Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 293 in total

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  1. Fulltext Management of congenital choanal atresia (CCA) after multiple failures: A Case Report
    Abdullah A, Abdul Rahman R, Aziz S, Abu Bakar S, AbAziz AA
    Med J Malaysia, 2013;68(1):76-8.
    PMID: 23466775 MyJurnal
    Nasal obstruction in neonates is a potentially fatal condition because neonates are obligatory nasal breathers. Bilateral choanal atresia is therefore a neonatal emergency. Several approaches for corrections of choanal atresia are available including the helium laser: YAG. A 5-year-old Chinese girl born with bilateral choanal atresia, had birth asphyxia that required intubation. She underwent multiple surgeries for correction of choanal atresia at other hospitals but failed to improve. She was referred to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) after presenting with intermittent respiratory distress and cyanosis following an upper respiratory tract infection. A repeat computed tomography (CT) scan done preoperatively showed complete bony stenosis over the left choana and finding was confirmed by examination under general anesthesia. She underwent endoscopic transnasal removal of left bony atretic plate. There was no intra or postoperative complications. During follow up 10 years later, the airway on both sides remains patent.
  2. Fulltext Appreciation of learning environment and development of higher-order learning skills in a problem-based learning medical curriculum
    Mala-Maung, Abdullah A, Abas ZW
    Med J Malaysia, 2011 Dec;66(5):435-9.
    PMID: 22390096 MyJurnal
    This cross-sectional study determined the appreciation of the learning environment and development of higher-order learning skills among students attending the Medical Curriculum at the International Medical University, Malaysia which provides traditional and e-learning resources with an emphasis on problem based learning (PBL) and self-directed learning. Of the 708 participants, the majority preferred traditional to e-resources. Students who highly appreciated PBL demonstrated a higher appreciation of e-resources. Appreciation of PBL is positively and significantly correlated with higher-order learning skills, reflecting the inculcation of self-directed learning traits. Implementers must be sensitive to the progress of learners adapting to the higher education environment and innovations, and to address limitations as relevant.
  3. Fulltext The effects of background noise on brain activation during a verbal working memory task
    Mohamad, M., Yusoff, A.N., Mukari, S.Z.M., Abdullah, A., Abd Hamid, A.I.
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2014;10(1):29-38.
    MyJurnal
    This study was carried out to investigate the effects of noisy background on brain activation during a working memory task. Fourteen healthy male subjects underwent silent functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans while listening to words presented verbally against quiet (WIS) and noisy (WIN) backgrounds. The stimuli were binaurally presented to the subjects at 70 dB sound pressure level (SPL) in both conditions. Group results indicated significant (p < 0.001) bilateral widespread of brain activations in the primary auditory cortex, superior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus and inferior parietal lobes during WIS. Additional significant activation was observed in the middle cingulate cortex and anterior cingulate cortex during WIN, suggesting the involvement of cingulate cortex in working memory processing against a noisy background. The mean percentage of signal change in all regions was higher during WIN as compared to WIS. Right hemispheric predominance was observed for both conditions in primary auditory cortex and middle frontal gyrus and this could be attributed to the increased difficulty of the tasks. The results obtained from this study demonstrated that background noise increased task demand and difficulty. Task demand was found to play an important role in determining the activation magnitude in the brain areas during working memory task.
  4. Fulltext Maternal intake of dietary virgin coconut oil modifies essential fatty acids and causes low body weight and spiky fur in mice
    Gunasekaran R, Shaker MR, Mohd-Zin SW, Abdullah A, Ahmad-Annuar A, Abdul-Aziz NM
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Jan 28;17(1):79.
    PMID: 28129764 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1600-z
    Coconut oil is commonly used as herbal medicine worldwide. There is limited information regarding its effects on the developing embryo and infant growth.
  5. Identification of the genomic mutation in Epha4(rb-2J/rb-2J) mice
    Mohd-Zin SW, Abdullah NL, Abdullah A, Greene ND, Cheah PS, Ling KH, et al.
    Genome, 2016 Jul;59(7):439-48.
    PMID: 27373307 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2015-0142
    The EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in numerous cell-signalling activities during embryonic development. EphA4 has the ability to bind to both types of ephrin ligands, the ephrinAs and ephrinBs. The C57BL/6J-Epha4rb-2J/GrsrJ strain, denoted Epha4(rb-2J/rb-2J), is a spontaneous mouse mutant that arose at The Jackson Laboratory. These mutants exhibited a synchronous hind limb locomotion defect or "hopping gait" phenotype, which is also characteristic of EphA4 null mice. Genetic complementation experiments suggested that Epha4(rb-2J) corresponds to an allele of EphA4, but details of the genomic defect in this mouse mutant are currently unavailable. We found a single base-pair deletion in exon 9 resulting in a frame shift mutation that subsequently resulted in a premature stop codon. Analysis of the predicted structure of the truncated protein suggests that both the kinase and sterile α motif (SAM) domains are absent. Definitive determination of genotype is needed for experimental studies of mice carrying the Epha4(rb-2J) allele, and we have also developed a method to ease detection of the mutation through RFLP. Eph-ephrin family members are reportedly expressed as numerous isoforms. Hence, delineation of the specific mutation in EphA4 in this strain is important for further functional studies, such as protein-protein interactions, immunostaining and gene compensatory studies, investigating the mechanism underlying the effects of altered function of Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases on phenotype.
  6. A questionnaire-based study on parental satisfaction with a universal newborn hearing screening program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Mazlan R, Ting TL, Mukari SZ, Abdullah A
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2014 Feb;78(2):348-53.
    PMID: 24380662 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2013.12.014
    The present study aimed to determine levels of parents' satisfaction associated with the universal newborn hearing screening process in a university hospital setting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  7. Fulltext The quality of life in hearing impaired adolescents after hearing aid application
    Mohd Adibi SMA, Chen NR, Azmir NA, Solahan N, Ismail A, Anuar AZ, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2013 Aug;68(4):315-22.
    PMID: 24145259 MyJurnal
    Hearing impairment in adolescents is a major public health problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) deafness and hearing impairment are common health problems throughout the world. Hearing impairment generally impairs emotional, social, communication and educational function. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between duration of hearing aid use and improvements in the quality of life. The cross sectional study was conducted at Jalan Peel Primary Special School and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center (UKMMC) from July 2010 until June 2011. A total of 21 students with hearing impairment involved in this study with mean age of 12.57 (10 to 19 years old). The subjects were divided into 2 groups: first-time hearing aid users and long standing hearing aid users. The hearing assessment was conducted in the first group and hearing aids were fitted. After 1 month hearing aid fitting, the questionnaires were distributed to both groups. Statistical analysis had showed no relation (p>0.05) between duration of hearing aid use and the improvement in the quality of life. However, regardless of the duration of hearing aid usage, there was improvement in the quality of life as shown by the scores of the questionnaires. In conclusion there was no significant relation between duration of hearing aid use and the improvement in the quality of life. Hearing aids were beneficial for hearing loss students regardless of the duration of the hearing aid usage.
  8. Congenital bilateral facial nerve hypoplasia with sensorineural hearing loss: a case report
    Hamizan AW, Yean KT, Abdullah A
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2012 Mar;76(3):455-9.
    PMID: 22281372 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2012.01.002
    A 3-year-old child presented with congenital bilateral facial nerve palsy with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss. High Resolution Computed Tomogram (HRCT) of the temporal bones found bilateral atresia of cochlear nerve canals, incomplete partition of the cochleae and narrow facial nerve canals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral hypoplasia of facial nerves and aplasia of both vestibulocochlear nerves. There have been no other reported cases with this presentation. The possible aetiology and treatment options for the patient are discussed. We highlighted the review of aplasia/hypoplasia of the facial nerve and hypoplasia of cochlear nerve canal.
  9. Duplicate internal auditory canals with facial and vestibulocochlear nerve dysfunction
    Kew TY, Abdullah A
    J Laryngol Otol, 2012 Jan;126(1):66-71.
    PMID: 21867589 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215111002258
    We report an extremely rare case of duplication of the internal auditory canal associated with dysfunction of both the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. We also review the literature regarding the integrity of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves in such cases.
  10. A pilot project on hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening: lessons learned
    Mukari SZ, Tan KY, Abdullah A
    Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2006 May;70(5):843-51.
    PMID: 16246430
    This paper reports the performance of a newly implemented hospital-based universal newborn hearing screening programme and the challenges to the effective implementation.
  11. Community Palliative Care Nurses' Challenges and Coping Strategies on Delivering Home-Based Pediatric Palliative Care
    Chong L, Abdullah A
    Am J Hosp Palliat Care, 2017 Mar;34(2):125-131.
    PMID: 26424764 DOI: 10.1177/1049909115607296
    OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of community palliative care nurses providing home care to children.

    METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted at the 3 community palliative care provider organizations in greater Kuala Lumpur from August to October 2014. Data were collected with semistructured interviews with 16 nurses who have provided care to children and was analyzed using thematic analysis. Two categories were identified: (1) challenges nurses faced and (2) coping strategies. The themes identified from the categories are (1) communication challenges, (2) inadequate training and knowledge, (3) personal suffering, (4) challenges of the system, (5) intrapersonal coping skills, (6) interpersonal coping strategies, and (7) systemic supports.

    CONCLUSIONS: These results reinforces the need for integration of pediatric palliative care teaching and communication skills training into all undergraduate health care programs. Provider organizational support to meet the specific needs of the nurses in the community can help retain them in their role. It will also be important to develop standards for current and new palliative care services to ensure delivery of quality pediatric palliative care.

  12. Fulltext A newton cooperative genetic algorithm method for in silico optimization of metabolic pathway production
    Ismail MA, Deris S, Mohamad MS, Abdullah A
    PLoS One, 2015;10(5):e0126199.
    PMID: 25961295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126199
    This paper presents an in silico optimization method of metabolic pathway production. The metabolic pathway can be represented by a mathematical model known as the generalized mass action model, which leads to a complex nonlinear equations system. The optimization process becomes difficult when steady state and the constraints of the components in the metabolic pathway are involved. To deal with this situation, this paper presents an in silico optimization method, namely the Newton Cooperative Genetic Algorithm (NCGA). The NCGA used Newton method in dealing with the metabolic pathway, and then integrated genetic algorithm and cooperative co-evolutionary algorithm. The proposed method was experimentally applied on the benchmark metabolic pathways, and the results showed that the NCGA achieved better results compared to the existing methods.
  13. Job-related motivational factors among Malaysian employees
    Manshor AT, Abdullah A
    Psychol Rep, 2002 Dec;91(3 Pt 2):1187-93.
    PMID: 12585535
    This study identified job-related motivational factors among Malaysian employees in several telecommunication companies. Responses were obtained from 1,179 employees at all levels up to senior managers and six different functional divisions, sales and marketing, human resources, finance, technical, information, technology, and support division. All employees were asked to rate the importance of Kovach's 10 job-motivational factors. These factors were good wages, job security, opportunity for career growth in the organization, good working conditions, interesting work, company loyalty to employees, tactful discipline, full appreciation of work done, sympathetic help with personal problems, and feeling of being involved in the organization. The top five factors employees identified as motivating them in their jobs were good wages, job security, company loyalty to employees, good working conditions, and full appreciation for work done. Findings were in accordance with Kovach for U.S. employees, in which the top motivational factors were good wages and job security.
  14. Lead exposure among Malaysian school children using delta-aminolevulinic acid as an indicator
    Ming LO, Surif S, Abdullah A
    Sci Total Environ, 1997 Jan 30;193(3):207-13.
    PMID: 9092077
    A study on lead exposure among school children aged between 7 and 12 years from Kajang and Sepang in the state of Selangor, Malaysia was carried out using delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) levels in the urine as an index. The delta-ALA levels in urine were linked to variables which could contribute to lead exposure. Out of 1628 school children studied [Kajang (43.5%) and Sepang (56.5%)], only 194 subjects (16 and 8.8% from Kajang and Sepang, respectively) had urinary delta-ALA levels between 0.6 and 2.0 mg/100 ml. However, chi 2 analysis demonstrated significant association between delta-ALA of this group to some of the variables. The strongest association was found in the habit of biting fingernails (P < 0.025). Other statistically significant correlations were found between delta-ALA and father's occupation (P < 0.05) and the amount of time spent playing in the field (P < 0.01). Generally, this study indicates that school children in Kajang and Sepang are still relatively safe from excessively high lead exposure. However, a more sensitive indicator, which is based on a lower tolerable lead limits, such as lead in blood, are necessary to affirm this finding.
  15. Fulltext Distinctive accuracy measurement of binary descriptors in mobile augmented reality
    Tan SY, Arshad H, Abdullah A
    PLoS One, 2019;14(1):e0207191.
    PMID: 30605474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207191
    Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) requires a descriptor that is robust to changes in viewing conditions in real time application. Many different descriptors had been proposed in the literature for example floating-point descriptors (SIFT and SURF) and binary descriptors (BRIEF, ORB, BRISK and FREAK). According to literature, floating-point descriptors are not suitable for real-time application because its operating speed does not satisfy real-time constraints. Binary descriptors have been developed with compact sizes and lower computation requirements. However, it is unclear which binary descriptors are more appropriate for MAR. Hence, a distinctive and efficient accuracy measurement of four state-of-the-art binary descriptors, namely, BRIEF, ORB, BRISK and FREAK were performed using the Mikolajczyk dataset and ALOI dataset to identify the most appropriate descriptor for MAR in terms of computation time and robustness to brightness, scale and rotation changes. The obtained results showed that FREAK is the most appropriate descriptor for MAR application as it able to produce an application that are efficient (shortest computation time) and robust towards scale, rotation and brightness changes.
  16. Fulltext Aural Polyp or Temporal Bone Carcinoma: Lesson to Learn
    Mahmud KA, Nasseri Z, Mohamed Mukari SA, Ismail F, Abdullah A
    Cureus, 2021 Mar 01;13(3):e13629.
    PMID: 33816028 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13629
    Temporal bone carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the head and neck region. Its clinical presentations can mimic benign ear diseases, leading to inaccurate diagnosis and substandard management. We present the case of a 53-year-old female with a three-month history of progressive right otalgia, otorrhea, and hearing loss. Otoscopic examination revealed a mass occupying the right external auditory canal. However, the lesion was presumed to be an aural polyp by several clinicians previously. Multiple courses of oral antibiotics had been prescribed before she was referred to our clinic for the non-resolving aural polyp. Imaging studies showed an external auditory canal soft tissue mass with extradural and parotid extension. The mass was biopsied, and the result was reported as squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. The patient was advised for a total temporal bone resection and parotidectomy; however, she declined the surgical intervention. Within a month, the tumor had metastasized to her lung, liver, and vertebral bodies. She was referred to the Oncology team for palliative chemo-radiotherapy. Temporal bone malignancy must be considered as a differential diagnosis in a middle-aged or elderly patient with a non-resolving aural polyp without a chronic discharging ear. Imaging studies and histopathological evaluation should be prompted to ascertain the diagnosis. Repeated course of oral antibiotic will delay treatment and subsequently may lead to poor prognosis.
  17. Cochlear nerve canal stenosis and associated semicircular canal abnormalities in paediatric sensorineural hearing loss: a single centre study
    Zainol Abidin Z, Mohd Zaki F, Kew TY, Goh BS, Abdullah A
    J Laryngol Otol, 2020 Jul;134(7):603-609.
    PMID: 32713375 DOI: 10.1017/S0022215120001334
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between cochlear nerve canal dimensions and semicircular canal abnormalities and to determine the distribution of bony labyrinth anomalies in patients with cochlear nerve canal stenosis.

    METHOD: This was a retrospective study in which high-resolution computed tomography images of paediatric patients with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss were reviewed. A cochlear nerve canal diameter of 1.5 mm or less in the axial plane was classified as stenotic. Semicircular canals and other bony labyrinth morphology and abnormality were evaluated.

    RESULTS: Cochlear nerve canal stenosis was detected in 65 out of 265 ears (24 per cent). Of the 65 ears, 17 ears had abnormal semicircular canals (26 per cent). Significant correlation was demonstrated between cochlear nerve canal stenosis and semicircular canal abnormalities (p < 0.01). Incomplete partition type II was the most common accompanying abnormality of cochlear nerve canal stenosis (15 out of 65, 23 per cent).

    CONCLUSION: Cochlear nerve canal stenosis is statistically associated with semicircular canal abnormalities. Whenever a cochlear nerve canal stenosis is present in a patient with sensorineural hearing loss, the semicircular canal should be scrutinised for presence of abnormalities.

  18. Fulltext Serological response to Group A Streptococcus
    Zainal Z, Jamal J, Abdullah A, Abdullah A
    Family Practitioner, 1986;9(3):35-37.
  19. Fulltext Developing an Ensemble Predictive Safety Risk Assessment Model: Case of Malaysian Construction Projects
    Sadeghi H, Mohandes SR, Hosseini MR, Banihashemi S, Mahdiyar A, Abdullah A
    Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2020 11 13;17(22).
    PMID: 33202768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228395
    Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)-related injuries are vexing problems for construction projects in developing countries, mostly due to poor managerial-, governmental-, and technical safety-related issues. Though some studies have been conducted on OHS-associated issues in developing countries, research on this topic remains scarce. A review of the literature shows that presenting a predictive assessment framework through machine learning techniques can add much to the field. As for Malaysia, despite the ongoing growth of the construction sector, there has not been any study focused on OHS assessment of workers involved in construction activities. To fill these gaps, an Ensemble Predictive Safety Risk Assessment Model (EPSRAM) is developed in this paper as an effective tool to assess the OHS risks related to workers on construction sites. The developed EPSRAM is based on the integration of neural networks with fuzzy inference systems. To show the effectiveness of the EPSRAM developed, it is applied to several Malaysian construction case projects. This paper contributes to the field in several ways, through: (1) identifying major potential safety risks, (2) determining crucial factors that affect the safety assessment for construction workers, (3) predicting the magnitude of identified safety risks accurately, and (4) predicting the evaluation strategies applicable to the identified risks. It is demonstrated how EPSRAM can provide safety professionals and inspectors concerned with well-being of workers with valuable information, leading to improving the working environment of construction crew members.
  20. Fulltext A Rare Case of an Undiagnosed Middle Ear Tumor Due to Late Referral
    Ng JJ, Ong HY, Nasseri Z, Azmi MI, Abdullah A
    Cureus, 2021 Jan 08;13(1):e12584.
    PMID: 33457146 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12584
    Facial nerve tumors constitute about 5% of all facial nerve paralysis. As it is relatively uncommon, it could be misdiagnosed. We encountered an 18-year-old girl who had right facial weakness since the age of four, referred to otorhinolaryngology clinic for further evaluation only when her hearing deteriorated and the facial weakness worsened. Further investigation revealed facial nerve schwannoma. Facial nerve paralysis in the pediatric age group is uncommon and should be examined in detail to rule out other possible etiologies besides Bell's palsy.
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