Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 931 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. Ab Rahman MF, Rusli A, Misman MA, Rashid AA
    ACS Omega, 2020 Nov 24;5(46):30329-30335.
    PMID: 33251468 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04964
    With increased awareness on the importance of gloves arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, people are expected to continue using them even after the pandemic recedes. This scenario in a way increased the rubber solid waste disposal problem; therefore, the production of biodegradable gloves may be an option to overcome this problem. However, the need to study the shelf life of biodegradable gloves is crucial before commercialization. There are well-established models to address the failure properties of gloves as stated in the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) D7160. In this study, polysaccharide-based material-filled natural rubber latex (PFNRL) gloves, which are biodegradable gloves, were subjected to an accelerated aging process at different temperatures of 50-80 °C for 1-120 days. Prediction models based on Arrhenius and shift factors were used to estimate the shelf life of the PFNRL gloves. Based on the results obtained, the estimated time for the PFNRL gloves to retain 75% of their tensile strength at shelf temperature (30 °C) based on Arrhenius and shift factor models was 2.8 years. Verification on the activation energy based on the shift factor model indicated that the shelf life of PFNRL gloves is 2.9 years, which is only a 3.6% difference. The value obtained is aligned with the requirement in accordance with ASTM D7160, which states that only up to a maximum of 3 years' shelf life is allowed for the gloves under accelerated aging conditions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  2. Mohammed AH, Blebil A, Dujaili J, Rasool-Hassan BA
    AIDS Rev, 2020;22(3):151-157.
    PMID: 33118527 DOI: 10.24875/AIDSRev.20000052
    Toward the end of the year 2019, there was the eruption of an acute respiratory syndrome, which is widely referred as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Wuhan, Hubei Province. The disease causes a range of respiratory illnesses, which are fatal. The COVID-19 disease has spread globally and has significantly impacted the health delivery systems, travel regulations, and economic activities and has posed and upsurge of responsibilities for the frontline healthcare workers. Due to the nature of the COVID-19 disease, it has typically caused complications which include pneumonia, multiple organ dysfunction together with renal failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. As of date, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 though there are ongoing research studies to formulate a treatment. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the risk of infection is higher for patients with immunesuppressed patients than regular patients. The immunesuppressed conditions include cancer, HIV, and patients with solid organ transplants (SOT). This paper aims to review the risk and impact of COVID-19 on immunesuppressed patients, with a focus on cancer, HIV, and patients with SOT and the essence of special parameters for their care and management. Despite the fatal effects of this global pandemic, the findings of this study indicate the high risk which immunosuppressed patients have to contract the disease; thus, the governments and health delivery systems have to offer them extra support and treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  3. Peter OJ, Panigoro HS, Abidemi A, Ojo MM, Oguntolu FA
    Acta Biotheor, 2023 Mar 06;71(2):9.
    PMID: 36877326 DOI: 10.1007/s10441-023-09460-y
    This paper is concerned with the formulation and analysis of an epidemic model of COVID-19 governed by an eight-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations, by taking into account the first dose and the second dose of vaccinated individuals in the population. The developed model is analyzed and the threshold quantity known as the control reproduction number [Formula: see text] is obtained. We investigate the equilibrium stability of the system, and the COVID-free equilibrium is said to be locally asymptotically stable when the control reproduction number is less than unity, and unstable otherwise. Using the least-squares method, the model is calibrated based on the cumulative number of COVID-19 reported cases and available information about the mass vaccine administration in Malaysia between the 24th of February 2021 and February 2022. Following the model fitting and estimation of the parameter values, a global sensitivity analysis was performed by using the Partial Rank Correlation Coefficient (PRCC) to determine the most influential parameters on the threshold quantities. The result shows that the effective transmission rate [Formula: see text], the rate of first vaccine dose [Formula: see text], the second dose vaccination rate [Formula: see text] and the recovery rate due to the second dose of vaccination [Formula: see text] are the most influential of all the model parameters. We further investigate the impact of these parameters by performing a numerical simulation on the developed COVID-19 model. The result of the study shows that adhering to the preventive measures has a huge impact on reducing the spread of the disease in the population. Particularly, an increase in both the first and second dose vaccination rates reduces the number of infected individuals, thus reducing the disease burden in the population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics/prevention & control
  4. Kow CS, Hasan SS
    Acta Paediatr, 2020 10;109(10):2151.
    PMID: 32686128 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15491
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  5. Gong Y, Gong Q, Yu J, Wong PPW, Wang L
    Acta Psychol (Amst), 2024 Mar;243:104162.
    PMID: 38280350 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104162
    The bookings and revenues of youth hostels have significantly decreased because of the multiple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to investigate young consumers' perceptions of visiting youth hostels aftermath this pandemic. The current study examines the relationship between multi-dimensions of perceived risk, three types of images, willingness to pay and visit intention. A convenience sampling was developed where 534 questionnaires were received, followed by subsequent empirical testing of the proposed hypotheses using SPSS and AMOS-SEM. Results showed that perceived risk negatively influenced cognitive and affective image, respectively. Cognitive and affective image positively influenced overall image and finally influenced willingness to pay and visit intention separately. In addition, cognitive image positively influenced affective image. The theoretical framework satisfactorily accounted for willingness to pay and intention, and our results help youth hostels practitioners invent efficient strategies to boost young consumers' willingness to pay and intention to visit youth hostels.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  6. Ahmad S, Ullah A, Shah K, Salahshour S, Ahmadian A, Ciano T
    Adv Differ Equ, 2020;2020(1):472.
    PMID: 32922446 DOI: 10.1186/s13662-020-02934-0
    In this paper, a novel coronavirus infection system with a fuzzy fractional differential equation defined in Caputo's sense is developed. By using the fuzzy Laplace method coupled with Adomian decomposition transform, numerical results are obtained for better understanding of the dynamical structures of the physical behavior of COVID-19. Such behavior on the general properties of RNA in COVID-19 is also investigated for the governing model. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach to address the uncertainty condition in the pandemic situation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  7. Momtazmanesh S, Samieefar N, Uddin LQ, Ulrichs T, Kelishadi R, Roudenok V, et al.
    Adv Exp Med Biol, 2021;1318:911-921.
    PMID: 33973219 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63761-3_51
    In the COVID-19 era, while we are encouraged to be physically far away from each other, social and scientific networking is needed more than ever. The dire consequences of social distancing can be diminished by social networking. Social media, a quintessential component of social networking, facilitates the dissemination of reliable information and fighting against misinformation by health authorities. Distance learning, telemedicine, and telehealth are among the most prominent applications of networking during this pandemic. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of collaborative scientific efforts. In this chapter, we summarize the advantages of harnessing both social and scientific networking in minimizing the harms of this pandemic. We also discuss the extra collaborative measures we can take in our fight against COVID-19, particularly in the scientific field.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  8. Khalid K, Poh CL
    Adv Med Sci, 2023 Sep;68(2):213-226.
    PMID: 37364379 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2023.05.003
    BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exerted significant impacts on public health and global economy. Research efforts to develop vaccines at warp speed against SARS-CoV-2 led to novel mRNA, viral vectored, and inactivated vaccines being administered. The current COVID-19 vaccines incorporate the full S protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain but rapidly emerging variants of concern (VOCs) have led to significant reductions in protective efficacies. There is an urgent need to develop next-generation vaccines which could effectively prevent COVID-19.

    METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically reviewed for peer-reviewed papers up to January 2023.

    RESULTS: A promising solution to the problem of emerging variants is a DNA vaccine platform since it can be easily modified. Besides expressing whole protein antigens, DNA vaccines can also be constructed to include specific nucleotide genes encoding highly conserved and immunogenic epitopes from the S protein as well as from other structural/non-structural proteins to develop effective vaccines against VOCs. DNA vaccines are associated with low transfection efficiencies which could be enhanced by chemical, genetic, and molecular adjuvants as well as delivery systems.

    CONCLUSIONS: The DNA vaccine platform offers a promising solution to the design of effective vaccines. The challenge of limited immunogenicity in humans might be solved through the use of genetic modifications such as the addition of nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide gene, strong promoters, MARs, introns, TLR agonists, CD40L, and the development of appropriate delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles to increase uptake by APCs in enhancing the induction of potent immune responses.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  9. Azwan Aziz M, Abu Hanifah R, Mohd Nahar AM
    Adv Orthop, 2021;2021:8863210.
    PMID: 33824767 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8863210
    Musculoskeletal corticosteroid injection is commonly used as an adjunct to help patients in pain management. In this current COVID-19 pandemic, many clinicians would differ from this treatment as steroid is considered an immunosuppressive drug and could risk the patient of developing severe adverse effects if contracting COVID-19. This is a retrospective study based in Sabah, Malaysia, examining the prevalence of COVID-19 infection following musculoskeletal corticosteroid injection from 1 December 2019 until 30 June 2020 in the sports medicine clinic and the orthopedic clinic. Patients who received musculoskeletal corticosteroid injection were called by telephone and asked about visits to the emergency department or government health clinic for influenza-like illness symptoms or severe acute respiratory infection that would require screening of COVID-19. Thirty-five patients who responded to the call were included, with mean ages of 47.9 years ± 15.1. 52% were male respondents, while 48% were female. 25% of them were diabetics, and 2.9% of them had a history of lymphoproliferative disorders. The mean pain score before injection was 6.74 ± 1.03 and after injection pain was 2.27 ± 1.63. In this study, there were 11.4% (n = 4) with minor complications of steroid injection, that is, skin discoloration. Nonetheless, there were no severe complications due to corticosteroids reported. There were no reported cases of COVID-19 among the respondents following corticosteroid injection. Musculoskeletal pain would affect a person's well-being and activities; thus, its management requires that careful consideration with risk-benefit analysis be made before administering musculoskeletal corticosteroid injection during COVID-19 pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  10. Pawankar R, Thong BY, Tiongco-Recto M, Wang JY, Abdul Latiff AH, Thien F, et al.
    Allergy, 2021 09;76(9):2998-2901.
    PMID: 33948966 DOI: 10.1111/all.14894
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics*
  11. Quar TK, Rashid MFN, Rosdi MYM, Ishak WS, Chong FY
    Am J Audiol, 2023 Mar;32(1):59-69.
    PMID: 36446036 DOI: 10.1044/2022_AJA-22-00033
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss at a time when many nations were attempting to move from the COVID-19 pandemic to endemic.

    DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Malaysian adults with hearing loss to determine the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on hearing aid management, communication difficulties, psychosocial challenges, and access to audiological services.

    STUDY SAMPLE: One hundred forty-six individuals aged 18 years old and above with hearing loss were recruited from hearing health care centers to participate in the survey.

    RESULTS: Many of the participants (54.2%) reported significant difficulties communicating with people wearing face masks. For hearing aid management, repairing (36.3%) and fine-tuning devices (30.2%) were considered more challenging than obtaining a battery (21.3%). The COVID-19 pandemic had a serious psychosocial impact on a small portion of the individuals surveyed. Remote services were rarely offered by the audiologists, and most participants preferred in-person treatment. However, the majority perceived that creating awareness and training on telehealth was important.

    CONCLUSIONS: Effective management for people with hearing loss needs to consider the challenges faced by them, as the world prepares to live with the coronavirus. Clinical protocols should consider providing a service that is helpful for the clients as well as safe and sustainable in future pandemics.

    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics
  12. Kow CS, Zaidi STR, Hasan SS
    Am J Cardiovasc Drugs, 2020 Jun;20(3):217-221.
    PMID: 32281055 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-020-00406-0
    There is ongoing debate on the safety of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors in COVID-19. Recently published studies highlight a potential relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and COVID-19. This article aims to summarize the evidence on the use of RAS inhibitors in CVD patients with COVID-19, focusing on safety issues of the RAS inhibitors and their relationship with COVID-19.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics*
  13. Kow CS, Sunter W, Bain A, Zaidi STR, Hasan SS
    Am J Cardiovasc Drugs, 2020 Aug;20(4):301-309.
    PMID: 32458370 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-020-00415-z
    Many healthcare resources have been and continue to be allocated to the management of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, the ongoing care of patients receiving oral anticoagulation with warfarin is likely to be compromised amid this unprecedented crisis. This article discusses a stepwise algorithm for the management of outpatient warfarin therapy. Alternative management strategies are presented and discussed, including alternative pharmacological therapy options and self-monitoring. Our algorithm aims to help clinicians safely optimize the treatment of patients requiring anticoagulation therapy in the context of the global response to the current pandemic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics*
  14. Reid MJC
    Am J Primatol, 2020 08;82(8):e23161.
    PMID: 32583538 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23161
    Year 2020 has brought the greatest global pandemic to hit the world since the end of the First World War. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the resulting disease named coronavirus disease 2019 has brought the world to its knees both financially and medically. The American Society of Primatologists has postponed their annual meetings from the end of May 2020 until the end of September 2020, while the International Primatological Society have postponed their biennial congress from August 2020 to August 2021, which has also resulted in their 2022 meetings in Malaysia being pushed back until 2023. Here, I explore the potential dangers of pursuing any primate fieldwork during this pandemic on our study species, their ecosystems, and local peoples. I believe that the risk of bringing this virus into our study ecosystems is too great and that primatologists should cancel all field research until the pandemic ends or a vaccine/reliable treatment is widely available. This is the year we all must become One Health practitioners!
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics/prevention & control*
  15. Lappan S, Malaivijitnond S, Radhakrishna S, Riley EP, Ruppert N
    Am J Primatol, 2020 Aug;82(8):e23176.
    PMID: 32686188 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23176
    The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 and human responses to the resulting COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 have rapidly changed many aspects of human behavior, including our interactions with wildlife. In this commentary, we identify challenges and opportunities at human-primate interfaces in light of COVID-19, focusing on examples from Asia, and make recommendations for researchers working with wild primates to reduce zoonosis risk and leverage research opportunities. First, we briefly review the evidence for zoonotic origins of SARS-CoV-2 and discuss risks of zoonosis at the human-primate interface. We then identify challenges that the pandemic has caused for primates, including reduced nutrition, increased intraspecific competition, and increased poaching risk, as well as challenges facing primatologists, including lost research opportunities. Subsequently, we highlight opportunities arising from pandemic-related lockdowns and public health messaging, including opportunities to reduce the intensity of problematic human-primate interfaces, opportunities to reduce the risk of zoonosis between humans and primates, opportunities to reduce legal and illegal trade in primates, new opportunities for research on human-primate interfaces, and opportunities for community education. Finally, we recommend specific actions that primatologists should take to reduce contact and aggression between humans and primates, to reduce demand for primates as pets, to reduce risks of zoonosis in the context of field research, and to improve understanding of human-primate interfaces. Reducing the risk of zoonosis and promoting the well-being of humans and primates at our interfaces will require substantial changes from "business as usual." We encourage primatologists to help lead the way.
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics/prevention & control*
  16. Chase JG, Chiew YS, Lambermont B, Morimont P, Shaw GM, Desaive T
    Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2020 11 01;202(9):1316-1317.
    PMID: 32744454 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202006-2420LE
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics*
  17. Tsan SEH, Kamalanathan A, Lee CK, Zakaria SA, Wang CY
    Anaesthesia, 2021 03;76 Suppl 3:8-10.
    PMID: 32776524 DOI: 10.1111/anae.15231
    Matched MeSH terms: Pandemics*
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links