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Polio and cross-border management

Khan MU, Ahmad A, Balkrishnan R

Lancet Infect Dis, 2017 02;17(2):136.
PMID: 28134106 DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30012-9
Fulltext Modeling Responses in the Superior Paraolivary Nucleus: Implications for Forward Masking in the Inferior Colliculus

Salimi N, Zilany MSA, Carney LH

J Assoc Res Otolaryngol, 2017 Jun;18(3):441-456.
PMID: 28097439 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-016-0612-6

A phenomenological model of the responses of neurons in the superior paraolivary nucleus (SPON) of the rodent is presented in this study. Pure tones at the characteristic frequency (CF) and broadband noise stimuli evoke offset-type responses in these neurons. SPON neurons also phase-lock to the envelope of sinusoidally amplitude-modulated (SAM) stimuli for a range of modulation frequencies. Model SPON neuron received inhibitory input that was relayed by the ipsilateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body from the contralateral model ventral cochlear nucleus neuron. The SPON model response was simulated by detecting the slope of its inhibitory postsynaptic potential. Responses of the proposed model to pure tones at CF and broadband noise were offset-type independent of the duration of the input stimulus. SPON model responses were also synchronized to the envelope of SAM stimuli with precise timing for a range of modulation frequencies. Modulation transfer functions (MTFs) obtained from the model response to SAM stimuli resemble the physiological MTFs. The output of the proposed SPON model provides an input for models of physiological responses at higher levels of the ascending auditory pathway and can also be utilized to infer possible mechanisms underlying gap detection and duration encoding as well as forward masking at the level of the auditory midbrain.
Paired observation on light-cured composite resin and nano-composite resin in dental caries repair

Xiaoling T, Ashraf MA, Yanyan Z

Pak J Pharm Sci, 2016 Nov;29(6 Spec):2169-2172.
PMID: 28412675

To compare the value of light-cured composite resin with that of nano-composite resin in dental caries repair. 88 patients taking dental caries repair in our hospital from May 2014 to April 2015 were selected, and divided into observation group and control group by coin method with 44 patients in each group. Nano-composite resin was used in observation group, while light-cured composite resin in control group. Then, the occurrence rates of odontohyperesthesia, aesthetic satisfaction with dental caries repair and complications were compared between two groups by visual analogue scale (VAS). The occurrence rate of odontohyperesthesia in observation group is significantly lower than that in control group (9.09% (4/44) vs 31.82% (14/44), 6.82% (3/44) vs 22.73% (10/44), 2.27% (1/44) vs 13.64% (6/44)) with difference of statistical significance (P<0.05) 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after repair. VAS score of patients in observation is significantly lower than that in control group ((2.78±0.56) scores vs (5.22±0.76) scores, (2.02±0.35) scores vs (4.32±0.57) scores, (1.12±0.14) scores vs (2.41±0.43) scores) 1 week, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after repair. Moreover, the difference in comparison of interactive effects between two groups, between different time points, and between groups at different time points has statistical significance (P<0.05). Nano-composite resin can lower the occurrence rate of odontohyperesthesia in dental caries repair, reduce the pain of patients, and improve the satisfaction of patients with tooth appearance.
Fulltext Transgender health in India and Pakistan

Ming LC, Hadi MA, Khan TM

Lancet, 2016 Nov 26;388(10060):2601-2602.
PMID: 27894657 DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32222-X
Violent actions against children

Alhammami M, Ooi CP, Tan WH

Data Brief, 2017 Jun;12:480-484.
PMID: 28508027 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2017.04.026

We present in this paper a novel dataset (MMU VAAC) for violent actions against children recognition. This original dataset has been recorded using Microsoft Kinect with the usage of a child mannequin. MMU VAAC dataset contains skeleton joints, depth, and RGB modalities.
Childhood cerebral lupus in an Oriental population

Haji Muhammad Ismail Hussain I, Loh WF, Sofiah A

Brain Dev, 1999 Jun;21(4):229-35.
PMID: 10392744

In a cross-sectional study of 24 Oriental children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with a mean age of 11.25 years, 75% were found to have clinical and neurophysiological evidence of cerebral lupus. Seizures were the most common manifestation affecting 11 (61%) of the cases, followed by psychosis in five (27.7%), encephalopathy in five (27.7%), headaches in five (27.7%), personality changes in four (22.2%), stroke in three (16.6%), movement disorders in three (16.6%) and myelitis in one child (5.5%). Four children had cerebral lupus as the presenting manifestation of SLE. Twenty-one children had an electroencephalogram (EEG) of which 11 were normal. Abnormalities detected in the rest included focal sharps, slowing of background and electrodecremental changes. There was a poor correlation of EEG with the clinical presentation. Sixteen children with cerebral lupus had a computed tomogram (CT) of which three were normal. The commonest abnormality was cerebral atrophy with or without infarcts. Only four of the cases had lupus anticoagulant but compliment was reduced in 13. Sixteen of the cases also had renal involvement. Treatment was generally with steroids with only two patients receiving cyclophosphamide for cerebral relapse. Eight children (44%) made a full recovery. Learning disability was the most frequent sequelae affecting one-third of children seen at a 1-year follow up. Four (22%) had epilepsy, two (11%) had motor deficits and one child had optic atrophy. One child died of cerebral haemorrhage during a hypertensive crisis.
Fulltext Mining of Opinions on COVID-19 Large-Scale Social Restrictions in Indonesia: Public Sentiment and Emotion Analysis on Online Media

Tri Sakti AM, Mohamad E, Azlan AA

J Med Internet Res, 2021 08 09;23(8):e28249.
PMID: 34280116 DOI: 10.2196/28249

BACKGROUND: One of the successful measures to curb COVID-19 spread in large populations is the implementation of a movement restriction order. Globally, it was observed that countries implementing strict movement control were more successful in controlling the spread of the virus as compared with those with less stringent measures. Society's adherence to the movement control order has helped expedite the process to flatten the pandemic curve as seen in countries such as China and Malaysia. At the same time, there are countries facing challenges with society's nonconformity toward movement restriction orders due to various claims such as human rights violations as well as sociocultural and economic issues. In Indonesia, society's adherence to its large-scale social restrictions (LSSRs) order is also a challenge to achieve. Indonesia is regarded as among the worst in Southeast Asian countries in terms of managing the spread of COVID-19. It is proven by the increased number of daily confirmed cases and the total number of deaths, which was more than 6.21% (1351/21,745) of total active cases as of May 2020.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore public sentiments and emotions toward the LSSR and identify issues, fear, and reluctance to observe this restriction among the Indonesian public.
METHODS: This study adopts a sentiment analysis method with a supervised machine learning approach on COVID-19-related posts on selected media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube). The analysis was also performed on COVID-19-related news contained in more than 500 online news platforms recognized by the Indonesian Press Council. Social media posts and news originating from Indonesian online media between March 31 and May 31, 2020, were analyzed. Emotion analysis on Twitter platform was also performed to identify collective public emotions toward the LSSR.
RESULTS: The study found that positive sentiment surpasses other sentiment categories by 51.84% (n=1,002,947) of the total data (N=1,934,596) collected via the search engine. Negative sentiment was recorded at 35.51% (686,892/1,934,596) and neutral sentiment at 12.65% (244,757/1,934,596). The analysis of Twitter posts also showed that the majority of public have the emotion of "trust" toward the LSSR.
CONCLUSIONS: Public sentiment toward the LSSR appeared to be positive despite doubts on government consistency in executing the LSSR. The emotion analysis also concluded that the majority of people believe in LSSR as the best method to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission. Overall, Indonesians showed trust and expressed hope toward the government's ability to manage this current global health crisis and win against COVID-19.
Fulltext Cyberbullying Among Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practitioners in the Workplace: Protocol for a Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Kim YJ, Qian L, Aslam MS

JMIR Res Protoc, 2021 Aug 12;10(8):e29582.
PMID: 34387559 DOI: 10.2196/29582

BACKGROUND: Cyberbullying is becoming prevalent among health care professionals and may cause a variety of mental health issues. Traditional and complementary medicine practitioners remain an important pillar of the health care system in Malaysia.
OBJECTIVE: This paper presents a study protocol for an online survey (Cyberbullying Among Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practitioner [TCMPs]) that will collect the first nationwide representative data on cyberbullying behavior among traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in Malaysia. The objectives of the survey are to (1) evaluate the cyberbullying behavior among traditional and complementary medicine practitioners in Malaysia, (2) identify sociodemographic and social factors related to cyberbullying, and (3) evaluate the association between cyberbullying behavior, sociodemographic, and social factors.
METHODS: A snowball sampling strategy will be applied. Traditional and complementary medicine practitioners who are permanent Malaysian residents will be randomly selected and invited to participate in the survey (N=1023). Cyberbullying behavior will be measured using the Cyberbullying Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ). Data on the following items will be collected: work-related bullying, person-related bullying, aggressively worded messages, distortion of messages, sending offensive photos/videos, hacking computers or sending a virus or rude message, and threatening messages about personal life or family members. We will also collect data on participants' sociodemographic characteristics, social factors, and substance abuse behavior.
RESULTS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was registered with Research Registry (Unique Identifying Number 6216; November 05, 2020). This research work (substudy) is planned under a phase 1 study approved by the Research Management Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia. This substudy has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Xiamen University Malaysia (REC-2011.01). The cross-sectional survey will be conducted from July 01, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Data preparation and statistical analyses are planned from January 2022 onward.
CONCLUSIONS: The current research can contribute to identify the prevalence of workplace cyberbullying among Malaysian traditional and complementary medicine practitioners. The results will help government stakeholders, health professionals, and education professionals to understand the psychological well-being of Malaysian traditional and complementary medicine practitioners.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: Research Registry Unique Identifying Number 6216; https://tinyurl.com/3rsmxs7u.
INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/29582.
Fulltext Do stock markets play a role in determining COVID-19 economic stimulus? A cross-country analysis

Shafiullah M, Khalid U, Chaudhry SM

World Econ, 2021 May 07.
PMID: 34230757 DOI: 10.1111/twec.13130

This paper makes an innovative contribution to the extant literature by analysing the determinants of economic stimulus packages implemented by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, we explore whether stock market declines observed in many countries can predict the size of COVID-19 stimulus packages. Moreover, we explore whether a country's level of income can augment the underlying relationship between stock market declines and stimulus packages. The findings reveal that a larger stock market decline results in a larger stimulus package; however, this effect is only observed in countries that have an income level greater than the mean and/or median per capita gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, our results show that monetary policy is more responsive to a stock market decline than fiscal policy. Thus, our results underscore the importance of international donor agencies such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) in supporting less affluent countries in coping with the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their economies.
Fulltext Destination image's mediating role between perceived risks, perceived constraints, and behavioral intention

Nazir MU, Yasin I, Tat HH

Heliyon, 2021 Jul;7(7):e07613.
PMID: 34368481 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07613

This study aims to examine the effect of destination image, perceived risk, and perceived constraints on the behavioral intention of international tourists to revisit Pakistan. The study also seeks to assess the destination image's mediating role in the relationship between perceived risks, perceived constraints, and behavioral intention. A quantitative study with Partial least square structural equation modeling was used to investigate the research Hypothesis. The data was collected from international tourists who were in Pakistan or who had visited Pakistan. The findings revealed that perceived risks and perceived constraints negatively impact destination image and behavioral intention. On the other hand, destination image has a positive impact on behavior. Moreover, the study also proved the mediating effect of destination image among the relations of perceived risks, perceived constraints, and behavioral intention. These findings indicate that sometimes it is difficult for destinations to overcome constraints, so destination managers should provide value-added services for substitutes. A positive destination image can overcome risks and constraints, so destination managers should also promote destinations besides mitigating risks. Literature has discussed the mediating effect of destination image in different contexts. However, studies are scarce investigating destination image's effect in alleviating perceived constraints and perceived risks through negotiation mechanisms.
Fulltext Spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases, epidemic spread rate, spatial pattern, and its correlation with meteorological factors during the first to the second waves

Rendana M, Idris WMR, Abdul Rahim S

J Infect Public Health, 2021 Oct;14(10):1340-1348.
PMID: 34301503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.07.010

Currently, many countries all over the world are facing the second wave of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases, epidemic spread rate, spatial pattern during the first to the second waves in the South Sumatra Province of Indonesia. This study used the geographical information system (GIS) software to map the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases and epidemic spread rate. The spatial autocorrelation of the COVID-19 cases was carried out using Moran's I, while the Pearson correlation was used to examining the relationship between meteorological factors and the epidemic spread rate. Most infected areas and the direction of virus spread were predicted using wind rose analysis. The results revealed that the epidemic rapidly spread from August 1 to December 1, 2020. The highest epidemic spread rate was observed in the Palembang district and in its peripheral areas (dense urban areas), while the lowest spread rate was found in the eastern and southern parts of South Sumatra Province (remote areas). The spatial correlation characteristic of the epidemic distribution exhibited a negative correlation and random distribution. Air temperature, wind speed, and precipitation have contributed to a significant impact on the high epidemic spread rate in the second wave. In summary, this study offers new insight for arranging control and prevention strategies against the potential of second wave strike.
Fulltext The effects of aquilaria malaccensisleaves aqueous extract on sperm of sprague dawley rats towards early embryogenesis.

Faridah Ismail, Azantee Yazmie Abdul Wahab, Raja Arif Shah Raja Ismail, Muhammad Lokman Md Isa, Redzuan Nul Hakim Abdul Razak, Hussin Muhammad

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(2):59-68.
MyJurnal

Oxidative stress induced by excessive and unopposed levels of reactive oxygen species in male reproductive system results in impaired sperm quality, fertilization capacity and poor embryo development. Our goal is to assess the potential effects of Aquilaria malaccensis(AM) leaves, a plant with strong antioxidant property on early embryo development in vitroand embryo quality following fertilization with cyclophosphamide (CP) exposed rat sperm. Materials and Methods:Twenty four male Sprague Dawley rats were allocated into eight groups of three rats (n = 3): control, CP only (200 mg/kg), AM only (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and CP + AM (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). Animals were sacrificed after 63 days of treatment and sperm from caudal epididymis were taken for in vitrofertilization (IVF) with oocytes from untreated female. Fertilization, embryo division and embryo morphology were examined at 8 and 48 hours post insemination and compared between groups. Statistical evaluations were performed using Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test and p-value
Fulltext Identification of vasa gene expression in in-vitroculture from non-obstructive azoospermia (noa) testicular biopsy cells: a study to unlock knowledge of male infertility.

Redzuan Abd Razak, Lokman Md Isa, Afzan Mat Yusuf, Syamsul Ahmad Ariffin, Refaudeen Muhammad Razali, Azantee Yazmie Abd Wahab, et al.

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2018;17(102):143-148.
MyJurnal

The expression product of VASA gene is widely conserved germ line marker and participates to regulate the development of reproductive system and spermatogenesis in healthy man. Azoospermic is a condition which the man is unable to produce any sperm cells for reproduction activity. This condition produced has bad impact to the man since the ability to produce their own progeny will be interrupted or blocked forever. Not only the family bloodline of the man would be ended, the psychological issue like shamefulness and low self-esteem occurs. In Islam, seeking knowledge is an obligatory to Muslims in order to solve problems and improve lives. Thus to unveil the problem of azoospermic man we aimed to determine the level of VASA gene expression in samples of testes cells of non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) and compare it with sperms of healthy man. Samples were taken from three NOA patients by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) to obtain testicular biopsies. Testicular cells were isolated and cultured in supplemented knockout DMEM media. VASAgene expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The VASA gene expression from sperm of healthy man was also determined for comparison purpose. It was demonstrated that the addition of growth factor significantly increased SSC-like cells colony formation in tissues obtained from NOA patients. No VASA expression was detected in spermatogonial-like stem cells culture on day 1, 7, 14 and 21 in each of the azoospermic samples. Our findings shown VASA gene was not expressed in spermatogenesis in vitroculture that might be associated with the abnormal differentiation of primordial germ cells that lead to male infertility. Islam also teaches us to not have feelings of despair and for problems that we are facing but to find the solution and consider the problem as a test from the Almighty. All the tests should be handled with strong believe since only Allah (SWT) knows what the best for us and each of the tests will have justified wisdom and benefits which we as human being are unable to realise thoroughly.
Fulltext Assessing the role of urban green spaces for human well-being: a systematic review

Jabbar M, Yusoff MM, Shafie A

GeoJournal, 2021 Jul 20.
PMID: 34305268 DOI: 10.1007/s10708-021-10474-7

Human has been evolving in a natural environment over a long time; thus, he is habitual to adapt it. Green spaces are obligatory landscapes in an urban structure that provide a natural environment and accelerate other life events. In contrast, unplanned urbanization, and conversion from green to grey structures have damaged natural environmental resources. Studies through different angles have highlighted the importance of urban green spaces for human well-being but now need to identify their role according to the potential. The demands of urban green spaces may differ with the change of population size, types of grey structure, urban expansion, the altitude of the place, and geographical location. Therefore, this systematic review aims to analyse the significance of urban green spaces for human well-being. The study opted for a systematic process during the selection and organization of studies for this review. After analysing, 46 studies were finalized with the consensus of three review authors. Accordingly, literature was analysed under the central theme of "Urban Green Spaces for Human Well-being." Human Well-being was assessed under six sub-themes; physical, psychological, mental, social, subjective, and environmental well-being. The review concluded that urban green spaces are the primary pillar for a sustainable urban place and human well-being due to highly positive and positive correlations. Moreover, the study did not find any demarcation line between green spaces and grey structures according to any specific need. Therefore, the study suggested that the role of urban green spaces for human well-being should be analysed according to their potential and required optimal ratio under different communities' urban specific environments and social behaviour.
Fulltext Effect of Progressive Resistance Strength Training on Body Mass Index, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Rafiq MT, A Hamid MS, Hafiz E

J Multidiscip Healthc, 2021;14:2161-2168.
PMID: 34408430 DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S317896

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training of the lower limb rehabilitation protocol (LLRP) on body mass index (BMI), quality of life, and functional capacity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who were overweight and obese.
Patients and Methods: Fifty-six patients were allocated into either the Rehabilitation Protocol Group (RPG) or the Control Group (CG) by a computer-generated random number. The patients in the RPG performed the strengthening exercises of the LLRP and followed the instruction of daily care (IDC). The patients in the CG only followed the IDC as a usual care. Gait Speed Test, quality of life, and BMI were taken at pre-test and post-test measurements. Paired samples t-test and two way mixed analysis of variance were used to analyze the change of BMI within and compare the difference of BMI between the groups, respectively. Wilcoxon signed ranked test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyze the changes of quality of life and functional capacity within and compare the differences of quality of life and functional capacity between the groups, respectively.
Results: The patients in the RPG reported a significant reduction in BMI (p = 0.025), improvement in quality of life (p ≤ 0.001), and functional capacity (p ≤ 0.001) within group. The patients in the CG also reported a significant improvements in quality of life (p < 0.05). The improvement in quality of life score was greater in the patients with RPG than the CG (p = 0.053).
Conclusion: The progressive resistance strength training of LLRP is effective in terms of reducing BMI, improving quality of life and functional capacity.
Trial Registration: Name: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Number: IRCT20191221045846N3. Enrollment of first participant: 27-07-2020.
Effects of music therapy on physiological outcomes for post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients

Aris A, Sulaiman S, Che Hasan MK

Enferm Clin, 2021 04;31 Suppl 2:S10-S15.
PMID: 33849138 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2020.10.006

This study aimed to investigate the effects of music on physiological outcomes for post-operative TKA patients in the recovery unit. Fifty-six patients from Hospital Melaka were randomized equally into intervention (IG) and control groups (CG). IG received the usual care and listened to selected music for 60min, while the CG received only the usual care. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were measured on arrival and after 10, 20, 30, and 60min in the recovery unit. A significant difference between groups was observed in RR upon arrival (U=276.5, p=0.029) and after 10min (U=291, p=0.45). Meanwhile, there were significant differences in DBP (F=3.158, p=0.032), RR (χ2=15.956, p=0.003) and SpO2 (χ2=14.084, p=0.007) over time in the IG. Overall, listening to music immediately after TKA has an effect on DBP, RR, and SpO2.
Fulltext Perspectives of ESCAPE-Pain Programme for Older People With Knee Osteoarthritis in the Community Setting

Che Hasan MK, Stanmore E, Todd C

Front Public Health, 2020;8:612413.
PMID: 33585384 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.612413

Background: Functional limitationscommonly affect patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) which reduces quality of life. The Enabling Self-management and Coping with Arthritic Pain using Exercise (ESCAPE-pain) is an evidence-based programme identified to be suitable for adaptation for the Malaysian health care system. It is important to understand the acceptance from a sociocultural context of the ESCAPE-pain programme from the perspectives of patients with knee OA and healthcare professionals. This qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of stakeholders to inform the adaptation of the ESCAPE-pain programme into the Malaysian health care system. Method: Semi-structured interviews using interview guides were conducted with 18 patients with knee OA and 14 healthcare professionals including nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical doctors, and orthopedic surgeons. The data were transcribed and analyzed using framework analysis. Results: The findings show that patients and healthcare professionals positively accept the programme into their daily living activities and recommend some modifications related to the Malaysian context. This study also highlights strategies to adopt when providing ESCAPE-pain to patients with knee OA. Conclusion: The findings reveal how sociocultural considerations could facilitate uptake and engagement with the ESCAPE-pain programme for home exercise among patients with knee osteoarthritis. These findings may benefit t patients with knee OA in the Malaysian healthcare system, although future research is recommended.
18F-labeled Bisphosphonate as an Alternative Candidate to the Gold Standard[18F]sodium fluoride ([18F]NaF) for PET Bone Imaging

Hassan H, Othman MF, Razak HRA

Curr Med Imaging, 2021;17(11):1271-1275.
PMID: 33593263 DOI: 10.2174/1573405617666210216091202

Bone metastases are a common source of malignancy in the skeleton and occur much more often than primary bone cancer. Several works were being performed to identify early markers for bone metastasis and novel drug targets to improve patients' quality of life. As some concerns exist with the [18F]sodiumfluoridein positron emission tomography (PET) bone imaging, there has been an increase in the number of targeted radiopharmaceutical markers for bone metastases imaging in its competitor, 68Ga. Since 18F properties are superior to those of 68Ga, there is a distinct motivation for developing 18F radiopharmaceuticals for bone metastases imaging.
Drugs intervention study in COVID-19 management

Taher M, Tik N, Susanti D

Drug Metab Pers Ther, 2021 Apr 05.
PMID: 33818031 DOI: 10.1515/dmdi-2020-0173

By 9 February 2021, the Coronavirus has killed 2,336,650 people worldwide and it has been predicted that this number continues to increase in year 2021. The study aimed to identify therapeutic approaches and drugs that can potentially be used as interventions in Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) management. A systematic scoping review was conducted. Articles reporting clinical evidence of therapeutic management of COVID-19 were selected from three different research databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct). From the database search, 31 articles were selected based on the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review paper showed that remdesivir and ivermectin significantly reduced viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) activity. On the other hand, convalescent plasma (CP) significantly improved COVID-19 clinical symptoms. Additionally, the use of corticosteroid increased survival rates in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Findings also indicated that both hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir were effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, lopinavir-ritonavir combination was not effective against COVID-19. Finally, ribavirin, galidesivir, and sofosbuvir showed potential therapeutic benefit in treating COVID-19, but there is a lack of clinical evidence on their effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir, ivermectin, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and CP are the therapeutic agents that can potentially be used in COVID-19 management.
Modeling and analysis of nature-inspired branched micropillars for enhanced dynamic bio-sensing

Mustapha KB, Hawwa MA, Abakr YA

Int J Numer Method Biomed Eng, 2022 Jan;38(1):e3531.
PMID: 34536263 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3531

Research evidence abounds on the effectiveness of micropillar-based microelectromechanical systems for the detection of a wide variety of ultrasmall biological objects for clinical and non-clinical applications. However, the standard micropillar-based sensing platforms rely on a single-column micropillar with a spot at the tip for binding of objects. Although this long-standing form has shown immense potential, performance improvement is hindered by the fundamental limits enforced by physical laws. Moreover, the single-column micropillar has a lower sensing area and is ill-suited for a simultaneous differential sensing of chemical/biological objects of different mass. Here, we report a new set of nature-inspired, branched micropillar-based sensing resonators to address the highlighted issues. The characteristics of the newly proposed branched micropillars are comprehensively examined with three payloads (Bartonella Bacilliformis, Escherichia coli, and Micro magnetic beads). Anchored on the capability of continuum theoretical framework, the mathematical model of the micropillar is formulated through the synthesis of the modified couple stress, the Rayleigh-Love, and the Timoshenko theories. The finite element method is employed to shed light on the variability of the structures' resonant response under performance reduction factors (payload's rotary inertia, damaged substrate, and density of a surrounding fluid). The results obtained indicate superior performance indicators for the triply-branched micropillar: enhanced response sensitivity for multiple payloads and less susceptibility to deterioration in resonant frequencies due to fluid immersion.

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