MyMedR

Complications of bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever in children

Malik AS

J Trop Pediatr, 2002 Apr;48(2):102-8.

PMID: 12022423

To find the incidence, markers and nature of complications of typhoid fever, we studied 102 children with cultures positive for Salmonella typhi in a cross-sectional study, prospectively, over a period of almost 5 years. All isolates were sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. One third of these children developed complications which included: anicteric hepatitis, bone marrow suppression, paralytic ileus, myocarditis, psychosis, cholecystitis, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, pneumonia, haemolysis, and syndrome of inappropriate release of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Twelve children developed multiple complications. If hepatitis is excluded from the complications, the rate of complications in bacteriologically confirmed cases of typhoid fever drops to 11 per cent. These complications were not related to: the age or sex of patients, duration of illness before admission, use of antibiotics before admission, nutritional status, level of 'O' or 'H' titre, presence of IgM or IgG antibodies, or treatment with chloramphenicol or ampicillin. Children with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia or leukopenia were more likely to develop complications.

Acinetobacter endocarditis in children: a case report and review of the literature

Malik AS

Infection, 1995 9 1;23(5):306-8.

PMID: 8557392

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, a gram-negative bacterium ubiquitous in soil, water and sewage, is a rare cause of endocarditis in children. The first case of Acinetobacter endocarditis in an infant is described. This patient had underlying tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve. A review of the literature in English revealed only four other cases of Acinetobacter endocarditis in children; three of whom had underlying congenital heart disease. Like the other reported cases, this patient responded well to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently this patient underwent corrective cardiac surgery but died of post-operative complications.

Type b Haemophilus influenzae endocarditis in children: case report and review of the literature

Malik AS

Ann Trop Paediatr, 1995 Sep;15(3):193-5.

PMID: 8534036

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) endocarditis is a rare but potentially lethal condition. Only ten cases have been reported in the English literature. This report describes an 8-month-old Malay child with a ventricular septal defect who developed Hib endocarditis and died after 4 weeks of hospitalization. The literature is reviewed and previously reported cases summarized.

Kawasaki disease in Malaysia

Malik AS

Ann Trop Paediatr, 1996 Sep;16(3):213-20.

PMID: 8893951 DOI: 10.1080/02724936.1996.11747829

We report seven cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) who were admitted to Hospital University Sains Malaysia over a period of 8 years. The average age at the time of admission was 29.4 months and four of the children were boys. Five children had all six criteria for diagnosis. Ileus was present in three, and hydrops of the gall bladder and pneumonia in two each, but coronary artery dilatation was seen in only one patient. We also review all the cases of KD reported so far from Malaysia and compare the epidemiological data, clinical course and laboratory findings of the Malaysian patients with those from other parts of the world. The epidemiological and clinical features of Malaysians with KD differ from those seen in Singapore and Japan, but are similar to those seen in Thailand, Australia and North America. The incidence of cardiac complications is low in Malaysians.

Fulltext Prelabour rupture of membranes and neonatal morbidity in level II nursery in Kelantan

Malik AS

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Mar;49(1):12-6.

PMID: 8057984

In view of controversial reports about the role of prelabour rupture of foetal membranes (PROM) in neonatal morbidity and to study the association of PROM with infections and meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), a prospective case control study was conducted in a level II nursery of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Of the 111 neonates with PROM studied, 18 developed clinical problems (septicaemia and other specific problems such as pneumonia, omphalitis, skin infection and MAS) while 5/56 of the control group developed similar problems. The difference between the two groups was not significant (p < 0.30). There was no neonatal death. It is concluded that PROM is not associated with neonatal morbidity. Neonates with this problem alone do not need to be admitted to the neonatal nursery.

Human memory retention and recall processes. A review of EEG and fMRI studies

Amin H, Malik AS

Neurosciences (Riyadh), 2013 Oct;18(4):330-44.

PMID: 24141456

Human memory is an important concept in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Our brain is actively engaged in functions of learning and memorization. Generally, human memory has been classified into 2 groups: short-term/working memory, and long-term memory. Using different memory paradigms and brain mapping techniques, psychologists and neuroscientists have identified 3 memory processes: encoding, retention, and recall. These processes have been studied using EEG and functional MRI (fMRI) in cognitive and neuroscience research. This study reviews previous research reported for human memory processes, particularly brain behavior in memory retention and recall processes with the use of EEG and fMRI. We discuss issues and challenges related to memory research with EEG and fMRI techniques.

Meconium aspiration syndrome and neonatal outcome in a developing country

Malik AS, Hillman D

Ann Trop Paediatr, 1994;14(1):47-51.

PMID: 7516134

The outcome in 148 inborn meconium-stained neonates was studied prospectively over a 5-month period. Fifty-three infants (38.5%) developed meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). There was a significantly higher rate of MAS (p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (p < 0.016) and hospital stay (p < 0.016) in neonates with meconium in the trachea than in neonates with no meconium in the oropharynx. The incidence of MAS was significantly higher and the duration of hospital stay longer in outborn than in inborn infants (p < 0.022).

A Comparative Study of Different EEG Reference Choices for Diagnosing Unipolar Depression

Mumtaz W, Malik AS

Brain Topogr, 2018 09;31(5):875-885.

PMID: 29860588 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-018-0651-x

The choice of an electroencephalogram (EEG) reference has fundamental importance and could be critical during clinical decision-making because an impure EEG reference could falsify the clinical measurements and subsequent inferences. In this research, the suitability of three EEG references was compared while classifying depressed and healthy brains using a machine-learning (ML)-based validation method. In this research, the EEG data of 30 unipolar depressed subjects and 30 age-matched healthy controls were recorded. The EEG data were analyzed in three different EEG references, the link-ear reference (LE), average reference (AR), and reference electrode standardization technique (REST). The EEG-based functional connectivity (FC) was computed. Also, the graph-based measures, such as the distances between nodes, minimum spanning tree, and maximum flow between the nodes for each channel pair, were calculated. An ML scheme provided a mechanism to compare the performances of the extracted features that involved a general framework such as the feature extraction (graph-based theoretic measures), feature selection, classification, and validation. For comparison purposes, the performance metrics such as the classification accuracies, sensitivities, specificities, and F scores were computed. When comparing the three references, the diagnostic accuracy showed better performances during the REST, while the LE and AR showed less discrimination between the two groups. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the choice of appropriate reference is critical during the clinical scenario. The REST reference is recommended for future applications of EEG-based diagnosis of mental illnesses.

Twelve tips for effective lecturing in a PBL curriculum

Malik AS, Malik RH

Med Teach, 2012;34(3):198-204.

PMID: 22364451 DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2011.588741

Retaining lectures in problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum places new demands on lecturers. In addition to subject knowledge, the lecturers must know the overall aims of the lectures, their context in the course, their relation to the subsequent examinations and the underlying educational philosophy.

Twelve tips for developing an integrated curriculum

Malik AS, Malik RH

Med Teach, 2011;33(2):99-104.

PMID: 20874013 DOI: 10.3109/0142159X.2010.507711

Integration of curriculum is meant to make the teaching/learning activities meaningful; however, the interpretation of 'integration' varies in different institutions and among individuals. Many medical schools find it hard to change their existing curriculum or develop a new integrated curriculum mainly because of lack of will, infrastructure and understanding the process of change.

Core curriculum and special study modules at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Malik AS, Malik RH

Educ Health (Abingdon), 2004 Nov;17(3):292-302.

PMID: 15848816

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), follows a problem-based learning, integrated and community-based curriculum which reflects the specific needs of doctors working in Sarawak. Using paediatrics as an example, this paper describes the process of development of core content (knowledge, procedural and communication skills, attitudes), additional knowledge and special study modules at the FMHS.

The undergraduate curriculum of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak in terms of Harden's 10 questions

Malik AS, Malik RH

Med Teach, 2002 Nov;24(6):616-21.

PMID: 12623455

The curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) is designed particularly to cater for the health needs of the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. The framework of the curriculum is built on four strands: biological knowledge, clinical skills, behavioural and population aspects. The training is community based and a graduate of FMHS is expected to possess the ability to deal with many ethnic groups with different cultures and beliefs; expertise in tropical infectious diseases; skills to deal with emergencies such as snakebite and near drowning; qualities of an administrator, problem-solver and community leader; and proficiency in information and communication technology. The content of the curriculum strives for commitment to lifelong learning and professional values. The FMHS has adopted a 'mixed economy' of education strategies and a 'mixed menu approach' to test a wide range of curriculum outcomes. The FMHS fosters intellectual and academic pursuits, encourages friendliness and a sense of social responsibility and businesslike efficiency.

Fulltext Typhoid fever in Malaysian children

Malik AS, Malik RH

Med J Malaysia, 2001 Dec;56(4):478-90.

PMID: 12014769

A prospective study of 102 children with bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever, admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia over 5 years was conducted. The average age at presentation was 91.3 (range 6 - 159) months. Fever (900%), abdominal pain (56%) and diarrhoea (44%) were common symptoms. Findings included: hepatomegaly (85.3%), splenomegaly (27.5%), anaemia (31%), leukopenia (15%). thrombocytopenia (26%), positive Widal (62.5%) and Typhidot test (96%). Patients were treated with ampicillin (n = 54) or chloramphenicol (n = 49) and 1/3 developed complications like hepatitis (n = 19), bone marrow suppression (n = 8) and paralytic ileus (n = 7). A patient with splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia or leukopenia was at higher risk of developing complications.

Fulltext Cardiac tumours in children

Ram SP, Malik AS

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Mar;49(1):96-9.

PMID: 8058000

Three children with cardiac tumors are described: a 12-year-old female child who had left atrial myxoma, and two males having rhabdomyoma of the right ventricle associated with tuberous sclerosis. The child with left atrial myxoma was symptomatic and the tumour was subsequently excised. The other two children with rhabdomyoma were managed conservatively.

Fulltext Early onset neonatal septicaemia in a level II nursery

Malik AS, Pennie RA

Med J Malaysia, 1994 Mar;49(1):17-23.

PMID: 8057985

A prospective study of 486 high risk neonates admitted to a level II nursery in a relatively poor and rural area of Malaysia was carried out to determine the incidence, the spectrum of micro-organisms and predisposing factors in relation to early onset septicaemia. The incidence of proven or probable septicaemia was 57.61 per 1000 high risk newborns over 1.5 kg. The case fatality was 10.71 per cent. Coagulase negative staphylococci, Streptococcus Group B and Klebsiella species were the most commonly isolated organisms. Meconium staining of liquor was the most common risk factor for admission to the nursery, and prematurity was the most significant risk factor for early neonatal infection (P < 0.005) followed by small for gestational age (P < 0.04). Although the incidence of septicaemia was quite high in the level II nursery, the mortality rate was comparable to established figures.

Clinical experience of medical students in a developing country

Malik AS, Quah BS

Educ Health (Abingdon), 2003 Jul;16(2):163-75.

PMID: 14741902

OBJECTIVE: This paper compares the clinical experience in acute conditions of the undergraduate students of a medical school from a developing country (Malaysia) with those from a developed country (UK).
METHODS: This study was conducted at the School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Through questionnaire survey enquiry was made about 27 acute medical conditions (i.e. conditions related to internal medicine, paediatrics, and psychiatry), 15 acute surgical conditions (i.e. conditions related to general surgery, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, gynaecology and obstetrics), 15 surgical operations and 26 practical procedures. The results obtained were compared with published data from the UK.
RESULTS: Acute medical conditions were seen by higher number of the USM students but with less frequency than the British students. The USM students saw practical procedures more frequently than the British students did, but almost an equal number performed these procedures independently. The British students attended surgical operations more frequently than the USM students did.
CONCLUSION: Given the limitations of comparison (epidemiological, cultural and geographical differences, conventional curriculum (in the British medical schools) vs. problem based learning curriculum (in the Malaysian medical school)) the overall clinical experience of the medical students in the USM and the UK was comparable. The USM students had more opportunities to observe cases and procedures but "hands on" experience was similar to that of the British students.

Twelve tips for conducting team-based learning session online in synchronous setting

Malik AS, Malik RH

Med Teach, 2021 Apr 09.

PMID: 33836640 DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2021.1910642

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the educators to creatively develop teaching and assessment methods that can work effectively and efficiently while maintaining the social distancing and avoiding the gatherings of the classrooms and examination halls. Online approach has emerged as an effective alternate for classroom teaching.

AIM: To equip faculty with tools to conduct TBL session online, synchronously, effectively and efficiently.

METHODS: We examined the published literature in the area of online teaching and combined it with our own experience of conducting TBL sessions online.

RESULTS: We created 12 tips to assist faculty to facilitate an effective and engaging TBL session online.

CONCLUSIONS: Applying these 12 tips while facilitating a TBL-online session will ensure the full engagement of students in the process of active learning.

Managing Resistance to Change in Medical Education

Malik AS, Malik RH

J Coll Physicians Surg Pak, 2021 Oct;31(10):1141-1142.

PMID: 34601830 DOI: 10.29271/jcpsp.2021.10.1141

Null.

Fulltext Subspace-based technique for speckle noise reduction in ultrasound images

Yahya N, Kamel NS, Malik AS

Biomed Eng Online, 2014;13(1):154.

PMID: 25421914 DOI: 10.1186/1475-925X-13-154

Ultrasound imaging is a very essential technique in medical diagnosis due to its being safe, economical and non-invasive nature. Despite its popularity, the US images, however, are corrupted with speckle noise, which reduces US images qualities, hampering image interpretation and processing stage. Hence, there are many efforts made by researches to formulate various despeckling methods for speckle reduction in US images.

Novel techniques for enhancement and segmentation of acne vulgaris lesions

Malik AS, Humayun J, Kamel N, Yap FB

Skin Res Technol, 2014 Aug;20(3):322-31.

PMID: 24329769 DOI: 10.1111/srt.12122

BACKGROUND: More than 99% acne patients suffer from acne vulgaris. While diagnosing the severity of acne vulgaris lesions, dermatologists have observed inter-rater and intra-rater variability in diagnosis results. This is because during assessment, identifying lesion types and their counting is a tedious job for dermatologists. To make the assessment job objective and easier for dermatologists, an automated system based on image processing methods is proposed in this study.
OBJECTIVES: There are two main objectives: (i) to develop an algorithm for the enhancement of various acne vulgaris lesions; and (ii) to develop a method for the segmentation of enhanced acne vulgaris lesions.
METHODS: For the first objective, an algorithm is developed based on the theory of high dynamic range (HDR) images. The proposed algorithm uses local rank transform to generate the HDR images from a single acne image followed by the log transformation. Then, segmentation is performed by clustering the pixels based on Mahalanobis distance of each pixel from spectral models of acne vulgaris lesions.
RESULTS: Two metrics are used to evaluate the enhancement of acne vulgaris lesions, i.e., contrast improvement factor (CIF) and image contrast normalization (ICN). The proposed algorithm is compared with two other methods. The proposed enhancement algorithm shows better result than both the other methods based on CIF and ICN. In addition, sensitivity and specificity are calculated for the segmentation results. The proposed segmentation method shows higher sensitivity and specificity than other methods.
CONCLUSION: This article specifically discusses the contrast enhancement and segmentation for automated diagnosis system of acne vulgaris lesions. The results are promising that can be used for further classification of acne vulgaris lesions for final grading of the lesions.
KEYWORDS: acne grading; acne lesions; acne vulgaris; enhancement; segmentation

Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 66 in total