUN-S (i.v.) in human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7) and a higher permeability i.e. 3.89 folds across rat ileum, as compared to DAUN-PLGA-NPs (p 
Fulltext Volatile profiling of aromatic traditional medicinal plant, Polygonum minus in different tissues and its biological activities

Ahmad R, Baharum SN, Bunawan H, Lee M, Mohd Noor N, Rohani ER, et al.

Molecules, 2014 Nov 20;19(11):19220-42.
PMID: 25420073 DOI: 10.3390/molecules191119220

The aim of this research was to identify the volatile metabolites produced in different organs (leaves, stem and roots) of Polygonum minus, an important essential oil producing crop in Malaysia. Two methods of extraction have been applied: Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) and hydrodistillation coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Approximately, 77 metabolites have been identified and aliphatic compounds contribute significantly towards the aroma and flavour of this plant. Two main aliphatic compounds: decanal and dodecanal were found to be the major contributor. Terpenoid metabolites were identified abundantly in leaves but not in the stem and root of this plant. Further studies on antioxidant, total phenolic content, anticholinesterase and antimicrobial activities were determined in the essential oil and five different extracts. The plant showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity in polar (ethanol) extract for all the tissues tested. For anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, leaf in aqueous extract and methanol extract showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. However, in microbial activity, the non-polar extracts (n-hexane) showed high antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) compared to polar extracts. This study could provide the first step in the phytochemical profiles of volatile compounds and explore the additional value of pharmacology properties of this essential oil producing crop Polygonum minus.
Fulltext Distribution of alpha thalassaemia gene variants in diverse ethnic populations in malaysia: data from the institute for medical research

Ahmad R, Saleem M, Aloysious NS, Yelumalai P, Mohamed N, Hassan S

Int J Mol Sci, 2013;14(9):18599-614.
PMID: 24025420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140918599

Alpha thalassaemia is highly prevalent in the plural society of Malaysia and is a public health problem. Haematological and molecular data from 5016 unrelated patients referred from various hospitals to the Institute for Medical Research for α thalassaemia screening from 2007 to 2010 were retrieved. The aims of this retrospective analysis were to describe the distribution of various alpha thalassaemia alleles in different ethnic groups, along with their genotypic interactions, and to illustrate the haematological changes associated with each phenotype. Amongst the patients, 51.2% (n = 2567) were diagnosed with α thalassaemia. Of the 13 α thalassaemia determinants screened, eight different deletions and mutations were demonstrated: three double gene deletions, --(SEA), --(THAI), --(FIL); two single-gene deletions, α-³·⁷ and -α⁴·²; and three non-deletion mutations, Cd59G > A (haemoglobin [Hb] Adana), Cd125T > C (Hb Quong Sze) and Cd142 (Hb Constant Spring). A high incidence of α-³·⁷ deletion was observed in Malays, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians and Orang Asli people. However, the --SEA deletion was the most common cause of alpha thalassaemia in Chinese, followed by the α-³·⁷ deletion. As many as 27 genotypic interactions showed 1023 α thalassaemia silent carriers, 196 homozygous α⁺ thalassaemia traits, 973 heterozygous α⁰ thalassaemia carriers and 375 patients with Hb H disease. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the distribution of α thalassaemia determinants amongst the various ethnic groups. Hence, the heterogeneous distribution of common determinants indicated that the introduction of an ethnicity-targeted hierarchical α thalassaemia screening approach in this multi-ethnic Malaysian population would be effective.
Radial artery injury by a cat fish (Pangasius sutchi) spine sting

Ahmad R, Zaini IZ, Mohamed NA, Roslanuddin MS

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2013 Jul 4;44(4):703-6.
PMID: 24050106

Peripheral vascular injuries result from penetrating or blunt trauma to the extremities. We describe here an unusual cause of a radial artery injury by the spine from the pectoral fin of Pangasius sutchi in a 51 year-old man and we review the literature.
Three dimensional quantification of mandibular bone remodeling using standard tessellation language registration based superimposition

Ahmad R, Abu-Hassan MI, Li Q, Swain MV

Clin Oral Implants Res, 2013 Nov;24(11):1273-9.
PMID: 22862429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02566.x

The aim of this study was to evaluate a new method to quantify longitudinal mandibular bone remodeling three-dimensionally by superimposition of cone beam computed tomography images.
Fulltext Mapping of mosquito breeding sites in malaria endemic areas in Pos Lenjang, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia

Ahmad R, Ali WN, Nor ZM, Ismail Z, Hadi AA, Ibrahim MN, et al.

Malar J, 2011;10:361.
PMID: 22166101 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-361

The application of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the study of vector transmitted diseases considerably improves the management of the information obtained from the field survey and facilitates the study of the distribution patterns of the vector species.
Fulltext Demographic and clinical characteristics of red tag patients and their one-week mortality rate from the emergency department of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

Ahmad R, Rahmat R, Hisamudin N, Rahman NA, Noh AY, Mohammad N, et al.

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2009 Nov;40(6):1322-30.
PMID: 20578468

Early identification and rapid treatment of red tag patients may decrease morbidity and mortality. We examined the clinical characteristics, etiologies and one week mortality rate of red tag (life threatening and potentially life threatening illness) patients at the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysai (HUSM). A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Emergency Department of the HUSM from 1 August 2006 to 31 January 2007; 440 eligible patients were analyzed. The group had a mean age of 47.2 +/- 22 years, with 67.3% of the patients being male. Twenty-three percent were trauma cases with motor vehicle accident being the major mechanism of injury. Fifty-four percent of the cases had cardiac related illnesses. The mean duration of stay in the Emergency Department (ED) was 3.9 +/- 1.5 hours. The survival rate at one week was 76.6%. The non-trauma group comprised 74.0% of death cases. Acute coronary syndrome and road traffic accidents comprised 22.0% of total death cases at one week. Red tag patients constitute a large proportion of ED cases and may remain in the ED for significant periods of time.

Study site: Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM)
Predicting safe tonsillectomy for ambulatory surgery

Ahmad R, Abdullah K, Amin Z, Rahman JA

Auris Nasus Larynx, 2010 Apr;37(2):185-9.
PMID: 19720483 DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2009.06.010

To assess the safety of tonsillectomy procedure in local setting.
Fulltext Tracheal agenesis as a rare cause of difficult intubation in a newborn with respiratory distress: a case report

Ahmad R, Abdullah K, Mokhtar L, Fadzil A

J Med Case Rep, 2009;3:105.
PMID: 19946583 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-105

Tracheal agenesis is a very rare congenital airway anomaly. It may pose a great challenge to the first attending physician both in diagnosis and in establishing the airway during the first day of life.

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