MyMedR

Fulltext Biogenic amines, amino acids and microflora changes in Indian mackerel (Rastrellinger kanagurta) stored at ambient (25-29 °C) and ice temperature (0 °C)

Chong CY, Abu Bakar F, Rahman RA, Bakar J, Zaman MZ

J Food Sci Technol, 2014 Jun;51(6):1118-25.

PMID: 24876644 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-012-0621-3

Biogenic amines formation in Indian mackerel of tropical region was investigated during storage at ambient (25-29 °C) and ice temperature (0 °C) in relation with changes of amino acids content and amines forming bacteria. All amines increased significantly during storage at two temperatures except for spermidine and spermine. Histamine concentration of 363.5 ppm was detected after 16 h stored at ambient temperature. Aerobic plate count of fish stored at ambient temperature reached 6.98 log CFU g(-1) after 16 h, close to the upper limit (7 log CFU g(-1)) suggested by International Commission on the Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF). However, proper icing procedure retarded the formation of histamine effectively, resulting only 8.31 ppm after 16 days of ice storage. Aerobic plate count of 5.99 and 7.72 log CFU g(-1) were recorded for fish stored in ice after 16 days and ambient temperature after 20 h, respectively. Histamine exhibited high correlation with histidine (r(2) = -0.963, P 0.05). As storage time progressed, the amines forming bacteria grew significantly except for that stored in ice.

Fulltext Hemiballismus in Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus

Jaafar J, Rahman RA, Draman N, Yunus NA

Korean J Fam Med, 2018 May;39(3):200-203.

PMID: 29788710 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.3.200

Hemiballismus, a subtype of chorea, is a rare movement disorder, and is most commonly found secondary to stroke. Movements are involuntary, violent, coarse, and have a wide amplitude. There is increasing report of hemiballismus occurring in non-ketotic hyperglycemia. Spontaneous improvements or remissions were observed in many patients, and treatment should be directed towards the cause of hemiballismus. There is no randomized control trial to guide clinicians in deciding the best treatment option when managing hemiballismus. Symptomatic treatment includes the use of drugs such as dopamine receptor blocker and tetrabenazine. Surgical treatment is reserved for severe, persistent, and disabling hemiballismus. This case is of an elderly woman with long standing uncontrolled diabetes who presented with abnormal movement in her left upper limb for 2 months, which resolved slowly with good control of her glucose levels. Treating physicians need to have a high index of suspicion to prevent mismanagement of the condition.

Analysis of the spatial characteristics and influencing factors of agricultural eco-efficiency: evidence from Anhui Province, China, during the period 2011-2018

Wu Y, Rahman RA, Yu Q

Environ Monit Assess, 2022 Feb 08;194(3):154.

PMID: 35132444 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09817-9

Sustainable agriculture is important for preserving environmental health and simultaneously gaining economic profits while maintaining social and economic equity. One way to evaluate sustainable agriculture is by studying agricultural eco-efficiency (AEE). Hence, this study constructed a data-driven method to evaluate and optimize AEE with the aim of providing a basis for improving the sustainable development of regional agriculture. Sixteen cities in Anhui Province, China, were considered in the study, and the variables used were agricultural resource inputs, environmental pollution, and agricultural economic development. Agricultural non-point source pollution (NPSP) emissions were considered the undesired output to build an AEE evaluation index system. Furthermore, a data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was established to analyse AEE from the static and dynamic perspectives. The spatial development and the temporal and spatial characteristics of AEE were also analysed. In addition, we applied a random effect (RE) panel Tobit model to quantitatively analyse the influencing factors of AEE from the input perspective and then proposed reasonable suggestions for improving the sustainable development of regional agriculture. Our findings show that the overall agricultural development in the 16 cities in Anhui Province has been continuously improving, even though there is an agglomeration of spatial development in some regions. In conclusion, this study provides suggestions and references for policy makers and agricultural practitioners regarding how to improve regional AEE and promote the sustainable development of the regional agricultural economy.

Factors associated with attitude toward premarital sexual activities among school-going adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia

Rahman AA, Rahman RA, Ismail SB, Ibrahim MI, Ali SH, Salleh H, et al.

Asia Pac J Public Health, 2015 Mar;27(2):NP1549-56.

PMID: 22751680 DOI: 10.1177/1010539512449856

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the factors associated with the attitudes toward premarital sexual activities among school-going adolescents in Kelantan, Malaysia. It was conducted among 1032 secondary school students using a self-administered validated questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the risk factors for having permissive attitudes toward practice of premarital sexual activities were male students (odds ratio [OR] = 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.34-2.48), being less religious (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.49-2.73), and younger age group of students (13 to 14 years old; OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.05-1.92). Having good knowledge on sexual and reproductive health was a protective factor against permissive sexual attitude (OR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.20-0.36). In conclusion, male and young adolescents were at risk of having permissive attitudes toward sexual behaviors, but good knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and being more religious may protect them from it.

Fulltext Investigation of hepatitis A outbreak in district of Manjung, Perak, Malaysia, October 2012

Yusoff FA, Rahman RA, May LH, Budart SB, Sulaiman LH

Western Pac Surveill Response J, 2015 May 27;6(2):27-31.

PMID: 26306213 DOI: 10.5365/WPSAR.2015.6.1.012

In September 2012, 10 cases suspected to be hepatitis A were notified to the Manjung District Health Department. An investigation was conducted to identify the possible mode of transmission, source of the outbreak and to recommend prevention and control measures.

Brugia malayi infection in Meriones unguiculatus: antibody response to recombinant BmR1

Lim BH, Noordin R, Nor ZM, Rahman RA, Abdullah KA, Sinnadurai S

Exp Parasitol, 2004 Sep-Oct;108(1-2):1-6.

PMID: 15491542

BmR1 recombinant antigen has previously been shown to demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity in the serological diagnosis of brugian filariasis in humans. In this study, the pattern of recognition of antibody to BmR1 during Brugia malayi infection was investigated by employing Meriones unguiculatus as the experimental model. Thirty two gerbils were infected subcutaneously with 120 L(3); and two control groups each comprising 25 animals were employed. ELISA using BmR1 was used to detect filaria-specific IgG antibodies elicited by the gerbils; using sera collected from the day 1 until day 150 post-inoculation (p.i.). The results showed that BmR1 detected B. malayi infection in gerbils harboring adult worms irrespective of the presence of circulating microfilaria, and was exemplified by positive ELISA results in nine a microfilaraemic animals that harbored live adult worms. The initial time of the antibody recognition was at day 8 p.i. and the antibody titre showed some correlation with adult worm burden.

Is 3alpha-androstenol pheromone related to menstrual synchrony?

Jahanfar S, Awang CH, Rahman RA, Samsuddin RD, See CP

J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care, 2007 Apr;33(2):116-8.

PMID: 17407681

The ovarian cycles of females living and interacting together may synchronise due to pheromones released from axillary secretary glands, the highest concentration of which is produced in the mid-follicular phase, prior to ovulation. The objective of this study was to find evidence for menstrual synchrony in a group of female students living together and to obtain a correlation between the ability to smell the putative pheromone, 5alpha-androst-16-en-3alpha-ol (3alpha-androstenol), found in apocrine secretions and menstrual synchrony. This cross-sectional study involved 88 students who completed a standard questionnaire and whose sense of smell was measured using ten varying thresholds. The menstrual history, friendship scale and menstrual hygiene score was determined for the participants.

Transforming growth factor-alpha and nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without palate or cleft palate only in Kelantan, Malaysia

Rahman RA, Ahmad A, Rahman ZA, Mokhtar KI, Lah NA, Zilfalil BA, et al.

Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 2008 Nov;45(6):583-6.

PMID: 18956930 DOI: 10.1597/07-020.1

To determine the frequency of the transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha) Taq1 polymorphism in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL+/-P) and cleft palate only (CP) in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Fulltext Perceived susceptibility, and cervical cancer screening benefits and barriers in malaysian women visiting outpatient clinics

Baskaran P, Subramanian P, Rahman RA, Ping WL, Mohd Taib NA, Rosli R

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2013;14(12):7693-9.

PMID: 24460355

AIMS: A main reason for increasing incidence of cervical cancer worldwide is the lack of regular cervical cancer screening. Coverage and uptake remain major challenges and it is crucial to determine the perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer, as well as the benefits of, and barriers to, cervical cancer screening among women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 369 women attending an outpatient centre in Malaysia and data were collected by administering a self-report questionnaire.

RESULTS: The majority of the participants (265, 71.8%) showed good level of perception of their susceptibility to cervical cancer. Almost all responded positively to four statements about the perceived benefits of cervical cancer screening (agree, 23.1% or strongly agree, 52.5%), whereas negative responses were received from most of the participants (agree, 29.9%or strongly agree, 14.6 %) about the eleven statements on perceived barriers. Significant associations were observed between age and perceived susceptibility(x2=9.030, p=0.029); between employment status (p<0.001) as well as ethnicity and perceived benefits (p<0.05 [P=0.003]); and between education and perceived barriers to cervical cancer screening (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Perceived susceptibility, including knowledge levels and personal risk assessment, should be emphasized through education and awareness campaigns to improve uptake of cervical cancer screening in Malaysia.

Outcome of Different Treatment Modalities of Fracture Zygoma

Rahman RA, Ghazali NM, Rahman NA, Pohchi A, Razak NHA

J Craniofac Surg, 2020 Jun;31(4):1056-1062.

PMID: 32176023 DOI: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006297

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the pattern of fractured zygoma, different treatment modalities, and complications of the treatment in our center. It also aimed to determine the association between the treatment modalities and complication of treatment, and association between number of fixation and complication.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective review was conducted from January 2008 until December 2011. All patients diagnosed with zygomatic complex fractured that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Zingg's Classification was used in the study.

RESULTS: The median age was 23.5. Type A was the most common fracture type made up 26.6%. About 90.8% of the injury was caused by road traffic accident. Forty-four patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and 4 patients were treated with close reduction only. Fifty patients were treated conservatively. Gillies approach in combination with fixation is the most common procedure accounted for 50%. Three-point fixation at infraorbital, maxillary buttress, frontozygomatic suture, and zygomatic arch was the most common site. However, there were no significant associations between the number of fixation and the occurrence of the complication (P = 0.307). About 29.2% in the treatment group and 66% in the conservative group had complications. About 35.7% of patients in treatment group had complications, while 66% had trismus in conservative group.

CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between types of treatment and the occurrence of complication (P = 0.001). However, there were no significant association between number of fixation and the occurrence of complications (P = 0.307).

Fulltext A retrospective study of ranula in two centres in Malaysia

Ghani NA, Ahmad R, Rahman RA, Yunus MR, Putra SP, Ramli R

J Maxillofac Oral Surg, 2009 Dec;8(4):316-9.

PMID: 23139535 DOI: 10.1007/s12663-009-0077-9

Ranula is a mucous extravasation cyst which occurs as a result of trauma or obstruction of the sublingual or minor salivary gland or the duct itself.

Maxillofacial trauma with emphasis on soft-tissue injuries in Malaysia

Hussaini HM, Rahman NA, Rahman RA, Nor GM, Ai Idrus SM, Ramli R

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2007 Sep;36(9):797-801.

PMID: 17630250

Soft-tissue injuries with or without facial bone involvement are the most common presentation following maxillofacial trauma. The objective of this study was to look at the distribution, pattern and type of soft-tissue injury in relation to aetiology. Records of patients over a period of 5 years (1998-2002), who sustained maxillofacial injuries and were treated at Kajang Hospital, a secondary referral hospital, were reviewed. Out of 313 patients with maxillofacial injuries, 295 patients sustained soft-tissue injuries. Males (79%) between 21 and 30 years old (34%) were the majority of patients. Road-traffic accident was the main cause of soft-tissue injuries (75%) with motorcycle accident being the most frequent (40%). The upper lips (23%) and the lower lips (18%) were the most common extraoral site involved, while the labial mucosa and sulcular areas, both accounting for 21%, were the most common intraoral sites. Stringent road-traffic regulations should be practiced in developing countries, as morbidity arising from road-traffic accidents poses a national economic and social problem.

Managing complications of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients: Part I. Management of xerostomia

Ngeow WC, Chai WL, Rahman RA, Ramli R

Singapore Dent J, 2006 Dec;28(1):1-3.

PMID: 17378333

Head and neck cancer is becoming a more recognizable pathology to the general population and dentists. The modes of treatment include surgery and/or radiation therapy. Where possible, pretreatment dental assessment shall be provided for these patients before they receive radiation therapy. There are occasions, however, whereby head and neck cancer patients are not prepared optimally for radiation therapy. Because of this, they succumb to complicated oral adverse effects after radiation therapy. Part I of this series reviews the management of xerostomia. The management of the effect of xerostomia to the dentition/oral cavity is discussed in Part II.

Managing complications of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients: Part III. Provision of dentures

Rahman RA, Ngeow WC, Chai WL, Ramli R

Singapore Dent J, 2006 Dec;28(1):7-10.

PMID: 17378335

Head and neck cancer is becoming a more recognizable pathology to the general population and dentists. The modes of treatment include surgery and/or radiation therapy. Pretreatment dental assessment should be provided for these patients before they undergo radiation therapy. There are occasions, however, whereby head and neck cancer patients are not prepared optimally and, as a result, they succumb to complicated oral adverse effects after radiation therapy. The management of radiation-induced caries, a sequelae of xerostomia has been reviewed in Part II of this series. In this article, the management of difficulty with dentures, another sequelae of xerostomia following radiation therapy is reviewed.

Managing complications of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients: Part V. Management of mucositis

Ngeow WC, Chai WL, Rahman RA, Ramli R

Singapore Dent J, 2006 Dec;28(1):16-8.

PMID: 17378337

Head and neck cancer is becoming a more recognizable pathology to the general population and dentists. The modes of treatment include surgery and/or radiation therapy. Where possible, pretreatment dental assessment shall be provided for these patients before they undergo radiation therapy. There are occasions, however, whereby head and neck cancer patients are not prepared optimally for radiation therapy. Because of this, they succumb to complicated oral adverse effects after radiation therapy. The second last part of this series reviews and discusses the management of complication that commonly occur to the oral mucosa, i.e. mucositis.

Facial Fractures in Kajang Hospital, Malaysia: A 5-Year Review

Rahman RA, Hussaini HM, Rahman NA, Rahman SR, Nor GM, Ai Idrus SM, et al.

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg, 2007 Feb;33(1):90-5.

PMID: 26815981 DOI: 10.1007/s00068-007-5154-5

The objective of this study was to determine the demographic data as well as other relevant data pertaining to the management of patients with maxillofacial injury in a Malaysian government regional hospital.

Incidental radiological findings of susuk in the orofacial region

Nor MM, Yushar A, Razali M, Rahman RA, Ramli R

Dentomaxillofac Radiol, 2006 Nov;35(6):473-4.

PMID: 17082343

Susuk, or charm needles, are inserted and worn subcutaneously in the face and other parts of the body, as they are believed to enhance beauty and youth, and for many other reasons such as treatment of headache, aches and pains in the joints, back or abdomen. The practice of inserting susuk is a traditional belief, genuinely cultural and superstitious, and common in the south-east Asian region. We present 13 cases of susuk, which was found incidentally on the radiographs as the patients came for various types of treatment at our centre.

Fulltext Detection of blaIMP4 and blaNDM1 harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in a university hospital in Malaysia

Hamzan NI, Yean CY, Rahman RA, Hasan H, Rahman ZA

Emerg Health Threats J, 2015;8:26011.

PMID: 25765342 DOI: 10.3402/ehtj.v8.26011

Background : Antibiotic resistance among Enterobacteriaceae posts a great challenge to the health care service. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is attracting significant attention due to its rapid and global dissemination. The infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, thus creating challenges for infection control and managing teams to curb the infection. In Southeast Asia, there have been limited reports and subsequent research regarding CRKP infections. Thus, the study was conducted to characterize CRKP that has been isolated in our setting. Methods : A total of 321 K. pneumoniae were included in the study. Each isolate went through an identification process using an automated identification system. Phenotypic characterization was determined using disk diffusion, modified Hodge test, Epsilometer test, and inhibitor combined disk test. Further detection of carbapenemase genes was carried out using polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by gene sequence analysis. Results : All together, 13 isolates (4.05%) were CRKP and the majority of them were resistant to tested antibiotics except colistin and tigercycline. Among seven different carbapenemase genes studied (blaKPC, bla IMP, bla SME, bla NDM, bla IMI, bla VIM, and bla OXA), only two, bla IMP4 (1.87%) and bla NDM1 (2.18%), were detected in our setting. Conclusion : Evidence suggests that the prevalence of CRKP in our setting is low, and knowledge of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and CRKP has improved and become available among clinicians.

Bradycardia, headache, and vomiting in a child after a fall

Tsyeng NK, Omar M, Rahman RA, Rahman SA

BMJ, 2024 Jan 18;384:e077643.

PMID: 38237943 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-077643

Co-solvent selection for supercritical fluid extraction of astaxanthin and other carotenoids from Penaeus monodon waste

Radzali SA, Baharin BS, Othman R, Markom M, Rahman RA

J Oleo Sci, 2014;63(8):769-77.

PMID: 25007745

In recent years, astaxanthin is claimed to have a 10 times higher antioxidant activity than that of other carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β-carotene; the antioxidant activity of astaxanthin is 100 times higher than that of α-tocopherol. Penaeus monodon (tiger shrimp) is the largest commercially available shrimp species and its waste is a rich source of carotenoids such as astaxanthin and its esters. The efficient and environment-friendly recovery of astaxanthins was accomplished by using a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique. The effects of different co-solvents and their concentrations on the yield and composition of the extract were investigated. The following co-solvents were studied prior to the optimization of the SFE technique: ethanol, water, methanol, 50% (v/v) ethanol in water, 50% (v/v) methanol in water, 70% (v/v) ethanol in water, and 70% (v/v) methanol in water. The ethanol extract produced the highest carotenoid yield (84.02 ± 0.8 μg/g) dry weight (DW) with 97.1% recovery. The ethanol extract also produced the highest amount of the extracted astaxanthin complex (58.03 ± 0.1 μg/g DW) and the free astaxanthin content (12.25 ± 0.9 μg/g DW) in the extract. Lutein and β-carotene were the other carotenoids identified. Therefore, ethanol was chosen for further optimization studies.

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