MyMedR

Fulltext Resection and reconstruction of malignant tumor involving sternum

Faisham WI, Ziyadi MG, Azman WS, Halim AS, Zulmi W, Biswal BM

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Apr;67(2):224-5.

We present a series of four cases of chest wall tumor, which underwent sternum resection. The methods of resection and reconstruction chest wall defect are discussed and the final outcome highlighted.

Fulltext Soft tissue reconstruction following hemipelvectomy: eight-year experience and literature review

Mat Saad AZ, Halim AS, Faisham WI, Azman WS, Zulmi W

ScientificWorldJournal, 2012;2012:702904.

PMID: 22629187 DOI: 10.1100/2012/702904

Hemipelvectomy is a major surgical procedure that associates with significant morbidity, functional impairment, and psychological and body image problem. Reconstruction of the defect is a challenged since a large amount of composite tissues are needed. We would like to share our eight-year experience with massive pelvic resection and reconstruction.

Fulltext Estimation of glomerular filtration rate using serum cystatin C in overweight and obese subjects

Marwyne MN, Loo CY, Halim AG, Norella K, Sulaiman T, Zaleha MI

Med J Malaysia, 2011 Oct;66(4):313-7.

PMID: 22299549 MyJurnal

Obesity and overweight are strong independent risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Using serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations in these subjects may be inaccurate. On the other hand, cystatin C-based eGFR equations may overestimate CKD prevalence as recent findings suggest an association of cystatin C with obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of a cystatin C-based eGFR equation compared to two creatinine -based eGFR equations in overweight and obese subjects.

Analysis of volatile compounds of Malaysian Tualang (Koompassia excelsa) honey using gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Nurul Syazana MS, Gan SH, Halim AS, Shah NS, Gan SH, Sukari HA

Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2013;10(2):180-8.

PMID: 24146441

The constituents of honey's volatile compounds depend on the nectar source and differ depending on the place of origin. To date, the volatile constituents of Tualang honey have never been investigated. The objective of this study was to analyze the volatile compounds in local Malaysian Tualang honey. A continuous extraction of Tualang honey using five organic solvents was carried out starting from non-polar to polar solvents and the extracted samples were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Overall, 35 volatile compounds were detected. Hydrocarbons constitute 58.5% of the composition of Tualang honey. Other classes of chemical compounds detected included acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, terpenes, furans and a miscellaneous group. Methanol yielded the highest number of extracted compounds such as acids and 5-(Hydroxymethyl) furfural (HMF). This is the first study to describe the volatile compounds in Tualang honey. The use of a simple one tube, stepwise, non-thermal liquid-liquid extraction of honey is a advantageous as it prevents sample loss. Further research to test the clinical benefits of these volatile compounds is recommended.

De novo interstitial deletion of 1q32.2-q32.3 including the entire IRF6 gene in a patient with oral cleft and other dysmorphic features

Salahshourifar I, Halim AS, Sulaiman WA, Ariffin R, Naili Muhamad Nor N, Zilfalil BA

Cytogenet Genome Res, 2011;134(2):83-7.

PMID: 21447942 DOI: 10.1159/000325541

Microdeletion of the Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) critical region is a relatively rare event, and only a few cases have been reported in the medical literature. The extent of the deletion and the genotype-phenotype correlation are 2 crucial issues.

A prospective, randomised, double-blinded trial to study the efficacy of topical tocotrienol in the prevention of hypertrophic scars

Khoo TL, Halim AS, Zakaria Z, Mat Saad AZ, Wu LY, Lau HY

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg, 2011 Jun;64(6):e137-45.

PMID: 20869928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2010.08.029

Despite widespread beliefs regarding the use of topical tocotrienol in the prevention of hypertrophic scars, there is very little evidence from well controlled and randomised clinical trials to justify its benefits for surgical scars.

Reproducibility of laser Doppler fluximetry and the process of iontophoresis in assessing microvascular endothelial function using low current strength

Al-Tahami BA, Yvonne-Tee GB, Halim AS, Ismail AA, Rasool AH

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 2010 Apr;32(3):181-5.

PMID: 20448860 DOI: 10.1358/mf.2010.32.3.1423887

Iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) combined with laser Doppler fluximetry (LDF) is a tool used to determine microvascular endothelial function. Our aim was to study the reproducibility of different parameters of this technique using iontophoresis with low current strength on the forearm skin of healthy subjects. Baseline skin perfusion was done before application of five current pulses with 1 min of current-free interval. Current strength of 0.007 mA, current density of 0.01 mA/cm(2) and charge density of 6 mC/cm(2) were used, along with 1% ACh and 1% SNP. The absolute maximum change in perfusion (max), percent change in perfusion (% change), peak change in perfusion (peak) and area under the curve during iontophoresis (AUC) at the anodal and cathodal leads were recorded. Measurements were performed in three sessions for 2 days. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated for each parameter. Among the parameters studied, maximum change in perfusion and peak flux were the most reproducible parameters.

Fulltext Extragonadal germ cell tumor presenting in a woman with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

Shahrir M, Halim A, Zainudin S, Mohamad R, Yuen LC, Saidin R, et al.

J Med Case Rep, 2010;4:97.

PMID: 20338049 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-4-97

Germ cell tumor of the pituitary gland is a very rare occurrence.

Fulltext Molar pregnancy and glomerulonephritis

Teh HS, Halim AG, Soehardy Z, Fauzi AR, Kong CT

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Aug;61(3):361-2.

PMID: 17240591 MyJurnal

A 17-year-old, sexually active, single, nulliparous young woman presented to us with one week history suggestive of nephrotic syndrome. She was found to have a benign hydatidiform mole confirmed by histopathological examination after suction and curettage. Renal biopsy revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The renal pathology was most probably due to molar pregnancy due to the close temporal relationship. To our knowledge, this is the first case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with a gestation trophoblastic disease described in the literature.

Fulltext Subclinical acquired syphilis masquerading as membranous glomerulonephritis

Soehardy Z, Hayati SN, Rozita M, Rohana AG, Halim AG, Norella K, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Oct;61(4):484-6.

PMID: 17243528 MyJurnal

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is one of the common forms of nephrotic syndrome in the adult population. The majority of MGN are idiopathic, but the secondary forms can be seen in the setting of autoimmune disease, neoplasia, infection and following exposure to certain therapeutic agents. Histologically, MGN is an immunologically mediated disease in which immune complexes deposit in the subepithelial space. Syphilis is a venereal disease that can also be acquired by exposure to infected blood. Untreated syphilis may progress and develop renal complications such as membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) or diffuse endocapillary glomerulonephritis with or without crescent formation. Today, with increasing awareness of sexually transmitted diseases especially HIV infection coupled by the practice of protected sexual intercourse and advancement of medicine, we have seen fewer and fewer cases of acquired syphilis. Furthermore, majority will present with typical syphilitic symptoms of such as chancre, rash, fever and lymph node enlargement in which case the diagnosis is easily obtained. We are reporting a case of acquired syphilis masquerading as membranous glomerulonephritis without typical syphilitic symptoms.

Patency of permanent vascular access creation in paediatric patients with end stage renal disease

Ho HL, Halim AS, Mat Saadk AZ, Sulaiman WAW, Ilias MI

Med J Malaysia, 2021 Sep;76(5):737-740.

PMID: 34508385

Renal transplant is the first-line therapy in paediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Wong HS and Goh BL reported up to 79% of 1061 paediatric patients still require long-term haemodialysis (HD).1 The lack of deceased and living donors is attributable to the poor awareness, cultural and religious grounds. Permanent vascular access (PVA) in paediatrics therefore, serves more as a long term treatment rather than a bridging therapy. We observed 5 children and an adolescent, all with previous indwelling catheters, who underwent arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation and report the outcomes. The aim of this report is to determine the factors that influence the longterm patency of paediatric AVF. Factors such as body weight, vessel diameter, preoperative preparations, microsurgical technique and postoperative maintenance are discussed. In addition, considerations on the choice and timing of PVA is highlighted.

Fulltext Aggressive giant cell tumour of bone

Faisham WI, Zulmi W, Halim AS, Biswal BM, Mutum SS, Ezane AM

Singapore Med J, 2006 Aug;47(8):679-83.

PMID: 16865207

The surgical treatment of Stage III or aggressive giant cell tumour of the bone, whether to perform intralesional or en-bloc resection, remains controversial. The aim of this study is to identify the effectiveness of en-bloc resection for local control and final oncological outcome of the disease.

Successful treatment of very large congenital infantile fibrosarcoma

Hamidah A, Reena M, Halim ARA, Ibrahim S, Eguchi M, Zarina AL, et al.

Pediatr Int, 2011 Oct;53(5):768-770.

PMID: 21955012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2011.03358.x

Influences on bone mineral density in Malaysian premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus patients on corticosteroids

Yeap SS, Fauzi AR, Kong NC, Halim AG, Soehardy Z, Rahimah S, et al.

Lupus, 2009 Feb;18(2):178-81.

PMID: 19151123 DOI: 10.1177/0961203308094995

The aim of this study was to assess the bone mineral density (BMD) of premenopausal patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on corticosteroids (CS) and to determine the influence of CS and other risk factors on BMD. A total of 98 premenopausal patients with SLE were recruited from outpatient clinics in two teaching hospitals. Risk factors for osteoporosis were determined, and BMD was measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The mean age of the patients was 30.05 +/- 7.54 years. The mean dose of prednisolone at time of BMD measurement was 18.38 +/- 10.85 mg daily. Median duration of CS use was 2.5 years (range 0-20). Median cumulative dose of CS was 9.04 g (range 0.28-890.0). Six patients (6.1%) had osteoporosis, 41 (41.9%) had osteopenia and 51 (52.0%) had normal BMD. Lumbar spine T score correlated with cumulative CS dose (P = 0.019). Duration of CS intake correlated with femoral neck T score (P = 0.04) and trochanter T score (P = 0.008). There was no correlation between BMD and race, SLE Disease Activity Index score, smoking and self-reported calcium intake or exercise. Only 52% of these patients had normal BMD. The duration and cumulative dose of CS intake was significantly correlated to BMD, but not the other commonly assessed risk factors. These findings suggest that premenopausal patients with SLE on CS should have their BMD measured at regular intervals to fully assess their osteoporosis risk.

Study site: outpatient clinics in two teaching hospitals

Fulltext Case of severe refractory myasthenia gravis in HUKM

Hamizah R, Norlinah MI, Tan HJ, Soehardy Z, Halim AG, Rohana AG, et al.

Med J Malaysia, 2006 Dec;61(5):633-5.

PMID: 17623968 MyJurnal

A 20-year-old girl first notice bilateral ocular muscle weakness in 2001. Two months later, she developed acute muscle paralysis and respiratory failure which required ventilation. Serum anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies and repetitive nerve stimulation test was positive and consistent with myasthenia gravis (MG). CT scan thorax revealed thymic enlargement and she underwent a video assisted thymectomy (VATS). However, over the next three years, despite maximal doses of various immunosuppressive agents with plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin, she was admitted with recurrent myasthenic crisis without any obvious precipitant. She was then commenced on mycophenolate mofetil and together with regular plasmapheresis, cyclosporine and prednisolone, her symptoms have finally improved and brought under control.

Serum Vitamin D levels in patients with chronic kidney disease

Rozita M, Noorul Afidza M, Ruslinda M, Cader R, Halim AG, Kong CT, et al.

EXCLI J, 2013;12:511-20.

PMID: 26933400

Hypovitaminosis D is reported to be associated with several medical complications. Recent studies have reported a high worldwide prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the general population (up to 80 %). This is even higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and increases with advancing stages of CKD.

Isolation by culture and PCR identification of LipL32 gene of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in wild rats of Kuala Lumpur

Latifah I, Abdul Halim A, Rahmat MS, Nadia MF, Ubil ZE, Asmah H, et al.

Malays J Pathol, 2017 08;39(2):161-166.

PMID: 28866698 MyJurnal

BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to confirm the status of rats as the carrier of pathogenic leptospira in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

METHOD: A total of 140 urine samples were collected from trapped rats. These samples were cultured in EMJH enriched media and 18 of these samples (12.9%) were found to be positive when observed under x40 by dark field microscope. Genomic DNA was extracted from all the 18 native isolates for PCR.

RESULT: All the 18 isolates generated the expected 786 base pair band when the set of primers known to amplify LipL32 gene were utilized. These results showed that the primers were suitable to be used for the identification of pathogenic leptospira from the 18 rat samples.

CONCLUSION: The sequencing of the PCR products and BLAST analysis performed on each representative isolates confirmed the pathogenic status of all these native isolates as the LipL32 gene was detected in all the Leptospira isolates. This indicates that the rats are carriers of the pathogenic leptospira in the study area, and therefore are of public health importance.

Rapid fabrication of oxygen defective α-Fe2O3(110) for enhanced photoelectrochemical activities

Mohamad Noh MF, Ullah H, Arzaee NA, Ab Halim A, Abdul Rahim MAF, Mohamed NA, et al.

Dalton Trans, 2020 Sep 14;49(34):12037-12048.

PMID: 32869793 DOI: 10.1039/d0dt00406e

Defect engineering is increasingly recognized as a viable strategy for boosting the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using metal oxide-based photoelectrodes. However, previously developed methods for generating point defects associated with oxygen vacancies are rather time-consuming. Herein, high density oxygen deficient α-Fe2O3 with the dominant (110) crystal plane is developed in a very short timescale of 10 minutes by employing aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition and pure nitrogen as a gas carrier. The oxygen-defective film exhibits almost 8 times higher photocurrent density compared to a hematite photoanode with a low concentration of oxygen vacancies which is prepared in purified air. The existence of oxygen vacancies improves light absorption ability, accelerates charge transport in the bulk of films, and promotes charge separation at the electrolyte/semiconductor interface. DFT simulations verify that oxygen-defective hematite has a narrow bandgap, electron-hole trapped centre, and strong adsorption energy of water molecules compared to pristine hematite. This strategy might bring PEC technology another step further towards large-scale fabrication for future commercialization.

Inflammatory and vascular biomarkers in post-COVID-19 syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 20 biomarkers

Yong SJ, Halim A, Halim M, Liu S, Aljeldah M, Al Shammari BR, et al.

Rev Med Virol, 2023 Mar;33(2):e2424.

PMID: 36708022 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2424

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may inflict a post-viral condition known as post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) or long-COVID. Studies measuring levels of inflammatory and vascular biomarkers in blood, serum, or plasma of COVID-19 survivors with PCS versus non-PCS controls have produced mixed findings. Our review sought to meta-analyse those studies. A systematic literature search was performed across five databases until 25 June 2022, with an updated search on 1 November 2022. Data analyses were performed with Review Manager and R Studio statistical software. Twenty-four biomarkers from 23 studies were meta-analysed. Higher levels of C-reactive protein (Standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.02-0.39), D-dimer (SMD = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.09-0.46), lactate dehydrogenase (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.05-0.54), and leukocytes (SMD = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.02-0.66) were found in COVID-19 survivors with PCS than in those without PCS. After sensitivity analyses, lymphocytes (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.48) and interleukin-6 (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.49) were also significantly higher in PCS than non-PCS cases. No significant differences were noted in the remaining biomarkers investigated (e.g., ferritin, platelets, troponin, and fibrinogen). Subgroup analyses suggested the biomarker changes were mainly driven by PCS cases diagnosed via manifestation of organ abnormalities rather than symptomatic persistence, as well as PCS cases with duration of <6 than ≥6 months. In conclusion, our review pinpointed certain inflammatory and vascular biomarkers associated with PCS, which may shed light on potential new approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and treating PCS.

Experimental drugs in randomized controlled trials for long-COVID: what's in the pipeline? A systematic and critical review

Yong SJ, Halim A, Halim M, Ming LC, Goh KW, Alfaresi M, et al.

Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 2023;32(7):655-667.

PMID: 37534972 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2242773

INTRODUCTION: Over three years have passed since the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and yet the treatment for long-COVID, a post-COVID-19 syndrome, remains long overdue. Currently, there is no standardized treatment available for long-COVID, primarily due to the lack of funding for post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS). Nevertheless, the past few years have seen a renewed interest in long-COVID research, with billions of dollars allocated for this purpose. As a result, multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been funded in the quest to find an effective treatment for long-COVID.

AREAS COVERED: This systematic review identified and evaluated the potential of current drug treatments for long-COVID, examining both completed and ongoing RCTs.

EXPERT OPINION: We identified four completed and 22 ongoing RCTs, investigating 22 unique drugs. However, most drugs were deemed to not have high potential for treating long-COVID, according to three pre-specified domains, a testament to the ordeal of treating long-COVID. Given that long-COVID is highly multifaceted with several proposed subtypes, treatments likely need to be tailored accordingly. Currently, rintatolimod appears to have modest to high potential for treating the myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) subtype, LTY-100 and Treamid for pulmonary fibrosis subtype, and metformin for general long-COVID prevention.

Displaying publications 61 - 80 of 81 in total