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Fulltext Storage behaviour and quality responses of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit treated with chitosan and gum arabic coatings during cold storage conditions

Khaliq, G., Mohamed, M.T.M., Ding, P., Ghazali, H.M., Ali, A.

International Food Research Journal, 2016;23(101):141-148.
MyJurnal

Natural products are useful for delaying the ripening process, preserving quality and reducing biochemical changes in fruits. Effect of gum arabic (GA) 10% and chitosan (CH) 1% edible coatings on physiological and biochemical properties of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Choke Anan) fruit were investigated. Mango fruit were stored at 13°C and 80% relative humidity for 28 days. Significant (P≤0.05) differences were observed in fruits treated with GA 10% and CH 1% as compared to the control. The results showed that GA 10% and CH 1% treatments significantly reduced weight loss than the control fruits. The application of CH 1% coating effectively inhibited the increase in soluble solid concentration (SSC), respiration rate and ethylene production. But no significant differences were observed in terms of ascorbic acid loss between treated fruits and control during the entire storage period. Furthermore, the combined application of GA 10% + CH 1% alleviated decay incidence and retained high firmness of mango fruit. These results suggested that application of GA 10% coating combined with CH 1% as a bio preservative might be a simple and effective technique for delaying ripening and maintaining quality of mango fruit during cold storage without the use of fungicides.
Fulltext Radioiodine ablation in postpartum patient with differentiated thyroid cancer: a case report and review of literature

Zaid, Z. A., Fadzilah, H., Ali, A. K. M.

Asian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;1(1):2-6.
MyJurnal

Well differentiated thyroid carcinoma is the most commonly seen thyroid cancer. One of
the presenting symptoms is thyroid nodule. In most cases following initial workup and
whereby tumour is resectable, surgery is the mainstay of treatment. The subsequent
postsurgical management utilising radionuclide Iodine-131 (I-131) has long been
established and extensively being studied and discussed. This present case report
illustrates the general overview of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) as well as the
concerns related to radioiodine ablation in a postpartum patient with DTC.
Fulltext The compressive strength of concrete containing eggshell powder and palm oil fuel ash cured in tap water and river water

Mazizah Ezdiani Mohamad, Mahmood, Ali A., Eh, Cheng Chen

Journal of Engineering and Science Research, 2019;3(1):24-29.
MyJurnal

Cement production is a major environmental problem that causes the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This study attempts to sustainably use palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and eggshell powder (ESP) as partial replacements for Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete production. POFA and ESP are two wastes that need to be managed to reduce their detrimental environmental effects. As such compressive and slump tests were conducted on POFA-ESP-OPC concrete mixtures by replacing 10% of OPC with POFA-ESP. Two mediums of curing were used: tap water and river water. It was found that the compressive strength and slump resistance of these mixtures were within the ranges typically encountered in regular concrete mixtures indicating the viability of this procedure employed for structural applications.
Fulltext Factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services in Sana'a City, Yemen

Seham Othman, Alserouri Abdulwahed, Taha Almahbashi, Alabed AAA

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2017;17(3):1-14.

Antenatal care is a vital part of primary healthcare that is known to improve maternal and newborn outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting utilization of antenatal care services for women in reproductive age in Yemen. This cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in six districts of Sana’a City, Yemen. Data were collected from 460 mothers who gave birth in the past six months via face-to-face interviews at home between September to December 2010. Only 54% of mothers were found to have made four or more antenatal care visits. Almost two third of participants made their first visit during their first trimester due to presence of health problems and did not follow up when they became healthy during pregnancy. Reasons for not receiving antenatal care services due to absence of health problems, high cost of antenatal care services, long waiting time, and poor staff attitude. Sixty percent of participants were unaware of the danger symptoms of common health problems in pregnancy. The significant factors affecting utilization of antenatal services were mother education, residence place, age at first pregnancy, gravida, parity, occurrence of pregnancy without planning, and number of live children (P<0.05). The factors affecting the number of visits were mother education, place of residence, and husband work were (P<0.05). Future healthcare activities should focus on improving women’s awareness of the importance of antenatal care even in the absence of noticeable health problems and lack of education about the common danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Fulltext Recurrent furunculosis as a cause of isolated penile lymphedema: a case report

Al-Shaham AA, Sood S

J Med Case Rep, 2010 Jun 29;4:196.
PMID: 20584337 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-4-196

INTRODUCTION: Isolated lymphedema of the penis is extremely rare: combined involvement of the scrotum and penis is the norm. Furunculosis as a cause is not, to our knowledge, previously reported. We present a case of isolated penile lymphedema that responded to excision of lymphedematous tissue and reconstruction with flaps.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old Arab man presented with a three-year history of a gradually increasing, painless penile swelling. Our patient's main complaint was non-erectile sexual dysfunction. The swelling was preceded by at least three prior episodes of severe furunculosis at the penile root. He had no other contributory past medical or family history. On examination there was gross penile enlargement, maximally at the mid shaft, associated with thickened skin at the sites of prior furunculosis. The glans and scrotum were normal. Both testes were palpable. Serology for filariasis, and urinary tract ultrasound and computed tomography scan were normal. The clinical diagnosis was lymphedema following recurrent penile furunculosis. At operation the lymphedematous tissues were removed. Closure of the penile shaft was accomplished by bilateral advancement of flaps from both ends of the penis. He resumed normal sexual activity one month after surgery. At 12 months, he had a good cosmetic result, with no signs of recurrence.
CONCLUSIONS: Furunculosis at the penile root may result in lymphedema confined to the penile shaft, sparing the scrotum. Excision of abnormal tissue and cover with a skin flap gave excellent cosmetic results, and allowed satisfactory sexual activity.
A visual probe localization and calibration system for cost-effective computer-aided 3D ultrasound

Ali A, Logeswaran R

Comput Biol Med, 2007 Aug;37(8):1141-7.
PMID: 17126314

The 3D ultrasound systems produce much better reproductions than 2D ultrasound, but their prohibitively high cost deprives many less affluent organization this benefit. This paper proposes using the conventional 2D ultrasound equipment readily available in most hospitals, along with a single conventional digital camera, to construct 3D ultrasound images. The proposed system applies computer vision to extract position information of the ultrasound probe while the scanning takes place. The probe, calibrated in order to calculate the offset of the ultrasound scan from the position of the marker attached to it, is used to scan a number of geometrical objects. Using the proposed system, the 3D volumes of the objects were successfully reconstructed. The system was tested in clinical situations where human body parts were scanned. The results presented, and confirmed by medical staff, are very encouraging for cost-effective implementation of computer-aided 3D ultrasound using a simple setup with 2D ultrasound equipment and a conventional digital camera.
Implementing cost-effective 3-dimensional ultrasound using visual probe localization

Ali A, Logeswaran R

J Digit Imaging, 2007 Dec;20(4):352-66.
PMID: 17372781

This article proposes a set-up for a 3-dimensional ultrasound system using visual probe localization on the conventional 2-dimensional ultrasound machines readily available in most hospitals. A calibrated digital camera is used for probe-tracking (localization) purposes, whereas ultrasound probe calibration is implemented using a purpose-built phantom. The calibration steps and results are detailed here. The overall system is proven effective in clinical trials through scanning of human organs. Results obtained show successful, accurate 3-dimensional representations using this simple cost-effective set-up.
Effect of co-fractionation technique in the preparation of palm oil and sal fat based cocoa butter equivalent

Md Ali AR

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 1996 Jan;47(1):15-22.
PMID: 8616668

Two types of palm oil and sal fat based cocoa butter equivalents, namely fCBE (produced by using co-fractionation method) and mCBE (produced by using conventional method) were prepared. Results showed that the fCBE had triglyceride composition and solidification characteristics closer to the Malaysian cocoa butter than the mCBE produced at the same yield percentage. Increasing acetone washing time had little effect on the fCBE if compared to the effect of increasing palm olein to sal fat blend ratio. Co-fractionation technique increase the compatibility between CBE component triglycerides. Thus, more palm oil can be incorporated in the preparation and the process can be carried out at not low temperature as compared to the conventional method.
Basal skull fractures. A prospective study of 100 consecutive admissions

Chee CP, Ali A

Aust N Z J Surg, 1991 Aug;61(8):597-602.
PMID: 1867613

A prospective study of 100 consecutive patients with basal skull fracture admitted to the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur between July 1986 and October 1988 was carried out to study its epidemiological pattern, clinical and radiological presentations, mechanisms of injury, time interval between accidents and neurosurgical referrals, complications and outcomes. Two-thirds of the patients were between 20 and 50 years old and 79% were male. Half of the injured were motorcyclists and 22% were pedestrians. Three-quarters of the patients were seen within an hour after injury. Thirty-two patients had intracranial haematomas: 14 subdural, 9 extradural and 9 intracerebral. Three patients developed meningitis (two after operations) and six developed epilepsy. Eighteen patients died, but good recovery resulted in 70 patients at follow-up of 1 to 28 months. A small subgroup of 15 patients with severe ear and nose bleeding as a result of basal venous sinus tear died within a few hours despite aggressive resuscitation, probably due to underlying severe brain stem injury. The implication of the high incidence of basal skull fractures in motorcyclists, despite the enforcement of crash helmets is discussed, with possible mechanisms proposed.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts of colorectal cancer and their markers: updates, challenges and translational outlook

Musa M, Ali A

Future Oncol, 2020 Oct;16(29):2329-2344.
PMID: 32687721 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-0384

Accumulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment is associated with poor prognosis and recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite their prominent roles in colorectal carcinogenesis, there is a lack of robust and specific markers to classify the heterogeneous and highly complex CAF populations. This has resulted in confusing and misleading definitions of CAFs in cancer niche. Advancements in molecular biology approaches have open doors to reliable CAF marker detection methods in various solid tumors. These discoveries would contribute to more efficient screening, monitoring and targeted therapy of CRC thus potentially will reduce cancer morbidity and mortality rates. This review highlights current scenarios, dilemma, translational potentials of CAF biomarker and future therapeutic applications involving CAF marker identification in CRC.
Ultrasound treatment on phenolic metabolism and antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut pineapple during cold storage

Yeoh WK, Ali A

Food Chem, 2017 Feb 1;216:247-53.
PMID: 27596416 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.07.074

Ultrasound treatment at different power output (0, 25 and 29W) and exposure time (10 and 15min) was used to investigate its effect on the phenolic metabolism enzymes, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of fresh-cut pineapple. Following ultrasound treatment at 25 and 29W, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) was increased significantly (P<0.05) by 2.0 and 1.9-fold, when compared to control. Meanwhile, both the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and polyphenol peroxidase (POD) in fresh-cut pineapple was significantly (P<0.05) lower than control upon subjected to ultrasound treatment. In the present study, induction of PAL was found to significantly (P<0.001) correlate with higher total phenolic content and thus higher antioxidant capacity in fresh-cut pineapple. Results suggest that hormetic dosage of ultrasound treatment can enhance the activity of PAL and total phenolic content and hence the total antioxidant capacity to encounter with oxidative stress.
Fulltext The extraction of Vitex pouch

Mohd Ali, A., Jahidin, A.H., Abdul Wahab, I., Mohsin, H.F., Mizaton, H.H.

Journal of Academia Universiti Teknologi MARA Negeri Sembilan, 2018;6(1):1-7.
MyJurnal

In this study, the unprecedented extraction of the Vitex pouch was performed. The compounds from
methanolic and chloroform extracts were isolated by using thin layer chromatography (TLC). The
compound of interest was investigated by using 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR, 500 MHz)
spectroscopy. From the NMR spectral examination, the compound from the methanolic extract was
suggested as glucononitol. Indeed, there are some parameters that could enhance the attainment of this
research, which include high performance liquid chromatographic supplies. Nevertheless, more
information and understanding on the pharmaceutical and chemical analysis of the Vitex species were
obtained. To sum up, it is anticipated that incoming research with advanced technology for this
natural product could be explored in the future.
Fulltext Time course of cigarette withdrawal symptoms while using nicotine patch during Ramadan

Maarof, M.F., Mhd Ali, A., Makmor Bakry, M., Taha, M.A., Adliah Mohd. Ali

Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia, 2018;16(101):115-163.
MyJurnal

Previous studies explain the time course of withdrawal symptoms among smokers pre and post quit attempt, either with or without the help of medication. Studies showed that male Muslim smokers could quit smoking during Ramadan since fasting relate to the changes in psychosomatic, daily activities and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the time course of withdrawal symptoms among smokers who used nicotine patch to quit smoking during fasting in Ramadan. A total of 40 eligible Muslim males who tried to quit smoking was selected and provided with smoking cessation counseling for the duration of 8 to 10 weeks while on nicotine patch. Participants level of withdrawal symptoms was recorded by using nine items of Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale over a period of 60 days. Participant’s carbon monoxide reading and body weight were measured within six months including pre and post-Ramadan fasting. Over four weeks of the fasting month, the measured withdrawal symptoms such as urge to smoke (P ≤ 0.001), depressed mood (P ≤ 0.001), irritability/frustration or anger (P ≤ 0.05), anxiety (P ≤ 0.05), difficulty concentrating(P ≤ 0.001), restlessness (P ≤ 0.001), difficulty going to sleep (P ≤ 0.001) and impatient (P ≤ 0.05) significantly decreased except appetite by the end of week 4. Time course analyses demonstrated that all outcome measures showed good effects during cessation in fasting month. The point prevalence abstinence at first month of quitting was 67.5% which is higher in fasting month. This has shown positive clinical implications in managing smoking cessation program during Ramadan with the aid of nicotine patch.
Fulltext The influence of meaningful work on the mental health of SME employees in the COVID-19 era: can coping strategies mediate the relationship?

Jalil MF, Ali A

BMC Public Health, 2023 Dec 06;23(1):2435.
PMID: 38057782 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17347-3

BACKGROUND: Stress, depression, and anxiety are prevalent issues among SME employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even while having meaningful work that expressively contributes to individual growth has been related to improving mental health, employees' work may also need to adopt coping strategies to increase outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between meaningful work (positive meaning, meaning-making, and greater good motivations) and mental health, as well as coping strategies (problem-focused and emotion-focused) as a mediator of this relationship.
METHODS: Meaningful work, coping strategies, and mental health were evaluated in empirical research based on a sample of 462 SME employees working in Malaysia. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data and analyze it through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS 21.0.
RESULTS: The findings of the study show the importance of meaningful work in influencing the mental health of SME employees, particularly during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. This suggests that the more they value and see their work as meaningful, the more capable they are of dealing with limitations and mental health problems associated with crises. The study also discovered a partial mediating role for coping strategies between employees' mental health and meaningful work.
CONCLUSION: This study encourages employees to constantly feel connected and discover continued possibilities to work and learn even during crisis situations. In order to improve human resource efficiency in emerging markets, managers and owners of SMEs must implement the model developed by the researchers.
Fulltext Crossover Analysis of the Astringent, Antimicrobial, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Illicium verum/Star Anise in the Oral Cavity

Assiry AA, Karobari MI, Bhavikatti SK, Marya A

Biomed Res Int, 2021;2021:5510174.
PMID: 34195261 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5510174

Introduction: Illicium verum commonly known as star anise has been widely used in many Asian countries for pharmaceutical treatment for many diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimicrobial properties of an Illicium verum mouthwash.
Methods: The present double blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on fifty subjects, divided into groups A and B. Illicium verum mouthwash (group A) and placebo (group B) were provided to subjects for 21 days; after 14 days, washout period mouthwashes were switched as per crossover design between groups for 21 days. The gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), and oral microbial count were recorded at each stage of study.
Results: The significant intragroup difference was observed, before crossover in group A and after crossover in group B for GI, PBI, and oral microbial count at different stages of study. On comparing both group A and group B at the first and second follow-up for GI, PBI, and oral microbial count, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed. A statistically highly significant mean intergroup and intragroup difference was seen for all the clinical parameters at different stages of study.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the Illicium verum/star anise has potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties.
Fulltext Ce-Loaded HZSM-5 Composite for Catalytic Deoxygenation of Algal Hydrolyzed Oil into Hydrocarbons and Oxygenated Compounds

Nuhma MJ, Alias H, Tahir M, Jazie AA

Molecules, 2022 Oct 25;27(21).
PMID: 36364078 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217251

Despite the extensive research into the catalytic uses of zeolite-based catalysts, these catalysts have a limited useful lifetime because of the deactivating effect of coke production. This study looks at the use of Cerium (Ce) loaded HZSM-5 zeolite catalysts in the hydrocarbon and oxygenated chemical conversion from Chlorella Vulgaris microalgae crude oil. Characterization of structure, morphology, and crystallinity was performed after the catalysts were manufactured using the impregnation technique. Soxhlet extraction was carried out to extract the crude oil of microalgae. Transesterification reaction was used to produce algal hydrolyzed oil (HO), and the resulting HO was put to use in a batch reactor at 300 °C, 1000 rpm, 7 bars of nitrogen pressure, a catalyst to the algal HO ratio of 15% (wt. %), and a retention time of 6 h. To determine which Ce-loaded HZSM-5 catalysts would be most effective in converting algal HO into non-oxygenated molecules (hydrocarbons), we conducted a series of tests. Liquid product characteristics were analyzed for elemental composition, higher heating value (HHV), atomic ratios of O/C and H/C, and degree of deoxygenation (DOD%). Results were categorized into three groups: product yield, chemical composition, and carbon number distribution. When Cerium was added to HZSM-5 zeolite at varying loading percentages, the zeolite's acid sites became more effective in facilitating the algal HO conversion. The results showed that 10%Ce/HZSM-5 had the greatest conversion of the algal HO, the yield of hydrocarbons, HHV, and DOD% (98.2%, 30%, 34.05 MJ/Kg, and 51.44%, respectively) among all the synthesized catalysts in this research. In conclusion, the physical changes seen in the textural characteristics may be attributed to Cerium-loading on the parent HZSM-5; nevertheless, there is no direct association between the physical features and the hydrocarbons yield (%). The primary impact of Cerium alteration of the parent HZSM-5 zeolite was to change the acidic sites required to boost the conversion (%) of the algal HO in the catalytic deoxygenation process, which in turn increased the hydrocarbons yield (%), which in turn increased the HHV and DOD%.
Fulltext Bimetallic Lanthanum-Cerium-Loaded HZSM-5 Composite for Catalytic Deoxygenation of Microalgae-Hydrolyzed Oil into Green Hydrocarbon Fuels

Nuhma MJ, Alias H, Tahir M, Jazie AA

Molecules, 2022 Nov 18;27(22).
PMID: 36432121 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228018

Due to their high lipid content, microalgae are one of the most significant sources of green hydrocarbons, which might help lessen the world's need for fossil fuels. Many zeolite-based catalysts are quickly deactivated by coke production and have a short lifetime. In this study, a bimetallic Lanthanum-Cerium (La-Ce)-modified HZSM-5 zeolite catalyst was synthesized through an impregnation method and was tested for the conversion of hydrolyzed oil into oxygen-free hydrocarbon fuels of high energy content. Initially, hydrolyzed oil (HO), the byproduct of the transesterification process, was obtained by the reaction of crude oil derived from Chlorella vulgaris microalgae and a methanol. Various catalysts were produced, screened, and evaluated for their ability to convert algal HO into hydrocarbons and other valuable compounds in a batch reactor. The performance of HZSM-5 was systematically tested in view of La-Ce loaded on conversion, yield, and selectivity. NH3-TPD analysis showed that the total acidity of the La-Ce-modified zeolites was lower than that of the pure HZSM-5 catalyst. TGA testing revealed that including the rare earth elements La and Ce in the HZSM-5 catalyst lowered the catalyst propensity for producing coke deposits. The acid sites necessary for algal HO conversion were improved by putting La and Ce into HZSM-5 zeolite at various loading percentages. The maximum hydrocarbon yield (42.963%), the highest HHV (34.362 MJ/Kg), and the highest DOD% (62.191%) were all achieved by the (7.5%La-2.5%Ce)/HZSM-5 catalyst, which was synthesized in this work. For comparison, the hydrocarbon yield for the parent HZSM-5 was 21.838%, the HHV was (33.230 MJ/Kg), and the DOD% was 44.235%. In conclusion, La and Ce-loading on the parent HZSM-5 may be responsible for the observed alterations in textural properties; nevertheless, there is no clear correlation between the physical features and the hydrocarbon yield (%). The principal effect of La and Ce modifying the parent HZSM-5 zeolite was to modify the acidic sites needed to enhance the conversion (%) of the algal HO during the catalytic deoxygenation process, which in turn raised the hydrocarbon yield (%) and increased the HHV and DOD%.
Fulltext Recent perspectives and awareness on transmission, clinical manifestation, quarantine measures, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among people living in Malaysia in 2020

Alabed AAA, Elengoe A, Anandan ES, Almahdi AY

Z Gesundh Wiss, 2022;30(5):1133-1142.
PMID: 33078089 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01395-9

BACKGROUND: There is a major public health challenge threatening the world with the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in December 2019 from Wuhan, China.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 and its transmission, causes and prevention among people living in Malaysia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among people living in Malaysia by using an online survey in March and April 2020.
RESULTS: Out of 520 respondents, the mean age was 36.9 ± 14.9, between 19 and 67 years with the majority being female. Most respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 with mean ± sd 18.2 ± 1.7, 5.2 ± 1.1 and 4.1 ± 1.4, respectively. In addition, the majority had good knowledge regarding cause, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment and quarantine measures after answering 21 questions.
CONCLUSION: To date, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, thus staying at home is the best preventive measure to curb the further growth of positive cases in the country. These findings could provide an insight in designing effective preparedness for future pandemic outbreaks.
Application of lemongrass oil in vapour phase for the effective control of anthracnose of 'Sekaki' papaya

Ali A, Wee Pheng T, Mustafa MA

J Appl Microbiol, 2015 Jun;118(6):1456-64.
PMID: 25727701 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12782

To evaluate the potential use of lemongrass essential oil vapour as an alternative for synthetic fungicides in controlling anthracnose of papaya.
Fulltext Potential of chitosan-loaded nanoemulsions to control different Colletotrichum spp. and maintain quality of tropical fruits during cold storage

Zahid N, Ali A, Manickam S, Siddiqui Y, Maqbool M

J Appl Microbiol, 2012 Oct;113(4):925-39.
PMID: 22805053 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05398.x

To investigate the antifungal activity of conventional chitosan and chitosan-loaded nanoemulsions against anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. isolated from different tropical fruits.

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