Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 433 in total

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  1. Ali, M. H., Ismail, A., Alam, S. S., Makhbul, Z. M., Omar, N. A.
    MyJurnal
    The aim of this paper is to revisit the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in relation to the halal food market, specifically in the context of the Cadbury scandal. The present survey (with 132 respondents) replicates the original study of TPB in the context of halal food, done before the scandal, and the results are compared. We rationalize the differences, and assess the impact of the halal scandal on consumer purchasing behaviour. In doing so, we validate the impact of a food scandal in terms of the purchasing intentions of halal customers under a new (post-scandal) condition of uncertainty. The results provide in-depth insights into halal purchasing behaviour and are intended to be used: (a) to increase the understanding of the impact of a food scandal on purchasing behaviour, (b) to clarify whether a food scandal has a real effect on customers, and (c) to ascertain whether the determinants of purchasing intention are similar before and after a food scandal.
  2. Yusof, F. M., Md. Ismail, A. I. B., Abu Hasan, Y.
    MATEMATIKA, 2018;34(2):205-226.
    MyJurnal
    Hantaviruses are etiological agents of zoonotic diseases and certain other dis-
    eases, which pose a serious threat to human health. When rodent and predator popula-
    tions share in an ecology, the competitive force of the populations can lead to a reduction
    or elimination of a hantavirus outbreak. The effect of the predator eliminating rodents
    and predator populations that tends to reduce or eliminate hantavirus infection is investi-
    gated. The existence of several equilibrium points of the model is identified and local and
    global stabilities of the model at these equilibrium points are analysed in detail. Numerical
    simulations are carried out to illustrate our model results.
  3. Ismail A, Illias RM
    J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol, 2017 Dec;44(12):1627-1641.
    PMID: 28921081 DOI: 10.1007/s10295-017-1980-6
    The excretion of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase) into the culture medium offers significant advantages over cytoplasmic expression. However, the limitation of Escherichia coli is its inability to excrete high amount of CGTase outside the cells. In this study, modification of the hydrophobic region of the N1R3 signal peptide using site-saturation mutagenesis improved the excretion of CGTase. Signal peptide mutants designated M9F, V10L and A15Y enhanced the excretion of CGTase three-fold and demonstrated two-fold higher secretion rate than the wild type. However, high secretion rate of these mutants was non-productive for recombinant protein production because it caused up to a seven-fold increase in cell death compared to the wild type. Our results indicated that the excretion of CGTase is highly dependent on hydrophobicity, secondary conformation and the type and position of amino acids at the region boundary and core segment of the h-region.
  4. Ismail A, Tan S
    Malays J Nutr, 2002 Sep;8(2):167-77.
    PMID: 22692475 MyJurnal
    This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity (total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities) of seaweeds commercially available in the Malaysian supermarket. Four types of seaweeds namely Nori (Porphyra sp.), Kumbu (Laminaria sp.), Wakame (Undaria sp.) and Hijiki (Hijikia sp.) were used in the study. The extracts were prepared with water and ethanol, respectively. The b-carotene bleaching and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were used to determine antioxidant properties of seaweeds by measuring the decrease in absorbance at 470 and 517 nm. In water extract, Kumbu showed the highest total antioxidant activity of 63% compared with other samples. Kumbu, Nori and Hijiki exhibited higher radical scavenging activity than Wakame when extracted with water. Wakame exhibited the highest antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities in ethanolic extract with 58% and EC50 = 0.42 mg/ml respectively. The results of ANOVA analysis show significant differences (p<0.05) in the means of total antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of the seaweeds. The results showed that processed commercial seaweeds exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant properties.
  5. Ismail A, Rahman F
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2013 Aug;24(1):1-7.
    PMID: 24575237 MyJurnal
    Environmental factors can play important roles in influencing waterbird communities. In particular, weather may have various biological and ecological impacts on the breeding activities of waterbirds, though most studies have investigated the effect of weather on the late stages of waterbird breeding (e.g., hatching rate, chick mortality). Conversely, the present study attempts to highlight the influence of weather on the early nesting activities of waterbirds by evaluating a recently established mixed-species colony in Putrajaya Wetlands, Malaysia. The results show that only rainfall and temperature have a significant influence on the species' nesting activities. Rainfall activity is significantly correlated with the Grey Heron's rate of establishment (rainfall: rs = 0.558, p = 0.03, n = 72) whereas both temperature and rainfall are associated with Painted Stork's nesting density (temperature: rs = 0.573, p = 0.013; rainfall: rs = -0.662, p = 0.03, n = 48). There is a possibility that variations in the rainfall and temperature provide a cue for the birds to initiate their nesting. Regardless, this paper addresses concerns on the limitations faced in the study and suggests long-term studies for confirmation.
  6. Ismail A, Rahman F
    Trop Life Sci Res, 2016 Aug;27(2):13-24.
    PMID: 27688848 MyJurnal DOI: 10.21315/tlsr2016.27.2.2
    This review discussed the current status of the Milky Stork Re-introduction Programme in Malaysia and the challenges it faced. Although it has continued for almost seven years, more challenges appeared as time elapsed mainly due to the arising conflicts between the implementation of conservation policy versus the development projects in Kuala Gula. Hence, the released population is struggling to adapt mainly due to the reduction of suitable habitat for nesting and disturbed foraging areas by the continuous anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the lack of appropriate training among captive storks prior to being released also slows the adaptation of the birds in their new habitat. The increasing pattern of pollution in the area is also highlighted. Several suggestions were given to help improve the current re-introduction programme. These include improvements to the captive training method, improvement of the existing enclosure's condition and environment, protection of remaining mangrove forest, creation of a buffer zone to mitigate the increasing pollution level in the area, close monitoring of the released population, and maintaining continuous support and awareness among the public. Considering the ongoing anthropogenic activities that may impair the status of Kuala Gula as an important bird sanctuary, emphasis should be given to achieve sustainable development throughout the area.
  7. Ismail A. Hamid, Marzida Mansor, Siok, Gracie Yan Ong, Kumar, N.M.
    MyJurnal
    Since the outbreak of the novel influenza H1N1 in April 2009 in Mexico, more then half a million cases have been recorded with more then 6000 deaths.In contrast to seasonal flu, this virus appears to have a predilection for the young, obese and pregnant.It’s most important and almost fatal complication is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Intensive care units (ICU) around the world have scrambled to upgrade various treatment modalities including high frequency oscillation ventilation, inotropes, antivirals and antibiotics in an effort to reduce the mortality arising out of this complication. More importantly, this complication appears reversible if adequate and early therapy is instituted. In particular, rescue therapies that allow the lung to rest appear to have brought success in some clinical settings. This article describes the experiences of seven centers that have used various modalities as rescue therapy in patients having Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The experiences in 13 patients at the University of Michigan, 58 in Mexico, 168 in Canada, 180 patients at Leicester UK, 194 in Australia and New Zealand and case reports from Hong Kong and Singapore are described.
  8. Tee, B.C., Ahmad Rasidi, M.S., Mohd Rushdan, M.N., Ismail, A., Sidi, H.
    Medicine & Health, 2014;9(1):53-61.
    MyJurnal
    Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in gynaecological cancer patients. Most of the time, sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer is underdiagnosed as there is overlapping of symptoms with other psychological morbidities, interplaying of multiple risks, patients’ reluctance to complain or incompetence of health care provider to assess. Determining the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in cancer patients enables us to pay more attention to those who are vulnerable and to device strategies for early detection, prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunction in them. The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its risk factors in gynaecological cancer patients in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Star, Malaysia. Sexual function of eighty-three gynaecological cancer patients who were married were assessed with self-rated MVFSFI (Malay version Female Sexual Function Index). Self-rated WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization- Quality of Life- 26) which assessed the domains of quality of life was used while MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview) was used for diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among the married gynaecological cancer patients was 65% (54/83). Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with low education level (OR 3.055, CI 1.009-9.250), shorter duration of cancer (OR 0.966, CI 0.966- 0.998), ongoing chemotherapy (OR 3.045, CI 1.149-8.067), pain perception (OR 3.230, CI 1.257-8.303), absence of sexual intercourse for more than one month (OR 1.862) and three domains of quality of life such as physical health, psychological health and social relationship (OR 0.942, CI 0.908-0.978; OR 0.955, CI 0.916-0.995; OR 0.933, CI 0.894-0.973, respectively). However, sexual dysfunction was not associated with major depressive disorder (χ2 ² = 1.224, p = 0.268). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer patients was comparable to other studies of similar population. Since, the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer patients are multidimensional, the process of assessment and management need to be holistic and patient-oriented.
  9. Mohd. Ridah L.J., Ismail A., A. Talib N., Muhammad N., Hussain F.A., Zainuddin N.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Methylation of promoter region of p16 leading to gene silencing has been implicated ina wide range of malignancies including lymphomas. In diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) particularly, a varying percentage of epigenetic inactivation of p16 promoter region was observed ranging from 16 -54%. However, quantitative analysis of p16 promoter methylation in DLBCL has not been extensively studied in Malaysia. Objective: This study aims to quantitatively analyse p16 methylation in DLBCL samples using pyrosequencing technique. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from 16 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lymphoma tissue blocks from patients diagnosed with DLBCL. Samples were retrieved from Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. Primers were designed to amplify bisulfite-treated DNA targeting p16 promoter region. Methylation status of 7 CpG sites was determined by pyrosequencing. Results: All the 16 samples studied showed promoter methylation of p16. The range of mean methylation percentage was between 18 to 81%. Conclusion: The present study has successfully measured the level of methylation of p16 in all 7 CpG sites despite the limitation in sample size. Since p16 methylation is a common event in our series of DLBCL cases, it is worth including a larger sample size in future studies to increase the chance of finding a significant correlation with clinical parameters.
  10. Ee, S.C., Saari, N., Abas, F., Ismail, A., Abu Bakar, M.K., Bakar, J.
    MyJurnal
    Malaysia is a surplus poultry producing country with well-established commercial slaughtering and processing plants. Immense quantity of heads, feet, viscera, blood and feathers are usually discarded and not optimally utilized. Chicken heads are rich in protein, and could be a potential source of gelatin. The aim of the present work was therefore to find a simpler, faster, cheaper and greener gelatin extraction technology as compared to current available methods of gelatin extraction from poultry heads. A comparison of three different gelatin extraction methods with alkaline-acid pretreatment (E1), single acid pretreatment (E2) and single alkaline pretreatment (E3) were studied to extract gelatin from chicken heads. E1 and E2 produced gelatins of Type A, while E3 produced gelatin of Type B. High bloom gelatin (>300 g) with
  11. Khoo HE, Ismail A
    Malays J Nutr, 2008 09;14(2):189-98.
    PMID: 22691775 MyJurnal
    The aim of this study was to determine the daidzein and genistein contents in Mangifera fruits. Three Mangifera species namely 'bacang' (Mangifera foetida), 'kuini' (M. odorata) and 'bambangan' (M. pajang) each from two different locations were selected. The extraction of isoflavones was carried out at 80oC for 30, 60 and 90 min. HPLC method was performed with a flow rate of 1.00 ml/min using three different separation columns to determine isoflavone contents. The Zorbax Eclipse RP C18 reverse-phase column was found to give the best resolution for isoflavone separation in Mangifera fruits. Moreover, extraction time of 90 min was found to increase the isoflavone aglycone contents. At optimised condition, 'kuini'' had relatively high daidzein (9.4-10.5 mg/100 g) and genistein (1.6-1.7 mg/100 g) contents. Daidzein content of 'bambangan' (8.3-8.7 mg/100 g) was higher than 'bacang', but the genistein content of 'bambangan' (0.4-0.6 mg/100 g) was similar to that of 'bacang' (0.4-0.8 mg/100 g). However, there was a variation in daidzein and genistein contents in Mangifera fruits between two geographical locations.
  12. Ismail A, Cheah SF
    Malays J Nutr, 2003 Mar;9(1):31-9.
    PMID: 22692530
    As consumer interest in organically grown vegetables is increasing in Malaysia, there is a need to answer whether the vegetables are more nutritious than those conventionally grown. This study investigates commercially available vegetables grown organically and conventionally, purchased from retailers to analyse β-carotene, vitamin C and riboflavin contents. Five types of green vegetables were selected, namely Chinese mustard (sawi) (Brassica juncea), Chinese kale (kai-lan) (Brassica alboglabra), lettuce (daun salad) (Lactuca sativa), spinach (bayam putih) (Amaranthus viridis) and swamp cabbage (kangkung) (Ipomoea aquatica). For vitamin analysis, a reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography was used to identify and quantify β -carotene, vitamin C and riboflavin. The findings showed that not all of the organically grown vegetables were higher in vitamins than that conventionally grown. This study found that only swamp cabbage grown organically was highest in β -carotene, vitamin C and riboflavin contents among the entire samples studied. The various nutrients in organically grown vegetables need to be analysed for the generation of a database on nutritional value which is important for future research.
  13. Choy HH, Ismail A
    Malays J Med Sci, 2017 Dec;24(6):5-20.
    PMID: 29379382 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2017.24.6.2
    The relationship based on trust is exceptionally important in healthcare, where life or death and quality of health are major concerns. Relational crack jeopardises the provision of quality healthcare when trust is taken for granted. Trust is believed to be the vital key to minimise medical negligence, lawsuits and patient complaints towards healthcare providers while acting as an empowering agent to significant clinical outcomes. Trust is indispensable to healthcare. However, to identify its deterioration is not a simple feature. Moreover, lack of research and public dissemination complicate this topic further. Hence, understanding medical mistrust issues and their associated indicators is urgently needed to ensure the top-notch provision of healthcare. We employed narrative review methodology together with key terms matching for the selected electronic databases for this article. Our review concluded that an "Increasing number of medical litigations and complaints towards physicians", "Physicians' low mastery of interpersonal communication skill" and "Patients' demand, practice, and non-disclosure of alternative treatments" are the possible indicators to predict mistrust. Efforts to restore and strengthen trust can only be made when these indicators are well understood firsthand.
  14. Azrina MZ, Yap CK, Rahim Ismail A, Ismail A, Tan SG
    Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 2006 Jul;64(3):337-47.
    PMID: 15964072
    A study of the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the distribution and biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality of the Langat River (Peninsular Malaysia) was conducted. Four pristine stations from the upstream and 4 stations at the downstream receiving anthropogenic impacts were selected along the river. For 4 consecutive months (March-June 1999), based on the Malaysian DOE (Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2000, Department of Environment, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment Malaysia. Maskha Sdn. Bhd. Kuala Lumpur, 86pp; Malaysia Environmental Quality Report 2001, Department of Environment, Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment Malaysia) water quality index classes, the upstream stations recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher Biological Monitoring Working Party scores and better water quality indices than those of the downstream. The total number of macrobenthic taxa and their overall richness indices and diversity indices were significantly (P<0.05) higher at the upstream stations (54 taxa) than at the downstream stations (5 taxa). The upstream of the Langat River was dominated by Ephemeroptera and chironomid dipterans while other orders found in small quantities included Trichoptera, Diptera, Plecoptera, Odonata, Ephemeraptera, Coleoptera, and Gastropoda. On the other hand, the downstream of the river was mainly inhabited by the resistant Oligochaeta worms Limnodrilus spp. and Branchiodrilus sp. and Hirudinea in small numbers. The relationships between the physicochemical and the macrobenthic data were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression analysis. These statistical analyses showed that the richness and diversity indices were generally influenced by the total suspended solids and the conductivity of the river water. This study also highlighted the impacts of anthropogenic land-based activities such as urban runoff on the distribution and species diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates in the downstream of the Langat River. The data obtained in this study supported the use of the bioindicator concept for Malaysian rivers. Some sensitive (Trichopteran caddisflies and Ephemeraptera) and resistant species (Oligochaeta such as Limnodrilus spp.) are identified as potential bioindicators of clean and polluted river ecosystems, respectively, for Malaysian rivers.
  15. Burud IAS, Tata MD, Tak NAB
    J Taibah Univ Med Sci, 2018 Jun;13(3):305-308.
    PMID: 31435339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.10.004
    Hyperplastic polyps are the most common polypoidal lesions of the stomach showing a varied presentation. They may be asymptomatic; however, occasionally they can cause anaemia and gastric outlet obstruction. Malignant transformation is a serious complication associated with such polyps. We present the case of an elderly woman who complained of epigastric pain and intermittent vomiting. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) showed a large pedunculated polyp along the lesser curvature of the stomach, 4 cm from the gastro-oesophageal junction, extending into the first part of the duodenum that caused gastric outlet obstruction. Computed tomography reported a soft-tissue mass arising from the incisura and extending through the pylorus into the duodenum (D1 and proximal D2). An endoscopic polypectomy was performed, and histopathological examination reported evidence of early gastric carcinoma. She underwent regular endoscopic follow-up with biopsies performed over 2 years, and the last follow-up showed mild-to-moderate dysplasia at the previous excision site. She underwent a planned laparoscopic wedge resection, and histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a hyperplastic polyp showing low-grade dysplasia.
  16. Burud IAS, How NS, CheeWei G, Roslina S
    Indian J Surg, 2017 Apr;79(2):169-172.
    PMID: 28442848 DOI: 10.1007/s12262-016-1502-1
    Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon slow growing neoplasm of the dermis with tendency to invade the subcutaneous tissues. It presents during the third to fourth decade of life and is commonly seen over the trunk, extremities and head and neck. DFSP presenting as a breast lump is rare but few cases have been reported in the literature. Pre-operative diagnosis with mammography, ultrasonography and FNAC is challenging. We report a case of a DFSP of the right breast in a middle aged lady with history of recurrent breast lumps excised and diagnosed in the past as benign. She presented with progressively increasing right breast lump of 2 months duration. She underwent wide local excision and histology revealed dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. In view of its local aggressiveness with incomplete surgical margin, mastectomy was performed.
  17. Tata MD, Mahazir NQA, Keat OW, Burud IAS
    Ghana Med J, 2022 Jun;56(2):95-99.
    PMID: 37449258 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v56i2.6
    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a newly developed, self-expandable anti-reflux Trumpet (ART) stent customized for cardio oesophageal junctional (COJ) cancer on the feasibility of deployment, stent migration, quality of life, and symptom relief.

    DESIGN: Prospective case series, Proof of concept pilot study.

    SETTING: Tertiary Health Care Center, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar, Seremban, Malaysia. Department of Surgery.

    PARTICIPANTS: A total of 17 patients diagnosed with advanced COJ tumour and who had never undergone any surgical, endoscopic, or chemoradiotherapy and indicated for stenting were recruited.

    INTERVENTIONS: The study period was over nine months, and follow-up was one-month post-stenting.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Endpoint measures were feasibility of deployment of the new design, symptoms relief, early stent migration, early complication, GERD Q score, and (QOL)assessment.

    RESULTS: The ART stent was inserted successfully in all cases (17/17, 100%). There were two stent migrations due to the flexibility of the stent at the neck. There were no early or post-stenting one-month complications associated with the procedure. A good flow of contrast was seen in all the stents deployed. GERD Q score was low in all patients pre and post-stenting. Post-stenting there was a relief of dysphagia, weight gain, and a 60% improvement in QOL score.

    CONCLUSIONS: ART stent is feasible and technically successful in COJ tumours. It provides good symptom relief, improves the QOL, and has minimal early complications.

    FUNDING: None declared.

  18. Sohrabi T, Ismail A, Nabavi MB
    Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 2010 Nov;85(5):502-8.
    PMID: 20957347 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-010-0112-z
    Surface sediments along the south of Caspian Sea were collected to evaluate the contamination of heavy metals. The result ranged (μg/g, Fe% dw): Pb(13.06-33.48); Ni(18.01-69.63); Cd(0.62-1.5); Zn(30.11-87.88); Cu(5.86-26.37) and Fe(1.8-4%) respectively. Cadmium showed higher EF when compared to other sites. Geoaccumulation Index value for Cd in most stations was classified as moderately contaminated and moderately to strongly contaminated, as well as the average of I(geo) of Cd (1.77 ± 0.35) suggested that surface sediments of Caspian coast were moderately polluted by this metal. The result of the Pearson correlation showed that there were significant positive associations between Ni, Cd and Zn (r = 0.44-0.76; p < 0.01).
  19. Jalil AM, Ismail A
    Molecules, 2008 Sep 16;13(9):2190-219.
    PMID: 18830150
    Cocoa and cocoa products have received much attention due to their significant polyphenol contents. Cocoa and cocoa products, namely cocoa liquor, cocoa powder and chocolates (milk and dark chocolates) may present varied polyphenol contents and possess different levels of antioxidant potentials. For the past ten years, at least 28 human studies have been conducted utilizing one of these cocoa products. However, questions arise on which of these products would deliver the best polyphenol contents and antioxidant effects. Moreover, the presence of methylxanthines, peptides, and minerals could synergistically enhance or reduce antioxidant properties of cocoa and cocoa products. To a greater extent, cocoa beans from different countries of origins and the methods of preparation (primary and secondary) could also partially influence the antioxidant polyphenols of cocoa products. Hence, comprehensive studies on the aforementioned factors could provide the understanding of health-promoting activities of cocoa or cocoa products components.
  20. Aziah I, Ravichandran M, Ismail A
    Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 2007 Dec;59(4):373-7.
    PMID: 17964105
    Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing requires many pipetting steps and has to be transported and stored in cold chain. To overcome these limitations, we designed a ready-to-use PCR test for Salmonella typhi using PCR reagents, primers against the ST50 gene of S. typhi, a built-in internal amplification control (IAC), and gel loading dye mixed and freeze-dried in a single tube. The 2-step dry-reagent-based assay was used to amplify a 1238-bp target gene and an 810-bp IAC gene from 73 BACTEC blood culture broths (33 true positives for S. typhi and 40 true negatives for non-S. typhi). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the PCR assay were 87.9%, 100%, 100%, and 90.9%, respectively. We suggest that this rapid 2-step PCR test could be used for the rapid diagnosis of typhoid fever.
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