Displaying publications 121 - 140 of 176 in total

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  1. Three new species of Acanthocephala from Acanthogyrus (Acanthosentis) (Acanthocephala: Quadrigyridae) from tinfoil barb fish, Barbonymus schwanenfeldii in Lake Kenyir, Terengganu, Malaysia
    Mohd-Agos S, Mohd-Husin N, Zakariah MI, Yusoff NAH, Wahab W, Jones JB, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2021 Sep 01;38(3):387-395.
    PMID: 34608112 DOI: 10.47665/tb.38.3.064
    This study was carried out in order to identify acanthocephalan species complexes, based on morphological variability, infecting Barbonymus schwanenfeldii from Lake Kenyir, Terengganu, Malaysia. Acanthocephala were fixed in ethanol, stained with aceto-carmine and studied morphologically by using a light microscope. Variation in morphological traits such as proboscis, proboscis receptacle, egg, testes shape and location, number of hooks and cement gland has been traditionally used to diagnose the acanthocephalans species but the delimitations between closely related species are still confusing and are always questionable among taxonomists. Molecular analysis was used for support the identification. Morphological variability prospecting reveals the presence of three different new species complexes from the subgenus Acanthosentis by referring published taxonomic keys. These new species may be distinguished from the other 46 described species of Acanthosentis by having six unique structures: the presence of an anterior parareceptacle structure (PRS); vaginal sleeve structure; a paired lateral, cone-shaped, muscular jacket surrounding the vagina; alternating pattern and size of proboscis hooks, variation in proboscis size and shape; the presence of the circular collar ring around the neck between the proboscis and trunk and lastly the presence of a muscular-like structure attached to the collar ring on the proboscis. These acanthocephalans found in the intestine of B. schwanenfeldii in Kenyir Lake Malaysia represent new species, named Acanthogyrus ( Acanthosentis) kenyirensis n.sp., A. ( A.) terengganuensis n.sp. and A. ( A.) tembatensis n. sp.
  2. Corrigendum to: Genetic underpinnings in Alzheimer's disease - a review
    Moustafa AA, Hassan M, Hewedi DH, Hewedi I, Garami JK, Al Ashwal H, et al.
    Rev Neurosci, 2018 09 25;29(7):815.
    PMID: 30179856 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2018-0081
  3. A comparative investigation into novel cholesterol esterase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory peptides from cow and camel casein hydrolysates generated upon enzymatic hydrolysis and in-vitro digestion
    Mudgil P, Baba WN, Kamal H, FitzGerald RJ, Hassan HM, Ayoub MA, et al.
    Food Chem, 2022 Jan 15;367:130661.
    PMID: 34348197 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130661
    Cow (CwC) and camel casein (CaC) hydrolysates were generated using Alcalase™ (CwCA and CaCA) and Pronase-E (CwCP and CaCP) each for 3 and 6 h, and investigated for their potential to inhibit key lipid digesting enzymes i.e., pancreatic lipase (PL) and cholesteryl esterase (CE). Results revealed stronger PL and CE inhibition by CaC hydrolysates compared to CwC. Potent hydrolysates (CwCP-3 h and CaCA-6 h) upon simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) showed significant improvement in inhibition of both PL and CE. However, both the SGID hydrolysates showed similar extent of PL and CE inhibition and were further sequenced for peptide identification. Peptides MMML, FDML, HLPGRG from CwC and AAGF, MSNYF, FLWPEYGAL from CaC hydrolysates were predicted to be most active PL inhibitory peptides. Peptide LP found in both CwC and CaC hydrolysates was predicted as active CE inhibitor. Thus, CwC and CaC could be potential source of peptides with promising CE and PL inhibitory properties.
  4. Psychometric Properties of a Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire for Assessing the Midwives' Intention to Provide Planned Home Birth Services in Nigeria
    Muhammed A, Shariff-Ghazali S, Said SM, Hassan M, Lee K
    J Community Health Nurs, 2020 4 3;37(2):77-88.
    PMID: 32233947 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2020.1736377
    We developed and psychometrically tested a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) questionnaire which focused on assessing the midwives' intention to provide planned home birth (PHB) services. This is a quantitative, cross-sectional survey, conducted among 226 midwives working in ten participating health facilities. The reliability and validity of the theoretical constructs were assessed. The Cronbach's alpha values were >0.8 for all scales, suggesting satisfactory internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed sufficient convergent validity (the average variance extracted was >0.5 for each construct) and discriminant validity. The study gathered an evidence of the usefulness of TPB in the specific context of PHB.
  5. Predictors of midwives' intention to provide planned home birth services to low-risk women: A theory of planned behaviour approach
    Muhammed A, Khuan L, Shariff-Ghazali S, Said SM, Hassan M
    Midwifery, 2019 Jun;73:62-68.
    PMID: 30884373 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.03.004
    OBJECTIVE: Planned home birth may increase women's access to skilled midwives in all settings. Using theory to understand and predict midwives' intention regarding planned home birth services is rare. Therefore, using the theory of planned behaviour, we determined the factors associated with midwives' intention to provide planned home birth services to low-risk women.

    DESIGN: This cross-sectional study adopted a quantitative approach and a survey. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit 226 midwives in Sokoto, Nigeria. Data-including descriptive statistic and multiple linear regression analyses-were analysed using SPSS 23 and significant was set at 0.05.

    SETTING: Ten public health facilities in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria.

    PARTICIPANTS: Among all 460 midwives (women aged 20-60 years), working in the maternity wards of health facilities in Sokoto, a sample of 226 midwives was calculated using a power of 0.80 and a 95% confidence interval.

    FINDINGS: The multiple linear regression analyses confirmed that the major factors associated with midwives' intention to provide planned home birth services were midwives' attitude towards planned home birth (p < .001) and midwives' previous experience with planned home birth practice (p = .008).

    CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The theory of planned behaviour is a useful framework for identifying factors that affect midwives' intention to provide planned home birth services. While future research may employ a qualitative approach to explore other factors, planned home birth education campaigns should target information that enhances positive attitude and encourages midwives to provide planned home birth services.

  6. Effects of an educational intervention on Nigerian midwives' intention to provide planned home birth care
    Muhammed A, Shariff-Ghazali S, Md Said S, Hassan M, Lee K
    Birth, 2023 Sep;50(3):587-595.
    PMID: 36226886 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12681
    BACKGROUND: The majority of women in Sokoto, Nigeria prefer homebirths, but midwives are reluctant to provide care in the home setting. As such, many women continue to give birth at home alone or assisted by untrained attendants, which is associated with an increased risk for maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

    METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 226 midwives from 10 health care facilities. The intervention group received an educational program on home birth. A validated questionnaire that evaluated knowledge, attitudes, norms, perceived control, and intention to provide planned home birth care was given at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at three-months follow-up. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effect model statistics.

    RESULTS: Following the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated higher knowledge and more positive attitudes, norms, perceived control, and intention to provide planned home birth care compared with the control group (P  0.05).

    DISCUSSION: Educating midwives on planned home birth increases their willingness to provide planned home birth care. Health system administrators, policymakers, and researchers may use similar interventions to promote skilled home birth attendance by midwives. Increasing the number of midwives who are willing to attend planned home births provides women at low risk for medical complications with safer options for labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

  7. Fulltext Data on RNA-seq analysis of the cocoa pod borer pest Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)
    Nor Muhammad NA, Ramlee IA, Mohd Nor D, Satyavenathan MV, Rahmat NL, Awang A, et al.
    Data Brief, 2021 Feb;34:106638.
    PMID: 33365368 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106638
    Cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L.) is part of the global cocoa and chocolate industry valued at 44 billion US dollars in 2019. Cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella is a major pest of cocoa in Malaysia and Indonesia that is responsible for the decline for cocoa production. They have been detected since 1980s. Unfortunately, current control strategies are inefficient for CPB management. Although biotechnological alternatives, including RNA interference (RNAi), have been proposed in recent years to control insect pests, characterizing the genetics of the target pest is essential for successful application of these emerging technologies. We generated a comprehensive RNA-seq dataset (135,915,430 clean reads) for larva and adult stages of CPB by using the Illumina HiseqTM 4000 system to increase the understanding of CPB in relation to molecular features. The CPB transcriptome was assembled de novo and annotated. The final assembled produced 249,280 unigenes, of which 75,929 unigenes annotated against NCBI NR database and were distributed among 156 KEGG pathways. The raw data were uploaded to SRA database and the BioProject ID is PRJNA553611. The transcriptomic dataset we present are the first reports of transcriptome information in CPB that is valuable for further exploration and understanding of CPB molecular pathways.
  8. Degumming of crude palm oil by membrane filtration
    Ong KK, Fakhru'l-Razi A, Baharin BS, Hassan MA
    Artif Cells Blood Substit Immobil Biotechnol, 1999 Sep-Nov;27(5-6):381-5.
    PMID: 10595436
    The application of membrane separation in palm oil refining process has potential for energy and cost savings. The conventional refining of crude palm oil results in loss of oil and a contaminated effluent. Degumming of crude palm oil by membrane technology is conducted in this study. The objective of this research is to study the feasibility of membrane filtration for the removal of phospholipids in the degumming of crude palm oil, including analyses of phosphorus content, carotene content free fatty acids (as palmitic acid), colour and volatile matter. A PCI membrane module was used which was equipped with polyethersulfone membranes having a molecular weight cut off of 9,000 (type ES209). In this study, phosphorus content was the most important parameter monitored. The membrane effectively removed phospholipids resulting in a permeate with a phosphorus content of less than 0.3 ppm The percentage removal of phosphorus was 96.4% and was considered as a good removal. Lovibond colour was reduced from 27R 50Y to 20R 30Y. The percentage removal of carotene was 15.8%. The removal of colour was considered good but the removal of carotene was considered insignificant by the membrane. Free fatty acids and volatile matter were not removed. Typical of membrane operations, the permeate flux decreased with time and must be improved in order to be adopted on an industrial scale. Membrane technology was found to have good potential in crude palm oil degumming. However, an appropriate method has to be developed to clean the membranes for reuse.
  9. Enzyme production and profile by Aspergillus niger during solid substrate fermentation using palm kernel cake as substrate
    Ong LG, Abd-Aziz S, Noraini S, Karim MI, Hassan MA
    Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2004 8 12;118(1-3):73-9.
    PMID: 15304740
    The oil palm sector is one of the major plantation industries in Malaysia. Palm kernel cake is a byproduct of extracted palm kernel oil. Mostly palm kernel cake is wasted or is mixed with other nutrients and used as animal feed, especially for ruminant animals. Recently, palm kernel cake has been identified as an important ingredient for the formulation of animal feed, and it is also exported especially to Europe, South Korea, and Japan. It can barely be consumed by nonruminant (monogastric) animals owing to the high percentages of hemicellulose and cellulose contents. Palm kernel cake must undergo suitable pretreatment in order to decrease the percentage of hemicellulose and cellulose. One of the methods employed in this study is fermentation with microorganisms, particularly fungi, to partially degrade the hemicellulose and cellulose content. This work focused on the production of enzymes by Aspergillus niger and profiling using palm kernel cake as carbon source.
  10. Progress in the use of computerised recording systems in dairy cow monitoring and extension in Malaysia
    Pharo HJ, Sopian MJ, Kamaruddin M, Abu Hassan MA, Cheah PF, Choo TW
    Trop Anim Health Prod, 1990 May;22(2):77-88.
    PMID: 2371756
    The emphasis on cow records in Malaysian dairy extension programmes reflects the importance of herd fertility in the economics of dairying. Manual record keeping has not been able to make an impact on management due to difficulties experienced in quality control of the data and in analysing the data to produce useful information for farm managers. Computerised recording systems have been in use in Malaysia since 1985, both on government farms and in the small-holder dairy sector. The aim of both systems is firstly to improve farm efficiency by the provision of information to managers and extension workers and secondly to provide information for departmental planning purposes. The systems used in Malaysia are outlined, and the results over the first three years of operation are summarised.
  11. Synthesis of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl-Based Compounds, Oxime and Oxime Ether Analogs as Potential Anticancer Agents for Overcoming Cancer Multidrug Resistance by Modulation of Efflux Pumps in Tumor Cells
    Qin HL, Leng J, Zhang CP, Jantan I, Amjad MW, Sher M, et al.
    J Med Chem, 2016 Apr 14;59(7):3549-61.
    PMID: 27010345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00276
    Sixty-nine novel α,β-unsaturated carbonyl based compounds, including cyclohexanone, tetralone, oxime, and oxime ether analogs, were synthesized. The antiproliferative activity determined by using seven different human cancer cell lines provided a structure-activity relationship. Compound 8ag exhibited high antiproliferative activity against Panc-1, PaCa-2, A-549, and PC-3 cell lines, with IC50 value of 0.02 μM, comparable to the positive control Erlotinib. The ten most active antiproliferative compounds were assessed for mechanistic effects on BRAF(V600E), EGFR TK kinases, and tubulin polymerization, and were investigated in vitro to reverse efflux-mediated resistance developed by cancer cells. Compound 8af exhibited the most potent BRAF(V600E) inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.9 μM. Oxime analog 7o displayed the most potent EGFR TK inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.07 μM, which was analogous to the positive control. Some analogs including 7f, 8af, and 8ag showed a dual role as anticancer and MDR reversal agents.
  12. Prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema among schoolchildren in Kelantan, Malaysia
    Quah BS, Razak AR, Hassan MH
    Acta Paediatr Jpn, 1997 Jun;39(3):329-35.
    PMID: 9241894
    The prevalence and severity of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Kelantanese schoolchildren were determined as part of an international study of the epidemiology of asthma and allergic diseases. The international study of asthma and allergies in childhood (ISAAC) written questionnaire was administered to 7055 schoolchildren from February 1995 to August 1995. The respondents were parents or guardians of 5- to 7-year-old children (n = 3939), and schoolchildren aged 12-14 years (n = 3116). The ISAAC video questionnaire (AVQ3.0) was shown to children aged 12-14 years after the written questionnaire. The overall prevalences of 'ever wheezed' and 'wheezing in last 12 months' were 9.4 and 6.0% respectively. The prevalence of 'ever diagnosed with asthma' was 9.4%. Both 'ever wheezed' and 'wheezing in the last 12 months' were significantly higher in 12- to 14-year-old children than in 5- to 7-year-old children, with P values of 0.0006 and 0.014 respectively. No gender differences in the prevalences were observed. For the complete study group, 4.7% of children had sleep disturbed by wheezing but only 1.1% had a severe attack limiting speech in the preceding 12 months. Sleep disturbance was more common in the 12- to 14-year-old children than in 5- to 7-year-old children (P = 0.006). There was no difference between the age groups for severe attacks limiting speech. The overall prevalence of rhinitis and eczema symptoms were 27 and 12%, respectively. The prevalence of rhinitis in the 12-14 year age group (38.2%) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than in the 5-7 year age group (18.2%). The prevalence of eczema in the 5-7 year age group (13.7%) was significantly higher (P = < 0.0001) than in the 12-14 year age group (9.9%). These prevalence data are comparable with previous reports in Malaysian children, but are considerably lower than those reported for most developed countries.
  13. Fulltext Evolutionary and genomic analysis of the caleosin/peroxygenase (CLO/PXG) gene/protein families in the Viridiplantae
    Rahman F, Hassan M, Rosli R, Almousally I, Hanano A, Murphy DJ
    PLoS One, 2018;13(5):e0196669.
    PMID: 29771926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196669
    Bioinformatics analyses of caleosin/peroxygenases (CLO/PXG) demonstrated that these genes are present in the vast majority of Viridiplantae taxa for which sequence data are available. Functionally active CLO/PXG proteins with roles in abiotic stress tolerance and lipid droplet storage are present in some Trebouxiophycean and Chlorophycean green algae but are absent from the small number of sequenced Prasinophyceaen genomes. CLO/PXG-like genes are expressed during dehydration stress in Charophyte algae, a sister clade of the land plants (Embryophyta). CLO/PXG-like sequences are also present in all of the >300 sequenced Embryophyte genomes, where some species contain as many as 10-12 genes that have arisen via selective gene duplication. Angiosperm genomes harbour at least one copy each of two distinct CLO/PX isoforms, termed H (high) and L (low), where H-forms contain an additional C-terminal motif of about 30-50 residues that is absent from L-forms. In contrast, species in other Viridiplantae taxa, including green algae, non-vascular plants, ferns and gymnosperms, contain only one (or occasionally both) of these isoforms per genome. Transcriptome and biochemical data show that CLO/PXG-like genes have complex patterns of developmental and tissue-specific expression. CLO/PXG proteins can associate with cytosolic lipid droplets and/or bilayer membranes. Many of the analysed isoforms also have peroxygenase activity and are involved in oxylipin metabolism. The distribution of CLO/PXG-like genes is consistent with an origin >1 billion years ago in at least two of the earliest diverging groups of the Viridiplantae, namely the Chlorophyta and the Streptophyta, after the Viridiplantae had already diverged from other Archaeplastidal groups such as the Rhodophyta and Glaucophyta. While algal CLO/PXGs have roles in lipid packaging and stress responses, the Embryophyte proteins have a much wider spectrum of roles and may have been instrumental in the colonisation of terrestrial habitats and the subsequent diversification as the major land flora.
  14. Fulltext Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Malaysia: "Where are we now?"
    Raihan R, Mohamed R, Radzi Abu Hassan M, Md Said R
    Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol, 2017 Jan-Jun;7(1):65-67.
    PMID: 29201775 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1214
    Malaysia is a country where an estimated 1 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and an estimated 2.5% of the adult population are positive for antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Effective nationwide vaccine coverage seems to be a highly effective measure to prevent new HBV infection. Treatment of HCV infection is also a regular practice in Malaysia. These measures highlight the possibility to reach the World Health Organization elimination target by 2030. To achieve this target, the Health Ministry and other nongovernmental organizations, such as My Commitment to Cure (MyC2C) are working together to develop a strategic road map to reach the global elimination target in Malaysia by 2030. How to cite this article: Raihan R, Mohamed R, Hasan MRA, Rosaida MS. Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Malaysia: "Where are we now?" Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2017;7(1):65-67.
  15. Nanocrystalline forsterite for biomedical applications: synthesis, microstructure and mechanical properties
    Ramesh S, Yaghoubi A, Lee KY, Chin KM, Purbolaksono J, Hamdi M, et al.
    J Mech Behav Biomed Mater, 2013 Sep;25:63-9.
    PMID: 23726923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2013.05.008
    Forsterite (Mg2SiO4) because of its exceptionally high fracture toughness which is close to that of cortical bones has been nominated as a possible successor to calcium phosphate bioceramics. Recent in vitro studies also suggest that forsterite possesses good bioactivity and promotes osteoblast proliferation as well as adhesion. However studies on preparation and sinterability of nanocrystalline forsterite remain scarce. In this work, we use a solid-state reaction with magnesium oxide (MgO) and talc (Mg3Si4(OH)2) as the starting precursors to synthesize forsterite. A systematic investigation was carried out to elucidate the effect of preparatory procedures including heat treatment, mixing methods and sintering temperature on development of microstructures as well as the mechanical properties of the sintered forsterite body.
  16. Fulltext Vulnerability of financial markets in India: The contagious effect of COVID-19
    Rao P, Goyal N, Kumar S, Hassan MK, Shahimi S
    Res Int Bus Finance, 2021 Dec;58:101462.
    PMID: 36540343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2021.101462
    This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on financial markets, using emerging market data. Specifically, panel data regression is applied on 3200 observations for daily market returns during lockdown in India. The event study methodology is adopted to show abnormal returns registered in the lockdown period. A contrasting breakdown effect of COVID-19 on various Indian industries has been observed through sectoral analysis. The study also provides empirical evidence for lockdown measures taken by the government on stock market returns and post lockdown impact of COVID-19 on daily market returns for over 6550 observations.
  17. Synthesis, molecular docking, dynamic simulations, kinetic mechanism, cytotoxicity evaluation of N-(substituted-phenyl)-4-{(4-[(E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl]-1-piperazinyl} butanamides as tyrosinase and melanin inhibitors: In vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches
    Raza H, Abbasi MA, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Siddiqui SZ, Hassan M, Abbas Q, et al.
    Bioorg Chem, 2020 01;94:103445.
    PMID: 31826809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103445
    In the current research work, different N-(substituted-phenyl)-4-{(4-[(E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl]-1-piperazinyl}butanamides have been synthesized according to the protocol described in scheme 1. The synthesis was initiated by reacting various substituted anilines (1a-e) with 4-chlorobutanoyl chloride (2) in aqueous basic medium to give various electrophiles, 4-chloro-N-(substituted-phenyl)butanamides (3a-e). These electrophiles were then coupled with 1-[(E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl]piperazine (4) in polar aprotic medium to attain the targeted N-(substituted-phenyl)-4-{(4-[(E)-3-phenyl-2-propenyl]-1-piperazinyl}butanamides (5a-e). The structures of all derivatives were identified and characterized by proton-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon-nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) and Infra-Red (IR) spectral data along with CHN analysis. The in vitro inhibitory potential of these butanamides was evaluated against Mushroom tyrosinase, whereby all compounds were found to be biologically active. Among them, 5b exhibited highest inhibitory potential with IC50 value of 0.013 ± 0.001 µM. The same compound 5b was also assayed through in vivo approach, and it was explored that it significantly reduced the pigments in zebrafish. The in silico studies were also in agreement with aforesaid results. Moreover, these molecules were profiled for their cytotoxicity through hemolytic activity, and it was found that except 5e, all other compounds showed minimal toxicity. The compound 5a also exhibited comparable results. Hence, some of these compounds might be worthy candidates for the formulation and development of depigmentation drugs with minimum side effects.
  18. 2-Aminothiazole-Oxadiazole Bearing N-Arylated Butanamides: Convergent Synthesis, Tyrosinase Inhibition, Kinetics, Structure-Activity Relationship, and Binding Conformations
    Raza H, Rehman Sadiq Butt A, Athar Abbasi M, Aziz-Ur-Rehman, Zahra Siddiqui S, Hassan M, et al.
    Chem Biodivers, 2023 Feb;20(2):e202201019.
    PMID: 36597268 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201019
    A multi-step synthesis of novel bi-heterocyclic N-arylated butanamides was consummated through a convergent strategy and the structures of these medicinal scaffolds, 7a-h, were corroborated using spectral techniques. The in vitro analysis of these hybrid molecules revealed their potent tyrosinase inhibition as compared to the standard used. The kinetics mechanism was investigated through Lineweaver-Burk plots which exposed that, 7f, inhibited tyrosinase enzyme non-competitively by forming the enzyme-inhibitor complex. The inhibition constants Ki calculated from Dixon plots for this compound was 0.025 μM. Their binding conformations were ascertained by in silico computational studies whereby these molecules disclosed good binding energy values (kcal/mol). So, it was anticipated from the current research that these bi-heterocyclic butanamides might be probed as imperative therapeutic agents for melanogenesis.
  19. Assessing the competency of University of Malaya dental graduates: employers' and graduates' perceptions
    Razak IA, Latifah RR, Jaafar N, Abu Hassan MI, Ab Murat N
    J Dent Educ, 2008 Mar;72(3):364-9.
    PMID: 18316541
    A survey was conducted to assess competencies of dental graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, as perceived by the graduates and their employers, based on the five-year undergraduate curriculum introduced in 1995. All senior dental officers in the Ministry of Health (MOH), representing employers, and all 164 dental graduates of the years 2000, 2001, and 2002 were sent a self-administered questionnaire covering eight areas of competency. The respondents had to rate these areas on a scale of 1 (very poor) to 4 (very good). The responses for each area were then dichotomized into poor (1 and 2) and good (3 and 4). If less than 60 percent of the respondents rated an area as good, then it was categorized as needing attention; 60-69 percent as satisfactory; and 70 percent and above as excellent. One hundred and six graduates (64.6 percent) and twenty-nine employers (96.7 percent) responded; of the graduates, 73.6 percent were working in the MOH and 22.6 percent in private practice. About 57.1 percent of employers reported that at least five graduates have worked under them. Graduates (85.7 percent) and employers (83.3 percent) agreed that graduates have excellent skills in communication. Although all graduates perceived their competency to be excellent in the four areas (treatment planning; community-based skills; management, administrative skills, and personal management; and professional development skills), employers felt that these are the areas that are of concern and needed attention. In conclusion, whilst generally the graduates' level of competency in almost all areas is acceptable or good, there are areas of concern that need to be addressed to further improve the five-year curriculum at the University of Malaya.
  20. Fulltext Motor dexterity and strength depend upon integrity of the attention-control system
    Rinne P, Hassan M, Fernandes C, Han E, Hennessy E, Waldman A, et al.
    Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2018 01 16;115(3):E536-E545.
    PMID: 29284747 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1715617115
    Attention control (or executive control) is a higher cognitive function involved in response selection and inhibition, through close interactions with the motor system. Here, we tested whether influences of attention control are also seen on lower level motor functions of dexterity and strength-by examining relationships between attention control and motor performance in healthy-aged and hemiparetic-stroke subjects (n = 93 and 167, respectively). Subjects undertook simple-tracking, precision-hold, and maximum force-generation tasks, with each hand. Performance across all tasks correlated strongly with attention control (measured as distractor resistance), independently of factors such as baseline performance, hand use, lesion size, mood, fatigue, or whether distraction was tested during motor or nonmotor cognitive tasks. Critically, asymmetric dissociations occurred in all tasks, in that severe motor impairment coexisted with normal (or impaired) attention control whereas normal motor performance was never associated with impaired attention control (below a task-dependent threshold). This implies that dexterity and force generation require intact attention control. Subsequently, we examined how motor and attention-control performance mapped to lesion location and cerebral functional connectivity. One component of motor performance (common to both arms), as well as attention control, correlated with the anatomical and functional integrity of a cingulo-opercular "salience" network. Independently of this, motor performance difference between arms correlated negatively with the integrity of the primary sensorimotor network and corticospinal tract. These results suggest that the salience network, and its attention-control function, are necessary for virtually all volitional motor acts while its damage contributes significantly to the cardinal motor deficits of stroke.
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