Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 34 in total

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  1. Mohamad Ali AS, Abdul Razak N, Ab Rahman I
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:351967.
    PMID: 22629138 DOI: 10.1100/2012/351967
    Sorbent materials based on a hydrazone Schiff base compound, C(14)H(11)BrN(4)O(4), were prepared either by immobilizing the ligand into sol-gel (SG1) or bonding to silica (SG2). The sorbent materials were characterized by FT-IR, EDX, SEM, TEM, and TGA. The sorption characteristics of a matrix of eight transition metal ions (Ag(+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+), and Mn(2+)) using batch method were studied. Several key parameters that affected the extraction efficiency such as pH, contact time, metal ions concentration, and gel size (for SGl) were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the physically immobilized hydrazone sorbent (SG1) exhibits highest selectivity towards Ag(+) ions, while the chemically bonded hydrazone sorbent (SG2) exhibits high extraction for all metal ions tested. However, for practical applications such as the removal and preconcentration of Ag(+), the physically immobilized sorbent (SG1) is preferred.
  2. Abdul Razak NH, Al-Salihi KA, Samsudin AR
    Med J Malaysia, 2004 May;59 Suppl B:119-20.
    PMID: 15468847
    Defects were created in the mandible of a rabbit model whereby the right side was implanted with hydroxyapatite (HA) while the left side was left empty to act as control. Both the implant and control sites were evaluated clinically and histologically at 4,12,20,22 weeks. Decalcified sections were studied under confocal laser scanning microscope. No reactive cells were evident microscopically in all sections. There was bone ingrowth as early as 4 weeks when viewed by the topographic method. Enhancement of osteoconduction was evident by the presence of abundant capillaries, perivascular tissue and osteoprogenitor cells of the host. At 22 weeks, the implanted defect showed mature bone formation filling almost the whole field. This study demonstrated that the dense HA exhibits excellent biocompatibility as noted by the complete absence of reactive cells. It also promotes osteoconduction.
  3. Kuan PX, Tan PW, Jobli AT, Abd Razak N
    Med J Malaysia, 2016 Aug;71(4):206-208.
    PMID: 27770122 MyJurnal
    Differences in systolic blood pressure reading between arms are common but could signal trouble if the discrepancy is significant. Early detection of aortic dissection could invariably determine patient's survivability. Hence, a high index of suspicion with prompt diagnostic imaging is vital for accurate diagnosis.
  4. Zaleha MI, Noor Hassim I, Azmi MT, Hasni MJ, Rosnah I, Abdul-Hamid H, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2023 Nov;78(6):787-792.
    PMID: 38031222
    INTRODUCTION: In Malaysia, studies on self-reported bone fractures are scarce. Due to the fact that bone fractures may serve as an indicator of osteoporosis in the community, this study aimed to identify the factors associated with their occurrence among adults in Malaysia.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological data for selfreported bone fractures were obtained through direct interviews using a validated questionnaire from the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study.

    RESULTS: Of 15,378 respondents, 6.63% (n=1019) reported bone fractures, with a higher proportion of men (65.8%, n=671) than women (34.2%, n=348). Higher odds of selfreporting bone fractures were seen in males (aOR, 2.12; 95%CI: 1.69, 2.65), those with a history of injury (aOR 5.01; 95%CI: 3.10, 6.32) and those who were obese (aOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.89), highly active (aOR 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.53), smokers (aOR 1.35; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.65) and alcohol consumers (aOR 1.67; 95%CI: 1.20,2.32).

    CONCLUSION: Adopting a healthier lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and moderate physical activity is critical for weight loss, increased muscle and bone mass and better stability, which reduces the likelihood of fractures following a fall.

  5. Haidary AM, Azma RZ, Ithnin A, Alauddin H, Tumian NR, Tamil AM, et al.
    Malays J Pathol, 2019 Aug;41(2):149-160.
    PMID: 31427550
    INTRODUCTION: BCR-ABL fusion gene, the oncogenic driver of CML, results from a translocation between short arms of chromosome 9 and 22. Monitoring of CML patients during treatment is essential, not only for tailoring the treatment but also to detect early relapse to enable timely intervention. Commonly used methods for detection of residual disease are conventional karyotyping, FISH and molecular methods. In this study, we compared FISH with QRT-PCR for detection of residual disease in CML.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: CML patients on tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and on regular follow up at University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) were selected. A comparative study was conducted between FISH and QRT-PCR for BCR-ABL transcripts at diagnosis and during follow-up.

    RESULTS: There was good correlation between FISH and QRT-PCR for BCR-ABL. At 6th month of follow-up post diagnosis, FISH had a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 65.2% (k >0.339, p<0.033). At 12th month, the sensitivity of FISH was 83% and the specificity was 59.1% (k >0.286, p <0.065). Similarly, at the 24th month, FISH had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 68.8% (k >0.642, p<0.000).

    DISCUSSION: Early achievement of major molecular response (MMR) and complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR) were reliable predictors of long-term maintenance of molecular remission.

  6. Alauddin H, Langa M, Mohd Yusoff M, Raja Sabudin RZA, Ithnin A, Abdul Razak NF, et al.
    Malays J Pathol, 2017 Apr;39(1):17-23.
    PMID: 28413201 MyJurnal
    INTRODUCTION: Haemoglobin Bart's (Hb Bart's) level is associated with α-thalassaemia traits in neonates, enabling early diagnosis of α-thalassaemia. The study aimed to detect and quantify the Hb Bart's using Cord Blood (CB) and CE Neonat Fast Hb (NF) progammes on fresh and dried blood spot (DBS) specimen respectively by capillary electrophoresis (CE).

    METHODS: Capillarys Hemoglobin (E) Kit (for CB) and Capillarys Neonat Hb Kit (for NF) were used to detect and quantify Hb Bart's by CE in fresh cord blood and dried blood spot (DBS) specimens respectively. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the β-Thal Short Programme was also performed concurrently with CE analysis. Confirmation was obtained by multiplex ARMS Gap PCR.

    RESULTS: This study was performed on 600 neonates. 32/600 (5.3%) samples showed presence of Hb Bart's peak using the NF programme while 33/600 (5.5%) were positive with CB programme and HPLC methods. The range of Hb Bart's using NF programme and CB programme were (0.5-4.1%) and (0.5-7.1%), respectively. Molecular analysis confirmed all positive samples possessed α-thalassaemia genetic mutations, with 23/33 cases being αα/--SEA, four -α3.7/-α3.7, two αα/-α3.7 and three αα/ααCS. Fifty Hb Bart's negative samples were randomly tested for α-genotypes, three were also found to be positive for α-globin gene mutations. Thus, resulting in sensitivity of 91.7% and 88.9% and specificity of 100% for the Capillarys Cord Blood programme and Capillarys Neonat Fast programme respectively.

    CONCLUSION: Both CE programmes using fresh or dried cord blood were useful as a screening tool for α-thalassaemia in newborns. All methods show the same specificity (100%) with variable, but acceptable sensitivities in the detection of Hb Bart.
  7. Kanaheswari Y, Razak NN, Chandran V, Ong LC
    Spinal Cord, 2011 Mar;49(3):376-80.
    PMID: 20838404 DOI: 10.1038/sc.2010.125
    Prospective cross-sectional multidimensional study using clinical assessment and standard measures.
  8. Ab Razak NH, Praveena SM, Aris AZ, Hashim Z
    Public Health, 2016 Feb;131:103-11.
    PMID: 26715317 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.11.006
    Information about the quality of drinking water, together with analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) analysis and health risk assessment (HRA) remain limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to ascertain the level of KAP regarding heavy metal contamination of drinking water in Pasir Mas; (2) to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cd) in drinking water in Pasir Mas; and (3) to estimate the health risks (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) caused by heavy metal exposure through drinking water using hazard quotient and lifetime cancer risk.
  9. Mehmood W, Abd Razak NA, Lau MS, Chung TY, Gholizadeh H, Abu Osman NA
    Proc Inst Mech Eng H, 2019 Feb;233(2):181-192.
    PMID: 30518308 DOI: 10.1177/0954411918816124
    Transtibial prosthetic sockets can be fabricated either by the conventional way, which involve using plaster of Paris bandages for casting. This will include modifications through hand, scanning and digital imaging of software. The aim of this study is to determine the circumferential profiles and conduct a volumetric analysis of a conventional socket that has fabrication using biosculptor technology. In doing this, a male transtibial amputee, age 28 years old with stable health condition was studied, where circumferential measurements were taken at intervals of 1 cm from the distal end of the residual limb to the medial tibial plateau level. Furthermore, the interior volume of both sockets and residuum were determined directly using water displacement method. A comparative value for the calculation of volume was also carried out using engineering mathematical equations. From these measurements, a total surface bearing transtibial sockets was fabricated to compare the changes of circumferential values of both sockets. The finding shows a percentage of the difference between the volume of the residual limb and conventional sockets to be 6.09%, whereas the biosculptor fabrication socket was 7.84% using the water displacement method. A comparison of circumferential profiles and volumetric analysis findings on the contrary showed that socket fabricated using the biosculptor technology is interchangeable with the conventional socket with more advantages, where biosculptor technology produces cheaper sockets and faster process with digital function in the procedure, unlike the conventional manual technique.
  10. Aftab SM, Mohd Rafie AS, Razak NA, Ahmad KA
    PLoS One, 2016;11(4):e0153755.
    PMID: 27104354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153755
    One of the major flow phenomena associated with low Reynolds number flow is the formation of separation bubbles on an airfoil's surface. NACA4415 airfoil is commonly used in wind turbines and UAV applications. The stall characteristics are gradual compared to thin airfoils. The primary criterion set for this work is the capture of laminar separation bubble. Flow is simulated for a Reynolds number of 120,000. The numerical analysis carried out shows the advantages and disadvantages of a few turbulence models. The turbulence models tested were: one equation Spallart Allmars (S-A), two equation SST K-ω, three equation Intermittency (γ) SST, k-kl-ω and finally, the four equation transition γ-Reθ SST. However, the variation in flow physics differs between these turbulence models. Procedure to establish the accuracy of the simulation, in accord with previous experimental results, has been discussed in detail.
  11. Ab Razak N, Gange AC, Sutton BC, Mansor A
    Plants (Basel), 2023 Apr 04;12(7).
    PMID: 37050178 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071552
    Impatiens glandulifera or Himalayan balsam is one of the most invasive weeds across Europe and can seriously reduce native plant diversity. It often forms continuous monocultures along river banks, but the mechanisms of this arrested succession are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on balsam competitive ability with two native plant species, Plantago lanceolata and Holcus lanatus. We also studied how competition with Impatiens affects colonisation by foliar endophytes and mycorrhizas of two other co-occurring native species, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. Mycorrhizal colonisation reduced balsam growth when the plants were grown singly, but appeared to have little effect when balsam experienced intra- or interspecific competition. Competition with balsam together with the addition of mycorrhizas had no effect on P. lanceolata biomass, suggesting that the fungi were beneficial to the latter, enabling it to compete effectively with balsam. However, this was not so with H. lanatus. Meanwhile, competition with Impatiens reduced endophyte numbers and mycorrhizal colonisation in U. dioica and C. arvense, leading to enhanced susceptibility of these plants to insect attack. Himalayan balsam is known to degrade soil fungal populations and can also reduce foliar beneficial fungi in neighbouring plants. This allows the plant to compete effectively with itself and other native species, thereby leading to the continuous monocultures.
  12. Kok EY, Kaur S, Mohd Shukri NH, Abdul Razak N, Takahashi M
    Nutr Health, 2024 Apr 07.
    PMID: 38584399 DOI: 10.1177/02601060241246354
    Introduction: Emerging evidence has been explored to determine the factors affecting the development of infant circadian rhythm. While fetal programming happens during the pregnancy period, external environmental cues and infant nutritional programming can have substantial effects on the infant circadian rhythm. Understanding prenatal and postnatal factors determining infant circadian rhythm can improve future interventions in optimizing maternal and infant health. Methods: This is a prospective observational cohort study, targeting 216 pregnant women from government maternity clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Pregnant women will be recruited at third trimester (baseline), and follow up at 3 months, and 6 months. A subsample will be collected for salivary cortisol analysis to determine circadian rhythm of the mother and infant at third trimester and 3 months. Data of eating misalignment, light exposure, chronotype, infant temperament, sleep quality, and mood will be collected via validated questionnaires. Anthropometric data and birth outcomes will be collected from antenatal and postnatal health records. Summary: Studies on infant circadian rhythm development have yet to be explored and established, hence this study presents a novel approach to identify the factors from prenatal to postnatal periods on infant circadian rhythm and its influence on growth and temperament. Findings from this study will provide insights in the critical timing which has larger effects on infant circadian rhythm development for future interventions to be conducted.
  13. Ismail G, Razak N, Mohamed R, Embi N, Omar O
    Microbiol. Immunol., 1988;32(7):645-52.
    PMID: 3193910
    The effect of human normal serum (HNS) on Pseudomonas pseudomallei was determined. It is apparent from our data that the organism is resistant to the normal serum bactericidal mechanism. Ancillary experiments to confirm this serum-resistant property of P. pseudomallei were done by examining the effects of growth phase conditions of the bacteria (i.e., logarithmic and stationary phases) and different buffered systems used as diluent in our bactericidal assay. Results obtained showed similar degree of resistance to serum bactericidal killing by 5 strains of the organisms tested. The possible survival advantage of serum-resistance property to P. pseudomallei as bacterial pathogens known to invade the blood stream is discussed.
  14. Mohamed R, Nathan S, Embi N, Razak N, Ismail G
    Microbiol. Immunol., 1989;33(10):811-20.
    PMID: 2615673
    Pseudomonas pseudomallei exotoxin was found to be a potent inhibitor of protein and DNA synthesis in cultured macrophages. Inhibition of DNA synthesis occurred at toxin concentrations as low as 1-2 micrograms/ml and inhibition of 3H-thymidine uptake was almost complete at concentrations of 8 micrograms/ml or more. A close correlation between cell damage and inhibition by DNA synthesis was observed. For protein synthesis, inhibition was obtained at much lower doses (0.06-2.0 micrograms/ml) of the toxin. At similar toxin concentrations, DNA synthesis was marginally affected. Further, it was shown that protein synthesis inhibition occurred almost immediately after incubation, reaching its maximal inhibitory effect of 70% after 6 hr. DNA synthesis, however, was minimally affected by a similar toxin concentration even after 10 hr of incubation. The inhibition of macromolecular synthesis in macrophages by P. pseudomallei exotoxin may be relevant to its modulatory effect on the host defense mechanism.
  15. Razak NA, Hashim S, Mhareb MH, Tamchek N
    Luminescence, 2016 May;31(3):754-9.
    PMID: 26333749 DOI: 10.1002/bio.3020
    Influence of Nd(3+) concentration on the optical and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of melt-annealed synthesized 10 Na2 O: 20 Li2 O: (70-x) B2 O3 : xNd2 O3 , where 0.1≤ x ≤0.7 (LNB) glasses are determined. The absence of sharp peaks in X-ray diffraction patterns confirms the amorphous nature of the prepared glasses. The photoluminescence spectra under 800 nm laser excitations at room temperature exhibit three prominent peaks centred at 538, 603 and 675 nm corresponding to the transitions of (4) G7/2 → (4) I9/2 , [(4) G7/2 → (4) I11/2 , (4) G5/2 → (4) I9/2 ] and [(4) G7/2 → (4) I13/2 , (4) G5/2 → (4) I11/2 ], respectively. The TL glow curve exhibits a prominent peak (Tm ) at 180°C. The best performance of the prepared glass was found at 0.5 mol% of Nd2 O3 . We achieved a good linearity of TL response against dose between 0.5 to 4.0 Gy. The calculated value of the effective atomic number, Zeff , is 7.55 which is nearly tissue equivalent (Zeff = 7.42). These promising features demonstrate the capability of the aforementioned glass to be used as a radiation dosimeter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
  16. Mhareb MH, Hashim S, Ghoshal SK, Alajerami YS, Saleh MA, Razak NA, et al.
    Luminescence, 2015 Dec;30(8):1330-5.
    PMID: 25828828 DOI: 10.1002/bio.2902
    We report the impact of dysprosium (Dy(3+)) dopant and magnesium oxide (MgO) modifier on the thermoluminescent properties of lithium borate (LB) glass via two procedures. The thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves reveal a single prominent peak at 190 °C for 0.5 mol% of Dy(3+). An increase in MgO contents by 10 mol% enhances the TL intensity by a factor of 1.5 times without causing any shift in the maximum temperature. This enhancement is attributed to the occurrence of extra electron traps created via magnesium and the energy transfer to trivalent Dy(3+) ions. Good linearity in the range of 0.01-4 Gy with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.998, fading as low as 21% over a period of 3 months, excellent reproducibility without oven annealing and tissue equivalent effective atomic numbers ~8.71 are achieved. The trap parameters, including geometric factor (μg), activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) associated with LMB:Dy are also determined. These favorable TL characteristics of prepared glasses may contribute towards the development of Li2O-MgO-B2O3 radiation dosimeters.
  17. Mokhtar NH, Abas A, Razak NA, Hamid MNA, Teong SL
    J Theor Biol, 2017 11 21;433:73-84.
    PMID: 28844907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2017.08.016
    Proper design of stent for application at specific aneurysm effect arteries could help to reduce the issues with thrombosis and aneurysm. In this paper, four types of stent configuration namely half-Y (6 mm), half-Y (4 mm), cross-bar, and full-Y configuration will implanted on real 3D artery bifurcation aneurysm effected arteries. Comparisons were then conducted based on the flow patterns after stent placement using both LBM-based solver and PIV experimental findings. According to the data obtained from all 4 stent designs, the flow profiles and the computed velocity from both methods were in agreement with each other. Both methods found that half-Y (6 mm) stent configuration is by far the best configuration in reducing the blood velocity at the vicinity of the aneurysm sac. The analysis also show that the half-Y (6 mm) stent configuration recorded the highest percentage of velocity reduction and managed to substantially reduce the pressure at the bifurcation region. This high flow velocity reduction through the use of half-Y stent could consequently promote the formation of thrombus thereby reducing the risk of rupture in the aneurysm sac.
  18. Shafiee MN, Razak N, Ahmad MF, Abd Aziz N, Adeeb N
    J Obstet Gynaecol, 2021 Feb;41(2):285-289.
    PMID: 33258710 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1819210
    Endometrial cancer (EC) has been found to have a strong association with overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the link between metabolic syndrome and EC among patients. A total of 119 patients with histologically confirmed EC were recruited. About 102 cases of endometrioid carcinoma (Type I) and serous (n = 7), clear cell (n = 3) and carcinosarcoma (n = 7) were the Type II. Metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with increased risk of Type I EC (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.12-10.46, p  .05). Metabolic syndrome was positively associated with an increased risk of Type I EC with obesity being the most influential risk factor.Impact statementWhat already known on this subject? Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide and have a strong association with overweight and obesity of at least 40%, but there is conflicting evidence of an association of EC with metabolic syndrome (MS).What result of this study add? This study evaluated the link between EC and MS, such as high blood pressure, BMI, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, Hyper Density Lipoprotein (HDL).What implications are of these findings for clinical practice & further research? Type I EC had and association with MS with obesity is the most potent risk factor. As the prevalence of metabolic syndrome is alarmingly high among adult Malaysians, the incidence of EC is projected to increase in the coming years. Proactive preventative measures and intervention essential for reducing the incidence of endometrial cancers. Future research to clarify the association between metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer survival and to investigate other lifestyle factors that may affect the prognosis is needed.
  19. Yahia A, Szlávecz Á, Knopp JL, Norfiza Abdul Razak N, Abu Samah A, Shaw G, et al.
    PMID: 34078114 DOI: 10.1177/19322968211018260
    BACKGROUND: Critically ill ICU patients frequently experience acute insulin resistance and increased endogenous glucose production, manifesting as stress-induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. STAR (Stochastic TARgeted) is a glycemic control protocol, which directly manages inter- and intra- patient variability using model-based insulin sensitivity (SI). The model behind STAR assumes a population constant for endogenous glucose production (EGP), which is not otherwise identifiable.

    OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the effect of estimating EGP for ICU patients with very low SI (severe insulin resistance) and its impact on identified, model-based insulin sensitivity identification, modeling accuracy, and model-based glycemic clinical control.

    METHODS: Using clinical data from 717 STAR patients in 3 independent cohorts (Hungary, New Zealand, and Malaysia), insulin sensitivity, time of insulin resistance, and EGP values are analyzed. A method is presented to estimate EGP in the presence of non-physiologically low SI. Performance is assessed via model accuracy.

    RESULTS: Results show 22%-62% of patients experience 1+ episodes of severe insulin resistance, representing 0.87%-9.00% of hours. Episodes primarily occur in the first 24 h, matching clinical expectations. The Malaysian cohort is most affected. In this subset of hours, constant model-based EGP values can bias identified SI and increase blood glucose (BG) fitting error. Using the EGP estimation method presented in these constrained hours significantly reduced BG fitting errors.

    CONCLUSIONS: Patients early in ICU stay may have significantly increased EGP. Increasing modeled EGP in model-based glycemic control can improve control accuracy in these hours. The results provide new insight into the frequency and level of significantly increased EGP in critical illness.

  20. Hashim NA, Abd Razak NA, Gholizadeh H, Abu Osman NA
    JMIR Serious Games, 2021 Feb 04;9(1):e17017.
    PMID: 33538698 DOI: 10.2196/17017
    BACKGROUND: Brain plasticity is an important factor in prosthesis usage. This plasticity helps with brain adaptation to learn new movement and coordination patterns needed to control a prosthetic hand. It can be achieved through repetitive muscle training that is usually very exhausting and often results in considerable reduction in patient motivation. Previous studies have shown that a playful concept in rehabilitation can increase patient engagement and perseverance.

    OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether the inclusion of video games in the upper limb amputee rehabilitation protocol could have a beneficial impact for muscle preparation, coordination, and patient motivation among individuals who have undergone transradial upper limb amputation.

    METHODS: Ten participants, including five amputee participants and five able-bodied participants, were enrolled in 10 1-hour sessions within a 4-week rehabilitation program. In order to investigate the effects of the rehabilitation protocol used in this study, virtual reality box and block tests and electromyography (EMG) assessments were performed. Maximum voluntary contraction was measured before, immediately after, and 2 days after interacting with four different EMG-controlled video games. Participant motivation was assessed with the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) questionnaire and user evaluation survey.

    RESULTS: Survey analysis showed that muscle strength and coordination increased at the end of training for all the participants. The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive association between the training period and the box and block test score (r8=0.95, P

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