Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 57 in total

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  1. Karim R
    World Health Forum, 1998;19(4):365-8.
    PMID: 10050161
    The author reflects on 24 years of involvement in WHO activities, and their effect on her own life and on the maternal and child health services in Malaysia.
  2. Rajendiran S, Thahir SSA, Veloo Y, Suppiah J, Pahrol MA, Shakor ASA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Sep 01;38(3):462-468.
    PMID: 34608120 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.3.089
    COVID-19 has spread rapidly worldwide. The role of fomites in facilitating onward transmission is plausible. This study aimed to determine the presence of viable virus and its persistence on the surfaces of fomites in wards treating COVID-19 patients in Malaysia. This study was conducted in two stages. First, environmental sampling was performed on random days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and general wards. Then, in the second stage, samples were collected serially on alternate days for 7 days in two selected general wards. In Stage 1, a total of 104 samples were collected from the surfaces of highly touched and used areas by patients and healthcare workers. Only three samples were tested positive for SARS-COV-2. In Stage 2, three surface samples were detected positive, but no persistence of the virus was observed. However, none of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA was viable through tissue culture. Overall, the environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 was low in this hospital setting. Hospitals' strict infection control and the compliance of patients with wearing masks may have played a role in these findings, suggesting adherence to those measures to reduce occupational exposure of COVID-19 in hospital settings.
  3. Somboonsook B, Wakerman J, Hattch CT, Collison M, Barnes A, Kyi W, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 1995 Sep;50(3):212-20.
    PMID: 8926897
    This study was the first assessment of a nationwide risk approach system to antenatal management introduced to Malaysia in 1989. Three rapid, record-based surveys on three different study groups were conducted to determine risk factor prevalence, accuracy of risk assignment, action after risk assignment and the relationship of risk level and place of delivery. The most frequent risk factors were short birth interval, high parity and first pregnancy. Accuracy of risk assignment was highest at the lowest levels of risk and poorest at the highest levels. Women at the lowest levels of risk were more likely to be seen by a doctor than women at highest risk. These was a trend to deliver in hospital, rather than at home, as level of risk increased; but many women at high risk still delivered at home. Recommendations are made on modifications to the system prior to future evaluation.
  4. Vignesh R, Ganesh SS, Vengata Subramani M, Ravindran M, Abdul Karim RH
    Med J Malaysia, 2018 12;73(6):444.
    PMID: 30647230
    No abstract provided.
  5. Ng TL, Karim R, Tan YS, Teh HF, Danial AD, Ho LS, et al.
    PLoS One, 2016;11(6):e0156714.
    PMID: 27258536 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156714
    Interest in the medicinal properties of secondary metabolites of Boesenbergia rotunda (fingerroot ginger) has led to investigations into tissue culture of this plant. In this study, we profiled its primary and secondary metabolites, as well as hormones of embryogenic and non-embryogenic (dry and watery) callus and shoot base, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry together with histological characterization. Metabolite profiling showed relatively higher levels of glutamine, arginine and lysine in embryogenic callus than in dry and watery calli, while shoot base tissue showed an intermediate level of primary metabolites. For the five secondary metabolites analyzed (ie. panduratin, pinocembrin, pinostrobin, cardamonin and alpinetin), shoot base had the highest concentrations, followed by watery, dry and embryogenic calli. Furthermore, intracellular auxin levels were found to decrease from dry to watery calli, followed by shoot base and finally embryogenic calli. Our morphological observations showed the presence of fibrils on the cell surface of embryogenic callus while diphenylboric acid 2-aminoethylester staining indicated the presence of flavonoids in both dry and embryogenic calli. Periodic acid-Schiff staining showed that shoot base and dry and embryogenic calli contained starch reserves while none were found in watery callus. This study identified several primary metabolites that could be used as markers of embryogenic cells in B. rotunda, while secondary metabolite analysis indicated that biosynthesis pathways of these important metabolites may not be active in callus and embryogenic tissue.
  6. Karim R, Tan YS, Singh P, Khalid N, Harikrishna JA
    Physiol Mol Biol Plants, 2018 Sep;24(5):741-751.
    PMID: 30150851 DOI: 10.1007/s12298-018-0566-8
    The process of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration involve changes in gene expression and have been associated with changes in DNA methylation. Here, we report the expression and DNA methylation patterns of SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SERK), BABY BOOM (BBM), LEAFY COTYLEDON 2 (LEC2) and WUSCHEL (WUS) in meristematic block of newly emerged shoots from rhizome, embryogenic and non-embryogenic calli, prolonged cell suspension culture, ex vitro leaf, and in vitro leaf of regenerated plants of Boesenbergia rotunda. Among all seven samples, based on qRT-PCR, the highest level of expression of SERK, BBM and LEC2 was in embryogenic callus, while WUS was most highly expressed in meristematic block tissue followed by embryogenic callus. Relatively lower expression was observed in cell suspension culture and watery callus for SERK, LEC2 and WUS and in in vitro leaf for BBM. For gene specific methylation determined by bisulfite sequencing data, embryogenic callus samples had the lowest levels of DNA methylation at CG, CHG and CHH contexts of SERK, LEC2 and WUS. We observed negative correlation between DNA methylation at the CG and CHG contexts and the expression levels of SERK, BBM, LEC2 and WUS. Based on our results, we suggest that relatively higher expression and lower level of DNA methylation of SERK, BBM, LEC2 and WUS are associated with somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in B. rotunda.
  7. Sultan MT, Butt MS, Karim R, Ahmad N, Ahmad RS, Ahmad W
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2015 Mar;28(2):589-95.
    PMID: 25730812
    The onset of 21st century witnessed the awareness among the masses regarding the diet-health linkages. The researchers attempted to explore traditional products/plants were in the domain of pharmacy and nutrition focussing on their health benefits. In the present research intervention, we investigate the role of Nigella sativa fixed oil (NSFO) and essential oil (NSEO) in improving antioxidant status and modulation of enzymes. The National Institute of Health (NIH) provided us 30 Sprague Dawley rats that were equally placed in three groups. The groups were fed on their respective diets (56 days) two experimental diets i.e. D2 (NSFO @ 4.0%) and D3 (NSEO @ 0.30%) and control. The indices pertaining to antioxidant status, antioxidant enzymes, and parameters pertaining to immunity were evaluated at 4 weeks interval. The experimental diets (NSFO@ 4.0% & NSEO@ 0.30%) modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), positively. Indices of antioxidant status like tocopherols and glutathione were in linear relationship with that of GPx, GR and GST (P<0.01). Myeloperoxidase activities were in negative correlation with GST (P<0.01) but positive correlation with some other parameters. In the nutshell, the fixed and essential oil of Nigella sativa are effective in improving the indices pertaining to antioxidant status, however, the immune boosting potential needs further clarification. However, authors are of the view that there is need to explore the molecular targets of Nigella sativa fixed and essential oils. Findings from such studies would be useful to validate this instant study for health promoting potential against diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disorders.
  8. Rosli SZ, Mohd Adzahan N, Karim R, Mahmud Ab Rashid NK
    Molecules, 2022 Dec 30;28(1).
    PMID: 36615505 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010311
    Pennywort (Centella asiatica) is a herbaceous vegetable that is usually served in the form of fresh-cut vegetables and consumed raw. Fresh-cut vegetables are in high demand as they offer convenience, have fresh-like quality and are potentially great for therapeutic applications. However, it could be the cause of foodborne outbreaks. Pulsed light is known as a decontamination method for minimally processed products. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of pulsed light in combination with acidic electrolysed water on the sensory, morphological changes and bioactive components in the leaves of pennywort during storage. A combination of soaking with acidic electrolysed water (AEW) at pH 2.5 and pulsed light (PL) treatment (1.5 J/cm2) was tested on the leaves of pennywort. After treatment, these leaves were refrigerated (4 ± 1 °C) for two weeks and evaluated on the basis of sensory acceptance, the visual appearance of the epidermal cell and bioactive compounds. In terms of sensorial properties, samples treated with the combined treatment were preferred over untreated samples. The combination of AEW and PL 1.5 J/cm2 was the most preferred in terms of purchasing and consumption criteria. Observations of the epidermal cells illustrated that PL treatment kept the cell structure intact. The bioactive phytocompounds found in the leaves of pennywort are mainly from the triterpene glycosides (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid) and are efficiently preserved by the combined treatment applied. In conclusion, the combination of acidic electrolysed water and pulsed light treatment is beneficial in retaining the sensory quality and bioactive compounds in the leaves of Pennywort during storage at 4 ± 1 °C.
  9. Nevara GA, Muhammad SKS, Zawawi N, Mustapha NA, Karim R
    J Sci Food Agric, 2024 Apr;104(6):3216-3227.
    PMID: 38072678 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13208
    BACKGROUND: Kenaf seeds are underutilized kenaf plant by-products, containing essential nutrients including dietary fiber (DF), which can be potentially utilized as food ingredients. The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of kenaf seed fiber fractions extracted from kenaf seed.

    RESULTS: Defatted kenaf seed powder yielded four DF fractions: alkali-soluble hemicellulose (146.4 g kg-1 ), calcium-bound pectin (10.3 g kg-1 ) and acid-soluble pectin (25.4 g kg-1 ) made up the soluble fibre fraction, whereas cellulose (202.2 g kg-1 ) comprised the insoluble fraction. All fractions were evaluated for their physicochemical properties. The DF fractions contained glucose, mannose, xylose and arabinose, and a small amount of uronic acid (1.2-2.7 g kg-1 ). The isolated pectin fractions had a low degree of esterification (14-30%). All the isolated DF fractions had high average molecular weights ranging from 0.3 to 4.3 × 106 g mol-1 . X-ray diffractogram analysis revealed that the fractions consisted mainly of an amorphous structure with a relative crystallinity ranging from 31.6% to 44.1%. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum of kenaf seed and its DF fractions showed typical absorption of polysaccharides, with the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, acetyl and methyl groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the raw material with the rigid structure resulted in soluble and insoluble DF fractions with more fragile and fibrous appearances, respectively. The soluble DF demonstrated greater flowability and compressibility than the insoluble fractions.

    CONCLUSION: These findings provide novel information on the DF fractions of kenaf seeds, which could be used as a potential new DF for the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

  10. Malahayati N, Muhammad K, Bakar J, Karim R
    J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2020;66(Supplement):S179-S183.
    PMID: 33612590 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.66.S179
    Vitamin A deficiency is common in many countries where rice is the staple food. Food fortification is an important strategy to address this problem. As rice noodle is the second principal form of rice products widely consumed in Asia, rice noodles could be a potential vehicle for fortification of vitamin A. In this study, rice noodles were prepared from 0, 300, 600, 1,050, and 1,500 μg of vitamin A per 100 g of rice flour. Samples were analyzed for quality, sensory evaluation, and enhancement of vitamin A intakes. Increasing level of vitamin A fortification did not influence quality and sensory properties of the rice noodles, except for the ash content, color, and appearance of the noodles. Rice noodle that was fortified with the highest level of vitamin A was found to be the darkest in color. However, this sample received scores higher than 6 (like slightly) for appearance. Furthermore, sample fortified with the highest level of vitamin A produced rice noodles with the highest level of vitamin A retention suggesting that noodles were good vehicle for vitamin A fortification. Fortification of rice flour with 1,500 μg of vitamin A produced rice noodles with 24.88% of the RDI for vitamin A per serving and provided an effective means of enhancing vitamin A intake.
  11. Nair S, Karim R, Cardosa MJ, Ismail G, Pang T
    J Microbiol Methods, 1999 Oct;38(1-2):63-7.
    PMID: 10520586
    We describe a convenient, versatile and safe method for preparing bacterial DNA for ribotyping analysis. In this method, extraction of bacterial DNA from Salmnonella typhi and Burkholderia pseudomallei. and subsequent restriction endonuclease digestion, was performed in agarose blocks/plugs thus minimizing shearing and loss of DNA, problems commonly associated with liquid phase phenol extraction. Digested DNA in the plugs was then electrophoresed directly, transferred to nylon membranes and hybridized with labeled rDNA probes in the usual manner to provide reproducible restriction patterns. This method is particularly useful for bacterial species where standard DNA extraction in the liquid phase using phenol has been problematic (e.g. B. pseudomallei) but can be used for any bacterial species. The DNA extracted within the agarose plugs can be stored for long periods and can be used in other, widely-used typing methods such as pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and PCR-based techniques. Embedding live cells directly in agarose plugs also minimizes the risk of exposure to these virulent human pathogens among laboratory workers.
  12. Imran FH, Karim R, Maat NH
    J Med Case Rep, 2016;10(1):120.
    PMID: 27170287 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-016-0918-3
    Successful wound healing depends on various factors, including exudate control, prevention of microbial contaminants, and moisture balance. We report two cases of managing burn wounds with SMARTPORE Technology polyurethane foam dressing.
  13. Shakerardekani A, Karim R
    J Food Sci Technol, 2013 Apr;50(2):409-11.
    PMID: 24425936 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-012-0624-0
    Pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.) is one of the popular tree nuts in the world. Proper selection of packaging materials is necessary to prevent absorption of moisture and aflatoxin formation which will influence the overall product quality and safety. This research is undertaken to study the effect of different type of flexible packaging films on the moisture and aflatoxin contents of whole pistachio nuts during storage at ambient temperature (22-28 °C) and relative humidity of 85-100%. Five types of plastic films tested were low density polyethylene (LDPE) which serves as the control, food-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon (LDPE/PA), polyamide/polypropylene (PA/PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The moisture content and aflatoxin content of pistachio nuts were measured using oven drying method and HPLC, respectively. Sample were analysed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 months during the storage period. Results showed that there was an increase in moisture content with the increase in storage time of pistachio nuts. The increase in moisture content was associated with the aflatoxin level of pistachio nuts during storage time. All the packaging materials except LDPE delayed the moisture absorption and aflatoxin formation of the product. The most suitable packaging materials for maintaining the quality and safety of pistachio nuts is PET films followed by nylon, PA/PP and PVC. The shelf-life of pistachio can be extended from 2 months (Control) to 5 months when PET is used as the packaging material.
  14. Koh PC, Noranizan MA, Karim R, Nur Hanani ZA
    J Food Sci Technol, 2019 May;56(5):2563-2575.
    PMID: 31168138 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-019-03739-0
    Fresh-cut fruits are popular due to the convenience provided. However, fresh-cut processes damage fruit tissues and reduce the shelf life of products. Pulsed light (PL) treatment is a decontamination method of foods. PL treatment given repetitively at a certain interval during storage could further extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruits. Edible coating preserves fresh-cut fruits by providing mechanical strength and reducing respiration and water loss. This study was to evaluate the effects of alginate coating combined with repetitive pulsed light (RPL) on sensory quality and flavour of fresh-cut cantaloupes during storage. Cantaloupes were treated with alginate (1.86%, w/v) and RPL (0.9 J/cm2 at every 48 h up to 26 days) alone or in combination. Flavour analysis of fresh-cut cantaloupes was carried out every 12 days during storage at 4 ± 1 °C while sensory analysis was performed on day 32. Alginate coating and/or RPL retained sugar contents (17.92-20.01 g/kg FW for fructose, 18.77-19.98 g/kg FW for glucose and 23.02-29.41 g/kg FW for sucrose) in fresh-cut cantaloupes during storage. Combination of alginate with RPL reduced accumulation of lactic acid although alginate coating was more effective to minimise changes of other organic acids in fresh-cut cantaloupes. The combined treatment was also more effective than individual treatment in retaining total aroma compound concentration of fresh-cut cantaloupes during storage with the highest relative concentration, i.e. 3.174 on day 36. Overall, the combined alginate coating and RPL was effective to maintain the fresh-like sensory quality of fresh-cut cantaloupes with insignificant overall acceptability compared to the control.
  15. Koh PC, Noranizan MA, Karim R, Nur Hanani ZA, Yusof NL
    J Food Sci Technol, 2020 Jun;57(6):2206-2221.
    PMID: 32431347 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-020-04257-0
    This study was to investigate the effects of optimised alginate coating combined with repetitive pulsed light (RPL) on cell wall composition of fresh-cut cantaloupes during chilled storage. Fresh-cut cantaloupes were coated with alginate (1.86%, w/v) followed by RPL treatment (0.9 J cm-2 at every 48 h up to 26 days) during storage of 36 days. Cell wall composition of fresh-cut cantaloupes was determined at every 12 days while microscopic analysis was conducted on day 2 and day 36. Alginate was effective in maintaining high pectin fractions of fresh-cut cantaloupes while RPL showed greater contribution in maintaining hemicellulose fraction. However, the combination of alginate and RPL was the most effective treatment to maintain the overall cell wall fractions that contributed to the cell wall integrity of fresh-cut cantaloupes during storage. The alginate + RPL samples also had the greatest cell turgidity and shape with well-defined cell walls at the end of storage.
  16. Rosli SZ, Noranizan MA, Radu S, Karim R, Mohd Adzahan N, Aadil RM, et al.
    J Food Sci Technol, 2022 Mar;59(3):1211-1220.
    PMID: 35153331 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-021-05131-3
    Fresh pennywort (Centella asiatica) is usually eaten raw as 'ulam' or salad-like lettuce. Unfortunately, the fresh pennywort has the potential to cause foodborne outbreaks due to pathogens present on the surface and between the leaves, as washing the pennywort using tap water alone cannot guarantee that the pathogens are eliminated. Thus, the efficacies of several sanitizing solutions, i.e., sodium chloride, sodium hypochlorite, acetic acid, acidic electrolyzed water (acidic EW), alkaline electrolyzed water (alkaline EW), and a combination of acidic EW and alkaline EW (acidic-alkaline EW), were evaluated for their potential applications as washing solutions for pennywort. Washing using acidic EW alone or in combination with alkaline EW (two-step washing) reduced the microbial count. In sensory evaluation, all sanitizer solutions were accepted by the panellists with a score greater than 5, except those washing with acetic acid. Overall, the use of acidic EW, either alone or in combination with alkaline EW, was the best treatment to decontaminate microbes while maintaining the physicochemical and sensory properties of pennywort leaves.
  17. Soraya A, Chay SY, Shukri R, Mohamad Ghazali F, Muhammad K, Noranizan MA, et al.
    J Food Sci Technol, 2019 Apr;56(4):1801-1810.
    PMID: 30996416 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-019-03624-w
    Pulsed-UV is an emerging innovation in non-thermal processing and is scarcely explored. This study introduces a combined treatment of microwave and pulsed-UV to reduce the microbial load in yellow alkaline noodle (YAN), a popular staple food among South East Asians that is easily perishable, without jeopardising its textural qualities. Results indicated that the combination of 5 s microwave (power = 900 W; frequency = 2450 MHz) and 3.5 J/cm2 pulsed-UV significantly reduced aerobic plate count and spore forming bacteria, from 637.5 to 50 CFU/g and 1500 to 100 CFU/g, respectively. In terms of textural properties, even though significant changes were detected in hardness and springiness for treated YAN kept at ambient storage as compared to control, the alterations were not prominent. Based on these observations, it is concluded that a combined treatment of microwave and pulsed-UV successfully improved the shelf life of YAN at ambient storage by 50%, from 1.0 day (control) to 1.5 days (treated sample) and by 140%, from 2.0 to 4.8 weeks at chilled storage. Current study proves the potential of microwave + pulsed-UV, a "green" hurdle treatment, to extend the shelf life of preservative-free YAN without causing major undesirable textural alterations on the noodle.
  18. Koh PC, Noranizan MA, Karim R, Nur Hanani ZA
    J Food Sci Technol, 2016 Apr;53(4):1798-810.
    PMID: 27413207 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-015-2139-y
    The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cut type and pulsed light (PL) fluence on microbiological stability and quality of fresh-cut cantaloupes. Fresh-cut cantaloupes with various cut types (cuboid, triangular prism and sphere) were treated with PL technology at 6 J/cm(2). Samples were exposed to PL treatment at fluences of 2.7, 7.8, 11.7 and 15.6 J/cm(2) followed by storage at 4 ± 1 °C for 28 days. Microbiological quality, headspace composition, firmness, colour, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total phenolic content and ascorbic acid content of fresh-cut cantaloupes were determined. Spherical shape was found to be the most suitable shape for PL treatment of fresh-cut cantaloupes due to its significantly lowest (p ≤ 0.05) microbial counts before and after the PL treatment. No significant (p > 0.05) effect was observed for firmness, colour, total soluble solids and total phenolic content of fresh-cut cantaloupes throughout the storage study. Pulsed light treatment using 7.8 J/cm(2) was the best for extending shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupes with extension of 8 days longer at 4 ± 1 °C compared to the control while maintaining the ascorbic acid content. In conclusion, PL treatment is a potential technique for extending the shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupes by inactivating microorganisms without compromising the nutritional value.
  19. Giwa Ibrahim S, Karim R, Saari N, Wan Abdullah WZ, Zawawi N, Ab Razak AF, et al.
    J Food Sci, 2019 Aug;84(8):2015-2023.
    PMID: 31364175 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.14714
    Kenaf belongs to the family Malvaceae noted for their economic and horticultural importance. Kenaf seed is a valuable component of kenaf plant. For several years, it has been primarily used as a cordage crop and secondarily as a livestock feed. The potential for using kenaf seeds as a source of food-based products has not been fully exploited. Consumers are becoming more interested in naturally healthy plant-based food products. Kenaf seed, the future crop with a rich source of essential nutrients and an excellent source of phytocompounds, might serve suitable roles in the production of value-added plant-based foods. At present kenaf seed and its value-added components have not been effectively utilized for both their nutritional and functional properties as either ingredient or major constituent of food products. This review focuses on the possible food applications of kenaf seed and its value-added components based on their nutritional composition and functional properties available in literature, with the purpose of providing an overview on the possible food applications of this underutilized seed. The review focuses on a brief introduction on kenaf plant, nutritional function, lipids and proteins composition and food applications of the seed. The review elaborately discusses the seed in terms of; bioactive components, antioxidants enrichment of wheat bread, antimicrobial agents, as edible flour, as edible oil and a source of protein in food system. The review closes with discussion on other possible food applications of kenaf seed. The need for food scientists and technologists to exploit this natural agricultural product as a value-added food ingredient is of great significance and is emphasized.
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