Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 161 in total

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  1. Noor Aini Mohd. Yusoff, Zalina Abu Zaid, Raiza Sham, Rosita Jamaluddin, Suzana Shahar, A. Rahman A. Jamal
    MyJurnal
    Malnutrition is common among pediatric oncology patients. Factors contributing to malnutrition include physiological abnormalities, response to the tumors and side effects of the treatment. A pilot study was carried out to determine the nutritional status of 17 pediatric oncology patients aged 4 to 12 years old in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The
    nutritional status was assessed via anthropometric measurements and dietary intake through 3 days repeatitive 24 hours diet recall with subjects and their carers. Biochemical profiles (serum albumin and hemoglobin) were reviewed from the medical record. Through anthropometry measurements, weight and height were used to calculate Z-scores and further determine the percentile weight-for-age, height-for-age using NCHS percentile charts (WHO 1983). Frisancho’s standards (1981) were used to define malnutrition based on MUACfor- age. Underweight as determined using z scores below -2 for weight-for-age was observed in 70.6% of the subjects. Whilst, 76.5% of the subjects were classified as stunted (z score < –2) for height-for-age. Based on MUAC-for-age percentile, the sign of severe malnutrition category (<5 percentile) was observed in 35.3% of the subject and 23.6% of the subject were in the moderate malnutrition (>5 – <10 percentile). About 70.6% of the subject had low haemoglobin (< 11 g/dl) and 29.4% of the subject were hypoalbuminemia (< 35 g/dl) . Total macronutrient intake was assessed and compared with the individual requirement (Seashore 1984) for energy and protein intake were satisfactory, except for subjects in age group 10 – 12 years who achieved only 70% of the individuals requirements. As a conclusion, although food intake of the subjects was satisfactory but chronic malnutrition was prevalent. Early recognition of malnutrition is essential in order to plan for a nutritional intervention and further enhancing the quality of life.
    Key words: Nutritional status, pediatric oncology, anthropometric, dietary intake, biochemical profile.
  2. Munirah Ismail, Choong Yin Chun, Noor Aini Mohd Yusoff, Suzana Shahar, Zahara Abdul Manaf, Roslee Rajikan, et al.
    Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42:373-380.
    In thalassaemic patients, the impact of the disease especially on quality of life (QOL) of the caregivers in Malaysia has not been established. This study was conducted to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of thalassaemia patients and their caregivers in order to explore factors affecting their QOL. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 75 thalassaemic children and adolescents aged between 7 and 18 years old and their caregivers. The PedsQLTM 4.0
    generic core scales questionnaire was administered to both thalassaemic children and their caregivers while the health questionnaire EQ 5D was given to caregivers only. The subjects were recruited from Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). The results revealed that the mean of psychosocial HRQOL score in patients (63.91±14.65) was significantly lower than parent proxy reports (67.14±10.48) (p=0.008). The
    school functioning score (50.59±15.31) was the lowest of the psychosocial measure, followed by emotional functioning (59.92±16.83) and social functioning (78.01±13.92) score. The patients’ pre-transfusion haemoglobin concentration was significantly associated with their QOL (p=0.02). Having more children, higher numbers of thalassaemic children and lower educational level of caregivers were associated with poorer QOL. In conclusion, caregivers underestimated
    the QOL of their thalassaemic children. The school functioning domain was affected the most domain. There is a need to improve the QOL of thalassaemic children and their caregivers.
  3. Ab Rahman AF
    Hum Exp Toxicol, 2002 Jul;21(7):377-81.
    PMID: 12269700
    A retrospective review of medical records was carried out to determine the pattern of drug and chemical poisoning cases admitted to a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Medical records of patients admitted during the period January 1987 to December 1995 were reviewed. They accounted for 0.2% of total admissions during the period. While all ages were represented, there was predominance of children, which showed little change throughout the nine-year period. Of all cases of poisoning, 77.8% were unintentional, 12.6% intentional and 9.6% were undetermined. Kerosene, pesticides and medicinal substances remained the common agents associated with poisoning. A significant number of patients sought treatment elsewhere before being admitted to the hospital. Of those who came directly to the hospital, many were presented late in the course of their poisoning. Only seven patients died and none were children. This study supports the need for greater emphasis on prevention of poisoning in children and among farmers in the state.
  4. Mohd Zain Z, Fathelrahman AI, Ab Rahman AF
    Singapore Med J, 2006 Feb;47(2):134-7.
    PMID: 16435055
    Paracetamol is available as an over-the-counter medication in many countries including Malaysia. This drug has been implicated in many poisoning cases admitted to hospitals throughout the country.
  5. Sivanesaratnam V, Abd Rahman A
    Med J Malaysia, 1984 Mar;39(1):69-72.
    PMID: 6513843
    A review of our experience of 916 cases ofpartial bilateral vasectomy performed under local anaesthesia at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur during the
    period between January 1971 and June 1980 is presented. Minor post-operative complications occurred in 5.8% of cases with a low post-operative infection rate of 1.2%. In 35% ofpatients, persistence of non-motile sperms in the semen were seen after at least ten ejaculations in each instance. In four of these cases non-motile sperms continued to persist into the sixth month of follow-up even after at least 50 ejaculations in each instance.
  6. Mehde AA, Mehdi WA, Yusof F, Raus RA, Zainal Abidin ZA, Ghazali H, et al.
    J Clin Lab Anal, 2018 Jan;32(1).
    PMID: 28205286 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22173
    BACKGROUND: Nephrolithiasis is one of the causes which lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases degrading extracellular matrix which correlate with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The current study was designed to analyze the association of (R279Q, C1562T) polymorphism of MMP-9 with nephrolithiasis patients.

    METHODS: Genotyping of MMP-9/R279Q and of MMP-9/C1562T polymorphism were carried out by PCR-based restriction digestion method. Serum level of MMP-9, oxidative stress marker, MDA, and uric acid were measured in patients and control.

    RESULTS: Allele frequencies of the MMP-9/C1562T polymorphism for C and T allele were 71.25% and 28.75% in patients, 87.08% and 12.92% in control respectively. The homozygote TT was more frequent in the nephrolithiasis patients group, while T allele frequency was significantly higher in the nephrolithiasis patients group than in the control group. The patients with CT and TT genotype showed a significant increase in serum MMP-9, Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and uric acid when compared to CC genotype in patients with nephrolithiasis. The R279Q polymorphism site with regard to the relationship with nephrolithiasis was not significant.

    CONCLUSION: The result indicates that patients with TT genotype had an increased risk of stones. Also, the results demonstrate that TT allele of the C1562T polymorphism in the MMP-9gene is related with an increase of oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients and may possibly impose a risk for cardiovascular diseases in patients with TT genotype of MMP-9.

  7. Zainol Abidin N, Abidin EZ, Zulkifli A, Syed Ismail SN, Karuppiah K, Amer Nordin AS, et al.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2018 Feb 26;19(2):457-462.
    PMID: 29480664
    Background: Consistency and accuracy of results in assessing health risks due to vaping or e-cigarette use are difficult to achieve without established consumption data. The present report covers baseline data on vaping topography and reasons for use among local users in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
    Methods: An 80-item survey regarding socio-demographic characteristics, smoking topography and reasons for e-cigarette use was employed to assess e-cigarette users recruited from several public universities and private organisations. The survey questionnaire was self-administered. Data were analysed using statistical software.
    Results: Eighty-six current e-cigarette users participated with more than half (51.2%) of them aged ≥ 25 years old. Significant proportions of the sample were single (51.2%), had a tertiary education level (63.5%) and a household income of less than USD1000 per month (65.2%). Median duration of e-cigarette use was less than a year; users drew approximately 50 puffs per day and refilled twice a day. The majority (74%) used e-liquids containing nicotine with a concentration of 6 μg/mL. Daily users spent USD18-23 per month. Reasons for using the e-cigarette included enjoyment of the products (85.9%), perception of lower toxicity than tobacco (87%), and the fact that it was a cheaper smoking alternative (61%).
    Conclusion: The data on e-cigarette smoking topography obtained in this study are novel. The reasons of usage were mainly users’ enjoyment of e-cigarettes, preparation for quitting smoking, perception of low toxicity and a healthier smoking substitute and cheapness in the long run. The results establish basic knowledge for the local vaping topography and reference material for future e-cigarette-related research.
  8. Awang R, Abd Rahman AF, Wan Abdullah WZA, Lajis R, Abdul Majid MI
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Aug;58(3):375-9.
    PMID: 14750377
    This report describes inquiries relating to poisoning cases which were received by the National Poison Centre of Malaysia from the years 1996 to 2000. The study utilized data from the NPC report forms. Only data relating to patient contact with a poison or chemical were included in the analysis. The poison centre received an average of 186 poisoning inquiries per year. Doctors remained the highest group of caller to the poison centre throughout the five-year period. Nearly 50% of all inquiries was regarding pesticide poisoning and this trend remained constant during the five-year period. Overall, the findings showed that poisoning inquiries relating to patient care were lower than in Japan and the United States.
  9. Naes SM, Ab-Rahim S, Mazlan M, Abdul Rahman A
    Biomed Res Int, 2020;2020:5197626.
    PMID: 33344638 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5197626
    Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 2 (ENT2) is a bidirectional transporter embedded in the biological membrane and is ubiquitously found in most tissue and cell types. ENT2 mediates the uptake of purine and pyrimidine nucleosides and nucleobase besides transporting a variety of nucleoside-derived drugs, mostly in anticancer therapy. Since high expression of ENT2 has been correlated with advanced stages of different types of cancers, consequently, this has gained significant interest in the role of ENT2 as a potential therapeutic target. Furthermore, ENT2 plays critical roles in signaling pathway and cell cycle progression. Therefore, elucidating the physiological roles of ENT2 and its properties may contribute to a better understanding of ENT2 roles beyond their transportation mechanism. This review is aimed at highlighting the main roles of ENT2 and at providing a brief update on the recent research.
  10. Ismail R, Sarriff A, Abdul Rahman AF
    Med J Malaysia, 1990 Mar;45(1):57-64.
    PMID: 2152070
    We evaluated the usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for gentamicin and the use of a two-point peak and trough pair concentration method to adjust its dose. Of the 194 patients included, initial concentrations were appropriate in only sixty nine. In the seventy one cases of dosage adjustments using this method, those attaining therapeutic levels increased overall from 38% to 67%. It is concluded that TDM for gentamicin with dosage adjustment using this simple pharmacokinetic approach is useful and adequate in monitoring for gentamicin therapy.
  11. Agbaje, R., Hassan, C. Z., Norlelawati, A., Huda-Faujan, N., Abdul Rahman, A.
    MyJurnal
    The need for nutritional and functional foods has increased. Consumers, these days, do not
    eat snacks only to provide satisfaction for their hunger, but also to supply essential nutrients
    to body. The objective of this study was to develop six formulations of granolas/cereal bars
    using different combination of Sunnah fruits such as dates (Phoenix dactylifera), raisins (Vitis
    vinifera L.) and figs (Ficus carica). The cereal bars were formulated using dry raw materials
    (glutinous rice, black Cummins, etc.) and binding agents (honey and glucose syrup). The cereal
    bars were assessed for water activity and proximate composition. It was observed that the
    sample B, made with 70 g of glucose syrup, 100 g honey and 450 g of total fruits had the
    highest value of moisture (18.73%) as compared to other formulations (P˂ 0.05). There were no
    differences in protein contents of the cereal bars formulated. Ash contents of the formulations
    were significantly different (P˂ 0.05) in samples B and F; the values ranged between 0.97%
    and 1.88%. The fat contents were significantly different with formulation B having the highest
    fat content (10.72%) and carbohydrate contents were affected by fibre contents; samples with
    lower crude fibres had higher carbohydrate contents which also reflect in the energy contents
    of the granola/cereal bar samples. Lowest aw (water activity) was observed in the samples with
    lower fruit contents which could be as a result of their lower moisture contents. According to
    the results, incorporation of glutinous rice flakes with different composition Sunnah foods and
    binding agents; honey and glucose syrup can be used to formulate cereal bars with appreciable
    proximate and energy contents.
  12. Norhayati, Z., Nooraisyah, S., Shanmugavelu, S., Wan Zahari, M., Abdul Rahman, A.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2018;30(1):20-22.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to assess the carcass characteristic of male Dorper sheep weaned at three different ages.
    A total of 27 newborn male Dorper sheep (average body weight, 3.06 ± 0.74 kg) were selected randomly and divided
    into three groups. Animals in group 1 (n=9) were weaned at day 30, while animals in group 2 (n=9) and 3 (n=9) were
    weaned at day 60 and 90, respectively. Group 3 was acted as a control group. Creep feed and grower feed were given to
    the animals based on 3.5% of body weight. There were no significant differences (P
  13. Navookarasu NT, Rahman AR, Abdullah I
    Int J Clin Pract, 1999 Jan-Feb;53(1):25-30.
    PMID: 10344062
    Despite their proven value in reducing morbidity and mortality in different grades of heart failure, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors continue to be underused. One reason for this is clinicians' apprehension of first-dose hypotension. We conducted a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel group study to investigate the effect of various ACE inhibitors on first-dose hypotension. Eighty unselected patients were randomised into five treatment groups: placebo, captopril 6.25 mg, enalapril 2.5 mg, perindopril 2 mg and lisinopril 2.5 mg. Blood pressure was measured at baseline, half hourly for two hours and hourly for three hours after drug treatment. The maximum drops in mean arterial pressure (in mmHg +/- SD) were placebo 5.89 +/- 2.65, perindopril 5.29 +/- 2.49, enalapril 13.28 +/- 3.31, lisinopril 15.04 +/- 5.74 and captopril 16.76 +/- 5.74 (all p < 0.05 vs placebo except for perindopril). Perindopril, unlike the other ACE inhibitors studied, did not produce first-dose hypotension following its initiation in patients with congestive heart failure.
  14. Hasani M, Malekahmadi M, Rezamand G, Estêvão MD, Pizarro AB, Heydari H, et al.
    Diabetes Metab Syndr, 2021 10 12;15(6):102311.
    PMID: 34678576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.102311
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Possible protective effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L) have been reported in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Current systematic review was performed to summarize the efficacy of saffron intake on liver enzymes.

    METHODS: An electronic database search was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane for RCTs comparing effect of saffron and placebo on liver enzymes from inception to July 2021. There was no restriction in language of included studies and we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for each variable. Random-effect model was used to calculate effect size.

    RESULTS: Eight studies (n = 463 participants) were included in the systematic review. The saffron intake was associated with a statistically significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (SMD: -0.18; 95% CI: -0.34, -0.02; I2 = 0%) in comparison to placebo intake. Our results also indicated that saffron consumption did not have a significant effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD: -0.14; 95% CI: -0.36, 0.09; I2 = 47.0%) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (SMD: 0.14; 95% CI: -0.18, 0.46; I2 = 42.9%) compared to placebo.

    CONCLUSIONS: Saffron intake showed beneficial impacts on circulating AST levels. However, larger well-designed RCTs are still needed to clarify the effect of saffron intake on these and other liver enzymes.

  15. Ab Rahman A, Ab Rahman R, Ibrahim MI, Salleh H, Ismail SB, Ali SH, et al.
    PMID: 21706952
    The objectives of this study were to describe the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among adolescents attending school and to compare the levels of knowledge between males and females and between older and younger groups of adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,034 secondary school students using a self administered validated questionnaire. The items with the fewest correct responses included: whether one can get pregnant after a single act of sexual intercourse (30.4%), whether sexual intercourse causes sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (12.4%) and whether washing the vagina after sexual intercourse prevents pregnancy (17.0%). Their main source of sexual information was friends (64.4%). An independent t-test revealed the mean knowledge score was significantly higher among females than males on items assessing whether the genitalia may be touched freely by family members, females having attained menarche may become pregnant if having sex, whether pregnancy will occur if there is penetration of the penis into the vagina, whether premarital sexual intercourse causes pregnancy and if there is a relationship between abandoned babies and premarital pregnancies. The mean knowledge score assessing whether pregnancy can be prevented using condoms was higher among males than females. The mean knowledge scores were significantly higher among form four and form five students than forms one, two and three students. Lack of knowledge regarding important aspects of sexual and reproductive health warrant the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education.
  16. Azmana M, Mahmood S, Hilles AR, Rahman A, Arifin MAB, Ahmed S
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2021 Aug 31;185:832-848.
    PMID: 34237361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.023
    Over the last few years, several attempts have been made to replace petrochemical products with renewable and biodegradable components. The most challenging part of this approach is to obtain bio-based materials with properties and functions equivalent to those of synthetic products. Various naturally occurring polymers such as starch, collagen, alginate, cellulose, and chitin represent attractive candidates as they could reduce dependence on synthetic products and consequently positively impact the environment. Chitosan is also a unique bio-based polymer with excellent intrinsic properties. It is known for its anti-bacterial and film-forming properties, has high mechanical strength and good thermal stability. Nanotechnology has also applied chitosan-based materials in its most recent achievements. Therefore, numerous chitosan-based bionanocomposites with improved physical and chemical characteristics have been developed in an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach. This review discusses various sources of chitosan, its properties and methods of modification. Also, this work focuses on diverse preparation techniques of chitosan-based bionanocomposites and their emerging application in various sectors. Additionally, this review sheds light on future research scope with some drawbacks and challenges to motivate the researchers for future outstanding research works.
  17. Abdul-Rahman A, Goh HH, Loke KK, Noor NM, Aizat WM
    Genom Data, 2017 Jun;12:159-160.
    PMID: 28560167 DOI: 10.1016/j.gdata.2017.05.013
    Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is known for its delectable taste and contains high amount of xanthones which have been reported to possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and other bioactive properties. However, stage-specific regulation of mangosteen fruit ripening has never been studied in detail. We have performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of three ripening stages (Stage 0, 2 and 6) of mangosteen. We have obtained a raw data from six libraries through Illumina HiSeq 4000. A total of ~ 40 Gb of raw data were generated. Clean reads of 650,887,650 (bp) were obtained from 656,913,570 (bp) raw reads. The raw transcriptome data were deposited to SRA database, with the BioProject accession number of PRJNA339916. These data will be beneficial for transcriptome profiling in order to study the regulation of mangosteen fruit ripening. The lack of a complete sequence database from this species impedes protein identification. These data sets provide a reference data for the exploration of novel genes or proteins to understand mangosteen fruit ripening behaviour.
  18. Afroz R, Rahman A, Masud MM, Akhtar R
    Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2017 Jan;24(3):2304-2315.
    PMID: 27812970 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7942-0
    The focus of this study is to analyze the level of knowledge, awareness, and attitude toward plastic waste and to distinguish the key drivers that encourage the households in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in "No plastic campaign," This study used the logistic regression model to explain the factors that may affect the willingness to participate (WTP) of households in the campaign. In this study, it is found that 35 % of households are willing to participate in the campaign. The results of the study also indicate that people who are more informed and more convinced of their knowledge have a more positive attitude toward recycling than their counterparts do. Furthermore, this study provides additional evidence of the level and classification of importance of motivating factors for plastic recycling, using the modified average and coefficient of variation of the models. From the analysis, the factor "helps reduce landfill use" is found as the most important factor and the factor of "raising money for charity" is found as the least important factor that motivates households to participate in recycling. The determinations of the study suggest some strategies that could hold implications for government and households to boost them to participate in the campaign "No Plastic Bag."
  19. Rahman A, Islam MT, Singh MJ, Kibria S, Akhtaruzzaman M
    Sci Rep, 2016 12 23;6:38906.
    PMID: 28008923 DOI: 10.1038/srep38906
    In this paper, we report a compact and ultra-wide band antenna on a flexible substrate using the 5-(4-(perfluorohexyl)phenyl)thiophene-2-carbaldehyde compound for microwave imaging. In contrast to other microwave based imaging systems, such as an array of 16 antennas, we proposed a bi-static radar based imaging system consisting of two omnidirectional antennas, which reduces complexity and the overall dimension. The proposed compact antennas are 20 × 14 mm2 and designed for operating at frequencies from 4 to 6 GHz. To allow for implantation into a bra, the electromagnetic performances of the antennas must be considered in bending conditions. In comparison with the recently reported flexible antennas, we demonstrated both electromagnetic performance and imaging reconstruction for bending conditions. For the proof of concept, the electromagnetic performances both at flat and bending conditions have been verified using a homogeneous multilayer model of the human breast phantom. Our results demonstrate that the antenna, even at bending conditions, exhibits an excellent omni-directional radiation pattern with an average efficiency above 70% and average gain above 1 dBi, within the operational frequency band. The comprehensive aim of the realized antenna is to design a biodegradable and wearable antenna-based bra for early breast cancer detection in the future.
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