MyMedR

Fulltext Obesity: A Doorway to a Molecular Path Leading to Infertility

Ahmad R, Haque M

Cureus, 2022 Oct;14(10):e30770.

PMID: 36320802 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30770

The dramatic rise in obesity has recently made it a global health issue. About 1.9 billion were overweight, and 650 million global populations were obese in 2016. Obese women suffer longer conception time, lowered fertility rates, and greater rates of miscarriage. Obesity alters hormones such as adiponectin and leptin, affecting all levels within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) are inflammatory cytokines that may play an important role in the pathophysiology of ovarian dysfunction in obesity. In obese males, there are altered sperm parameters, reduced testosterone, increased estradiol, hypogonadism, and epigenetic modifications transmitted to offspring. The focus of this article is on the possible adverse effects on reproductive health resulting from obesity and sheds light on different molecular pathways linking obesity with infertility in both female and male subjects. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Search Engine were utilized to find obesity and infertility-related papers. The search strategy is detailed in the method section. Even though multiple research work has shown that obesity impacts fertility in both male and female negatively, it is significant to perform extensive research on the molecular mechanisms that link obesity to infertility. This is to find therapeutics that may be developed aiming at these mechanisms to manage and prevent the negative effects of obesity on the reproductive system.

Fulltext Effect of humidity on egg hatchability and reproductive biology of the bamboo borer (Dinoderus minutus Fabricius)

Norhisham AR, Abood F, Rita M, Hakeem KR

Springerplus, 2013 Dec;2(1):9.

PMID: 23419805 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-2-9

Wood products are highly exposed to infestation by powder post beetles. Dinoderus minutus (bamboo borer) is a wood boring beetle that seriously damage dried bamboo and finished bamboo products. Management of D. minutus using pesticides showed negative effects on environment despite being very costly. By understanding influence of natural climatic conditions on their reproductive behaviour, could help us to develop a cost effective and environmental friendly strategy to cope up with this problem. In the present study, reproductive parameters and egg development of the bamboo borer were determined at 20%, 40%, 56%, 75% and 85% r.h. levels at constant temperature of 30° ± 2°C with 8 L-16D photoregime. From the results, eclosion to first instar larva was recorded at all relative humidities tested. The lowest shortest percentage of hatchability was recorded at 20% and 85% relative humidity with a mean incubation period of 4.63 ± 0.25 and 10.43 ± 0.32 days, respectively. It was noted that pre-ovipositional period decreased from 14.20 ± 0.49 to 7.20 ± 0.31 days as relative humidity increased from 20% to 75% and slightly increased to 8.00 ± 0.37 days at 85% relative humidity. We conclude that female beetles may have a particular hygropreference in oviposition as total egg production increased with increasing relative humidity.

Clonic seizures, continuous spikes-and-waves during slow sleep, choreoathetosis and response to sulthiame in a child with FRRS1L encephalopathy

Hadi DA, Mohamed AR, Rethanavelu K, Khoo TB

Brain Dev, 2022 Jan;44(1):44-49.

PMID: 34483011 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2021.08.006

BACKGROUND: Ferric chelate reductase 1 like (FRRS1L) encephalopathy is a rare cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Only a few cases have been reported thus far and seizures tend to be drug refractory. We report an additional case to highlight the good seizure response to sulthiame.

CASE REPORT: A boy from non-consanguineous parents presented with history of 'abnormal movements' from 7 months of age. At one year of age, video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring demonstrated the 'abnormal movements' to be clonic seizures. Valproate, lamotrigine and clobazam combination were only partially effective at reducing the seizures. Repeat EEG at 1 year 8 months old revealed a continuous spikes-and-waves during slow sleep (CSWS) pattern, prompting a trial of sulthiame. After 2 weeks of sulthiame, seizures ceased completely. The clonic seizures recurred at age 4 years when sulthiame supply was interrupted, but the seizures promptly remitted following sulthiame's resumption. Subtle choreiform movements appeared from age one year and later became more prominent. Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous novel variant (nonsense) in the FRRS1L gene (NM_014334.3: c.670C>T:p.Gln224*). He has been seizure free since 4 years of age but remained profoundly delayed.

CONCLUSION: Sulthiame may have a role in the early treatment of seizures in children with refractory epilepsy due to FRRS1L mutation.

Fulltext Head injury with temporal bone fracture: one year review of case incidence, causes, clinical features and outcome

Amin Z, Sayuti R, Kahairi A, Islah W, Ahmad R

Med J Malaysia, 2008 Dec;63(5):373-6.

PMID: 19803293 MyJurnal

To investigate the case incidence, causes, clinical profile and outcome of temporal bone fracture complicating head trauma. A 1-year (2005) retrospective study of head injured patients presented to the Emergency Department, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia. Gender distribution, cause of injury, radiological findings and otorhinolaryngological clinical presentations were analyzed. Of 1309 patients, 61 patients were diagnosed to have temporal bone fracture (4.7%). Majority of cases were caused by motor vehicle accident (85.9%) and were predominantly male (88.5%). The right temporal bone was more frequently fractured (62.3%). Most (88.5%) were petro-mastoid fractures. Sixty-seven percent of the petrous fractures were longitudinal type. Clinical presentations mostly reported were blood rhinorrhea (36%) and blood otorrhea (32.7%). Other clinical presentations were hearing loss (9.8%), cranial nerve palsy (8.2%), cerebrospinal fluid oto-rhinorrhea (8.2%) and labyrinth concussion (6.5%). Four out of five cranial nerve palsies were facial nerve. Out of the 61 cases, 16 (26.2%) had no clinical presentation at the time of Emergency Department consultation. Thirteen (21.3%) died due to severe head injury. The case incidence of temporal bone fracture in head injured patients in our centre is 4.7%. The petro-mastoid type fracture predominates. Proper early diagnosis and management minimize complications.

Fulltext Effects of feeding and induction strategy on the production of BmR1 antigen in recombinant E. coli

Norsyahida A, Rahmah N, Ahmad RM

Lett Appl Microbiol, 2009 Nov;49(5):544-50.

PMID: 19832937 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765X.2009.02694.x

To investigate the effects of feeding and induction strategies on the production of BmR1 recombinant antigen.

Fulltext Effects of water-based contrast media on experimentally induced established atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits.

Isa MR, Mohd Noor N, Nawawi H, Kaur M., Rahman T, Mohd Kornain NK, et al.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2020;19(2):21-28.

MyJurnal

Imaging techniques involving optical coherence tomography, computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used as tools to identify atherosclerotic plaques. However, the effects of water-based contrast media used in Post Mortem Computed Tomography Angiography (PMCTA) on the histopathology of atherosclerotic plaques have not been widely explored. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of water-based contrast media used in PMCTA on the histopathology of atherosclerotic plaques and biomarkers of atherosclerosis in experimentally induced established atherosclerotic rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 2 groups. One group was given a high cholesterol diet (HCD) for 12 weeks to establish atherosclerosis and the control group normal diet (ND). Five rabbits from each group were then given intravenous water-based contrast media before being sacrificed. The entire length of aorta was dissected and submitted for histopathological examination and determination of tissue biomarkers α-SMA and MMP-9. RESULTS:Histopathological examination of the aorta including percentage of area covered by plaque and foam cell formation showed no significant difference in atheromatous plaque formation in both groups of HCD rabbits with or without intravenous contrast media injection (plaque: 55±41 vs. 63±15, p=0.731; foam cells: 124±83 vs. 171±55, p=0.325). Similarly, α-SMA and MMP-9 protein expression also showed no significant difference in both groups (α-SMA: 70±20 vs. 67±26, p=0.807; MMP-9: 60±12 vs. 57±17, p=0.785). CONCLUSION:Water-based contrast media used in PMCTA does not affect the morphology or the immunohistochemistry staining of SMA and MMP-9 in atherosclerotic plaques.

Fulltext Childhood obesity: contributing factors, consequences and intervention

Mohd Sidik S, Ahmad R

Malays J Nutr, 2004 Mar;10(1):13-22.

PMID: 22691744

Childhood obesity has been growing at an alarming rate and is the most common nutritional problem among children in developed as well as in developing countries. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and psychosocial morbidities. This unhealthy trend will progress to adulthood and is expected to lead to huge economic costs in health and social security systems. Among the many factors which contribute to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity include environment and genetic factors. This paper discusses the aetiology, consequences and necessary interventions for this problem.

Fulltext Dietary management of a patient with diabetes mellitus: a case report

Mohd Sidik S, Ahmad R

Malays J Nutr, 2003 Sep;9(2):137-44.

PMID: 22691734

The Ministry of Health has launched healthy lifestyle and diabetes campaigns. However, adopting healthy lifestyle practices is not easy as revealed in this case. Patients and their families need to be supervised personally and counseled regularly. Healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, ideal body weight and physical activities need to be cultivated and practised. Dietary counseling sessions need to be implemented, preferably by dietitians as this has been shown to be effective in motivating diabetic patients to achieve a better food choice, as well as better glycaemic, lipid and weight control, as shown in this case.

Fulltext Generalized equilibrium problem with mixed relaxed monotonicity

Rizvi HA, Kılıçman A, Ahmad R

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:807324.

PMID: 25121137 DOI: 10.1155/2014/807324

We extend the concept of relaxed α-monotonicity to mixed relaxed α-β-monotonicity. The concept of mixed relaxed α-β-monotonicity is more general than many existing concepts of monotonicities. Finally, we apply this concept and well known KKM-theory to obtain the solution of generalized equilibrium problem.

Fulltext Coverage extension and balancing the transmitted power of the moving relay node at LTE-A cellular network

Aldhaibani JA, Yahya A, Ahmad RB

ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:815720.

PMID: 24672378 DOI: 10.1155/2014/815720

The poor capacity at cell boundaries is not enough to meet the growing demand and stringent design which required high capacity and throughput irrespective of user's location in the cellular network. In this paper, we propose new schemes for an optimum fixed relay node (RN) placement in LTE-A cellular network to enhance throughput and coverage extension at cell edge region. The proposed approach mitigates interferences between all nodes and ensures optimum utilization with the optimization of transmitted power. Moreover, we proposed a new algorithm to balance the transmitted power of moving relay node (MR) over cell size and providing required SNR and throughput at the users inside vehicle along with reducing the transmitted power consumption by MR. The numerical analysis along with the simulation results indicates that an improvement in capacity for users is 40% increment at downlink transmission from cell capacity. Furthermore, the results revealed that there is saving nearly 75% from transmitted power in MR after using proposed balancing algorithm. ATDI simulator was used to verify the numerical results, which deals with real digital cartographic and standard formats for terrain.

Fulltext Effect of number and washing solutions on functional properties of surimi-like material from duck meat

Ramadhan K, Huda N, Ahmad R

J Food Sci Technol, 2014 Feb;51(2):256-66.

PMID: 24493882 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-011-0510-1

Duck meat is less utilized than other meats in processed products because of limitations of its functional properties, including lower water holding capacity, emulsion stability, and higher cooking loss compared with chicken meat. These limitations could be improved using surimi technology, which consists of washing and concentrating myofibrillar protein. In this study, surimi-like materials were made from duck meat using two or three washings with different solutions (tap water, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium phosphate buffer). Better improvement of the meat's functional properties was obtained with three washings versus two washings. Washing with tap water achieved the highest gel strength; moderate elevation of water holding capacity, pH, lightness, and whiteness; and left a small amount of fat. Washing with sodium bicarbonate solution generated the highest water holding capacity and pH and high lightness and whiteness values, but it resulted in the lowest gel strength. Processing duck meat into surimi-like material improves its functional properties, thereby making it possible to use duck meat in processed products.

Fulltext Inflammatory pseudotumour of skull base - diagnostic challenge and treatment outcome

Kahairi A, Ahmad RL, Wan Ishlah L, Norra H

Med J Malaysia, 2012 Oct;67(5):526-8.

PMID: 23770873

We report a case of an inflammatory pseudotumour (IP) involving the floor of the skull base, which demonstrated aggressive behavior both clinically and radiologically. In this case, the diagnosis was established by clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histopathological examination (HPE) and the dramatic response towards high dose steroid therapy. The clinical features improved with oral cyclophosphamide in combination with oral steroid, which were given for a period of three months.

Nutritional properties of spent duck surimi-like material prepared by conventional and acid-alkaline solubilization methods

Nurkhoeriyati T, Huda N, Ahmad R

Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2012 Jun;63(4):498-505.

PMID: 22126368 DOI: 10.3109/09637486.2011.637902

The nutritional properties of surimi-like materials produced from spent duck meat processed conventionally (CDS) and processed with acid and alkaline solubilization (ACDS and ALDS, respectively) were studied. The essential amino acids (EAAs) content was significantly higher (p

Security threats categories in healthcare information systems

Samy GN, Ahmad R, Ismail Z

Health Informatics J, 2010 Sep;16(3):201-9.

PMID: 20889850 DOI: 10.1177/1460458210377468

This article attempts to investigate the various types of threats that exist in healthcare information systems (HIS). A study has been carried out in one of the government-supported hospitals in Malaysia.The hospital has been equipped with a Total Hospital Information System (THIS). The data collected were from three different departments, namely the Information Technology Department (ITD), the Medical Record Department (MRD), and the X-Ray Department, using in-depth structured interviews. The study identified 22 types of threats according to major threat categories based on ISO/IEC 27002 (ISO 27799:2008). The results show that the most critical threat for the THIS is power failure followed by acts of human error or failure and other technological factors. This research holds significant value in terms of providing a complete taxonomy of threat categories in HIS and also an important component in the risk analysis stage.

Fulltext Management of severe subglottic stenosis secondary to trauma: case to case comparison of resection anastomosis versus cartilage augmentation

Asha'ari ZA, Islah W, Ahmad R, Suzina SA

Med J Malaysia, 2010 Jun;65(2):157-9.

PMID: 23756806 MyJurnal

We studied two similar cases of severe subglottic stenosis secondary to trauma with different treatment modalities. One had laryngotracheal reconstruction with cartilage augmentation and the other had laryngotracheal resection anastomosis. We wish to compare the two popular choices of surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis from two cases with similar nature and severity thus highlighting the complexity of managing severe subglottic stenosis in adult.

Fulltext Tracheal agenesis as a rare cause of difficult intubation in a newborn with respiratory distress: a case report

Ahmad R, Abdullah K, Mokhtar L, Fadzil A

J Med Case Rep, 2009;3:105.

PMID: 19946583 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-105

Tracheal agenesis is a very rare congenital airway anomaly. It may pose a great challenge to the first attending physician both in diagnosis and in establishing the airway during the first day of life.

Fulltext Chemical Constituents of Malaysian U. cordata var. ferruginea and Their in Vitro α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities

Abdullah NH, Salim F, Ahmad R

Molecules, 2016 Apr 27;21(5).

PMID: 27128898 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21050525

Continuing our interest in the Uncaria genus, the phytochemistry and the in-vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Malaysian Uncaria cordata var. ferruginea were investigated. The phytochemical study of this plant, which employed various chromatographic techniques including recycling preparative HPLC, led to the isolation of ten compounds with diverse structures comprising three phenolic acids, two coumarins, three flavonoids, a terpene and an iridoid glycoside. These constituents were identified as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid or salicylic acid (1), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3), scopoletin or 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin (4), 3,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin (5), quercetin (6), kaempferol (7), taxifolin (8), loganin (9) and β-sitosterol (10). Structure elucidation of the compounds was accomplished with the aid of 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral data and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS). In the α-glucosidase inhibitory assay, the crude methanolic extract of the stems of the plant and its acetone fraction exhibited strong α-glucosidase inhibition activity of 87.7% and 89.2%, respectively, while its DCM fraction exhibited only moderate inhibition (75.3%) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. The IC50 values of both fractions were found to be significantly lower than the standard acarbose suggesting the presence of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. Selected compounds isolated from the active fractions were then subjected to α-glucosidase assay in which 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin showed strong inhibitory effects against the enzyme with IC50 values of 549 and 556 μg/mL compared to acarbose (IC50 580 μg/mL) while loganin and scopoletin only showed weak α-glucosidase inhibition of 44.9% and 34.5%, respectively. This is the first report of the isolation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and loganin from the genus and the first report of the α-glucosidase inhibitory potential of 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.

Visual Hybrid Development Learning System (VHDLS) framework for children with autism

Banire B, Jomhari N, Ahmad R

J Autism Dev Disord, 2015 Oct;45(10):3069-84.

PMID: 25997598 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2469-7

The effect of education on children with autism serves as a relative cure for their deficits. As a result of this, they require special techniques to gain their attention and interest in learning as compared to typical children. Several studies have shown that these children are visual learners. In this study, we proposed a Visual Hybrid Development Learning System (VHDLS) framework that is based on an instructional design model, multimedia cognitive learning theory, and learning style in order to guide software developers in developing learning systems for children with autism. The results from this study showed that the attention of children with autism increased more with the proposed VHDLS framework.

Fulltext Evaluation with acoustic rhinometry of patients undergoing sinonasal surgery

Raja Ahmad RLA, Gendeh BS

Med J Malaysia, 2003 Dec;58(5):723-8.

PMID: 15190659

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of acoustic rhinometry in assessing surgical outcomes in sinonasal surgery. This prospective study was carried out from January till December 2001. A group of 44 patients who presented with nasal obstruction due to various rhinologic abnormality were examined with acoustic rhinometry pre and post-operatively. They were examined with acoustic rhinometry pre and post decongestion with cocaine and adrenaline. A highly significant correlation existed between minimal cross sectional area (MCA) and the subjective feeling of nasal problem, pre and post surgery. Thus MCA is a valuable parameter to express objectively the nasal patency. The mucovascular component of the nasal cavity plays a major role in the nasal patency as determined in the pre and post-decongestion acoustic rhinometry measurement. Acoustic rhinometry is a good tool to evaluate the nasal patency in cases where sinonasal surgery is considered in correcting the abnormality as well as for the post-operative evaluation.

New Candidates for Plant-Based Repellents Against Aedes aegypti

Misni N, Nor ZM, Ahmad R

J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 2016 Jun;32(2):117-23.

PMID: 27280349 DOI: 10.2987/moco-32-02-117-123.1

Based on an ethnobotanical study on use for plant species against mosquito bites in the Kota Tinggi District, Johor State, Malaysia, 3 plants selected for study, Citrus aurantifolia (leaves), Citrus grandis (fruit peel), and Alpinia galanga (rhizome), were extracted using hydrodistillation to produce essential oils. These essential oils were then formulated as a lotion using a microencapsulation process and then tested for their repellent effect against Aedes aegypti. N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (deet) was also prepared in the same formulation and tested for repellency as controls. Four commercial plant-based repellent (KAPS(®), MozAway(®), BioZ Natural(®), and Mosiquard(®)) also were incorporated in the bioassay for comparison purposes. Bioassays revealed that at 20% concentration all repellent formulations demonstrated complete protection for 2 h and >90% for 4 h post-application. The A. galanga-based formulation provided the greatest level of protection (98.91%), which extended for 4 h post-application and was not significantly different from deet at similar concentration. When compared with commercial plant-based repellents (KAPS(®), MozAway(®), and BioZ Natural(®)), the 3 lotion formulations showed significantly better protection against Ae. aegypti bites, providing >90% protection for 4 h. In conclusion, our 3 plant-based lotion formulations provided acceptable levels of protection against host-seeking Ae. aegypti and should be developed.

Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 249 in total