Displaying publications 361 - 380 of 782 in total

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  1. Anis Safura Ramli, Sri Wahyu Taher, Zainal Fitri Zakaria, Norsiah Ali, Nurainul Hana Shamsuddin, Wong Ping Foo, et al.
    MyJurnal
    A strong and robust Primary Health Care system is essential to achieving universal health
    coverage and to save lives. The Global Conference on Primary Health Care 2018: from Alma-Ata towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals at
    Astana, Kazakhstan provided a platform for low‐ and middle‐ income countries to join the
    Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI). At this Global Conference, Malaysia has
    declared to become a Trailblazer Country in the PHCPI and pledged to monitor her Vital Signs
    Profiles (VSP). However, the VSP project requires an honest and transparent data collection
    and monitoring of the Primary Health Care system, so as to identify gaps and guide policy in
    support of Primary Health Care reform. This is a huge commitment and can only be materialised
    if there is a collaborative partnership between Primary Care and Public Health providers.
    Fundamental to all of these, is the controversy concerning whether or not ‘Primary Care’ and
    ‘Primary Health Care’ represent the same entity. Confusion also occurs with regards to the role
    of ‘Primary Care’ and ‘Public Health’ providers in the Malaysian Primary Health Care system.
    This review aims to differentiate between Primary Care, Primary Health Care and Public Health,
    describe the relationships between the three entities and redefine the role of Primary Care and
    Public Health in the PHCPI-VSP in order to transform the Malaysian Primary Health Care
    system.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  2. Olonade OY, Adetunde CO, Iwelumor OS, Ozoya MI, George TO
    Heliyon, 2021 Mar;7(3):e06451.
    PMID: 33786389 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06451
    Introduction: The coronavirus pandemic outbreak is wreaking much havoc across the globe, with many nations shutting down their economy and social life with the hope of flattening the curve while health practitioners are also gearing efforts in providing a cure for it. Part of the coronavirus challenges is the various spiritual undertones attributed to it in many quarters. Hence, this study seeks to understand the various spiritual undertones attributed to the coronavirus incidence in southwest Nigeria.

    Methodology: This paper examined the coronavirus pandemic and spirituality sociologically in southwest Nigeria, using secondary and primary data. Secondary data includes a review of literature, social media comments, official records, and newspaper reports. Primary data entails using google form (questionnaire) circulated via social media with 221 responses retrieved and analyzed using the frequency distribution tables and bar charts. Also, a one-sample t-test was used for further statistical analysis.

    Results: Findings show that rather than attributing coronavirus incidence to spirituality alone, most of the respondents also see it as a public health concern, and precautionary measures should adhere. They see the government ban on social gathering, which affected the religious houses as the right thing to do and not solely targeted as religious houses. However, most believe that religious houses provide 'essential' emotional and spiritual support to the people. Respondents also believe they can get their healing from their place of worship even if infected with the coronavirus.

    Conclusion: Based on the findings it was recommended that religious organizations should source valid data so that policy-makers can make informed decisions. Also, there is a need to have an accurate record of the number of infected persons and death rates to know the right time to ease lockdown and lift the social gathering measures. There should also be a place for easy and free testing for people. This will help the government ascertain the number of infected persons, reduce the associated fear with the pandemic, and lessen the people's economic, social, and religious effects.

    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  3. Junaid Tahir M, Rizwan Siddiqi A, Ullah I, Ahmed A, Dujaili J, Saqlain M
    PMID: 33816368 DOI: 10.47176/mjiri.34.169
    Pakistan has recently been overwhelmed by extreme torrential rains, with its most populous city of Karachi experiencing its worst floods in almost a century. Poor flood control and water disposal facilities have led to an immense risk of another dengue outbreak, with multiple cases being reported recently. The enormous accumulation of stagnant water in urban areas is a major source of mosquito breeding and transmission. Historical data has shown the correlation between the number of dengue cases and average rainfall in the region. The monsoon rains have pounded at a time where health authorities are battling to contain the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There is a need to implement centralized dengue control strategies to undertake large scale water drainage, sanitation, and disinfection drives in disaster-stricken areas alongside public health awareness programs to combat the after-effects of this natural calamity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  4. Foong Sim Lee, Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat, Siti Anom Ahmad
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a common disabling condition among older adults with the major- ity, remain undertreated. This study aimed to determine the uptake of non-pharmacological treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain among older adults and the associated factors. Methods: A stratified sampling proportionate to size with individual clinics as the strata were used to recruit 276 respondents from six public health clinics in Petaling district, one of the most aged districts in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. Based on the proportion calculat- ed, eligible older adults were selected by systematic random sampling from the registration list. Data was collected using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire through a face-to-face interview with respondents. The questionnaire comprised of seven sections, namely, socio-demographic, comorbidity, depression, pain severity, treatment options, attitude towards chronic pain and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Inferential analysis was conducted using Chi- Square (X2) and Fisher’s Exact Tests. The P value of < 0.05 regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 242 (87.7%) of the respondents had chronic musculoskeletal pain, in which 235 (85.1%) were treated with non-pharma- cological treatments. The commonly used non-pharmacological treatments were exercise (67.8%), biological-based therapies (40.9%) and massage (33.7%). The uptake of non-pharmacological treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain among older adults was significantly associated with the presence of diabetes. Conclusion: The findings re- vealed the remarkably high uptake of non-pharmacological treatment among older adults who experienced chronic musculoskeletal pain which was significantly associated with diabetes and the presence of other diseases like high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, back pain and rheumatic arthritis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  5. Fatimah Ahmedy, Nurul Diyanah Zenian, Wan Juhaini Paizi, Teh Yong Guang, Khin Nyein Yin, D. Maryama Ag Daud, et al.
    MyJurnal
    Introduction:Stroke is a major public health concern and treating its complications is important for functional recov-ery. Heterotopic ossification (HO), a condition where bone is developed in non-skeletal tissue, is not an uncommon stroke-related complication with reported occurrence up to 12%. It typically presents with joint range of motion (ROM) limitation, pain and swelling. Detecting HO is important to prevent forceful joint manipulation during reha-bilitation that can cause pain and fracture. Two cases of diagnosing HO during the course of stroke rehabilitation are presented. Case description: First case was a subacute stroke in 25 year-old male with right-sided hemiparesis and right hip joint ROM limitation. He did not consent to have passive ROM exercise and refused to be seated due to severe right hip pain. Second case was a 41 year-old male with chronic right-sided hemiparetic stroke exhibiting ipsilateral lower limb neurological recovery but inability to perform bed mobility and walking despite regaining motor function. The right hip joint ROM was limited in the absence of pain. Radiographs demonstrated presence of HO in the affected hip of both patients. Gentle hip ROM exercise was prescribed and noted improvement in ROM with subsequent ability for sitting (first case) and short-distance ambulation (second case). Conclusion: HO should be considered as a differential diagnosis in stroke patients having limited ROM, hence the importance of thorough physical examination. Presence of HO would guide rehabilitation process by encouraging gentle ROM exercise in the attempt to reduce public health burden from halted functional recovery in stroke.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  6. Lui, Sze Yee, Noor Zuraini Abu Bakar, Ida Zaliza Zainol Abidin
    MyJurnal
    The clinical diagnosis of snakebite is critical, particularly in Southeast Asia where venomous snakebites are a public health concern. Additionally, cases involving unwitnessed snakebite with no species identification, especially in non-verbal children posed a challenge in the emergency setting. A 2-year-2-month-old boy presented to our emergency department with signs of neurotoxicity. He was restless and mildly bradypnoeic with the respiratory rate of 24 to 28 breaths per minute. He also had bilateral ptosis with absent gag reflex. There were faint fang marks noted over the medial aspect of his left ankle with local swelling and bruises, despite no history of animal bite and no eyewitness. A high index of suspicion of neurotoxic envenomation was prompted and a total of 6 vials of neuro-polyvalent anti-venom were administered in scheduled batches. Progressive clinical recovery was subsequently observed after the first batch of anti-venom administration. The case illustrated the importance of clinical recognition of neurotoxic envenomation in the absence of snake bite history or species identification. Early administration of anti-venom may potentially reverse the neurotoxic effects of systemic envenomation and saves lives.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  7. Allayla, Tuqa Haitham, Nouri, Ahmed Ibrahim, Hassal, Mohamed Azmi
    MyJurnal
    Emergence of various global health problems has widened the pharmacist’s job scope. An accessible resource for health and medication information as the pharmacist strengthen the existing public health system. Achievement of optimal patient outcomes involves community and clinical pharmacist safe and effective medication use. However, the public is still unaware of the pharmacist’s role in public and global health. This essay aims to identify pharmacist’s role in overcoming global health problems with a literature review. Pharmacists’ role change from public care provider to public care profession. The roles of pharmacists in health care team as primary care practitioners can be seen in their management of tropical and chronic diseases. With their evaluation skills and extensive knowledge of drugs. Pharmacists can provide the best medical advice to the patients besides promoting selftreatment on minor ailments. Furthermore, they also help in reducing the medical costs and optimising medications for the patients. The faith of the public in pharmacists on vaccination proves that they accept the involvement of pharmacists in healthcare provision. However, the public awareness towards pharmacists’ role should be improved.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  8. Joseph N, Clayton JB, Hoops SL, Linhardt CA, Mohd Hashim A, Mohd Yusof BN, et al.
    Evol Bioinform Online, 2020;16:1176934320965943.
    PMID: 33281440 DOI: 10.1177/1176934320965943
    Childhood obesity is a serious public health problem worldwide. Perturbations in the gut microbiota composition have been associated with the development of obesity in both children and adults. Probiotics, on the other hand, are proven to restore the composition of the gut microbiome which helps reduce the development of obesity. However, data on the effect of probiotics on gut microbiota and its association with childhood obesity is limited. This study aims to determine the effect of probiotics supplement intervention on gut microbiota profiles in obese and normal-weight children. A total of 37 children, 17 normal weight, and 20 overweight school children from a government school in Selangor were selected to participate in this study. Participants were further divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention groups received daily probiotic drinks while the control groups continued eating their typical diet. Fecal samples were collected from the participants for DNA extraction. The hypervariable V3 and V4 regions of 16S rRNA gene were amplified and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. No significant differences in alpha diversity were observed between normal weight and obese children in terms of the Shannon Index for evenness or species richness. However, a higher intervention effect on alpha diversity was observed among normal-weight participants compared to obese. The participants' microbiome was found to fluctuate throughout the study. Analysis of the taxa at species level showed an increase in Bacteroides ovatus among the normal weight cohort. Genus-level comparison revealed a rise in genus Lachnospira and Ruminococcus in the overweight participants after intervention, compared to the normal-weight participants. The probiotics intervention causes an alteration in gut microbiota composition in both normal and overweight children. Though the association could not be defined statistically, this study has provided an improved understanding of the intervention effect of probiotics on gut microbiome dysbiosis in an underrepresented population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  9. Shrestha S, Jha N, Palaian S, Shankar PR
    SAGE Open Med, 2020;8:2050312120974513.
    PMID: 33282309 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120974513
    Good knowledge, awareness and preparedness regarding coronavirus disease 2019, among community pharmacy practitioners (CPPs), will enable them to provide correct information and support to patients, convey instructions from the public health authorities and protect their own health.

    Objective: The aim of this study was to determine knowledge, awareness and preparedness regarding coronavirus disease 2019 among CPPs working in Kathmandu, Nepal.

    Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method from 10 February to 25 March 2020. Data were analysed descriptively, and one-sample independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare scores among different subgroups of respondents (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  10. Rozainanee Mohd Zain, Sharifah Aina Afzan Syed Aminuddin, Nurul Asshikin Ruslan, Sairulakhma Awang, Ravindran Thayan
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Elimination of viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030 was announced by the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) on viral hepatitis in 2016. Hepatitis C is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Complications as a results of hepatitis C infection can be prevented as hepatitis C infection is now con-sidered as a curable disease with the availability of Direct Acting Agents (DAAs). However, the main barrier towards treating and curing all HCV infected patients is a high cost of DAAs. The treatment regime of hepatitis C infection in Malaysia is sofosbuvir and daclastavir, an NS5A inhibitor. Daclastavir was reported as inherently resistant to HCV GT 3. Thus, this study aimed to develop an assay to detect the resistance associated substitution (RAS) towards the NS5A inhibitor among HCV GT 3 infected patients. Methods: Samples for the study were obtained from various hospitals in Malaysia. The samples were collected from DAAs naïve HCV GT 3 infected patients. From the literature review, a specific assay was chosen with different sets of primers were selected for the study. The DNA sequences of NS5A region of HCV genome were submitted to the geno2pheno [HCV] resistance database by Max Planck Institut (MPI) Informatics to yield RAS. Results: Suitable primers were identified based on generated amplicons produced for the samples which NS5A region were successfully sequenced. Results were obtained based on the 213 codon generated from the population based Sanger sequencing. RAS/ RASs towards Daclastavir were produced and the susceptibility result towards the drug was generated. Conclusion: The assay was successfully optimised and able to generate drug resistance results towards Daclastavir which might have impacts on the duration of treatment and/or inclusion of ribavirin in managing HCV infected patients in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  11. Nicholas Pang, Jiann Lin Loo
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Global health awareness is sorely lacking in medical curricula and the general public, leading to increasing apathy and decreased levels of volunteerism. Much knowledge about pertinent global health issues is sequestered with academicians and researchers, with little public trickle down. The aim of the study was to increase awareness among Sabahan public about global health issues and promote discussion. Methods: A global health film club was established at community level and discussions about issues and potential individual action points was conducted. Films were screened every month in both UMS and Palliative Care Center Sabah. Global health issues ranging from First World manipulation of HIV/AIDS medication prices, deregulation of medical devices industries, heroin addiction, ADHD drug abuse, and stigma in psychiatry were covered. Public participants’ responses were collected qualitatively. Results: The films largely were well received by participants, with most participants prefer-ring the expose-type films over the more narrative approaches. Films spurred discussion about how foreign or global issues were related to local level, for example unscrupulous sale of medical devices in Malaysian populations and abuse of sleeping medications from local health providers. Also each film screening vastly increased participants’ awareness of pertinent issues, and spurred them to evangelise about said issues to others and take small actions. Conclusion: Global health is a somewhat neglected part of medical and community curricula. Lack of awareness about global health issues reduces the public’s capacity for collective action in exerting pressure on stakeholders, governments, and civil society in taking action. It is hoped such regular global health film screenings at local level brings literacy on urgent public health issues to the people for whom it matters most – the communities where ad-verse global health consequences eventually arise.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  12. Muhammad Syazni, Aidalina Mahmud, Suhainizam Muhamad Saliluddin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Dengue fever currently remains as one of the major public health issues in Malaysia. Dengue inci-dence in Malaysia has been increasing in the last 20 years. Dengue fever has been causing an economic burden to the country each year. Vector control is one of the preventions and control activities to reduce its incidence. Vector control activities, especially fogging is a resource-intensive activity. It uses most of the allocated budget of a district health office (33%). The major cost components of the prevention and control activities were human resources and pesticides with 60.7% were for human resources and 13.6% of the costs were for pesticides. Therefore, it is important to know, cost of each fogging activity and the factors that contribute to that cost. The objective of this study was to determine the costs of fogging activities carried out by Hulu Langat Health District Office, Selangor, Malaysia. Meth-ods: This study was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study using data from the Hulu Langat District Health Office for the year 2018. Cost analysis of fogging activities was carried out using the activity-based costing method-ology. The factors associated with, and predictors of, the costs of fogging activities were determined using chi-square and multiple linear regression. Results: In 2018, Hulu Langat District Health Office carried out total of 2,063 fogging activities. The average cost of each fogging activity was estimated as RM 1,579. Types of insecticides was statistically significant associated and predictive factor of the cost of fogging activity. Conclusion: The present study showed that the estimated average cost per fogging activity is RM 1,579 and water-based insecticide was found to be the cheaper option compared to oil-based insecticide. However, as this study did not determine the effectiveness of these insec-ticides, recommendations cannot be made as to which insecticide should be used.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  13. Vanitha Krishnan, Hazreen Abdul Majid, Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Anaemia is a significant public health problem among adolescents globally but there is limited data in many countries, including Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the 5-years incidence of anemia among Malaysian adolescents by gender, ethnicity, locality of schools, Body Mass Index, stature and diet intake. Methods: A secondary analysis of existing data from MyHeART study was conducted within a closed cohort of 528 adolescents (aged 13 years) attended 15 public secondary schools from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Perak. The adolescents who were followed up at 15 and 17 years old had completed haemoglobin assessment, anthropometric measurements and -days diet history. The data was cleaned and missingness was handled accordingly with multiple imputation. SPSS Software version 21 was used to analyse the data, with Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) showing the effect of time on the trajectory of prevalence of anaemia over the 5 years. Results: The prevalence or incidence? of anaemia in 2012, 2014 and 2016 was 7.9% (95%CI: 5.0-12.3), 13.9% (95%CI: 10.0-19.0) and 15.8% (95%CI:11.3-21.7). In females, anaemia increased from 11.1% (95%CI:6.7-18.7) to 15.7% (11.4-21.3) and 23.1%(95%CI: 16.8-31.0); the change was significant from 13 to 15 years old. Similar trend was noticed in those who are stunted, overweight/obese, in both urban/rural schools and didn’t meet their daily recommended nutrient intake for total calorie, protein and iron. Conclusion: Anaemia is increasing in trend among the adolescents over the years and deems attention from the relevant stakeholders to create a robust anemia prevention program.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  14. Mansor, R., Diauudin, N.S., Syed-Hussain, S.S., Khalid, S.F.
    Jurnal Veterinar Malaysia, 2019;31(1):12-16.
    MyJurnal
    Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major problem worldwide with significance public health impact in both animal and human populations. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a common pathogen in domestic livestock and Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a normal flora in the gut and these organisms are considered as effective indicators for AMR surveillance. Increased in antimicrobial resistance of these bacteria in veterinary medicine leads to difficulties in choosing effective antibiotics to treat diseases they caused. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of S. aureus and E. coli isolated from dairy goats in selected farms located in Selangor, Malaysia against different antibiotics. Milk and faecal samples were collected from 36 dairy goats and samples were prepared for the isolation of S. aureus and E. coli isolates respectively. The isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test. All 11 (100%) E. coli isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin and penicillin while 3 (27%) of the 11 S. aureus isolates, showed resistance towards the same class of antibiotic. Both S. aureus and E. coli isolates showed high susceptibility to four antibiotics, namely trimethoprim-sulfamethazole, neomycin, tetracycline and enrofloxacin. This study provided information regarding the antibiotic resistance of S. aureus and E. coli in relation to the antimicrobial usage practice in selected dairy goat farms located in Selangor, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  15. Liew CH, Flaherty GT
    J Public Health (Oxf), 2021 04 12;43(1):e135-e136.
    PMID: 32756915 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa125
    As countries emerge from pandemic lockdown, many countries are relaxing international travel restrictions. Commercially available serologic tests for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are being performed. The concept of an 'immunity passport' has gained popularity, whereby evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody production would signal immunity to reinfection. For an immunity certificate to be validated for travel purposes, it should meet certain criteria. The introduction of such certificates faces multiple challenges. While there may be a future role for immunity passports in limited circumstances in the event that a protective vaccine becomes freely available, for now at least the risks of such an approach outweigh the perceived benefits.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  16. Lombe D, Sullivan R, Caduff C, Ali Z, Bhoo-Pathy N, Cleary J, et al.
    Ecancermedicalscience, 2021;15:1202.
    PMID: 33889211 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2021.1202
    Introduction: Public health emergencies and crises such as the current COVID-19 pandemic can accelerate innovation and place renewed focus on the value of health interventions. Capturing important lessons learnt, both positive and negative, is vital. We aimed to document the perceived positive changes (silver linings) in cancer care that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify challenges that may limit their long-term adoption.

    Methods: This study employed a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews (n = 20) were conducted with key opinion leaders from 14 countries. The participants were predominantly members of the International COVID-19 and Cancer Taskforce, who convened in March 2020 to address delivery of cancer care in the context of the pandemic. The Framework Method was employed to analyse the positive changes of the pandemic with corresponding challenges to their maintenance post-pandemic.

    Results: Ten themes of positive changes were identified which included: value in cancer care, digital communication, convenience, inclusivity and cooperation, decentralisation of cancer care, acceleration of policy change, human interactions, hygiene practices, health awareness and promotion and systems improvement. Impediments to the scale-up of these positive changes included resource disparities and variation in legal frameworks across regions. Barriers were largely attributed to behaviours and attitudes of stakeholders.

    Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to important value-based innovations and changes for better cancer care across different health systems. The challenges to maintaining/implementing these changes vary by setting. Efforts are needed to implement improved elements of care that evolved during the pandemic.

    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  17. Adnan SN, Ibrahim N, Yaacob WA
    Germs, 2017 Dec;7(4):186-192.
    PMID: 29264356 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2017.1125
    Introduction: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a worldwide public health threat, displaying multiple antibiotic resistance that causes morbidity and mortality. Management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) MRSA infections is extremely difficult due to their inherent resistance to currently used antibiotics. New antibiotics are needed to combat the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

    Methods: The in vitro effect of tannins was studied against MRSA reference strain (ATCC 43300) and MRSA clinical strains utilizing antimicrobial assays in conjunction with both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. To reveal the influence of tannins in MRSA protein synthesis disruption, we utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) to provide further insight into the novel protein synthesis transcriptional response of MRSA exposed to these compounds.

    Results: Tannins possessed both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.78 and 1.56 mg/mL, respectively, against all tested MRSA. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of MRSA treated with tannins showed decrease in cellular volume, indicating disruption of protein synthesis.

    Conclusion: Analysis of a genome-wide transcriptional profile of the reference strain ATCC 43300 MRSA in response to tannins has led to the finding that tannins induced significant modulation in essential ribosome pathways, which caused a reduction in the translation processes that lead to inhibition of protein synthesis and obviation of bacterial growth. These findings highlight the potential of tannins as new promising anti-MRSA agents in clinical application such as body wash and topical cream or ointments.

    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  18. Huang L, Liu Z, Li H, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhu Y, et al.
    Geohealth, 2020 Jul 07.
    PMID: 32838101 DOI: 10.1029/2020GH000272
    The outbreak of COVID-19 in China has led to massive lockdowns in order to reduce the spread of the epidemic and control human-to-human transmission. Subsequent reductions in various anthropogenic activities have led to improved air quality during the lockdown. In this study, we apply a widely used exposure-response function to estimate the short-term health impacts associated with PM2.5 changes over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region due to COVID-19 lockdown. Concentrations of PM2.5 during lockdown period reduced by 22.9% to 54.0% compared to pre-lockdown level. Estimated PM2.5-related daily premature mortality during lockdown period is 895 (95% confidential interval: 637-1081), which is 43.3% lower than pre-lockdown period and 46.5% lower compared with averages of 2017-2019. According to our calculation, total number of avoided premature death associated PM2.5 reduction during the lockdown is estimated to be 42.4 thousand over the YRD region, with Shanghai, Wenzhou, Suzhou (Jiangsu province), Nanjing, and Nantong being the top five cities with largest health benefits. Avoided premature mortality is mostly contributed by reduced death associated with stroke (16.9 thousand, accounting for 40.0%), ischemic heart disease (14.0 thousand, 33.2%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (7.6 thousand, 18.0%). Our calculations do not support or advocate any idea that pandemics produce a positive note to community health. We simply present health benefits from air pollution improvement due to large emission reductions from lowered human and industrial activities. Our results show that continuous efforts to improve air quality are essential to protect public health, especially over city-clusters with dense population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  19. Tarmizi AAA, Wagiran A, Mohd Salleh F, Chua LS, Abdullah FI, Hasham R, et al.
    Plants (Basel), 2021 Apr 07;10(4).
    PMID: 33917172 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040717
    Labisia pumila is a precious herb in Southeast Asia that is traditionally used as a health supplement and has been extensively commercialized due to its claimed therapeutic properties in boosting a healthy female reproductive system. Indigenous people used these plants by boiling the leaves; however, in recent years it has been marketed as powdered or capsuled products. Accordingly, accuracy in determination of the authenticity of these modern herbal products has faced great challenges. Lack of authenticity is a public health risk because incorrectly used herbal species can cause adverse effects. Hence, any measures that may aid product authentication would be beneficial. Given the widespread use of Labisia herbal products, the current study focuses on authenticity testing via an integral approach of DNA barcoding and qualitative analysis using HPLC. This study successfully generated DNA reference barcodes (ITS2 and rbcL) for L. pumila var. alata and pumila. The DNA barcode that was generated was then used to identify species of Labisia pumila in herbal medicinal products, while HPLC was utilized to determine their quality. The findings through the synergistic approach (DNA barcode and HPLC) implemented in this study indicate the importance of both methods in providing the strong evidence required for the identification of true species and to examine the authenticity of such herbal medicinal products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
  20. Rab’ie Rusdi, Mohd Zaki Awg Isa
    MyJurnal
    Introduction: Myopia is an emerging vision problem that causes public health and economic burden worldwide and associated with increased risk to many ocular conditions leading to blindness. This study aimed to evaluate patterns of visual field defects in Malay population with myopia. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 until June 2018 at MSU Eye Centre and data was obtained from patient records of Malay subjects with myopia and free from any ocular and systemic diseases. The spherical equivalent (SE) of the refractive errors and the global indices (mean deviation, MD and pattern of standard deviation, PSD) of OCULUS Twinfield® 2 with SPARK strategy were recorded for this study. Results: A total of 90 eyes with the mean age of 29.16 (SD: 10.27) years old and SE (M= -2.92 D, SD:2.94 D) were selected. The mean of MD was -1.71 dB (SD 3.95 dB) and PSD was 1.81 dB (SD:1.82 dB) respectively. Significant differences was found in MD (p=0.012) and PSD (p=0.01) between the three groups. The localised field defect was observed in the moderate to high myopic eyes in all quadrants (p=0.01) for PP2, and also more prevalent pattern found in all quadrants for PP1 except at superior quadrant (p=0.08). Conclu- sions: There is a localised visual field defect found in a higher degree of myopia particularly at temporal, nasal and inferior quadrants. Thus, the visual field test is recommended as a routine procedure in moderate to high myopic eyes and need to be interpreted with caution.
    Matched MeSH terms: Public Health
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