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Displaying publications 161 - 180 of 690 in total

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Search for Supersymmetry with a Compressed Mass Spectrum in Events with a Soft τ Lepton, a Highly Energetic Jet, and Large Missing Transverse Momentum in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Brandstetter J, et al.

Phys Rev Lett, 2020 Jan 31;124(4):041803.
PMID: 32058742 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.124.041803

The first search for supersymmetry in events with an experimental signature of one soft, hadronically decaying τ lepton, one energetic jet from initial-state radiation, and large transverse momentum imbalance is presented. These event signatures are consistent with direct or indirect production of scalar τ leptons (τ[over ˜]) in supersymmetric models that exhibit coannihilation between the τ[over ˜] and the lightest neutralino (χ[over ˜]_{1}^{0}), and that could generate the observed relic density of dark matter. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 77.2 fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV collected with the CMS detector at the LHC in 2016 and 2017. The results are interpreted in a supersymmetric scenario with a small mass difference (Δm) between the chargino (χ[over ˜]_{1}^{±}) or next-to-lightest neutralino (χ[over ˜]_{2}^{0}), and the χ[over ˜]_{1}^{0}. The mass of the τ[over ˜] is assumed to be the average of the χ[over ˜]_{1}^{±} and χ[over ˜]_{1}^{0} masses. The data are consistent with standard model background predictions. Upper limits at 95% confidence level are set on the sum of the χ[over ˜]_{1}^{±}, χ[over ˜]_{2}^{0}, and τ[over ˜] production cross sections for Δm(χ[over ˜]_{1}^{±},χ[over ˜]_{1}^{0})=50 GeV, resulting in a lower limit of 290 GeV on the mass of the χ[over ˜]_{1}^{±}, which is the most stringent to date and surpasses the bounds from the LEP experiments.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Policing Practices and Risk of HIV Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs

Baker P, Beletsky L, Avalos L, Venegas C, Rivera C, Strathdee SA, et al.

Epidemiol Rev, 2020 Jan 31;42(1):27-40.
PMID: 33184637 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxaa010

Drug-law enforcement constitutes a structural determinant of health among people who inject drugs (PWID). Street encounters between police and PWID (e.g., syringe confiscation, physical assault) have been associated with health harms, but these relationships have not been systematically assessed. We conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the contribution of policing to risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among PWID. We screened MEDLINE, sociological databases, and gray literature for studies published from 1981 to November 2018 that included estimates of HIV infection/risk behaviors and street policing encounters. We extracted and summarized quantitative findings from all eligible studies. We screened 8,201 abstracts, reviewed 175 full-text articles, and included 27 eligible analyses from 9 countries (Canada, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States). Heterogeneity in variable and endpoint selection precluded meta-analyses. In 5 (19%) studies, HIV infection among PWID was significantly associated with syringe confiscation, reluctance to buy/carry syringes for fear of police, rushed injection due to a police presence, fear of arrest, being arrested for planted drugs, and physical abuse. Twenty-one (78%) studies identified policing practices to be associated with HIV risk behaviors related to injection drug use (e.g., syringe-sharing, using a "shooting gallery"). In 9 (33%) studies, policing was associated with PWID avoidance of harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, methadone maintenance, and safe consumption facilities. Evidence suggests that policing shapes HIV risk among PWID, but lower-income settings are underrepresented. Curbing injection-related HIV risk necessitates additional structural interventions. Methodological harmonization could facilitate knowledge generation on the role of police as a determinant of population health.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for semi-critical neurology presentations in a non-acute neurology set-up: clinical practice and challenges

Fu KS, Wong PY, Hiew FL

BMJ Neurol Open, 2020;2(1):e000020.
PMID: 33681775 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2019-000020

Introduction: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for semi-critical neurological manifestations can be managed in non-acute setting instead of critical care unit. In 2014, we established a non-acute neurology TPE unit for semi-critical haemodynamically stable patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the technical and safety parameters from the first 3 years of service.
Materials and methods: We analysed prospectively collected TPE data for patients treated with centrifugation TPE at our non-acute neurology TPE unit in Kuala Lumpur Hospital between May 2015 and June 2018.
Results: A total of 245 TPE procedures were performed in 55 patients for nine neurological indications, predominantly the central nervous system (79%). Twenty four per cent (n=13) had category I and 73% (n=40) had category II indication (American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) 2019). Others (4%) were not in ASFA indications. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders accounted for half (51%) of the total patients. Twenty-three (41.8%) patients experienced adverse events, with hypotensive episodes being the the most common (n=12/55, 21.8%). Five (9.1%) patients had catheter-related blood stream infection, correlating with higher exchange plasma volume (p=0.023). Symptomatic hypocalcaemia was less common (n=5/55, 9.1%) and allergic reaction to human albumin was rare (n=1/55, 1.8%). Four technical errors detected. Three involved centrifugation sets manufacturing defects and one involved error in centrifugation set installation. Seven (2.9%) procedures were terminated: 5 for adverse effects and 2 for technical errors.
Conclusion: Performing TPE among semi-critical patients with neurology manifestations in basic non-acute set-up proved safe, with predictable complications. This set-up reduced the reliance on critical care services for TPE procedures.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Socio-Ecological Hypothesis of Reconciliation: Cultural, Individual, and Situational Variations in Willingness to Accept Apology or Compensation

Komiya A, Ozono H, Watabe M, Miyamoto Y, Ohtsubo Y, Oishi S

Front Psychol, 2020;11:1761.
PMID: 32793075 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01761

The main goal of the present research is to examine socio-ecological hypothesis on apology and compensation. Specifically, we conducted four studies to test the idea that an apology is an effective means to induce reconciliation in a residentially stable community, whereas compensation is an effective means in a residentially mobile community. In Studies 1, 2a, and 2b, American and Japanese participants (national difference in mobility; Study 1) or non-movers and movers (within-nation difference in mobility; Studies 2a and 2b) imagined the situations in which they were hurt by their friends and rated to what extent they would be willing to maintain their friendships upon receipt of apology or compensation. The results showed that compensation was more effective in appeasing residentially mobile people (i.e., Americans and movers) than stable people (i.e., Japanese and non-movers), while apology was slightly more effective appeasing residentially stable people than residentially mobile people (significant in Study 1; not significant in Studies 2a and 2b). In Study 3, by conducting an economics game experiment, we directly tested the hypothesis that mobility would impair the effectiveness of apology and enhance the effectiveness of compensation. The results again partially supported our hypothesis: In the high mobility condition, compensation increased one's willingness to continue the relationship with the offender, when compared to willingness in the low mobility condition. The importance of socio-ecological perspective on the forgiveness literature is discussed.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
A Review of Skin Banking Guidelines and Standards Worldwide: Towards the Harmonization of Guidelines for Skin Banking in Therapeutic Applications for the Regions under the Asia Pacific Burn Association (APBA)

Heng WL, Wang QW, Sornarajah R, Tremblay J, Putri NM, Hamid SSA, et al.

Burns Trauma, 2020;8:tkaa019.
PMID: 33123605 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkaa019

Currently, there are no harmonized guidelines which govern skin banking in the Asia Pacific region. Therefore, skin banks are either unregulated or rely on their nation's legislation or international accreditation to uphold their quality standards. A new set of skin banking guidelines was developed through a comprehensive review and collation of best international practices for the Asia Pacific Burn Association (APBA) members, from donor screening and testing, to skin recovery, processing, storage and distribution, and quality assurance. National regulatory requirements reviewed include the European directives, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration and Singapore's tissue banking standards. Further technical and quality management recommendations are referenced from the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), the United States Food and Drug Administration standards and guidance documents, various relevant European guides, Japanese Society of Tissue Transplantation guidelines and the Asia Pacific Association of Surgical Tissue Banking. Adapted mainly from the AATB standards, the new Asia Pacific Burn Association Guidelines for Skin Banking in Therapeutic Applications offer a comprehensive manual, addressing: governance and contracts; staff responsibilities; quality management; facilities, equipment and supplies management; donor consent and testing; and recommendations of good practices pertaining to skin recovery, processing, storage and distribution. Besides complementing current generic regulations, they provide technical specifications of major aspects unaddressed in most legislations. This inaugural set of new regional skin banking guidelines would be a start for regional members of the APBA to adopt, and will hopefully culminate in a set of standards so that, in the long run, skin allografts from this region can be of similar quality, which can simplify import process and facilitate the exchange of allografts between members.

Matched MeSH terms: United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
Fulltext The Double Burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Polypharmacy on Geriatric Population - Public Health Implications

Rahman S, Singh K, Dhingra S, Charan J, Sharma P, Islam S, et al.

Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2020;16:1007-1022.
PMID: 33116550 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S272908

COVID-19 pandemic is inducing acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ failure, and eventual death. Respiratory failure is the leading cause of mortality in the elderly population with pre-existing medical conditions. This group is particularly vulnerable to infections due to a declined immune system, comorbidities, geriatric syndrome, and potentially inappropriate polypharmacy. These conditions make the elderly population more susceptible to the harmful effects of medications and the deleterious consequences of infections, including MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Chronic diseases among elderlies, including respiratory diseases, hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart diseases, present a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. To comply with the clinical guidelines, the practitioner may prescribe a complex medication regimen that adds up to the burden of pre-existing treatment, potentially inducing adverse drug reactions and leading to harmful side-effects. Consequently, the geriatric population is at increased risk of falls, frailty, and dependence that enhances their susceptibility to morbidity and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 respiratory syndrome, particularly interstitial pneumonia. The major challenge resides in the detection of infection that may present as atypical manifestations in this age group. Healthy aging can be possible with adequate preventive measures and appropriate medication regimen and follow-up. Adherence to the guidelines and recommendations of WHO, CDC, and other national/regional/international agencies can reduce the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Better training programs are needed to enhance the skill of health care professionals and patient's caregivers. This review explains the public health implications associated with polypharmacy on the geriatric population with pre-existing co-morbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Prescription and Non-Prescription Drug Classification Systems Across Countries: Lessons Learned for Thailand

Leelavanich D, Adjimatera N, Broese Van Groenou L, Anantachoti P

Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2020;13:2753-2768.
PMID: 33273873 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S281629

Purpose: The drug classification system, as prescription or non-prescription drug category, has been utilized as a regulatory strategy to ensure patient safety. In Thailand, the same system has been used for decades, though the drug classification criteria were updated to accommodate drug re-classification in 2016. These new criteria, however, have not been applied retroactively. Inconsistency in drug classification has been observed leading to concerns regarding the drug classification system. This has prompted the need for a review of the drug classification system in Thailand. This study aims to explore Thailand and other selected countries' regulatory management regarding the drug classification system, drug classification criteria, and drug classification itself.
Methods: The drug classification systems of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Canada were selected to study alongside Thailand's system. The regulatory review was conducted through each country's drug regulatory agency website and available published research. Complementary interviews with drug regulatory authorities were conducted when written documentation was unclear and had limited access. Fifty-two common drugs were selected to compare their actual classifications across the different countries.
Results: All selected countries classified drugs into two major groups: prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs. The studied countries further sub-classified non-prescription drugs into 1-4 categories. Principles of drug classification criteria among countries are similar; they comprised of three themes: disease characteristics, drug safety profile, and other drug characteristics. Actual drug classification of antibiotics, dyslipidemia treatments, and hypertension treatments in Thailand are notedly different from other countries. Furthermore, 77.4% of drugs studied in Thailand fall into the behind-the-counter (dangerous) drug category, which varied from antihistamines to antibiotics, dyslipidemia treatments, and vaccines.
Conclusion: Thailand's drug classification criteria are comparable with other nations; however, there is a need to review drug classification statuses as many drugs have been classified into improper drug categories.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Current and Future Potential Impact of COVID-19 on Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Supply and Use

Singh D, Brown PN, Cinosi E, Corazza O, Henningfield JE, Garcia-Romeu A, et al.

Front Psychiatry, 2020;11:574483.
PMID: 33324252 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.574483

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth., Rubiaceae) is native to and has traditional use in Southeast Asia. The number of kratom users outside of Southeast Asia has increased significantly in recent decades with use spreading to the Unites States (US) and Europe. Because of its reputed opioid-like psychoactive effects at higher doses, kratom has been regulated in several countries and is subject to an import ban by the US Food and Drug Administration. Nonetheless, in the US it is estimated that 10-15 million people consume kratom primarily for the self-treatment of pain, psychiatric disorders, to mitigate withdrawal from or dependence on opioids, and to self-treat opioid use disorder or other substance use disorders (SUDs). Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage in the supply of kratom products may place unexpected burdens on kratom users, potentially influencing some who use kratom for SUD self-treatment to regress to harmful drug use, hence increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes, including overdose. Inadequate treatment, treatment barriers, and increases in the sales of adulterated kratom products on the internet or in convenience stores could exacerbate circumstances further. Although there are currently no verified indications of kratom scarcity, researchers and clinicians should be aware of and remain vigilant to this unanticipated possibility.

Matched MeSH terms: United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
Fulltext From the Molecular Mechanism to Pre-clinical Results: Anti-epileptic Effects of Fingolimod

Paudel YN, Angelopoulou E, Piperi C, Gnatkovsky V, Othman I, Shaikh MF

Curr Neuropharmacol, 2020;18(11):1126-1137.
PMID: 32310049 DOI: 10.2174/1570159X18666200420125017

Epilepsy is a devastating neurological condition characterized by long-term tendency to generate unprovoked seizures, affecting around 1-2 % of the population worldwide. Epilepsy is a serious health concern which often associates with other neurobehavioral comorbidities that further worsen disease conditions. Despite tremendous research, the mainstream anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) exert only symptomatic relief leading to 30% of untreatable patients. This reflects the complexity of the disease pathogenesis and urges the precise understanding of underlying mechanisms in order to explore novel therapeutic strategies that might alter the disease progression as well as minimize the epilepsy-associated comorbidities. Unfortunately, the development of novel AEDs might be a difficult process engaging huge funds, tremendous scientific efforts and stringent regulatory compliance with a possible chance of end-stage drug failure. Hence, an alternate strategy is drug repurposing, where anti-epileptic effects are elicited from drugs that are already used to treat non-epileptic disorders. Herein, we provide evidence of the anti-epileptic effects of Fingolimod (FTY720), a modulator of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor, USFDA approved already for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Emerging experimental findings suggest that Fingolimod treatment exerts disease-modifying anti-epileptic effects based on its anti-neuroinflammatory properties, potent neuroprotection, anti-gliotic effects, myelin protection, reduction of mTOR signaling pathway and activation of microglia and astrocytes. We further discuss the underlying molecular crosstalk associated with the anti-epileptic effects of Fingolimod and provide evidence for repurposing Fingolimod to overcome the limitations of current AEDs.

Matched MeSH terms: United States; United States Food and Drug Administration
Fulltext Bioaerosol levels in indoor air of animal house and hospital laboratories; a comparison with library and administrative offices

Siti Marwanis Anua, Nur Fatin Haris, Nurzafirah Mazlan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(101):94-100.
MyJurnal

Introduction: This study reported the concentration of bacterial and fungal bioaerosol at an animal house and hospi- tal laboratories with the aim to compare the concentration levels at library and administrative offices. The bioaerosol levels between mid-shift (afternoon) were also compared to the concentration measured during pre-shift (morning). Methods: The NIOSH 0800 method utilising microbiological air sampler collecting airborne bacterial and fungal samples via impaction technique on Nutrient agar (NA) and Sabouraud Dextrouse agar (SDA) as culture medium, respectively. Sampling was done twice daily; before (pre-shift) and during working (mid-shift) hour. Results: The highest bacteria and fungi concentration was recorded at the animal house with median concentration of 2477 CFU/ m3 (IQR=121-2477) and 791 CFU/m3 (IQR = 379-2081), respectively. Higher-risked workplaces such as animal house and hospital laboratories have significantly higher bioaerosol concentrations compared to control workplaces such as library and administrative offices (p

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Soy fermentation by indigenous oral probiotic Streptococcus spp. and its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens

How, Y. H., Ewe, J. A., Song, K. P., Kuan, C. H., Kuan, C. S., Yeo, S. K.

International Food Research Journal, 2020;27(2):357-365.
MyJurnal

The present work aimed to determine the antagonistic effect of probiotic-fermented soy against oral pathogens. Indigenous oral probiotics (Streptococcus salivarius Taylor’s Univer- sity Collection Centre (TUCC) 1251, S. salivarius TUCC 1253, S. salivarius TUCC 1254, S. salivarius TUCC 1255, and S. orisratti TUCC 1253) were incorporated into soy fermentation at 37°C for 24 h. Growth characteristics, β-glucosidase activity, and total isoflavones content of Streptococcus strains following soy fermentation were analysed. Antimicrobial test of Streptococcus-fermented soy was carried out against oral pathogens Enterococcus faecalis American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 700802, Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Streptococcus strains showed a significant increase in growth following soy fermentation. S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy showed signif- icantly higher extracellular β-glucosidase activity and amount of aglycones. S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy showed antimicrobial effect against all oral tested pathogens in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. These results showed that S. salivarius TUCC 1253-fermented soy could potentially be used as a preventive action or alternative treatment for oral infections.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Mitigation measures during elections and it’s impacts on COVID-19 Pandemic: Sabah State (Malaysia), New Zealand and the United States

Syaza Zainudin, Mohd Amiruddin Mohd Kassim, Nor Nadia Mohamad Ridza

Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(2):145-156.
MyJurnal

Background and Objective: Countries all over the world respect the election process as one of the fundamental steps in forming a government. However, the exponential spread of COVID-19 has been deeply alarming, with a high number of positive cases and total deaths, forcing World Health Organization to declare it as a pandemic on 11thMarch 2020. During these unprecedented events, governments have had a tough decision to balance between the constitutional obligation to hold an election and the safety of the people. As such, electoral commissions have implemented numerous approaches to allow election to proceed in a safe and controlled setting during the pandemic.
Methods: The preventative measures and standard operating procedures in the Sabah state of Malaysia, NewZealand and the United States elections are discussed, as well as COVID-19 post-election situation in respective countries. Innovative approaches and election flexibilities shall be considered to allow voting in the safest way possible, following the new normal.
Discussion:Nevertheless, countries need to evaluate its strength of public health response when deciding to hold elections due to potential devastating outbreaks following elections despite measures taken.
Conclusion: The election is a fundamental process in a democracy. Countries are required to be flexible and innovative in their approach to hold a safe election. Nevertheless, it may be prudent for countries with fewer resources and poor pandemic control to postpone election as a rise in cases will be catastrophic, putting many lives at risk.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext POPULATION ABUNDANCE OF RED PALM WEEVIL, RHYNCHOPHORUS FERRUGINEUS (COLEOPTERA: DRYOPHTHORIDAE) IN RHU TAPAI COCONUT PLANTATION

Nurul Syafiqah Senafi, Nor Zalipah Mohamed

UMT Journal of Undergraduate Research, 2020;2(1):71-76.
MyJurnal

Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a lethal pest which has been described as a serious pest that reduces the production of coconut tree and other major cultivated palms. RPW infestation was initially detected by Department of Agriculture (DOA) in 2007 in all eight Terengganu districts. Rhu Tapai plantation area is one of the highly infested areas in Terengganu. Until now, limited reports on population abundance of this lethal pest have been discussed particularly in Rhu Tapai. Therefore, a study on population abundance is a must in order to understand the population dynamic of RPW which will be the first step of its control strategy. A total of 12 traps were installed and synthetic pheromones (P028 Ferrolure+) were used in attracting the RPW adults. Overall, 81 individuals of RPW were successfully collected after 16 weeks of pheromone trapping (3rd September until 28th November 2018). The trend of weekly RPW captured was eventually decreasing from Week 1 to Week 16 but showed a sudden increment in Week 10. Pandan cultivar plot captured the highest number of adult RPW compared with Mawa cultivar plots. Result showed no significant difference between RPW sexes percentage of sexes which was 53% of male and 47% of female (1:1 ratio) (U= 0.143, p > 0.05). Daily rainfall and temperature significantly reduced the trapping efficiency (R²rainfall = 0.142, p = 0.145; R²temperature = 0.0858; p = 0.258). These results will be the baseline information for future study regarding control management strategy using pheromone-based mass trapping system.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Peer trainers compared with basic life support trainers in delivering effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to secondary school students

Sabihah, A., Shamsuriani, M.J., Mohd Hisham, M.I., Afliza, A.B., Nidzwani, M.M., Tan, T.L., et al.

Medicine & Health, 2020;15(1):88-95.
MyJurnal

Pendidikan kemahiran resusitasi kardiopulmonari (CPR) kepada orang awam sangat penting dalam merendahkan kadar kematian serangan jantung. American Heart Association mencadangkan kemahiran tersebut harus dimasukkan ke dalam kurikulum sekolah. Pelatih rakan sebaya adalah kaedah yang berkos rendah dan berkesan dalam mencapai objektif ini. Objektif kajian terkawal 3 bulan ini adalah untuk membandingkan keberkesanan pengajaran kompresi CPR antara rakan sebaya dan jurulatih Basic Life Support (BLS) kepada pelajar sekolah menengah. Peningkatan pengetahuan dan kemahiran psikomotor pemampatan CPR adalah hasil utama yang dinilai. Dua belas pelatih rakan sebaya berusia 16 tahun dan dua belas pelatih BLS telah direkrut dalam kajian ini. Kompresi CPR diajarkan kepada 36 pelajar sekolah menengah secara rawak oleh pelatih rakan sebaya (Kumpulan P) atau pelatih BLS (Kumpulan B). Pra-ujian, pasca ujian serta ujian pengekalan 3 bulan mengenai pengetahuan dan kemahiran psikomotor telah dijalankan. Tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan secara statistik dalam skor min pengetahuan dan psikomotor pada pra-ujian, pasca ujian serta ujian pengekalan 3 bulan antara Kumpulan P dan Kumpulan B. Terdapat peningkatan skor pengetahuan yang signifikan antara pra-ujian dan pasca ujian dalam Kumpulan P (perbezaan min 5.8+2.7, p

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Management responsibilities among dietitians: what is the level of job satisfaction and skills involved? a scoping review

Roszanadia Rusali, Rosita Jamaluddin, Nor Baizura Md Yusop, Hazrina Ghazali

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2020;16(106):205-212.
MyJurnal

The role of dietitians involves not solely on clinical responsibilities. Additionally, operation management responsibil- ities such as managing human labor, financial resources, and problem solver are the tasks that a dietitian look after. It is reported to be challenging and stressful and could affect job satisfaction levels in the working environment. This scoping review aimed to explore the job satisfaction level and skills needed among dietitians to assume management responsibilities at their workplace. This study was completed using PRISMA guidelines. Online databases (Scopus and Science Direct) were used to identify papers published from 2000 to 2019. We selected English publications from the United States, Australia, South Africa, Korea, and the United Kingdom that used job satisfaction as a pri- mary or secondary outcome. Studies were included if they addressed dietitians who were involved in clinical work, food service, and management in their dietetic practices. Findings on existing skills, including managerial skills, communication, teamwork, and time management among dietitians with management responsibilities, have helped to enhance the job satisfaction and work quality of the dietetic profession. The findings would be useful for human resource management in the organisation, preserving the professional identity of a dietitian.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Macroeconomics determinations of gold price in United States

Ngu, Seng Ling, Jerome, Kueh

Trends in Undergraduate Research, 2020;3(1):17-28.
MyJurnal

Nowadays, gold prices have been volatile, and the wealth of gold investors depend on the movement of gold prices. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between gold prices, crude oil prices, inflation rate, real interest rate and stock prices in United States. This study uses monthly data covering the period ranging from January 1990 to August 2018. The Johansen and Juselius (JJ) Cointegration test and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) are conducted in this study. The result shows that there is a long-run relationship among gold prices, crude oil prices, inflation rate, real interest rate and stock prices. The results show that inflation rate and crude oil prices are significance and positively related to gold prices, while stock prices and real interest rate are negatively affecting gold prices. There are three unidirectional Granger causality and one bidirectional Granger causality in the short run. Only inflation rate Granger cause gold price, which means that inflation rate directly affects the gold prices. This study allows community such as central bank, government, financial institution, economist, investor and policy makers in manipulating and controlling the movement of the gold prices so that they have a better decision making to diversify their risks.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Fulltext Medical Device Development Process, and Associated Risks and Legislative Aspects-Systematic Review

Marešová P, Klímová B, Honegr J, Kuča K, Ibrahim WNH, Selamat A

Front Public Health, 2020;8:308.
PMID: 32903646 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00308

Objective: Medical device development, from the product's conception to release to market, is very complex and relies significantly on the application of exact processes. This paper aims to provide an analysis and summary of current research in the field of medical device development methodologies, discuss its phases, and evaluate the associated legislative and risk aspects. Methods: The literature search was conducted to detect peer-reviewed studies in Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct, on content published between 2007 and November 2019. Based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, 13 papers were included in the first session and 11 were included in the second session. Thus, a total of 24 papers were analyzed. Most of the publications originated in the United States (7 out of 24). Results: The medical device development process comprises one to seven stages. Six studies also contain a model of the medical device development process for all stages or for just some of the stages. These studies specifically describe the concept stage during which all uncertainties, such as the clinical need definition, customer requirements/needs, finances, reimbursement strategy, team selection, and legal aspects, must be considered. Conclusion: The crucial factor in healthcare safety is the stability of factors over a long production time. Good manufacturing practices cannot be tested on individual batches of products; they must be inherently built into the manufacturing process. The key issues that must be addressed in the future are the consistency in the classification of devices throughout the EU and globally, and the transparency of approval processes.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Case study of an Iranian-American neuropsychological assessment in the surgical setting: role of language and tests

Ramezani A, Alvani SR, Lashai M, Rad H, Houshiarnejad A, Razani J, et al.

Appl Neuropsychol Adult, 2019 12 27;29(1):53-58.
PMID: 31880955 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2019.1706517

There is a growing need to conduct a neuropsychological assessment with bilingual Middle Eastern populations, particularly those who speak the Persian language (Farsi). Although validated neuropsychological and language tests have emerged in Iran, there remains a shortage of appropriate psychometric tests in the U.S. that have been validated for use with the Iranian-American population. This often leads to an assortment of using U.S. tests in English, U.S. tests translated into Farsi, and Iranian tests in Farsi, which can complicate the clinical assessment. To better understand common testing issues when working with bilingual Iranian-American patients, we review the first report of a 62-year-old, bilingual (English-Farsi) Iranian-American male with 18-years of education who was tested using U.S.-developed and Iranian-developed tests in both English and Farsi language. Pre-surgical, 6 months post-surgical, and 1.5 years of post-surgical assessment data are discussed. We highlight the strengths and limitations of naming tests, test used in the native country versus U.S. language tests, the importance of baseline testing, general bilingual Persian-English assessment considerations, and case-based learning points.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Search for Physics beyond the Standard Model in Events with Overlapping Photons and Jets

Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Brandstetter J, et al.

Phys Rev Lett, 2019 Dec 13;123(24):241801.
PMID: 31922872 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.241801

Results are reported from a search for new particles that decay into a photon and two gluons, in events with jets. Novel jet substructure techniques are developed that allow photons to be identified in an environment densely populated with hadrons. The analyzed proton-proton collision data were collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC, in 2016 at sqrt[s]=13 TeV, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb^{-1}. The spectra of total transverse hadronic energy of candidate events are examined for deviations from the standard model predictions. No statistically significant excess is observed over the expected background. The first cross section limits on new physics processes resulting in such events are set. The results are interpreted as upper limits on the rate of gluino pair production, utilizing a simplified stealth supersymmetry model. The excluded gluino masses extend up to 1.7 TeV, for a neutralino mass of 200 GeV and exceed previous mass constraints set by analyses targeting events with isolated photons.

Matched MeSH terms: United States
Search for Low-Mass Quark-Antiquark Resonances Produced in Association with a Photon at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Sirunyan AM, Tumasyan A, Adam W, Ambrogi F, Bergauer T, Brandstetter J, et al.

Phys Rev Lett, 2019 Dec 06;123(23):231803.
PMID: 31868480 DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.231803

A search for narrow low-mass resonances decaying to quark-antiquark pairs is presented. The search is based on proton-proton collision events collected at 13 TeV by the CMS detector at the CERN LHC. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 35.9 fb^{-1}, recorded in 2016. The search considers the case where the resonance has high transverse momentum due to initial-state radiation of a hard photon. To study this process, the decay products of the resonance are reconstructed as a single large-radius jet with two-pronged substructure. The signal would be identified as a localized excess in the jet invariant mass spectrum. No evidence for such a resonance is observed in the mass range 10 to 125 GeV. Upper limits at the 95% confidence level are set on the coupling strength of resonances decaying to quark pairs. The results obtained with this photon trigger strategy provide the first direct constraints on quark-antiquark resonance masses below 50 GeV obtained at a hadron collider.

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