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  1. Alasmari SM, Albalawi AE, Alghabban AJ, Shater AF, Al-Ahmadi BM, Baghdadi HBA, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):377-384.
    PMID: 39548793 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.019
    Current strategies for tick control have led to the development of resistance and environmental contamination. Consequently, there is an urgent need for research into new and effective acaricides for tick control. The aim of this study was to fabricate and characterize Linalool loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (Lin@ZNP), and to assess the acaricidal, larvacidal, and repellent activities of Lin@ ZNP against Hyalomma anatolicum, a prevalent tick species infesting cattle in Saudi Arabia. Lin@ ZNP was synthesized using an ethanolic solution of polyvinyl alcohol. The adult immersion, the larval packet, and the assessment of vertical movement behavior of tick larvae assays were utilized to examine the acaricidal, larvicidal, and repellent activities of Lin@ZNP against H. anatolicum, respectively. Furthermore, the impact of Lin@ZNP on acetylcholinesterase and oxidant/antioxidant enzyme activities was investigated. Exposure of adult H. anatolicum to different concentrations of Lin@ZNP resulted in noticeable (p<0.001) reductions in the viability rate of adults and the mean number, weight, and hatchability of eggs, compared to the control group. Lin@ZNP demonstrated significant repellent effects on H. anatolicum larvae after 60, 120, and 180 minutes of exposure. Lin@ZNP, particularly at all concentrations, markedly suppressed the acetylcholinesterase activity of the larval stage of H. anatolicum (P<0.001); but increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P<0.001) and a decrease in glutathione-S-transferase (GST) levels in H. anatolicum larvae (P<0.001). Lin@ZNP exhibited considerable acaricidal, larvicidal, and repellent effects against H. dromedarii adults and larvae in a manner dependent on the dosage. Additionally, Lin@ZNP notably reduced AChE levels and antioxidant activity, while inducing oxidative stress in H. anatolicum larvae. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to elucidate the precise mechanisms and practical efficacy of Lin@ZNP.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  2. Sabri N, Kamaldin J, Sivanathan M, Rasli R
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Sep 01;41(3):283-289.
    PMID: 39548782 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.3.008
    The study has generated visible aerosols with the diameter of 11 to 35 µm from the kenaf cellulose nanofiber (KCNF) impregnated with the temephos (KCNF+T) in water suspension. The study aimed to determine whether the KCNF+T aerosols are capable to elicit neurotoxicity in the adult mosquitoes via the respiratory exposure route by observing their behavioural response and measuring its body acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity. Adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were assigned to one negative control group and three treatment groups namely, distilled water (vehicle control), KCNF and KCNF+T. The study adopted the MS1911 whereby the aerosols generated are released into the insecticide bioassay glass chamber (IBGC) separately to achieve four different aerosols concentrations of 6.4 ml/m3, 12.8 ml/m3, 19.2 ml/m3, and 25.6 ml/m3. Then the 20 sugar-fed mosquitoes were released free-flying into each IBGC to observe its behavioural response (knockdown) at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300 minutes intervals and 24th hour mortality. Results showed that only mosquitoes exposed to KCNF+T aerosols exhibited persistent knockdown. There was significant difference (p< 0.05) between observation intervals with the cumulative knockdown of 84.8%, 92.8%, 99.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0% compared with the KCNF aerosols. Further, it was distinctive that only KCNF+T is capable to cause the female mosquitoes moribund/mortality at the 24th hour with 90% at the lowest aerosol concentration of 6.4 ml/m3. The neuroenzyme assay on the mosquito that died from the KCNF+T exposure verified to have reduced AChE enzyme activity. The behavioural response and reduction of the AChE activity strongly suggests the temephos from the KCNF+T aerosols has been released into the mosquito body causing the neurotoxicity but KCNF alone is not neurotoxic.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  3. Tong WT, Lee YK, Ng CJ, Lee PY
    PLoS One, 2024;19(11):e0310654.
    PMID: 39546450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310654
    BACKGROUND: Implementation, which is defined as the process of getting evidence-based innovation to be utilised is critical in ensuring innovation is being integrated into real-world practice. The way an implementation intervention (i.e., a bundle of strategies to facilitate implementation) is developed has an impact on the types of strategies chosen, and whether they are relevant to the implementation setting to exert their effects. However, literature pertaining to development of intervention or detailed descriptions of implementation processes are scarce. This study aims to report the development of an implementation intervention to integrate the use of an evidence-based innovation in routine practice, using a Malaysian insulin patient decision aid (PDA) as an exemplar.

    METHODS: The development of the insulin PDA implementation intervention was divided into two phases, incorporating step 3 and 4 of the Action Cycle in the Knowledge to Action framework. In Phase 1, barriers to the insulin PDA implementation was explored through qualitative interviews using an interview guide developed based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. In Phase 2, prioritisation of the barriers was conducted using the multivoting technique. Next, potential strategies that can address the barriers were identified based on understanding the clinic context, and evidence from literature. Then, the selected strategies were operationalised by providing full descriptions in terms of its actor, action, action target, temporality, dose, implementation outcome affected, before they were embedded into the patient care pathway in the clinic. The implementation intervention was finalised through a clinic stakeholders meeting.

    RESULTS: In Phase 1, a total of 15 focus group discussions and 37 in-depth individual interviews were conducted with: healthcare policymakers (n = 11), doctors (n = 22), diabetes educators (n = 8), staff nurses (n = 6), pharmacists (n = 6), and patients (n = 31). A total of 26 barriers and 11 facilitators emerged and they were categorised into HCP, patient, organisational, and innovation factors. The multivoting exercise resulted in the prioritisation of 13 barriers, and subsequently, a total of 11 strategies were identified to address those barriers. The strategies were mandate change, training workshop, involve patients' family members or caretakers, framing/reframing, inform healthcare providers on the advantages of the insulin PDA use, define roles and responsibilities, place the insulin PDA in the consultation room, provide feedback, systematic documentation, to engage patients in treatment discussions, and juxtapose PDA in preferred language with patient's PDA in their preferred language to help with translation.

    CONCLUSION: This study highlights main barriers to PDA implementation, and strategies that can be adopted for implementation. The steps for intervention development in this study can be compared with other intervention development methods to advance the field of implementation of evidence-based innovations.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  4. Mohd Yassin NA, Kamarudin M, Hamdan M, Tan PC
    Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM, 2024 May;6(5):101308.
    PMID: 38336174 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2024.101308
    BACKGROUND: The global cesarean delivery rate is high and continues to increase. A bladder catheter is usually placed for the cesarean delivery because a distended bladder is assumed to be at higher risk of injury during surgery and to compromise surgical field exposure. Preliminary data suggest that self bladder emptying (no catheter) at cesarean delivery may have advantages and be safe.

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effects of self bladder emptying and indwelling Foley bladder catheterization for planned cesarean delivery on the rate of postpartum urinary retention and maternal satisfaction.

    STUDY DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary university hospital from January 10, 2022 to March 22, 2023. A total of 400 participants scheduled for planned cesarean delivery were randomized: 200 each to self bladder emptying or indwelling Foley catheter. The primary outcomes were postpartum urinary retention (overt and covert) and maternal satisfaction with allocated bladder care. Analyses were performed using t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Logistic regression was used to adjust for differences in characteristics.

    RESULTS: Postpartum urinary retention rates were 1 per 200 (0.6%) and 0 per 200 (P>.99) (a solitary case of covert retention) and maternal satisfaction scores (0-10 visual numerical rating scale), expressed as median (interquartile range) were 9 (8-9.75) and 8 (8-9) (P=.003) in the self bladder emptying and indwelling Foley catheter arms, respectively. Regarding secondary outcomes, time to flatus passage, satisfactory ambulation, urination, satisfactory urination, satisfactory breastfeeding, and postcesarean hospital discharge was quickened in the self bladder emptying group. Pain scores at first urination were decreased and no lower urinary tract symptom was more likely to be reported with self bladder emptying. Surgical field view, operative blood loss, duration of surgery, culture-derived urinary tract infection, postvoid residual volume, and pain score at movement were not different. There was no bladder injury.

    CONCLUSION: Self bladder emptying increased maternal satisfaction without adversely affecting postpartum urinary retention. Recovery was enhanced and urinary symptoms were improved. The surgeon was not impeded at operation. No safety concern was found.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  5. Brejawi M, Venkiteswaran A, Ergieg SMO, Md Sabri BA
    Eur Arch Paediatr Dent, 2024 Apr;25(2):211-216.
    PMID: 38411884 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-024-00867-w
    BACKGROUND: Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) has been found associated with an increase in dental caries. Studies utilising the recent MIH diagnosis and calibration criteria recommended by the EAPD in 2021 are very scarce. Additionally, the available data in literature about the relationship between the hypomineralised teeth number (HTN) and caries come from only one study.

    PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between MIH and caries experience among children in the city of Fujairah, UAE, utilising the recent criteria recommended by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD) in 2021, and to assess the relationship between the number of teeth affected with MIH, and dental caries.

    METHODS: One hundred and sixty-two children were included in this cross-sectional study, aged 7-9 years old. Children were examined for MIH according to Ghanim et al. (Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 16:235-246, 2015. 10.1007/s40368-015-0178-8) criteria and Ghanim et al. (Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 18:225-242. 10.1007/s40368-017-0293-92017) training manual. Caries experience was assessed with decayed, missing, filled (dmft, DMFT) scoring system.

    RESULTS: dmft mean was 6.56 (SD ± 3.78) and DMFT mean was 0.91 (SD ± 1.23). Children with MIH had significantly higher dmft (p = 0.003) scores. Children with higher HTN had significantly higher dmft (p = 0.008) scores.

    CONCLUSION: Children in Fujairah have extremely high caries scores. Children with MIH have more decayed, missing and filled teeth. Hypomineralised teeth number was positively associated with caries experience.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  6. Boo NY, Chee SC, Neoh SH, Ang EB, Ang EL, Choo P, et al.
    BMJ Paediatr Open, 2021;5(1):e001149.
    PMID: 34595358 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001149
    OBJECTIVES: To determine a 10-year trend of survival, morbidities and care practices, and predictors of in-hospital mortality in very preterm neonates (VPTN, gestation 22 to <32 weeks) in the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry.

    DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

    SETTING: 43 Malaysian neonatal intensive care units.

    PATIENTS: 29 010 VPTN (without major malformations) admitted between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018.

    MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Care practices, survival, admission hypothermia (AH, <36.5°C), late-onset sepsis (LOS), pneumothorax, necrotising enterocolitis grade 2 or 3 (NEC), severe intraventricular haemorrhage (sIVH, grade 3 or 4) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

    RESULTS: During this 10-year period, there was increased use of antenatal steroid (ANS), lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) and early continuous positive airway pressure (eCPAP); but decreased use of surfactant therapy. Survival had increased from 72% to -83.9%. The following morbidities had decreased: LOS (from 27.9% to 7.1%), pneumothorax (from 6.0% to 2.7%), NEC (from 8.1% to 4.7%) and sIVH (from 12.2% to 7.5%). However, moderately severe AH (32.0°C-35.9°C) and BPD had increased. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that lower birth weight, no ANS, no LSCS, admission to neonatal intensive care unit with <100 VPTN admissions/year, no surfactant therapy, no eCPAP, moderate and severe AH, LOS, pneumothorax, NEC and sIVH were significant predictors of mortality.

    CONCLUSION: Survival and major morbidities had improved modestly. Failure to use ANS, LSCS, eCPAP and surfactant therapy, and failure to prevent AH and LOS increased risk of mortality.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  7. Krakauer EL, Kwete X, Kane K, Afshan G, Bazzett-Matabele L, Bien-Aimé DDR, et al.
    JCO Glob Oncol, 2021 Jun;7:862-872.
    PMID: 34115522 DOI: 10.1200/GO.21.00025
    PURPOSE: To enable design of optimum palliative care for women with cervical cancer, we studied the most common types of suffering and their severity, prevalence, and duration.

    METHODS: We first reviewed the literature on the major types, severity, prevalence, and duration of suffering associated with cervical cancer. We then conducted a modified Delphi process with experts in cervical cancer care to supplement the literature. For each type of suffering, we distinguished between decedents (those who die from cervical cancer in a given year) and nondecedents (those who have cervical cancer in a given year but do not die). By applying the suffering prevalence and duration estimates to the number of decedents, nondecedents, and family caregivers in 2017, we were able to estimate their palliative care needs and the intensity of palliative care needed to respond adequately to this suffering.

    RESULTS: There is a high prevalence among decedents of moderate or severe pain (84%), vaginal discharge (66%), vaginal bleeding (61%), and loss of faith (31%). Among both decedents and nondecedents, there is a high prevalence of clinically significant anxiety (63% and 50%, respectively), depressed mood (52% and 38%, respectively), and sexual dysfunction (87% and 83%, respectively). Moderate or severe financial distress is prevalent among decedents, nondecedents, and family caregivers (84%, 74%, and 66%, respectively). More than 40% of decedents and nondecedents are abandoned by their intimate partners. Most patients experience some combination of moderate or severe physical, psychological, social, and spiritual suffering. In total, 258,649 decedents and 2,558,857 nondecedents needed palliative care in 2017, approximately 85% of whom were in low- and middle-income countries where palliative care is rarely accessible.

    CONCLUSION: Among women with advanced cervical cancer, suffering is highly prevalent and often severe and multifaceted.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  8. Byrd KA, Pincus L, Pasqualino MM, Muzofa F, Cole SM
    Matern Child Nutr, 2021 Oct;17(4):e13192.
    PMID: 33942983 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13192
    Inadequate nutrient intakes are prevalent among many populations in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing fish consumption among pregnant/lactating women and children is one strategy to improve diets and address nutrient deficiencies. We report the nutrient content of two fish-based recipes-fish powder and fish chutney-that contain dried small fish available in local markets in Zambia. The contribution of a serving of each recipe to the recommended daily intakes of iron, zinc, calcium and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for pregnant/lactating women and children 6-24 months was calculated because these nutrients are commonly deficient in African diets. We found that one 10-g serving of fish powder provides 20% or more of the daily calcium recommendation and 37% or more of the daily DHA recommendation for both pregnant/lactating women and children. A 30-g serving of fish chutney provides over 40% of the daily calcium recommendation for pregnant women and over 50% for lactating women. Additionally, we investigated the nutrient density (nutrients per kilocalorie) of the fish powder and compared it with the nutrient density of a small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplement plus (SQ-LNS-plus). SQ-LNS-plus is designed to enhance children's diets by providing micronutrients and DHA. Fish powder is similar to SQ-LNS-plus in iron and zinc density and even higher in calcium and DHA density. Consuming dried small fish as part of a daily meal can be a viable strategy for combatting nutrient deficiencies in the first 1000 days.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  9. Jahangir CA, Page DB, Broeckx G, Gonzalez CA, Burke C, Murphy C, et al.
    J Pathol, 2024 Mar;262(3):271-288.
    PMID: 38230434 DOI: 10.1002/path.6238
    Recent advances in the field of immuno-oncology have brought transformative changes in the management of cancer patients. The immune profile of tumours has been found to have key value in predicting disease prognosis and treatment response in various cancers. Multiplex immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence have emerged as potent tools for the simultaneous detection of multiple protein biomarkers in a single tissue section, thereby expanding opportunities for molecular and immune profiling while preserving tissue samples. By establishing the phenotype of individual tumour cells when distributed within a mixed cell population, the identification of clinically relevant biomarkers with high-throughput multiplex immunophenotyping of tumour samples has great potential to guide appropriate treatment choices. Moreover, the emergence of novel multi-marker imaging approaches can now provide unprecedented insights into the tumour microenvironment, including the potential interplay between various cell types. However, there are significant challenges to widespread integration of these technologies in daily research and clinical practice. This review addresses the challenges and potential solutions within a structured framework of action from a regulatory and clinical trial perspective. New developments within the field of immunophenotyping using multiplexed tissue imaging platforms and associated digital pathology are also described, with a specific focus on translational implications across different subtypes of cancer. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  10. Mahendran S, Ng BH, Lim HY, Zailanalhuddin NE, Chandran Y, Wong WF, et al.
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jul;79(4):408-413.
    PMID: 39086337
    INTRODUCTION: Febrile seizures in children can be associated with various underlying conditions, including COVID-19. Differentiating COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related febrile seizures is crucial for tailored patient management and for implementing appropriate infection control measures to prevent nosocomial transmission. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of children hospitalised for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 febrile seizures and to identify factors that differentiate between the two groups.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved children aged 6 months to 6 years who were hospitalised for febrile seizures in Hospital Tuanku Ja'afar Seremban (HTJS) from January 2021 to June 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the differences in demographics and clinical presentations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 febrile seizures.

    RESULTS: Of the 345 patients (median age 22 months, IQR 15- 32; 59.7% were males) included in the study, 130 (37.7%) tested positive for COVID-19, while 215 (62.3%) tested negative. There were no significant differences between both groups based on age, comorbidities, history of febrile seizures, seizure types, temperature on arrival, cough and rhinorrhoea. Multivariate analysis revealed that a family history of febrile seizures and leucocytosis were associated with increased odds of non-COVID-19 febrile seizures. In contrast, lymphopenia was associated with decreased odds.

    CONCLUSION: The clinical presentation of COVID-19 and non- COVID-19 febrile seizures are remarkably similar, highlighting the importance of including COVID-19 screening in febrile seizures workup. Full blood count readings may be potentially useful for differentiating between these conditions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  11. Kwa YC, Suboh N, Kay DSW, Lee CIS, Walsh CL, Goodson ML
    Med J Malaysia, 2024 Jul;79(4):397-407.
    PMID: 39086336
    INTRODUCTION: As climate change is threatening every region of the world, extreme weather events resultant of global warming is occurring at increasing rate and scale in Malaysia. Weather-related disasters such as flood and haze pose critical challenges to the infrastructure and raise public health concerns in the country, especially when main economic sectors rely heavily on climate variability. Public perception on environmental issues is crucial for development of pro-environmental policies. Among studies conducted to understand public awareness regarding global warming, reports of perception on the health impacts were very limited. Taking this limitation into account, this study was designed to examine the perception on the health impacts of climate change among the diverse communities living in the Johor River Basin.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted through cloud-data-based digital questionnaires completed by randomly selected residents in the Johor River Basin (n=647). Data was analysed with descriptive statistics using SPSS 27 (IBM®) Software. Comparisons between indigenous and non-indigenous communities were performed using Chi square analysis.

    RESULTS: Respondents in this study consisted of indigenous people (n=79) and non-indigenous people (n=568). Indigenous respondents generally perceived more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events in the next 20 years, even for the phenomena unfamiliar in Malaysian settings. All respondents showed similar concerns for health impacts of global warming, although the non-indigenous respondents perceived the risk further into the future (25 years) compared to the indigenous respondents who perceived current or imminent (<10 years) risks. Intense concerns for self, children, family members and community were shown by nearly all indigenous respondents (97-99%), while the non-indigenous people in this study expressed stronger concerns at country level and for future generations. During the last haze episode, most indigenous respondents (85%) did not notice any change in air quality nor discomfort among family members, in contrast 70% of the nonindigenous respondents claimed to have suffered from breathing problems themselves as well as others in the family. All respondents were concerned about air quality in their surroundings, indigenous people were concerned for the near future (<10 years), and non-indigenous people were concerned for the next 25 years.

    CONCLUSION: In this study, respondents were generally concerned about the health impacts of unimpeded global warming. There was significant difference in perceptions between indigenous and non-indigenous respondents. The findings were useful, complemented with further studies, to improve understanding of public awareness and to help develop relevant education programmes accessible for wider audience.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  12. Zhang X, Dolah J
    PLoS One, 2024;19(7):e0305662.
    PMID: 39074094 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305662
    The continuous development of the economy and the constant improvement in living standards have led tourists to have higher expectations for the entire travel experience. However, outdated Pingyao lacquerware tourism souvenirs have struggled to attract tourists' attention and cannot better meet their demands. It is worth considering whether analyzing tourists' demands could solve the current issues with lacquerware tourism souvenirs. To address this question, tourists in the Pingyao region were surveyed, and semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as research methods. Initially, semi-structured interviews were conducted with tourists in the Pingyao region to obtain the initial demand indicators for Pingyao lacquerware tourism souvenirs. Based on a literature review and expert summaries, 21 demand indicators were selected for the KANO model questionnaire, and 400 tourists were surveyed using stratified sampling. Data analysis revealed that of the 21 demand indicators evaluated by tourists, 5 as must-be quality, 7 as one-dimensional quality, 5 as attractive quality, and 4 as indifferent quality. The results of this study indicate that the demand attributes evaluated are related to tourists' satisfaction levels, and the lack of these attributes could lead to dissatisfaction with lacquerware tourism souvenirs. Tourists have shown a strong demand for appearance and a desire for functional diversification in lacquerware souvenirs, with higher expectations for regional and commemorative aspects. Due to the uniqueness of lacquerware materials, tourists have highly prioritized safety and environmental friendliness. Combining the KANO model and AHP have better-assisted researchers in identifying the quality types and importance of tourist demands, providing more targeted insights for designing Pingyao lacquerware tourism souvenirs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  13. Al-Aboosi AM, Sheikh Abdullah SNH, Ismail R, Abdul Maulud KN, Nahar L, Zainol Ariffin KA, et al.
    JMIR Hum Factors, 2024 Jul 30;11:e48139.
    PMID: 39078685 DOI: 10.2196/48139
    BACKGROUND: The enormous consequences of drugs include suicides, traffic accidents, and violence, affecting the individual, family, society, and country. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly identify and monitor the drug abuse rate among school-going youth. A geospatial dashboard is vital for the monitoring of drug abuse and related crime incidence in a decision support system.

    OBJECTIVE: This paper mainly focuses on developing MyAsriGeo, a geospatial drug abuse risk assessment and monitoring dashboard tailored for school students. It introduces innovative functionality, seamlessly orchestrating the assessment of drug abuse usage patterns and risks using multivariate student data.

    METHODS: A geospatial drug abuse dashboard for monitoring and analysis was designed and developed in this study based on agile methodology and prototyping. Using focus group and interviews, we first examined and gathered the requirements, feedback, and user approval of the MyAsriGeo dashboard. Experts and stakeholders such as the National Anti-Drugs Agency, police, the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, school instructors, students, and researchers were among those who responded. A total of 20 specialists were involved in the requirement analysis and acceptance evaluation of the pilot and final version of the dashboard. The evaluation sought to identify various user acceptance aspects, such as ease of use and usefulness, for both the pilot and final versions, and 2 additional factors based on the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire and Task-Technology Fit models were enlisted to assess the interface quality and dashboard sufficiency for the final version.

    RESULTS: The MyAsriGeo geospatial dashboard was designed to meet the needs of all user types, as identified through a requirement gathering process. It includes several key functions, such as a geospatial map that shows the locations of high-risk areas for drug abuse, data on drug abuse among students, tools for assessing the risk of drug abuse in different areas, demographic information, and a self-problem test. It also includes the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test and its risk assessment to help users understand and interpret the results of student risk. The initial prototype and final version of the dashboard were evaluated by 20 experts, which revealed a significant improvement in the ease of use (P=.047) and usefulness (P=.02) factors and showed a high acceptance mean scores for ease of use (4.2), usefulness (4.46), interface quality (4.29), and sufficiency (4.13).

    CONCLUSIONS: The MyAsriGeo geospatial dashboard is useful for monitoring and analyzing drug abuse among school-going youth in Malaysia. It was developed based on the needs of various stakeholders and includes a range of functions. The dashboard was evaluated by a group of experts. Overall, the MyAsriGeo geospatial dashboard is a valuable resource for helping stakeholders understand and respond to the issue of drug abuse among youth.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  14. Chai SS, Ting SH, Goh KL, Chang YHR, Wee BL, Novita D, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(7):e0307262.
    PMID: 39083489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307262
    Amidst the digital transformation of education, the essence of the human touch in online teaching remains pivotal. Despite growing literature, there remains a significant gap in understanding how the human element in online teaching directly influences student engagement and learning outcomes, especially in diverse educational contexts. This study develops a quantifiable index capturing the essence of humanized online teaching and investigates the determinants influencing this humanization. Additionally, an index encapsulating students' online learning experiences, as perceived by their instructors, has been constructed. Bridging these indices, the research unravels the intricate relationship between the humanization of online teaching and the resulting student experiences in the virtual realm. Sourced from a self-constructed questionnaire and encompassing responses from 152 instructors across 22 Malaysian institutions, the data revealed an average incorporation of 81.38% humanized online teaching elements. Key determinants, such as subject matter, teaching experience, Internet quality, and platform choices, emerged as significant influences. A regression model showed approximately 31.7% (R-squared = 0.317, p<0.001) of the variation in the dependent variable. A significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.423, p<0.001) between the Humanized Online Teaching Index and the Students' Online Learning Experiences Index highlights the intertwined nature of humanized instructional methodologies and enhanced student engagement in online settings. Though contextualised during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, the study's implications transcend the immediate circumstances, offering transformative insights for future online teaching methodologies and enhancing student experiences in the evolving digital age.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  15. Bitar AN, Zawiah M, Al-Ashwal FY, Kubas M, Saeed RM, Abduljabbar R, et al.
    PLoS One, 2021;16(10):e0248325.
    PMID: 34714827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248325
    BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, many pharmaceutical companies have been racing to develop a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Simultaneously, rumors and misinformation about COVID-19 are still widely spreading. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation among the Yemeni population and its association with vaccine acceptance and perceptions.

    METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in four major cities in Yemen. The constructed questionnaire consisted of four main sections (sociodemographic data, misinformation, perceptions (perceived susceptibility, severity, and worry), and vaccination acceptance evaluation). Subject recruitment and data collection were conducted online utilizing social websites and using the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.

    RESULTS: The total number of respondents was 484. Over 60% of them were males and had a university education. More than half had less than 100$ monthly income and were khat chewers, while only 18% were smokers. Misinformation prevalence ranged from 8.9% to 38.9%, depending on the statement being asked. Men, university education, higher income, employment, and living in urban areas were associated with a lower misinformation level (p <0.05). Statistically significant association (p <0.05) between university education, living in urban areas, and being employed with perceived susceptibility were observed. The acceptance rate was 61.2% for free vaccines, but it decreased to 43% if they had to purchase it. Females, respondents with lower monthly income, and those who believed that pharmaceutical companies made the virus for financial gains were more likely to reject the vaccination (p <0.05).

    CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the acceptance rate to take a vaccine was suboptimal and significantly affected by gender, misinformation, cost, and income. Furthermore, being female, non-university educated, low-income, and living in rural areas were associated with higher susceptibility to misinformation about COVID-19. These findings show a clear link between misinformation susceptibility and willingness to vaccinate. Focused awareness campaigns to decrease misinformation and emphasize the vaccination's safety and efficacy might be fundamental before initiating any mass vaccination in Yemen.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  16. Rathod L, Mishra S, Samuel S, Yadav K, Sharma G, Singh S, et al.
    Trop Biomed, 2024 Jun 01;41(2):209-213.
    PMID: 39154275 DOI: 10.47665/tb.41.2.012
    Monitoring mosquito host choice to identify high-risk groups for different vector-borne diseases is important to devise vector control strategies and disease management. The present study was conducted to develop and validate a PCR-based method to identify human sex in blood-fed Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Several human genes present in both the X and Y chromosomes were screened and diagnostic PCR primers were successfully designed and amplified for the human STS gene. The limit of detection of this PCR assay was carried out on Ae. aegypti fed with human blood up to 5 days (120 hours) post blood-meal under laboratory condition. The efficiency of this PCR assay was evaluated in field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and compared with other existing methods. The developed PCR primers can successfully amplify and distinguish human sex in mosquitoes up to 72 hours after a blood meal, with an amplified product of 627bp and 298bp for male (XY) and 627bp for female (XX) blood-fed mosquitoes. Further, validation of this assay in field-collected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes revealed that this assay could detect human sex in mosquito blood meal substantially more efficiently (c2 = 4.5, p = 0.034) than other PCR based assay. The newly developed PCR assay highly specific to human DNA and can distinguish male and female DNA for up to 72 hours. This assay can be is used for identifying highrisk groups and extended to other medically important hematophagous insects to assess their role in disease transmission and epidemic preparedness.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  17. Mohamed A, Mat Sanusi NSA, Azman NS, Zailani NS, Jasmin NH, Che Isa IN
    Radiography (Lond), 2024 Jan;30(1):388-393.
    PMID: 38159357 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.12.006
    INTRODUCTION: Postgraduate education in medical imaging is an important platform that can support in preparing radiographers for the role extension and advancement in radiography. Thus, this study aims to identify the factors influencing final year radiography students' intention to pursue postgraduate education in medical imaging.

    METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among final year students in medical imaging programs from six institutions in Malaysia. Purposive convenience sampling has been employed. Data collection was related to students' interest in postgraduate study and possible factors that may affect students' intention to pursue postgraduate education after study degree completion. The questionnaire was a combination of a Likert Scale and open-ended question.

    RESULTS: A total of 148 (female, n = 132 and male, n = 16) responses were included in the analysis. Among the participants, n = 93 (62.8 %) of students intended to pursue study. The highest choice of study was mixed mode (41.9 %) and cardiac imaging was the field of choice by the students (22.3 %). Five factors have been found to significantly correlate with the students' intention to pursue postgraduate study in medical imaging which were student attributes, being an academician, remuneration, finance, and social influences (p  0.05).

    CONCLUSION: Five out of seven factors tested were found to significantly influence students' decision to pursue postgraduate education in medical imaging. Effective strategies based on the influencing factors should be strategized to encourage more students to pursue postgraduate education in medical imaging.

    IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Implementation of effective strategies based on the influencing factors will improve access to education among radiography students, ultimately enhancing future radiographers' capability and competency.

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  18. Andreoli L, Lini D, Schreiber K, Parodis I, Sen P, Ravichandran N, et al.
    Rheumatology (Oxford), 2024 May 02;63(5):1341-1351.
    PMID: 37505460 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead382
    OBJECTIVES: We investigated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine safety in pregnant and breastfeeding women with autoimmune diseases (AID) in the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study.

    METHODS: Delayed-onset (>7 days) vaccine-related adverse events (AE), disease flares and AID-related treatment modifications were analysed upon diagnosis of AID vs healthy controls (HC) and the pregnancy/breastfeeding status at the time of at least one dose of vaccine.

    RESULTS: Among the 9201 participants to the self-administered online survey, 6787 (73.8%) were women. Forty pregnant and 52 breastfeeding patients with AID were identified, of whom the majority had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine (100% and 96.2%, respectively). AE were reported significantly more frequently in pregnant than in non-pregnant patients (overall AE 45% vs 26%, P = 0.01; minor AE 40% vs 25.9%, P = 0.03; major AE 17.5% vs 4.6%, P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  19. Spooner R, Bird JM, Irigoras Izagirre N, Clemente R, Fernandez Fueyo E, Budworth G, et al.
    Psychophysiology, 2024 Dec;61(12):e14689.
    PMID: 39323015 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14689
    Previous evidence suggests males and females differ with respect to interoception-the processing of internal bodily signals-with males typically outperforming females on tasks of interoceptive accuracy. However, interpretation of existing evidence in the cardiac domain is hindered by the limitations of existing tools. In this investigation, we pooled data from several samples to examine sex differences in cardiac interoceptive accuracy on the phase adjustment task, a new measure that overcomes several limitations of the existing tools. In a sample of 266 individuals, we observed that females outperformed males, indicative of better cardiac interoceptive accuracy, but had lower confidence than males. These results held after controlling for sex differences in demographic, physiological and engagement factors. Importantly, these results were specific to the measure of cardiac interoceptive accuracy. No sex differences were observed for individuals who completed the structurally identical screener task, although a similar pattern of results was observed in relation to confidence. These surprising data suggest the presence of a female advantage for cardiac interoceptive accuracy and potential differences in interoceptive awareness (metacognition). Possible reasons for mixed results in the literature, as well as implications for theory and future research, are discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
  20. Guo L, Sang B, Zhang L, Yin W, Yuan X, Ma C
    Soc Sci Med, 2024 Dec;362:117445.
    PMID: 39481276 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117445
    Against the backdrop of global aging and escalating pressures on family caregiving, this study delves into the impact of health check-ups for the elderly on alleviating the objective burden of family caregiving by analyzing China's Free Health Check-up Program (FHCP). Using an unbalanced panel dataset spanning 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020, comprising approximately 35,000 observations of the elderly population aged 65 and above, the research employs the Difference-in-Differences method. The research reveals a significant 9.18% reduction in family caregiving time following the implementation of FHCP, primarily attributed to the enhancement of the elderly's self-care abilities and health awareness. This study elucidates, for the first time, the efficacy and mechanisms of health check-ups in alleviating caregiving objective burdens, providing evidence for the formulation of pertinent policies. It underscores the significance of routine health check-ups as a public health intervention in supporting family caregivers and addressing the challenges of aging.
    Matched MeSH terms: Female
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