Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 33 in total

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  1. Bite envenomation by Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae) spiders in Malaysia
    Mokhtar AS, Muslimin M, Mat-Saat AY, Ghazali AM, Ismail AK, Abdul-Aziz NM
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Dec 01;38(4):568-577.
    PMID: 35001923 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.4.100
    We report two confirmed human bite cases by Lactrodectus geometricus , also known as the brown widow spider. These are the first reported bite envenomation incidents by L. geometricus in Malaysia. The incidents occurred in Tawau, Sabah and Paka, Terengganu. Both men were bitten on their ear while putting on motorcycle helmets. The spiders appeared to have nested in the helmets. The dead specimens were collected and sent to the Invertebrate and Vertebrate Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Parasitology, Universiti Malaya for identification. The species identity was confirmed by DNA barcoding.
  2. Fulltext The effect of diet control on the leptin levels in diabetic pregnant women
    Muna KA, Mokhtar A, Saad MA, Ahmed AA, Akbar JB
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2015;14(1):59-63.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Leptin is an adipokine that has strong correlation with the body mass index (BMI). Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical complication associated with pregnancy. Leptin may lose its correlation with the body mass index (BMI) during diabetes due to hormonal rearrangement. Diet control is the first line management in GDM. Leptin reported to increase in pregnancy and further increases in diabetic patients during GDM screening. There is paucity in the reports concerning Leptin levels in GDM patients on diet control. The present study was aimed to evaluate the changes in maternal leptin in pregnancy complicated by GDM on diet control compared to the normal pregnancy in the 3rd trimesters by comparing the means and to find the correlation of Leptin with the body mass index in both groups.
    Methods: The study included 2 groups: normal pregnancy (n = 40) and pregnancy with GDM under diet control (n = 60) both groups are at 38-40 weeks of gestation. Leptin concentration in serum was measured in both groups and statistically tested using student t test. The BMI were measured and correlated with the Leptin level in test groups.
    Results: the results indicated that Leptin will nearly triple in the third trimester (38±30 ng/ml) of pregnancy compared to the standard normal non-pregnant. Leptin level was significantly lower in diabetic women on diet control (28±16 ng/ ml) when compared with the non-diabetics (38±30 ng/ml). The hormone has no correlation with the age of the patients but have a positive correlation with the body mass index before and during pregnancy in both groups.
    Conclusion: Leptin is increasing in pregnancy as part of the physiological changes. Dieting can decrease Leptin level in diabetics’ pregnant women. Diet can restore the hormonal dysregulation of Leptin. Assessment of Leptin level might be used as an indicator for good diet control during pregnancy.
    Study site: Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA), Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
  3. Climate change, tsunami and biodiversity endangered at the South China Sea, past, current and prediction models for the future: A comprehensive study
    Razi MAM, Daud HZBH, Mokhtar A, Mahamud M, Rahmat SN, Al-Gheethi AA
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2022 Jan 21;175:113255.
    PMID: 35074593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113255
    In this study, the climate change, tsunami and biodiversity for 336 km coastline endangered at the South China Sea was investigated with the review for the past, current and prediction models for the future. The hydraulic study of the coastal area was conducted using a well-established 2D numerical model suite Delft3D. The study revealed that the generated earthquakes at the convergence zone in the last century are small (Mw7.3), the possibility that a megathrust earthquake event in the SCS basin occurs in the future. The study area comprises a narrow strip of vegetation notably dominated by Casuarina equisetifolia with other coastal plants. Mangrove forests are found along the coastline and estuaries that are overlaid with marine alluvial soils. The current paper is the first comprehensive study of the South China Sea, and the findings increase the awareness among the public to understand the risk associated with environmental pollution.
  4. Fulltext An Undiagnosed Non Functioning Retroperitoneum Paraganglioma, Complicating A Gynaecological Surgery; A Case Report
    Noraziana, A.W., Hakim, B., Mokhtar, A., Alik, R.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2010;9(1):59-61.
    MyJurnal
    Paragangliomas are uncommon tumors arising from the neuroendocrine elements (chief cells) of the paraganglia and symmetrically distributed along the aorta in close association with the sympathetic chain. Although functional tumors are easier to diagnose due to the clinical fi ndings caused by excess secretion of catecholamines and an elevation of the urinary catecholamine levels, however the diagnosis of nonfunctioning paraganglioma of the retroperitoneum is diffi cult and only few cases have been made before exploratory laparotomy. Although our patient was initially planned and operated by our gynaecological team, the incidental findings had to involve the general surgeons. She is fortunate that the tumour did not show any features of malignancy nor metastasis, however a long time follow up is needed in case of any possible recurrence.
  5. Fulltext Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among women attending gynaecology clinic and its effect on their social life
    Zalina, N., Ruqaiyah, B. R., Hamizah, I., Roszaman, R., Mokhtar, A., Rozihan, I., et al.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2016;15(1):97-102.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) is a highly prevalent disease which varies by geography
    and culture. It influences the quality of life and has social implication. The objectives of this study are to
    estimate the prevalence of LUTS among women attending our gynaecology clinic, the associated risk factors
    and their quality of life. Method: This is a cross sectional study on women attending gynaecology clinic in a
    tertiary centre. Participants were given 3 sets of validated self-answered questionnaire, UDI-6, IIQ-7 and
    OAB V8. Results: the prevalence of luts is 50.6% which is common among Malay women. Forty nine percent
    is due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The risk of LUTS is significantly associated with obesity (AOR =
    12.14 95% CI = 1.21 to 121.99, p – value = 0.034), higher parity (AOR = 1.68 95% CI = 1.26 to 2.24, p – value =
  6. Lambda light chain myeloma with co-migrating paraprotein at beta region on agarose gel electrophoresis: a case report
    Siti Sarah M, Nor Aini U, Nurismah MI, Hafiza A, Khalidah M, Mokhtar AB, et al.
    Clin Ter, 2014;165(1):35-9.
    PMID: 24589949 DOI: 10.7471/CT.2014.1659
    Paraproteinemia is one of the diagnostic features of multiple myeloma. A commonly used method is the detection of paraprotein by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) followed by by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) to confirm monoclonality. Due to their smaller size, immunoglobulin A (IgA) and light chain only paraproteins may appear at the beta or even alpha 2 protein fractions. Here, we discuss a case report of a 47-year-old man who presented with pathological fracture of third thoracic (T3) vertebra. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) was initially reported as no paraprotein detected. However, a bone biopsy was reported to show plasma cell proliferation with light chain restriction. A repeat sample for protein electrophoresis together with IFE revealed lambda light chain paraprotein co-migrating at the beta region. The beta band plus paraprotein was quantitated as 4.3 g/L (7.0%), which was within normal limits of the beta protein fraction. Hence, it has to be remembered that if the SPE is negative, it does not necessarily mean that the paraprotein is absent in cases which are highly suspicious.
  7. Fulltext In vivo and in vitro evaluation of the effects of Urtica dioica and swimming activity on diabetic factors and pancreatic beta cells
    Ranjbari A, Azarbayjani MA, Yusof A, Halim Mokhtar A, Akbarzadeh S, Ibrahim MY, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2016 Mar 15;16:101.
    PMID: 26980377 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1064-6
    BACKGROUND: Urtica dioica (UD) has been identified as a traditional herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the effect of UD extract and swimming activity on diabetic parameters through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

    METHODS: Adult WKY male rats were randomly distributed in nine groups: intact control, diabetic control, diabetic + 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, diabetic + 100 mg/kg Metformin, diabetic + swimming, diabetic + swimming 625 mg/kg, 1.25 g/kg UD, and diabetic +100 mg/kg Metformin + swimming. The hearts of the animals were punctured, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The entire pancreas was exposed for histologic examination. The effect of UD on insulin secretion by RIN-5F cells in 6.25 or 12.5 mM glucose dose was examined. Glucose uptake by cultured L6 myotubes was determined.

    RESULTS: The serum glucose concentration decreased, the insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity significantly increased in treated groups. These changes were more pronounced in the group that received UD extract and swimming training. Regeneration and less beta cell damage of Langerhans islets were observed in the treated groups. UD treatment increased insulin secretion in the RIN-5F cells and glucose uptake in the L6 myotubes cells.

    CONCLUSIONS: Swimming exercises accompanied by consuming UD aqueous extracts effectively improved diabetic parameters, repaired pancreatic tissues in streptozotocin-induced diabetics in vivo, and increased glucose uptake or insulin in UD-treated cells in vitro.

  8. Fulltext The effects of subdermal hormonal contraceptive implant on health indices. A preliminary report
    Murad, A.Z., Mokhtar, A., Sudesan, R., Lee, S.F., Ghazali, I.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2007;6(2):1-16.
    MyJurnal
    Subdermal etonogestrel implant (Implanon®) is the newest, long term contraceptive implant which has recently been made available to Malaysian women. This prospective study was conducted to determine the effects on selected health indices among 42 women who had consented to Implanon® as their choice of contraception. Health indices were checked prior to Implanon® insertion and six months post insertion. Findings indicate a significant reduction in total cholesterol with a significant increase in total haemoglobin and BMI. However there was no significant change noted in the fasting blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.
  9. Fulltext Halal practices integrity and halal supply chain trust in Malaysian halal food supply chain
    Kamisah, S., Mokhtar, A., Hafsah, A.
    International Food Research Journal, 2018;25(101):57-62.
    MyJurnal
    Halal food industry has grown substantively worldwide in the last few years. It has become increasingly crucial to Muslim consumers due to its safety, hygiene and quality assurance. In Islam, Muslim consumers follow the Shariah and the food they consume should be halalan-thoyyiban, i.e. lawful or permissible, authentic, wholesome, and safe. In Malaysia, halal food manufacturers should comply with MS1500:2009 in order to obtain halal certification (halal logo). However, there is an increasing number of halal logo misuse cases and halal food’s questionable status. In addition, any improper description and inappropriate preparation of halal food has significant impacts unto the demand for halal food and buyers’ trust in consuming halal food. Hence, trust is an essential element in food production and it must be upheld along the halal food supply chain by all the parties involved. Given the significant role of trust in halal food production among Muslim consumers, this study aimed at examining the influence of halal practices integrity on halal supply chain trust and supply chain performance. Using a quantitative approach, survey questionnaires were distributed to 212 Malaysian halal food and beverages companies during halal food exhibitions and festivals. Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Square was used to analyze the collected data. The findings showed that halal practices integrity is significantly related to halal supply chain trust and supply chain performance. The results revealed that halal supply chain trust is significantly important in enhancing halal practices integrity and supply chain performance. The Malaysian government and various agencies in the halal industry should seriously take part in the development and promotion of halal food products to maintain consumer trust. The findings of this study would give some insights into the halal food supply chain integrity.
  10. Fulltext Prenatal diagnosis of Hb Bart's hydrops fetalis in West Malaysia: the identification of the alpha thal 1 defect by PCR based strategies
    George E, Mokhtar AB, Azman ZA, Hasnida K, Saripah S, Hwang CM
    Singapore Med J, 1996 Oct;37(5):501-4.
    PMID: 9046203
    Haemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis is the result of complete absence of functional alpha-globin genes where the fetus is homozygous for the alpha 0-thal gene. Prenatal diagnosis can be made by analysis of fetal DNA from chorionic villus, amniotic cells and fetal blood. Earlier studies for analysing genomic DNA needed digestion with restriction enzymes and hybridisation to radiolabelled probes which took 2 weeks. We have used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and non-radioactive primers to identify specific target sequences with results available within 1-3 days for the diagnosis of haemoglobin Bart's syndrome. With fetal blood samples, complete absence of alpha-chain synthesis is confirmed by globin chain electrophoresis on cellulose acetate pH 6.0.
  11. Fulltext The entrapped twin: a case of fetus-in-fetu
    Yaacob R, Zainal Mokhtar A, Abang Jamari DZH, Jaafar N
    BMJ Case Rep, 2017 Sep 23;2017.
    PMID: 28942402 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220801
    Fetus-in-fetu (FIF) is a rare entity in which malformed parasitic twin grows inside the body of its twin. It is most commonly presented with mass in the abdomen. We present a case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with abdominal mass since infancy. Radiological investigations are suggestive of FIF. Intraoperatively, malformed fetus in a sac was found and excised. Postoperatively the patient recovers well and was put on follow-up.
  12. Identification of rickettsiae from wild rats and cat fleas in Malaysia
    Tay ST, Mokhtar AS, Low KC, Mohd Zain SN, Jeffery J, Abdul Aziz N, et al.
    Med Vet Entomol, 2014 Aug;28 Suppl 1:104-8.
    PMID: 25171613 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12075
    Rickettsioses are emerging zoonotic diseases reported worldwide. In spite of the serological evidence of spotted fever group rickettsioses in febrile patients in Malaysia, limited studies have been conducted to identify the animal reservoirs and vectors of rickettsioses. This study investigated the presence of rickettsiae in the tissue homogenates of 95 wild rats and 589 animal ectoparasites. Using PCR assays targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA), rickettsial DNA was detected in the tissue homogenates of 13 (13.7%) wild rats. Sequence analysis of the gltA amplicons showed 98.6-100% similarity with those of Rickettsia honei/R. conorii/R. raoultii (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae). Sequence analysis of outer membrane protein A gene (ompA) identified Rickettsia sp. TCM1 strain from two rats. No rickettsia was detected from Laelaps mites, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa ticks, and Felicola subrostratus lice in this study. R. felis was identified from 32.2% of 177 Ctenocephalides felis fleas. Sequence analysis of the gltA amplicons revealed two genotypes of R. felis (Rf31 and RF2125) in the fleas. As wild rats and cat fleas play an important role in the enzoonotic maintenance of rickettsiae, control of rodent and flea populations may be able to reduce transmission of rickettsioses in the local setting.
  13. Badminton injuries in youth competitive players
    Goh SL, Mokhtar AH, Mohamad Ali MR
    J Sports Med Phys Fitness, 2013 Feb;53(1):65-70.
    PMID: 23470913
    The aim of the study was to examine sports injury pattern and establish cost of injuries in relation to training of 58 competitive badminton players in a Malaysian National Sports School.
  14. Takayasu arteritis in major rheumatology centers in Malaysia
    Khor CG, Tan BE, Kan SL, Tsang EE, Lim AL, Chong EY, et al.
    J Clin Rheumatol, 2016 Jun;22(4):194-7.
    PMID: 27219306 DOI: 10.1097/RHU.0000000000000362
    OBJECTIVE: There is paucity of data for Takayasu arteritis (TAK) among South Asians. We aimed to evaluate the clinical features, angiographic findings, as well as treatment and outcome of TAK among Malaysian multiethnic groups.

    METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 40 patients with TAK seen in major rheumatology centres in Malaysia between April 2006 and September 2013.

    RESULTS: Majority were female patients (92.5%), with a female-to-male ratio of 12:1. Median duration of disease from diagnosis was 66 months (interquartile range, 33-177 months). Fifteen (37.5%) were Malays, 9 (22.5%) each were Indians and indigenous from East Malaysia and 7 (17.5%) were Chinese. Indian and indigenous from East Malaysia were overrepresented in this disease. The mean (SD) age of symptom onset and diagnosis were 25.5 (8.1) and 27.4 (8.4), respectively. The 3 most common clinical presentations at diagnosis were diminished or absent pulse, which occurred in 80% of the patients, followed by blood pressure discrepancy (60%) and arterial bruit (52.5%). There was no difference in clinical presentation among ethnic groups. The subclavian artery was the commonest vessel involved (72.5%), followed by the carotid artery (65%) and renal artery (47.5%). Eight patients had coronary artery involvement, and 2 patients had pulmonary artery involvement. Type I arterial involvement was the commonest (80.0%), followed by type IV (35%), present in isolation or mixed type. Glucocorticoid was the main medical treatment (90.0%). Nineteen patients (47.5%) underwent revascularization procedures. Five patients died during the follow-up period.

    CONCLUSIONS: The Malaysian TAK cohort had similarities with and differences from other published TAK cohort. A nationwide TAK registry is needed to determine the prevalence of the disease among different ethnic groups.
  15. Fulltext Spinal tuberculosis: a five-year review of cases at the National Tuberculosis Centre
    Jalleh RD, Kuppusamy I, Mahayiddin AA, Yaacob MF, Yusuf NA, Mokhtar A
    Med J Malaysia, 1991 Sep;46(3):269-73.
    PMID: 1839924
    We reviewed 31 cases (19 males and 12 females) of spinal tuberculosis seen at the National Tuberculosis Centre from 1985 to 1989. The mean age was 35.4 years. The predominant clinical feature was backache (90.3%), while neurological features were found in 30.9%. An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (in 80.0%) and a positive Mantoux test (in 70.9%) served as useful investigations. Spinal x-ray was abnormal in all cases, the lumbar spine being most commonly involved. Bacteriological or histopathological confirmation was obtained in only 29.0% of cases. The mainstay of treatment was anti-tuberculous chemotherapy with surgery being performed in 41.9% of patients.
  16. Enhanced performance with elastic resistance during the eccentric phase of a countermovement jump
    Aboodarda SJ, Yusof A, Abu Osman NA, Thompson MW, Mokhtar AH
    Int J Sports Physiol Perform, 2013 Mar;8(2):181-7.
    PMID: 23428490
    To identify the effect of additional elastic force on the kinetic and kinematic characteristics, as well as the magnitude of leg stiffness, during the performance of accentuated countermovement jumps (CMJs).
  17. Fulltext A retrospective review of 25 cases of lethal fetal anomalies
    Dalia, F.A., Hamizah, I., Zalina, N., Yong, S.L., Mokhtar, A.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2016;15(1):19-23.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: To review the gestational age at diagnosis, method of diagnosis, pregnancy outcome and
    maternal complications of prenatally diagnosed lethal foetal anomalies. Methods: Retrospective review of 25
    women who had aborted or delivered foetuses with lethal anomalies in a tertiary hospital in 2011 based on
    patient medical records. Results: There were a total of 10,088 deliveries, in which 25 (0.24%) women were
    found to have conceived foetuses with lethal anomalies. All of them were diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound
    and only 7 (28.0%) had both prenatal ultrasound and genetic study done. The women’s mean age was 29.9
    years old. The mean gestational age at diagnosis of lethal foetal anomalies was 25.5 weeks (SD=12.5) and
    mean gestational age at termination of pregnancy (TOP) or delivery was 28.5 weeks (SD=12.5). Seven (28%)
    women had early counseling and TOP at the gestation of < 22 weeks. Beyond 22 weeks of gestation, eight
    (32%) women had TOP and ten (40%) women had spontaneous delivery. Twenty (80%) women delivered or
    aborted vaginally, three (12%) women with assisted breech delivery and two (8%) women with abdominal
    delivery which were performed due to transverse foetal lie in labour and a failed induction, leading to
    emergency hysterotomy complicated by hysterectomy due to intraoperative finding of ruptured uterus.
    Overall, the associated post-partum adverse events included post-partum haemorrhage (12%), retained
    placenta (12%), blood transfusion (8%), uterine rupture (4%) and endometritis (4%). Mean duration of hospital
    stay was 6.6 days (SD 3.7 days). Conclusion: Late diagnosis of lethal foetal anomalies leads to various
    maternal morbidities, in this case series , which could have been prevented if they were diagnosed and
    terminated at early trimester. A new direction is needed in our local practice.
  18. Fulltext Monoamniotic Twin Pregnancy; is There a Need for Frequent Fetal-Doppler Surveillance?
    Suhaiza, A., Che Anuar, C.Y., Nik Zuky, N.L., Mokhtar, A.
    International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2010;9(2):57-58.
    MyJurnal
    Monoamniotic twin pregnancy is a rare type of twin pregnancy which poses risk of cord entanglement and
    sudden death of either one or both fetuses. The role of antenatal surveillance by Ultrasound Doppler for
    umbilical cord and ultrasonic evidence of cord entanglement or knotting may predict the pregnancy outcome
    but yet unavoidable. The discussion will include antenatal surveillance in this rare type of pregnancy.
  19. Fulltext Female urinary retention in the young and elderly: a case report and review of literature
    Hakim, B., Saw, Ohnmar, Malhi, F.S., Syed Rahim, S.H., Noraziana, A.W., Suhaiza, A., et al.
    Asian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;1(1):0-0.
    MyJurnal
    Urinary retention rarely affects women. In obstructive retention the source must be determined and treated to allow the patient to void normally. A common anatomic cause of urinary retention is extrinsic compression due to a pelvic mass. In addition, obstruction can also be seen in women with pelvic organ prolapse. Haematocolpos and uterine fibroids have also been documented as causes of acute urinary retention.

    The following cases of female urinary retention highlight the need to consider haematocolpos in the adolescent girl who has not attained menarche and fibroids in the older female.
  20. Fulltext Screening for thalassaemia in pregnant women: a laboratory perspective
    George E, Khoo SK, Mokhtar AB, Nor Aini U
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2005;1(2):111-117.
    Aims: To investigate whether in Malaysia, a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) less than 80 fl and a mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) less than 27 pg will identify carriers in pregnant women with severe forms of thalassaemia, a-thal 1 (a0) and classical b (b0)-thalassaemia. The results from this study will aid the implementation of a national program to screen for thalassaemia.
    Methods: For classical b (b0)-thalassaemia, blood samples collected in EDTA from 153 pregnant women were taken for full blood counts and haemoglobin subtyping by automated blood counting and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) respectively. For a-thal 1 (a0), the full blood counts were obtained from archives of 30 pregnant women who were genotyped positive for the a-thal 1 (a0) during prenatal diagnosis for Hb Barts hydrops fetalis. The effects of storage on MCV, MCH and Hb A2 were determined by tests done daily for 3 weeks.
    Results: By correlating red cell indices with high performance liquid chromatography and genotypic data, we show that mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80 fl and mean corpuscular haemoglobin <27pg is able to detect all heterozygous carriers of a-thal 1 (a0) and classical b (b0)-thalassaemia. On storage, the MCV of heterozygous carriers with classical b (b0)-thalassaemia rose at 1% a day after 24 hours reaching a mean of 80 fl by day 15. However, the MCH and Hb A2 were stable for 3 weeks.
    Conclusion: A mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <80 fl and mean corpuscular haemoglobin <27pg should be recommended as cut-off values for screening of carriers of a-thal 1 (a0) and classical b (b0)-thalassaemia. In blood samples, not processed within a day, MCH with a cut-off value of 27 pg is the recommended choice for screening of carriers. Keywords: Screen, thalassaemia, pregnant, MCV, MCH
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