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Abstract Background and Aim Accurate prediction of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is crucial for timely intervention. This study focuses on the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) to assess its clinical value in predicting the severity of AP in the Vietnamese context. Methods A cross‐sectional prospective study was conducted with acute pancreatitis patients at a national hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The patients were classified into nonsevere and severe groups, and the clinical characteristics were analyzed. The predictive abilities of SIRI, calculated using neutrophil × monocyte/lymphocyte, was assessed for predictive abilities. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves evaluated the prognostic factors and predictive accuracy. Results Among 207 patients, 78.7% had nonsevere AP, and 21.3% had SAP. The severe group exhibited a significantly higher median SIRI (12.0) than the nonsevere group (4.9) (P

Background: Untreated peripartum depression is associated with adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. The goal of this study was to identify risks for prenatal depression and persistent symptomatology after delivery. Methods: Pregnancies with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening completed at both obstetrics and pediatrics between November 2016 and October 2019 were analyzed (n = 3240). Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were conducted. Results: Black women were more likely to screen positive prenatally (OR 2.42, p

BackgroundMedical students' health and wellbeing are highly concerned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the impacts of fear of COVID-19 (FCoV-19S), healthy eating behavior, and health-related behavior changes on anxiety and depression.MethodsWe conducted an online survey at 8 medical universities in Vietnam from 7th April to 31st May 2020. Data of 5,765 medical students were collected regarding demographic characteristics, FCoV-19S, health-related behaviors, healthy eating score (HES), anxiety, and depression. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations.ResultsA lower likelihood of anxiety and depression were found in students with a higher HES score (OR = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.96, 0.99; p = 0.042; OR = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.96, 0.99; p = 0.021), and in those unchanged or more physical activities during the pandemic (OR = 0.54; 95%CI = 0.44, 0.66; p < 0.001; OR = 0.44; 95%CI = 0.37, 0.52; p < 0.001) as compared to those with none/less physical activity, respectively. A higher likelihood of anxiety and depression were reported in students with a higher FCoV-19S score (OR = 1.09; 95%CI = 1.07, 1.12; p < 0.001; OR = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.04, 1.08; p < 0.001), and those smoked unchanged/more during the pandemic (OR = 6.67; 95%CI = 4.71, 9.43; p < 0.001; OR = 6.77; 95%CI = 4.89, 9.38; p < 0.001) as compared to those stopped/less smoke, respectively. In addition, male students had a lower likelihood of anxiety (OR = 0.79; 95%CI = 0.65, 0.98; p = 0.029) compared to female ones.ConclusionsDuring the pandemic, FCoV-19S and cigarette smoking had adverse impacts on medical students' psychological health. Conversely, staying physically active and having healthy eating behaviors could potentially prevent medical students from anxiety and depressive symptoms.

BackgroundHypertension 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.ObjectivesThis 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThe 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.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a 3-year pharmacy program in a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Students were asked about their familiarity with the PharmD-PA dual degree and its associated benefits and limitations. Students' perceptions of the PharmD-PA dual degree on their career outlook, quality of life, salary, and its ramifications on the healthcare sector were assessed. Descriptive and chi-square analysis were conducted. Seventy-two students completed the survey from all 3 years of pharmacy school, and only 35 students (48.6%) were familiar with the PharmD-PA dual degree program. Students noted the benefits of pursuing the PharmD-PA dual degree to be acquiring prescriptive authority (44.4%), improved clinical knowledge (29.2%), and better career opportunities (18.0%). The main limitations included the additional time in school (40.3%), financial barriers of the program (26.4%), and increased school workload (16.7%). Most students believed that the PharmD-PA dual degree had positive effects on their job prospects, salary, career satisfaction, and allowed for overall improvements in patient care. Overall, pharmacy students had positive perceptions of the PharmD-PA dual degree program. Schools of Pharmacy should look into the development of PharmD-PA dual degree programs as a unique marketing opportunity for admissions and as a nontraditional method of career advancement.

Abstract Limited experimental research has been conducted on organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems that use wet working fluids. Therefore, the present study examined how the performance of an ORC system that uses a wet working fluid (R134a) was affected by the superheat degree ratio (SDR) under various scroll rotation speeds. The SDR is the dimensionless ratio between superheat degree and evaporation temperature at a given heat source temperature. Experimental results indicated that at scroll rotation speeds of 900, 1350, and 1800 rpm, the maximum output power of the aforementioned system was 1103, 1464, and 1537 W, respectively, with SDRs of 0.49, 0.49, and 0.54, respectively. The maximum net efficiencies at these speeds were 5.87%, 5.91%, and 5.32%, respectively, which occurred at SDRs of 0.61, 0.49, and 0.48, respectively. This level of system performance was attributable to the high enthalpy at the expander inlet and the high mass flow rate at the high evaporation pressure under an SDR of approximately 0.5. Although increasing the SDR did not enhance the scroll expander's isentropic efficiency, this efficiency decreased considerably when the SDR fell below 0.2. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing the SDR of ORC systems to improve their performance.

Limited experimental research has been conducted on organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems that use wet working fluids. Therefore, the present study examined how the performance of an ORC system that uses a wet working fluid (R134a) was affected by the superheat degree ratio (SDR) under various scroll rotation speeds. The SDR is the dimensionless ratio between superheat degree and evaporation temperature at a given heat source temperature. Experimental results indicated that at scroll rotation speeds of 900, 1350, and 1800 rpm, the maximum output power of the aforementioned system was 1103, 1464, and 1537 W, respectively, with SDRs of 0.49, 0.49, and 0.54, respectively. The maximum net efficiencies at these speeds were 5.87%, 5.91%, and 5.32%, respectively, which occurred at SDRs of 0.61, 0.49, and 0.48, respectively. This level of system performance was attributable to the high enthalpy at the expander inlet and the high mass flow rate at the high evaporation pressure under an SDR of approximately 0.5. Although increasing the SDR did not enhance the scroll expander's isentropic efficiency, this efficiency decreased considerably when the SDR fell below 0.2. These findings emphasize the importance of optimizing the SDR of ORC systems to improve their performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Accurate prediction of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is crucial for timely intervention. This study focuses on the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) to assess its clinical value in predicting the severity of AP in the Vietnamese context. Methods: A cross‐sectional prospective study was conducted with acute pancreatitis patients at a national hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The patients were classified into nonsevere and severe groups, and the clinical characteristics were analyzed. The predictive abilities of SIRI, calculated using neutrophil × monocyte/lymphocyte, was assessed for predictive abilities. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves evaluated the prognostic factors and predictive accuracy. Results: Among 207 patients, 78.7% had nonsevere AP, and 21.3% had SAP. The severe group exhibited a significantly higher median SIRI (12.0) than the nonsevere group (4.9) (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression identified SIRI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.623) as an independent predictor of SAP. The ROC curve determined a SIRI cutoff of 7.82 with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.737. Combining the SIRI and Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis (BISAP) score improved the predictive ability (AUC = 0.820) with increased sensitivity (90.91%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: SIRI, particularly when combined with the BISAP score, shows significant potential to predict SAP severity in the Vietnamese clinical setting, providing valuable information for effective patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess over 2 weeks, the effect of 3 different low concentrations of atropine on pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude in children with myopia. Methods: Fifty-eight children with myopia [spherical equivalent (SE) of −0.50 diopters (D) or worse, astigmatism of less than or equal to 2.00 D] were randomly allocated to 3 groups receiving 0.01%, 0.02%, or 0.03% atropine eye drops, once nightly for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude with each of the concentrations. Results: Fifty-seven participants (114 eyes), aged between 6 and 12 years, completed the 2-week trial (mean age 9.3 ± 1.7 years and mean SE −3.53 ± 1.79 D). After 2 weeks of use, all the 3 concentrations were found to have a statistically significant effect on both the pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude. Accommodative amplitude reduced by an average of 5.23 D, 9.28 D, and 9.32 D, and photopic pupil size increased by an average of 0.95 ± 1.05 mm, 1.65 ± 0.93 mm, and 2.16 ± 0.88 mm with 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03%, respectively. Of the eyes, a total of 5.3% and 5.9% of the eyes on 0.02% and 0.03% atropine had a mean residual accommodative amplitude of <5 D. The percentage of eyes having a pupillary dilation >3 mm were 4.8%, 10.5%, and 23.5% for 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.03% atropine, respectively. Conclusions: Low-dose atropine had an effect on pupillary diameter and accommodative amplitude. With the highest concentration assessed, that is, 0.03% nearly 1 of 4 eyes had pupillary dilation of >3 mm. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03699423. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the role of conformity in shaping the purchasing decisions of young consumers within the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Additionally, we explore how conformity moderates the relationship between influencer credibility and purchase intention while examining the link between psychological ownership and purchase intention. Data was collected from 380 consumers between the age of 18 and 30 in Hanoi, Vietnam who regularly follow food reviews on prominent social media platforms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed for data analysis. We find that: (1) influencer credibility, attitude toward advertising, attitude toward the product, and psychological ownership significantly impact the online purchase intentions of young consumers; (2) informative conformity strengthens the connection between psychological ownership and purchase intention. When consumers express a desire to purchase a product, exposure to positive influencer-driven information further solidifies their purchase intent; (3) psychological ownership and attitude toward advertising act as mediators, bridging the gap between influencer credibility and purchase intention. This study offers managerial insights to improve influencer marketing effectiveness for F&B brands targeting young consumers in Vietnam and Asia, highlighting the importance of conformity, psychological ownership, and attitude toward advertising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple waste, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the total volume of pineapples utilized, has gained significant attention in recent years. The employment of membrane technology has surfaced as a promising approach for the production of enzymes. A complete comprehension regarding the purification and preservation of bromelain enzymes is yet to be achieved. To address this gap, the present study aimed to extract and purify bromelain from pineapple waste to enhance the value of these by-products. The continuous microfiltration (MF), ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF), and lyophilization system were optimized to enhance enzyme recovery and purity. The filtration process increased bromelain purity by 1.37-fold and achieved a 96.5 % enzyme recovery rate, indicating its effectiveness in separating bromelain from the pineapple crude extract. The highest activity of 3279.02 GDU/g was achieved through lyophilization, combined with 10 % of skim milk as a cryoprotectant. The product was detected and quantified using Liquid Chromatography with Refractive Index Detector (LC-RID). The combination of membrane and lyophilization processes could potentially separate bromelain from pineapple waste, with promising applications in biotechnology and the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the internal conditions of laboratory and effectiveness of ventilation system with evaporation of benzene from a hypothetical accident by using a computational fluid dynamic program. There are five inlets which moist air enter and exits through four vent hoods connecting with the exhaust fan was placed on the ceiling. The species model and the realizable k-ε turbulence model with standard wall function are used to investigate the effects of turbulence. The benzene leakage source in laboratory was modelled as vapour phase with natural evaporation rate and the ventilation system was set up with different modes such as 1,000 m³/h, 2,000 m³/h, 3,000 m³/h, and 4,000 m³/h. The objective of this research is to investigate chemical leakage and dispersion in indoor environments and consider the performance of ventilation system of different exhaust fan modes and various layout designs (single-inlet or multi-inlets). Based on the analysis of air flow patterns and the distribution of pollutant concentrations, the performance of the ventilation system is evaluated and appropriate solutions are proposed to manage the problem. The results show that in both cases of opening all doors and opening only doors, the ventilation rate of 3,000 m³/h is considered to be the most effective in terms of pollutant removal because the benzene concentration meets the safety standard (< 10 ppm), namely 4.6 ppm in the multi-inlets and 2.8 ppm in the single-inlet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a hydrocarbon gas that exists in liquefied form as an energy-saving, clean, convenient fuel, it has been widely used in civil and industrial applications such as oil fields, gas and oil industry. This present work considers the flammable gas release and dispersion safety evaluation caused by the LPG (50 % propane, 50 % n-butane) leakage and diffusion from an accidentally punctured pipe (with the diameters varies from 1-3 mm) during the operation of a 33 m3 LPG tank. Process equipment during a puncture can swiftly release hazardous compounds in sufficient quantities to distribute throughout a working and local area in clouds. LPG leakage diffusion model is created using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method, and the characteristics of LPG dispersion and the various of LPG release rate - dispersed by natural wind in an open area, with wind speeds range of 1.0 - 10.0 m/s corresponding to different atmospheric stability classes from A to F are computed and simulated. The result shows that wind speeds have a considerable impact on the spread of LPG from the release site to different distances in the domain. The maximum LPG concentration distribution is 101.71 ppm at 1 m/s wind velocity, while the minimum is 3.12 ppm at 10 m/s wind velocity. This suggests that the dispersion of LPG in the environment is minimal, accounting for roughly 0.01% of its total volume, which implies that LPG stations are not at significant risk in the event of a small puncture ranging from 1 to 3 mm in diameter. In the simulation work, the realizable k-ε model is utilised for the turbulence model. This study can provide guidance to authorities to comply with fire protection regulations, firefighting and prevention, and emergency response measures, which can ensure the safety of the factory operating in particular and neighbouring factories in the industrial area in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop antibacterial lozenges using kaffir lime fruit peel oil (Citrus hystrix) and assess its efficacy against bacteria responsible for sore throats. The essential components of the lozenges included Citrus hystrix DC essential oil and menthol. The lozenges were fabricated through the direct compression method. Several parameters, such as color, taste, odor, time for oral disintegration, and adherence to in-house specifications, were also assessed. Additionally, the stability of the lozenges was examined following ICH guidelines under accelerated conditions for a duration of six months (at 40°C and relative humidity of 70%). The antibacterial properties of menthol and Citrus hystrix DC essential oil were evaluated against common bacterial strains, including Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 29212, Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 33533, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175, Streptococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Moraxella catarrhalis ATCC 25238. The development of lozenges incorporating menthol and Citrus hystrix essential oil was successfully achieved. The preferred combination ratio was determined to be 2:1 of calcium silicate to menthol and essential oils, as it effectively masked the bitter taste. These lozenges adhered to the specifications outlined in the USP 38 monograph for menthol lozenges and exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy. Based on accelerated stability testing, the estimated expiration date for these lozenges was approximately 26 months. The results suggested that the lozenge tablet containing menthol and Citrus hystrix DC essential oils may offer an alternative functional supplement for the prevention of pharyngitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]