MyMedR

Displaying all 11 publications

Abstract:

Sort:

Fulltext Pattern of urethritis in males in a Kuala Lumpur STD (sexually transmitted diseases) clinic

Lim VKE, Bakar RA

Med J Malaysia, 1981 Dec;36(4):199-201.
PMID: 6801446

One hundred and thirty-eight male patients presented unth. a total of 146 episodes of urethritis at a Kuala Lumpur STD clinic over a period of six months. Gonorrhoea accounted for almost 4 out of 5 cases of male urethritis. The incidence of betalactamase producing strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 36 percent. Furthermore nearly 3 out of 10 cases of gonococcal urethritis developed post-gonococcal urethritis.
Distribution of oil and grease and petroleum hydrocarbons in the Straits of Johor, peninsular Malaysia

Abdullah AR, Woon WC, Bakar RA

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol, 1996 Jul;57(1):155-62.
PMID: 8661474
Quantification of human PPARgamma1 gene expression by competitive PCR using an homologous internal standard

Yaacob NS, Bakar RA, Norazmi MN

Ann Clin Lab Sci, 2004;34(1):47-56.
PMID: 15038667

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is useful for amplifying specific mRNAs, particularly those present in low copy numbers. However, due to the exponential nature of the amplification process, PCR cannot readily be used to quantify gene expression. A competitive PCR technique was developed to address this shortcoming. An internal standard that is 100% homologous to, but shorter than, the target gene was constructed. The practicality of the method was demonstrated by determining the expression levels of a human transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 1 (hPPARgamma1) which is normally present in low copy numbers in selected cells. A mock system was used to test the accuracy and sensitivity of the method, which was subsequently used to determine the expression of this receptor in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated monocytes, which are known to express hPPARgamma1 differentially during cellular activation. Densitometric analysis showed that the competitive PCR method reliably estimated the expression levels of hPPARgamma1 at the attomole (10(-18)) level in monocytes.
Assessing nursing clinical skills competence through objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for open distance learning students in Open University Malaysia

Oranye NO, Ahmad C, Ahmad N, Bakar RA

Contemp Nurse, 2012 Jun;41(2):233-41.
PMID: 22800389 DOI: 10.5172/conu.2012.41.2.233

The objective structured clinical skills examination (OSCE) has over the years emerged as a method of evaluating clinical skills in most medical and allied professions. Although its validity and objectivity has evoked so much debate in the literature, little has been written about its application in non-traditional education systems such as in distance learning. This study examined clinical skills competence among practising nursing students who were enrolled in a distance learning programme. The study examined the effect of work and years of nursing practice on nurses' clinical skills competence.
Fulltext Characterization and Feasibility Assessment of Recycled Paper Mill Sludges for Land Application in Relation to the Environment

Abdullah R, Ishak CF, Kadir WR, Bakar RA

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2015 Aug;12(8):9314-29.
PMID: 26262636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120809314

The disposal of industrial paper mill sludge waste is a big issue and has a great importance all over the world. A study was conducted to determine the chemical properties of recycled paper mill sludge (RPMS) and assess its possibilities for land application. RPMS samples were collected from six different paper mills in Malaysia and analyzed for physical and chemical properties, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, (13)C-NMR spectra and for the presence of dioxins/furans. The RPMS was dewatered, sticky with a strong odour, an average moisture of 65.08%, pH 7.09, cation exchange capacity (CEC) 14.43 cmol (+) kg(-1), N 1.45, P 0.18, K 0.12, Ca 0.82, Mg 0.73, Na 0.76 and Al, 1.38%. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals levels were below the standard Class 2 limits. The dioxin and furan were in below the standard concentration of Class 1. The most prominent peak in the (13)C-NMR spectra of RPMS was centered at 31 ppm, proving the presence of methylene (-CH2) groups in long aliphatic chains, with lipids and proteins. The signal at 89 ppm and highly shielded shoulder at 83 ppm were due to presence of cellulose carbon C-4, and the peak at 63 and 65 ppm was due to the cellulose carbon spectrum. The RPMS therefore contains significant amount of nutrients with safe levels of heavy metals and PAHs for environment and can be used as a fertilizer and soil amendment for land application.
Fulltext In Vitro Anti-Leptospiral Activity of Phyllanthus amarus Extracts and Their Combinations with Antibiotics

Ismail CAM, Deris ZZ, Bakar RA, Ismail N

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 03 10;18(6).
PMID: 33802184 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062834

Despite modern medicine, there is an increasing trend for cases of the bacterial infection leptospirosis, and this has led to the exploration of alternative medicines from various sources including plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro anti-leptospiral activity of Phyllanthus amarus extracts alone and combined with penicillin G, ceftriaxone, and doxycycline. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the microdilution broth technique upon methanol extract (ME), aqueous extract (AE), and antibiotics against the Leptospira interrogans serovars Australis, Bataviae, Canicola, and Javanica, to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The results were analyzed using an ELISA microplate reader combined with microscopic analysis. Synergy testing using a checkerboard assay was performed to determine the fractional inhibitory concentration index values of extracts combined with antibiotics against leptospires. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate morphological changes of leptospires caused by potential anti-leptospiral agents alone and combined with antibiotics. The MICs and MBCs for P. amarus extracts ranged from 100 to 400 µg/mL for AEs and from 400 to 800 µg/mL for MEs. Penicillin G was the most effective anti-leptospiral drug, with MICs and MBCs ranging from <0.01 to 0.78 and <0.01 to 3.13 µg/mL, respectively, followed by ceftriaxone, with both MICs and MBCs ranging from 0.05 to 0.78 µg/mL, and doxycycline, with MICs and MBCs ranging from 0.39 to 3.13 µg/mL and 12.5 to 25 µg/mL, respectively. Combinations of P. amarus extracts and antibiotics did not show synergistic effects on all tested Leptospira serovars, with some combinations demonstrating antagonistic effects. SEM analysis, however, showed distorted Leptospira surfaces. P. amarus AE performed better anti-leptospiral activity than P. amarus ME. The morphological effects of P. amarus extract alone and its combination with antibiotic on Leptospira cells revealed promising anti-leptospiral properties.
Fulltext A Case Study on the Mortality of Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) Cultured in Traditional Cages

Chu KB, Abdulah A, Abdullah SZ, Bakar RA

Trop Life Sci Res, 2013 Dec;24(2):77-84.
PMID: 24575250 MyJurnal

The mass mortality of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) within 2-3 days was reported by 3 private farms in Bukit Tambun, Pulau Pinang, in February and March 2007. Only cobia with body weights of 3-4 kg were affected. Most diseased cobia swam on the surface and displayed flashing behaviour. All samples were positive for viral nervous necrosis (VNN) with low to medium levels of infection. Infestations by leeches (Zeylanicobdella arugamensis), body monogeneans (Benedenia sp.) and copepods (Caligus sp.) were also found, but no pathogenic bacteria were isolated. All water quality parameters monitored were within optimal ranges for culturing cobia. The main causes of high mortality in cobia remain unclear during the study. However, we believe that the mass mortality of cobia could be probably due to VNN infection and that the rate of mortality will increase further when cobia are subjected to aquaculture-related stresses (e.g., limited space). Traditional cages with a size of 2 (length) × 2 (width) × 1 m (depth) should only be used for rearing cobia below 1 kg in weight given the species' natural behaviours. In addition, cobia fingerlings should be screened for VNN prior to stocking them in cages.
Current Updates on Potential Role of Flavonoids in Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Cardiac Injury Model

Ali SS, Noordin L, Bakar RA, Zainalabidin S, Jubri Z, Wan Ahmad WAN

Cardiovasc Toxicol, 2021 08;21(8):605-618.
PMID: 34114196 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09666-x

Clinically, timely reperfusion strategies to re-establish oxygenated blood flow in ischemic heart diseases seem to salvage viable myocardium effectively. Despite the remarkable improvement in cardiac function, reperfusion therapy could paradoxically trigger hypoxic cellular injury and dysfunction. Experimental laboratory models have been developed over the years to explain better the pathophysiology of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, including the in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation cardiac injury model. Furthermore, the use of nutritional myocardial conditioning techniques have been successful. The cardioprotective potential of flavonoids have been greatly linked to its anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties. While several studies have reviewed the cardioprotective properties of flavonoids, there is a scarce evidence of their function in the hypoxia-reoxygenation injury cell culture model. Hence, the aim of this review was to lay out and summarize our current understanding of flavonoids' function in mitigating hypoxia-reoxygenation cardiac injury based on evidence from the last five years. We also discussed the possible mechanisms of flavonoids in modulating the cardioprotective effects as such information would provide invaluable insight on future therapeutic application of flavonoids.
Anxiety and depression in patients with coronary heart disease: a study in a tertiary hospital

Eng HS, Yean LC, Das S, Letchmi S, Yee KS, Bakar RA, et al.

Iran J Med Sci, 2011 Sep;36(3):201-6.
PMID: 23358115

Anxiety and depression could reduce the quality of life, and exacerbate physical symptoms and even mortality amongst patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of anxiety and depression in patients with acute CHD. In a period from March to December 2008, the views of 108 CHD patients, hospitalized in a tertiary hospital, were solicited using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and sociodemographic questionnaires. Patients with CHD had a low level anxiety and depression scores. There was significant differences in the total HADS score of participants stratified for marital status (P=0.027) or co-morbidity of diseases (P=0.012). Also, there were significant differences in the scores of depression subscale stratified for marital status (P=0.021) or co-morbidity of disease (P=0.007). However, there was no significant difference between the total HADS score or depression subscale score of the participants stratified based on age, gender, race, education, or income. Moreover, unmarried CHD respondents possessed higher depression level compared to the married respondents, and CHD respondents with co-morbid diseases showed a high level of depression. The findings might be taken as evidence to suggest that CHD patients should be evaluated early for the detection of anxiety and depression for appropriate referral and support.
Fulltext Development and validation of a new knowledge, attitude, belief and practice questionnaire on leptospirosis in Malaysia

Zahiruddin WM, Arifin WN, Mohd-Nazri S, Sukeri S, Zawaha I, Bakar RA, et al.

BMC Public Health, 2018 03 07;18(1):331.
PMID: 29514645 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5234-y

BACKGROUND: In Malaysia, leptospirosis is considered an endemic disease, with sporadic outbreaks following rainy or flood seasons. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a new knowledge, attitude, belief and practice (KABP) questionnaire on leptospirosis for use in urban and rural populations in Malaysia.
METHODS: The questionnaire comprised development and validation stages. The development phase encompassed a literature review, expert panel review, focus-group testing, and evaluation. The validation phase consisted of exploratory and confirmatory parts to verify the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. A total of 214 and 759 participants were recruited from two Malaysian states, Kelantan and Selangor respectively, for the validation phase. The participants comprised urban and rural communities with a high reported incidence of leptospirosis. The knowledge section of the validation phase utilized item response theory (IRT) analysis. The attitude and belief sections utilized exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
RESULTS: The development phase resulted in a questionnaire that included four main sections: knowledge, attitude, belief, and practice. In the exploratory phase, as shown by the IRT analysis of knowledge about leptospirosis, the difficulty and discrimination values of the items were acceptable, with the exception of two items. Based on the EFA, the psychometric properties of the attitude, belief, and practice sections were poor. Thus, these sections were revised, and no further factor analysis of the practice section was conducted. In the confirmatory stage, the difficulty and discrimination values of the items in the knowledge section remained within the acceptable range. The CFA of the attitude section resulted in a good-fitting two-factor model. The CFA of the belief section retained low number of items, although the analysis resulted in a good fit in the final three-factor model.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the IRT analysis and factor analytic evidence, the knowledge and attitude sections of the KABP questionnaire on leptospirosis were psychometrically valid. However, the psychometric properties of the belief section were unsatisfactory, despite being revised after the initial validation study. Further development of this section is warranted in future studies.
Fulltext Evidence-based cardiovascular magnetic resonance cost-effectiveness calculator for the detection of significant coronary artery disease

Pandya A, Yu YJ, Ge Y, Nagel E, Kwong RY, Bakar RA, et al.

J Cardiovasc Magn Reson, 2022 01 06;24(1):1.
PMID: 34986851 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-021-00833-1

BACKGROUND: Although prior reports have evaluated the clinical and cost impacts of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for low-to-intermediate-risk patients with suspected significant coronary artery disease (CAD), the cost-effectiveness of CMR compared to relevant comparators remains poorly understood. We aimed to summarize the cost-effectiveness literature on CMR for CAD and create a cost-effectiveness calculator, useable worldwide, to approximate the cost-per-quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY) of CMR and relevant comparators with context-specific patient-level and system-level inputs.
METHODS: We searched the Tufts Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry and PubMed for cost-per-QALY or cost-per-life-year-saved studies of CMR to detect significant CAD. We also developed a linear regression meta-model (CMR Cost-Effectiveness Calculator) based on a larger CMR cost-effectiveness simulation model that can approximate CMR lifetime discount cost, QALY, and cost effectiveness compared to relevant comparators [such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)] or invasive coronary angiography.
RESULTS: CMR was cost-effective for evaluation of significant CAD (either health-improving and cost saving or having a cost-per-QALY or cost-per-life-year result lower than the cost-effectiveness threshold) versus its relevant comparator in 10 out of 15 studies, with 3 studies reporting uncertain cost effectiveness, and 2 studies showing CCTA was optimal. Our cost-effectiveness calculator showed that CCTA was not cost-effective in the US compared to CMR when the most recent publications on imaging performance were included in the model.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on current world-wide evidence in the literature, CMR usually represents a cost-effective option compared to relevant comparators to assess for significant CAD.