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Fulltext Digital information evaluation skills among students in higher education

Parsazadeh, N., Ali, R.

Journal of Advanced Research Design, 2016;9(1):13-25.
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Despite of the advancement of technology in the present internet age, many college students
lack the information and communication technology (ICT) literacy skills like evaluating those necessary
to navigate, as well as using the information available today. Evaluating the quality of information
sources encompasses students’ ability to determine relevance, accuracy, and overall credibility of
sources and information. Moreover, the quality of information found online is extremely variable
because anyone can post data on the internet, and not all online sources are equally reliable, valuable,
or accurate. From a study conducted on diploma students’ assignments using rubric at an international
university in Kuala Lumpur, it was found that there was a problem in digital information evaluation
skills and lack of ability in using evaluation criteria, including authority, accuracy, currency,
objectivity, and coverage on digital information, as well as sources among diploma students. The future
work of this study will be the use of mobile devices in collaborative and interactive learning to improve
digital information evaluation skills among diploma students. This approach does not only improve the
students’ learning attitude, but also enhances the effectiveness of learning.
Women's perspectives towards traditional and complementary medicine used to conceive, during pregnancy and the postpartum period

Shaukat Ali R, Gnanasan S, Farooqui M

Complement Ther Clin Pract, 2018 Feb;30:109-115.
PMID: 29389469 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.12.009

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore pregnant and postpartum women's understanding of the meaning of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) and how that may affect their T&CM use.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. Data collected from 374 women were analysed and represented via descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Out of the 374 participants, 285 (76.2%) reported using at least one type of T&CM to conceive, during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. The majority of the participants identified that T&CM is all about plants or natural products without chemicals or drugs (n = 267, 71.4%, p 
Fulltext Evaluation of Melaleuca cajuputi (Family: Myrtaceae) Essential Oil in Aerosol Spray Cans against Dengue Vectors in Low Cost Housing Flats

Abu Bakar A, Sulaiman S, Omar B, Mat Ali R

J Arthropod Borne Dis, 2012;6(1):28-35.
PMID: 23293776

Melaleuca cajuputi essential oil in aerosol spray was evaluated against the dengue vectors Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus at low cost housing flats in Section 10, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Fulltext Desmoid fibromatosis of submandibular region

Ali R, Parthiban N, O'Dwyer T

J Surg Tech Case Rep, 2014 Jan;6(1):21-5.
PMID: 25013548 DOI: 10.4103/2006-8808.135144

Desmoid fibromatosis is a benign yet locally aggressive tumor with a tendency to recur. It causes considerable morbidity particularly when it arises in a small area in the head and neck region. This tumor is extremely rare in the submandibular region. We report a case of desmoid tumor in the submandibular region in a 32-year-old male who presented with right submandibular swelling postextraction of right lower wisdom tooth. Excision biopsy was carried out initially following inconclusive fine needle aspiration and discussion at multidisciplinary meeting. The tumor recurred 4 months following initial excisional biopsy necessitating a more radical secondary approach involving segmental mandibulectomy. Intraoperatively we also noted that the tumor was originating from the site of previous wisdom tooth extraction, raising the question of surgical trauma as precursor of desmoid tumor. We achieved a negative resection margin and a complete remission for 24 months.
Antimicrobial and antiinflammatory activities of extracts and constituents of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent

Mat Ali R, Houghton PJ, Raman A, Hoult JR

Phytomedicine, 1998 Oct;5(5):375-81.
PMID: 23195987 DOI: 10.1016/S0944-7113(98)80020-2

Dichloromethane extracts of the stembark and root of Oroxylum indicum were found to have antimicrobial activities against Gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), Gramnegative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a yeast (Candida albicans). Bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of flavonoids (bacailein and chrysin) and a naphthoquinone, lapachol. Lapachol was found active against the Gram-positive bacteria, 5 μg giving a zone of inhibition equivalent to that shown by 5 μg streptomycin, whereas 5 μg chrysin gave inhibition zones of equal size to 5 μg streptomycin against Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibitory activity of lapachol from O. indicum root against soya 5-lipoxygenase (IC(50) 0.79 μg/ml) was equivalent to that of the positive control fisetin (IC(50) 0.97 μg/ml) and 50 μg/ml of the dichloromethane extract of the rootbark gave 100% inhibition of leukocyte lipoxygenase. These activities might indicate an antiinflammatory effect for the dichloromethane extract, mainly due to the lapachol content.
Workplace injuries and risk reduction practices in Malaysia

Ali R, Shaharudin R, Omar A, Yusoff F

Int J Occup Environ Health, 2012 Oct-Dec;18(4):299-306.
PMID: 23433290 DOI: 10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000031

INTRODUCTION: This study on workplace injuries and risk reduction practices was part of the Malaysia National Health Morbidity Survey III (NHMS III) conducted in 2006.
METHODS: This cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted to determine the incidence of workplaces injuries and assess the magnitude of some important risk reduction practices among workers. Data were gathered through face-to-face household interviews using a pre-coded questionnaire.
RESULTS: Of the 22 880 eligible respondents, 88·2% (20 180) responded. The incidence rate for injuries at the workplace was 4·9 per 100 (95% CI: 4·6-5·2). The overall proportion of workers who had received occupational safety and health (OSH) training before or within 1 month of starting work was 33·6%. Among respondents who perceived that personal protective equipment (PPE) was required at their workplace, only 38·9% (95% CI: 37·8-39·4) were provided with it by their employers.
DISCUSSION: Further studies are urgently needed to identify reasons for and management of the low uptake of risk reduction practices. This issue needs to be addressed to ensure the safety and health of our working population.
Study name: National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS-2006)
Fulltext Group B Streptococcal Meningitis in a Healthy Young Woman: A Case Report

Payus AO, Clarence C, Azman Ali R

Int J Gen Med, 2020;13:861-864.
PMID: 33116778 DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S277394

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a rare cause of meningitis in adults that commonly affects patients with multiple underlying comorbidities. Although it is uncommon, it typically progresses very rapidly and has a high mortality rate as compared to other causes of bacterial meningitis. Here, we report a patient with GBS meningitis who had no underlying medical illness and presented with multiple episodes of seizure within hours of developing fever. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis results were consistent with bacterial meningitis, and blood cultures grew GBS. She was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone for 2 weeks and made a great recovery without any sequalae. In conclusion, although GBS meningitis is uncommon in adults, it is a serious medical disease and associated with a high mortality rate. To the best of our knowledge, this patient represents one of the few reported cases of GBS meningitis in a previously healthy young adult.
Fulltext An Infratemporal Meningioma: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Kaur A, Ali R, Omar E, Hashim H

J Radiol Case Rep, 2021 Jan;15(1):1-10.
PMID: 33717402 DOI: 10.3941/jrcr.v15i1.3898

A 46-year-old male presented with painless, recurrent bilateral ear discharge and an enlarging right temporal swelling. There were no neurological deficits. Imaging revealed an enhancing, soft tissue mass at the right infratemporal region involving the right temporalis muscle with a small, enhancing intradural component and associated hyperostosis of the greater wing of the right sphenoid bone. Tumour debulking of the right temporalis tumour was performed. Tumour invasion of the right temporalis muscle was noted intraoperatively. Histopathological result was consistent with fibrous meningioma WHO Grade 1 involving surgical resection margins. Follow-up MRI revealed residual right temporal extracranial component. Thus, plans were made for a second stage tumour debulking, however at time of writing, surgery had not been performed. This case highlights the differing appearances of the common meningioma occurring extracranially with elaboration of its differential diagnosis and management.
Fulltext Neuropsychological profile at three months post injury in patients with traumatic brain injury

Ali R, Wahab S, Abdul Rahman AH

Sains Malaysiana, 2013;42(3):403-408.

This study looked into the rate and pattern of neuropsychological impairment in patients with traumatic brain injury patients at three months post injury. Forty patients attending the neurosurgery outpatient clinic were included in the study. Benton visual retention test (BVRT), rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT), digit span test, trail making test (TMT) and mini mental state examination (MMSE) were used for assessment. Forty five percent (n=18) sustained moderate to severe head injury. Twenty five percent (n=10) have abnormal MMSE result. Forty two and a half percent (n=17) have abnormal BVRT result. Seventy five percent (n=30) have abnormal RAVLT result while 35% (n=14) have abnormal digit span test result. Seventy seven and a half percent (n=31) have at least one neurological deficit. There was significant association between severity of head injury (GCS score) and neuropsychological deficit. This study highlights the point that in post head injury patients, there are high occurrences of cognitive dysfunction. MMSE and GCS play a significant and important role in assessing cognitive dysfunction. Severity of head injury as determined by GCS scores also influence the outcome in patients with head injury
Fulltext Energy, protein, fat and carbohydrate intakes of underweight, normal weight and obese government office workers in an urban area

Arshad F, Nor IM, Ali RM, Hamzah F

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 1996 Jun;5(2):88-91.
PMID: 24394516

Diet is one of the major factors contributing to the development of obesity, apart from heredity and energy balance. The objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess energy, carbohydrate, protein and fat intakes in relation to bodyweight status among government office workers in Kuala Lumpur. A total of 185 Malay men and 196 Malay women aged 18 and above were randomly selected as the study sample. Height and weight were taken to determine body mass index (BMI). The dietary profile was obtained by using 24-hour dietary recalls and food frequency methods. This was analysed to determine average nutrient intake per day. Other information was ascertained from tested and coded questionnaires. The subjects were categorised into three groups of bodyweight status namely underweight (BMI < 20 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 20-25 kg/m2) and obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2). The prevalence of obesity was 37.8%. The study showed that the mean energy intake of the respondents was 1709 ± 637 kcal/day. The energy composition comprised of 55.7 ± 7.6% carbohydrates, 29.7 ± 21.7 % fat and 15.6 ± 3.8% protein. There was no significant difference in diet composition among the three groups. The findings indicate that normal weight and overweight individuals had a lower intake of calories and carbohydrates than the underweight individuals (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in fat intakes.
Combating chlorhexidine allergy in perioperative setting

Shamsher S, Suhaimi NHI, Noor Ali R, Zulkifli K

Med J Malaysia, 2023 Jan;78(1):126-127.
PMID: 36715203

Chlorhexidine is labelled as hidden allergen as the health care professionals (HCPs) are unaware of the wide range of products containing chlorhexidine. Adverse events from chlorhexidine allergy can be reduced by appropriate perioperative management especially heeding on positive history during preoperative assessment, awareness regarding this hidden allergen, and educating HCPs on possible chlorhexidine-containing products. The regulatory agencies all over the world have issued recommendations regarding safety and risk of hypersensitivity reactions with chlorhexidine-containing products. The onus lies on HCPs to disseminate this knowledge to the stakeholders. We present a brief update to combat chlorhexidine allergy in perioperative setting.
Dento-facial relationships in individuals with normal occlusion

Al-Khatib AR, Rajion ZA, Masudi SM, Hassan R, Townsend GC

Homo, 2013 Aug;64(4):296-311.
PMID: 23755965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchb.2013.04.002

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships of selected facial measurements with mesio-distal crown widths and dental arch dimensions in individuals with normal occlusions. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 276 subjects with Angle's Class I normal occlusions. Three-dimensional images of the face and dental casts were captured and analyzed using stereophotogrammetric systems. Significant correlations were found between the sagittal facial variables and both upper and lower dental arch dimensions and to lesser degree with the horizontal and vertical variables. The values of correlation coefficients calculated between facial and dental crown measurements ranged from .01 to .50 for upper teeth and .01 to .49 for lower teeth. The values of correlation coefficients between facial and upper dental arch dimensions ranged from .01 to .55 and those between facial and lower dental arch dimensions ranged from .01 to .60. A principal components analysis showed that the sagittal dimensions, face height, nose, labial fissure, binocular widths were positively associated with dental arch dimensions and mesio-distal crown diameters in males. On the other hand, only the sagittal variables were associated with dental dimensions in females. The results of this study confirm that positive associations exist between facial and dental arch dimensions. These relationships should be taken into consideration when attempts are made to modify dental arch size as part of orthodontic treatment. Moreover, these relationships are also relevant to prosthodontists involved with selecting tooth sizes that display optimal functional balance with the craniofacial structures.
Validity and reliability of tooth size and dental arch measurements: a stereo photogrammetric study

Al-Khatib AR, Rajion ZA, Masudi SM, Hassan R, Townsend GC

Aust Orthod J, 2012 May;28(1):22-9.
PMID: 22866590

The development of three-dimensional computer imaging has many applications in dentistry, including the analysis of dental casts.
Stereophotogrammetric analysis of nasolabial morphology among Asian Malays: influence of age and sex

Al-Khatib AR, Rajion ZA, Masudi SM, Hassan R, Anderson PJ, Townsend GC

Cleft Palate Craniofac J, 2012 Jul;49(4):463-71.
PMID: 22236217 DOI: 10.1597/11-151

It is clear that population-specific norms should be used when planning plastic and reconstructive surgery for selected patients. In this study, we aimed to generate nasal and labial reference values by applying a stereophotogrammetric technique. A further aim was to investigate the effect of sexual dimorphism, age-related changes, and the interrelation between nasal and labial morphology.
Wire guided localisation for targeted axillary node dissection is accurate in axillary staging in node positive breast cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Balasubramanian R, Morgan C, Shaari E, Kovacs T, Pinder SE, Hamed H, et al.

Eur J Surg Oncol, 2020 06;46(6):1028-1033.
PMID: 31879050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2019.12.007

AIM: This study investigated whether wire localisation of the histologically proven positive, clipped axillary lymph node (ALN) with subsequent targeted axillary dissection (TAD) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) improves axillary staging in breast cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients with primary breast cancer and core biopsy proven metastatic ALNs, that had an excellent nodal radiological response following NACT, treated at our centre between January 2016 and December 2018. The initial cohort of patients (Group 1) underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), with a minimum of three nodes were sampled. The subsequent cohort (Group 2) had a marker clip inserted in the metastatic ALN prior to NACT. This cohort underwent wire guided excision of the clipped node in addition to SLNB, with a minimum of three nodes sampled.
RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were identified. Group 1 comprised 22 patients with a sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification rate (IR) of 95%. 25 patients (Group 2) underwent wire guided clip location and the SLN IR was 100% with a 92% clipped node IR. Evidence of pathological complete response (pCR) in the clipped node was associated with pCR in other nodes.
CONCLUSION: Targeted axillary dissection is a feasible technique following excellent response to NACT in selected patients with limited volume ALN metastasis, at diagnosis. The identification of the positive ALN during surgery is vital and the IR can be improved by clipping the node prior to NACT and wire guided localisation at the time of surgery.
Cytolytic effects and apoptosis induction of Newcastle disease virus strain AF2240 on anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumor cell line

Ali R, Alabsi AM, Ali AM, Ideris A, Omar AR, Yusoff K, et al.

Neurochem Res, 2011 Nov;36(11):2051-62.
PMID: 21671106 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0529-8

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a member of genus Avulavirus within the family Paramyxoviridae. Interest of using NDV as an anticancer agent has arisen from its ability to kill tumor cells with limited toxicity to normal cells. In this investigation, the cytotolytic properties of NDV strain AF2240 were evaluated on brain tumor cell line, anaplastic astrocytoma (U-87MG), by using MTT assay. Cytological observations were studied using fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to show the apoptogenic features of NDV on U-87MG. DNA laddering in agarose gel electrophoresis and terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP-X nick end-labeling staining assay confirmed that the mode of cell death was by apoptosis. However, analysis of the cellular DNA content by flowcytometery showed that there was a loss of treated U-87MG cells in all cell cycle phases (G1, S and G2/M) accompanied with increasing in sub-G1 region (apoptosis peak). Early apoptosis was observed 6 h post-inoculation by annexin-V flow-cytometry method. It could be concluded that NDV strain AF2240 is a potent antitumor agent that induce apoptosis and its cytotoxicity increasing while increasing of time and virus titer.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha P2 promoter variants associate with insulin resistance

Saif-Ali R, Harun R, Al-Jassabi S, Wan Ngah WZ

Acta Biochim. Pol., 2011;58(2):179-86.
PMID: 21633728

This study aimed to investigate the associations of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) alpha single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome parameters. Nine SNPs spanning the HNF4 alpha P2 promoter (rs4810424, rs1884613 and rs1884614) and coding region (rs2144908, rs6031551, rs6031552, rs1885088, rs1028583 and rs3818247) were genotyped in 160 subjects without diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The HNF4 alpha P2 promoter SNPs rs4810424, rs1884613 and rs1884614 were associated with insulin resistance (p = 0.017; 0.037; 0.024) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.03; 0.035; 0.039). The intron 1D SNP rs2144908 was associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) (p = 0.020) and the intron 9 SNP rs3818247 showed association with systolic (p = 0.02) and diastolic (p = 0.034) blood pressure. HNF4 alpha common haplotype CCCGTC associated with higher insulin resistance (p = 0.022), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (p = 0.035) and lower HDLc (p = 0.001). In conclusion, subjects with HNF4 alpha P2 variants and haplotypes have been shown to have a higher insulin resistance and are therefore at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Effect of Lactobacillus casei on the Production of Pro-Inflammatory Markers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Zarfeshani A, Khaza'ai H, Mohd Ali R, Hambali Z, Wahle KW, Mutalib MS

Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins, 2011 Dec;3(3-4):168-74.
PMID: 26781677 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-011-9080-9

It has been demonstrated that probiotic supplementation has positive effects in several murine models of disease through influences on host immune responses. This study examined the effect of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (L. casei Shirota) on the blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and body weight among STZ-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg BW) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Streptozotocin caused a significant increase in the blood glucose levels, CRP, and IL-6. L. casei Shirota supplementation lowered the CRP and IL-6 levels but had no significant effect on the blood glucose levels, body weight, or IL-4. Inflammation was determined histologically. The presence of the innate immune cells was not detectable in the liver of L. casei Shirota-treated hyperglycemic rats. The probiotic L. casei Shirota significantly lowered blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, CRP) and neutrophils in diabetic rats, showing a lower risk of diabetes mellitus and its complications.
A comparison of the pattern of liver involvement in dengue hemorrhagic fever with classic dengue fever

Wahid SF, Sanusi S, Zawawi MM, Ali RA

Southeast Asian J. Trop. Med. Public Health, 2000 Jun;31(2):259-63.
PMID: 11127322

The impact of dengue on liver function was studied on fifty serologically confirmed dengue cases admitted to Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). Twenty-five of these patients had classic dengue fever (DF) and 25 had grade 1 or 2 dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). There were more (60%) DHF patients with hepatomegaly compared to DF (40%) but the difference was not statistically significant. Analysis of the liver profile showed that liver dysfunction was commoner in DHF compared to DF, indicating that the degree of liver impairment may be related to the severity of DHF. Hyperbilirubinemia was noted in 3 (12%) DHF and 2 (8%) DF patients. The mean (range) serum bilirubin was higher in DHF [14.2(5-50) micromol/l] compared to DF [10.9(5-30) micromol/l)] (p > 0.05). Elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed more frequently in DHF (20 and 12 patients respectively) compared to DF (16 and 8 patients respectively). Nine (36%) DHF and 6 (24%) DF patients had concomitant elevation of ALT and ALP levels. The mean (range) serum ALT levels were 109.3(23-325) U/l in DHF and 90.8(13-352) U/l in DF (p > 0.05). The mean (range) serum ALP levels were 102.2(15-319) U/l in DHF and 93.3(34-258) U/l in DF (p > 0.05). The ALT and ALP levels were significantly higher in DHF patients with spontaneous bleeding than those without bleeding (p < 0.05) None of the patients developed fulminant hepatitis. The immunoregulatory cells, which include the T (CD3), B (CD 19), CD4, CD8, CD5 and natural killer (NK) cells were significantly lower in DHF compared to DF patients (p < 0.05). However, the reduction in these cell counts did not correlate with the liver dysfunction seen in DHF patients. In conclusion, hepatomegaly and liver dysfunction were commoner in DHF compared to DF.
Fulltext A strategy for reducing maternal mortality

Suleiman AB, Mathews A, Jegasothy R, Ali R, Kandiah N

Bull World Health Organ, 1999;77(2):190-3.
PMID: 10083722

A confidential system of enquiry into maternal mortality was introduced in Malaysia in 1991. The methods used and the findings obtained up to 1994 are reported below and an outline is given of the resulting recommendations and actions.
PIP: This is a report on the methods, findings, resulting recommendations and actions of a study on maternal mortality in Malaysia during the period 1991-94. Maternal death was defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days following termination of pregnancy from any cause related to the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental causes. Between 1991 and 1994 there were 1066 reported maternal deaths, and the maternal mortality ratios for the successive years were respectively 44, 48, 46 and 39 per 100,000 live births. The primary causes of maternal death were postpartum hemorrhage (24%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (16%), obstetric pulmonary embolism (13%), and associated medical conditions (7%). Analysis of the 375 deaths from 1992 - 1993 showed that the maternal mortality ratio was 53/100,000 live births for deliveries performed at home, 36/100,000 in government hospitals, and 21/100,000 in private institutions. Shortcomings among health personnel were detected in several cases; these involved failure to diagnose, failure to appreciate the severity of a patient's condition, inadequate therapy, and inappropriate, delayed or failed adherence to protocols. The high proportion of maternal mortality associated with substandard care demonstrates that it is important to make the standard of care more widely available. Reports have been circulated to institutions and organizations providing maternal care and to medical schools. Articles and case histories have been published, and many new protocols and procedures have been developed. Furthermore, seminars have been organized and training modules have been distributed to all involved in the provision of maternity care.

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