Background
Hypertension is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Enhancing health literacy (HL) may help to alleviate the risk of hypertension and its burden. However, evidence on the ...association between HL and hypertension and potential mechanisms remain to be explored.
Objectives
This study examined the association between HL and hypertension; and explored whether body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (PBF), and visceral fat (VF) were mediators of this association in people who resided in rural and suburban areas in Vietnam.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1st July to 31st December 2019, involving 1655 residents and exploring participants' sociodemographic characteristics, HL, health-related behaviors, comorbidities, body composition, and blood pressure (BP). People with systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg or using antihypertensive medication were classified as having hypertension. Multiple logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to explore associations.
Results
The hypertension prevalence was 41.9% (694/1,655). In adjusted models, a higher HL score was associated with a lower hypertension likelihood (OR = 0.96; 95%CI = 0.95–0.97;
p
< 0.001). Factors associated with a higher odd of hypertension were overweight/obese (OR = 1.69; 95%CI = 1.24–2.29;
p
= 0.001), high PBF (OR = 2.35; 95%CI = 1.85–2.99;
p
< 0.001), and high VF (OR = 2.27; 95%CI = 1.63–3.16;
p
< 0.001). Notably, PBF significantly mediated the association between HL and hypertension (indirect effect, OR = 0.99; 95%CI = 0.98–0.99;
p
= 0.009; percent mediated = 8.56%). The mediating roles of BMI and VF were not found.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hypertension was relatively high. People with better HL were less likely to have hypertension. The association between HL and hypertension was partially explained by PBF. Strategic approaches are required to improve people's HL and body fat which further help to manage hypertension in rural and suburban areas.
The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a heavy burden on health care systems and governments. Health literacy (HL) and eHealth literacy (as measured by the eHealth Literacy Scale eHEALS) are recognized as ...strategic public health elements but they have been underestimated during the pandemic. HL, eHEALS score, practices, lifestyles, and the health status of health care workers (HCWs) play crucial roles in containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the eHEALS and examine associations of HL and eHEALS scores with adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) procedures, lifestyle changes, and suspected COVID-19 symptoms among HCWs during lockdown.
We conducted an online survey of 5209 HCWs from 15 hospitals and health centers across Vietnam from April 6 to April 19, 2020. Participants answered questions related to sociodemographics, HL, eHEALS, adherence to IPC procedures, behavior changes in eating, smoking, drinking, and physical activity, and suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Principal component analysis, correlation analysis, and bivariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to validate the eHEALS and examine associations.
The eHEALS had a satisfactory construct validity with 8 items highly loaded on one component, with factor loadings ranked from 0.78 to 0.92 explaining 76.34% of variance; satisfactory criterion validity as correlated with HL (ρ=0.42); satisfactory convergent validity with high item-scale correlations (ρ=0.80-0.84); and high internal consistency (Cronbach α=.95). HL and eHEALS scores were significantly higher in men (unstandardized coefficient B=1.01, 95% CI 0.57-1.45, P<.001; B=0.72, 95% CI 0.43-1.00, P<.001), those with a better ability to pay for medication (B=1.65, 95% CI 1.25-2.05, P<.001; B=0.60, 95% CI 0.34-0.86, P<.001), doctors (B=1.29, 95% CI 0.73-1.84, P<.001; B 0.56, 95% CI 0.20-0.93, P=.003), and those with epidemic containment experience (B=1.96, 95% CI 1.56-2.37, P<.001; B=0.64, 95% CI 0.38-0.91, P<.001), as compared to their counterparts, respectively. HCWs with higher HL or eHEALS scores had better adherence to IPC procedures (B=0.13, 95% CI 0.10-0.15, P<.001; B=0.22, 95% CI 0.19-0.26, P<.001), had a higher likelihood of healthy eating (odds ratio OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06, P=.001; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07, P=.002), were more physically active (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.03, P<.001; OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.03-1.05, P<.001), and had a lower likelihood of suspected COVID-19 symptoms (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, P<.001; OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.98, P<.001), respectively.
The eHEALS is a valid and reliable survey tool. Gender, ability to pay for medication, profession, and epidemic containment experience were independent predictors of HL and eHEALS scores. HCWs with higher HL or eHEALS scores had better adherence to IPC procedures, healthier lifestyles, and a lower likelihood of suspected COVID-19 symptoms. Efforts to improve HCWs' HL and eHEALS scores can help to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and minimize its consequences.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conditioning salt tolerance in soybean (
Glycine max
(L.) Merr.), two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived from crosses of FT-Abyara × C01 and ...Jin dou No. 6 × 0197 were used in this study. The FT-Abyara × C01 population consisted of 96 F
7
RILs, and the Jin dou No. 6 × 0197 population included 81 F
6
RILs. The salt tolerant parents FT-Abyara and Jin dou No. 6 were originally from Brazil and China, respectively. The QTL analysis identified a major salt-tolerant QTL in molecular linkage group N, which accounted for 44.0 and 47.1% of the total variation for salt tolerance, in the two populations. In the FT-Abyara × C01 population, three RILs were found to be heterozygous around the detected QTL region. By selfing the three residual heterozygous lines, three sets of near isogenic lines (NILs) for salt tolerance were developed. An evaluation of salt tolerance of the NILs revealed that all the lines with FT-Abyara chromosome segment at the QTL region showed significantly higher salt tolerance than the lines without the FT-Abyara chromosome segment. Results of the NILs validated the salt tolerance QTL detected in the RIL populations.
New Zr-doped titania photocatalyst of improved activity has been prepared. The catalytic performance has been studied over wide range of concentration and catalyst-to-IBP ratios. Improved adsorption ...of ibuprofen compared to titania contributes the enhanced onset activity, which is accompanied by increasing formation of intermediates.
•New Zr-doped TiO2 has been prepared by a combined sol–gel and chemical vapor deposition process involving a low crystalline titania precursor.•The material shows improved mesoporosity with narrow ca. 8–9nm sized nanopores.•The photocatalytic performance of Zr-TiO2 has been investigated in detail down to low ibuprofen concentration.•The enhanced adsorption of ibuprofen onto Zr-doped TiO2 compared to titania is of importance for high photocatalytic activity.•Rapid decomposition of ibuprofen is accompanied by formation of intermediates and polymeric species as confirmed by ESI-TOF-MS measurements.
Zr-doped titania of anatase structure type has been prepared by a combined sol–gel and chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. The material has been characterized by XRD, TEM and chemical analysis. The photocatalytic performance has been investigated in the oxidative decomposition of the pharmaceutical ibuprofen (IBP) down to low ppm concentrations. The change of the composition of the reaction solution after photocatalytic treatment was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy and GC/MS. Formation of reaction intermediates was studied by HPLC coupled electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry ESI-TOF-MS. The catalytic performance has been studied by varying the catalyst and substrate concentration as well as changing the catalyst-to-substrate ratio. The influence of pH, adsorption and re-use of the catalyst has been tested. The results confirm the high catalytic activity of Zr-doped titania compared to pure titania at low catalyst loading. The material shows the improved textural mesoporosity. However, more reaction intermediates were formed, leading to faster deactivation of the photocatalyst. ESI-TOF-MS measurements point to the formation of a couple of reaction intermediates, which poison the catalyst.
Background:
The COVID-19-induced lockdown has been implemented in many countries, which may cause unfavorable changes in lifestyles and psychological health. People's health literacy, healthy diet, ...and lifestyles play important roles in mitigating the negative impacts of the pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to examine associations of COVID-19 lockdown with changes in eating behavior, physical activity, and mental health; and the modification effects by digital healthy diet literacy (DDL) and eHealth literacy (eHEALS) on the associations.
Methods:
We conducted an observational study on 4,348 outpatients from 7th April to 31st May 2020. Data from 11 hospitals in Vietnam included demographic characteristics, DDL, eHEALS, eating behavior, physical activity, and mental health changes. Multiple logistic regression and interaction models were performed to examine associations.
Results:
Patients under lockdown had a lower likelihood of having “unchanged or healthier” eating behavior (odds ratio, OR, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 0.29 to 0.51;
p
< 0.001), “unchanged or more” physical activity (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69 to 0.90;
p
< 0.001), and “stable or better” mental health (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.89;
p
< 0.001), as compared to those after lockdown. In interaction models, as compared to patients after lockdown and with the lowest DDL score, those under lockdown and with a one-score increment of DDL had a higher likelihood of having “unchanged or healthier” eating behavior (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.07;
p
< 0.001), and “stable or better” mental health (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.04;
p
< 0.001). Similarly, as compared to patients after lockdown and with the lowest eHEALS score, those under lockdown and with a one-score increment of eHEALS had a higher likelihood of having an “unchanged or more” physical activity (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05;
p
< 0.001).
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 lockdown measure could negatively affect eating behavior, physical activity, and mental health among outpatients. Better DDL and eHEALS were found to mitigate the negative impacts of the lockdown, which may empower outpatients to maintain healthy lifestyles and protect mental health. However, this study holds several limitations that may undermine the certainty of reported findings.
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In this study, the result shows that polyvinyl alcohol–sodium alginate (PVA–SA) gel bead crosslinked with sodium sulfate are better among the different methods by comparing the ...relative mechanical strength, mechanical strength swelling and expansion coefficient of beads in water. Subsequently, anammox biomass entrapment by PVA–SA gel was introduced into continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). After 24 operation days, the nitrogen removal efficiency achieved 60%, while the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) was 0.14kgN/m3/d and the experiment data indicated that PVA–SA gel bead crosslinked with sodium sulfate can be used to initiate anammox process. Furthermore, it is an alternative for culturing anammox in a long-term operation.
Health literacy (HL) is an important factor in improving health inequalities in poor and marginalized groups. Assessing comprehensive HL is critical. In this study, we validated the use of a ...comprehensive short-form HL survey tool (HLS-SF12) and examined the determinants of HL among people in rural areas.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2019 on 440 people residing in mountainous areas in Vietnam. Health literacy was measured using the HLS-SF12. Personal characteristics were also collected. We analyzed data using confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency analysis, and regression analysis.
The questionnaire demonstrated a good construct validity with satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices and item-scale convergent validity. The tool was reliable and homogeneous with Cronbach's alpha = 0.79, with no floor/ceiling effects. People who were married had lower HL (regression coefficient B = -3.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -5.69, -0.56;
= 0.017) compared with those who never married. Higher education attainment (B = 3.41 to 10.44;
< 0.001), a better ability to pay for medication (B = 4.17 to 9.89;
< 0.001), and a tendency to view health-related TV/radio more often (B = 5.23 to 6.15;
< 0.001) were associated with higher HL.
The HLS-SF12 is a valid survey tool for the evaluation of HL in rural populations. A number of personal characteristics were strongly associated with HL.
This paper qualitatively assesses COVID-19's impact on the tourism industry in Vietnam and the Vietnamese government and tourism industry's responses to the pandemic. It includes data from government ...media sources, semi-structured interviews with 30 managers of travel enterprises, and two group discussions with 50 representatives of tourism and hospitality businesses in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Its findings indicate that Vietnam's tourism sector responded passively in the first stages of the pandemic and then responded reactively and successfully alongside the Vietnamese government's planned re-opening of society and the economy. In particular, it shows how government authorities and tourism companies are implementing strategies to encourage domestic tourism and boost the sector's economic recovery. This paper also explores how various tourism stakeholders in Vietnam (a) see the pandemic as an opportunity to restructure various practices and yet (b) have not prepared contingency plans and long-term strategies to help prevent and mitigate the risks to the industry posed by future crises. This paper concludes by reflecting on how the pandemic illustrates the need for proactive efforts to prepare reduction and readiness strategies and draw up initiatives for long-term development of tourism in Vietnam.
Summary
Antimicrobials are used extensively in chicken production in Vietnam, but to date no quantitative data are available. A 2012–2013 survey of 208 chicken farms in Tien Giang province, ...stratified by size (10–200 chickens; >200–2000), was carried out to describe and quantify the use of antibacterial antimicrobials (usage per week per chicken and usage per 1000 chickens produced) in the Mekong Delta and to investigate factors associated with usage. Twenty‐eight types of antimicrobial belonging to 10 classes were reported. Sixty‐three per cent of all commercial formulations contained at least two antimicrobials. On 84% occasions, antimicrobials were administered with a prophylactic purpose. The overall adjusted quantities of antimicrobials used/week/chicken and per 1000 chickens produced (g) were 26.36 mg (SE ± 3.54) and 690.4 g (SE ± 203.6), respectively. Polypeptides, tetracyclines, penicillins and aminoglycosides were the antimicrobials used by most farms (18.6% farms, 17.5%, 11.3% and 10.1% farms, respectively), whereas penicillins, lincosamides, quinolones, and sulphonamides/trimethoprim were quantitatively the most used compounds (8.27, 5.2, 3.16 and 2.78 mg per week per chicken, respectively). Factors statistically associated with higher levels of usage (per week per chicken) were meat farms (OR = 1.40) and farms run by a male farmer (OR = 2.0). All‐in‐all‐out farming systems (correlated with medium farms) were associated with reduced levels of antimicrobial usage (OR = 0.68). Usage levels to produced meat chickens were considerably higher than those reported in European countries. This should trigger the implementation of surveillance programmes to monitor sales of antimicrobials that should contribute to the rational administration of antimicrobials in order to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials in Vietnam.
The present paper proposes a novel model for estimating the free-volume size of porous materials based on the analysis of various experimental ortho-positronium (o-Ps) lifetime data. The model is ...derived by combining the semi-classical (SE) physics model, which works in the region of large pores (pore size R> 1 nm), with the conventional Tao-Eldrup (TE) model, which is applicable only for the small-pore region (R< 1 nm). Thus, the proposed model, called the hybrid (HYB) model, is able to smoothly connect the o-Ps lifetimes in the two regions of the pore. Moreover, by introducing the o-Ps diffusion probability parameter (D), the HYB model has reproduced quite well the experimental o-Ps lifetimes in the whole region of pore sizes. It is even in a better agreement with the experimental data than the most up-to-date rectangular TE (RTE) and Tokyo models. In particular, by adjusting the value of D, the HYB model can also describe very well the two defined sets of experimental o-Ps lifetimes in the pores with spherical and channel geometries. The merit of the present model, in comparison with the previously proposed ones, is that it is applicable for the pore size in the universal range of 0.2−400 nm for most of porous materials with different geometries.
•A novel model for estimating free-volume size of porous materials.•Smooth connection of pore size from quantum to classical regime.•Ortho-positronium diffusion probability affected by pore size and geometry.
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